Health and Medicine
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The LiverRisk score: a simple method to assess the presence of fibrosis (scars) within the liver
Liver disease, often dubbed a “silent killer,” poses a major global health threat, progressing unnoticed until reaching life-threatening stages such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Early detection has long been a challenge, as symptoms usually appear when liver damage is severe. The LiverScreen Consortium’s development of the LiverRisk score marks a transformative advancement in the detection and management of liver disease, offering hope for more timely interventions and improved health outcomes.
Lennart Gerdesmeyer | EMTT: Enhancing Bone Healing with Magnetic Field Therapy
Every day, countless individuals struggle with the slow and uncertain process of bone healing. From sudden fractures, to gradual bone loss from aging – the journey is often long and challenging. Recovery can be slow, leaving bones weak and painful, limiting mobility, and disrupting daily life. In response, scientists are dedicated to finding innovative ways to accelerate and strengthen bone healing. Lennart Gerdesmeyer, Jutta Tübel and their colleagues at the Technical University of Munich recently investigated the potential of an innovative technique called Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy – or EMTT for short.
Luis A. Rubio | A Healthy and Sustainable Choice: How Plant-derived Proteins Enhance Gut Health
Our diet has a powerful influence on our health, and one of the most important components is protein. But not all proteins are created equal, especially when it comes to their impact on the trillions of bacteria living in our gut. These gut bacteria, which make up our microbiome, play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and even mental health. New research by Luis A. Rubio at Zaidín Experimental Station in Spain investigates how different types of proteins affect the gut microbiome, shedding light on how our dietary choices could influence overall wellbeing.
Professor Frédéric Leblond | Revolutionizing Cancer Detection: Non-Contact Imaging with Raman Spectroscopy
Recent advancements in cancer detection have paved the way for innovative techniques that enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. One such development is the application of multi-spectral light scattering detection, which integrates Raman spectroscopy with advanced imaging methods. This approach, detailed in a recent study by Professor Frédéric Leblond and colleagues at Polytechnique Montreal, aims to revolutionize cancer detection with a non-contact, rapid, and highly sensitive diagnostic tool.
Dr. Nadine van Montfoort – Dr. Christianne Groeneveldt | The Future of Cancer Treatment with Reovirus and Immunotherapy
Reovirus type 3 Dearing – or ‘Reo’ for short – is an oncolytic virus that shows potential in treating various solid tumors. An example of a solid tumor is pancreatic cancer, for which limited treatment options are currently available. Oncolytic viruses such as Reo work by infecting and killing cancer cells directly and by stimulating the body’s immune system to attack the tumor. Reo is especially promising because it can prime a tumor microenvironment to become more amenable to immunotherapy. A major obstacle to the potential success of Reo as a cancer therapy is the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies in the population.
Professor Johanna Blom | Creating Social Alliances to Enhance Clinical Research
In recent years, the interdisciplinary research field of ‘law and literature’ has begun to establish itself in Europe. This emerging field explores how legal concepts are portrayed in literary works and how literature can inform our understanding of the law. Recent research by Professor Alexandra Juster of the University of Münster proposes a novel method to analyse this relationship more systematically. Professor Juster’s research builds on the established American ‘law and literature’ movement, which has been gaining traction in Europe. Her work introduces a new approach called ‘juridical counterfactual’, which aims to provide a methodological foundation for future research in this interdisciplinary field.
Dr Tope Adeniyi | Exploring the Effectiveness of Hyaluronic Acid in IVF Procedures
During in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) an embryo is transferred to the uterus using a nutrient-rich liquid. This embryo transfer medium often contains hyaluronic acid, a substance commonly found in the human body, including the uterus. Hyaluronic acid rich embryo transfer medium is offered as an add-on that can enhance IVF outcomes, but studies investigating its effectiveness have received mixed results. Establishing whether hyaluronic acid is truly beneficial and safe is important for maximising IVF outcomes and pursuing evidence-based practice.
Professor De’Broski Herbert | Scratching the Surface: The Role of Itch-Sensing Neurons in Fighting Parasitic Worms
Parasitic worms cause serious health issues in billions of people worldwide, so understanding how our bodies fight them off is crucial for developing better treatments. In a new study, Professor De’Broski Herbert and his team at the University of Pennsylvania have uncovered a surprising connection between the neurons that make us itch and our body’s ability to protect itself from skin-penetrating worms. In their study, the team led by postdoctoral researcher Juan Inclan Rico, explored a subtype of sensory nerves that express a specific receptor, which can make us feel itchy in response to certain chemicals.
Professor Bruce Bowerman | Illuminating the Crucial Role of Microtubules in Forming Healthy Egg Cells
Meiosis is a special type of cell division that produces egg and sperm cells. This process is crucial for sexual reproduction and the continuation of species. When meiosis goes wrong within an organism, it can lead to infertility, or genetic disorders within the offspring. As such, understanding the precise mechanics of meiosis may have important implications for preventing genetic disorders in humans. Moreover, improving our understanding of this process will help clinicians identify healthy oocytes, a key obstacle when using IVF to overcome fertility problems.
Professor Irina Kabakova | Brillouin Microscopy: The Future of Non-Invasive Tissue Analysis and Diagnostics
Brillouin microscopy is a revolutionary imaging technology that offers detailed insights into the mechanical properties of cells and tissues. The technology relies on Brillouin light scattering. When light interacts with a material, it scatters in a way that depends on the material’s mechanical properties. This scattering causes a shift in the frequency of the light, which scientists can measure to determine stiffness and viscosity. This non-invasive technique allows living tissues to be studied in great detail without needing to use chemical labels or physical contact. The field of Brillouin microscopy has seen significant advancements over the past two decades, primarily driven by the development of high-resolution optical spectrometers.
Christian Fazekas – Franziska Matzer | New Ways to Understand and Measure Patient Care and Wellbeing
In an era of increasing healthcare challenges, we need new ways to provide, understand and enhance patient care. It is vital to understand how physicians can maintain high-quality patient care even in times of crisis, like during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also vital to measure patients’ satisfaction with their own subjective health before and after medical treatment to enhance patient care and wellbeing. New research from Christian Fazekas, Franziska Matzer and their colleagues at the Medical University of Graz, in cooperation with the Austrian Medical Chamber, contributes to this important area.
Understanding and Living with Migraine
Migraine is a common medical disorder. At least one in seven adults have it. Women are three times more likely to do so. This information is presented by Lifting The Burden (www.l-t-b.org), The Global Campaign Against Headache – a collaboration between the World Health Organization, academic institutions and specialist headache doctors all over the world. The Campaign’s purpose is to make migraine less of a problem for everybody.
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