Health & life sciences

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease, particularly dangerous to young children. With no child-safe method for treating it, millions of kids are left untreated and susceptible to anaemia, stunted growth, and impaired cognitive development. The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) supported the research that aims to change this by providing equitable access to an effective and safe paediatric treatment for the disease.

Changes to the sugars attached to proteins have been linked with a range of human diseases, but the tools needed to detect this phenomenon have been lacking. The EU-funded GLYCOSURF project developed a new test that can detect these subtle alterations. The technique provides a robust and reliable way to provide early diagnoses.

While the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease continues to grow at an alarming rate, advances in treatment and prevention have stalled. The EU-industry funded ADAPTED project worked to better understand how the presence of a specific gene significantly increases the risk of disease. This research could open the door to new treatment for patients.

Understanding how the brain regulates bodily functions is critical for tackling metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The EU-funded WATCH project is shedding light on the molecular mechanisms that underpin this process. The work supports novel therapies that could benefit citizens affected by Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and COVID-19.

Identifying the specific genetic mutations that cause cancer has always been a challenge. The EU-funded NONCODRIVERS project offers a solution with a pioneering approach that applies machine learning based modelling to tumour data. This could lead to more personalised therapies that save the lives of thousands of citizens every year.

Materials used in medical implants such as pacemakers and insulin pumps can be hazardous to the body. The EU-funded BISON project seeks an alternative in self-assembling peptide building blocks. These biological electronics offer citizens safer implants that could be powered by the body itself.

Millions of people suffer from brain diseases. To better understand what happens in the brains of these patients, the EU-funded RobustSynapses project focused on synapses, where many brain conditions often first develop. By identifying key things that can go wrong, the project team has opened the door to potential new targets for life-saving treatments that would benefit everyone.

Humanity is realising that the state of our oceans has a direct impact on our wellbeing. To identify key priorities in the field of oceans and human health, the EU-funded SOPHIE project created a network of diverse experts. By changing harmful behaviours and encouraging sustainable practices, they hope to contribute to better health for both the oceans and citizens across Europe and beyond.

Short Bowel Syndrome is a medical disorder without a cure and with limited treatment options. But one EU-funded project aimed to change this by creating a functional small bowel using a patient’s own cells or tissue. The result has the potential to substantially improve the chances of survival and the standard of living for those suffering from the disorder.

Intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis (IAP), is a standard procedure used while delivering babies. According to EU-funded researchers, it may have important implications for infant health, increasing risks of obesity, diabetes, and antibiotics resistance. This finding opens the door to the development of new dietary strategies for minimising the effect of this very common medical procedure.