Viral zoonoses - 24/01/2022 Development of inhibitors that help stop viral zoonoses Emerging viral infections such as COVID-19 or Zika disease pose an increasing threat to humans. At the Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB) at Heidelberg University, Prof. Dr. Christian Klein's research group is developing inhibitors against already known viruses in the hope that these can also be used against new virus variants.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/development-inhibitors-help-stop-viral-zoonoses
Press release - 30/11/2021 A mould dominates the eukaryotic microbiota in Parkinson’s disease patients Parkinson's disease is characterised by a slow, progressive loss of nerve cells in certain brain areas. The disease is still incurable and the exact causes are unclear. The dopamine deficiency in the brain can only be controlled to some extent in the initial phase of the disease. Basic research is being conducted in an attempt to unravel the mystery of Parkinson's disease.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/mould-dominates-eukaryotic-microbiota-parkinsons-disease-patients
Article - 17/03/2021 Epigenetic switches in bacteria as biosensors The analysis of pathogen biomarkers and biomarkers for the diagnosis of diseases can be crucial for health. However, the detection of pathogens and diseases depends on a sensitive and reliable method that delivers rapid results. Biosensors have such properties. Researchers at the Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry (IBTB) at Stuttgart University have constructed an epigenetic circuit composed of plasmids that might make it…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/epigenetic-switches-bacteria-biosensors
Article - 17/02/2021 Whole blood model enables development of early warning system for sepsis Sepsis is a life-threatening disease that can be treated all the more successfully the faster therapy is initiated. It is not just the infection itself that is so dangerous, but a dysregulated response of the immune system. Physicians at Ulm University Hospital have now developed an animal-free test system that can be used to research the disease and develop innovative diagnostic tools to quickly assess a patient's sepsis risk and optimise…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/whole-blood-model-enables-development-early-warning-system-sepsis
Press release - 01/09/2020 Strengthening the immune system with small molecules Infections pose an increasing risk to hospitalized patients. In collaboration with a number of partners, the Fraunhofer IGB has developed a new therapeutic approach as part of the InnateFun project. Their strategy is to improve cells’ ability to defend themselves against harmful microorganisms by acting on their immune receptors. The researchers’ work on this therapeutic approach has reached the animal model stage. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/strengthening-immune-system-small-molecules
Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB - 24/04/2020 A rapid pyrogen test: the human immune system as model Every year, around 11 million people die of sepsis (blood poisoning) caused by microorganisms or microbial residues, known as pyrogens, entering the bloodstream. The smallest amounts can trigger fever. Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB in Stuttgart have developed a pyrogen test that does not require a laboratory and is not tested on animals. It is expected to be placed on the market soon.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/A-rapid-pyrogen-test-the-human-immune-system-as-model
Dossier - 06/12/2019 Microbiome: human health is closely connected with our microbial communities People have 1.3 times more microorganisms than body cells. This microbial community influences how we digest our food, how active our immune system is, as well as whether we tend to be more anxious or curious. A number of diseases have also been shown to be associated with a disturbed microbiome. Researchers still have a long way to go before the knowledge acquired can be used for developing therapies.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/dossier/microbiome-human-health-closely-connected-with-microbial-communities
Article - 23/05/2016 Fungal infections of the lungs – antibody-based imaging improves diagnosis Cancer was the first area of diagnostics in which antibody-based PET/MRI imaging was used. The diagnosis of fungal infections will be the next. The innovative method is being developed by a European research consortium coordinated by researchers in Tübingen. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/fungal-infections-of-the-lungs-antibody-based-imaging-improves-diagnosis
Article - 19/01/2016 Innate immune defence: using peptides against fungi and bacteria Part of the human immune defence relies on antimicrobial peptides. These peptides, so-called defensins, are present in the gastrointestinal tract where they play a role in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease. Prof. Jan Wehkamp and his team of researchers at the University Hospital in Tübingen study how this knowledge can be put to good use for the treatment of Crohn’s and other diseases.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/innate-immune-defence-using-peptides-against-fungi-and-bacteria
