Press release - 25/06/2025 Otto Hahn Medal for Jonas Wilhelm For his outstanding achievements in his doctorate at the interface between chemistry and biology, Jonas Wilhelm is awarded an Otto Hahn Medal 2025 by the Max Planck Society. He wrote his thesis in the department Chemical Biology of Kai Johnsson at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research. In his doctorate, Jonas Wilhelm developed a molecular tool, a biosensor that records and permanently stores biological activities at the cellular level.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/otto-hahn-medal-jonas-wilhelm
Press release - 16/06/2025 Novel laboratory models pave the way for targeted therapies for childhood sarcomas Sarcomas in soft tissue usually occur in young people and are difficult to treat. Due to a lack of laboratory models, the causes of their development are poorly understood. A team of researchers has now succeeded in creating mouse models with a functioning immune system that replicate sarcoma types that remain unstudied. The method opens up new avenues for the targeted development of immunotherapies for children and adolescents with sarcomas.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/novel-laboratory-models-pave-way-targeted-therapies-childhood-sarcomas
Press release - 11/06/2025 Antiviral tests on protective clothing for infection control Textiles functionalized with antiviral agents are intended to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens, particularly in a medical environment. These antiviral properties must be carefully tested and verified in laboratory tests. The biological testing laboratory of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf has examined antiviral activities with coronaviruses as part of a research project on textiles for infection control.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/antiviral-tests-protective-clothing-infection-control
Press release - 22/05/2025 Six Clusters of Excellence for the University of Tübingen Tübingen achieves remarkable success and has good chance of maintaining its University of Excellence title – Top research in three areas to be sustained from other sources of support.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/six-clusters-excellence-university-tubingen
Press release - 21/05/2025 How aging changes the blood system in humans and mice The reservoir of blood stem cells shrinks with age. It becomes increasingly dominated by stem cells that produce immune cells associated with chronic inflammation. Almost all of the 60-year-olds studied show this change. The new discovery could help explain the chronic inflammation that occurs with age and makes us more susceptible to disease. It could also help identify early warning signs of unhealthy aging processes.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/how-aging-changes-blood-system-humans-and-mice
Press release - 19/05/2025 How the Epstein-Barr virus promotes its spread in the body Many people are infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and most are unaware of it. However, EBV can sometimes cause cancer, and this pathogen also appears to play an important role in multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. Researchers have discovered that EBV increases the ability of infected immune cells to migrate. In this way, the pathogen promotes its spread in the body – a discovery that may have therapeutic implications.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/how-epstein-barr-virus-promotes-its-spread-body
Press release - 15/05/2025 Ground-breaking ceremony for new Cyber Valley building in Stuttgart A building with 7400 m² of research space for robotics and artificial intelligence is being built on the Max Planck Campus in Büsnau. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) and the University of Stuttgart will be working there with partners from science and industry as well as start-ups from 2027.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/ground-breaking-ceremony-new-cyber-valley-building-stuttgart
Press release - 13/05/2025 Award for Outstanding Contributions to Cancer Research Dr Dr Varun Venkataramani and Dr Moritz Mall have been awarded this year’s Hella Bühler Prize for their outstanding research on the interaction between nerve and tumor cells and on tumor plasticity. The award granted by Heidelberg University goes to young researchers from the Heidelberg research location who have already drawn attention to themselves through the outstanding scientific quality of their cancer research. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/award-outstanding-contributions-cancer-research
Press release - 12/05/2025 Transatlantic Bridge-Building in the Life Sciences Sector On May 9, 2025, representatives from the life sciences industry in North Carolina and Baden-Württemberg met in Stuttgart for professional exchange. The goal of the event was to explore opportunities for collaboration in biotechnology, medical technology, and pharmaceutical research.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/transatlantic-bridge-building-life-sciences-sector-1
Press release - 16/04/2025 Hereditary Alzheimer’s: Blood Marker for Defective Neuronal Connections Rises Early Individuals with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease show altered blood levels indicating damaged neuronal contacts as early as 11 years before the expected onset of dementia symptoms. This is evident in the levels of the protein “beta-synuclein”. An international team report these findings in the journal “Alzheimer’s & Dementia”. The biomarker studied here could potentially help to detect neurodegeneration at an early stage.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/hereditary-alzheimers-blood-marker-defective-neuronal-connections-rises-early
