In an engaging outreach activity, Anne des Rieux and Paloma Lozano from UC Louvain brought the Piezo4Spine project to life for a group of high school students eager to learn more about the human body, injury, and innovation.
The session began with an accessible introduction to the central nervous system, highlighting how different spinal cord injury locations affect various organs and bodily functions. From there, the focus shifted to Piezo4Spine’s core innovation: the theramesh. Students learned how this scaffold is designed to support nerve regeneration and were shown real video footage of viability tests and cells interacting with iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs).
The classroom quickly turned into a space full of curiosity and lively discussion. Students asked insightful questions about causes of spinal cord injury, how regenerative therapies work, and what it takes to become a scientist. The enthusiasm was palpable—many even expressed interest in lab work and research careers.
Outreach initiatives like this play a vital role in Piezo4Spine’s mission: not only to develop cutting-edge therapies, but to also foster scientific curiosity in the next generation. We thank Anne, Paloma, and the participating school for this successful knowledge-sharing experience.
