Radiotherapy is a common and effective treatment for prostate cancer. However, the inevitable irradiation of healthy tissues surrounding the tumour often causes gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding, which significantly affect patients’ quality of life.

Medical devices called endografts – consisting of a stent and a graft – can be used as internal scaffolds to stabilise the weakened artery walls. However, these devices can lead to problems, which many researchers and clinicians are striving to solve.

Vaccines have long been celebrated for their ability to prevent diseases, but some are now being developed to treat existing conditions, such as cancer and viral infections. One promising approach is the use of vaccinia viruses, which were historically used to eradicate smallpox. These vaccines prompt an immune response that can eliminate threats, including cancer cells and cells infected by viruses.

Dr. Ricardo Rosales and his colleagues at VIROLAB are at the forefront of this field, leading innovative research into two vaccinia viruses: MVA and GAB-1.

Our gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health. This diverse community of trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi not only aids digestion, but also produces compounds that protect against inflammation, boost immunity, and support psychological wellbeing. Disruptions to this balance – caused by illness, diet or antibiotics – can lead to many health issues, including infections and chronic conditions. In recent years, scientists have been exploring how diet can be used to maintain and restore a healthy gut microbiome. Dr Sofia Forssten at IFF Health Sciences in Finland is at the forefront of this research. She and her colleagues focus on how dietary fibres and probiotics can shape the intricate ecosystem of the gut microbiome.

Much cancer research investigates why tumours behave the way they do. Many researchers believe that tumours manipulate their environment to grow and spread, using sophisticated strategies to hijack the body’s own systems. However, new ideas are challenging this view, suggesting that the behaviour of tumours might be closer to the body’s natural responses to damage. In his recent paper, Dr Paul Edwards at Cambridge University offers an eye-opening perspective on this.

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that affects up to 8% of pregnancies, leading to high blood pressure and organ damage. It poses significant risks for both mother and baby, yet its underlying causes have been poorly understood, making early diagnosis and effective treatment challenging. Recent research led by Dr. Philippe Vangrieken, a European Registered Toxicologist at Maastricht University Medical Center, has identified a key biochemical factor involved in preeclampsia: methylglyoxal (MGO).

Cannabis products have surged in popularity, for both medicinal and recreational use. Despite the wide range of products on the market, measuring the true potency of these formulations remains a challenge. Potency is typically assessed based on the ratios of certain cannabinoids, especially THC, which produces a high, and CBD, which has therapeutic properties without psycho-active effects. Researchers at CannaMetrix, led by Harold Smith and Charles Owen Wolffsmith, are reshaping this understanding.