In a translational study led by the University of Leipzig Medical Center and the Fraunhofer IZI, researchers have examined how two innovative CAR T-cell therapies targeting the B-cell maturation antigen perform in patients with hard-to-treat multiple myeloma. Their aim was to determine which molecular mechanisms influence the therapeutic success of such living, cell-based therapies in this blood cancer. The findings have been published in the renowned journal Cancer Cell. The Leipzig research team led by Professor Maximilian Merz and Dr Kristin Reiche has now secured a further two million euros in funding for a new project to advance the development of next-generation immunotherapies for multiple myeloma.

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is working with the Max Rubner Institute (MRI) to investigate the influence of parental nutrition on children's eating habits. To this end, the "kids/family" module of the COPLANT study is being launched in Berlin and Karlsruhe, for which parent-child pairs are currently being sought. COPLANT is the most comprehensive study to date on plant-based nutrition among adults in German-speaking countries. Now, children are also to be included in the study through the new module. The focus of the new part of the study is on researching different diets in families. Whether vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian or mixed diet – nutrition today is more diverse than ever. "We still know little about how plant-based diets of parents affect the eating habits and food consumption of children," says Professor Dr Tanja Schwerdtle, President of the MRI. "The new study module should provide insights into this." There is also a lack of clear scientific data on the health effects: "We want to better understand how a vegan, vegetarian or pescetarian nutrition in a family environment is related to the health of children and adolescents," explains Professor Dr Cornelia Weikert, head of the COPLANT study at the BfR. "That's why we need the support of committed families."

Bonn, December 11, 2025 – Why do certain immune cells remain permanently active in allergic asthma – even in an environment that should actually damage them? A team from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn has discovered that these cells only survive because they activate a special antioxidant protection mechanism. When this mechanism is blocked, allergic inflammation in mouse models decreases significantly. The results have now been published in the scientific journal Immunity.

A retrospective observational study found that valvular heart disease, detected by cardiovascular imaging, was common in patients with a previous cancer diagnosis. Interventions to treat valvular heart disease were infrequent; however, when performed, they significantly improved survival. These findings highlight the need to refer cancer patients for regular cardiovascular monitoring and also provide reassurance that interventions may be beneficial.