Since 2013, the charitable organisation Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa annually selects three research projects, led by scientists in Portugal. This year, the project of Noam Shemesh, a principal investigator at Champalimaud Foundation, was selected for one of the awards, called the Mantero Belard Prize.

Within a short span of time and with few instructions, people can solve complex problems from scratch. For instance, loading the trunk of a car with seemingly far too many objects. This is the core of human intelligence – its rapid and flexible nature. What is the cognitive scheme that allows us to create novel and complex strategies? And do “intelligent” machines use similar, or fundamentally different schemes?      

How can I be a better student? 

What is the best way to learn about topics that seem so complicated?

Am I using my full potential? 

How can I face the ever-changing world and future?

Aspiring to move beyond the “one-sentence” headline and get into the nitty gritty of the scientific process, CCU's Communication, Outreach and Events Team has created an animated science collection called "Inside the Unknown".

The collection kicks off with a selection of four projects, presenting studies from the three departments of Champalimaud Research. Mirroring the scientific work within, this collection will continue to evolve and grow over time. 

Welcome to your journey Inside the Unknown.

The 64th edition of the Pfizer Awards, the oldest award in the field of biomedical investigation in Portugal, took place yesterday, November 11th.

Predicting the outcomes of actions in order to make good decisions is a critical role of brain function. This process is thought to work through two fundamentally different mechanisms called “model-free” and “model-based” learning. Though fundamental for flexible and adaptive behaviour, the neurobiology of model-based learning remains poorly understood. 

Cannabinoids have a strong influence on how our brains work and how we behave. Many people are only aware of the recreational aspect of cannabinoids. But in fact these molecules naturally exist in our brains where they participate in various intrinsic processes.

Altered cannabinoid signalling, for instance due to chronic use of marijuana, results in a range of impairments. Similarly, mice lacking cannabinoid receptors exhibit reduced activity levels, as well as deficits in learning and memory.