Last updated 3 months ago by Michael Darmanin
With the new lockdown in place we are, perhaps, all looking for some reassurance. At the moment, COVID-19 is unpredictable. And that is challenging. We know what the risk groups are, but we do not know yet exactly why some people suffer more greatly than others from the disease.
Grant from Health~Holland
Health~Holland (Life sciences and health) is one of the nine top sectors in the Netherlands, among horticulture, agri-food, water, high tech, and energy, to name a few. Health~Holland offered a grant of 1 million euros to key players in the research on Corona such as universities and private companies. This includes Utrecht University. These money will support research investigating the mechanisms through which the virus harms our bodies. At the same time, more effective treatments will be developed.
Metabolomics
Metabolomics is an innovative technique used to study an individual’s biochemical “fingerprint.” Applying this technique involves looking at a person’s structure of small molecules such as amino acids or hormones. Having a clear picture of one’s fingerprint allows scientists to compare how the organisms of different people react to a Coronavirus infection. Next, researchers will identify what parts of the fingerprint are associated with the more severe reactions. This way new treatments could be developed. At the same time, old treatments could be improved. Hopefully, these efforts will bring us one step closer to putting an end to the pandemic.
