Finding the tools cancer uses to spread through the body

Millions worldwide suffer from chronic pain, where even simple tasks become unbearable. But why does this happen? The key lies in epigenetics, which can be seen as the "conductor" of our genetic orchestra. While our genes provide the notes, epigenetics directs when and how they play. It details how each part of our body should function, thus creating harmony in our bodies. In chronic pain, this conductor falters, leading to a chaotic mix of painful signals, as VUB researcher Huanyu Xiong explains.

As a child, Zhao Yuheng (VUB) often endured excruciating kidney stones, requiring frequent hospital visits. Now, she is a chemist dedicated to decoding these painful formations. Her goal is to help doctors diagnose kidney stones early and tailor treatments, sparing millions from unnecessary pain.

On his very first night shift as a brain surgeon, Frederick Van Gestel faced a daunting task: placing a life-saving drain in the middle of a patient’s brain. It made him wonder, “What if I had futuristic X-ray vision to see exactly where to go?” Now, during his PhD, Frederick is developing just that. Using Augmented Reality and special glasses, his technology displays the patient’s internal anatomy to the surgeon, along with crucial surgical waypoints and landmarks— think of it like a GPS for navigating the human brain.