Strengthening research methods and the collaboration between KI and Brazil
Leo Westerberg, a doctoral student in the Spalding lab at Karolinska Institutet, shares insights from his visit to the Mori lab in Campinas, supported by the Collaborative Grant for Collaboration with Brazil.
Visit to the Mori lab at Unicamp
Leo Westerstberg's research focuses on understanding the role of lysosomes in adipocyte senescence and how this may differ between fat depots and metabolic states.
His team applied for the Collaborative Grant for collaboration with Brazil to visit the Mori lab at Unicamp in Campinas, Brazil, where Leo had the opportunity to give a talk and teach a reflected-light-based method for detecting cellular senescence that was developed in the Spalding lab.
Impact and achievements
The main goal was to successfully transfer the method for senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining and image analysis to the Mori lab. Leo also aimed to support them during their initial trials and ensure they felt confident applying the technique independently. "I’m happy to say these goals were fully met," Leo shared. With limited time on site, one challenge was fitting both teaching and troubleshooting into just a few days. Fortunately, only minimal troubleshooting was needed, and everything planned was covered.
The collaboration opened up new perspectives on how the method can be adapted and applied to different cell types. Leo noted, "It also strengthened the scientific exchange between our groups, which I believe will lead to future collaborations."
For the Spalding lab, it means greater visibility for their work and an opportunity to validate the method in a broader context.
Learning about flexibility and culture
Leo Westerberg’s visit to the Mori lab offered valuable lessons and memorable experiences. One key insight was the importance of flexibility when implementing methods in new environments. As Leo reflected, "Teaching the method also deepened my own understanding of it and revealed areas where we can improve clarity and accessibility for future collaborations."
Leo felt that the opportunity to engage with Brazilian culture, food, and hospitality added a personal richness to the journey. The warm reception and genuine enthusiasm from the Brazilian team made the experience especially meaningful beyond the lab.
