This study explores the bidirectional skin–brain axis in 305 Brazilian adults, revealing strong correlations between anxiety, depression, and stress. Women exhibited significantly higher psychological symptom scores than men. Although dermatology-related quality of life showed weak correlations with mental health, nearly half of participants reported skin disorders and over half were at risk for a mental health condition. Probiotic intake showed no significant association with mental health outcomes, likely due to low consumption levels. Stress and depression independently predicted anxiety. The findings underscore the greater psychological burden on women and highlight the need for longitudinal, culturally tailored research on gut–skin–brain interactions.

The gut microbiome plays an important role in inflammatory bowel disease. In the research project MikrobiomProCheck, researchers are investigating how microbiome data can in future be used for diagnostics, disease monitoring and personalised therapies. Bielefeld University is contributing clinical, bioinformatic and data-driven expertise to this collaborative project spanning North Rhine-Westphalia.

Through interdepartmental collaboration, a young woman’s quality of life and ability to walk were restored following the laparoscopic removal of a rare, benign tumor of neurological origin in the lesser pelvis, known as a schwannoma (also called a neurinoma). In the Central and Eastern European region, only the Neuropelveology Program of Semmelweis University’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and its joint working group with the Department of Neurosurgery and Neurointervention perform procedures supported by intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring. The collaboration between the two departments is also facilitated by a newly acquired specialized mobile neuromonitoring device. The day after the successful surgery, the patient was discharged from the university, fully recovered.

This study highlights a practical formulation strategy to enhance the skin penetration of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10H2DA), a key bioactive compound in royal jelly. By incorporating anionic cross-linked polymers, the authors achieved more than a tenfold increase in 10H2DA permeation compared with royal jelly extract alone. The study further confirmed epidermal penetration using DESI imaging mass spectrometry and demonstrated that higher skin hydration strongly promotes 10H2DA delivery. These findings emphasize that both formulation design and skin condition are critical for improving the dermal delivery of low-molecular-weight amphiphilic compounds.

The inaugural Goethe Science Diplomacy Award was presented on June 19, 2026, during Goethe University’s Summer Reception for international guests and researchers. The award, established by the Foundation for the Promotion of International Scientific Relations at Goethe University Frankfurt, recognizes researchers whose work strengthens international cooperation, promotes academic freedom and fosters dialogue across societal, cultural and political boundaries.

A 31-year global analysis covering 204 countries shows the absolute burden of viral skin diseases has surged by over one-third since 1990, now affecting 84.7 million people annually. The study identifies children under 15 and older adults as the most vulnerable groups and reveals widening socioeconomic disparities, calling for targeted public health interventions to address inequities.

A 31-year global analysis covering 204 countries shows the absolute burden of viral skin diseases has surged by over one-third since 1990, now affecting 84.7 million people annually. The study identifies children under 15 and older adults as the most vulnerable groups and reveals widening socioeconomic disparities, calling for targeted public health interventions to address inequities.

Chronic diabetic wounds heal slowly and are highly vulnerable to infection. Researchers have developed an AI-guided, 4D-printed microneedle patch that actively closes wounds, fights bacteria, and promotes tissue repair. Inspired by the carnivorous plant Drosera capensis, the device combines shape-changing materials, adhesive DNA nanoparticles, and antibacterial zinc treatment, demonstrating how AI can transform biological inspiration into programmable medical technology.