December 2013 – Volume 06, Issue 04 2 Editorial Cnsnewsletter December 2013

December 2013 – Volume 06, Issue 04 2 Editorial CNSNewsletter December 2013

Page 3 - 14 FOCUS Best Regards to All of You! Evidence-Based Medicine: In Search of Proof for Practice Let’s Have a Cup of Green Tea! Integrative Medicine rom time to time, you read about people who recovered The Placebo Effect – is it all in my from cancer after none of the standard therapies Brain? Fseemed to be working. A miracle? Or could it have Research on Researchers: Dr. Michael something to do with the herbs they took or the spiritual Teut therapy they underwent? In this issue – our longest issue ever with 24 pages in total What else can Be Helpful for our – we would like to unravel the mysteries behind therapies Unhappy Brain? other than conventional medicine. Whereas alternative Holistic Healing – Homeopathy medicine describes practices that have healing effects but The Healing Power of Self Control are not evidence-based, integrative medicine is alternative medicine used together with conventional medical treatment Meditation – The Art of Healing emphasizing the treatment of the whole person, with a focus Autogenic Training or the Power of on overall wellness and health, and on the patient-physician Self-Suggestion relationship. In our issue, we give an overview of integrative Hypnotherapy in Action medicine, explain the concept of evidence-based medicine and the placebo effect. Nature as a Toolbox for Drugs in Why is it that drinking tea is good for your health? Neuroscience and Beyond What is biofeedback? And how do autogenic training and Green Tea and its Extracts for Healthy meditation improve your health? Is there any scientific basis Brains for hypnotherapy and homeopathy? How do music and The Venom Cur(s)e chromotherapy act on your brain? And can venoms really cure you without killing you beforehand? Curious? Well, the Chromotherapy – Colorful Nonsense? next 24 pages seek to answer all of these questions. Simply Put, Music Can Heal Our loyal readers instinctively know that there must be Page 14 Conference Report more! Exciting summer school and conference reports are waiting for you as well. Have you ever wondered how time Bernstein Conference 2013 is perceived? Are you fluent in German? In this issue, we Page 15 Paper Review provide an extensive collection of Berlin-based German Once upon a TiMe language classes. The CNS team changes once more. We would like to Page 16-18 German Courses in Berlin welcome the newest member of our editorial team Yasmine Said, who is a MSc student in the Neurasmus program. Page 19 Dr. Harebrained Knows it All ... However, we also have to say good-bye to a few people: For Neuroscience in Your Everyday Life the last ten issues, Benedikt has given the CNS newsletter a facelift. With almost 50 illustrations and cartoons, he has Page 19 Course Watch enriched a tremendous amount of articles making it much 13th Berlin Summer School “Psychiatry more fun to read the newsletter. On this jubilee, we are sad as a Science and as a Profession” to tell you that Benedikt will leave our team as he moves on Page 20 Berlin School of Mind and Brain in his career as a postdoc at Harvard! He left us with a final piece of art in this issue; go and find it! Believe it or not, also Ellie Rea has to leave too. Ellie Rea, graduate of the Master Page 21 Open Positions program of 2012, is starting medical school at the Imperial College in London. The CNS editorial team and Medical Neurosciences team wish Ellie and Benedikt all the best for Page 22 Collage Benedikt Brommer their future. This issue’s winner is Nikolas Karalis who contributed two Page 24 News in Brief & WhazzUp? articles: Meditation – The Art of Healing" and the conference report on the Bernstein Conference 2013. He will now be able to answer the question “So You Want to Be a Scientist?”. The Page 24 Imprint winner of the second book, “Cantor's Dilemma”, and master of the CNS crossword is Betty Jurek. The mystery word was BRAIN. Lots of fun reading to our two winners. Letter to the Editors What drives you ‘insane’? What do you want to have light Apparently the cover of our last edition “Heat or cold- what’s shed on? Any intriguing topics/ideas should be submitted good for the brain?” caused some astonishment. What was to [email protected]. Any questions or comments it on the picture? Some sort of glowing about this or any other issue? Just let us know! Do you want brain? A jelly fish? It’s actually a brain ice to join the proofreading or editorial team? Just email us! We cube! This little thingamajig is available are always happy to receive fresh ideas and great articles. in those stores that sell things no one really needs and can be purchased both Enjoy reading! online and offline . A clear must-have for neuroscientists! – Marietta, Editor-in-Chief Cover: Julia Rummel 2013 International Graduate Program Medical Neurosciences CNSNewsletter December 2013 FOCUS 3

Evidence-Based Medicine: In Search of Proof for Practice t the cornerstone of modern the benefit of the drug must exceed its highly restricted manner; the patients healthcare is a concept that risk. EBM aims to determine whether involved in the trial as well as the Ahas become ubiquitous in the this is true for every diagnostic or intervention itself are often specifically field – evidence-based medicine (EBM). therapeutic intervention. It does this by defined, with the study being optimized The concept of EBM – medical practice referring to multiple levels of evidence, to avoid being influenced by additional built on high-quality evidence to guide factors. This is done to make sure that any decision making – is simple, but the treatment effect detected by the study is rationale behind it and the mechanisms “Evidence-based medicine due to the treatment itself and not due to by which medicine has become inherently involves the collection, other influences, such as placebo effect. connected to the need for ‘proof, proof, This approach is somewhat unrealistic – and more proof’ are complex. analysis and translation in practice, patients are heterogeneous; Centuries ago, doctors practiced of evidence into each person’s illness is different from medicine based on what they had applicable guidelines.” the other, and they accordingly receive learned from their more experienced different treatments optimized to their peers. Treatments were either given to condition, often including multiple patients based on undocumented and each with its own level of reliability. interventions simultaneously. often unreliable observations that they During this process, the evidence is In alternative medicine, the primary had worked before in similar conditions, collected, critically analyzed for quality treatment is usually coupled with or on logical steps linking the disease and dependability, and then translated various lifestyle and social changes that process – or what was understood of it – into guidelines for implementation. The complete the patient’s management. to the treatment. process doesn’t stop there – it is followed These factors may be neglected in RCTs, These approaches seem reasonable, by a period of thorough evaluation and thereby reducing the chance that a yet they disregard the fact that the continuous modification of the existing treatment effect will be detected. Some human body is both complex and highly guidelines. people have suggested a need for more variable from person to person. Soon Evidence can be gathered from pragmatic trials, so called because they people realized that a single observation expert opinions, observational reports deviate from the classical methodology of treatment effect is rarely useful, since or from various types of research of clinical trials and allow for multiple it often proves unrepeatable. Moreover, studies including randomized controlled interventions, including ones that are people recognized that taking ‘logical trials (RCTs). Moreover, evidence can be difficult to quantify precisely such leaps’ from science’s understanding of acquired by grouping a large number as physiotherapy, psychotherapy or an illness to its treatment often leads to a of similar studies and analyzing them counselling [1]. dead end. Numerous currently available together in order to answer a specific Another issue with RCTs is that they drugs that have been proven to help question. Known as meta-analyses, usually compare novel interventions relieve illness have no obvious link to these provide robust evidence not only to placebo (an intervention similar to the disease itself, or have a mechanism due to their large size, but also due to the treatment being tested but which of action seemingly unrelated to the the scrutiny that the individual studies has no direct biological effect). In many disease process. receive. The overall appropriateness alternative treatment strategies such of the study design, the selection as acupuncture, producing a convincing Benefit and Risk of involved subjects, the outcomes placebo is challenging. In fact, there EBM as we know it, is a new concept measured, and the statistical methods is much debate surrounding whether that was established at the end of the used are some of the factors assessed. comparing any new intervention to last century. With a plethora of new placebo is appropriate – the placebo, by pharmacological agents and treatment Shortcomings of Evidence-Based definition, produces a change (usually a options becoming available to doctors, Medicine positive one) in the patient’s outcome. the importance of the above mentioned By definition, alternative medicine is Therefore, stating that an intervention shortcomings in medical practice any treatment approach that has either shows no effect ‘beyond placebo’ is not became more apparent. Doctors soon not been subjected to the scrutiny of necessarily the same thing as stating agreed on one guiding principle: every EBM, or that has failed to show benefit that it is useless. drug is a poison. As early as in the 19th beyond its risk after undergoing this There is no doubt that medicine has century, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (an process. It’s no surprise that proponents made huge progress in how it identifies American physician) made a bold but of alternative medical strategies are also and evaluates treatments over the past accurate declaration: “I firmly believe supporters of the concept that benefit of few centuries. However, the innumerable that if the whole materia medica, as now any treatment must be proven to exceed untreatable diseases currently in used, could be sunk to the bottom of the risk – after all, what both sides want is existence are proof that these methods sea, it would be better for mankind – and to help, not harm, patients. However, are flawed, and more effort is needed to all the worse for the fishes.” they argue that EBM as is currently optimize how evidence for a potential Every medication prescribed, no matter practiced is riddled with problems, and treatment is gathered, analyzed, and how innocuous it may seem at first glance, that alternative medical treatments are interpreted. (ak) has the potential to harm whoever uses particularly prone to falling victim to it. Thus, in order to prescribe a drug, these deficiencies. The reason for this one essential criterion must be met; is that RCTs are usually conducted in a References [ 1] Roland and Torgerson, BMJ, 1998 www.medical-neurosciences.de 4 FOCUS CNSNewsletter December 2013

