Every week, scilog features an exemplary project funded by the FWF. The presentations shed light on scientific questions and report on recent insights gained in basic research. The projects not only reflect the great variety of scientific disciplines, but also the range of support options offered by the Austrian Science Fund.
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, a research group from the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences has developed a versatile framework for data visualisation that permits easy integration of expert knowledge. Continue reading “Instilling order and knowledge into the flood of data”
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”
On the Greek island of Samothrace, a team of researchers from Vienna have been investigating the interaction between human society and nature in order to prevent the collapse of the system. In this context, many local processes have been initiated to ensure a sustainable future for the island community. Continue reading “Waste, goats and a research project”
In the past, research on coalition governments in Central and Eastern Europe was limited to looking at how they begin and end. An international team of experts has now been the first to explore how they behave while in office. Instability and the strong influence of the party system are characteristic of Eastern European countries. Continue reading “How to form a coalition (and get it right)?”
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”
The establishment of scientific knowledge is often associated with controversies. There is, however, little appreciation of the importance of emotions in this context. With the support of the Austrian Science Fund FWF, the political scientist Anna Durnová has now analysed the role of emotions in various discourses starting with Semmelweis’s discovery till “post-truth”. Continue reading “Emotions are always part of the truth”
In a project financed by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, a research group from Vienna set out to find the optimal drive for wheelchairs. The outcome passed initial practical tests and patent approval is awaited. Continue reading “A new drive system for wheelchairs”
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”