Press release - 10/04/2025 In future, the operating theatre will be part of the team The “Digital Integration and Innovation in Surgery” project aims to promote the transfer of new findings and research results into practice. The School of Informatics at Reutlingen University will work together with Furtwangen University, BioMedTech e.V., University Hospital Tübingen and other stakeholders to examine how intelligent digital assistance systems can contribute to improved patient care during surgical procedures. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/future-operating-theatre-will-be-part-team
Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance - 08/04/2025 Achieving widespread use of AI Artificial intelligence presents both opportunities and risks. The Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance is dedicated to fostering collaboration among AI stakeholders to ensure that AI solutions deliver tangible benefits to citizens and businesses across the state. The alliance will also place greater emphasis on advancing AI applications within the healthcare sector.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/achieving-widespread-use-ai
Press release - 03/04/2025 Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize for Lukas Bunse Germany's most important award for young scientists honors the development of immunotherapies against malignant brain tumors.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/heinz-maier-leibnitz-prize-lukas-bunse
Press release - 18/03/2025 Maternal overweight as risk factor for childhood leukemia in daughters The weight of expectant mothers could play a role in the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in daughters – but not in sons. This has been shown by researchers at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ).https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/maternal-overweight-risk-factor-childhood-leukemia-daughters
Press release - 13/03/2025 Dieter Schwarz Foundation provides long-term funding for application-oriented basic research and innovative talent pool The Max Planck Society and the Dieter Schwarz Foundation (DSS) have embarked on a groundbreaking initiative. On March 13, 2025, they signed an agreement through which the foundation will support an innovative approach by the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg to translate basic research findings into practical applications. As part of this endeavour, two new departments of the institute will be established in Heilbronn. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/dieter-schwarz-foundation-provides-long-term-funding-application-oriented-basic-research-and-innovative-talent-pool
Press release - 06/03/2025 Artificial Muscles for Tremor Suppression Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, the University of Tübingen and the University of Stuttgart under the Bionic Intelligence Tübingen Stuttgart (BITS) collaboration developed a biorobotic arm that can mirror human tremors. Artificial muscles on either side of the forearm contract and relax to suppress the involuntary shaking of the wrist and hand. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/artificial-muscles-tremor-suppression
Press release - 05/03/2025 Frank Winkler receives the Brain Prize 2025 This year, the Brain Prize worth more than one million euros, honors pioneering work on nervous system-cancer interactions: Neurologist Frank Winkler, who researches at the Heidelberg University and at the German Cancer Research Center and treats patients with brain tumors at the Heidelberg University Hospital, discovered that nerve cells in the brain communicate with brain tumor cells. This causes the disease to progress.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/frank-winkler-receives-brain-prize-2025
Press release - 27/02/2025 EU Project: New Molecular Interventions against Virus Infections Targeted molecular interventions in the replication cycle and the immune recognition of viruses are intended to prevent viral entry into cells and virus replication. Scientists work on new approaches to combating highly dangerous viral diseases such as yellow fever or Lassa fever. The European Union is supporting the project over a period of five years to the tune of just under eight million euros.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/eu-project-new-molecular-interventions-against-virus-infections
Press release - 12/02/2025 Therapeutic Designer Peptide to Combat Acute Heart Muscle Weakness Researchers of the Heidelberg University, Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) have developed a synthetic peptide based on the natural protein S100A1, a nearly universal “fuel” for weakened hearts. The researchers combined computer-aided methods with lab studies to investigate the therapeutic effect of the so called S100A1ct peptide molecule.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/therapeutic-designer-peptide-combat-acute-heart-muscle-weakness
