Unlocking the Code of Life: A Conversation on the Promises of Biotechnology

Biotechnology is revolutionizing how we understand and treat disease, moving beyond traditional medicine to harness the power of our own biology. This panel brings together leading FAU experts to discuss the cutting-edge ways we are "unlocking the code of life" to improve human health. From personalized nutrition and advanced heart care to the future of brain repair and the AI-driven discovery of new medicines, this discussion will reveal how breakthroughs in the lab are rapidly translating into life-changing solutions for our community.

Discussion Highlights:

• Brain Health and Repair: Exploration of how scientists are using model organisms (like zebrafish) and molecular tools to study nerve development and the dynamic glial cells that protect the central and peripheral nervous systems. The promise lies in using these findings to potentially develop new strategies for spinal cord repair and treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
• Gut Health, Nutrition, and Personalized Medicine: Discussion on the pivotal role of the gut microbiome and how biotechnology is leveraging this "forgotten organ." This includes developing next-generation probiotics (NGPs), personalized nutrition plans, and targeted therapies to treat digestive disorders, manage chronic diseases (like obesity and diabetes), and improve overall systemic health.
• Heart, Metabolism, and Disease Prevention: Investigating the critical role of endothelial cells (the lining of blood vessels) in disease development. The focus is on understanding how diet, chemotherapy toxicity, and systemic inflammation cause damage, with the ultimate goal of developing preventative and therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and childhood cancer side effects.
• AI, Data Science, and Future Drug Discovery: Highlighting the use of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) to dramatically accelerate the drug discovery process. This includes using rich biological data and genomic validation to improve the probability of success for new medicines, allowing researchers to move beyond symptom relief toward developing true disease modification and cures.

Schedule

Panel discussion: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Reception with refreshments: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Laura Fontenas, Ph.D. 

Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University

Nicole Vitale, Ph.D., R.D.N. 

Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University

Claudia Rodrigues, Ph.D. 

Associate Professor, Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine

John Piccone 

Partner, URIKA [bioworks]

Location

Visit: https://science.fau.edu/frontiers.

Guests can park for free during this event. Parking can be found in Parking Garage 1 to the north of the Student Union.

Learn MoreL earn more and view a map for parking: https://science.fau.edu/frontiers/#map.

Live Oak Pavilion room,

Student Union building (UN-31)

Florida Atlantic University

777 Glades Road

Boca Raton, FL 33431

ParkingVisit here for maps, parking, and turn-by-turn directions: https://science.fau.edu/frontiers/#map