Research
EMBL researchers have developed a new AI tool, which, through a game of molecular laser tag, identifies cells that can shed light on the earliest origins of cancer Summary The human body relies on precise genetic instructions to function, and cancer begins when these instructions get scrambled. When cells accumulate genetic errors over time, they […]
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Predicting Avian Flu Outbreaks in Europe Using Machine Learning
Heidelberg researchers identify local outbreak indicators and develop new regional modeling approach Local factors such as seasonal temperature, the year-dependent water and vegetation index, and data on animal density can be used to predict regional outbreaks of avian flu in Europe. This is the finding of a research team led by epidemiologist, mathematician, and statistician […]
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Heidelberg Scientist Honored for Pharmaceutical Research
Philipp Uhl awarded for his work on new pharmaceutical forms and overcoming antibiotic resistance For his outstanding work in the field of pharmaceutical research, Junior Professor Dr Philipp Uhl has received the PHOENIX Pharmaceutical Science Award in the “Pharmaceutical Technology” category. Endowed with 10,000 euros per category, this prize is awarded annually by the Phoenix […]
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New method to bring growth charts to children with rare genetic conditions through DECIPHER
A new method for building growth charts for children with rare diseases is being integrated into DECIPHER to help clinicians and families understand child development Summary Growth charts – used to track a child’s height and weight over time – help identify when a child’s growth is within a healthy range. But for children with […]
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The hidden life of pericytes: understanding how cerebral malaria breaks the blood-brain barrier
Researchers have built a 3D human blood-brain barrier in the lab and discovered a key role of brain pericytes in cerebral malaria disease Cerebral malaria is a deadly complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection. Despite cutting-edge research, effective anti-malarial drugs, and the promise of a vaccine, it still claims over half a million lives every year. Many survivors […]
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New tool offers single-cell study of specific genetic variants
With a closer look at genomic variation, scientists now have a faster, more precise way to uncover new links to disease Summary Scientists have long suspected connections between heredity and disease, dating back to Hippocrates, who observed certain diseases ‘ran in families’. However, through the years, scientists have kept getting better at finding ways to […]
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Acidic tumor environment promotes survival and growth of cancer cells
Tumors are not a comfortable place to live: oxygen deficiency, nutrient scarcity, and the accumulation of sometimes harmful metabolic products constantly stress cancer cells. A research team from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) in Vienna has now discovered that the acidic pH value in tumor tissue—known as […]
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Transparent artificial intelligence improves assessment of prostate cancer aggressiveness
Until today, the aggressiveness of prostate cancer has been assessed primarily using the Gleason grading system—an analysis of cancer tissue in a pathology laboratory that is highly subjective. An international research team led by the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) has now developed a novel, explainable AI model that aims to make the diagnosis of […]
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How Fibrosis Disrupts the Heart’s Electrical Signals
Innovative imaging technique reveals hidden electrical connections in diseased hearts and provides new therapeutic approaches Cardiac fibrosis can be life-threatening: the formation of connective tissue in the heart muscle causes it to become stiffer, impairs electrical signal transmission, and weakens pumping capacity, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. However, the effects of cardiac fibrosis on […]
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