Article - 11/05/2015 How Lactobacillus bacteria fight Candida albicans infections Fungal infections of skin and mucous membranes are relatively common. Around 75 percent of the human population lives with Candida albicans, a fungus that has no harmful effects in people with an intact immune system that can fight off systemic infections. However, in people with immune systems that have been weakened by antibiotics or radiotherapy for example C. albicans infections can lead to sepsis which may even be life-threatening. Prof. Dr.…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/how-lactobacillus-bacteria-fight-candida-albicans-infections
Dossier - 31/03/2014 Peptides – diverse molecules of life Peptides exist in all organisms, wherever there are cells. The range of their physiological functions is huge. Biologically active peptides can act as hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors as well as toxins and antibiotics. This is what makes them highly interesting drug leads. They are used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, cancer and other diseases. Despite some drawbacks, peptides are gaining in importance as candidates for drugs…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/dossier/peptides-diverse-molecules-of-life
Article - 07/08/2013 New regulations covering the use of laboratory animals The new directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes was adopted on 22nd September 2010 and was implemented into the German Animal Welfare Act which came into force in February 2013. These regulations have implications for companies and researchers alike. In recent years a growing number of alternative methods to animal testing have been developed. Dr. Nina Hasiwa CEO of…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/new-regulations-covering-the-use-of-laboratory-animals
Dossier - 01/10/2012 Systems biology: understanding complex biological systems Systems biology studies complex interactions within biological systems on the genome proteome and organelle level. Many techniques from the fields of systems theory and associated fields can be used to gain an understanding of the behaviour and biological mechanisms of cellular systems.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/dossier/systems-biology-understanding-complex-biological-systems
Article - 30/07/2012 Fungus protects strawberries against grey rot and does away with the need for chemicals Summer time is strawberry time: strawberries are grown worldwide on an area of 300,000 hectares and are harvested in early summer. Fungicides that are used to treat grey rot might actually be the only thing that diminishes the pure pleasure of eating juicy, tasty strawberries. The Konstanz-based company bio-ferm Research GmbH has developed a fungicide that protects strawberries against Botrytis cinerea infections, one of the most common fruit…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/fungus-protects-strawberries-against-grey-rot-and-does-away-with-the-need-for-chemicals
Article - 12/06/2012 Symbionts, parasites and a new hormone biosynthesis pathway Plants release strigolactones into the soil in order to attract friendly organisms and establish a symbiotic association with them. Unfortunately these plant hormones are also perceived by parasitic weeds. A team of researchers led by Salim Al-Babili from the University of Freiburg has now identified important steps in the biosynthesis of strigolactones as well as coming up with unexpected discoveries. Does the new knowledge enable researchers to…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/symbionts-parasites-and-a-new-hormone-biosynthesis-pathway
Press release - 14/03/2012 How a natural antibiotic found in sweat affects microorganisms The skin creates a barrier between the body and its environment. Natural antibiotics that can kill potential pathogens such as bacteria or fungi represent an additional level of protection by the immune system. Dermcidin one such antibiotic produced in human sweat glands is active against a number of microorganisms on the skin. A team of scientists from the University Hospital Tübingen and the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology were…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/how-a-natural-antibiotic-found-in-sweat-affects-microorganisms
Press release - 12/12/2011 Insilico Biotechnology and Metabolomic Discoveries pool their expertise Insilico Biotechnology and Metabolomic Discoveries have agreed to pool their expertise to provide industrial biotech customers with a more comprehensive package of high quality services. The main focus of the cooperation lies in the field of applied systems biotechnology dealing with the metabolism of bacteria, fungi and mammalian cells. The combination of modern analytical methods with high-performance computing will give customers detailed…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/insilico-biotechnology-and-metabolomic-discoveries-pool-their-expertise
