The best lecture of the day was about the protein TOR, which signals cell growth and is the target of rapamycin (it was isolated from a soil sample from Easter island (Rapa Nui). If the protein is knocked out, cells do not achieve their full size. TOR is regulated by i.a. insulin and there is a feed-back mechanism, by which TOR down regulates this pathway, leading to insulin resistance. Hence rapamycin could re-introduce insulin sensitivity. Experiments with rapamycin on test animals (after full development) demonstrates longer life expectancy w/ the drug. The mechanism is thought to be the same as for calorie restriction as TOR is regulated by abundance of nutrients.
With reduced level of TOR: perfectly proportional reduction in size of the fly
I had lunch in another brasserie close to the conference venue. It was a very nice place, very French, with the usual old people having lunch there, all dressed up. I had a club sandwich [Klyb saowish] with fries and freshly fried bacon. It looked great but the taste was a bit ... Like, hm McDonalds.
At the cafe Oresto: Beautifully served with freshly made french fries and bacon. But the sandwhich was, hm, not fantastic.
After the lectures, I went on sight seeing. First, I took the train to St. Germain des prés, where Hiroko and I had seen a fantastic performance by a male soprano, singing Ave Maria in the vault of the ancient church, 20 years ago. I had a look at the church and sat down inside.
St. Germain des prés - the oldest church in Paris (Romanesque style). It holds the grave of René Descartes.
Across the street I looked at the author's cafe Les Deux Magots (Charles Dickens, Simone de Beuvoir and others). There were so many people, that I really didn't feel like trying to get a coffee there. Instead I continued along the path suggested in my old guide book. It took me past another church, St Sulpice, an enormous baroque church. I had actually told myself, that I didn't want to see too many churches in Paris this time. But they are impressive, and I couldn't resist taking a closer look at this one...
St. Sulpice, a gigantic Baroque church. Once converted to a "temple of victory" by Napoleon.
The space in the nave is enormous. I am glad, I took a look.
I passed the Jardin du Luxembourg (Senate in the back) and sat down on one of the many garden chairs that are available. The sun was shining and a lot of people were enjoying their Sunday afternoon there.
In the latin quarter, I found a small restaurant, where I had a fabulous 3-course meal: smoked salmon (picture), entrecote with potatoes fried in garlic butter (really good, have to try it at home), and a crème brûlée which was as thick as butter.
Panteon under renovation.
Gargoyles of St. Severin, closer to the river bank.
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