This review examines the gut–brain axis (GBA) as a critical bidirectional network linking gut microbiota to brain function and pathology. It details key pathways—neural, immune, endocrine, and metabolic—through which gut-derived signals influence conditions like depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. The article highlights novel microbiota-targeted therapies, including probiotics, fecal transplantation, and dietary strategies, underscoring their potential for pioneering personalized approaches in neuropsychiatry. These hold promises for innovative treatments. Personalized medicine is the way forward.

Quantum computers outperform typical computers in many tasks, yet in many other tasks, classical computers have the upper hand. Researchers at Saarland University, together with industry partners BMW, Infineon and the quantum computing start-up planqc, want to combine the strengths of both types of computing. The team plans to employ a quantum computer to help classical computers handle highly complex optimization challenges from industrial practice.  The project is funded by a €2.3 million grant from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.

Researchers have developed a self-locking Afghan vault structure for lunar construction using sintered simulated lunar soil, identifying optimal construction angles (α=30° and θ=80°) that ensure structural stability under both static and seismic loads. Published in Smart Construction, this study provides a theoretical foundation for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) on the Moon, enabling the creation of robust, mortarless shielding shells to protect lunar habitats from radiation and meteorite impacts.

Researchers from NII, Science Tokyo, and Tohoku University have developed a bio-inspired robotic system modeled after the silkworm moth's navigation. This resilient robot can accurately locate odor sources in diverse environments even with a failed sensor, mimicking the moth's ability to adapt to losing one of the antennae. This breakthrough provides a new framework for creating robust autonomous systems capable of maintaining performance under mechanical failure.

The newly updated Eurocode 4 will be used to shape safer, lower-carbon construction across Europe. 

Researchers at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) have developed a novel virtual reality (VR) system that could make the treatment of arachnophobia, also known as spider phobia, more targeted and personalised in the future. The “VRSpi” system is a prototype which analyses the EEG data and heart rate of the participants during a confrontation with spiders in a VR environment. Based on this objective measurement data, it adjusts the intensity of the stimuli in real time to the person’s current level of anxiety. This avoids over- or under-stimulation and optimises the effectiveness of the exposure in order to get the users used to the creatures.