Sun­shade helps in the search for a sec­ond Earth

Chronic inflammation is generally considered a risk factor for the development of cancer. In psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, the link with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, has not yet been clarified. In medical practice, it has long been observed that tumours in psoriasis often do not develop directly in inflamed areas of skin. Researchers at MedUni Vienna have now confirmed this phenomenon in a study and identified the possible biological mechanism behind it. The results have recently been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

In a recently published review, a research team led by MedUni Vienna has highlighted a promising new approach to drug discovery. The focus is on the targeted modulation of certain intracellular signalling proteins as a strategy for controlling disease-relevant signalling pathways and reducing side effects. The findings were published in the journal Trends in Pharmacological Sciences and expand the range of tools available for developing personalised therapies, for example for the treatment of neurological diseases.

Observing exoplanets poses a number of challenges. In particular, planets that resemble the Earth are very difficult to study, as they only shine faintly and are outshone by their associated star. Now an international research team including Stefan Kimeswenger, astrophysicist at the University of Innsbruck, has investigated a new approach: a large, Earth-based telescope is to be combined with a "sunshade" orbiting in space that specifically blocks out the star's light.

An international research team, with significant involvement from the Medical University of Vienna, has developed a new AI-based analysis method that can accurately classify brain tumours using genetic material from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and monitor the progression of the disease. In future, the method could enable earlier diagnosis before surgery, reduce invasive procedures and improve the monitoring of treatment success. The results have recently been published in the leading journal Nature Cancer.

Millions of thunderstorms have now been analysed, providing new insights into the development of extreme weather events. The key lies in the combination of soil moisture and wind.

In a current strategy paper, an international team with the participation of TU Graz calls for the search for room-temperature superconductors to be pursued in a coordinated manner and with combined forces - and presents a programmatic approach for its success.

Consistent and permanent abstinence from alcohol can lead to the regression of existing liver-related complications, even in cases of advanced alcohol-related cirrhosis. This is shown by an international multicentre study led by MedUni Vienna, which was recently published in the Journal of Hepatology. Up to one third of patients with already decompensated alcohol-related cirrhosis were able to achieve so-called "re-compensation" through consistent abstinence from alcohol - i.e., the complete resolution of liver-related complications with simultaneous recovery of liver function. In addition, the study identifies the factors that are crucial for this recovery of liver function.

More than 10,000 patients with rare diseases are treated annually at the University Departments of MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna - many of them with long periods of suffering, delayed diagnoses, and limited treatment options. On Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2026, the Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna will demonstrate how the close link between clinical care, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration is continuously advancing the care of people with rare diseases.

ISTA physicists explain the exceptional energy-harvesting efficiency of perovskites. Despite being riddled with impurities and defects, solution-processed lead-halide perovskites are surprisingly efficient at converting solar energy into electricity.