
Research

Researchers from Mainz University and EMBL Hamburg present a new approach for structurally characterising disordered proteins by combining two different analysis methods. Proteins are the molecules that perform most ‘actions’ in the cell, and thus, are key for our body functions. Essentially, proteins are strings of amino acids, which, in most cases, fold like origami […]
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Repeated polyp diagnoses in relatives indicate higher risk of colorectal cancer
Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and at the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg have investigated the association between an individual’s risk of colorectal cancer and repeated diagnoses of colorectal polyp in relatives. They conclude that, in particular, the risk of developing colorectal cancer at a young age is significantly increased […]
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Who has to go into intensive care after brain surgery?
Dr. Paul Naser from the Department of Neurosurgery at Heidelberg University Hospital and the Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine at Heidelberg University has been awarded the German Society for Neurointensive and Emergency Medicine (DGNI) Young Investigator Award. The prize is endowed with 20,000 euros in funding. He receives the prize for a research project that aims […]
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Low-cost cancer prevention: AI-generated influencers reach at-risk groups on social media
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming cancer prevention: A groundbreaking study conducted at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) demonstrates that AI-generated social media influencers can effectively reach at-risk groups with preventive health messages—at a fraction of the cost of traditional campaigns. In this pilot study, researchers created a virtual influencer named “Wanda” who shared educational […]
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How the Ebola virus multiplies in cells
Like all viruses, the Ebola virus is dependent on host cells in order to replicate. Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital, in collaboration with colleagues from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, have been able to show for the first time using state-of-the-art imaging techniques how the replication compartments of the Ebola virus change during replication in infected […]
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BioChatter: making large language models accessible for biomedical research
Introducing an open-source large language model (LLM) framework designed for custom biomedical research Summary Large language models (LLMs) have transformed how many of us work, from supporting content creation and coding to improving search engines. However, the lack of transparency, reproducibility, and customisation of LLMs remains a challenge that restricts their widespread use in biomedical […]
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New approach to fighting cancer: energy trap for tumor cells
Glycolysis is an important sugar degradation pathway that cancer cells in particular depend on. Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have now shown that liver cancer cells in mice and humans depend on a key enzyme of glycolysis, Aldolase A. When it is switched off, glycolysis reverses from an energy-producing to an energy-consuming […]
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New Publication from AbbVie and Sciomics: Exploration of Novel Biomarkers for Neurodegenerative Diseases Using Proteomic Analysis and Ligand-Binding Assays
Kenzelmann A, Boch C, Schmidt R, Richter M, Schulz M. Exploration of Novel Biomarkers for Neurodegenerative Diseases Using Proteomic Analysis and Ligand-Binding Assays. Biomedicines. 2024 Dec 9;12(12):2794. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines12122794. PMID: 39767701; PMCID: PMC11673003. Abstract Background/objectives: Neurodegenerative diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and their public health burden continues to increase. There is […]
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New Publication: Circulating tumor cell plasticity determines breast cancer therapy resistance via neuregulin 1-HER3 signaling
Würth, R., Donato, E., Michel, L.L. et al. Circulating tumor cell plasticity determines breast cancer therapy resistance via neuregulin 1–HER3 signaling. Nat Cancer (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43018-024-00882-2 Abstract Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) drive metastasis, the leading cause of death in individuals with breast cancer. Due to their low abundance in the circulation, robust CTC expansion protocols are urgently needed to effectively […]
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