Integrative Medicine By Prof. Dr. Andreas Michalsen, Professor for Naturopathy at the Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economy, Charité Berlin and Chief Physician at the Clinic for Internal Medicine and Naturopathy, Immanuel Hospital Berlin

omplementary medicine, na- (hormesis), implying that low-dose phys- increasing demand by patients of this turopathy and ‘whole medical ical stressors such as exercise, caloric type of medicine. On the other hand, Csystems’(e.g. global ethnomedi- restriction or fasting, thermal therapy or many complementary methods require cal systems such as Chinese medicine, hydrotherapy induce health-promoting an active and motivated patient as a Ayurveda, etc) have their origins in adaptive responses. Further modules partner in the care and management longstanding tradition and the empirical of complementary medicine are herbal of their disease which is, due to lack of observation of diseases and their treat- medicine (phytotherapy), osteopathy, compliance and adherence, not always ment by practicing doctors. For two de- traditional European medicine (such as the case. cades there has been increasing scientif- leech therapy and cupping) and global More recently the field of mind-body ic interest and rapidly growing evidence traditional medicine methods such as medicine has attracted growing inter- from clinical research in this field. Data Chinese medicine, Japanese Kampo est by both the public and the scientific from European and U.S. surveys consis- medicine, and Indian Ayurveda medicine community. Experimental studies have tently reveal that 40 to 70 % of the pop- In the meantime, numerous comple- described many links between stress and ulation want to be additionally treated mentary and naturopathic treatment chronic diseases such as cancer, cardio- with complementary medicine methods methods have shown their efficacy in vascular, autoimmune, and neurodegen- in the case of disease. Concomitantly, randomized clinical trials and meta- erative disease. Numerous studies have it has been suggested to combine both analyses. Examples are fasting therapy found beneficial effects of meditation, conventional medicine and proven meth- for rheumatoid arthritis, acupuncture in relaxation, yoga,and other stress reduc- ods of complementary and naturopathic pain syndromes, leech therapy against tion techniques on gene expression and medicine for best patient care within the symptomatic osteoarthritis, yoga in car- many relevant signal pathways. It has frame of ’Integrative Medicine’ - thereby diovascular disease and back pain, medi- also become clear that stress reduction also respecting patients' preferences. In- tation and bloodletting against hyper- complements the lifestyle modifications tegrative medicine has been defined by tension, Mediterranean and vegetarian necessary to fight against the epidem- the National Institutes of Health (NIH) diets in coronary disease, hydrotherapy ics of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and and the U.S. Consortium of Academic in heart failure, probiotics in inflamma- chronic pain in Western societies. Health Centers for Integrative Medicine tory bowel disease and cupping in back In conclusion, the field of comple- as “the practice of medicine that reaf- pain. Furthermore, numerous herbs and mentary and naturopathic medicine has firms the importance of the relationship nutritional supplements have been found seen a tremendous increase in scien- between practitioner and patient, focus- effective in clinical trials, for example St. tific activity. More than 20 international es on the whole person, is informed by John´s wort in depression, beetroot and PubMed-listed journals nowadays have evidence, and makes use of all appropri- hibiscus tea in hypertension, rosehip in their focus on research in complemen- ate therapeutic approaches, healthcare osteoarthritis, baldrian in insomnia, mis- tary and naturopathic medicine. In the professionals, and disciplines to achieve tletoe in cancer and many more. course of globalization and the rise of optimal health and healing”. There is still controversy as to China, India, and other Asian and Ara- In Germany, naturopathy and sev- what extent placebo responses are bian nations, more of their traditional eral related fields such as acupuncture, part of the clinical effects of some complementary methods will merge into physical therapy, manual medicine, mas- complementary methods. Placebo modern and science-driven complemen- sage, and other methods are practiced responses are prominent in all medical tary medicine. Future research will al- by licensed board-certified individuals treatments, regardless of conventional low us to more precisely tailor the right with defined clinical training. Accord- or complementary origin. Studies have method for the individual patient and to ing to Kneipp, integrative medicine and revealed that attention, the quality of separate the wheat from the chaff. European naturopathy (Naturheilkunde) the patient-practitioner-relationship, are based on intensive health-promot- setting factors, and the overall treatment ing lifestyle modifications with a focus atmosphere are important factors in The article is based on the on healthy nutrition and diet, fasting, increasing the total effectiveness of a following literature: exercise, stress reduction, mind-body healing method. In fact, complementary • Brinkhaus and Volger, Kursbuch medicine, hydrotherapy and thermal and naturopathic doctors spend more Naturheilverfahren, 2012 therapy. Here, the concept of saluto- time with their patients than conventional • Consortium of Academic Health genesis, which means the emphasis on doctors and have a more individually Centers for Integrative Medicine individual patient resources and the in- tailored approach. Furthermore, most www.imconsortium.org clusion of self-help measures, support of the complementary and naturopathic • Cochrane collaboration: of self-efficacy, and self-healing capaci- treatment methods have only minor complementary and ties to empower patients, are important adverse effects and are generally alternative medicine field and supported by a systemic health and quite safe. This beneficial profile of • Michalsen, J Rheumatol, 2013 disease concept approach. A second complementary and naturopathic • Dobos et al, Chronische concept is the hormetic stress response medicine may also explain the Erkrankungen Integrativ, 2007

2013 International Graduate Program Medical Neurosciences CNSNewsletter December 2013 FOCUS 5

The Placebo Effect - is it all in my Brain?

he word ‘placebo’ is most often as- were told [1]. Another study showed that frontal cortex [3], which cooperates with sociated with a bunch of others, sham acupuncture procedure had the the reward system and involves dopa- Tbe it ‘placebo-controlled study’ or same (positive) effect on patients with mine release in certain brain structures. ‘placebo effect’, and is now really fash- chronic cervical ostheoarthritis as true In line with the hypothesis of prefrontal ionable to use. By definition, placebo is acupuncture or diazepam (the patients involvement in the placebo effect, stud- an ineffectual treatment (medicine or a were blinded) [2]. An additional disease ies carried out on patients with depres- simulation of a medical procedure) given entity that is very prone to the placebo sion showed prefrontal activation only in to patients to deceive them. The placebo effect is depression. Clinical studies of the placebo group during clinical trials of effect occurs when the patient gets sig- antidepressants showed that, in some antidepressants. nificantly better – sometimes even to a cases, it is impossible to distinguish the level of a real treatment. placebo effect from the effect of the ac- Placebo vs. Nocebo Complementary medicine often relies tive drug. It is said that 75 % of the ef- Since the mechanisms of a number of on therapies that do not have scientifi- fectiveness of antidepressants is actual- complementary medical procedures are cally proven mechanisms. Previous rely due to the placebo effect [1]. Scientists still not known, we are entitled to think search showed that conditions treated claim that the degree of the placebo ef- that the main mechanism here – if not most often by unconventional medicine, fect depends on the power of belief. the only – is the placebo effect. How- for example, back pain, fatigue, allergies, ever, researchers are not so forward in asthma, depression, arthritis or anxiety, Neuroscience of the Placebo Effect presenting their opinions. Most of them are the ones that present an inordinately The concept is interesting and some- claim that the placebo effect plays an strong placebo response [1]. Therefore, times surprising, yet you may wonder important role in unconventional medi- it is speculated that the placebo effect how it all works. How can our mind in- cine, yet it is not the only basis for the plays a big role in complementary medi- fluence our body? Studies performed on beneficial effects. One must realize that cine treatments. According to Kaptchuk, patients with Parkinson’s disease showed the placebo effect is a positive experi- the placebo effect is not just a dummy that placebo could induce higher release ence and requires not only information intervention, but also comprises other of dopamine in the dorsal striatum, thus that a certain procedure will be effec- factors, such as the patient-physician producing an improvement in the pa- tive, but also many other aspects such relationship, nature of the illness, or tients' symptoms (24 % as opposed to as: attention, compassion, and attitudes the setting [1]. Alternative medicine in- 30 % in the conventional treatment) [3]. of the practitioners themselves. Answer- volves treatments that use a certain Increase of dopamine release was also ing the question ‘Is it all in my brain?’ amount of mystery and show effects observed in the ventral striatum, which requires considering another important that can highly influence the placebo ef- is associated with motivation and re- effect – the nocebo effect – which is ex- fect and that are almost never offered ward anticipation. The authors therefore actly the opposite of the placebo effect. by conventional medicine. Acupuncture concluded that this mechanism is neces- Studies showed that verbal information involves a sensation of vital energy flow- sary (yet not sufficient) for the placebo suggesting intensification of pain after ing through our bodies, chiropractors re- effect to occur. Wager and colleagues administration of an inert drug caused lease audible sounds that influence our showed that placebo in analgesia works increased pain, by means of increasing expectations, and psychic healers use by potentiation of endogenous opioid re- cholecystokinin release – an opioid an- tingling vibrations [1]. On the other hand, sponses to noxious stimuli [4], an effect tagonist [5]. We can therefore claim that mainstream medicine mostly comprises that can be blocked directly by opioid the brain has a huge effect on our body passive treatments or administration of receptor antagonists [3]. It is supposed that we should never underestimate. medication, which does not increase the to be mediated by brain structures such (fm) placebo effect to a huge extent. as the periaqueductal gray matter (directly related to pain responses), dorsal When You Believe raphe nuclei, amygdala and the anterior In a study from 1964, three groups of cingulate and lateral prefrontal cortices. References patients were given pills with an em- Another study showed dopamine release [ 1] Kaptchuk, Ann Intern Med, 2002 bedded magnet and told that they were in the nucleus accumbens after adminis- [2] Thomas et al, Am J Chin Med, 1991 acting either as relaxants, stimulants or tering placebo to patients for pain treat- [3] Lidstone & Stoessl, Mol Imaging Biol, placebos. After investigation of gastric ment [5]. It is suggested that the opioid 2007 motility in the patients, it appeared that system in the placebo response is en- [4] Wager et al, PNAS, 2007 the pill worked according to what they gaged by expectations driven by the pre- [5] Porto, Sexologies, 2011

PhD Thesis Award

Deutscher Studienpreis Excellent PhD theses are awarded with the Deutscher Studienpreis. The PhD thesis has to have been defended in 2013 with magna or summa cum laude at a German university or, for German citizens, at a university abroad. Deadline for submission: March 01, 2014. Further information: http://www.koerber-stiftung.de/wissenschaft/deutscher-studienpreis.html.

