Projects
Integration of high-detail-three-dimensional anatomical evaluation of the atrium with functional and metabolic factors to improve safety and effectiveness of catheter ablation of supraventricular arrhythmias KU Leuven
Since the first successful pacemaker implantation in 1958, pacing remains the only reliable treatment for severe bradycardia. So far, pacing technology consists of a hermetically sealed can enclosing a battery and electronic circuits that is connected to the heart by transvenous leads to deliver the pacing therapy. Despite continuous technological improvements, cardiac pacing remains associated with a nontrivial rate of complications related ...
Functional coagulase-negative staphylococci to improve quality and safety during meat fermentations Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Functional coagulase-negative staphylococci to improve quality and safety during meat fermentations KU Leuven
Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are part of the technological microbiota during meat fermentation, where they contribute to colour and flavour. Although S. carnosus and/or S. xylosus are used as starter cultures, the diversity of the CNS community extends way beyond these two species and its rich metabolic potential seems underexploited. The present study aims at a better understanding of the competitiveness of different CNS species ...
Sustainable production of functional and safe feed from food waste Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Through what processes and technologies can food waste and by-products of food processing be used as a raw material for animal feed? Which of those products fit nutritionally and function best for which species? The food processing companies in Europe produce large quantities of by-products and residual products. Such waste streams are either valorized only in limited way and/or have low added ...
Structural and functional characterisation of the Myzus persicae nicotinic acetylcholine receptors for the development of safer agricultural pesticides KU Leuven
Nicotinic receptors are ion channels that mediate excitatory neurotransmission. They are the primary target for neonicotinoids, which are a major class of insecticides used globally. However, their lack of selectivity between insects has resulted in the decline of pollinating bee species, which greatly impacts biodiversity and agriculture. This has prompted global bans on neonicotinoids use.
There is a great need to develop safer ...
Structural and functional studies of ligand-activated insect ion channels for the development of safer insecticides KU Leuven
There is a great need to develop safer insecticides with greater selectivity for harmful pests like Myzus persicae, a polyphagous aphid species which destroys crops. Currently developed insecticides pose a great threat to pollinating insects and are beginning to have severe effects on agriculture and biodiversity. To address this concern, we require new classes of safer insecticides which are more selective for deleterious pests. In order to ...