Research Projects

In this project we seek to develop new smart imaging molecular tools for combating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and prion diseases. Emphasis is put on translational applied research for the development and validation of novel properly functionalized luminescent conjugated polymers (LCP) that via modern imaging technology...

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique that displays in vivo brain-wide metabolic processes. Prior to PET image acquisition, a tracer, labelled with a positron emitting isotope, is injected to the patient. This so-called radiotracer distributes over the body and accumulates in e.g. inflammatory tissue. To date, the...

Across Europe there is an increasing shift from centralized intramural care to decentralized extramural care, with a major role and responsibility for care organisations to provide care in the community and tools to support independent living. In the MagicTABLE project we want to bring the intramural serious game system, the ‘Tovertafel’, to the...

MADIA aims at realizing a versatile and cheap diagnostic device based on magnetoresistive sensors, microfluidic device, ultra–small Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs) and advanced bio-chemical functionalization methods for the early and ultrasensitive. in vitro detection of biomarkers trustfully associated with 2 incurable neurodegenerative diseases...

This application is to enable mutual transfer of knowledge and experience by enhancing mutual scientific interest, augmenting research projects and exchanging new ideas. We envision that the collaboration will bring joint publications and new discoveries in the area of Magnetic Resonance (MR). The project aims at the improvement of current...

MARIO addresses the difficult challenges of loneliness, isolation and dementia in older persons through innovative and multi-faceted inventions delivered by service robots. The effects of these conditions are severe and life-limiting. They burden individuals and societal support systems. Human intervention is costly but the severity can be...

Throughout evolution, the human genome has been attacked by retrotransposons, parasitic DNA elements that spread through our genome by a copy-paste activity. I previously showed that SVA elements, the youngest class of retrotransposons in our genome, harbour a strong gene-regulatory potential which is normally repressed by KRAB zinc finger protein...

Your brain has its own waterscape: whether you are reading or sleeping, fluid flows through the brain tissue and clears waste in the process. These physiological processes are crucial for the well-being of the brain. In spite of their importance we understand them but little. Mathematics and numerics could play a crucial role in gaining new insight...

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients stay in a prodromal phase over many years before robust cognitive decline. During this phase, complex molecular events lead to cellular alterations, resulting in aberrant synaptic activity and chronic inflammation which leads to neuronal death and cognitive impairment. My unpublished work, shows that melanin...

Mobility or physical movement contributes to health and well-being in later life and is a key issue in gerontological research. Most studies have focused on the contribution of outdoor mobility to active ageing, but physical and cognitive impairments restrict the mobility of many older adults. MeaningfulMobility will take a more comprehensive...

Protein phosphorylation, mediated by kinases, plays a pivotal role in cellular regulation, with kinase dysregulation strongly associated with diseases like cancer, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disorders. Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a significant global health challenge as the population ages at an accelerating pace. A key...

Memory loss is a central symptom in different diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, and represents a significant social and economic burden for a large percentage of European citizens. Neuronal cell adhesion molecules belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgCAMs) are known to be involved in brain development processes, and also contribute to...