Videos

What happens to your body in space?
When gravity disappears, the body changes in ways we’re only starting to understand — and the liver is no exception. Postdoctoral researcher Sinem Helvacıoğlu Akyüz (VUB) is studying how microgravity affects liver cells, especially the proteins responsible for moving drugs through the body. Her research could lead to better protections for astronauts — and new insights into treating disease on Earth.

Why do so many promising drugs fail in clinical trials? Often because they’re tested on flat cell cultures that don’t reflect real human biology. That's why Anubhav Bussooa (VUB) is developing 3D cell models that mimic how real tissues work — including root-like structures that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells at the center of these spheres. These models could lead to better, faster, and more accurate drug testing.

How did people in dry regions like Cyprus survive long periods without rain? Thousands of years ago, they built stone terraces to slow down water, allowing it to soak into the soil and nourish crops. At VUB, archaeologist Ella Egberts is combining archaeological fieldwork with scientific analysis to uncover how these systems worked — and what they can teach us about drought resilience today.
🎥 Watch the video to discover how ancient solutions can inspire a more sustainable future.

With resistant bacteria on the rise, traditional antibiotics are losing their power. Richa Scharma, (VUB), is taking a new direction. Instead of killing bacteria outright, she’s designing molecules that block their ability to cause disease.
This strategy could lead to next-generation antibiotics that are harder for bacteria to resist — helping us stay ahead in the fight against superbugs.
🎥 Watch the video to discover how Richa’s research is reshaping the fight against antibiotic resistance.

What does a fast-food diet have to do with your brain health? 🍔 🧠
Parkash Singh Rawati (VUB) is studying the link between processed food, gut bacteria, and brain inflammation. His work focuses on a gas called hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), produced by gut bacteria when we eat too many refined or processed foods. This gas may be a hidden driver of brain inflammation linked to conditions like multiple sclerosis. By comparing the gut microbiota of MS patients with healthy individuals, Parkash hopes to open the door to new treatments, from targeted probiotics to diet-based strategies for protecting brain health.

What happens to your old electronics — and what do they do to our bodies?
Every year, millions of electronic devices are thrown away — many ending up in informal e-waste dumps in developing countries like Nigeria. However, this toxic trash creates serious health risks for people living or working nearby. Chukwuebuka Eze (VUB) is researching how exposure to toxic chemicals from informal e-waste recycling sites impacts liver health and increases the risk of disease.

Flooding around Lake Victoria has become increasingly deadly — with hundreds of lives lost and millions affected in recent years. But better forecasting could make all the difference.
Vincent Ogembo (VUB) is developing a Integrated Water Balance Model, that brings together satellite data and lake outflow measurements to predict future flood scenarios up to 2100. This research will help governments anticipate rising water levels and issue early flood warnings before disaster strikes.

Can studying history help farmers survive climate change?
Luigi Oddo, (VUB) studies how farming communities across Europe adapted to extreme weather centuries ago. By examining historical weather patterns, farming records, and even tree rings, he uncovers strategies that could help today’s farmers face the challenges of climate change.
His research shows that the past holds not just stories, but solutions.

Can fungi really replace animal leather? Researcher Razieh (VUB) thinks so. Her work focuses on creating durable, leather-like materials from mycelium — the thread-like structure of fungi — without using synthetic additives. Made entirely from agricultural waste and reinforced with biodegradable fibres, this innovative material offers a cleaner, animal-free alternative to traditional leather.

Eric Gaba (VUB) is rethinking how we build prosthetic sockets. Instead of carbon fibre, he’s developing an eco-friendly alternative using pineapple leaf fibres and plant-based resin.This biodegradable material is safer, cleaner, and cheaper — especially for clinics in low- and middle-income countries. A fresh take on sustainability in medical design.

What makes someone a parent? In families formed through assisted reproduction, that answer isn’t always clear — and the law doesn’t always keep up.
Nishat Hyder-Rahman, researcher at VUB, is working on a legal framework that improves birth registration so that it reflects the real-life complexity of modern parenthood. Her research compares international approaches and listens to families, donors, and surrogates to develop better legal recognition.