Marco Cavaglia'

Fixed-term Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS)

Profile

Research interests

Anaesthetic gas
Bio-emf
Blood-brain barrier
Cell membrane
Cellular and molecular neuroscience
Cerebrospinal fluid
Cytoskeleton
Delayed emergence from anesthesia
Electrophysiology
Lipid bilayers
Mechanical ventilators

Biography

Dr. Marco Cavaglià is currently engaged as a Researcher in Industrial Bioengineering at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Turin (POLITO), dedicating his studies to innovative research on the state of consciousness, with a particular focus on general anesthesia as a research model. His current research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate brain functions, with a specific interest in the role of lipids in neuronal membranes and their impact on neural dynamics. This area of study promises to open new perspectives on neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, and neurodegenerative diseases. With a basic education in Medicine and Surgery obtained at the University of Turin, and a specialization in Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Dr. Cavaglià has consolidated his career through significant clinical and research experiences, including the direction of the pediatric cardio-surgical program at the Aldo Castaneda Institute in Switzerland. His academic path was enriched by a profound research experience at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in the USA and by obtaining a Ph.D. from the University of Insubria in Varese. Beyond his research, Dr. Cavaglià serves as an Assistant Professor, actively contributing to teaching in the master courses of Rational Drug Design, covering functional chemistry topics, and in Biomechanical Design, focusing on cellular molecular physiology and an introduction to neuroscience. This blend of teaching and research highlights his commitment to educating the next generations of scientists and bioengineers, providing them with the skills to tackle future challenges in bioengineering and medicine. In his current role, Dr. Cavaglià actively engages in the university's "third mission," promoting scientific dissemination and public education through organizing conferences with the QPP Seralmente association. This commitment reflects his dedication not only to research and clinical practice but also to open dialogue with society, to share scientific discoveries and stimulate greater awareness of brain health

Scientific branch

ING-IND/34 - INDUSTRIAL BIOENGINEERING
(Area 0009 - Industrial and information engineering)

Research topics

  • Information Theory,Transcendental Meditation and Spiritual Practices: Dr. Marco Cavaglià has conducted extensive research on the efficacy of Transcendental Meditation as per the Maharishi Method and dynamic meditation techniques learned at the Taoist community in Wuhan. This line of research explores the impact of these meditative practices on psychophysical well-being and brain functionality. Additionally, his experiences in Mexico, including the symbolic passage ritual from hummingbird to eagle, reflect a deep interest in spiritual traditions and their connection with modern science. Dr. Cavaglià integrates these studies with an interest in information theory, investigating how information principles can be applied to understanding meditative and spiritual experiences.
  • Neuronal Markers of brain injury related to cardiopulmonary bypass.Heart-Brain Interactions in Cardiovascular Surgery: Dr. Cavaglià investigates the complex dynamics between cardiac functions and brain activities, especially within cardiovascular surgery contexts. His research aims at understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms linking heart and brain and finding strategies to mitigate adverse neurological effects from cardiac interventions.
  • Technological Innovations in Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Cavaglià contributed to the development of innovative devices for the non-invasive management of COVID-19 patients. Notably, he worked on a CPAP device project that improves treatment efficacy while aiming to reduce environmental contamination risks and oxygen consumption.
  • The Role of Lipids in Brain Functioning: Dr. Cavaglià's interest also extends to the study of lipids in brain cell membranes, with a particular focus on their impact on cognitive and neurological processes. He has published a theoretical paper proposing a novel paradigm for understanding brain functioning, placing lipids at the forefront of scientific discussion in neuroscience.

Skills

ERC sectors

LS1_5 - Lipid biology
LS1_1 - Macromolecular complexes including interactions involving nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates
LS1_7 - Molecular biophysics, biomechanics, bioenergetics
LS1_9 - Molecular mechanisms of signalling processes
LS5_9 - Systems neuroscience

SDG

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

Open badges

Fellowships

Conferences

  • Organizzazione del congresso annuale di QPP (18/4/2020-20/4/2024), Program chair
  • Organizzazione di 4 convegni annuali di libera divulgazione della cultura scientifica presso l'Aula Magna del Politecnico di Torino. (10/10/2019-31/1/2044), Program chair
  • Summer School “Brain & Gut Neuroscience: From Molecules to Mood” Three edition 2018-2019-2020 (21/8/2017-24/3/2017), Program committee

Other research or teaching roles outside Politecnico

  • Professore Incaricato, presso Università degli Studi del PIEMONTE ORIENTALE "Amedeo Avogadro"-Vercelli (10/9/2001-31/7/2003)
  • Titolare di contratto di ricerca, presso Cleveland Clinic Foundation (5/10/1998-2/7/2001)
  • Titolare di contratto di ricerca, presso Università degli Studi di TORINO (1/1/1992-1/1/1993)

Other titles

  • Invenzione dispositivo per la ventilazione non invasiva a basso consumo di ossigeno in assenza di contaminazione ambientale e deposito di brevetto “Kit di supporto alla respirazione” congiunta tra Politecnico di Torino (50%), APR (40%), Dott. Olivieri 10 (2020-)
  • Il premio "Wiley TOP DOWNLOADED ARTICLE" è stato assegnato a Marco Cavaglià per il riconoscimento del suo articolo pubblicato sulla rivista "Artificial Organs" intitolato "Noninvasive mechanical ventilation in the COVID-19 era: Proposal for a continuous p (2021-2044)

Teaching

Collegi of the degree programmes

Teachings

Master of Science

MostraNascondi A.A. passati

Research

Research groups

Research projects

Projects funded by competitive calls

Publications

PoliTO co-authors

Latest publications View all publications in Porto@Iris

More publicationsLess publications

Society and Enterprise

Patents and other intellectual properties