Human-induced climate change made the June 2026 heatwave 3.9°C hotter and more than doubled the number of heat-related deaths, with 665 deaths (56%) attributable to climate change. The heatwave, Belgium's deadliest on record, overwhelmed emergency services and saw 27 June as the second deadliest day of the 21st century.
A new study reveals that accounting for daily weather variability leads to more realistic simulations of glacier melt, resulting in greater projected ice loss and sea-level rise. The study finds that short-term weather events, such as heatwaves and extreme melt seasons, play a significant role in glacier melting.
A new study using historical weather records from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Belgium has found daily maximum, minimum, and average temperatures rose by tenths of a degree per decade between 1960 and 1990. The number of hot days nearly doubled, while cold days decreased, consistent with global trends.
A new study projects that children born in 2025 will live through more than three additional years of extreme fire weather compared to those born in 1950, mainly due to climate change. Limiting warming to 1.5°C could reduce lifetime exposure by more than a year, giving them a chance at a full and healthier life.
A new interactive website allows anyone to explore the projected future of individual glaciers around the world, revealing when they'll disappear under different levels of global warming. The website provides a tangible example of the rapid disappearance of small Alpine glaciers, with some projected to disappear within the next few years.
New research finds that 560 million children aged 0-9 are exposed to at least 1 additional month of heat stress due to climate change, with exposure expected to grow under further warming. The study highlights that children are disproportionately affected by heat stress, with the number of children affected projected to increase to 620...
A study by VUB researchers found that dataset artefacts account for most of the alleged decline in scientific disruption. Filtering out errors largely disappears when examining datasets.
A research team has discovered a genetic cause of hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by chronic and excessive sweating. The discovery paves the way for targeted treatments using existing medicines, potentially reducing the stigma surrounding the condition.
Scientists at VUB mapped healthy pancreas cells down to the cellular level, discovering rare cells with properties similar to aggressive tumour cells. This fundamental discovery may offer opportunities for early detection of pancreatic cancer, currently one of the most difficult diseases to treat.
Central Asian glaciers experienced record-breaking ice loss in 2025 due to exceptionally warm spring and summer temperatures and reduced snowfall frequency. The study shows that 64% of glaciers lost their most negative mass balance since at least 1991, highlighting increasing vulnerability to climate warming.
Researchers at VUB and La Monnaie/De Munt have created a world-first shoe using pure mycelium as the sole material, achieving load-bearing capacity without reinforcement. The innovative design showcases the potential of fungal materials in traditional crafts.
A study suggests that integrating wind and solar power into Ecuador's energy mix can prevent energy crises caused by droughts. The researchers found that large-scale wind and solar farms could increase the availability of hydropower, reducing the need for fossil fuels during dry periods.
A recent study compares two devastating ice avalanches in the Indian Himalayas and Switzerland, revealing drastically different consequences despite similar physical characteristics. Climate change is destabilizing high mountain slopes due to glacier retreat, permafrost thaw, and extreme precipitation, making such hazards more frequent.
A new biomarker in cerebrospinal fluid significantly improves the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. The test is highly specific, distinguishing between patients with these conditions and Alzheimer's disease.
Research reveals iron's crucial role in generating energy for developing beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production. Iron deficiency impairs the maturation of these cells, leading to their death and potential diabetes treatment breakthroughs.
A new study reveals that the tempo of repetitive movements during bonobo sex is remarkably high, averaging seven movements per second. Facial mimicry plays a crucial role in this behavior, but its impact on the tempo of movements is limited, with a sharp drop in tempo after facial mimicry ceases.
The discovery of Foskeia pelendonum, a tiny ornithopod dinosaur, overturns global ideas on dinosaur evolution. The species' small size belies its specialized dentition and shifting posture during growth.
The InterACT programme equips postdoctoral researchers with skills to translate research into actionable insights. Seven fellows will be selected for a three-year fellowship, focusing on societal impact and stakeholder engagement.
Climate change enables mangroves to colonize new regions, with warmer winters and storms driving dispersal. Ocean currents transport propagules from northern-edge and southern populations, allowing for potential expansion beyond current range limits.
Researchers developed more efficient semiconductors that convert solar energy into chemical energy, enabling the reuse of CO2 as a raw material for fuel production. The study also found that adding special catalysts boosts performance and extends system lifetime.
Irrigation expansion has increased water losses from land through evapotranspiration, depleting freshwater resources in hot spot areas. In regions like South Asia, climate change and irrigation exacerbate humid-heat stress risks.
Robot-assisted lymphovenous bypass surgeries offer reduced pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays for patients with lymphedema. The procedure has improved quality of life dramatically, enabling earlier intervention and reducing swelling.
Researchers at Vrije Universiteit Brussel have developed a method to express and study Nav1.9, a channel protein linked to pain and itch. This breakthrough paves the way for targeted therapies without opioids' downsides, offering new hope for treating unexplained pain symptoms.
A recent study found that warming to 2.7°C would preserve only 24% of present-day glacier mass, while limiting warming to 1.5°C would conserve 54%. Glacier loss poses significant consequences for sea levels, freshwater availability, and tourism.
A new study found that animal manure is a preferable option for limiting metal contamination in agricultural soils. In contrast, oestrogenic activity in the Scheldt estuary decreases downstream, indicating the impact of wastewater treatment and European regulations.
