People who want to do something for their health these days often turn to Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms for information. But what’s really behind the posts and trends shared by health influencers? On May 13, the Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation3 at the University of Bonn invited the public to join five professors for dinner to explore this question. In a relaxed atmosphere, social media posts on health and the immune system were presented, discussed by the approximately 40 participants, and analyzed together with the experts. The launch of this new format took place at John Barleycorn as part of Bonn’s “May of Science.”
“An open and meaningful exchange works best in settings where people feel comfortable - such as over a shared dinner,” says Dr. David Fußhöller, science communications officer at the Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation3, describing the basic concept behind the event. Instead of appearing on a large stage or as part of a panel, leading scientists from the cluster joined the guests directly at the “Immunsystem Gerüchteküche”. Dinner was enjoyed with Prof. Tobias Bald (UKB), Prof. Elvira Mass (Uni Bonn), Prof. Christoph Wilhelm (UKB), Prof. Florian Schmidt (UKB), Prof. Christian Bode (UKB), and Dr. Nicola Diny (UKB). Selected social media content presented throughout the evening provided plenty of topics for conversation.
Immune-System Hacks from Instagram
“Broccoli has anti-inflammatory effects,” “Tattoos can interfere with a vaccine response,” and “Fasting protects against diabetes and Alzheimer’s” are just three of the claims that sparked lively discussions on Wednesday. While some claims were easy to assess, other questions could not be conclusively resolved. For example, it quickly became clear that broccoli can have anti-inflammatory effects due to the sulforaphane it contains; however, this effect is largely irrelevant for our daily diet, as the compound is not heat-resistant and is destroyed during cooking.
“Many molecules discussed in the public sphere do indeed have beneficial properties when examined in cell culture,” says Prof. Florian Schmidt of the Institute for Innate Immunity at the University Hospital Bonn. “The interesting question, however, is whether they also have this effect when consumed as part of the diet. And that has often not been investigated at all.”
No definitive conclusion was reached on the topic of fasting either. “Interestingly, fasting actually protects against diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer,” notes Prof. Christoph Wilhelm of the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology. “The key to this probably lies in the past, since we as humans have repeatedly experienced periods of fasting that no longer occur today due to an oversupply of food.” The underlying molecular mechanisms are subject to current research. And fasting should by no means be understood as a potential therapy.
How Science Works
Why seemingly simple solutions are often scientifically invalid and why studies sometimes contradict one another was also discussed at the tables. It quickly became clear that science is a process involving hypotheses, experiments, and discussions. “Especially, the discussion of questions for which there is no clear answer yet helps to convey how science works,” says Dr. David Fußhöller. “Working together to develop a possible answer and then sharing this hypothesis with the other tables brings to life how researchers work.” An experience that is perhaps even more valuable than the factual knowledge about the potential anti-inflammatory effects of broccoli.
The invitation of experienced scientists was a key part of the concept. The experts not only brought their scientific knowledge to the tables but also their very personal experiences from everyday research life. This made the diversity and complexity of immunological research tangible. But it also highlighted why this research is indispensable for understanding diseases and developing new therapies. In personal conversation, science suddenly no longer seemed like an abstract institution but became understandable. Not through the delivery of prepared answers, but through honest exchange and direct interaction.
Contact
Dr. David Fußhöller
Science Communication and Public Relations Officer
Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation3
Bonn University /University Hospital Bonn
email: david.fusshoeller@uni-bonn.de
phone: +49 228 287 51 281
