Laatste nieuws in bio
Dutch Scientists Develop Cancer-Fighting CRISPR Tool from Compost Bacteria
Wageningen, Friday, 13 February 2026.
Wageningen University researchers have received €150,000 in European funding to develop ThermoCas9, a revolutionary CRISPR variant discovered in compost that targets cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Unlike conventional treatments, this innovative approach exploits differences in DNA methylation patterns between tumor and normal cells. The 18-month project focuses initially on liver cancer, with the potential to transform precision medicine by attacking cancer from within cells rather than through external therapies like chemotherapy.
Dutch Startup Raises €1.675 Million to Bring Hospital-Grade Heart Tests to Your Doctor's Office
Netherlands, Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
HeartEye’s breakthrough mobile ECG recorder enables general practitioners to perform comprehensive 12-channel heart diagnostics in under one minute, anywhere outside traditional hospital settings. This funding round attracted notable tech entrepreneurs including Schuberg Philis co-founder Pim Berger and positions the company to revolutionize cardiac care accessibility while reducing healthcare costs.
Scientists Unlock Secret to Making Yeast Cells Live Longer for Industrial Production
Wageningen, Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
Wageningen University researchers secured €4 million in funding to study how yeast cells die and how to delay this process, potentially revolutionizing biotechnology manufacturing. The groundbreaking project, which began recruiting PhD students in February 2026, focuses on extending cellular lifespan to create more sustainable production of food proteins, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels. Thirteen doctoral candidates across seven European universities will investigate molecular death mechanisms in both baker’s yeast and three industrial species. The research could transform fermentation processes by keeping production cells alive longer, offering a competitive alternative to fossil fuel-based manufacturing methods.
Medical Giant Medtronic Acquires Dutch Surgical Device Startup for Global Expansion
Netherlands, Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
Healthcare technology leader Medtronic has successfully acquired Fortimedix Surgical, a Netherlands-based medical device company, continuing operations as Medtronic Articulating Technologies. The acquisition represents a strategic win for Dutch investors LIOF and BVP, marking BVP’s tenth successful exit within their health portfolio. This deal exemplifies the growing trend of medical technology companies pursuing acquisition-driven innovation strategies, with global giants increasingly targeting European startups to rapidly integrate proven technologies and expand their surgical instrument capabilities for less invasive patient care worldwide.
Netherlands Creates Central Healthcare Innovation Hub to Streamline Medical Development
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
The Dutch government launched Zorg voor innoveren as a unified contact point for healthcare innovators, aiming to eliminate bureaucratic barriers that slow medical breakthroughs. This initiative addresses a critical gap in the Netherlands’ healthcare innovation landscape, where promising technologies often struggle to navigate complex regulatory pathways and secure sustainable funding through the intricate Dutch healthcare system.
Dutch Cows Test Positive for Bird Flu Antibodies in European First
Wageningen, Tuesday, 10 February 2026.
Five dairy cows in the Netherlands have tested positive for H5N1 bird flu antibodies, marking the first confirmed case of avian influenza exposure in European cattle. The discovery occurred after infected cats were found on the same farm in northeast Friesland, prompting authorities to test the entire herd. While the cows showed antibodies indicating past infection, no active virus was detected, meaning they pose no current public health risk. This breakthrough finding provides crucial insights into cross-species transmission patterns as bird flu continues spreading across Dutch poultry farms.
Netherlands Invests €200 Million to Help Workers Stay Healthy Until Retirement
The Hague, Monday, 9 February 2026.
The Dutch government has allocated €200 million through 2030 to fund workplace innovations that reduce physically demanding work and support sustainable employability. This funding targets technological solutions, workplace redesigns, and projects addressing challenges from an aging workforce, ensuring workers can remain productive until retirement age.
Dutch AI Startup Raises €2.3 Million to Predict Surgical Infections Before They Happen
Netherlands, Saturday, 7 February 2026.
Healthplus.ai secured funding to accelerate deployment of PERISCOPE®, an artificial intelligence system that predicts patient-specific infection risks after surgery and provides targeted preventive actions for healthcare teams. The technology could save hospitals up to €4 million annually by reducing postoperative complications while decreasing workload on medical staff, representing a significant advancement in predictive healthcare.