Today's children will endure more climate extremes than any previous generation due to continued greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the social injustice of climate change and its impacts, with the most vulnerable children facing almost all, or nearly all, unprecedented exposure to heatwaves in their lifetime.
Researchers at Vrije Universiteit Brussel have made a significant discovery in replacing faulty microglia with monocytes, opening up new avenues for future therapies. However, the new cells may not fully replicate the normal functions of microglia, highlighting the need for further improvement.
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel is opening postdoctoral positions for American researchers in socially significant fields, providing €2.5 million in funding through the European Marie Skłodowska-Curie program.
Researchers develop triboelectric nanogenerators using closely packed small beads, which transfer electric charges efficiently to produce electricity. The use of melamine-formaldehyde beads offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional TENG technology.
A recent study suggests that AI systems replicate and amplify existing social inequalities when left unchecked, particularly in high-stakes areas like hiring and welfare distribution. The researchers argue for the need for greater transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in AI governance to ensure its use serves social justice.
Researchers analyzed spatial interactions between active fault segments in the L'Aquila Basin, revealing a structural connection between disconnected faults. Thermoluminescence dating indicated tectonic activity began 2.7 million years ago, while stable isotope analysis revealed fault structures formed at depths of 1.5-2 kilometers.
Mangrove ecosystems in Andaman and Nicobar islands faced significant changes after the 2004 tsunami, with 97% of mangroves lost due to land subsidence and uplift. Local ecological conditions are often overlooked in governance frameworks, leading to failed restoration efforts.
A team of researchers proposes a new generation of language models inspired by human language acquisition. They demonstrate how artificial agents learn linguistic constructions linked to their environment and sensory perceptions, leading to more realistic language understanding.
A new study estimates that only 67 billion tons of sulfur were released after the Chicxulub asteroid impact, approximately five times less than previously estimated. This suggests a milder 'impact winter' and faster climate recovery, potentially contributing to the survival of at least 25% of species on Earth.
Researchers developed sicXer, a mesoporous silica-collagen xerogel that mimics mineralized collagen and promotes bone healing. BoXer, a drug-loaded version of sicXer, releases anti-myeloma medication locally at bone lesions, demonstrating potential for stabilization and healing of fracture-prone bones.
Researchers at VUB have developed a nanobody tracer to identify patients who will respond best to immunotherapy. The technology helps predict treatment outcomes by measuring the quantity of tumor-associated macrophages within tumors.
A recent study analyzing lunar water samples reveals a dual origin: one part from early Earth-like material and another delivered through cometary impacts. This discovery has significant implications for sustaining human presence on the Moon, providing crucial evidence for future space planning.
A novel mixture of mRNA in nanoparticles has been developed to protect therapeutic mRNA against degradation, improving its overall efficacy. The therapy stimulates the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells while limiting detrimental side effects, also leading to immunological memory that protects against tumor rechallenge.
Recent studies suggest a connection between the protein G3BP1 and ALS disease, with toxic dipeptide repeats impairing normal cellular functions. The findings provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders.
Research highlights cerebellum's essential role in refining motor movements and improving social task performance in individuals with autism. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like magnetic stimulation have shown promise in enhancing cognitive tasks.
New research reveals a global increase in burnt areas due to climate change, despite efforts to manage fires through human activities. In regions like Western Siberia and North America, the amount of burnt area is sharply increasing, attributed to longer droughts and higher temperatures.
The study examines reactions to EU migration policies in the Gambia, finding that deportation efforts are unpopular among ordinary citizens. Factors like financial transfers and family pressure outweigh deterrent campaigns in shaping migration decisions.
Researchers aim to develop FLASH radiotherapy for treating skin cancer, rectal cancer and sarcomas with fewer side effects and less damage to healthy tissues. The project focuses on calibrating equipment and conducting lab studies to apply the technique safely and effectively in clinical settings.
Researchers measured fossil shells' chemical composition to reconstruct Pliocene climate temperatures, finding summers warmed by 4.3 degrees compared to winters
Researchers at VUB discovered that targeting the xCT protein can reduce tumour growth while regulating inflammation and improving mood. This finding holds promise for a comprehensive approach to treating pancreatic cancer, a highly malignant form of the disease.
VUB researchers have developed a method to arrange particles in a hexagonal pattern on hard surfaces, opening up new possibilities for sensors and electronics. The technique uses static electricity generated by rubbing particles across the surface, enabling dense packing of particles on conductive and non-conductive surfaces.
Researchers identified a genetic link between low birth weight and assisted reproductive technologies, with mutations in mitochondrial DNA increasing risk. The study suggests that hormonal stimulation may exacerbate this risk, highlighting the need for balancing oocyte yield with mutation minimization.
A VUB research team has identified a specific protein, GPR176, that contributes to liver fibrosis. The discovery opens up possibilities for developing new drugs to treat this condition.
Researchers have discovered a breakthrough nanobody technology that suppresses pannexin tubes, interrupting inflammatory reactions in the liver. The technology shows promise as a potential treatment for acute liver injury and paracetamol overdose.
A VUB study has mapped the immune system's response to brain infections, revealing that resident macrophages play a key role in defending against pathogens. The researchers found that blood-derived immune cells can eliminate parasites, but may retain 'memory' of past infections, altering their ability to respond to future insults.