Press release - 11/02/2025 New perspectives for personalized therapy of brain tumors Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and ShanghaiTech University have developed an innovative method for growing brain tumors of individual patients in the laboratory that mimic the original structure and the molecular property of the parental tumor as closely as possible. Drug tests in this model were found to correlate very well with actual patient responses, making it a valuable method for investigating therapies.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/new-perspectives-personalized-therapy-brain-tumors
Press release - 10/02/2025 Medical textiles with infection protection In collaboration with Heraeus, the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) are developing fibers and textiles with a novel infection protection system. The basis is an antimicrobial mechanism of action licensed from Heraeus and marketed under the name AGXX. The goal of the collaboration is to optimally integrate the AGXX technology into textile finishes and coatings and to incorporate it into fiber-spinnable polymers.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/medical-textiles-infection-protection
Press release - 07/02/2025 Spliceosome: How cells avoid errors when manufacturing mRNA The spliceosome, ensures that the genetic information from the genome, after being transcribed into mRNA precursors, is correctly assembled into mature mRNA. Splicing is a basic requirement for producing proteins. Researchers at the Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center (BZH) have succeeded for the first time in depicting a faultily “blocked” spliceosome at high resolution and reconstructing how it is recognized and eliminated in the cell. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/spliceosome-how-cells-avoid-errors-when-manufacturing-mrna
Press release - 07/02/2025 Multiple myeloma: When cancer cells break out of the bone marrow, a dangerous diversity arises A research team from the Heidelberg Medical Faculty, the German Cancer Research Center, the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH) and the Max Delbrück Center has discovered new details about the spread of the incurable bone marrow cancer multiple myeloma in the body: When the cancer cells break out of the bone and multiply outside the bone marrow, a wide variety of tumor cells arise, accompanied by a significantly altered immune response. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/multiple-myeloma-when-cancer-cells-break-out-bone-marrow-dangerous-diversity-arises
Press release - 23/01/2025 ERC Funding for „EmbryoNet-AI“ Konstanz biologist Patrick Müller receives a Proof of Concept Grant from the European Research Council for his project "EmbryoNet-AI". Its goal is the further development of an AI-supported platform for the automated evaluation of experiments – for example, in drug development.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/erc-funding-embryonet-ai
Press release - 20/01/2025 PAMSARC: New study at the NCT Heidelberg links research and clinical action Young patients suffering from two aggressive sarcoma types can now participate in the innovative PAMSARC therapy study at the NCT Heidelberg. The study uses molecular biological methods and tests the extent to which a new drug can improve the poor prognosis for these tumours.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/pamsarc-new-study-nct-heidelberg-links-research-and-clinical-action
Press release - 16/01/2025 New weapons against viruses Dr. Petr Chlanda, virologist and research group leader at the Heidelberg Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, has been awarded more than 720,000 euros in funding from the European Union for his research into new therapies against viruses. His work is part of the interdisciplinary, international DEFENDER project, which is developing innovative approaches to combat emerging and re-emerging viruses. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/new-weapons-against-viruses
Press release - 10/01/2025 MedTech Company KARL STORZ Acquires British AI Specialist Innersight Labs The MedTech company KARL STORZ announces the acquisition of the innovative software manufacturer Innersight Labs Ltd. (ISL) headquartered in London. In addition to state-of-the-art endoscopes, high-end medical devices, and integrated solutions for the operating room, KARL STORZ is also continuing to expand in innovative software solutions. Its large customer base, including top-class physicians worldwide, can now look forward to 3D models.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/medtech-company-karl-storz-acquires-british-ai-specialist-innersight-labs-1
Press release - 03/01/2025 New approaches against metastatic breast cancer: mini-tumors from circulating cancer cells Tumor cells circulating in the blood are the "germ cells" of breast cancer metastases. They are rare and could not be propagated in the culture dish until now, which made research into therapy resistance difficult. A team from the DKFZ, the Heidelberg Stem Cell Institute HI-STEM and the NCT Heidelberg has now succeeded for the first time in cultivating stable tumor organoids directly from blood samples of breast cancer patients.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/new-approaches-against-metastatic-breast-cancer-mini-tumors-circulating-cancer-cells
