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University of Luxembourg


The hidden role of air pollution in cognitive decline

A recent study found a potential link between air pollution and cognitive impairment, with fine particulate matter exposure correlating with declined cognitive processing time. Systemic inflammation, driven by an increase in monocytes, may act as a key intermediary linking PM2.5 exposure to impaired cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

Building bridges between cells for brain health

Microglia establish contact with neurons through tunnelling nanotubes to clear toxic protein aggregates, reducing oxidative stress and restoring vital functions. Healthy mitochondria are also transferred from microglia to affected neurons, preserving energy production and neuronal survival.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNeuron·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2024

Forecasting microbiomes for sustainability and health

Researchers developed a novel modeling approach to predict microbial community behavior, improving sustainability and efficiency of biological wastewater treatment. The new framework uses high-resolution molecular data to forecast composition and activity of microbial communities up to three years into the future.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 14, 2023

Towards computational design of molecules with desired properties

A new computational approach enables the design of molecules with targeted quantum-mechanical properties, finding that most properties are only weakly correlated among small molecules. The 'freedom of design' concept reveals an intrinsic flexibility in chemical compound space, allowing for simultaneous optimization of multiple properties.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalChemical Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Novel computer model supports cancer therapy

Researchers developed a computer model that simulates the metabolism of cancer cells, identifying effective drug combinations and predicting tumor growth inhibition. The model has been tested for colorectal cancer and shows promise for other types of cancer, potentially reducing development time and cost.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJul 2, 2019

Metabolic modelling becomes three-dimensional

Researchers have developed the first three-dimensional computer model to represent human metabolic processes. This new tool, Recon3D, integrates structural data on over 4,000 metabolites and nearly 13,000 proteins, allowing for more accurate simulations of metabolic reactions and better understanding of diseases such as Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 22, 2018

New biomarkers for colorectal cancer

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have discovered a new promising biomarker for colorectal cancer. The biomarker, MYO5B, has been found to decrease in concentration as the disease progresses, indicating lower chances of disease- and metastasis-free survival.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJan 11, 2018

Modeling the brain with 'Lego bricks'

A new computational method uses data from medical imaging to create a color-coded 'digital lego brain' model that predicts organ deformation under surgical action. This allows surgeons to virtually rehearse operations and anticipate potential complications.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 15, 2017

The art market bubble has burst

The art market price index, compiled by Prof. Roman Kräussl, shows a significant decline in post-war and contemporary art prices, with a 21% drop in 2016. This confirms a burst of the market bubble, which had been growing since 2009.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalReview of Financial Studies·DateJun 8, 2017

Brain tissue from a petri dish

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have successfully grown brain-like cultures from human stem cells, mirroring the structure and function of the midbrain. This breakthrough allows for the study of Parkinson's disease mechanisms and potential treatments, as well as reducing animal testing in brain research.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 13, 2017

Towards equal access to digital coins

Scientists at the University of Luxembourg developed Equihash, a memory-hard problem algorithm that resolves Bitcoin's centralization issue. This allows for more democratic digital currencies like Zcash, where users can contribute to mining with standard hardware, reducing investment costs and increasing decentralization.