Experimental Biology 2015 Programming at a Glance

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Newswise BETHESDA, Md., February 12, 2015 Six scientific societies will hold their joint scientific sessions and annual meetings, known as Experimental Biology (EB), from March 28 April 1, 2015, in Boston. This meeting, EB 2015, brings together the leading researchers from dozens of life-science disciplines. The societies represented at the meeting will be: the American Association of Anatomists (AAA), the American Physiological Society (APS), the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), the American Society for Investigative Pathology (ASIP), the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) and the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET).

Below are some programming highlights:

Leaning In Without Falling Over: Supporting the Success of Women in Science (AAA) Does gender bias still exist for the most educated women in the country? This special session will tackle issues women in STEM fields face, from their student days through to their rise through the ranks of academia. Topics include the perspective of female faculty on navigating gender bias when achieving leadership roles; gender-based differences in the way men and women view money, the negotiation process, self-worth and entitlement; and the great sexodus of women leaving the scientific career pipeline at greater rates than men. (Sat., 3/28)

Health Effects of Air Pollution (ASIP) Scientists long have known about the detrimental health effects of long-term exposure to air pollution, but recent research suggests the consequences may be more extensive than previously thought. The speakers at this session will cover the impact of air pollution on childrens health; diabetes and obesity in groups exposed to high levels of air pollution; and how air pollution can affect brain development, and by extension, lead to social inequality. (Sun., 3/29)

How Diet Influences Quantity and Quality of Microbiota (ASBMB) The trillions of microbes that inhabit our body are collectively known as the microbiota. These microbes form a complex ecological community that influences our health and susceptibility to disease. Disruptions to the balance between the microbiota and host are associated with a number of diseases that disproportionately affect the health of minorities. This symposium will focus on how diet influences the quantity and quality of microbes that inhabit the human body. (Sun., 3/29)

Gut Microbes and the Brain: What is the Effect on Human Behavior? (ASN) During the past decade, interest in probiotics and the microbes that live in our guts has grown tremendously. Gut microbes may play a role in brain development and various brain-related disorders, such as autism, chronic pain, obesity and mood disorders. This session will contain critical presentations by leading authorities in the field who come from diverse disciplines such as microbiology, gastroenterology and neuroscience. (Mon., 3/30)

Reproducibility in the Pharmacological Sciences (ASPET) The ability to reproduce findings from studies conducted at molecular, cellular, animal, clinical and population levels is under intense scrutiny. Presentations during this symposium will address reproducibility in science and how it relates specifically to pharmacological sciences. The discussion will include ways to address reproducibility, such as publishing replicating and nonreplicating studies, using improved experimental methods and statistical analyses, and formally tracking replicability as a way to evaluate research after publication. (Mon., 3/30)

Neuroplasticity in Space: Reflections from the STS-90 Neurolab Space Shuttle Crew (APS) The APS History of Physiology Group will host a reunion of NASA astronaut-researchers at this symposium. During their 16-day mission, the STS-90 Neurolab space shuttle crew conducted 26 experiments with the primary goal of studying how the nervous system develops and functions in space. The astronauts will discuss brain development in zero gravity, how they conducted on-board animal experiments and electrophysiology in space. (Wed., 4/1)

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Experimental Biology 2015 Programming at a Glance