www.medical-neurosciences.de 6 FOCUS CNSNewsletter December 2013

Research on Researchers Dr. Michael Teut n this issue, we would like to intro- tient care and conducts clinical trials. I duce Dr. Michael Teut who does clini- am also teaching medical students in Ical research about the effects of tra- Social Medicine, Prevention, Health Eco- ditional, alternative or complementary nomics and Complementary and Alter- therapies and works as a physician at native Medicine. At the moment, we are the Institute of Social Medicine, Epide- running clinical trials on the effects of miology and Health Economics, Charité mindful walking and cupping in chronic Universitätsmedizin Berlin. low back pain and ’Kneipp‘ therapies in elderly patients in nursing homes. MZ: What is your academic background? What are your main topics of interest MT: I was trained as a physician, mainly in science? in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Family I am mainly interested in clinical re- Medicine, Hypnotherapy and Comple- search about the effects of traditional, mentary and Alternative Medicine. Since alternative or complementary therapies. fects and can be tried before, after or 2007, I have been working as researcher If you enter this field, placebo discus- in combination with conventional treat- and physician at the Institute of Social sions will automatically arise. In the last ments. Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Eco- years, I became more and more interest- nomics, Charité Universitätsmedizin ed in ‘self healing’. In clinical research, How will medicine look like in 20 Berlin. the term ‘placebo’ is frequently used. years from now? But placebo is a ‘black box’, the mean- Medical progress is strongly driven by You studied in the Netherlands and in ing depends on the context in which new technologies and industry. Intro- India. What did you experience there? the term is used. In my understanding, ducing new technologies confronts us Both countries have completely different one important aspect of ’placebo‘ is self with great opportunities but also risks. I cultures. In 1994, I spent a few months healing and conditions which support hope that we will be able to master this of clinical training in a homeopathic self healing. Already the school of Hip- challenge and our patients may benefit hospital and college in Mumbai. India’s pocrates in ancient Greece advised life from technical advances. In the United medical system is split into three parts: style changes to increase self healing, to States, Integrative Medicine has become conventional medicine, ayurveda, and improve health, and support healthy ag- a very strong movement. Nearly all aca- homeopathy. Approximately 250,000 ing. Much of the ancient advice remains demic centers are now running depart- Indian physicians work as homeopaths true today. Although we know about ments for Integrative Medicine. The US and are running hospitals and clinics. the benefits of lifestyle change, modern government strongly supports scientific I personally wanted to study this phe- medicine is mainly focused on techni- research in this field with more than 100 nomenon more closely and subjectively cal solutions. Therefore, I consider trials million dollars per year. I personally un- had the impression that, in many cases, that investigate the effects of simple and derstand this movement as a counter- homeopathy produced good results, but low-tech lifestyle change interventions balance to the technologically driven in others, conventional medicine was to be of high importance. Good exam- medical progress. I hope that creating clearly superior. This experience helped ples are our trials about the effects of evidence for traditional therapies may to support my decision to pursue Inte- mindful walking exercises on psychologi- lead to an integration of useful strate- grative Medicine, which combines the cal distressed subjects or patients with gies in conventional medicine in the long best therapeutic strategies from differ- chronic back pain. run. ent systems to optimize health care for individual patients with individual needs. What do you think is the main advan- What impressed or astonished you In the Netherlands, I participated in a tage of integrative medicine com- most during your career? four-month surgical internship at the pared to conventional medicine? The tendency of many physicians and Leiden University Medical Center, which Over the last years, I realized that inte- journalists to generally classify comple- was very good training. Practical bed- grating traditional therapies in conven- mentary and alternative medicines as side teaching was of utmost importance tional medicine enables physicians to ‘placebo’ and conventional medicine as and I participated in many operations use a wider range of metaphors and con- ‘effective’. Both sides are part of our and worked frequently in the emergency cepts to help patients to create meaning medicine culture. Placebo responses oc- unit. Teamwork was clearly very impor- about their complaints and disease. This cur in both systems and play essential tant, and was a strength of the Dutch can help the patient to reframe his situ- roles in both. Conventional medical prac- colleagues. ation, reduce distress, and also activate tice, as practiced in real life, is in many resources for self healing. Physicians cases not evidence-based. We should What do you do in your current posi- integrating traditional therapies usu- generally be more open minded, curious, tion? ally spend more time with their patients. but also critical towards all therapeutic Together with my colleagues, I was able Time is a crucial resource to medical strategies. to set up the Charité Outpatient Depart- quality: to understand patients, build up ment for Integrative Medicine at Berlin a good patient-physician relationship, Thank you very much, Dr. Teut, for this Mitte (Charité Hochschulambulanz für also to avoid errors. In addition, many intriguing insight into your work and Naturheilkunde), which provides outpa- traditional therapies have low side ef- life. (mz)

2013 International Graduate Program Medical Neurosciences CNSNewsletter December 2013 FOCUS 7

What else can Be Helpful for our Unhappy Brain? By Tian Zhang, PhD Student Medical Neurosciences, AG Clinical Neurosciences

ontrary to complementary medicine, which is Herbal and nutritional therapies are one of the essential combined with conventional treatment, alternative elements in alternative medicine. However, not enough Cmedicine is used in place of conventional medicine. studies with suitable sample sizes and adequate control Using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing groups have been done to screen the efficacy and safety of surgery or chemotherapy is a good example of an alternative all compounds that have been taken by patients. For example, therapy [1]. Within alternative medicine, many systems Ginkgo has anti-platelet effects that could cause unnecessary built upon distinct theories and practices exist. While in bleeding in stroke patients or interact with anticoagulants Western cultures homeopathic medicine and naturopathic [4]. Case reports of some herbs suggest pro-convulsive medicine are common, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) effects [5]. Therefore, caution should always be taken when and Ayurveda are the two most popular systems in oriental deciding whether to substitute conventional medicine with cultures. alternative therapies. The use of alternative medicine is higher among patients In summary, alternative medicine is commonly used with chronic conditions, especially when conventional by patients with chronic neurological conditions, and can treatment is ineffective. Since neurological diseases are help in most cases of disease prevention and treatment. often chronic and challenging to treat, alternative medicine Nevertheless, further research is still needed to investigate is a constant attraction for patients suffering from a wide how alternative medicine can alleviate neurological symptoms spectrum of neurological conditions, such as back pain, and to evaluate how alternative therapies may benefit the sciatica, memory loss, or migraine. On the other hand, large population seeking to make their brain feel better. research regarding the efficacy of utilizing alternative medicine in neurological conditions has been promising. References Evidence is emerging for alternative interventions in back [ 1] http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam pain management – a meta-analysis of acupuncture for low [2] Manheimer et al., Ann Intern Med, 2005 back pain concluded that acupuncture is effective for short- [3] Wells et al., J Neurol, 2010 term relief of chronic pain [2]. [4] Samuels et al., Epilepsia, 2008

Holistic Healing - Homeopathy By Dr. Damera Srinivas, MVSc, Veterinary officer Madras Race Club, Guindy Chennai

lternative medicine is a system of treatment of rather than aided healing. He found homeopathy useful diseases followed around the world, since only one for treating diseases without causing the side effects of Asystem of medicine may not be able to cure everything. allopathic medicine. Homeopathy is one such example. The aim of homeopathy Dr. Hahnemann discovered that quinine, an extract of the is to cure an illness by treating the whole person rather cinchona bark, used for the treatment of malaria, produced than merely concentrating on a set of symptoms. Hence, in symptoms of the disease when taken in a small dose by a homeopathy the approach is holistic and the overall state healthy person. The production of symptoms was the body’s of health of the patient – especially their emotional and way of combating illness. Thus, to give a minute dose of a psychological well-being – is regarded as significant. substance that simulated the symptoms of an illness in a A homeopath not only notes the symptoms that the healthy person could be used as a way of fighting it. person wishes to have cured, but also takes into account Modern homeopathy is based on extracts derived from other signs of disorder that the patient may regard less plant, mineral and animal sources and used in extremely important. This is because illness is a sign of imbalance within dilute amounts. The curative properties are enhanced by the body. A homeopathic remedy must be suitable both for each dilution as impurities that might cause unwanted side the symptoms and the character and temperament of the effects are lost. However, the scientific community remains patient. Therefore, two patients with the same illness can skeptical about the curative effects of homeopathy although be offered different remedies according to their individual some clinical trials have produced positive results [1, 2]. In natures. Similarly, the same remedy can be used to treat general, it helps to be open towards all kinds of therapy different symptoms in different people. as they all have the same aim- to relieve the patient from Homeopathic remedies are based on the concept that distress. ‘like cures like’, an ancient philosophy that can be traced back to the 5th century BC. It was discovered by the German References doctor Samuel Hahnemann in the 1800s who believed that [ 1] Cucherat, Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 2000 the existing medical practices were too harsh and hindered [2] Caulfield, BMC Complement Altern Med, 2005

www.medical-neurosciences.de 8 FOCUS CNSNewsletter December 2013

The Healing Power of Self Control

he connections between mind and body have long as: pain-related diseases (tension-type headache, migraine, been known. However, scientific evidence for the con- and chronic pain), substance abuse, epilepsy, Raynaud's dis- Ttrol of the brain over the body ease, hypertension, nocturnal enuresis, emerged only in the early 20th century. and incontinence [3,5]. Therapeutic applications based on this Increased control over one’s physiol- knowledge include progressive muscle ogy enables one to also control disease relaxation [1] and autonomic training better. Biofeedback is able to provide [2]. long-lasting effects and minimal, if any, Biofeedback as an official term, side effects. This makes biofeedback in- model, and technique came to use in valuable for managing disease attacks in 1969 [3] and stands for the awareness chronic – especially neurologic – condi- of physiological processes using instru- tions for which effective medications are ments. It combines psychology, neuro- lacking or poorly tolerated. physiology, cybernetics, and medicine. (bb) Evidence about the harmful effects of Reflection of the physiological status chronic medication intake has prepared of one's own body enhances the con- a fertile surface for the development of trol over oneself. Acknowledged regulation of bodily reac- biofeedback, which might be the solution for some conditions tions can reduce the frequency or severity of disease attacks. that are difficult to manage with conventional medicine. (cr) Therapeutically relevant physiological parameters used in the biofeedback approach include: temperature, skin sensitivity, References muscle tone, lung and heart function, and brain activity [4]. [ 1] Jacobsen, Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1938 Biofeedback was first investigated for the treatment of [2] Schultz and Luthe, New York: Grune & Stratton, 1959 neurotic complaints and hypertension. With time and in- [3] http://www.aapb.org/ creasing knowledge, biofeedback has been successfully in- [4] http://psychotherapy.com/ troduced for many more clinical indications. Nowadays, the [5] Yucha and Montgomery, Association for Applied technique is part of the therapy regimens for illnesses such Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 2008

Meditation - The Art of Healing A Short Expose of the Use of Meditative Practices in Clinical Setting By Nikolas Karalis, PhD Student, Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Tübingen

editation is a general term referring to a set of feedback – have been successfully used for treating patients practices centered on the training of the mind and with anxiety, chronic stress disorders, post-traumatic stress Mthe regulation of attention and awareness. The roots disorder, depression, chronic pain, attention-deficit hyperac- of some of these practices go back to the history of man and tivity disorder and other emotion-related disorders. the first religious ceremonies. Although there are clear benefits from the practice of dif- In the contemporary era, meditation is practiced both in ferent meditation techniques, there is still a general lack of the religious context (spanning practically every type of re- understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms under- ligion) and in the secular context, either as an effort to at- lying these effects. Consequently, the practice of meditation tain well-being in a constantly accelerating world or with in clinical settings is still not very wide. However, a growing clear therapeutic intentions. The ability to body of evidence on the positive effects induce altered states of consciousness with and mechanisms of action helps integrate the meditative practice is exploited in vari- these techniques in everyday clinical pra- ous treatments, to heal both the body and ctice. the mind. Mindful breathing, progressive For a concise review on the neurophysi- muscle relaxation, attention meditation, ological correlates of meditation and its and loving kindness meditation are just clinical applications, see [1] and [2]. some of the categories of meditative practices, named after the main characteristics of the technique and taken out of References spiritual context. The main behavioral com- [ 1] Braboszcz, Hahusseau, and ponents of meditation are described as re- Delorme, 2010 “Meditation and laxation, concentration, an altered state of neuroscience: from basic research awareness, a suspension of logical thought to clinical practice”, in Integrative and the maintenance of a self-observing Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry and attitude. Different combinations of medita- Behavioral Medicine: Perspectives, tion and other types of therapies – such as Practices and Research, p. 1910–1929. Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/ [2] Cahn and Polich,Psychol Bull, 2006 cognitive behavioral therapy and neuro- wiki/File:Yoga_Meditation_Pos-410px.png

