Thyroid hormones are essential for brain cell development and signalling, but impaired transporters can lead to severe mental retardation. Researchers found that a genetic mutation deactivates an important transporter, MCT8, in patients with Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome.
A new dental implant has been developed with a built-in reservoir that gradually releases antimicrobial drugs to prevent the formation of biofilms. This helps reduce the risk of infections in patients with traditional dental implants.
Researchers have discovered a mysterious crater on the King Baudoin ice shelf, revealing hidden meltwater lakes and confirming that East Antarctica is also vulnerable to climate change. The findings suggest that the region's ice shelves are extremely sensitive to warming temperatures.
Research reveals that 20-40% of multiple myeloma patients have a defective ribosome, leading to a poorer prognosis but better response to Bortezomib treatment. The discovery has the potential to improve therapy selection for these patients.
Researchers observed L2 Puppis, a star similar to the Sun 5 billion years ago, to understand its evolution and potential impact on planets. A planet orbiting the giant star may offer clues about Earth's ultimate fate.
A study by Pieter Moonen reveals that only a small group of Congolese farmers are driving deforestation, not for self-sufficiency but to sell crops on the market. The findings highlight the need for a more effective approach to deforestation, including local community support and sustainable land use practices.
An international study led by KU Leuven found that climate change is increasing the frequency of hazardous thunderstorms over Lake Victoria at night. The lake's unique atmospheric circulation, fueled by warm land breezes and evaporative cooling, creates a hotspot for storm activity.
A rapid blood test using a finger prick can detect serious infections in children within minutes, allowing general practitioners to diagnose more quickly. The test, which measures C-reactive protein levels, is not meant for all ill children but can help identify those with serious symptoms.
Scientists at KU Leuven have developed a new cocktail of biological pesticides and synthetic predator cues that kills mosquitoes more efficiently and sustainably. The combination triggers a stress response in mosquitoes, impairing their immune system and reducing the spread of diseases.
Forensic geneticists confirm that the blood found on the scene in 1934 is indeed that of King Albert I, contradicting conspiracy theories about his death. The study used DNA comparison with two distant relatives to verify the king's identity, providing historical importance and closure.
Researchers from KU Leuven show that surface composition and atmosphere interaction on exoplanets affect their temperature and habitability. A well-functioning 'air conditioning' system can make even planets with permanent day and night sides potentially habitable.
Researchers from KU Leuven have developed a highly sensitive electronic nose using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to detect phosphonates found in pesticides and nerve gases. The sensor can identify traces of chemical weapons or pesticide residues on food with extremely low concentrations.
Scientists have successfully erased unpleasant memories in mice by switching off a single gene. The study reveals that deactivating neuroplastin, a key player in brain plasticity, impairs learning and memory processes. This breakthrough has potential implications for treating memory disorders such as dementia and schizophrenia.
Belgian researchers are developing a new security approach for microchips using complex mathematical algorithms and 'lightweight security armour'. The five-year project aims to protect devices such as pacemakers, smartwatches, and cars from cyberattacks.
Researchers have created stable silver clusters within zeolite frameworks, maintaining their unique optical properties. This breakthrough has great potential for the development of more efficient and affordable fluorescent and LED lighting.
Geneticists at KU Leuven have discovered that tumour protein TP53 can autonomously locate and bind to specific DNA sequences, activating the right genes to repair damaged cells. This finding sheds light on the mechanisms controlling gene expression and holds promise for future cancer therapies.
Scientists from KU Leuven discover a new way to treat HIV by blocking the virus's attachment to genetic material. Led by Professor Zeger Debyser and Doctoral student Lenard Vranckx, their research sheds light on eliminating the virus.
Researchers have identified an experimental antiviral drug that slows down Zika virus development in mice. The study suggests the drug may provide protection against Zika-induced symptoms and microcephaly in pregnant women.
Researchers from KU Leuven measured individual brain cell responses to animal and human body images, finding that each cell specializes in recognizing specific features. The findings suggest a collaborative process where different cells work together to recognize bodies.
Researchers from KU Leuven have developed machines that can learn to tell the difference between familiar and unfamiliar objects, such as a blurred shape on the road. This technology has the potential to improve self-driving car safety by allowing machines to make more reasonable decisions in new situations.
A study by KU Leuven researchers found that more than 70% of cloud-based security providers' DNS redirection strategies can be bypassed, exposing websites to DDoS attacks. To mitigate this risk, website owners can adjust their firewall settings or change their IP address once the contract with the provider is initiated.
Researchers at KU Leuven found that the human brain completes missing parts of objects using visual cues, leading to the 'shrunken finger illusion'. This counterintuitive phenomenon suggests our brains rely on visual system, not imagination, to fill in gaps. The study's findings provide new insights into perception and cognition.
A randomized controlled trial of 1,440 critically ill children found that fasting or very small amounts of feeding during the first week improves recovery rates, reduces infections, and organ failure. This study provides strong evidence against artificial nutrition in early stages of pediatric intensive care.
Researchers from KU Leuven found that frequent antibiotic use leads to the development of persister cells, which are dormant and tolerant to antibiotics. This phenomenon can lead to the recurrence of infections despite successful treatment.
Researchers at KU Leuven have developed a novel cell-based immunotherapy that combines chemotherapy, inducing specific type of cell death in brain cancer cells. This approach stimulates the immune system to attack and activate dendritic cells, resulting in a drastically increased survival rate of mice with brain tumors.
