Ever heard of the Pac-Man of our brains? l VIBTimes February

Inge Boets, Communications Director at VIB

Dear colleague,

Join us in this edition, where we explore three stories about our researchers who are unraveling inflammation's role in different health conditions. In addition, we uncover pathways to create a more sustainable agriculture, while we also delve into the mysteries of sleep. Happy reading!

Kind regards,

Inge Boets, Communications Director at VIB

From friend to foe: understanding inflammation

Not by the book

The era when we believed that cancer consists solely of cells multiplying wildly is over. Our researchers are now studying inflammatory responses in cancer to offer insights into new treatments.

Inflamed joints

Patients with peripheral spondyloarthritis face a lifetime of medication. To help these patients, our scientists are now exploring alternative approaches.

Pac-Man of our brains

Ever heard of the Pac-Man of our brains? PhD student Baukje Bijnens explains that microglia help keep our brains healthy, but they can also contribute to diseases such as Alzheimer's.

These articles originally appeared in Dutch in EOS Magazine. Read more at eoswetenschap.eu.

From goblet cells to gut health

Goblet cells are specialized cells in the intestine that are crucial for maintaining a healthy gut environment. A new study reveals the important role of the protein AGR2 in regulating the intestinal mucus layer.

VIB Conference

Recent insights into Immuno-Oncology

May 30-31, 2024 | Antwerp

Strong boost for sustainable agriculture

Much has been written about the European Climate law and the European Nitrate Directive. Besides social concerns, drastically reducing greenhouse gasses and structurally lowering the use of nitrogen in agriculture poses significant challenges. Our researchers now present concrete research results to lower nitrogen usage by targeting microorganisms in the soil.

Fruit flies provide insights into the hidden world of sleep

Uncovering the mysteries of sleep:
What do fruit flies teach us?

We spend around one-third of our lives sleeping, yet scientists still don't entirely understand how sleep works and why it's so important. Our researchers have now expanded our understanding of this phenomenon by defining it at the smallest unit possible.

Spin-offs in the spotlight

ExeVir Bio, developing antibody therapies for broad protection against infectious diseases, announced new data demonstrating that its antibodies are highly potent in neutralizing the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

Protealis, a leading innovator in seed solutions for sustainable plant protein, announces the successful completion of its B-Round funding raising a substantial €22M.

ERC Proof of Concept Grant for Bart De Strooper

Bart De Strooper will use the grant to advance research in preventing Alzheimer's disease. The project will focus on developing a new compound as a safe and cost-effective preventative medication for both sporadic and familial Alzheimer's.

VIB welcomes Maria Leptin, President of ERC

On February 6, 2024 we welcomed Professor Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council (ERC) for a visit to the vibrant life sciences ecosystem in Ghent. Professor Leptin participated in a round table with ERC-funded VIB researchers and afterwards hosted a seminar in which she looked ahead on the ERC’s future.

Spotted on X

VIB @VIBLifeSciences Feb 8, 2024
⚠️ A new toolbox that allows for genome engineering without CRISPR is now available. Read more here: A new toolbox... "This opens routes for many research projects" says @KevinVerstrepen from @VIB_microbes and @KU_Leuven. Publications in @NatureComms. #microbiology

A new toolbox allows engineering genomes without CRISPR

Discover VIB Grand Challenges at FTI Ghent

Are you curious to learn more about how VIB contributes to innovation in healthcare and technology?
Join us, on March 16-21, 2024 in Ghent, for a deep dive into the endeavors of VIB scientists aiming to solve pressing societal challenges through applied research.

Working at VIB

The frontiers of science, the latest technologies, a positive impact on society... Feeling inspired? Check out our jobs for one that matches your profile or spread the word.

Postdoctoral Fellow for Laboratory of Interneuron Developmental Dynamics
VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research in Leuven

Postdoc position in the Laboratory for Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation
VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology in Leuven

PhD position in Antiviral Immunity
VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research in Ghent