The role of our 'second brain' in colorectal cancer
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, we conduct a lot of research. In our Science Stories, our researchers explain their work and the tools they use to perform their research for FHML.
There are millions of nerve cells in our intestines, which are often referred to as our 'second brain'. These cells regulate various intestinal functions, such as digestion and nutrient absorption. Veerle Melotte discovered with her research group at GROW that those nerve cells also play a rol in the development of colorectal cancer.
In this video, Veerle explains how she studies this process. By better understanding how our 'second brain' contributes to tumour growth, researchers can develop new treatments for colorectal cancer patients, and hopefully improve their survival rates.
More Science Stories? Watch how Nick van Osta uses digital twins of the heart to fill in missing puzzle pieces in heart disease.
Also read
-
Macrophages as key to treating liver fibrosis
Sabine Daemen is researching how certain macrophages can slow down fatty liver disease and fibrosis in order to develop new therapies.
-
Teacher Information Points at UM
UM faculties now host Teacher Information Points (TIPs) that offer local, “just-in-time” and on-demand support for teaching staff. The aim is simple: to provide help that is closely connected to day-to-day teaching practice.
-
More than a student job: five alumni about their unique role in groundbreaking vascular research
What is it like to take part in cutting-edge vascular research as a student, standing in the operating room, directly responsible for handling patient material? Five alumni of the Maastricht MAPEX student team share what they learned, the challenges they faced, and how this experience shaped their...
