Trypanosome-binding proteins in the tsetse fly saliva favour the parasite transmission Vrije Universiteit Brussel
This project aims to understand the role of a narrow ...
In order to sustain the necessary crop production rates, which are necessary to meet the demands of our growing global population, agriculture still relies on the extensive use of pesticides. Nevertheless, the harmful effects pesticides on health and environment are well known. A lot of research effort goes into the discovery and development of more sustainable alternatives to reduce the negative effects of biotic and abiotic stresses. One of ...
The high prevalence and treatment resistance of obesity urges further exploration into early diagnosis and prevention. This is especially important at young age, when metabolic and psychological development are ongoing. Psychological factors like stress can favor obesity, but researchers still struggle with the complex processes towards disease susceptibility. This project aims to elucidate pathways and identify potential clinical biomarkers ...
There is a lot of controversy and uncertainty regarding the potential harmful effects of radiation at low doses. A particular field in which the characterization of these effects is of great importance is dentistry, due to the high frequency of radiographic exposures. Recently, the introduction of conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) has exacerbated the situation; as its use has increased exponentially in the last decade, including for ...
Research on oral bacteria extends beyond oral diseases to systemic diseases. After all, oral bacteria have been associated to several medical conditions, ranging from different types of cancer over preterm delivery to cardiovascular diseases. As there is also evidence that bacteria in saliva can help to distinguish patient groups from healthy individuals, the aim of this project is to investigate the biomarker potential of the oral bacteria. ...
Subconcussive blows to the head are prevalent in athletes in contact-sports. Multiple impacts may lead to brain alterations and clinical impairment, but the extent of these effects is unknown. No studies have determined whether exposure to repetitive head impact in childhood and adolescence leads to impaired brain development. Soccer, where repetitive head impacts are common, provides an accessible model for understanding the effects of ...
Cell-cell communication is crucial for the development of living organisms. The GOLVEN (GLV) signaling peptide family was recently identified and has been shown to control different aspects of root development. Some GLV genes are expressed early during primordium initiation and their upregulation results in reduced lateral roots. The aim fo this project is to understand GLV signaling during primordium organogenesis.
...