In a project supported by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, the biologist Jitka Polechová created a theoretical model to describe the spreading of animal and plant species. She was able to show that the underlying mechanisms are simpler than previously thought, which has important consequences for species conservation. Continue reading “A new model for the geographic ranges of species”
In a project funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, a research group led by biophysicist Tobias Bollenbach is investigating the effect of antibiotic combinations on bacteria. Their aim is to develop new strategies against antibiotic resistance. Continue reading “How different antibiotics work together”
As studies have shown, higher biodiversity enhances the benefits derived from the vineyard ecosystem. Within the context of a project funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, researchers investigated the interaction of soil cultivation and landscape structure in European wine regions. Continue reading “More life between vine rows”
The aim of a European project (TRANSCAN) is to identify metabolite signatures that are associated with all stages in the development of colorectal cancer. Metabolomic analysis was performed on more than 2,000 plasma samples from individuals with colorectal cancer, colorectal adenoma and a control group. Continue reading “From metabolite profiles to molecular biomarkers for colorectal cancer”
In the context of a project funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, the microbiologist Franz Radner was able to identify an important mechanism of skin metabolism and develop new treatment options for the skin disease ichthyosis. The therapy could also be effective against ageing of the skin. Continue reading “New therapeutic approach for severe skin disease”
Flexible coils for magnetic resonance imaging are being designed to search for breast cancer faster and with less disadvantages. In a project funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, a prototype is now being developed in Vienna. Continue reading “New diagnostic technique improves breast cancer screening”
In persons with a severe allergy to bee or wasp venom, the bite of just one insect can even be fatal when it triggers acute respiratory distress and circulatory failure. A project funded by the FWF is working on vaccines that contain components of the insect venom in an attenuated form with significantly fewer side […] Continue reading “A needle-prick to protect against insect bites”
Hormonal disorders can have far-reaching health consequences such as metabolic diseases. In a study funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, a group of researchers from Graz has now proven the positive effect of vitamin D on blood sugar levels. Continue reading “Vitamin D suitable also as a therapeutic supplement”
The search for specific therapies for multiple sclerosis has prompted an international research group to investigate how immune cells can cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger inflammatory processes in nerve tissue. The results obtained by the Center for Brain Research in Vienna show that the development of this inflammatory disease is dominated by two types […] Continue reading “How immune cells cross the blood-brain barrier”
An interdisciplinary research group in Graz looked for biomarkers that could already provide indications during the first year of life of developmental disorders such as fragile X syndrome, which are still detected (too) late. The researchers analysed early-childhood vocalisation and movement patterns of children with a definite diagnosis. Continue reading “Shortening the path to diagnosis”