Press release - 03/04/2018 Double success for Heidelberg stem cell researchers Two awards at once, both carrying high monetary prizes, go to young researchers from the Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Research and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM) at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ): Simon Raffel will receive the 2018 Walter Schulz Prize. Simon Haas will share the 2018 Otto Schmeil Prize with his colleague Lars Velten from EMBL. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/double-success-for-heidelberg-stem-cell-researchers
Article - 14/09/2011 Clemens Richert is investigating the evolutionary role of RNA Prof. Clemens Richert and his team of researchers from the University of Stuttgart are investigating the role of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the development of life on earth. An important issue that has not yet been solved is how double-strand RNA can be created without the involvement of enzymes. Richert’s experiments have led to a breakthrough discovery as well as some mechanistic explanations. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/clemens-richert-is-investigating-the-evolutionary-role-of-rna
Press release - 05/08/2009 New test for safer biomedical research results In biomedical research with living cells in the culture dish, contamination with bacteria, viruses or other fast-growing cells is always a problem. Scientists of the German Cancer Research Centre (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) have now developed a test system for the fast and cost-effective detection of such contaminations. The new method will contribute to making biomedical research results safer and reproducible. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/new-test-for-safer-biomedical-research-results
Article - 08/09/2016 A diamond might make sequencing more accurate DNA sequencing techniques have been developed along the lines of faster, further, cheaper. State-of-the-art methods make it possible to handle large projects in a relatively short period of time. However, the error rate is still very high. Dr. Maria Fyta and her team at the Institute for Computational Physics at the University of Stuttgart have carried out quantum-transport calculations which suggested that specific chemical modifications in the…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/a-diamond-might-make-sequencing-more-accurate
Article - 30/08/2008 Plant viruses: Summer School teaches diagnosis and analysis Researchers at the University of Stuttgart are leaders in the field of diagnosis and analysis of plant viruses. In a two-week Summer School the researchers imparted their knowledge to virologists from all over the world.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/plant-viruses-summer-school-teaches-diagnosis-and-analysis
Article - 04/05/2013 Ionera – measuring tiny ion currents The identification and characterisation of individual DNA and protein molecules is gaining in importance. A method developed by Dr. Gerhard Baaken and Prof. Dr. Jan C. Behrends at the University of Freiburg has the potential to be used by scientists to analyse a large number of single molecules automatically using nanopores. The MECA (microelectrode cavity array) technology can be adapted to a broad range of different applications. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/ionera-measuring-tiny-ion-currents
Article - 07/11/2011 Daniel Gebhard – a new chapter in the mitochondrial theory of aging It has been known for quite some time that skin aging and skin cancer are connected with UV radiation. It is believed that mutations in the mitochondrial DNA are major contributors to aging and cancer, which is why in-depth knowledge about the repair mechanisms of skin cells is essential. Daniel Gebhard, doctoral student at Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, is investigating the repair capacity of mtDNA in different human skin cell types. He is…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/daniel-gebhard-a-new-chapter-in-the-mitochondrial-theory-of-aging
Article - 25/02/2013 Computomics: unlocking the secrets of plant genome sequences Thanks to the latest generation of sequencing technology, the deciphering of the complete genome of organisms is becoming faster and cheaper. The challenge is to compile the book of life from millions of DNA fragments and unlock the secrets of the human and other organisms. The young bioinformatics company Computomics in Tübingen is doing just this for crops. In contrast to the human genome, the genome of the majority of plants is still a book…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/computomics-unlocking-the-secrets-of-plant-genome-sequences
Article - 12/08/2009 More effective extraction of small RNAs Small RNAs are gaining in importance in research as well as in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. However the potential of these molecules can only be exploited fully if very pure RNAs can be extracted from the cells in sufficiently high quantities. Currently used methods are expensive and only designed for large cell quantities. In addition the operation of the extraction systems is very complicated. A new biochip developed by Dr.…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/more-effective-extraction-of-small-rnas
Press release - 21/09/2011 Epigenetic changes don’t last First comprehensive inventory of epigenetic changes over several generations shows that these often do not last and therefore probably have limited effects on long-term evolution. The team around Detlef Weigel, director of the Department for Molecular Biology, focused on one of the most important epigenetic marks, methylation of DNA.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/epigenetic-changes-don-t-last
Article - 06/12/2010 Bioplastics – materials that have the potential to be used in medical technology At the recent International Symposium on Biopolymers ISBP in Stuttgart scientists discussed the use of biobased plastics for applications in the field of medical technology. The majority of strategies presented at the symposium will only be ready for market in a few years time. However they give an idea as to why bioplastics are likely to be applied to a greater extent in the field of medical technology.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/bioplastics-materials-that-have-the-potential-to-be-used-in-medical-technology
Press release - 01/08/2012 Micro-Copier for genome analysis The scientists Jochen Hoffmann, Dr. Guenther Roth, and Prof. Dr. Roland Zengerle from the Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK) at the University of Freiburg can copy simultaneously 100.000 different DNA sequences in a so called picowell array that has the size of a one cent coin. The new method holds promise to advance the personalised medicine.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/micro-copier-for-genome-analysis
Article - 10/12/2012 A machine learning method for the prediction of regulatory interactions Heidelberg bioinformaticians have developed a novel method for the automated prediction of regulatory interactions. The regulatory interaction predictor, a machine-learning based approach for predicting interactions between DNA-binding transcription factors and their target genes and obtaining important insights into the gene regulatory networks in complex cells.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/a-machine-learning-method-for-the-prediction-of-regulatory-interactions