Press release - 19/12/2024 Antibody that neutralizes inhibitory factors involved in nerve regeneration leads to enhanced motor function after acute spinal cord injury Antibodies can improve the rehabilitation of people with acute spinal cord injury. Researchers at 13 clinics in Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Spain have investigated this with promising results. For the first time, it was possible to identify patient groups that displayed a clinically relevant treatment effect. A follow-up study will start in December 2024. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/antibody-neutralizes-inhibitory-factors-involved-nerve-regeneration-leads-enhanced-motor-function-after-acute-spinal-cord-injury
Press release - 13/12/2024 Schizophrenia: NMI observes processes in nerve cells Up to now, schizophrenia has mainly been treated symptomatically, as little is known about the exact underlying processes. Researchers at the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute in Reutlingen have succeeded in gaining a better understanding of the driving mechanisms of the disease. This offers opportunities for the development of new drugs. They have published their findings in the journal BMC Psychiatry.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/schizophrenia-nmi-observes-processes-nerve-cells
Press release - 09/12/2024 Brain tumour cells rapidly integrate into brain-wide neuronal circuits Researchers at the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University and the Heidelberg University Hospital have used modified rabies viruses to label glioblastoma tumour cells and their direct cell contacts in the mouse brain. The new method showed that the tumour cells are connected to different types of nerve cells throughout the entire brain at a very early stage of the disease. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/brain-tumour-cells-rapidly-integrate-brain-wide-neuronal-circuits
Dossier: Innovative animal-free research in Baden-Württemberg - 05/12/2024 Mini-organs and multi-organ chips - where lab mice may soon retire Farewell to animal testing? Life sciences researchers in BW are pioneering innovative methods to replace animal experiments, reduce the number of animals used and refine the procedures and conditions under which animals are kept. These are the guiding principles of the 3Rs principle. Developing cutting-edge models and establishing a robust 3R network, not only shapes the future of research but also improves the quality of scientific outcomes.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/dossier/mini-organs-and-multi-organ-chips-where-lab-mice-may-soon-retire
Press release - 04/12/2024 Joint research in key technologies: NMI and KIT sign cooperation agreement The NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have signed a groundbreaking cooperation agreement. This partnership combines the expertise of both institutions in the fields of production and characterization of materials for biological systems and energy storage as well as the application of statistical methods in medicine.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/joint-research-key-technologies-nmi-and-kit-sign-cooperation-agreement
Vicinity Bio: Optimisation of cancer diagnostics - 27/11/2024 Comprehensive histological diagnostics through high-dimensional imaging and artificial intelligence Microscopic examination of tissue samples is essential, particularly in tumour diagnostics. The Tübingen-based company Vicinity Bio leverages cutting-edge imaging technologies combined with machine learning to generate comprehensive datasets of individual cells from tissue sections. This approach not only helps identify more targeted therapies but also enhances our understanding of cellular functions and processes within tissues and tumours.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/Comprehensive-histological-diagnostics-through-high-dimensional-imaging-and-artificial-intelligence
Press release - 26/11/2024 Collaborative research centres on kidney and brain prolonged On 25 November, the German Research Foundation (DFG) announced the continued funding of two existing Collaborative Research Centres (CRC) at the University of Freiburg’s Faculty of Medicine. In CRC 1453 Nephrogenetics (NephGen), doctors and researchers are using genetic information to search for mechanisms underlying kidney diseases.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/collaborative-research-centres-kidney-and-brain-prolonged
Press release - 25/11/2024 Chromosomal chaos promotes therapy resistance in leukemia cells and opens up new treatment approaches Chromosomal instability plays a role in the progression of cancer: it shapes the properties of tumor cells and drives the development of therapy resistance. Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Heidelberg Stem Cell Institute HI-STEM* and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) used state-of-the-art single-cell analysis methods to analyze the cellular heterogeneity of a specific form of acute myeloid leukemia. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/chromosomal-chaos-promotes-therapy-resistance-leukemia-cells-and-opens-new-treatment-approaches
Press release - 20/11/2024 Millions in federal funding: customized 3D printing for patients in oral and maxillofacial surgery The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is currently funding a project at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Heidelberg University Hospital with around 1.2 million euros. The aim is to use 3D printing technology to produce individualized implants directly in the clinic, thus enabling faster, more efficient and more precise patient-specific care. To this end, the UKHD is working with an industrial partner.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/millions-federal-funding-customized-3d-printing-patients-oral-and-maxillofacial-surgery