Article - 14/11/2011 Marina Freudenberg and Chris Galanos – more than 40 years of bacterial defence research This years Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology was awarded to three renowned scientists one of whom is the American Bruce Beutler who was instrumental in clarifying the structure of the mammalian Toll-like 4 TLR4 receptor. Prof. Dr. med. Marina Freudenberg and Dr. Dr. h.c. Chris Galanos from the Freiburg-based Max Planck Institute MPI of Immunobiology and Epigenetics have co-authored the key publication that led to the award of the Nobel Prize…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/marina-freudenberg-and-chris-galanos-more-than-40-years-of-bacterial-defence-research
Article - 22/08/2011 Dieter Spiteller is taking an in-depth look at the chemistry of microbial symbionts Prof. Dr. Dieter Spiteller, head of the new Department of Chemical Ecology at the University of Konstanz, is investigating how organisms interact with each other by way of chemical signals, antibiotics and toxins. Spiteller and his team of researchers are using leafcutter ants endemic to South and Central America as one of several research objects.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/dieter-spiteller-is-taking-an-in-depth-look-at-the-chemistry-of-microbial-symbionts
Dossier - 22/08/2011 Stress and molecular defence mechanisms Organisms can experience stress from exposure to bacteria and pathogenic fungi; in fact, stress can arise from exposure to any type of environmental influence. As they have evolved, biological cells have developed numerous molecular mechanisms that enable them to survive even in inhospitable conditions. What kind of effects do abiotic stress factors have on plants and human beings? How do cells protect themselves? Are researchers able to increase…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/dossier/stress-and-molecular-defence-mechanisms
Article - 25/07/2011 Cell culturing as a taught subject: many more “Biberachs” are needed Cell culture technology is only taught at a handful of universities. However, this interdisciplinary subject is the core of the “Pharmaceutical Biotechnology” programme offered by the Biberach University of Applied Sciences. We talked about the subject with Professor Jürgen Hannemann, founding dean of the “Pharmaceutical Biotechnology” programme, and with Professor Friedemann Hesse, who runs the “cell culture technology” teaching programme.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/cell-culturing-as-a-taught-subject-many-more-biberachs-are-needed
Article - 07/03/2011 Farming lifestyle: microbial diversity keeps allergies away Children who grow up on farms have a lower prevalence of allergies and asthma than other children in the same geographical region who do not grow up in such environments. A study by a European group of researchers published in the renowned New England Journal of Medicine adds to evidence supporting the hygiene hypothesis.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/farming-lifestyle-microbial-diversity-keeps-allergies-away
Article - 20/12/2010 Invisible danger with long-term consequences According to official figures mycotoxins which are toxic secondary metabolites produced by moulds are found in around of 20 per cent of the European crop harvest. Even the smallest concentrations of mycotoxins can have devastating toxic effects causing cancer or posing a risk to fertility and development. Alexandra Heussner from the University of Konstanz is investigating ochratoxins whose chronic effect represents a huge danger to human health.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/invisible-danger-with-long-term-consequences
Article - 13/12/2010 Christoph Kleineidam – communication without words Neuroethologist Dr. Christoph Kleineidam from the University of Konstanz focuses mainly on ants and their highly sensitive sensory system that allows them to communicate with each other by way of pheromones. He believes that these sensory mechanisms can be technologically implemented in the fields of thermosensor and chemosensor technology in the not-too-distant future.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/christoph-kleineidam-communication-without-words
Article - 23/08/2010 Signals that trigger symbiotic relationships Some fungi kill plants by wearing them down. Other fungi however are on friendly terms with plants. The research group led by Prof. Dr. Natalia Requena from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT investigates the molecular mechanisms that enable fungi and plants to initiate contact with each other. How do plants differentiate good from bad fungi? How do they manage to set up a functional and effective symbiotic relationship?https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/signals-that-trigger-symbiotic-relationships