Press release - 21/02/2012 Ring-like protein complex helps ensure accurate protein production In fairy tales, magic rings endow their owners with special abilities: the ring makes the wearer invisible, fulfils his wishes, or otherwise helps the hero on the path to his destiny. Similarly, a ring-like structure found in a protein complex called ‘Elongator’ has led researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, and the Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC) in Strasbourg,…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/ring-like-protein-complex-helps-ensure-accurate-protein-production
Press release - 29/05/2008 To fight the Cancer before the Tumour grows Researchers in Heidelberg have discovered a new strategy for an immunization against certain forms of cancer. They have determined that immune cells react strongly to the modified proteins in tumor cells in which a DNA repair defect has occurred. It is estimated that this repair defect is present in some 15 percent of all tumours.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/to-fight-the-cancer-before-the-tumour-grows
Bioinspired technologies - 03/04/2020 Diagnostics with molecular scissors – is this also possible for on-site COVID-19 tests? The CRISPR-Cas gene-editing technology is one of the most important developments in molecular biology in recent years. It utilises molecular scissors with which nucleic acids can be cut and edited almost arbitrarily. Researchers in Freiburg, Germany have now successfully used the technology for diagnostic purposes. They are currently working intensively on expanding the system to enable it to detect genome sequences of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/Diagnostics-with-molecular-scissors-is-this-also-possible-for-on-site-COVID-19-tests
Dossier - 01/02/2008 Glycobiotechnology - sugar research is picking up speed Alongside DNA and proteins sugar structures play an important role in cellular transport and communication processes. They are also part of the molecular control and regulation machinery making them of particular interest to biotechnologists. The pharmaceutical industry as well as the food sector and material sciences have realised the potential of sugar structures.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/dossier/glycobiotechnology-sugar-research-is-picking-up-speed
Dossier - 14/06/2016 CRISPR/Cas – genome editing is becoming increasingly popular The number of publications and patents that involve the CRISPR/Cas system has been increasing exponentially since the technique was first described a few years ago. The increase in funding for projects involving CRISPR/Cas also demonstrates how powerful this new method is. The targeted modification of genomes (also called gene editing or genome editing) using CRISPR/Cas is extraordinarily accurate and also has the potential to cure hereditary…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/dossier/crisprcas-genome-editing-is-becoming-increasingly-popular
Press release - 02/08/2011 New peptides to fight ovarian cancer drug resistance Italian and German scientists have designed peptides to target the protein-protein interface of a key enzyme in DNA synthesis crucial for cancer growth. The peptides act by a novel inhibitory mechanism and curb cancer cell growth in drug resistant ovarian cancer cells. The multidisciplinary research project was led by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE) and the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS).https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/new-peptides-to-fight-ovarian-cancer-drug-resistance
Article - 19/12/2011 Lenhard Rudolph prepares four biomarkers for clinical application Lenhard Rudolph’s biomarker quartet is extremely promising in terms of progressing medical and clinical treatment in ageing societies. The quartet - EF-1 alpha, Chi3L3, CRAMP and OP 18 – is made up of four proteins that can potentially be used as biomarkers. Specific concentrations of these molecules in human blood provide information on the biological age and renewal capacity of the tissue and organs of patients. The biomarker quartet also…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/lenhard-rudolph-prepares-four-biomarkers-for-clinical-application
Press release - 10/12/2012 Sex hormone induces elongation of stem cell telomeres The telomere ends of chromosomes become shorter with any cell division round. This is why the lifespan of most cells is limited. One of several exceptions to this rule is the haematopoietic stem cells of the bone marrow. The enzyme telomerase enables them compensate telomere attrition. However defective telomerase function can cause bone marrow failure disorders such as aplastic anaemia amongst others. Prof. Dr. Uwe Martens from the SLK Hospital…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/sex-hormone-induces-elongation-of-stem-cell-telomeres
Article - 12/06/2010 Reliable evidence of efficacy using skin models and assays In the molecular biology laboratory at the Albstadt-Sigmaringen University of Applied Sciences a team led by Prof. Dr. Jörg Bergemann is developing and optimising assays that enable the quantitative determination of DNA damage and the investigation of repair mechanisms. The researchers exclusively use in vitro test systems. Using tissue engineering methods the researchers are developing a skin model for pharmacological efficacy and…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/reliable-evidence-of-efficacy-using-skin-models-and-assays
Article - 24/10/2009 Molecular switches for gene expression in the embryo Prof. Dr. Andreas Hecht and his team at the University of Freiburg are investigating one of seven known fundamental signalling systems that are involved in almost all embryonic development processes and that determine the fate of cells. The scientists are mainly interested in gaining insights into why the same molecules initiate different genetic programmes and hence development pathways depending on the cell type where they have their effect.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/molecular-switches-for-gene-expression-in-the-embryo
Article - 28/07/2014 Successes and setbacks of clinical gene therapy The use of retroviral haematopoietic stem cell gene therapy to treat hereditary immunodeficiencies has achieved great success in resolving the actual symptoms of the disease, but many of the patients that underwent therapy developed leukaemia later. Effective gene therapies involving gene shuttles that do not cause cancer are therefore required. The good news is that such therapies already exist.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/successes-and-setbacks-of-clinical-gene-therapy
Press release - 29/04/2009 febit Receives European Patent for Gene Extraction Procedure febit holding gmbh announced today, that the company has been granted the first European patent (EP1436609) for a microarray-based nucleic acid extraction procedure. In conjunction with the US patent US7320862, febit now holds a unique patent position in the dynamic market of sample preparation for second-generation sequencers. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/febit-receives-european-patent-for-gene-extraction-procedure