Press release - 20/11/2024 Research team develops novel biomimetic speaking valve technology The challenge: if conventional speaking valves are used improperly, dangerous overpressure can occur, which can cause serious complications and even death. In a collaboration at the University of Freiburg, researchers developed a speaking valve with an integrated pressure release valve and an acoustic warning signal, inspired by the trapping mechanism of the carnivorous bladderwort plant Utricularia vulgaris.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/forschungsteam-entwickelt-neuartige-biomimetische-sprechventil-technologie
Press release - 15/11/2024 Selenium proteins as a possible new target for cancer research An important enzyme helps the body produce selenium proteins – this discovery could open up new strategies for treating cancer in children. This has been published by scientists from the University of Würzburg, the University Sao Paolo, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the Heidelberg Stem Cell Institute HI-STEM*.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/selenium-proteins-possible-new-target-cancer-research
Advancing quantum technology into real-world applications - 06/11/2024 QSens: BMBF future cluster brings quantum sensors of the future into medicine The BMBF-funded future cluster ‘QSens – Quantum Sensors of the Future’ is developing ultra-sensitive sensors that could open up new options in medicine, enabling faster drug research, more accurate diagnostics and improved rehabilitation. The universities of Stuttgart and Ulm are actively working with 17 industry partners to put these cutting-edge innovations to immediate practical use.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/qsens-bmbf-future-cluster-brings-quantum-sensors-future-medicine
Press release - 30/10/2024 Diabetes switch in DNA: Non-coding region in the genome influences ONECUT1 gene They are underestimated genetic control elements: it is known that changes in the genome can trigger diabetes. But now researchers at the University Hospital Ulm and the INSERM Cochin Institute in Paris have shown that a previously under-researched region of the genome also plays a crucial role in the development of this disease. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/diabetes-switch-dna-non-coding-region-genome-influences-onecut1-gene
Press release - 16/10/2024 Sensitive Arm Prostheses A quantum sensor that can register nerve impulses without contact opens up new possibilities in prosthetics. Researchers at Fraunhofer IPA are developing together with the industrial partner Q.ANT the prototype of one Prosthetic arm that is controlled by neural commands like healthy limbs.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/sensitive-arm-prostheses
Press release - 25/09/2024 How developmental signals can contribute to Genomic Mosaicism Certain developmental signals play a significant role in maintaining our genetic blueprints. They prevent alterations in the genome, known as mosaicism. The underlying biological mechanism helps the DNA to produce an identical copy of itself during cell division using the original genetic blueprint. However, it can also contribute to genomic mosaicism during nerve cell development.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/how-developmental-signals-can-contribute-genomic-mosaicism
Press release - 18/09/2024 Future cluster QSens starts the second round of funding In the “Cluster4Future” QSens of the Universities of Stuttgart and Ulm, scientists, companies and start-ups are researching quantum sensors with a wide range of potential applications. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is funding QSens for a further three years as part of “Clusters4Future”.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/future-cluster-qsens-starts-second-round-funding
Press release - 17/09/2024 Five new cross-border doctoral networks at Universität Heidelberg Five transnational and cross-institutional doctoral networks at Heidelberg University are being funded as part of the “Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions”. They work together on current scientific topics with high innovation potential. Ruperto Carola coordinates an MSCA Doctoral Network on artificial intelligence in physics, two networks in medicine, life sciences and engineering. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/five-new-cross-border-doctoral-networks-universitat-heidelberg
Press release - 11/09/2024 Researchers combine the power of artificial intelligence and the wiring diagram of a brain to predict brain cell activity Scientists have long sought ways to simulate the neural networks in the brain with computers in order to understand how it works. Now, researchers have combined new measurements of the wiring diagrams of the fruit fly with artificial intelligence methods to build a neural network that can do what few thought possible: To predict the activity of individual neurons without making a single measurement in a living brain. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/researchers-combine-power-artificial-intelligence-and-wiring-diagram-brain-predict-brain-cell-activity
