Mediterranean Diet and OMICS Sciences
10 Years since her passing: Reflections on the Spiritual and Scientific Legacy of Nobel Laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini – May 31st, 2023
On May 31st, a seminar titled “Rita Levi-Montalcini (1909-2012): 10 Years After Her Passing” was held at the MAGI headquarters in San Felice del Benaco (Villa Bertelli-Maestrini). This prestigious event brought together esteemed professors and researchers who had the privilege of directly collaborating with Nobel laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini herself. Among the participants was also Dr. Matteo Bertelli, the President of MAGISNAT, who had a decade-long collaboration with Professor Levi-Montalcini in relation to the Foundation for Africa.
“The organization of this seminar fills me with immense joy and a sense of accomplishment. Perhaps, throughout the years, our contributions have made a meaningful impact. Perhaps our dedication to fostering the growth of young researchers worldwide, particularly those from Africa, has not been in vain.”
Dr. matteo bertelli
The efforts of those people who are passionately committed to the betterment of humanity, as Professor Levi-Montalcini was, can often feel like just a drop of hope in an ocean of monumental challenges: the world’s population appears increasingly divided, with vast numbers of impoverished individuals lacking access to education, while a privileged elite exercises dominion over those who don’t even have basic educational opportunities. This disheartening situation raises many concerns in those who wish and actively fight for a better world since past battles for democracy and freedom often look as if they were all in vain. How we can carry forward the ideals of freedom and democracy, principles that these remarkable individuals cherished so dearly? How can we persevere in our pursuit of moral and material progress for all of humanity?
However, despite the hardships of the current period, it is important not to lose hope. Even the greatest personalities of the past, such as Rita Levi-Montalcini herself, had to face many challenges and had to devote great efforts to reach their goals, but they did not lose their humanity and altruism despite that. The Italian Nobel Laureate, for example, kept doing her research in a hidden laboratory despite the ban imposed by the racial laws of 1938 while being hunted by the Nazis because of her Jewish heritage and was also actively involved in treating wounded soldiers who fought against Hitler’s army.
Years later, her relentless pursuit of scientific research in spite of adversities led to the groundbreaking discovery of the protein nerve growth factor (NGF)**, which plays a crucial role in the development, maintenance, and regeneration of nerve cells in the body. Moreover, NGF plays a vital role in repairing and regenerating damaged or injured nerves: this molecule thus led to a better understanding of the biological bases of self-healing processes since the production of NGF is stimulated by many implementations of natural medicine (like massages, acupuncture, and other forms of physical therapies). In addition to its role in neuroregeneration, NGF proved also to play a vital role in treating various neurological disorders and conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease, or even in certain pain conditions, such as chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
The current period may seem exceptionally arduous, but the examples set by the giants of history, who faced the perils of their time and even risked their own lives to promote progress, need to inspire us to believe and persist: the challenges of our current era cannot serve as excuses for stagnation or a lack of faith in the power of change. This commitment to a widespread improvement and belief in the power of science is exactly the spirit of MAGISNAT’s professors and researchers, with the goal of deepening our understanding of the possibilities of natural molecules and developing innovative products to enhance and spread well-being among the population.
**It is important to note that this article does not intend to provide medical advice, and the purpose of the summary of the scientific bibliography is cultural insight. The article does not suggest that protein nerve growth factor (NGF) has therapeutic or preventive properties for any disease or condition. It is not intended as advice to use the olive tree or its derivatives in any modality or for any purpose. Only a physician and/or nutritionist can provide advice in the areas of nutrition, prevention, and health.
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