The Internet has definitively set itself up in our lives, and search engines now play the role previously played by phone books and dictionaries. Research guidance is essential for getting the most out of the Internet. Through this “Open Space” section, News@fmul intends to contribute towards this guidance.

In each issue we will divulge some pages from the Internet or blogs that seem to be worthy of note from the academic or scientific point of view so that they can be added to each person’s list of favourites. We are inviting all of our readers to send in suggestions to news@fm.ul.pt

- Bioengineering Laboratory in the Higher Technical Institute (IST) 
The Stem Cell Bioengineering Laboratory at IST aims at the development of highly controlled culture systems (e.g. bioreactors) for the ex-vivo expansion of stem cells and their controlled differentiation into specific cell types. Development of ex-vivo culture conditions that facilitate the maintenance and expansion of long term transplantable stem cells, as well as their differentiated progeny, is a crucial component and a major challenge in stem cell research and therapy.
More information see: www.ibb.pt/scbl


- Treatment of Neuro-degenerative Illnesses 
Ceregene, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the treatment of major neurodegenerative disorders using the delivery of nervous system growth factors. See more information on: http://www.ceregene.com/


- Portuguese Leukaemia Association (APCL). 
The Portuguese Leukemia Association (APCL) was founded in January 2002 on the initiative of a group of patients who survived pathologies in the haemato-oncological field (Leukaemia and Lymphomas) and a group of doctors from the Lisbon Francisco Gentil Portuguese Oncology Association (IPOFG), who treated them.

APCL was recognised as an Institution of Public Utility on the 15th of January 2003, and has a mission to:
- contribute to increase the efficiency of treatment of leukaemia and other like haematological neoplasies;
- promote the progress of scientific knowledge on the nature, evolution, prevention and treatment of these illnesses;
- support the patients with leukaemia and their families.
More information on: http://www.apcl.pt/


- PORDATA, the Database on Contemporary Portugal 
PORDATA was launched at the end of February, and is a public statistical information service which contains thousands of statistics and indicators about the most varied aspects of Portuguese reality.
This database was organized by the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation (FFMS), and has the sociologist António Barreto as its Chairman of the Board.
More information on: http://www.pordata.pt/

 

Carlos André
Editorial Team news@fmul
carlos.andre@campus.ul.pt