The dementia puzzle

With an aging population, it's a growing and urgent challenge to manage and potentially treat Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Several VIB teams are contributing to a large-scale research project funded by the Flemish Government to validate innovative blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, the 1000 Healthy Elderly study might help us find early warning signs of dementia.

► Read more about the Flemish Cognitive Compass 

► What's the 1000 Healthy Elderly study all about?  

Biotech for resilience

In a world that is moving fast, we are facing many challenges. Biotech can play a role in addressing them. Against this backdrop, the Flemish Government launched the Flemish Innovation and Industry Strategy for Security and Defense (VISD). Within this long-term program, VIB is actively plays an active role in strengthening Flanders’ biotech, medtech, and biomanufacturing ecosystem to help protect society and public health.

► On preparing for tomorrow's challenges

A new line of defense for the brain

The brain is protected from the rest of the body by multiple barriers, which are surprisingly poorly defined. A new layer of cells has now been identified that acts as a smart gate and can become vulnerable during infection.

► Discover the brain's gatekeeper.

Why protein production fails in ALS

In the motor neurons of ALS animal models, protein production is severely impaired. These problems arise long before symptoms appear and can be mitigated by the molecule spermidine in animal models.

► What’s going on with protein production in ALS?

Meet NanoSaurus

Nanobodies® are derived from the heavy-chain-only antibodies found in camelids such as llamas and alpacas. Their small size, stability, and simple genetic architecture make them versatile tools in basic research, including diagnostics and biotechnology. NanoSaurus is an open and curated database designed to capture, preserve, and share single-domain antibody sequences. 

► Say hi to NanoSaurus.

Gut immune cells linked to Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is best known for its effects on the brain, but growing evidence points to the gut as an early site of change. A new study highlights intestinal immune cells as potential early drivers of the disease. These cells normally help maintain balance in the gut, but also appear to trigger inflammatory processes that may contribute to Parkinson’s development long before neurological symptoms arise.

► Explore how the gut may shape Parkinson’s disease.

Meet Polina Novikova

Coming from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Polina Novikova joins the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) as PI. Her work is all about the roots of polyploidy.

► Learn all about polyploidy and life as a new PI.

What shapes a scientific career?

We sit down with VIB scientists to reflect on their scientific career, the doubts, and values that guide their path. Plus some extra tips on fermenting chili's and becoming a science influencer! Read (or listen) to their journeys:

► Ruben Vazquez-Uribe

► Elina Kuznecova

Electricity within the brain: Electrophysiology in neuroscience

At the interface where electrical signals meet the structural complexity of the brain lies the field of electrophysiology. To make sense of this, we interviewed the team of the Electrophysiology Expertise Unit at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Neuroscience. 

► Get electrified. 

Tumors as dynamic ecosystems

With over 300 attendees, the 3rd VIB Conference on Tumor Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Therapy (THPT25) in Leuven created a vibrant environment for scientific discussions that are still resonating days later. 

► Follow along our conference reporters.