1. BIOLIF – Biological Interbody Fusion
Abstract
The University of Minho has developed an injectable biodegradable adhesive foam solution for spinal interbody fusion, providing instant stabilization of the vertebrae without instrumentation and promoting favorable biomechanical conditions for bone growth.
2. Antiparasitic Compounds for Malaria and Leishmaniasis
Abstract
A team of researchers from the University of Minho have been working on the development of pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrimidine-based compounds that have shown exceptional efficacy against malaria and leishmaniasis infections.
3. Host- and fungal-derived metabolites for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Abstract
Researchers from the Life and Health Sciences Research Institute of the University of Minho have developed a new method for the diagnosis of patients with Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). The invention has the potential to overcome the limitations of current diagnostic assays based on fungal surrogate markers (e.g., galactomannan and beta-D-glucan detection, Aspergillus PCR, culture, microscopy, etc.) in terms of sensitive, specific, and early detection of invasive aspergillosis.
4. MalariaChip: Automatic Device for Non-Invasive Malaria Diagnosis Through Optical Reflectance Techniques
Abstract
A multidisciplinary team from the School of Engineering and the School of Medicine of the University of Minho has developed a non-invasive optical device – MalariaChip – with fully integrated electronics, to efficiently diagnose malaria, in a few seconds, and directly on the patient’s skin. It represents a significant advancement in the state of the art and has the potential to achieve competitive diagnostic capabilities, meeting the growing clinical demands for reliable, rapid, user-friendly, and possibly quantitative diagnoses suitable for field use at the patient’s side.
5. Multitarget small-molecule therapeutics for treatment of dementias and other neurodegenerative diseases
Abstract
A team from the Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS) of the School of Medicine of the University of Minho has developed novel multitarget compounds for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias. These compounds represent a revolutionary multi-target approach that addresses multiple pathogenic mechanisms simultaneously, offering enhanced efficacy while minimizing toxicity and off-target effects.
6. Oligonucleotides sequences for rapid classification and diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Abstract
Researchers from the Life and Health Sciences Research Institute of the University of Minho have developed a more timeless, accurate and less expensive technique for diagnosing Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The invention relates to sequences of oligonucleotides that enable the detection of multiple mutations in genes relevant to the diagnosis, classification and therapeutics of AML.
7. A Novel method to manipulate a pathway to prevent depressive-like behavior
Abstract
An astrocytic specific pathway has been identified to be used in a method and pharmaceutical compositions for treating major depression and chronic-stress related disorders. It has been successfully tested in preventing depressive-like behavior in rodents and it is expected to be applicable in humans after further proof-of-concept.
Astrocytes display unique properties that allow them to influence network signaling and consequently modulate behavior responses, and are proposed as methods to prevent depression through pharmacology.
8. SEC4SCI: Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) secretome as new cell-free based therapeutic for spinal cord injury (SCI)
Abstract
The University of Minho has developed a new treatment option for SCI that can promote the repair and regeneration of damaged spinal cord tissue, based on the collection of various biomolecules that are secreted by adipose tissue derived stem cells (ASCs )– secretome.
9. A mesoscale approach to understand the healthy and diseased brain
Abstract
The discovery of the green fluorescence protein by the Nobel prize winners in physiology of 2008 promoted the development of several genetically encoded indicators for neuronal activity and neurotransmission in vivo. The development of calcium indicators, as well as technological development of miniaturized microscopes, that can be carried by small mammals like rodents has allowed functional imaging of numerous brain regions in awake animals, which greatly prompts the advance of neuroscience.
10. Device for Thermal and tactile stimulation, methods and uses thereof
Abstract
The present technology, developed by University of Minho, Universidade Católica do Porto, Universidade de Aveiro and IPCA, relates to a device for tactile and thermal stimulation in the field of human-machine interface. The device consists of a main block with two functionalities, one for tactile stimulation and another for thermal stimulation, which can be controlled independently.
11. Novel biomarker for use in human glioblastoma (GBM)
Abstract
Researchers from the School of Medicine of the University of Minho have established WNT6 as a novel oncogene in human glioblastoma, opening opportunities to develop more rational therapies to treat this highly aggressive tumor.
