蜜芽传媒

In this week鈥檚 programme Adam is in conversation with a scientific star. Prof. Yves Barde, originally from Switzerland, was the first appointment of the Welsh Government鈥檚 拢50 million flagship science initiative called S锚r Cymru 鈥� Stars of Wales 鈥� which aims to boost the international profile and funding of Welsh science.

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Yves received international acclaim when in 1989 he discovered the gene which codes for a key protein in the brain. This protein, BDNF, promotes nerve growth and is involved in various brain processes including memory. It may also have a role in developing treatments for depression and Alzheimer鈥檚 disease.

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Adam joins Yves in his new lab at Cardiff University鈥檚 School of Biosciences. Yves discusses his important new role in Welsh science, the influences that led him to a career in neurobiology and the ten-year scientific adventure which resulted in a better understanding of what Yves himself describes as 鈥渢he most magnificent organ in the human body鈥�.听

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Photograph of human neuron by Val茅rie Crotet, University of Basel