Vrije Universiteit Brussel

The ONMD setup (A) along with an optical image of E. coli bacteria (B) and that same view in which false colors highlight the movements of each bacterium (C)

Science

System quickly spots antibiotic-resistant bacteria by watching them shimmy

If the bacteria with which someone is infected are antibiotic-resistant, physicians need to know so as soon as possible. A simple new system could help, by detecting such resistance in just two hours as opposed to the usual 24.

A new understanding of the way lactic acid impedes the body's defenses against tumors raises the prospect of new treatments

Cancer

Targeting lactic acid in tumors may be key to stunting their growth

Scientists have known for some time that lactic acid can fuel the growth of tumors, and a new study has drilled into the matter and turned up some useful insights that could lead to new and improved forms of immunotherapy to combat cancer.

An amputee tests the AMP-Foot 2.0 on a treadmill

Medical Devices

AMP-Foot 2.0 prosthesis mimics human ankle's spring

Researchers at Belgium's Vrije Universiteit Brussel are working on a lower-leg prosthesis called the AMP-Foot (Ankle Mimicking Prosthetic Foot).