Impressive presentations of new cell technologies at well-attended ‘Ziekenhuis van de Toekomst’ event
A new knee with your own cartilage cells? Or a world where there is no shortage of donor organs? It sounds like future music, but during the well-attended public event ‘Ziekenhuis van de Toekomst’ (Hospital of the Future) on Tuesday 1 October at UMC Utrecht, it turned out that reality is closer than you think.
Regenerative medicine
The theme of the evening was regenerative medicine. This aims to develop new treatments that take advantage of the body’s ability to repair damaged tissue itself. During the evening, there were very interesting presentations and demos that gave visitors a unique insight into the future of medicine.
Stem cells
After the introduction by Carina Hilders, chairman of the Executive Board of UMC Utrecht, and Stephan van Duin, University lecturer and biologist Joost Fledderus gave a clear explanation of what stem cells are, why they are so important for medicine and how they could change the future of treatments. Stem cells, form the basis of the human body and through division are able to change into other cell types.
A new knee with your own cartilage cells
Orthopaedic surgeon Roel Custers gave visitors more insight into the effective treatment of osteoarthritis (a decrease in cartilage around a joint) through the use of stem cell cartilage transplantation.
Repairing DNA
Next, paediatrician Sabine Fuchs told an impressive story about treating children with metabolic diseases. These are often serious diseases caused by a mistake in the DNA. Advances in genetic techniques are making it increasingly possible to repair faults in DNA.
Alternatives to dialysis and repairing brain damage
After the break with interesting demos, nephrologist Karin Gerritsen explained her research on how we can make dialysis better, more sustainable and less stressful for patients by using smart materials, chip technology and kidney cells. Paediatric neonatologist Manon Benders explained how stem cells can repair brain damage in newborns.
The costs of innovation
Finally, health economics researcher Renske ten Ham addressed the cost side. Cell and gene therapies are often much more expensive than regular treatments, but essential for curing a patient. Renske develops models to support reimbursement decisions.
Impressive evening
Overall, a very impressive evening during the Utrecht Science Week, in which visitors were taken through the wonderful innovations within the field of medicine at UMC Utrecht, in cooperation with many other parties and organisations.
Works on the tram track at Padualaan in Utrecht Science Park
To make public transport future-proof, Strukton is carrying out works on the tram track on Padualaan in Utrecht Science Park on behalf of the Province of Utrecht. In mid-January, works on the track will start near Weg tot de Wetenschap, just beyond the tram stop.
High-tech robots and laser scanners: this laboratory is where the food of the future is being discovered.
A remarkable world of high-tech robots, laser scanners, climate chambers, and other advanced equipment is hidden inside an inconspicuous, windowless building at Utrecht Science Park—a world entirely focused on the question of how to feed the global population in 2050.
Together in action for 3FM Serious Request and Spieren voor Spieren
During 3FM Serious Request the whole of the Netherlands came into action for Spieren voor Spieren. A lot of money was raised that can really make a difference for children with a muscular disease: the final amount is € 18,423,566. With the money, Spieren voor Spieren can do research on treatment and medication, faster diagnosis and exercise for children with a muscular disease.
Wennink plan: Life Sciences and biotechnology are important growth drivers for the earning capacity of the Netherlands
The Dutch Life Sciences and biotechnology sector can make a much larger contribution to the Netherlands’ economic strength. This is shown in a new growth strategy presented today as part of Peter Wennink’s advisory report. The report also highlights Utrecht Science Park as one of the key innovation locations and sources of progress and growth.