Microcosm

Microcosm explores the potential of responsive, evolving games through the lenses of play theory and cybernetics. It aims to provide an engaging play experience while supporting the exploration of dynamic networks. It is inspired by biological models of cell signalling and neural networks. Building on the framework of play theorist James Carse, microcosm is an attempt to create an infinite game that is played not to be won, but to keep all participants in play by continually shifting the relationships and boundaries that constitute the game. Microcosm is populated by virtual organisms that play with the boundaries between organic and artificial, component and whole, human and non-human

Copper uptake and trafficking in the brain

The aim of this chapter is to give a general view on the current status of the scientific basis for the role of copper in human health and disease, outlining the roles of copper in human metabolism and bioenergetics, its coordination chemistry as well as the biological ligands involved in the multiple steps of metal incorporation. In particular, our attention has been focused towards the interaction of copper status and brain function in health and disease, with particular consideration to the role of copper in the pathogenesis of Wilson’s, of Menkes’s, and of human neurodegenerative diseases. Data on interactions between essential trace elements and copper, from the level of absorption in the gut to other systems in the body, are also presented. Particular attention is paid to copper-dependent enzymes in the central nervous system and to copper uptake and trafficking in brain cells