Flower-Power

The skin, as the largest sensory organ of the human body, enables the perception of environmental stimuli such as temperature and touch. These stimuli are transmitted through a complex network of nerves that runs through the skin. When the skin is injured, a healing process immediately begins, in which Schwann cells - specialized cells of the nervous system - play a central role. Under certain conditions, these cells can contribute to the formation of particularly large and painful scars, known as keloids.

This project focuses on researching the role of Schwann cells in scar formation. Since no suitable models currently exist for studying keloids, developing a specific scar model is a key goal of this study. Additionally, the effectiveness of plant extracts, derived from various plants, will be tested in this newly established scar model.

The use of plants for medicinal purposes has a long tradition, deeply rooted in both traditional Chinese medicine and European practices. The "Flower-Power" project aims to harness local knowledge about medicinal plants that is still alive in many communities. This knowledge, partly recognized as intangible cultural heritage, will be made accessible for scientific research through collaboration with students and citizen scientists.

The project integrates three educational levels: an elementary school and a middle school in Vienna and a higher technical school (HTL) in the its periphery. Additionally, the “Freunde naturgemäßer Lebensweise” (FNL) association - the oldest herbal association in Austria with around 7,500 members and over 1,000 experts - is involved in the project. An experimental workshop will be organized at the Vienna Open Lab for the elementary and middle school students, while a herbal workshop will be offered for all participants. The HTL students will produce extracts from the collected plants, which will then be tested for their effectiveness in the scar model. Furthermore, some HTL students will have the opportunity to present their results at scientific conferences.

This interdisciplinary project combines modern science with traditional knowledge, while also fostering scientific curiosity and practical learning among young people. It makes a valuable contribution to the development of new therapeutic approaches in scar treatment and the preservation and utilization of traditional plant knowledge.