2013 International Graduate Program Medical Neurosciences CNSNewsletter December 2013 FOCUS 9

Autogenic Training or the Power of Self-Suggestion By Anne Schwerk, PhD Medical Neurosciences, AG Neuronal Regeneration and Plasticity

utogenic training is one of the most well-known One big meta-analysis [1] showed medium to large effect relaxation techniques and was developed by Prof. sizes in clinical studies that are stable at follow-up and that AJohannes Schultz and Wolfgang Luthe in 1932 in exceed placebo effects. Another meta-analysis showed that Berlin. Their inspiration came from the neuroscientist autogenic training is effective, but less than meditation in Dr. Oskar Vogt, who found that it was possible to reach a reducing anxiety over ten years [4]. Hence, it seems to be an hypnotic state without relying on external suggestions but appropriate tool for many psychosomatic disorders, though purely on the self. not more than unguided techniques such as meditation. Schultz aimed to develop a method that rendered the patient responsible and independent of the hypnotist. Hence the name autos (self) and genos (creation). The underlying principle is based on ‘selective awareness’ through autosuggestion in order to reach a higher level of self-regulation and relaxation. Such selective awareness is reached by focusing on self-suggestions and internal physiological processes, e.g. the regulation of blood flow to specific body parts and instructing these parts to become warm and heavy. While applying this technique, emotional responses and physical sensations can be triggered and released. This sort of self-regulatory training is most effective when the individual is highly motivated and receptive to instructions and suggestions. Furthermore, the individual must maintain a strong sense of concentration and body awareness, meaning that the technique may not be suitable for all. Still, autogenic training – apart from sharpening Source: http://www.entspannungs-kurs.de/autogenes-training.php one’s focus and mind control – is used for a broad variety of conditions, such as insomnia, hypertension, tension headaches, migraines, bronchial asthma, and for certain References types of pain disorders [1,2]. [ 1] Stetter and Kupper, Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback, Even though autogenic training is the most frequently 2002 used relaxation method in German-speaking countries, there [2] Zsombok et al, Headache, 2003 is only little consistent evidence for its effectiveness, with [3] Kanji et al, Complement Ther Med, 2006 many studies lacking rigor and quality when reviewed [3]. [4] Manzoni et al, BMC psychiatry, 2008

Hypnotherapy in Action By Harald Krutiak, Psychological Psychotherapist, Appointee for Teaching and Research at the Charité ave you ever experienced meeting someone familiar trance, hypnotherapists create an environment to support on the street but cannot remember when or where the client that is perfectly suited for each person. Thus, every Hyou met them? And much later, perhaps when you are trance is unique! about to fall asleep, the answer comes into your mind all by This is also what I really love about working with hypnosis. itself? It is a fantastic and challenging method of therapy. I also This shift from: ‘I do’ to ’it happens’ is exactly what appreciate the fact that I do not have to have a ready solution hypnotherapists use trance for. Hypnosis in contemporary for the patient, but just support them by creating an altered understanding is characterized by two main points: first, state of consciousness, so that the solution can develop by the focusing of attention and second, the shift from active itself. At the same time, hypnosis opens the door between searching to allowing mental processes to happen by the mind and the body. This explains why going into a trance themselves. Contemporary hypnosis is a very natural, improves health, solves somatic problems, and activates the everyday state; we go into trance several times a day. For enormous power of self healing processes. example, on the highway, we are often so absorbed by thoughts For me, originally coming from a background of that we do not always remember the last 100 kilometers we psychoanalysis (as I am from Vienna, this is self evident), drove. This ability to go into trance by ourselves is also the the work with trance is a fantastic tool that not only creates reason why hypnotherapists do not necessarily induce a so- insight, as analysis does, but is also a highly potent way of called formal trance, but just create en-passant using specific creating changes. Hypnosis is in that understanding also part patterns of communication, this delicate state. Therefore, of early therapeutic methods, we find it in shamanism and hypnotherapy can be regarded as an art of communication. other traditions of healing. As each individual responds in their own personal way to May the power of this long history be with me!

www.medical-neurosciences.de 10 FOCUS CNSNewsletter December 2013

Nature as a Toolbox for Drugs in Neuroscience and Beyond

ne of the most difficult steps fatality in overdose. It currently has in developing a drug to treat an important role in the treatment Oan illness is finding a biological of heart failure as well as abnormal target for the compound to act on. In rhythmicity of the heart, yet requires many cases, nature has solved this stringent monitoring and careful dosage problem for us, and all it takes are a prescription to avoid its harmful effects. few astute observations from people The aptly named plant Atropa to figure out how we can make use belladonna was once used by women of our surroundings to improve and in Italy to dilate their pupils and make maintain our health. Once the effects them look more attractive. It contains of a certain plant or animal product on a mixture of toxic alkaloids (known the human body are observed, the exact to cause hallucinations) that inhibit substance causing these effects must the action of the autonomic nervous be extracted. Pharmaceutical chemists system (the part of the nervous system then synthesize these compounds or devoted to controlling the automatic, compounds closely related to them as unconscious functions of the body). a potential drug that undergoes further Derived from this plant is the widely used safety and effectiveness testing. anticholinergic drug atropine, which when glucose levels are high and there- In areas of the world where malaria is used in ophthalmology to dilate the fore, does not lead to an abnormally is endemic, quinine is one of the most pupils, to treat cases of organophosphate low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia). It effective treatments for this parasitic (insecticide) poisoning, and to treat also has numerous other beneficial ef- infection. Now reserved for the most those with abnormally low heart rates. fects including promoting weight loss. severe cases of malaria, this drug has Another anticholinergic drug, curare, Similarly, a new agent proposed for the been used for centuries in South America acts on a distinct set of receptors and treatment of stroke is also derived from and Europe to treat fever and shivering. was once widely used as a muscle saliva – that of the vampire bat Des- Quinine is an alkaloid (compounds relaxant during anaesthesia. Derived modus rotundus. This drug, called des- containing basic nitrogen atoms) from the Strychnos toxifera plant, this moteplase, is still in the testing phases derived from the bark of the cinchona paralyzing poison was historically used of development (phase III trials), but tree, and possesses the characteristic by South American tribes to cover the has already shown great promise [4]. It bitter taste of this plant. Reserpine, tips of their hunting arrows. stays in the body for a longer time than another alkaloid, is a drug used to treat Angiotensin-converting enzyme other thrombolytics (drugs which dis- hypertension and psychosis. Although (ACE) inhibitors were derived in the solve blood clots), is more selective in its not commonly used nowadays, it remains 1960s from the venom of the Brazilian action, and does not lead to neurotoxic- an option for treating those with high pit viper, Bothrops jararaca. The venom ity. It is possible that it may represent a blood pressure who are resistant to kills by causing a severe drop in arterial breakthrough in the treatment of stroke, other medications. The compound was pressure through blockage of the renin which is currently a highly debated and first isolated from the Indian snakeroot angiotensin aldosterone system, an complicated issue. Rauvolfia serpentine. This plant also essential physiological mechanism which Nowadays, we are in possession contains another chemical – yohimbine controls blood pressure. ACE inhibitors of complex methods to design, test – which acts on the alpha 2 receptors of such as lisinopril, captopril and enalapril and use medicines. Despite this, it’s adrenaline and is used as a remedy for have become first-line agents for high not uncommon that a drug crosses erectile dysfunction. blood pressure, particularly in younger our path which reminds us that no The willow tree (genus Salix) has Caucasian patients, and have a good matter how technologically advanced provided humanity with one of the most safety profile. It is noteworthy that their we are, our dependence on nature is important drugs we have ever used. The selective mechanism of action means eternal. People have been using the plant contains the active compound that ACE inhibitors may not be effective earth’s natural resources for medicinal salicin, used for centuries to relieve pain for everyone in terms of lowering blood purposes for millennia, and continue and fever by Native Americans as well as pressure. Despite this, the drugs have to do so. However, only a handful of the Ancient Egyptians. In fact, salicin was several other unique benefits including these substances – which include both the drug at the centre of the first clinical protecting the kidneys in diabetes and animal and plant products – have been trial in scientific history, conducted in improving heart function in patients scientifically deemed safe and effective 1763 [1]. In the late 1800s, it was used with heart failure [2]. enough for modern use. (ak) for the production of acetylsalicylic acid A more recent drug yielded from na- (Aspirin) – the most widely used drug in ture’s gift basket is exenatide, an anti- history, which single-handedly converted diabetic agent licensed for use in 2005. Friedrich Bayer’s company from a small This drug was isolated from lizard (Gila References dye manufacturer to a pharmaceutical monster) saliva and has been shown [ 1] Stone, Philos Trans, 1763 titan. The cardiac glycoside digoxin is to stimulate insulin release from the [2] Pahor et al, Diabetes Care, 2000 extracted from Digitalis lanata (foxglove). pancreas [3]. Unlike other anti-diabetic [3] Gavin, Ethnic Dis, 2007 Early attempts at medicinal use of this drugs, exenatide has an important fea- [4] Schleuning, Pathophysiol Haemos plant were hindered by its toxicity and ture – it only increases insulin secretion Thromb, 2001

