Videos

Chemotherapy has been an important weapon in the fight against cancer for decades. But unfortunately, it affects not only cancer cells, but also healthy cells - resulting in severe side effects. Doctoral student Nuran Caz wants to change this with her research. She is working on an innovative therapy in which the chemotherapy, as in the Trojan Horse, is hidden in order to target the unsuspecting cancer cells.

Ever wondered how you can focus on a conversation with your friend while sitting in a noisy restaurant?

This is thanks to the filtering system in your brain—and a specific protein, the glycine receptor—which helps remove redundant signals. But when this system isn’t working properly, it may contribute to conditions like autism and psychosis. Yana Vella studies this receptor in an ingenious way to better understand how this filtering works and to improve future treatments.

How can we refine EU climate policies to better harness forests for capturing and storing carbon? That's the question Britt Bocken is exploring as she investigates the extensive and complex EU Green Deal - the EU's climate policy. She wants to clarify the complexities of this regulation, and examine how countries like Belgium apply the rules in practice, to see if there is room for improvement.

Every year, up to half a million people worldwide suffer spinal cord injuries, often leading to partial or complete paralysis of the arms or legs. Remarkably, physical training can help restore movement and muscle control—even in partially paralyzed limbs. But how does this work? Imke Hrycyk explains the science behind it. Watch to learn more!

Amber Jans studies dementia—not as a doctor, but as a legal researcher. While a dementia diagnosis is primarily a medical issue, it also comes with important legal consequences, especially for families. Jans explores the challenges of creating a legal system that considers the interests of the person with dementia, their spouse, and their relationship as a couple.

Did you know that you can concentrate better and be more motivated if you learn while moving? Lindsay Everaert tells you why moving while learning is so effective and challenges you with an exercise in the video. Ready to test your brain?

Have you ever wondered why some breast cancer survivors develop a new cancer years after successful radiotherapy? Every person has a unique biology, influencing how they respond to treatments like radiotherapy. Yet, most patients receive standardized treatment plans. But what if we could tailor treatments to each individual? Cancer researcher Renu Dayal is working to make radiotherapy safer and more personalized. She hopes to ensure that every patient stays protected long after treatment.

Did you know that many products in your shopping cart contain 'surfactants'? For example, this 'magic' ingredient provides foaming soap to longer-lasting food! But did you also know that almost half of surfactants come from petroleum? In her research, bioengineer Elvira Bytyqi is working on an eco-friendly alternative: biosurfactants! 🌱

Everyone loves sugar. It's delicious and sweet, but healthy? Not really. Yet there are healthy sugars that are lower in calories, fight plaque, or stimulate your gut flora. Unfortunately, these are rare in nature. That's why bioengineer Emma De Beul is studying how to convert unhealthy sugars into healthy varieties - with the help of clever enzymes.

Did you know that during a walk in the woods, you walk across a hidden pharmacy? The soil is chock-full of bacteria, and those soil bacteria naturally produce substances that serve as the basis for antibiotics and other drugs. Anne-Sofie De Rop tracks down these invisible pharmacists by taking soil samples, and analyzing the DNA of the bacteria to discover new medications.

Using better statistics to ensure better health care outcomes for all. That is the mission of biostatistician Kelly Van Lancker. In her doctorate, she uses a statistical method to develop drugs faster and cheaper, with up to 25% fewer test subjects.

What if every school day felt like a mental marathon? For a lot of children receiving radiotherapy to treat a brain tumor, that is the reality. Radiotherapy saves lives, but unfortunately also comes with side effects, such as memory and concentration problems. To counteract this, Isabeau De Bie is setting her sights on noradrenaline, a hormone that can reinvigorate memory and attention. With promising initial results!