Research Topics

Research Topics

Impact of new molecules and innovative therapeutic approaches in inflammation and cancer

Ongoing studies: 

Study of antitumor effects of plant extracts derived from agricultural wastes with a view to reuse

Preclinical studies of neo-synthesis molecules (e.g., molecular hybrids) for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases and intestinal cancers

Use of 2D and 3D preclinical models to study biological effects of pharmacological inhibitors in solid tumors

Development of organoids for breast cancer and retinoblastoma

Relevant biomarkers in ocular tumors

Research Group Members: Elisabetta Melloni, Mauro Vaccarezza, Rebecca Voltan, Giorgio Zauli 

Research Topics
The main activities of the research group involve the study of human remains from mostly archaeological contexts: we study genomic and phenotypic variability in past individuals and its genetic, environmental and/or population causes. We also study their health status, including pathogens and microbiota and their ecological interactions. We use various techniques including osteology, osteometry and molecular archaeanthropology for our studies.

Research Group Members: Barbara Bramanti

Research Topics
The main activities of the research group involve the study of biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, as well as in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, exploiting clinical biochemistry and cell biology techniques (in vivo and in vitro study). Our focus is on markers such as beta-secretase 1 (BACE1), ADAM10 and ADAM9, as well as markers of HDL function.

Research Group Members: Alessandro Trentini, Tiziana Bellini

Research Topics

Research topics include plant diversity and mechanisms of functioning in cold climate ecosystems, ecology of plant species of conservation interest, and air quality biomonitoring using wild plant species.

Research Group Members:  
Laboratorio di Ecologia vegetale: Renato Gerdol, Lisa Brancaleoni

Research Topics BIOS01/A, General botany

1. Study of the response to environmental pollutants by plant species (especially microalgae) also with a view to phyto-purification;
2. Enhancement of biomass of microalgal species for biotechnological purposes, such as application in agriculture, extraction of molecules of nutra/cosmeceutical interest;
3. Morpho-functional phenotyping of vascular plants of agro-food or evolutionary interest, with particular reference to the photosynthetic apparatus under stress conditions.

Research Group Members:
Prof.ssa Simonetta Pancaldi, dalla Prof.ssa Costanza Baldisserotto e dal Prof. Lorenzo Ferroni.

Research Topics

The organic and industrial chemistry research group deals with the design, synthesis and characterization of innovative molecules and materials of interest to the environment and health, as well as the development of advanced synthetic methodologies.

The analytical, environmental and food chemistry research group is concerned with the development of technologies for environmental restoration, methodologies for chemical monitoring of abiotic and biotic samples also of interest for food safety, and the valorization of wastes and products from the agri-food chain.

Research Group Members

Organic and industrial chemistry: Monica Bertoldo, Graziano Di Carmine, Daniela Perrone

Analytical, environmental and food chemistry: Marco Beccaria, Luisa Pasti, Paola Tedeschi

Research Topics:

The group of ECOLOGY, PARASITOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY is engaged in research activities, the majority of which are primarily oriented towards the following fields:

GENERAL AND APPLIED ECOLOGY: The biogeochemistry of fresh and transitional waters and agroecosystems in relation to anthropogenic impacts and global changes, as well as the definition of techniques and strategies for the control of eutrophication (e.g. phytodepuration). The sustainable exploitation of fisheries and aquaculture resources, the protection of endangered fish species, and the control of exotic species are of paramount importance. Furthermore, the estimation, mapping and economic valuation of ecosystem services in aquatic and urban environments is of equal significance.

ECOTOXICOLOGY AND PARASITOLOGY OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS: effects of emerging contaminants (among which PFAS) on fish fauna (bioaccumulation, endocrine disruption), parasitology and immunology of fish, cellular and histological biomarkers of stress.

The following topics are of particular interest within the field of ENVIRONMENTAL AND INDUSTRIAL SUSTAINABILITY:

- industrial fermentation processes for the valorisation of agro-aquaculture and food waste

- biorefineries and bioplastics (e.g. PLA, PHA, PHB)

- development of life cycle assessment (LCA) methods for environmental sustainability assessment in agriculture, aquaculture and industry

Research Group Members: Giuseppe Castaldelli, Luisa Giari, Elisa Soana, Elena Tamburini

Research Topics

Study of the interaction between oxidative stress and inflammation (OxInflammation), both at the physiological and pathological levels in order to understand how redox changes in tissues can lead to an inflammatory response and possibly pathological conditions with focus on skin, gut, lung, and neurodevelopmental diseases (Rett syndrome and autism)

Research Group Members: 

Mascia Benedusi, Alessandra Pecorelli, Giuseppe Valacchi

Research Topics

Natural hazards. Power systems of active and extinct volcanoes and pre-eruption timing. Meteorites and impact craters. Wastewater treatment, sustainable agriculture, removal and recycling of N and P from livestock effluents and digestates. Traceability of the agri-food supply chain. Coastal erosion and sedimentation dynamics. Pollution from plastics and microplastics. Critical and strategic raw material sourcing. Aquifer bodies and water-rock interactions. Enhancement and conservation of archaeological and monumental heritage and identification of risk factors.

Research Group Members: Massimo Coltorti, Barbara Faccini, Carmela Vaccaro

Research Topics Hygiene

The main lines of research include (a) quality assessment of scientific evidence; (b) synthesis of evidence on efficacy and safety of vaccines or drugs; (c) predictors of maternal and child health; and (d) quality assessment of health services.

Membri del gruppo di ricerca: Maria Elena Flacco

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Research Topics Occupational Medicine (MEDS-25/B)

Epidemiology of work-related injuries and diseases, in particular, neoplastic, musculoskeletal, respiratory and allergic diseases

Research on the effectiveness of preventive interventions in occupational safety and health

Research on the clinical, immunological and toxicological aspects of occupational and environmental respiratory and allergic diseases

Research Group Members: Stefano Mattioli, Nicola Murgia

Research Topics

Study of the interaction between low-intensity physical activity and chronic lower limb diseases

Research Group Members: Lorenzo Caruso