2013 International Graduate Program Medical Neurosciences CNSNewsletter December 2013 FOCUS 11

Green Tea and its Extracts for Healthy Brains Bettina Schmerl, MSc Student Medical Neurosciences

he second most popular beverage after water, con- was recently performed here at the Charité – investigated the sumed either hot or cold, is prepared from brewing the anti-inflammatory actions of EGCG in multiple sclerosis (MS), Tleaves of Camellia sinesis: green tea. Different from the an autoimmune disease with unknown origin that causes equally popular black tea, the fermentation of the leaves is CNS damage by attacking the myelin sheath and causing prevented, retaining the eponymous original green color [1]. inflammation and neuronal death [17]. Previous research For a long time, consuming green tea was associated with groups, now present on the Charité campus, had found longevity and increased health, and indeed, green tea was that EGCG strongly reduces symptoms in the EAE mouse shown to contain the highest concentrations of different model of MS. The green tea extract is a neuroprotectant and polyphenols (flavinoids, catechins, caffeine, theanine, theo- reduced general neuroinflammatory activity [18]. Regarding bromine, theophylline, phenolic acids) as well as antioxidants the now completed clinical trial, project leader Dr. Judith (epigallocatechin gallate, catechin, epicatechin gallocatechin, Bellmann-Strobl stated: “We currently evaluate the results gallocatechin gallate, and epicatechin gallate), all of which of the SuniMS trial. We are about to unblind the data and were shown to be associated with health benefits [2]. only then we will know the effects. So far, I can only say that A multitude of studies, mainly performed in Asian the investigational product was very well tolerated even at countries where the plant is cultivated and drinking green relatively high dosages.” tea has a tradition of almost 5000 years [3], reported the In conclusion, green tea consumption is very likely health benefits of green tea consumption in various diseases beneficial for the body, soul and disease prevention. However, ranging from atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, diabetes, treating individual diseases may require chemically pure obesity, liver and bowel pathologies to almost all types of compounds found in green tea extracts, which seem to exert cancers [1,4]. In many different types of brain and peripheral few, if any, side effects. It appears that a healthy lifestyle is nerve tumors, green tea and its extracts were found to not only about veggies and exercise; have some green tea to inhibit cancer cell growth and render them more vulnerable pamper your brain! to chemo- and radiotherapy while simultaneously sparing normal brain cells [5,6]. Prof. Hunstein, a former internist and hematologist, provided a very intriguing self-report on the application of green tea in disease. He suffered from the rare condition lambda light-chain amyloidosis. Whilst the common therapeutic approach was rather ineffective, daily consumption of 1.5 to 2 liters of green tea per day reduced his symptoms substantially [7]. Meta-analyses of studies investigating the effects of daily green tea consumption reveal that there are major variations in the daily intake, concentration, and preparation methods of green tea, and have not found definite proof of clinically relevant benefits [1]. However, more recent studies have relied on chemically pure green tea extracts, more specifically epigallocathechin-3-gallate (EGCG). This compound was shown to be beneficial for the central nervous system. Since green tea is associated with healthy Source: Will Spark, bit.ly/1hnKUQo aging, researchers investigated its effects in diseases of the elderly: Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. References In vitro and in vivo models, similar to Prof. Hunsteins [ 1] bit.ly/1azL2q3 amyloidosis report, showed that EGCG decreases A-beta [2] Johnson et al, Maturitas, 2012 plaque burden by inhibiting peptide aggregation and [3] http://inventors.about.com/od/tstartinventions/ss/tea.htm promoting production of non-cytotoxic peptides through the [4] Hursel et al, Am J Clin Nutr, 2013 modulation of secretase activity [8,9]. Additionally, green tea [5] Das et al, Cancer, 2010 extract acts as an anti-inflammatory compound, scavenging [6] Shervington et al, Mol Biol Rep, 2009 free radicals and promoting hippocampal neurogenesis, [7] Hunstein, Blood, 2007 all of which are beneficial in Parkinson's disease[10]. The [8] Jayasena et al, Ageing Research Reviews, 2013 extract does not only prevent cognitive decline by slowing [9] Lee et al, J Nutr, 2009 down neurodegenerative processes, but was found to [10] Lee, Neurosignals, 2005 improve cognition even in healthy brains [11]. In small animal [11] Haque et al, J Nutr, 2006 as well as human studies, researchers found evidence for [12] Zhu et al, Pharmacol Res, 2012 the psychological relevance of green tea and its extracts. [13]Kimuras et al, Biol Psychol, 2007 Reports indicate that green tea reduces stress and even has [14] Suzuki et al, Med Sci Monit, 2004 an antidepressant-like activity. [12,13] [15] Kumar and Kumar, Food Chem Toxicol, 2009 Moreover, there is evidence that EGCG prevents cognitive [16] De la Torre, Mol Nutr Food Res, 2013 deficits after stroke, in Huntington's disease and Down [17] http://www.gesundheitsforschung-bmbf.de/de/1053.php syndrome patients [14-16]. Another very promising trial - which [18] Aktas et al, J Immunol, 2004

www.medical-neurosciences.de 12 FOCUS CNSNewsletter December 2013

The Venom Cur(s)e By Rick Cornell Hellmann, PhD Student Medical Neurosciences, AG Spinal Cord Injury

enoms are nature’s most deadly weapons allowing monkeys by injecting them with a concentrate of the polio small animals to immobilize or kill foes several times virus, 5 of which he also gave cobra venom. Only those with Vtheir size. Their potency is now used in medicine. both the venom and the virus survived. Subsequently, he Venoms consist of a complex mixture of short peptides developed a cobra venom-based medicine that could reverse and enzyme-like complexes suspended in a fibrous protein the symptoms of polio years before a vaccine was invented. matrix [1]. Early attempts at using venom as a medicine failed Haast also invented PROven, a viper venom-based medicine because the raw venom was highly allergenic. Although the that was used to treat around 7000 patients suffering from initial treatment showed promising effects, subsequent arthritis and multiple sclerosis in the 1970s before the FDA therapy was consequently impos- closed down the only clinic offering sible. This changed in the 1940s the therapy and banned the drug when Dr. Waldemar Diesing devel- due to insufficient clinical testing oped a method to reduce the aller- [5]. genic carrier protein content from How venom-based medicine around 85 % to below 2 %, making works is not fully understood. The the active components of the ven- toxin complex (from 32 snakes and om available for therapy: The Hor- one salamander species in Haast’s vi-Enzyme Therapy was born [2]. case) might simply train the im- Since the 1950s, scientists have mune system to swiftly destroy any rediscovered the medical prop- invading pathogens and support erties of venom and applied it homeostasis. Venoms represent to increasingly diverse diseases. a hyper-specialized weapon that “The dose makes the poison” is a has been evolved and upgraded by wisdom of toxicology stating that thousands of animals [1]. The short everything (even water) is a poi- peptides and protein complexes at- son if administered to a biological tack several systems of the body system in sufficient concentration (bb) by mimicking active wild-type com- [3]. Conversely, a dose of the same pounds in those systems. Most of- substance can be beneficial, if administered below toxic or ten, venoms attack the same system by several routes and fatal levels. more than one system at once [1]. These inherent capabilities W.E. “Bill” Haast, an US serpentologist, scientist, and may lead to the development of a novel class of drugs, which man of many talents picked up on this when he opened his slow aging, prevent infections and autoimmune diseases. Miami Serpentarium in 1946 [4]. Haast observed that in the Many more applications for venoms are still being discovered. process of a large-scale governmental antidote production, The author of this article does not take responsibility for horses developed an immunity to the venoms. Considering injuries resulting from handling venoms and advises “Do not his increasing contact with snakes, Haast figured he try this at home (or anywhere else)! You might not survive it.” needed a similar immunity. He proved his idea by self- administering venom injections weekly starting at the age of 38, subsequently surviving over 172 snake bites, saving References 21 snake-bite victims by donating his blood, and living a [ 1] Holland, NaGe, 2013 disease-free and active life [4]. Bill Haast looked and moved [2] http://tinyurl.com/lpwhc6j like a 60-year old before he died at a proud age of 100. In [3] http://tinyurl.com/l5herhv his long career, Haast observed that cobra venom caused [4] http://tinyurl.com/k9z6l4m the same symptoms as polio. He thus experimented on 10 [5] http://tinyurl.com/lglcpkh

Contest

We are always interested in including your contributions. You can submit anything you see fit on the topic of neuroscience. Send us your most exciting microscopic pictures, or a creative photo, thoughts on neuroscience or self-written poems – whatever comes to mind! The best contribution will be published and rewarded with the book “Advice to a Young Scientist”. So, what are you waiting for? Start the engine of your mind and get going! Trust us, it is worth participating! Send your contribution to [email protected] to win the Medical Neurosciences shoulder bag. Deadline for submission for the next issue: January 31, 2013. This issue’s winner is Nikolas Karalis who contributed two articles to this issue: “Meditation – The Art of Healing” and the conference report on the Bernstein Conference 2013. Thank you very much for your contribution.

2013 International Graduate Program Medical Neurosciences CNSNewsletter December 2013 FOCUS 13

Chromotherapy - Colorful Nonsense? By Betty Jurek, PhD Student German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases

t is widely believed that colors (defined as electromagnetic results of all these publications sound plausible in the context radiation in the visible range) can influence our physiology. that different wavelengths have different properties. But IInterior designers would recommend a yellowish home they all have one common feature that questions the efficacy office, as it enhances concentration, and a reddish kitchen of color therapy: the lack of scientific evidence. Current for appetite stimulation. If the hypothesis that colors can evidence for the efficacy of chromotherapy consists of case influence our physiology is valid, it is not far to think that reports [3], small trials or studies utilizing full-spectrum colors could also have the potential to heal. light instead of applying distinct colors (e.g. Takkata, see [1]). As early as 2000 BC people used colored stones, While some associations may be based on evolution (e.g. red crystals and salves to heal wounds [1]. Since then, several arouses attraction), others are contextual and individual [4]. postulations about the impact of colors have been made In conclusion, robust scientific correlations between (e.g. Acivenna, Babbitt [1]). Collectively, they characterize pathology progression and color application are still missing. the color red as activating, blue and green as soothing, and So, if you think that you recover best from a cold by lying on yellow as anti-inflammatory [1]. Dinshaw Ghadiali extended a red sofa wrapped in a yellow blanket, stick with it. However, this approach with the principle that particular areas of the if you are diabetic you should probably stick to conventional body (chakras) respond to particular colors. In his Spectro- insulin therapy rather than follow Ghadiali’s advice of Chrome encyclopedia (1933), he concluded that every exposing yourself to yellow and magenta! element would correspond to a certain prismatic color and that a disease would reflect an imbalance. This was based on the phenomenon that heated elements had a specific References emission spectrum. Thus, a specific pathology could be [ 1] Azeemi, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2005 treated using the appropriate color [2]. Other color therapists [2] Spectro-Chrome Therapy, JAMA 1935 have extended his work (e.g. Klotsche, Takkata, Ott [1]) and [3] Ott, Devin-Adair Pub, 1972 reported beneficial effects on various pathologies [3]. The [4] O’ Connor, Col Res App, 2011

