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Université catholique de Louvain


Major breakthrough against diabetes thanks to a microbial molecule that disarms inflammation

Researchers have uncovered a microbial metabolite called trimethylamine (TMA) that can block a key immune pathway and improve blood sugar control. TMA, produced by gut bacteria from dietary choline, targets IRAK4, a protein that triggers inflammation and insulin resistance in diabetic individuals.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2025

Learning to see after being born blind

A study by neuroscientists found that babies born blind retain the ability to recognize faces and objects, but not small details like contours, in their brains. The research suggests that early vision loss may not hinder brain development as much as previously thought, paving the way for new visual therapies.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateNov 17, 2025

Blocking spike captors to counter COVID

A team of researchers at Université catholique de Louvain has discovered a way to block the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, preventing infection and offering potential long-term protection against COVID. The breakthrough involves using multivalent glycoclusters that bind strongly to the virus's surface, effectively 'locking' it out of cells.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

An omega-3 that's poison for tumors

Researchers at Université catholique de Louvain discovered that DHA slows the development of tumors by poisoning cancer cells through a phenomenon called ferroptosis. This mechanism is triggered when acidotic tumor cells absorb excessive amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, leading to cell death.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 11, 2021

New immunotherapy to beat cancer

Researchers at Université catholique de Louvain have discovered a molecule that blocks immune responses in cancer patients, and are now developing an immunotherapy to neutralize it. The treatment combines anti-GARP antibodies with another proven approach to increase effectiveness in fighting cancer.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2020