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Emilia LESZKOWICZ (PL)
Scientist in Residency with Oswaldo MACIÁ
Biography
Emilia Leszkowicz (PL) is a electrophysiologist based at University of Gdansk, Faculty of Biology, Department of Animal and Human Physiology with a strong track record of in vivo recordings in animals, and experience in human fMRI. Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland. Thesis: The role of particular neuromodulatory systems of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus in the regulation of hippocampal theta rhythm (2007). PhD theses with a distinction. Master of Science, Biological Oceanography, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
Leszkowicz’s main research interests are the neural basis of social human values, the hippocampal theta rhythm and olfactory system. Recent research has demonstrated that human self-transcendence values, which aim to preserve and enhance the welfare of others and of nature are connected with a brain site where “a core self” is presumably represented. i.e. the midline cortical regions. With her colleagues she have shown that psychological conflict when choosing between compatible (e.g. friendship and forgiveness) as compared to opposing (e.g. curiosity and stability) human values has neural signature and is connected with stronger activation in the supplementary motor area and other brain regions often associated with conflict.
Her earlier works on the hippocampal theta rhythm, which plays an important role in learning processes and memory formation, showed how the rhythm was regulated by neurotransmiters released from the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus, an important brain structure participating in theta rhythm generation. Her studies on olfaction memory demonstrated that memory formation in the accessory olfactory bulb could be associated with changes in inhibitory feedback on oscillatory neural activity.
Why should art and science work together?
"Many artists and scientists share a curiosity and fascination for living and non-living matter, and can inspire each other. In my opinion, the arts are concerned with beauty and the ingenuity of various facets of nature - and science can explain that beauty and ingenuity. The arts have the unique capability to convey scientific achievements, discoveries, or research processes to the general public as beauty. "
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