Research

Insights from theoretical physics are helping scientists understand how living cells process information and use it to self-organise A flock of birds, an ant colony, heavy traffic on a highway – what do they all have in common? In addition to being things you wouldn’t want to suddenly find yourself in the middle of, they […]

As part of his doctoral studies, Dr. Mirko Sonntag researched innovative DNA-based methods for diagnosing sepsis. For this work, he received the Hanse Doctoral Award from the Scientific Association for the Promotion of Clinically Applied Research in Intensive Care Medicine on February 12, 2026. This award honors outstanding doctoral theses in the field of intensive […]

In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is drawing attention to the findings of a new study: Both regular stool-based tests and screening colonoscopies can significantly reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer and related mortality. When individuals participate consistently, the two prevention strategies are similarly effective. Colorectal […]

New innovation platform with significant involvement from Heidelberg University is one of Europe’s most important start-up centers In its first year of existence, the NXTGN Startup Factory has already become one of Europe’s most important start-up centers. As an innovation platform, the strategic alliance of Baden-Württemberg universities and private-sector partners, with significant participation from Heidelberg […]

New study shows benefits in all stages of dementia New findings indicate that a shingles vaccination could not only reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, but also have a positive effect on the course of the disease in patients who are already ill. Scientists from Heidelberg University’s Medical Faculty, the University of Mainz, […]

Chemotherapy is often a central component of treatment for advanced colorectal cancer. However, not every therapy is equally effective for every patient. Researchers from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the HI-STEM* stem cell institute, and the biotech company Xilis in Utrecht, Netherlands, have now developed a new method for selecting the most effective drug […]

A severe side effect of radiation therapy can be debilitating fibrotic skin damage. Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have now identified a key factor in the development of this radiation damage. Modulating this factor could potentially prevent this severe adverse effect. Radiation therapy is one of the most important “pillars” of cancer […]

In a recently published scientific study, researchers have succeeded in accurately diagnosing common types of brain tumors in children and adolescents based on tumor-derived genetic material in cerebrospinal fluid. Until now, these so-called liquid biopsies were not capable enough for such reliable diagnostics. The international research team, involving the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg (MFHD) at […]

Heidelberg, Germany, 17 February 2026 ­- BioMed X, a leading innovation hub for pharma headquartered in Heidelberg, hosted the first XFem Labs Pitch & Connect event on February 13th in Heidelberg, marking the official launch of XFem Labs, its new Women’s Health R&D Accelerator established with support from the Gates Foundation. The purpose of this initiative is to build a world-class women’s health […]