How does sugar affect relaxation exercises? A new study carried out by researchers from the University of Konstanz provides revealing insights into the connection between blood glucose and the autonomic nervous system: The intake of sugar counteracts relaxation.

Computer simulations and Artificial Intelligence are the main pillars of the “SIMPLAIX” collaboration, initiated by the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS). Together with colleagues from Heidelberg University and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, HITS researchers are addressing challenges in the simulation of biomolecules and molecular materials by pooling their expertise in multiscale computer simulation and machine learning.

Computer simulations and Artificial Intelligence are the main pillars of the “SIMPLAIX” collaboration, initiated by the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS). Together with colleagues from Heidelberg University and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, HITS researchers are addressing challenges in the simulation of biomolecules and molecular materials by pooling their expertise in multiscale computer simulation and machine learning.

Women who have experienced a stroke or heart attack are at a higher risk of mortality than men. Fraunhofer researchers want to improve gender-specific aftercare with a customized assistance system – thus helping to prevent further heart disease.

Researchers in Freiburg have found a way to selectively replace defective immune cells in the blood vessels of the brain using an animal model. This is an important first step towards cell therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders. The findings were recently published in the journal Nature Immunology.

Proof-of-concept study of organoid technology - 26/03/2026

Can organoids improve the treatment of pancreatic cancer?

A clinical trial called UNITEPANC is exploring whether organoid-based approaches can improve the treatment of pancreatic cancer. BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg spoke with the study’s principal investigator and pancreatic cancer specialist, Prof. Dr. Thomas Seufferlein of University Hospital Ulm, to discuss the disease more broadly along with the specific aims of the trial. The interview was conducted by Walter Pytlik on behalf of BIOPRO.

For the first time, researchers have succeeded in mapping the organization of immune cells in human lymph nodes. The study was led by scientists from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf University Hospital, the DKFZ, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), and the Max Delbrück Center (MDC) in Berlin. They were able to demonstrate why the architecture of healthy lymph nodes is altered in malignant lymphomas.

In ovarian cancer, immunotherapies using checkpoint inhibitors have so far been effective in only a small number of patients. Researchers at the HI-TRON Mainz* have now discovered that lipid metabolism processes in the tumor microenvironment play a decisive role in how well such therapies work. The findings open up new avenues for using immunotherapies in a more targeted manner, increasing their effectiveness, and overcoming resistance.

Traumatic brain injuries often lead to complications with long-lasting consequences on memory, concentration and movement control. Detrimental secondary inflammatory reactions at the injured tissue sites are often responsible for this. Researchers from Ulm have now shown that a transcription factor plays a key role in reactions to TBI. When this gene regulator is activated, an elevated neuroimmune response promotes inflammation.

In the earliest phase of creating human proteins, the protein complex NAC performs an essential task by starting the first steps towards folding proteins into their correct three-dimensional structures. This discovery was made by an international research team led by scientists from the Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University.

The German Center for Mental Health (DZPG) conducts nationwide research on individualized treatments for depression, anxiety disorders, and addiction. Its approach combines established therapeutic methods with innovative strategies to enhance overall treatment efficacy. The primary beneficiaries are patients for whom conventional therapies have so far proven insufficiently effective.

Ageing is a highly individual process. An international consortium coordinated by researchers in Konstanz has developed a method that uses biomarkers to determine a person's biological age – a valuable tool for research on ageing and the development of new approaches in preventive medicine.

The results of the EPIsoDE study show that psilocybin can have a significant antidepressant effect. It is important that its use be integrated into psychotherapeutic pre- and post-treatment care.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) belong to a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases with overlapping symptoms. Many patients have a common hallmark: A protein called TDP-43 clumps together in the neurons of the brain to form tiny lumps. Researchers at DZNE and Ulm University Hospital, together with international experts, have now discovered that these pathological changes primarily affect certain cells.

Immunotherapies have greatly improved the treatment of metastatic melanoma, but they can cause serious side effects. A study led by researchers from Heidelberg University's Medical Faculty, the Heidelberg University Hospital, and the NCT in Heidelberg now shows that autoantibodies detected in the blood before the start of therapy could help to better assess the individual risk of side effects in patients.

The introduction of mammography screening programs in Europe has significantly changed breast cancer diagnoses, accompanied by a decline in breast cancer mortality rates. This is shown by the most comprehensive analyses of population-based data on breast cancer in 21 European countries to date, led by the DKFZ. The most striking finding: after the introduction of screening, significantly more early-stage, less advanced tumors were detected.

An international team led by Professor Tobias M. Böckers from Ulm University Medical Centre has been awarded up to 1.7 million euros to develop a novel therapy for a rare, syndromic form of autism. The research project focuses on a gene whose loss of function can manifest itself in severe impairments in language, behaviour and everyday functions of those affected.

The powerhouse of the cells, known as mitochondria, appear to be able to influence the number of lipid droplets in the cell. Research into this previously unknown mechanism was conducted using baker’s yeast. This is shown by a recent study by the University of Freiburg, the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Bonn and the University of Freiburg. The results have now been published in the journal Nature Cell Biology.

In a study, a team of researchers show that groups of magnetic microrobots can generate fluidic forces strong enough to rotate objects in different directions without touching them. These microrobot swarms can turn gear systems, rotate objects much larger than the robots themselves, assemble structures on their own, and even pull in or push away many small objects. The work was now published in Science Advances.

Illuminating the tiniest details of living cells just got a major boost: Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research have developed new markers that glow in the far-red range and are activated by light. They are stable, easy to control, and compatible with several super-resolution microscopy techniques, as outlined in a paper published in the journal Chem.

Technology impulse for the Lake Constance region: The new Single Cell Centre at the University of Konstanz offers technology and expertise to study cells individually and at high resolution – for applications in medical diagnostics, medication development and basic research at universities.

Chemotherapy is often a central component of treatment for advanced colorectal cancer. However, not every therapy is equally effective for every patient. Researchers from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the HI-STEM* stem cell institute, and the biotech company Xilis in Utrecht, Netherlands, have now developed a new method for selecting the most effective drug before treatment begins.

New findings indicate that a shingles vaccination could not only reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, but also reduce disease progression among those living with dementia.

In a published scientific study, researchers have succeeded in accurately diagnosing common types of brain tumors in children and adolescents based on tumor-derived genetic material in cerebrospinal fluid. Until now, these so-called liquid biopsies were not capable enough for such reliable diagnostics. The international research team has therefore optimized a sequencing technique and developed an AI-based computational method. In a later step,…

A severe side effect of radiation therapy can be debilitating fibrotic skin damage. Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have now identified a key factor in the development of this radiation damage. Modulating this factor could potentially prevent this severe adverse effect.