VIB is an independent research institute that translates insights in biology into impactful innovations for society. Collaborating with the five Flemish universities, it conducts research in plant biology, cancer, neuroscience, microbiology, inflammatory diseases, artificial intelligence and more. VIB connects science with entrepreneurship and stimulates the growth of the Flemish biotech ecosystem. The institute contributes to solutions for societal challenges such as new methods for diagnostics and treatments, as well as innovations for agriculture. Learn more at www.vib.be.

VIB is an independent research institute that translates insights in biology into impactful innovations for society. Collaborating with the five...

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Katrina Wright

VIB is een onafhankelijk onderzoeksinstituut dat inzichten in de biologie vertaalt naar impactvolle innovaties voor de samenleving. Het werkt samen met de vijf Vlaamse universiteiten en diverse partners in de biotechsector en doet onderzoek in plantenbiologie, kanker, neurowetenschap, microbiologie, ontstekingsziekten, artificiële intelligentie en meer. VIB verbindt wetenschap met ondernemerschap en stimuleert zo de groei van de Vlaamse biotech. Het instituut draagt bij aan oplossingen voor maatschappelijke uitdagingen, zoals nieuwe methoden voor diagnose en behandeling en landbouwinnovaties. Meer info op www.vib.be. 

VIB is een onafhankelijk onderzoeksinstituut dat inzichten in de biologie vertaalt naar impactvolle innovaties voor de samenleving. Het werkt...

Joran Lauwers

#475569

Catalyst for collaboration and biotechnological innovation

VUB and VIB launch new Bio Incubator Brussels on VUB campus

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and VIB have joined forces to launch the brand-new Bio Incubator Brussels (BIB) on the green VUB Main Campus in Etterbeek. This innovative hub brings together science, technology, and entrepreneurship to transform groundbreaking biotechnological advancements into new companies. Start-ups in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and health technology can now utilize this facility, which offers ready-to-use lab and office spaces. The VIB Nanobody Core Facility was the first to move in.

Researchers call for more women-specific drug research 

Does the menstrual cycle influence the effect of chemotherapy?

A team of Dutch and Belgian researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Oncode Institute, and the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology has found that the menstrual cycle phase may influence the effectiveness of chemotherapy in breast cancer. The finding highlights the importance of further research into the menstrual cycle, the effects of drugs on women versus men, and female-specific research in general.

Leuven, 3 December 2024 – Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating condition that slowly robs people of their memory and cognitive abilities, affecting millions of people worldwide. Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD), a rare inherited form of the disease, is linked to mutations in several genes, including APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2. The impact of PSEN2 mutations has remained less understood—until now. A research team led by Prof. Wim Annaert at VIB-KU Leuven has shed light on how mutated PSEN2 accelerates disease progression in FAD. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, offer new insights into the mechanisms driving this genetic form of the disease.

The genetic roots of rare mutations in Alzheimer’s disease

Leuven, 3 December 2024 – Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating condition that slowly robs people of their memory and cognitive abilities...

Researchers at VIB-UGent have unraveled how the opening and closing of stomata - tiny pores on leaves – is regulated in response to high temperatures and drought. 

New insights in plant response to high temperatures and drought

Ghent, 29 November 2024 – We are increasingly confronted with the impacts of climate change, with failed harvests being only one example. Addressing these challenges requires multifaceted approaches, including making plants more resilient. An international research team led by researchers at VIB-UGent has unraveled how the opening and closing of stomata - tiny pores on leaves – is regulated in response to high temperatures and drought. These new insights, published in Nature Plants, pave the way for developing climate change-ready crops.

Roots go through a puberty phase, which could have important implications for developing climate-resilient agriculture

Plant roots change their growth pattern during ‘puberty’ 

Ghent, November 15, 2024 – Understanding how roots grow can help us develop plants that, for example, are more resistant to drought. Research by Prof. Bert De Rybel’s team (VIB-UGent), in collaboration with the VIB Screening Core and Ghent University, uncovers how roots go through a puberty phase, which could have important implications for developing climate-resilient agriculture. Their work appears in Science.

Certain E. coli bacteria in the gut promote colon cancer by binding to intestinal cells and releasing a DNA-damaging toxin

Scientists discover how specific E. coli bacteria drive colon cancer 

Ghent, 7 November 2024 – Scientists have uncovered how certain E. coli bacteria in the gut promote colon cancer by binding to intestinal cells and releasing a DNA-damaging toxin. The study, published in Nature, sheds light on a new approach to potentially reduce cancer risk. The study was performed by the teams of Prof. Lars Vereecke (VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research) and Prof. Han Remaut (VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology).

Alzheimer researchers uncover protective pathway in mice 

Can we protect nerve cells from dying? 

Leuven, October 31st - Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a progressive loss of nerve cells leading to a decline in memory and cognition. A team of researchers at KU Leuven and VIB explored the molecular sequence of events in this cellular demise and identified specific inhibitors that could prevent the loss of nerve cells in different mouse models of the disease. The findings open up new research avenues in the search for therapies that could halt or prevent the accumulation of brain damage occurring in Alzheimer’s.

People who received multiple doses of mRNA vaccines showed more neutralizing antibodies in nasal secretions

Repeated COVID vaccines enhance mucosal immunity against the virus

Ghent, October 24, 2024 – During the COVID pandemic, many of us have received multiple mRNA vaccines. New work by researchers at the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent University, and University Hospital Ghent, among others, has found that such repeated vaccinations lead to the presence of mucosal antibodies, for example, inside the nose. Their work appears in Science Translational Medicine.

Human-specific genes regulate key gene mutated in autism spectrum disorders 

Scientists discover unexpected link between genes involved in human brain evolution and developmental disorders

Leuven, 14 October 2024 - The human brain’s remarkably prolonged development is unique among mammals and is thought to contribute to our advanced learning abilities. Disruptions in this process may explain certain neurodevelopmental diseases. Now, a team of researchers led by Prof. Pierre Vanderhaeghen (VIB-KU Leuven), together with scientists of Columbia University and Ecole Normale Supérieure, has discovered a link between two genes present only in human DNA and a key gene called SYNGAP1, which is mutated in intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Their study, published in Neuron, provides a surprisingly direct link between human brain evolution and neurodevelopmental disorders.

A brown ale or hoppy lager? Even fruit flies have a preference.

And that’s good news for farmers.

Leuven, 15/10/2024 – It’s no secret fruit flies are attracted to beer. Setting aside a glass of beer is a common practice to lure pesky insects away from a summer barbeque. Research by Belgian and German scientists now shows that not all fruit fly species like the same beers. This discovery could lead to the development of better strategies to control harmful insects in agriculture.