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Falar Global (“Global Talk”) – a program broadcast on the Portuguese network SIC that looks at the ways in which advances in science and technology are changing people's lives – regularly airs stories about the MIT Portugal Program, through an arrangement with Portugal’s Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
Several recent stories have focused on the impact of MIT Portugal research:
• Stem cell research to fight leukemia and other blood diseases. This February 2010 segment profiled ongoing work by stem cell researchers from MIT Portugal and the Portuguese Oncology Institute (IPO) to develop treatments for patients with leukemia and other blood disorders who have not responded to conventional treatments. Positive results have been achieved in nine such patients. The story includes interviews with Prof. Joaquim Sampaio Cabral (Co-lead, MIT Portugal Bioengineering focus area) and Dr. Manuel Abecassis (Director of the IPO Bone Marrow Transplant Unit).
• MIT Portugal’s cross-disciplinary approach to problem solving. This December 2009 segment focuses on the Green Islands project – a major initiative under way to work with government and industry in the Azores to increase significantly the Islands’ development and use of renewable energy; MIT Portugal research on using bacteria to generate electricity (see below); and “intelligent stents” for treating aneurysms. The piece includes clips from MIT President Susan Hockfield's November 2009 visit to Portugal, and the launch during that visit of several MIT Portugal research and training networks. The segment also features a studio interview with FCT President João Senteiro.
• Electricity production via bacteria. This November 2009 story focuses on Portuguese researchers' study of bacteria that can produce energy upon contact with waste containing metals – common elements of contaminated waste water. This naturally occurring characteristic suggests it may become possible to produce electricity in an entirely environmentally friendly way – something that was discovered at MIT. (The Portuguese researchers are looking at the process at the molecular level.) EDP (Energias de Portugal) has expressed an interest in the research.
In July 2009, Falar Global profiled the Green Islands project. (Part one describes the goals of the initiative; part two features an interview with MIT Portugal National Director Paulo Ferrão).
Additional MIT Portugal videos are available here.
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