43rd Annual meeting of the European Teratology Society
Sunday 30th August to Thursday 3rd September 2015
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
I was pleased to join the 43rd annual conference of the European Teratology Society
(ETS) which was taken place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from 30 August to 3
September 2015.
This year, the meeting started by visiting “Museum Vrolik” in academic medical centre,
University of Amsterdam, where the welcome reception of the society was held. This is
very unusual kind of museums available around the world. This museum contains a
collection of pathological specimens, established at the end of the 18th century,
comprised of anomalous embryos, odd skulls and bones.
On the next days, the schedule of events was so busy and the symposia consisted of the
following topics (Labelling requirements in Europe for pregnancy and lactation,
Inflammation in pregnancy development and health, Pulmonary Hypertension, The
zebrafish embryo: fit for all purposes? and Mouse models). Furthermore, there was a
round table for young researchers to discuss up to date technologies and models which
is it believed to be useful for embryotoxicity screening chemicals. The project that I
enjoyed was conducted to assess placental transport of synthetic oxytocin by using ex
vivo human placental. Free communication talks of several other researchers from
diverse backgrounds was another important part of the meeting this year to keep one
posted with various research interests in the field of teratology. However, the main
purpose for being in the meeting was to present a part of my project which was
performed by myself and two of Dr.Pratten’s medical project students (Roseanna
McAlpine and Phasawee Chiewhatpong) under my technical supervision. The poster was
entitled
‘Assessment
of
developmental
cardiotoxic
effects
in
chick
embryonic
cardiomyocyte micromass culture and the mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation
model of novel phytochemicals’. This was presented on the second day of the meeting
where several feedbacks about our work have been discussed in friendly and scientific
environments. We are proud as our poster abstract was accepted for publication in the
Reproductive Toxicology Journal Volume 56/2015. Apparently, the social part of the
event was also great; we were invited for a dinner in Sint Olofskapel restaurant which
was really impressive venue. The dinner was also another opportunity to extend the
relationships and to meet new friends.
Being in Amsterdam is another story; there were many attractions to be visited and
canals everywhere in the city centre proving inspiring views. I decided to visit Madam
Tussauds Museum taking many photos with celebrities and stars. I also popped in to
Brussels, Belgium via guided excursion and visited other attractions over there such as
Atomium structure and Manneken pis sculpture (the urinating little boy). All that
valuable and enjoyable experiences would not be possible without a kind support and
guidance from my supervisor Dr. Pratten. Thanks again for my supervisors Dr. Pratten
and Dr. Loughna for all the efforts and assistance. Many thanks for the School of Life
Sciences for awarding me a travel grant to support my attendance to such scientific
events.
This photo was taken near to NEMO science
museum in Amsterdam city centre.
Birth defect sample from ‘Museum Vrolik’ for one
central eye delivered newborns. The case known as
cyclopia or cyclocephaly.