Heavy rainfall causes gullies to expand rapidly, with predicted climate change increasing rates up to three times faster. Researchers have developed a model to predict gully expansion and warn of devastating consequences for agriculture, water quality, and infrastructure.
Researchers from KU Leuven develop a technique to precondition bone cells for improved survival, increasing their chances of repairing large bone fractures. By activating a dual defense mechanism, the cells can store energy and produce antioxidants, leading to better healing outcomes.
Researchers at KU Leuven have fine-tuned a test for ultrasound diagnosis of ovarian tumours, improving accuracy and providing exact risk assessments. The new test has been analysed in 5,000 patient cases from 22 countries and is now ready for clinical use.
Researchers from KU Leuven identified histamine as a cause of abdominal pain in IBS patients, discovering that it makes the pain receptor TRPV1 hypersensitive. A pilot clinical study found that ebastine, an existing hay fever medicine, significantly reduced abdominal pain in IBS patients.
Clouds play a significant role in the melting of the Greenland ice sheet, with clouds enhancing meltwater runoff by a third. The study highlights the need for accurate cloud representations in climate models to estimate the amount of meltwater and mitigate global sea level rise.
Researchers at KU Leuven have developed an alternative production method to create nanoporous thin films, expanding their industrial possibilities. These materials can be used as catalysts, absorb large amounts of material, and store gases, opening up new applications in fields like nanoelectronics.
Researchers have discovered a new approach to producing cleaner diesel by optimizing molecule interactions between metal and solid-state acid catalysts. This method can significantly reduce particulates and CO2 emissions from cars.
Clinical geneticists have identified two genes, MAPRE2 and TUBB, linked to circumferential skin creases Kunze type and associated intellectual disability. The syndrome is extremely rare, affecting less than a dozen cases worldwide.
Researchers have made encouraging results using gene therapy to treat cystic fibrosis by inserting a healthy copy of the CFTR gene into affected cells. The approach restored chloride and fluid transport in both mouse models and human-derived cell cultures, suggesting a potential cure for the genetic disorder.
Biologists from KU Leuven discovered that nematode eggs can hatch without egg yolk, defying the rule that no yolk means no offspring. The finding opens new avenues for deworming products without side effects on humans.
A large-scale study reveals that certain depression symptoms play a bigger role in driving the condition than others. The researchers suggest focusing treatment efforts on these key symptoms to improve patient outcomes.
Scientists from KU Leuven discovered that two of three possible climates on rocky exoplanets are potentially habitable. The 'air conditioning system' keeps surface temperatures within the habitable range, despite permanent day and night sides. This finding provides valuable input for future space missions.
Forensic examiners can use blood or teeth samples to estimate an individual's age with great accuracy, helping track down criminals or identify human remains. Researchers at KU Leuven developed a test based on four age-associated DNA methylation markers, achieving margins of error of 3.75 years for blood and 4.86 years for teeth.
Researchers at KU Leuven found a molecular switch that controls how the brain compensates for vision loss, with implications for sensory prosthetics and patient recovery. In adult mice, this cross-modal neuroplasticity is triggered by both eyes and whiskers, but in adolescents, only one eye takes over.
Researchers at KU Leuven have developed a method to produce bioplastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA), more efficiently and with less waste. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more sustainable production of biodegradable plastics.
Researchers discover that different shapes of alpha-synuclein aggregates cause distinct neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Multiple System Atrophy. The study suggests new possibilities for treating brain diseases with a drug that counteracts aggregate development.
KU Leuven researchers create sustainable process to convert wood waste lignin into chemical building blocks for various products. The resulting chemicals can be used in paint, insulation foam, and several other applications.
Researchers at KU Leuven have developed a new method to separate rare earth metals europium and yttrium using UV light. This process recovers over 95% of the europium from a liquid mixture, making it an efficient alternative to traditional methods.
Biologists from KU Leuven found that water flea populations can rapidly adapt to rising temperatures and increased heat wave frequencies. The study, using 'resurrected' eggs, showed a 3.6°C increase in critical temperature for activity.
Researchers identified proteins and DNA regions binding to epigenetic changes in melanoma progression. Knocking out these proteins made the tumor less aggressive and more responsive to existing treatments.
A new study by KU Leuven researchers found that spousal loss triggers loneliness and subsequent depressive symptoms. The study suggests targeting key symptoms like loneliness can prevent further symptom activation and full-blown depression.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed a simple and effective way to untangle DNA using a 'rolling droplet' technique. The method involves injecting genetic material into a droplet of water and dragging it over a glass plate covered with a sticky polymer, resulting in longer and straighter DNA strands that can be studied under a microscope.
Researchers at KU Leuven's Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology have identified a recombinant form of HIV that targets the anchor point CXCR4 early after infection, shortening the healthy phase and triggering rapid progression to AIDS. The study found abnormally high doses of the virus and defensive molecule RANTES in i...
Researchers at KU Leuven discovered genetically modified mice producing human growth hormone, altering insulin production and previous research findings. This unexpected turn reveals the need for reinterpretation of 250+ published diabetes studies.
A team of researchers from KU Leuven has made a significant discovery about the impact of atmospheric rivers on Antarctica's ice sheet. They found that these long, narrow water vapor plumes can rapidly transport large amounts of moisture and cause devastating precipitation when they hit coastal areas.