Figure adapted from vectorcharacters.net

Oppenheim-Preis 2014

The Deutsche Dystonie-Gesellschaft awards excellent clinical and basic research in the area of dystonia with the Oppenheim- Preis 2014 (5000€). Contributions about the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy of dystonia as well as the psychosocial situation of the concerned are wanted, particularly from scientists below the age of 40. More information: http://www.dystonie.de/die-ddg/oppenheim-preis.html

www.medical-neurosciences.de 14 FOCUS & Conference Report CNSNewsletter December 2013

Simply Put, Music Can Heal By Tian Zhang, PhD Student Medical Neurosciences, AG Clinical Neurosciences

he idea of using music to heal has been postulated as possible with music therapy even when verbal expression is early as in the writings of Aristotle and Plato. The first absent, which is the case with infants, people with dementia, Trecorded music therapy intervention was in the 1800s or patients suffering from acute psychosis. Music therapy, in an institutional setting (Blackwell’s island in New York). however, is not limited to listening; actively playing an Interest in music therapy continued to gain support thereafter. instrument can also be rewarding for body coordination and By definition, music therapy is the evidence-based clinical motor function of patients with motor disabilities. Finally, it use of music interventions to accomplish individualized is often not only the music but also the relationship between therapeutic goals by a credentialed professional who has the patient and the therapist that makes the therapy work. completed an approved music therapy program [1]. To sum up, music therapy is one of the most important Modern music therapy consists of two main domains. One complementary therapies and can be applied to various traditional working area is psychiatric music therapy, where diseases. Music therapy research is also an active area music is used as a tool of self-expression and interaction. [3-5], which greatly promotes the development and new Another traditional domain is music therapy for developmental applications of music therapy in both psychiatric and and neurological disorders. While psychiatric music therapy neurological clinical settings. Isn't it nice that we can both is often based on a relatively free and spontaneous working enjoy music and be healed at the same time? paradigm, music therapy for developmental and neurological diseases is more structured and method-oriented [2]. It is hard to find anyone who does not like music at all. Vast differences exist only when we talk about emotions different References music can arouse or personal experiences that have been [ 1] http://www.musictherapy.org/about/quotes/ attached. Since the majority of psychiatric disorders are [2] http://www.ithp.org/articles/musictherapy.html associated with emotional disorders, it is no wonder that [3] Sakarmo et al, Brain, 2008 music has been useful to regulate emotion. Fortunately, [4] Morgan et al, Acta Psychiatr Scand, 2011 experiences with emotional entities and interaction become [5] Srinivasan and Bhat, Front Integr Neurosci, 2013

Bernstein Conference 2013 By Nikolas Karalis, PhD Student, Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Tübingen

he ninth installment of the annual Bernstein Conference Strüngmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience was awarded for Computational Neuroscience, organized by the the Bernstein Award 2013 – a prize worth 1.25 Million Euros TBernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience over 5 years – for his work with morphological modeling. Dr. Tübingen, took place from September 24-28, 2013 in Tübingen Cuntz investigates the effects of shape and morphology of attracting 550 participants. nerve cells on the structure and function of neuronal circuits. Two days before the official kick-off of the conference, In addition to the academic program, a Science Slam open a series of pre-conference workshops took place, featuring for the general public took place, and the public was also specialized talks and open discussions on a range of hot invited to watch and vote for the short films participating in topics in experimental and computational neuroscience such the Neurovision Film Contest 2013. as spatial navigation, calcium imaging, neural computation, During the weekend following the conference, the PhD and others. Symposium took place, asking the question “How many The main axes of the conference revolved around corti- brains do we need to understand the brain?”. The PhD cal dynamics and circuits, the physiology of vision, compu- Symposium consisted of social get-togethers for Master and tational vision, and decision-making. The program included PhD students as well as talks by Andrea Burgalossi, Catherine many exciting talks from some of the leading computational Cutts, Matthew Larkum, and Abigail Morisson. neuroscientists from Europe and abroad. The list of invited The Bernstein Conference 2014 will take place from lecturers comprised Drs. A.Movshon, E.Simoncelli, M.Usrey, September 2-6, 2014 in Göttingen. The official program as well P.Roelfsema, A.Pasupathy, R.Rosenholtz, A.Torralba, as the abstracts of the oral talks and posters presented this P.Perona, D.Fitzpatrick, N.Rochefort, A.Renart, A.Karpova, year can be found on the official website of the conference. and A.Kepecs. These lectures were complemented by very interesting contributed talks, a total of 80, as well as 250 poster presentations over two poster sessions, spanning a wide range of topics within computational neuroscience. More information During the conference, Dr. Hermann Cuntz from the Ernst www.bernstein-conference.de

2013 International Graduate Program Medical Neurosciences CNSNewsletter December 2013 Paper Review 15

Once upon a TiMe

long time ago at a hospital for succession is the basis of our learning elderly people with psychiatric and understanding of the world. In his Adisorders, I entered one of the book, he argues that even though time rooms to check on an Alzheimer’s is perceived on the basis of successive disease (AD) patient who had been events (e.g. A - B), the world does not recently admitted. In a small room appear to us as a flow of accidental with two beds, one next to a window and arbitrary occurrences. Yet, it overlooking a small garden and another appears to us as occurring in an orderly Source: http://www.nowherelimited.com/thawed_out/ on the other side of the room, I slowly and organized pattern. For humans entered and stood facing one of the beds to perceive the world this way, they our brains? Areas ranging from the right and the window behind. It was a bright must understand the process of cause prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and day with the sun hiding behind a few and effect (e.g. AàB) and hence, must posterior parietal cortex to the cerebel- passing clouds. I instantly remembered recognize temporally discrete events [2]. lum have all been found involved in time my childhood and my family. A day on the Such a process allows us to perceive a perception [3]. It was then proposed that beach or barbecuing in a park, just the world that is coherent and meaningful. time perception depends on distributed, scene from the window was sufficient to In fact, not only is time important in modality-specific, and time-keeping pro- take me away to that memory until she creating a comprehensive world but it is cesses that might then converge onto said, “Mom, mom”. The patient lying in also important in learning. Experiments the posterior parietal cortex. Yet, it is front of me had started calling. I quietly were performed on preschoolers where not only a structure-dependent func- listened to her as she looked at me and they were asked to relate between tion but an unsteady and changing one. at the window. “Mom,” she said, “where temporally contiguous yet inconsistent Like Einstein had charmingly phrased it: is the food? Mom, can we eat breakfast events and consistent but temporally “When a man sits with a pretty girl for an outside? Mom” she kept calling out non-contiguous events show that they hour, it seems like a minute. But let him repeatedly. At that moment, I felt myself are able to connect the former. Such sit on a hot stove for a minute – then, in another scene; a little girl standing an experiment meant that preschoolers it's longer than any hour. That's relativ- next to her mother in a small kitchen relied on temporal cues in cause-effect ity!” Likewise, time perception depends with a small window above the sink and relations. This outlines that temporal on emotions. If you are bored or de- a small wooden dining table nearby. A cues are used as a learning process pressed, time seems to flow very slowly, plant or perhaps a few half-dying flowers in children until they acquire more sometimes painfully so. When anxious or stood in a vase on the table. Even though knowledge and rely on other methods fearful, time seems to speed up. An ex- I had my own past onto which I reflected, as well. The perception of duration planation for this phenomenon was that my patient had been re-living hers again and succession is present early during increased or decreased attention and with no sense of present. Time and childhood, but only when they are arousal could affect the rate of the in- memory had failed her; she was now in a integrated at the age of 7 or 8 is the ternal pacemaker clock and thus change world that I wished would bring her more notion of time developed. our perception of time. peace than the war that she had been So how do we perceive time? Some Some physicists assume that the constantly fighting with AD. have proposed that the underlying universe had to be created in this A German-Swiss polymath known by mechanism of experienced time is a specific manner for us to perceive it. Its the name Paracelsus once said: “Time is pacemaker accumulator clock producing characteristics had to be conceivable a brisk of wind, for each hour it brings a series of pulses – ticking like a clock. to our minds. Perhaps similarly, time something new. But who can understand The number of pulses recorded then also had to be created in this specific and measure its sharp breadth, its represent the duration experienced. manner for us to perceive it. Therefore, mystery and its design?” So, what is The recorded pulses are then compared time might be an inherent component of time? How do we perceive time? And to units of pulses stored in long-term our existence as we might also be. Time though the answers have been debated memory. The more experiences you is a contracting and dilating dimension for many years, it is no hidden fact record, the longer the time it seems of the universe as much as it is in our that time, whatever and wherever it is, to acquire. When you remember your minds despite the different factors shapes our lives. childhood, you feel as though each involved. Whether or not we agree on Throughout many years, experiments experience in it was very long compared the actual directionality of time, we on time and time perception have been to adult experiences. This is because seem to perceive it as directional and carried out by psychologists. Fraisse says children record new memories and this differentiate between today, yesterday, that the notion of time comprises two increase in memory-encoding leads and tomorrow. And the stories of our concepts; 1) the concept of succession in to an increase in the duration of the lives always begin with: once upon a which two or more events are perceived perceived time [3]. time. (ys) as different and sequential and 2) the The space-time dimension has been concept of duration which represents an created with the creation of the uni- References interval between two successive events. verse. Time controls our lives in many [ 1] Fraisse, Perception and Estimation of And thus, as he notes, it is when the ways; from the circadian clock to other Time, 1984 perception of duration is conjoined with physiological mechanisms, and even in [2] Friedman, The Developmental the perception of succession of events the existence of our universe from the Psychology of Time, 1982 that the notion of time develops [1]. big bang to the creation of galaxies – ev- [3] Wittman, The Inner Experience of Friedman beautifully outlines how this erything involves time. So where is it in Time. 2009 www.medical-neurosciences.de German Courses in Berlin Institution German Duration Class Size Costs Website level Deutsche Welle All levels As long as you want Individual learning online For free http://www.dw.de/deutsch- lernen/s-2055 Berlin Language School All levels Different options available, 90min Individual and - €42+/45min for individual lessons http://www.berlasco.de/ twice a week, intensive courses, etc. group courses - between €45+/45min and €54+/45min for 2 to 8 people in total - evening classes (4-8 participants) 4 weeks 16x45min €169, 8 weeks 32x45min €299 - intensive course €145 for 1 week, €275 for 2 weeks, etc.

