INTRO
The activities of the Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, CAS (IAPG), whose history dates back to 1954 are at the leading edge of fundamental research in the fields of physiology, genetics, ecology and evolution. They cover a broad range of topics, from the purely biomedical to biodiversity-related, studying the unique characteristics of domestic, wild and laboratory animals. Their research findings bring novel insights, particularly for understanding physiological functions, genetic structures, interactions inside the genome of organisms and how animals interact with their surroundings. This most notably covers research into species/stocks of importance in medicine (model species), ecology (protected or otherwise significant species), or agriculture (livestock) as well as research into food quality and safety.
SUCCESS STORIES
Studies undertaken at the Institute include animal models, in particular the miniature pig; various serious human diseases such as Huntington’s chorea, which is a systemic disease of the nervous system; also cancer, in particular malignant melanoma; DNA quality disorders and e.g. their influence on infertility as well as repairing damaged DNA, especially through neurodegeneration and ageing. Further areas of study include the formation of the mammalian ovum, its fertilization by the sperm and the subsequent development of the offspring in utero. The focus here is on obstacles that nature can put in the way, leading to developmental disorders at all levels; of DNA, chromosomes, the ovum, embryo or the foetus inside the mother.
FOR THE PUBLIC
- Open days CAS Science and Technology weeks
- Open days as part of Spring excursions into the world of Science
- Student internships under the Science unbarred project
- Lectures at universities and secondary schools throughout the Czech Republic
- Participation in the Science Fair
Adress: www.iapg.cas.cz, Facebook