Press release - 05/09/2024 Cohesion at the cellular level: flexible yet stable Research teams from the Universities of Konstanz and Potsdam are analyzing how proteins work together to enable our cells to both stick and move. The marker protein paxillin is at the centre of their interest.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/cohesion-cellular-level-flexible-yet-stable
Press release - 04/09/2024 Epigenetic changes reprogram astrocytes into brain stem cells With mice, researchers showed that experimentally induced lack of blood flow in the brain epigenetically reprograms astrocytes into brain stem cells, which in turn can give rise to nerve progenitor cells. This discovery shows that astrocytes could potentially be used in regenerative medicine to replace damaged nerve cells.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/epigenetic-changes-reprogram-astrocytes-brain-stem-cells
Press release - 26/08/2024 Synthetic Immunology: Approaching a Turning Point in the Treatment and Prevention of Disease Synthetic immunology is the topic of an article in the “Perspectives” section of the journal “Nature Nanotechnology”. Herein, Heidelberg researchers describe a so-called bottom-up approach that uses the toolbox of nanotechnology and synthetic biology to construct systems from molecular building blocks and specifically equip them with immune functions. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/synthetic-immunology-approaching-turning-point-treatment-and-prevention-disease
Start-up Cerebri GmbH - 05/08/2024 Comprehensive EEG supply thanks to telemedicine Fewer and fewer patients are getting timely access to electroencephalograms, as the process of measuring brain activity and interpreting the results requires specific expertise. Cerebri GmbH, a newly established Tübingen-based company, aims to address this issue by offering user-friendly EEG caps and providing rapid, location-independent and top-tier diagnostics by experts.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/comprehensive-eeg-supply-thanks-telemedicine
Press release - 01/08/2024 Targeted therapy for cancer of unknown primary (Cup) Encouraging results from a large international study led by Heidelberg have recently been published in the journal “Lancet”: The genetic material of cancer cells with unknown tissue of origin contains numerous targets for specific drugs that are already available and have been developed to treat other forms of cancer. These suppressed the disease in CUP patients for significantly longer than chemotherapy.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/targeted-therapy-cancer-unknown-primary-cup
Research association - 24/07/2024 SPI-MP: pioneer in personalised medical technology Every person is unique – even when they are ill. This is why many approaches to personalised medicine have been under development. The Stuttgart Partnership Initiative - Mass Personalization (SPI-MP), which focuses on basic research into fabrication and biomaterial technologies for personalised biomedical systems, is at the heart of such research work. The projects range from artificial knee joint cartilage to state-of-the-art stroke diagnostics.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/spi-mp-pioneer-personalised-medical-technology
TWYCE GmbH - 10/07/2024 Better immune response against prostate cancer thanks to new bispecific antibodies TWYCE, a Tübingen-based start-up spun off from the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tübingen, is focused on developing a combinatorial therapy using two bispecific antibodies from bench to clinical practice. The founders aim to introduce an effective strategy for combating solid tumours, with initial proof of concept targeted at prostate cancer.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/better-immune-response-against-prostate-cancer-thanks-new-bispecific-antibodies
Press release - 09/07/2024 Unique characteristics of previously unexplored protein discovered Freiburg-Prague research collaboration achieves scientific breakthrough in understanding cell division. The international research collaboration has uncovered a new mechanism of the crosstalk between microtubules and actin cytoskeleton during cell division and revealed unique characteristics of the previously unexplored protein FAM110A.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/unique-characteristics-previously-unexplored-protein-discovered
Press release - 05/07/2024 The Symphony of Organelles With "OrgaPlexing", scientists at the MPI of Immunobiology and Epigenetics have developed a new method that shows how guardian cells of the immune system, the macrophages, orchestrate their cell structures during inflammation or bacterial infection, making it possible to observe the interactions between several organelles simultaneously and thus providing insights into cell metabolism and the production of inflammatory molecules. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/symphony-organelles
Press release - 03/07/2024 CureVac Initiates Strategic Restructuring to Align Resources with Focus on High-Value mRNA Pipeline Opportunities CureVac N.V. (Nasdaq: CVAC) (“CureVac”), a global biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of transformative medicines based on messenger ribonucleic acid (“mRNA”), today announced a significant strategic restructuring to focus its resources on high-value mRNA projects in oncology and other select areas of substantial unmet medical need. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/curevac-initiates-strategic-restructuring-align-resources-focus-high-value-mrna-pipeline-opportunities