Berlitz Sprachschule All levels - Individual courses: min. 10 lessons - Individual courses - Individual courses: €44/45min http://www.berlitz.de/de/ - Intensive courses: 6 lessons/ - Intensive courses: - Intensive courses: €840 + €147 berlin.html week for 10 weeks max. 6 participants for learning material

DeutschAkademie All levels 1 month courses, 4x3h/week 5-10 participants €205/course (plus one course book per http://www.deutschakademie. month of around €20 new, but sometimes de/berlin/ you can buy it used from other students) GLS Sprachenzentrum All levels - Evening classes 2x2h/week - Evening classes: - Evening classes: 1 month = 20 lessons http://www.gls-sprachenzentrum. Berlin - Daytime intensive 8 participants €160, 2 months €300, 3 months €435 de/311_deutschkurs_berlin.html classes 5x3.5h/week - Daytime classes: - Daytime classes: 1 week = 20 lessons - Individual courses or private 12 participants €180, 2 weeks €270, 3 weeks €410 courses (e.g. with a friend): - Individual or - Individual courses: €40/45min, >20 minimum of 10 lessons private courses lessons €35/45min, private courses €42/45min, >20 lessons €38/45min “Price is relatively cheap, Goethe Institut All levels - Intensive courses for 2, 4, or 8 - Max. 16 participants - €619 for standard courses http://www.goethe.de/ins/ however the quality weeks with 25x45min per week - 10 on average for - €59/45 min for individual lessons de/ort/ber/deindex.htm of the teachers are - Standard courses for 8 or 12 weeks standard courses - €39/45 min for classes with 2-3 participants rather questionable, with 10 or 6.6x45min per week - Small groups with 2-3 - €29/45 min for classes with 4-8 participants small rooms. Crowd: prep - Individual courses or small groups or 4-8 participants school students, young people.“ – Ferry Sagala Hartnackschule Berlin All levels - 20 lessons/week for 2 months Not known - Morning classes €234/month, afternoon/ http://www.hartnackschule- (A1-B1), for 3 months (B2-C2), evening classes €198/month berlin.de/ 1 month is also possible “Difficult to get in, must book Humboldt All levels -One semester 1x/week (2h/lesson) 20 participants -€40/semester http://www.sprachenzentrum. really early. Rather Sprachenzentrum -One month intensive course (4 on average -€400/intensive course hu-berlin.de/ for advanced levels hours/day) in September and March (starting from B1). Great quality. Great teachers. Cheap.“ – Ferry Sagala German Courses in Berlin Institution German Duration Class Size Costs Website level Deutsche Welle All levels As long as you want Individual learning online For free http://www.dw.de/deutsch- lernen/s-2055 “Very positive. I studied Berlin Language School All levels Different options available, 90min Individual and - €42+/45min for individual lessons http://www.berlasco.de/ here for 6 months straight twice a week, intensive courses, etc. group courses - between €45+/45min and €54+/45min (B1.2-C2.1), and my German for 2 to 8 people in total improved so much because of it. The - evening classes (4-8 participants) 4 weeks price for the course is really fair and I 16x45min €169, 8 weeks 32x45min €299 think you really get your money's worth. - intensive course €145 for 1 week, But, you have to be motivated to study at €275 for 2 weeks, etc. home in your spare time, otherwise you won't really gain much from it.” – Anna Schröder Berlitz Sprachschule All levels - Individual courses: min. 10 lessons - Individual courses - Individual courses: €44/45min http://www.berlitz.de/de/ “I took a B1.2 class. The class was small and great - Intensive courses: 6 lessons/ - Intensive courses: - Intensive courses: €840 + €147 berlin.html for learning. I spoke and interacted a lot. The week for 10 weeks max. 6 participants for learning material quality was great, grammar was spot on. The teacher was friendly, and I think what is taught is controlled. My experience is DeutschAkademie All levels 1 month courses, 4x3h/week 5-10 participants €205/course (plus one course book per http://www.deutschakademie. very similar to Goethe Institut but month of around €20 new, but sometimes de/berlin/ for a much lower price.” – you can buy it used from other students) Niraja Ramesh GLS Sprachenzentrum All levels - Evening classes 2x2h/week - Evening classes: - Evening classes: 1 month = 20 lessons http://www.gls-sprachenzentrum. Berlin - Daytime intensive 8 participants €160, 2 months €300, 3 months €435 de/311_deutschkurs_berlin.html classes 5x3.5h/week - Daytime classes: - Daytime classes: 1 week = 20 lessons - Individual courses or private 12 participants €180, 2 weeks €270, 3 weeks €410 courses (e.g. with a friend): - Individual or - Individual courses: €40/45min, >20 minimum of 10 lessons private courses lessons €35/45min, private courses €42/45min, >20 lessons €38/45min

Goethe Institut All levels - Intensive courses for 2, 4, or 8 - Max. 16 participants - €619 for standard courses http://www.goethe.de/ins/ weeks with 25x45min per week - 10 on average for - €59/45 min for individual lessons de/ort/ber/deindex.htm - Standard courses for 8 or 12 weeks standard courses - €39/45 min for classes with 2-3 participants “Great teachers, I would with 10 or 6.6x45min per week - Small groups with 2-3 - €29/45 min for classes with 4-8 participants recommend for the basic - Individual courses or small groups or 4-8 participants levels (until B1) to do it here. Really expensive, but think of it DeutschAkademie All levels 1 month courses, 4x3h/week 5-10 participants €205/course (plus one course book per http://www.deutschakademie. as an investment, because it will month of around €20 new, but sometimes de/berlin/ give you a good foundation for the you can buy it used from other students) advanced levels. If you are serious about mastering the language, start GLS Sprachenzentrum All levels - Evening classes 2x2h/week - Evening classes: - Evening classes: 1 month = 20 lessons http://www.gls-sprachenzentrum. here. Crowd: serious students, Berlin - Daytime intensive 8 participants €160, 2 months €300, 3 months €435 de/311_deutschkurs_berlin.html companies, embassies.” classes 5x3.5h/week - Daytime classes: - Daytime classes: 1 week = 20 lessons – Ferry Sagala - Individual courses or private 12 participants €180, 2 weeks €270, 3 weeks €410 courses (e.g. with a friend): - Individual or - Individual courses: €40/45min, >20 minimum of 10 lessons private courses lessons €35/45min, private courses €42/45min, >20 lessons €38/45min

www.medical-neurosciences.de Institution German Duration Class Size Costs Website level Inlingua All levels - Individual courses: - Individual - Individual http://www.inlingua- min. 10 lessons lessons courses: €46/ berlin.de/sprachen- - Combi-10: 20 - Evening classes: lesson for 10 lernen/deutsch.html/ lessons in groups, 3-6 participants lessons, €44/ 10 individual - Daily classes: lesson for 20 lessons 6-12 participants lessons, etc. - Evening classes: - Saturday - Combi-10: €620 “I enjoy it because 1 or 2x2 lessons classes: 2-5 for 1 week, €1160 of the small class - Daily classes: 20 participants for 2 weeks, etc. size and the teachers lessons/week - Evening classes: are younger. My German - Saturday €92 or €184 for has improved greatly classes: 3 lessons 1x or 2x2 lessons after 3 months. :)” – for 10 weeks - Saturday Priscilla Koduah classes: €450 - Learning material: €36-46

Sprachenatelier All levels 1 month and then max. of 10 in a €100 for 4 http://www. more if you want class, currently in weeks or €190 sprachenatelier-berlin.de/ my class we are 5 for 8 weeks Sprach- und All levels 2 blocks of 6-8 10-15 participants €112 for http://www.skb.tu-berlin. Kulturbörse weeks during 60x45min, €149 de/contao/index.php/en/ der TU Berlin the semester, 3, for 80x45min 6 or 9h/week “I took an A2.1 class which was okay, but not the best I've “Cheap. been to. I preferred DeutschAkademie Crowd mostly and Goethe Institut. The Teacher did students. Teachers not know the formal rules of the language. are young Germans She just knew how to speak it because she who study the was a native speaker. No one really checks language.” – Ferry for quality, I think. We didn't have a text Sagala book or a reference book, so it was up to the teacher to give us exercises, etc., which were sometimes too simple or too tough for our level.” – Niraja Ramesh

Volkshochschule All levels Different 10-20 €150 for http://www.berlin.de/ possibilities, e.g. participants 100x45 min vhs/kurse/deutsch/ twice a week, deutschfremd.html “My feeling is that everyday, usual courses from VHS are length: 100x45 min less stressful than ones “Price from language school like is super cheap, Goethe or Hartnack. However, I great experienced personally only have experience teachers, however with VHS and find it somehow rather large group relaxed. It depends on the teacher, (25 people in class). some are quite responsible and Crowd mix.“ – Ferry interesting, some might be Sagala not.” – Tian Zhang

Zentraleinrichtung A1-C1 One semester, Not known €48/semester http://www.zems. Moderne Sprachen 1x or 2x/week tu-berlin.de/ (TU Berlin) (2-4h/lesson) Zentraleinrichtung A2-C1 One semester, Not known Not known http://www. Sprachenzentrum 1x or 2x/week sprachenzentrum. (FU Berlin) (2h/lesson) fu-berlin.de/

Course fees were investigated in October 2013. No fee guarantee. (mz)

2013 International Graduate Program Medical Neurosciences CNSNewsletter December 2013 Dr. Harebrained Knows it All ... & Course Watch 19

Neuroscience in Your Everyday Life Is it True that People Born in Summer Need Less Sleep than People Born in Winter? hy do some people seem to need less sleep than These differences in individual chro- others? Why is it so easy for some people to get up notypes are definitely something Win the morning and for others it’s easier to stay up which we have to keep in mind when late at night? discussing school hours or office As far as we know, there is no data on the association hours. These are often much too between sleep patterns and birth dates. I even asked an early especially for school children in the midst of puberty. expert on the topic: Prof. Dr. Till Rönneberg from LMU Munich. Last but not least, I want to mention an important feature However, he told me that this has not been investigated in of our inner clock, and that is that it is able to synchronize to depth. What has been thoroughly investigated though is why our environment through light. This means that it can entrain some people are early birds and some are night owls. This the 24-hour day-night cycle provided it receives enough light has to do with our inner clock that has evolved to help us input. To cut it short, the more light we get, the easier it is for anticipate the daily changes in our environment, such as light- night owls to get up in the morning and the longer early birds dark cycles or temperature cycles. Almost everyone’s inner can stay up at night. (vl) clock is happily ticking away with an approximately 24-hour period (that is why it is termed ‘circadian clock’ – circa dias Reference – almost a day). However, the ticking speed varies. Imagine All Information was take from: Rönneberg and Merrow, Cold you have a fast inner clock. This means that you would be Spring Harb Symp Quant Biol, 2007 too early for everything: you wake up early, eat early and get tired early; you would be an early bird, or as the scientific community terms it – an early chronotype. The opposite is Do you also sometimes wonder about the simple also true; late chronotypes have a slow inner clock, so they neuroscientific questions in everyday life, but don’t really are ‘late’ for everything. feel like looking them up right away? For questions like this, The interesting thing is that our chronotype varies just mail us your question ([email protected]) and throughout our life; we all start off as very early chronotypes, Dr. Harebrained will give us his explanation in the next issue! our clocks become gradually slower until the end of puberty Our next issues question: Why is it again that we have ’déjà and then getting earlier again during the rest of our lives. vu‘ experiences? Not only is our chronotype age-dependent, but also sex- dependent.

