On September 25, on the occasion of SHARPER – European Researchers’ Night 2026, the Structural Biology and Biophysics group at Fondazione Ri.MED welcomed adults and children to the UniPa Campus for an evening dedicated to wonder, discovery, and curiosity.
Visitors had the opportunity to explore the world of scientific research through activities designed to engage audiences of all ages. Among the experiences offered, a display aquarium containing live mussels allowed participants to observe these organisms up close, while an optical microscope provided the opportunity to examine the mussel byssus in detail—the distinctive filamentous structure that enables the mollusk to adhere firmly to surfaces.
The study of the byssus is one of the main research areas of the Structural Biology and Biophysics laboratory, which investigates the adhesive proteins found within it. Inspired by the remarkable ability of mussels to adhere to surfaces even in damp or fully wet environments, researchers aim to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and translate these principles into biomedical applications.
The goal is to draw inspiration from nature to develop new biocompatible, biodegradable, naturally derived adhesive materials with potential applications in medicine. These may include, for example, the development of adhesives capable of supporting tissue regeneration, facilitating wound closure and repair, or contributing to the repair and stabilization of bone tissue. This provides a concrete example of how studying natural mechanisms can open up new avenues for the development of innovative solutions in healthcare.
The event offered an opportunity to communicate research in a direct and accessible way and to share the excitement of discovery with the public, showing how even the observation of seemingly familiar organisms can provide a window into fascinating biological phenomena and potential innovative applications in medicine.
We are proud to have welcomed an incredibly curious and engaged audience of all ages, undeterred even by the rain that caught everyone by surprise during the evening. Throughout the event, our researchers continued to share their work and their stories, spark curiosity, and entertain the visitors. And once the rain had passed, even more people joined us, filling the stands and bringing renewed energy to the evening!
A heartfelt thank you to Luisa Affatigato, Caterina Alfano, Arkita Bandyopadhyay, Nadia Consiglio, Dorotea Fracchiolla, Muhammed Shafeek Oliyantakath Hassan, Martina Mascellino, Elisa Monaca, Salvatore Muscarella, Raffaele Sabbatella, Donata Sandri, and Apoorva Verma for bringing such enthusiasm and energy to this important European science outreach event!