Baden-Württemberg receives the EU Commission's "Regional Innovation Valley" label - 01/07/2024 Customised healthcare for all: BIOPRO is a partner in the EU project PRECISEU The EU research project PRECISEU, which started in June 2024 and will run for five years, aims to connect innovation ecosystems across Europe and advance personalised medicine throughout Europe. BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg is one of 25 partner organisations from 11 European countries that are working on the further development of customised healthcare as part of the research project.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/customised-healthcare-all-biopro-partner-eu-project-preciseu
Press release - 17/06/2024 DNA as building material for tiny machines and artificial cells Humboldt Research Award winner Prof. Hao Yan has been conducting research at the 2nd Institute of Physics at the University of Stuttgart since May. He is regarded as one of the world's leading experts in the field of DNA nanotechnology. "My work has many points of commonality with the topics that my colleagues in Stuttgart are focusing on," says Yan. "I have therefore been cooperating with Professor Laura Na Liu's working…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/dna-building-material-tiny-machines-and-artificial-cells
Press release - 13/06/2024 BioRegio STERN receives 2024 award for best ZIM innovation network BioRegio STERN Management GmbH was today presented with an award at the Innovation Day for SMEs held by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Its “biohymed” project was named the year’s best innovation network under the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM).https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/bioregio-stern-receives-2024-award-best-zim-innovation-network
Press release - 12/06/2024 Pathogen identification — next-generation sequencing optimizes diagnostics Invasive infections such as sepsis require immediate and targeted treatment. Experts from the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB and group partners have succeeded in establishing a reconceptualized detection principle that can make a crucial contribution to saving lives through fast, ultra-accurate pathogen identification. They have been chosen to receive the 2024 Stifterverband Science Prize for their efforts.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/pathogen-identification-next-generation-sequencing-optimizes-diagnostics
Press release - 17/04/2024 Cell Biology: Molecular Code Stimulates Pioneer Cells to Build Blood Vessels in the Body Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and myocardial infarction, are the world's leading causes of mortality, accounting for over 18 million deaths a year. A team of KIT researchers has now identified a new cell type in blood vessels responsible for vascular growth. This discovery may allow for novel therapeutic strategies to treat ischemic cardiovascular diseases, i.e. diseases that are caused by reduced or absent blood flow.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/zellbiologie-molekularer-code-regt-pionierzellen-zum-aufbau-von-blutgefaessen-im-koerper
Press release - 10/04/2024 Growth through medical technology: Bosch and Randox invest heavily in the Vivalytic analysis platform With its Vivalytic analysis platform, Bosch has set itself the goal of making fast and highly precise diagnostics accessible at the point of care – and aims to use molecular diagnostics to become a leading provider in the market by 2030. To achieve this, Bosch has now agreed on a strategic partnership with Randox Laboratories Ltd., a leading diagnostic and medical technology company.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/growth-through-medical-technology-bosch-and-randox-invest-heavily-vivalytic-analysis-platform
Press release - 05/03/2024 New Center for Synthetic Genomics Applying and developing new technologies for DNA synthesis to pave the way for producing entire artificial genomes – that is the goal of a new interdisciplinary center, 'Center for Synthetic Genomics', that is being established at Heidelberg University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/new-center-synthetic-genomics
Press release - 04/03/2024 Heidelberg Pharma Announces Royalty Financing Agreement with HealthCare Royalty for up to USD 115 million HealthCare Royalty to purchase royalties from worldwide sales of Telix Pharmaceuticals’ imaging diagnostic agent ZircaixTM (TLX250-CDx) Heidelberg Pharma is eligible to receive up to USD 115 million in three near-term tranches Cumulative royalties sold are capped at a maximum valuehttps://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/heidelberg-pharma-announces-royalty-financing-agreement-healthcare-royalty-usd-115-million
Press release - 06/02/2024 New T-FINDER Platform Provides Deep Insights Into T Cell Responses Against Novel Cancer Vaccine BioMed X and the Universitätsmedizin Mannheim announced today the publication of two manuscripts in the field of cancer immunology in the journal Science Advances. The work is based on a collaboration bet- ween both institutions and researchers at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Heidelberg Uni- versity, and the Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology (HI-TRON).https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/neue-t-finder-plattform-liefert-tiefe-einblicke-t-zell-antwort-auf-neuartigen-krebsimpfstoff
