Big brains, small friends

Suppression of inflammatory activity with disease-modifying therapies is the cornerstone of MS treatment but over time may increase risk of infections. The unique ability of brain-derived blood extracellular vesicles (EVs) to cross the blood–brain barrier and reflect the central nervous system (CNS) immune status has sparked interest in their potential as biomarkers. This study aimed to assess whether blood-derived L1CAM+ EVs could serve as biomarkers in patients with relapsing-remitting MS.

AI does not only chat or create images and videos but shows potential in medicine as well. I will talk about what AI already does and how it might change medicine in the future from the perspective of imaging neuroscience / neuroradiology.

Cancer metastasis is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth; wherein neoplastic cells become invasive and gain ability to infiltrate and disseminate to distant organs. What triggers cancer cells to switch to an invasive phenotype ? Using fruit flies, we study the molecular signals that promote or prevent this invasive switch. This approach allows us to uncover the earliest steps of cancer spread in a living organism and identify strategies to stop cancer cells before they become metastatic.

Love sourdough or a cold pint? You’re a fan of microbes! We invite bacteria into our kitchens to make food tastier and healthier. But what happens when these same organisms move into our water and energy systems? From bubbling jars to fouling oil rigs, we’ll explore how microbial "hunger" can either create a delicacy or create challenges. Discover why the secret to protecting our modern world isn't about killing every germ but rather about learning to live with our invisible roommates.