Three University of Bonn researchers have been awarded a Proof of Concept Grant by the European Research Council (ERC). Neuroscientist Professor Dominik Bach, chemist Assistant Professor Ala Bunescu and radiologist Professor Philipp Vollmuth (from the University Hospital Bonn) are each receiving €150,000 over a period of 18 months. This program helps researchers to take findings from their work and turn them into commercial products or services.

A new study published in Science in One Health provides an updated picture of the population genetic structure of the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii in China. Using high-resolution multilocus sequence typing across 16 genetic markers, researchers analyzed 96 T. gondii DNA samples collected from diverse animal hosts, including pigs, cats, sheep, birds, bats, and captive wildlife, from 12 provinces and regions in China.

The study confirmed that ToxoDB#9, also known as the Chinese 1 lineage, remains the dominant T. gondii genotype in China. However, sequence-based analysis revealed substantial hidden genetic diversity within this apparently clonal lineage that would not be detected by conventional PCR-RFLP genotyping. The researchers also detected the rare ToxoDB#5 lineage, commonly associated with North American sylvatic cycles, in a captive caracal in China, expanding the known geographic occurrence of this lineage.

Population genetic analyses showed high haplotype diversity but limited geographic structuring, suggesting broad dispersal of dominant clonal lineages, likely influenced by host movement and agricultural activities. The findings highlight the importance of systematic molecular monitoring under a One Health framework and support future whole-genome sequencing to clarify isolate origins, transmission routes, and possible recombination among co-circulating lineages.

Mother-to-infant bonding difficulties (MIBD) are commonly associated with postnatal depression. MIBD has been linked to developmental delays and child abuse. Researchers found that about half of MIBD cases in Japan involve mothers who did not experience postpartum depression. Difficulty holding a fussy baby, lack of happiness about pregnancy, and low social support predict an increased risk of MIBD. Clinicians observing these signs should intervene to ensure maternal and child well-being.

Although lung cancer is often linked to environmental exposures and acquired mutations, some patients develop multiple independent tumors, suggesting a potential role for inherited genetic susceptibility. While the contribution of germline pathogenic variants (GPVs) in several tumors is studied, their significance in lung cancer remains unknown. Now, researchers have explored the genetic basis of multiple primary lung cancers, offering  insights into novel BRCA2 GPVs which could serve as targets for therapeutic strategies.