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Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie


Researchers reveal why the lung is a frequent site of cancer metastasis

The study found that high levels of aspartate in the lungs are associated with aggressive lung metastases, triggered by an alternative translation program driven by aspartate signaling. This discovery suggests a common feature of cancer cells growing in the lung and provides a potential target for new therapeutic interventions.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 1, 2025

Can we protect nerve cells from dying?

Alzheimer's researchers identify specific inhibitors that prevent nerve cell loss and improve social recognition memory in mouse models. The study sheds light on the molecular sequence of events leading to cellular demise and opens up new research avenues for halting or preventing brain damage.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Repeated COVID vaccines enhance mucosal immunity against the virus

Researchers found that repeated mRNA vaccines enhance mucosal antibodies in nasal secretions, blocking viral entry and providing sustained protection. The immune responses generated by mRNA vaccines may persist longer than previously thought, offering hope for sustained protection against emerging COVID-19 variants.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2024

New mutation linked to early-onset Parkinsonism

A team of scientists has identified a new genetic mutation in the SGIP1 gene that may cause early-onset Parkinsonism. The mutation affects brain cell communication, leading to synaptic dysfunction and recessive Parkinsonism. This discovery provides new insights into the disease's development and potential treatment strategies.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

New open-source platform for high-resolution spatial transcriptomics

A new open-source platform, Nova-ST, is transforming gene expression profiling in tissue samples by offering affordable and high-resolution spatial analysis. This approach allows scientists to map gene expression across a tissue section with a spatial context, enabling the study of complex biological processes.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 6, 2024

Unlocking the power of nanopores

Researchers have successfully designed transmembrane β-barrel pores with custom shapes and properties, enabling miniaturization of sensing and sequencing applications into portable devices. The design method uses computational tools to control the shape and chemistry on a molecular level, resulting in stable and quiet signal generation.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Improving transformation frequency in maize

Researchers at VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology have developed a new method to improve maize transformation frequency using ternary vectors and morphogenic regulators. By combining these technologies, they achieved a 20-fold increase in transformed plants, paving the way for more effective research and innovative applications.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024