One million euros for neurological research into rare diseases 25/01/2021 Prof. Dr. Pierre Vanderhaeghen has been awarded the Generet Prize for Rare Diseases for his research into the development of the human brain and ways in which things sometimes go wrong. This prestigious Prize, awarded by the Generet Fund which is managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, is linked to funding with a value of one million euros.
Biotalys Submits First Protein-Based Biocontrol Registration Package to the EPA 21/01/2021 Today, Biotalys NV, a transformative food and crop protection company, announces that it has submitted its first protein-based biocontrol, Evoca™, to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States for approval.
Leuvense studie brengt immuunreactie in longen van ernstig zieke COVID-19-patiënten in beeld 21/01/2021 Onderzoekers van UZ Leuven, de KU Leuven en het VIB onderzochten de afweerreactie bij COVID-19-patiënten die in het ziekenhuis werden opgenomen omwille van een longontsteking.
Targeting Tau to keep neurons connected 19/01/2021 An international team of researchers led by Patrik Verstreken at VIB-KU Leuven has succeeded in reversing the effects of Tau, a protein implicated in over 20 different diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Genetics reveals the link between blood insulin and gender: one size doesn’t fit all 11/01/2021 Researchers from the University of Surrey, VIB-KU Leuven, University of Lille, and a number of other institutions examined DNA variations in 151,188 Europeans without diabetes, to determine whether genetic differences can explain the known gender differences in how well the body is able to manage blood sugar and insulin levels.
How VIB drives drug discovery with cryo-EM toolbox 07/01/2021 VIB today introduces an upgrade to its toolbox for structural analysis of biological molecules, leading the way for drug development. These tools help to overcome critical obstacles that limit the resolution of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) reconstructions.
VIB acquires CropDesign site from BASF and launches its first agricultural biotechnology incubator 05/01/2021 VIB has signed an agreement with BASF to acquire its CropDesign site in Nevele, Belgium. VIB and CropDesign have had a close scientific relationship for more than 15 years.
Brain enzyme caught in the act 18/12/2020 Researchers from the lab of Wim Versées (VIB-VUB) in collaboration with the team of Patrik Verstreken (VIB-KU Leuven) presents the three-dimensional structure of an enzyme involved in Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Down syndrome.
A potential new way to target metastatic lung tumors 18/12/2020 The team of prof. Sarah-Maria Fendt (VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology) has found that the processing of a particular nutrient in the lungs boost the signals that promote the growth of metastatic tumors.
Dirk Inzé appointed to the ERC Scientific Council 18/12/2020 The European Commission has appointed five new members to the European Research Council's (ERC) governing body. This Scientific Council consists out of Europe's top scientists and is instrumental in determining our scientific future. Dirk Inzé (VIB-UGent) is one of the ERC Scientific Council's new members.
New issue of VIBtimes, our quarterly newsletter! 17/12/2020 Science has become a collective endeavor. This means that collaborations are the basis for breakthroughs. In this edition of our quarterly newsletter VIBtimes, collaboration takes center stage.
New European alliance formed to tackle urgent challenge of neurodegenerative diseases 17/12/2020 Top research institutes from Germany, France, Belgium and the UK have formed a new alliance to combat neurodegenerative diseases. Their mission? Catalyzing a United Response in Europe to Neurodegenerative Diseases, or CURE-ND for short.
IPBO will develop an international network on Plant Biotechnology and Breeding 15/12/2020 The International Plant Biotechnology Outreach (IPBO) is a joint UGent-VIB non-profit initiative aiming to promote scientific partnerships and exchange new biotechnologies and innovations with Africa. IPBO has been selected by Ghent University's International Thematic Network program to develop an international network on Plant Biotechnology and Breeding (Plant B+B).
Yvan Saeys receives AstraZeneca Foundation Award 2020 14/12/2020 Since 1993, the AstraZeneca Foundation has had a clear goal: to bring science and society closer together. This year, Yvan Saeys (VIB Center for Inflammation Research) is one of the four laureates for the AstraZeneca Foundation award.
The first virtual edition of SingleCell20 was a success! 10/12/2020 On 19 & 20 November, VIB & LifeTime welcomed over 400 people for the very first virtual edition of ‘Emerging Technologies in Single Cell Research’. In addition to the 24 scientific presentations the platform included ample room for networking.