13th Berlin Summer School “Psychiatry as a Science and as a Profession”

he 13th Berlin summer school “Psychiatry as a home messages in the form of short presentations. Learning science and as a profession” was a fun-filled intense by doing thus seemed to be the motto of the Summer School. Teducational week that took place in the last week of Most importantly, we also learned the art of constructive August, attended by over 17 psychiatrists and students from criticism – a very valuable skill. It was obvious that the 13 different countries: a truly international setting! professors were familiar with the saying: “all work and no The school was organized by Prof. Dr. Norman Sartorius, play makes Jack a dull boy”, as the mentally stimulating Prof. Dr. Andreas Stroehle, and Prof.Dr. Andreas Heinz. Prof. mornings and afternoon sessions were nicely balanced with a Sartorius has been described as one of the most prominent good number of social events in the evening – which included psychiatrists of his generation and, despite his impressive a tour of the city and a boat ride on the Spree. The summer qualifications, is the least bit intimidating and will surprise school concluded with Prof. Sartorius handing out diplomas you with his agility and memory! to the participants and practical advice about the priorities in The week started on a Sunday evening, with the participants our lives. It was definitely an honor to be taught by him and I introducing their countries of origin. During the week, we certainly recommend taking part in the school. Last but not were involved in several practical demonstrations of essential least, the summer school resulted in some lasting friendships tools starting with how to make introductions, presentation, because it consisted of a perfect number of participants; it and poster techniques, how to participate in discussions, and was neither too big nor too small. how to write proposals. After each practical session, Prof. Applications for next years Summer School begin in Sartorius presented the essence of the topic and the take- March. Watch out!! (arm)

www.medical-neurosciences.de 20 News in Brief & WhazzUp? CNSNewsletter December 2013

2013 International Graduate Program Medical Neurosciences Type: Lab Rotation/ Type: Lab Rotation/Master Thesis Master Thesis Title: Expression, function and endogenous modulators of transient receptor potential channels TRPV1, TRPV6 and TRPM8 in uveal melanoma (UM) Title: Behavioral and neurochemical Field of Research: Role of TRPs in very malignant tumor cells using highly effects of Deep Brain Stimulation in sensitive functional assays such as fluorescence calcium imaging and planar animal models of psychiatric disorders patch-clamping. (applied methods: surgery, behavioral Starting Date: February 2014 testing incl. intracranical self- Research Group: Experimental Ophthalmology, AG Stefan Mergler stimulation, immunohistochemistry) Contact: Stefan Mergler, [email protected], tel.: 030 450 559648 Field of Research: Deep Brain Stimulation as a potential treatment for therapy-resistant psychiatric disorders Starting Date: Immediately Research Group: AG Christine Winter, Experimental Psychiatry Contact: Julia Rummel, julia.rummel@ charite.de, tel.: 030 450 525016 Type: Master Thesis Project Title: NDRG1 – a mediator Open of glioma angiogenesis and Type: Lab Rotation with Positions for glioma growth Possibility of Extension to a Field of Research: Neurooncology Master Internship PhD and Master Starting Date: Immediately Project Title: Identification of proteins Research Group: interacting with neurotransmitter Students in Experimental Neurosurgery, receptors and their role in brain Prof. Peter Vajkoczy development Neuroscience Contact: Thomas Broggini, Field of Research: Molecular and cellular thomas.broggini@charite. neurobiology and brain development Research in Berlin de, tel.: 030 450 536298 Possible Starting Date/Deadline for Application: Possible starting date end of November, beginning of December, but the position will be open until it is successfully filled Research Group: AG Schmitz Contact: Dr. Nutabi Camargo, postdoctoral researcher, nutabi. [email protected], tel.: 030 450 Type: Master Thesis Project 539004 Title: Correlation between cognitive decline and viscoelasticity changes in the adult brain in the course of Alzheimer´s disease Field of Research: animal study on Type: Lab Rotation/Master Thesis a mouse model for AD, behavioral testing, histology Title: Expression, function and endogenous modulators of the transient receptor Possible starting date/deadline for potential (TRP) channels TRPM2 and TRPV6 in human corneal endothelial cells application: starting date Jan/Feb (HCEC) 2014, application until Dec 15th, 2013 Field of Research: Cell vitality and Ca2+ regulation of HCEC in context with Research Group: AG Barbara Steiner, keratoplasty and storage of donor corneas. Highly sensitive functional assays such Neural Regeneration and Plasticity as fluorescence calcium imaging and planar patch-clamping will be used. Focus on Contact: PD Dr. med. Barbara Steiner, TRPM2 and TRPV6. [email protected], tel.: 030 Starting Date: Immediately 450 517168 Research Group: Experimental Ophthalmology, AG Stefan Mergler Contact: Stefan Mergler, [email protected], tel.: 030 450 55964

Type: Master Thesis Type: Master Thesis Project/Lab Rotation Title: Influence of the EphrinB2-EphB4 system on Project Title: Mesenchymal stem cells in a hemiparkinson rat vascular resistance during antiangiogenic glioma model treatment Field of Research: Stem cells, parkinson, regeneration, and Field of Research: Neurooncology plasticity Starting Date: Immediately Possible Starting Date/Deadline for Application: As soon as Research Group: Experimental Neurosurgery, Prof. possible Peter Vajkoczy Research Group: AG Barbara Steiner, Neural Regeneration and Contact: Thomas Broggini, [email protected], Plasticity tel.: 030 450 536298 Contact: Anne Schwerk, [email protected],www.medical-neurosciences.de tel.: 030 450 517295 D B S T M S

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For the last ten issues, Benedikt has given the CNS newsletter a facelift. With almost 50 illustrations and cartoons, he has enriched a tremendous amount of articles making it so much more fun to read the newsletter. On this jubilee, we are sad to tell you that Benedikt will leave our team as he moves on in his career as a postdoc at Harvard! We congratulate Benedikt and wish him all the best for his future. Always leave them wanting more ... HARVARD CNSNewsletter December 2013 Topic 23

www.medical-neurosciences.de 24 News in Brief & WhazzUp? & Imprint CNSNewsletter December 2013

December Welcome 2013 Master Students We warmly welcome the new students to our MedNeuro 4-6 BSRT PhD Symposium – Regeneration is family from all around the world. We wish them the best Communication: Fireside Chats between of luck for the upcoming year or semester, depending on Cells & Matrices the track they have chosen. With just three students from (https://www.bsrt-phdsymposium.de/) Germany, this cohort emphasizes the ‘international’ in our program’s name. January 2014 17-26 International Green Week Berlin (http:// Call for NeuroCure PhD Fellowships www.gruenewoche.de/en/) Like last year, NeuroCure will offer scholarships for PhD students. The deadline for application is January 10, 2014. 23-28 Berlin’s Six-Day Race Details on: http://www.neurocure.de/phd-fellowships.html (http://bit.ly/1gmwxLa) Humboldt Research Track Scholarships February 2014 The Humboldt Research Track funding line is designed to 6-16 Berlinale (www.berlinale.de/en/) support 24 outstanding Master students per year in taking a first step towards a PhD. The program offers funding for March 2014 the transition phase between the end of a Master program and the beginning of PhD-level research. Applications start 10-11 Lab-on-a-Chip European Congress / on December 1, 2014. Details on: http://bit.ly/1cswprU. Advances in Biodetection & Biosensors / Advances in Microarray Technology (http://bit.ly/16Wee6S) New Members of the Examination and Admission Committee 15 Long Night of Museums We also warmly welcome the new members of the examination (http://www.lange-nacht-der-museen.de/) and admission committee (ZuPrüA), Professors Friedeman Paul and Seija Lehnardt. 19-23 30th International Congress of Clinical Neurophysiology and 58th Annual Meeting Christmas Party of the German Society for Clinical We plan to have a Christmas party not only to get into the Neurophysiology and Functional Imaging mood of Christmas time, but also to celebrate the end of (http://www.iccn2014.de/) the block lectures. The party will take place on Wednesday, December 18. We will keep you posted. 21-25 International Congress of Clinical Neurophysiology April 2014 Imprint Charité NeuroScience (CNS) th 2-4 19 Leipzig Workshop: Cytomics and Cell Corresponding Address th Therapies (Incorporating 12 International Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Workshop Slide-Based Cytometry) (http:// International Graduate Program Medical www.embo.org/events) Neurosciences, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin [email protected], t: +49 30 2093-4585 9-12 8th International Symposium on f: +49 30 2093-4590 Neuroprotection and Neurorepair (http://www.neurorepair-2014.de/) Contact 26 Long Night of Opera and Theatre [email protected] (http://langenacht.berlin-buehnen.de/) Editorial Staff May 2014 Ahmed Khalil(ak), Apoorva Rajiv Madipakkam(arm), 5-6 7th Charité Entrepreneurship Summit: Christine Römer(cr), Filip Morys(fm), Julia From Big Data to Precision Medicine Rummel(jr), Laura Empl(le), Marietta Zille(mz), (http://www.charite-summit.de/) Veronika Lang(vl),Yasmine Said(ys)

10 Long Night of Sciences Proofreading (http://www.langenachtderwissenschaften. Ahmed Khalil, Apoorva Rajiv Madipakkam, and Jennifer de/ ) Flynn

14 Long Night of Industry Layout and Typeset (http://www.langenachtderindustrie.de/ Viktoria Stoiser standorte/berlin/region.html)

14-16 CRISPR 2014 – The Prokaryotic Immune Illustrations System CRISPR / CAS Benedikt Brommer(bb) (http://www.crispr2014.de) Contributers Rick Hellmann, Betty Jurek, Nikolas Karalis, Harald Krutiak, Andreas Michalsen, Bettina Schmerl, Anne Schwerk, Damera Srinivas, Michael Teut, Tian Zhang

2013 International Graduate Program Medical Neurosciences