NEWS & EVENTS

Nitin Bayal’s research is focused on early-life gut microbiome and language development

How does the gut influence the developing brain? Postdoctoral Researcher Nitin Bayal is investigating whether the microorganisms living in a child’s gut during the early years of life are associated with language development process. His research aims to advance our understanding of the gut–brain axis and uncover biological factors that may contribute to children’s neurodevelopment.

Photo: Iida Taskila.

Imaging inflammation – Antonia Högnäsbacka develops a tool to determine plaque stability in atherosclerosis

Postdoctoral Researcher Antonia Högnäsbacka is working on a PET tool for imaging inflammation in the body. Her research is currently focused on atherosclerosis and how it could be imaged by targeting an inflammation marker, a protein called TREM2.

Photo: Iida Taskila.

SYS-LIFE at the Planetary Health Symposium and Summer School

The Planetary Health Symposium, jointly organised by SYS-LIFE and other University of Turku COFUND programmes, brought together a multidisciplinary group of researchers to discuss planetary and human health, as well as the interdependencies between them. The symposium took place on 10 August 2026 and marked the opening of the Planetary Health Summer School. Read more on the University of Turku webpage.

The University of Turku’s EU co-funded MSCA COFUND doctoral and postdoctoral programmes organised a joint summer school focused on planetary health challenges. The programme concluded with pitch-style presentations, with Group Three, Oluwafemi Ojo, Nisar Ahmed and Chenxin Chen, winning the competition for their technology-based fertility monitoring concept. Read more on the University of Turku website.

AI analysis could help clinicians assess patients’ risk of myocardial infarction

Postdoctoral Researcher David Molnar is conducting a cohort study to identify features of the epicardial adipose tissue that indicate risk of myocardial infarction. He is developing an AI model that can analyse the risk factors apparent in CT scans, enabling more accurate and confident risk assessment by clinicians.

SYS-LIFE Summer Retreat brings Fellows together in Mathildedal

On 3 June 2026, SYS-LIFE fellows gathered for a summer retreat in the scenic surroundings of Mathildedal and Teijo National Park. The event brought together 12 SYS-LIFE fellows, accompanied by six family members, as well as the programme director and coordinator. The group included young children aged 4–8, creating a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.

The day began with a hike around Lake Matildanjärvi, enjoyed in beautiful weather. Thanks to a well-timed break at a wilderness shelter, participants were able to complete the full loop comfortably. A delicious open-fire lunch featuring fish soup, vegetable soup, and traditional archipelago bread was served during the hike.

In the afternoon, the group gathered for coffee at Café Mathildedal before joining a guided tour of the historic ironworks village. The tour provided fascinating insights into the area’s industrial past and its transformation into a popular destination, now attracting around 150,000 visitors annually.

The retreat offered a valuable opportunity for fellows and their families to connect, explore nature, and learn about local history in an informal setting.

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Ten questions on researching maternal diet

Hüsna Kaya Kacar, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University’s MSCA‑co‑funded SYS‑LIFE programme, answers ten questions about her research on maternal diet.

Finding new ways of managing blood pressure – Li-Fang Yeo’s research

Learn more about SYS-LIFE Researcher Li-Fang Yeo’s research in this video on new approaches to blood pressure management (YouTube).

Helping people manage obesity is at the centre of Oluwafemi Ojo’s research

Oluwafemi Ojo is researching the roles of HSD17B enzymes in body adiposity regulation. Inhibiting the activity of one of these enzymes could potentially lead to new ways of treating obesity and give hope to people affected by it.

Baraa Abuasaker’s research could improve metastatic melanoma outcomes

Postdoctoral Researcher Baraa Abuasaker is researching novel ways to treat melanoma patients. Abuasaker’s research focuses on studying TAK-981, an inhibitor that targets a cellular process known as SUMOylation.

Anna Scheer raises awareness about female-specific heart disease risk factors

Postdoctoral Researcher Anna Scheer is studying sex-specific risk factors that affect heart health. Her research focuses on the effects that health conditions, such as pre‑eclampsia and gestational diabetes, have on the hearts of the women affected by them.

Read more on the University of Turku website.