Nikolina Kastratović, a 28-year-old researcher from the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Kragujevac, has proudly joined the ranks of the world’s most distinguished scientists after winning the prestigious “Young Talents” award for 2023, granted by the renowned Coehar (Center of Excellence for the acceleration of Harm Reduction) and the University of Catania, Italy. This recognition not only marks a significant milestone in the young scientist’s career but also represents a major leap forward for the Serbian scientific community on the global stage.
International Recognition at EUROTOX 2024 Conference in Copenhagen Nikolina presented her groundbreaking research, which is revolutionizing our understanding of the harms of smoking, at the prestigious EUROTOX 2024 conference in Copenhagen. Her study garnered significant attention from international experts in toxicology and medical research, placing Serbia on the map as a key innovator in the field of harm reduction.
Research that Changes the Game Nikolina Kastratović’s research findings clearly demonstrate that cigarette smoke dramatically reduces the regenerative potential of stem cells, while devices like IQOS, which emit an aerosol instead of smoke, have a significantly milder negative impact. These findings open up new avenues for discussions on harm reduction and switching to smokeless alternatives. Cigarettes severely impair tissue healing, cell survival, and the ability of cells to multiply, whereas devices that emit aerosol provide cells with a greater capacity to combat inflammation and regenerate damage. These results highlight the potential benefits of switching to less harmful alternatives, which could be a crucial piece of information in future discussions on reducing the harms of smoking.
Who is Nikolina Kastratović? Nikolina Kastratović, an assistant at the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Kragujevac, has already made a significant mark on the scientific world. Under the mentorship of Professor Vladislav Volarević, a leading expert in harm reduction, Nikolina has published five scientific papers in prestigious international journals, focusing on comparisons between traditional cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Her dedication to research and her relentless pursuit of knowledge place her at the forefront of young scientists who will shape the future of science in Serbia and the world.
READ MORE:
Source: Telegraf.rs
Photo: Private archive