Archive of the Faculty of Medicine in Bochum
Here you can find older news and press releases from the Faculty of Medicine at Ruhr University Bochum.
For more recent press releases, please take a look at our news.
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New Genetic Cause of Microcephaly Discovered
How small can a brain be? Researchers uncover how mutations in a key RNA-degrading enzyme, EXOSC10, disrupt brain development, leading to microcephaly — a condition marked by severely reduced brain size. Their discovery sheds new light on the genetic roots of this rare disorder and opens doors to understanding how brain structure is controlled at the molecular level.
When Machines Learn to Feel
A groundbreaking interface links heartbeats with AI. Researchers have developed a system enabling large language models to receive and interpret real-time heart rate data. By “listening” to the body’s signals, the AI can adapt its responses beyond spoken prompts — paving the way for new applications in healthcare, medical monitoring, and personalized care.
Prof. Dr. Michael Adamzik Elected Chair of the German Sepsis Society
Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Michael Adamzik, Director of the Clinic for Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, and Pain Therapy at Knappschaft Kliniken Universitätsklinikum Bochum, has been elected Chair of the German Sepsis Society (DSG). Under his leadership, the DSG aims to advance sepsis research, raise public awareness, and support young scientists — working to reduce the high mortality of this often-overlooked condition through prevention, precision medicine, and innovative AI-based prediction models.
Understanding unstable proteins
About 80% of disease-related proteins—including those involved in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders—lack a stable structure. These intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) can rapidly adapt to changing cellular conditions. A research team led by Puja Shrestha and Prof. Simon Ebbinghaus (Ruhr University Bochum) closely examined one of these proteins and characterized its dynamic behavior. Their findings were published in “Advanced Science.”
New expertise in the field of Electrophysiology at Medical Clinic II
The Department of Cardiology and Electrophysiology is strengthening its team: Since October, Vasileios Gkizas, MD M.Sc., has been heading the Invasive Electrophysiology unit, bringing extensive experience from major centers in Berlin and Essen. Together with Prof. Haghikia, Prof. Gotzmann, and a highly skilled clinical team, the Medical Clinic II is excellently positioned to provide optimal care for the full spectrum of cardiac rhythm disorders.
Current developments in geriatric medicine – experts from Marien Hospital Herne highlight new research approaches and therapies
At the “Geriatrics Update 2025 – News from Clinical Practice and Research”, hosted by the Department of Geriatric Medicine and Early Rehabilitation at Marien Hospital Herne – University Hospital of Ruhr University Bochum – on Saturday, 15 November 2025, the focus was on practical insights into the latest developments in geriatrics. Specialists from hospitals and private practices gathered to learn about advances in the diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases and to discuss the newest scientific findings.
Practical Year in the St. Elisabeth Group – Medical students explored their opportunities
On Tuesday, 18 November 2025, this year’s information event on the Practical Year (PJ) for medical students took place. The departments of Marien Hospital Herne – University Hospital of Ruhr University Bochum, St. Anna Hospital Herne, Marien Hospital Witten, St. Marien Hospital Eickel, and the Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet presented their extensive training opportunities.
Extension of the Collaborative Research Center on Extinction Learning
How do we unlearn what we have learned? Since 2017, the team of Collaborative Research Center 1280 “Extinction Learning” at Ruhr University Bochum has been investigating the complex mechanisms of forgetting. The German Research Foundation has now fully approved the third funding period, allowing this internationally recognized research to continue.
Using a tablet before bed not as harmful as previously thought
It is often said that the blue light emitted by tablets and smartphones makes falling asleep more difficult, as it affects the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Three researchers—Prof. Dr. Sabine Seehagen, Neele Hermesch, and Dr. Carolin Konrad from the Chair of Developmental Psychology at Ruhr University Bochum—investigated this effect in toddlers in a home setting as part of an extensively designed study. This was reported by Rubin, the science magazine of Ruhr University.
Platform for digital health start-ups becomes permanent
After a three-year development phase, the DigiHealthStart.NRW health platform is being established as a permanent ecosystem for the digital health industry. The platform brings together around 200 start-ups and 800 members. Its long-term operation is jointly supported by the ZENIT GmbH Transformation Agency, AOK Rheinland/Hamburg, and Ruhr University Bochum.