Press release - 02/02/2024 University of Stuttgart successful with cluster draft proposals The German Research Foundation (DFG) has announced the first pivotal decisions for the "Clusters of Excellence" funding line as part of the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. The University of Stuttgart has been given the green light for two new cluster initiatives. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/universitaet-stuttgart-mit-clusterskizzen-erfolgreich
Press release - 31/01/2024 Precursor of Cholesterol Protects Cancer Cells From Cell Death and Makes them Aggressive A precursor of cholesterol can protect cancer cells from a form of cell death known as ferroptosis. Scientists of the University of Würzburg, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and the Stem Cell Institute HI-STEM* published this finding in the journal Nature. The results opens up exciting prospects for further improving the treatment of cancer and other diseases associated with oxidative stress and ferroptosis.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/cholesterin-vorstufe-schuetzt-krebszellen-vor-zelltod-und-macht-sie-aggressiver
Health Data Futures project - 11/01/2024 Creating a network of trust In the three-nation project "Health Data Futures", stakeholders and experts from Germany, France and Switzerland have launched a series of patient-centred innovations. Using various future scenarios, the project partners may be able to come up with even more scenarios.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/creating-network-trust
Press release - 10/01/2024 MedTech Company KARL STORZ Acquires British AI Specialist Innersight Labs The family-owned MedTech company KARL STORZ announces the acquisition of the innovative software manufacturer Innersight Labs Ltd. (ISL) headquartered in London. In addition to state-of-the-art endoscopes, high-end medical devices, and integrated solutions for the operating room, KARL STORZ is also continuing to expand in innovative software solutions. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/medtech-company-karl-storz-acquires-british-ai-specialist-innersight-labs
Press release - 03/01/2024 Reprogrammed fat cells support tumor growth Mutations of the tumor suppressor p53 not only have a growth-promoting effect on the cancer cells themselves, but also influence the cells in the tumor's microenvironment. Scientists at the Weizmann Institute in Israel and at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have now shown that p53-mutated mouse breast cancer cells reprogram fat cells.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/reprogrammed-fat-cells-support-tumor-growth
Press release - 18/12/2023 Researchers discover novel antibiotic substance from the human nose For the first time, the active substance epifadin has been isolated at the University of Tübingen – Epifadin is produced by specific bacteria in the nose and on the skin of humans, has an antibiotic effect, and is the first example of a previously unknown antimicrobial compound class.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/researchers-discover-novel-antibiotic-substance-human-nose
Press release - 15/11/2023 Nanoparticles for optimized cancer therapy Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancers in humans. Chemotherapies attack not only the tumor cells but also healthy cells throughout the body. Innovative nanoparticles could be a new approach to treat cancer more precisely. The approach was developed by a research team from the Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Multidisciplinary Sciences, the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/nanopartikel-fuer-optimierte-krebstherapie
Press release - 30/10/2023 New research group: construction of tissue in laboratory An interdisciplinary research group combining mechanical engineering and biotechnology has taken up its work at the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM) of Heidelberg University. The team under the direction of Dr Kai Melde will pursue an innovative approach to biofabrication – 3D cell culture using ultrasound. Tools are being developed that can be used as an alternative to or enhancement for 3D printing. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/neue-forschungsgruppe-konstruktion-von-gewebe-im-labor
Press release - 11/10/2023 The new Center for Bionic Intelligence Tübingen Stuttgart The new Center for Bionic Intelligence Tübingen Stuttgart aims to optimize the interaction between humans and technical systems in a fundamentally new way. Scientists from the Universities of Stuttgart and Tübingen, the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics are conducting research on intelligent bionic systems that will aid understanding and treatment of certain diseases of the CNS.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/zentrum-fuer-bionic-intelligence-tuebingen-stuttgart-gegruendet
Press release - 02/10/2023 Distributed artificial intelligence to improve patient care in the operating room A research team of scientists from the Fraunhofer IPA, the Bosch Digital Innovation Hub at Bosch Health Campus and the Institute of Image-Guided Surgery (IHU) of Strasbourg has jointly launched the DAIOR project. Within the framework of the project, the project partners are working on realizing the operating room of the future with help of artificial intelligence and robot assisted telemedicine. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/distributed-artificial-intelligence-improve-patient-care-operating-room