Universities, polytechnics: A lot is happening for medicine in Polish science

Today, scientists work for medicine not only at medical universities, but also at technical and natural science universities. The best ideas are born from the cooperation of specialists in various fields. These are just a few examples of the work currently being done.

Direction Poznań: Engineers for Medicine

– Broadly understood biomedical engineering is one of our priority areas of activity – emphasizes prof. dr hab. inż. Wojciech Sumelka, vice-rector for science at the Poznań University of Technology. Work is being carried out here, among others, on robots supporting joint rehabilitation or enabling precise brain surgeries.

– We develop tools for image recognition (X-ray and other) and hearing analysis. As part of the European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, we create complex models of biological systems supporting disease diagnosis and drug design. We design endoprostheses, new materials supporting dentistry, rehabilitation after bone fractures and biosensors enabling non-invasive measurements important in the treatment of various diseases – adds Prof. Sumelka.

As the Vice-Rector emphasises, such comprehensive research is possible thanks to the funds obtained by Poznań University of Technology researchers from grants from the National Science Centre, the Foundation for Polish Science and various European programmes.

Innovative technologies

In 2023, the Cluster of Excellence and Biomedical Engineering was established at the Poznań University of Technology. Its main goal is to develop and coordinate the activities of scientists conducting interdisciplinary research in the field of biomedical engineering and creating innovative technologies for the medical sector. Individual research teams (there are four of them) deal with, among others, automated design of orthopedic supplies and prosthetic products, virtual prototyping and rapid manufacturing of individualized medical products, development of therapeutic methods using them, application of VR technology in medicine, biomechanics of the human musculoskeletal system, design, computer modeling and simulation of medical devices and implants, rehabilitation engineering; ergonomics, safety engineering, in particular for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Better effectiveness and safety of therapy

Together with the Karol Marcinkowski Medical University in Poznań (as the leader), the Poznań University of Technology is implementing the project “3D printing as a tool for obtaining transdermal microneedle systems with increased effectiveness in the treatment of depressive disorders”. It concerns the treatment of depression.

According to data from the National Health Fund, sales of antidepressants have increased by 59% in 8 years. Currently, most of them are administered in the form of oral tablets, but the problem is limited effectiveness, numerous side effects and the need to take them multiple times a day. Hence the idea of ​​administering drugs in a transdermal application.

The aim of other research is to develop polymeric bone-forming materials for use in bone tissue regeneration. Another team of scientists is investigating the effect of steroid hormones on the biophysical properties of biomimetic cell membranes. Research is also being conducted on controlled delivery of osteoporosis drugs. This may reduce the adverse effects of therapy.

Work is also underway on new dental fillings. The aim of the research is to produce active materials that – in addition to rebuilding damaged or removed tooth fragments – will be able to counteract caries through antibacterial or remineralizing activity. Hydroxyapatite – a natural component of human bones and teeth – is used for this purpose. At the Institute of Materials Research and Quantum Engineering of the Poznań University of Technology, research is being carried out to use the optical method – Raman microspectroscopy as a potential diagnostic method for early tooth decay. Increased effectiveness of caries detection will mean that the disease will be diagnosed at a very early stage, when the process of enamel demineralization can be stopped or even reversed. The research was conducted in cooperation with the Clinic of Developmental Defects of the Face of the Karol Marcinkowski Medical University in Poznań.

Direction Lublin: Development of competencies

The team from the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Medical University of Lublin is implementing an international project together with 14 European partners. It will develop and prepare training modules on the needs, conditions and digital competences of healthcare workers. The first module will concern the development of digital competences; the next ones – the latest challenges in the healthcare system related to digitization and skills related to the implementation of digital healthcare. The fourth module aims to prepare in the field of coping with stress in everyday clinical practice and the ability to build resistance to this stress. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology will be used in modules 1-3. A very important element of the project is the idea of ​​micro-credentials (a new form of confirmation of learning results achieved within a short educational experience, proposed by the Council of the European Union).

Another innovative project of the Medical University of Lublin, “OnkoCare”, aims to optimize the care of patients with malignant tumors of the digestive system, both during treatment and post-treatment supervision.

– The work that the employees of the Medical University of Lublin put into the development of research interests shows how much scientific and intellectual potential Polish science has, in this case medical science. The measure of our University’s success is the achievements that our academics and students can make. It is for them that we create the best conditions for development, obtain funds, expand the scientific and clinical, laboratory and logistic base, develop international cooperation, and provide substantive support.

Our University is a space for the implementation of the intentions and plans of the scientific, teaching and research staff. The Medical University of Lublin will continue to work to ensure opportunities for scientific development in the best possible conditions – says prof. dr hab. Wojciech Załuska, Rector of the Medical University of Lublin.

Destination Wrocław: From the youngest patients to seniors

There is also a lot going on at the Medical University of Wrocław. This year, a research project called “How chronic heart disease and related surgery affect the immune system and susceptibility to infectious diseases” began. It concerns adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery in extracorporeal circulation.

Another project is “Hope for Alzheimer’s patients”. It is a simple voice test aimed at early diagnostics: it is enough to pronounce the letter “a” aloud for a few seconds, and after 2-3 minutes you will get the result of this innovative voice diagnostic test.

Specialists from the Medical University of Wrocław are also working on an application in which artificial intelligence (AI) will help assess the health of a child. Thanks to it, it will be easier for less experienced doctors or paramedics to determine whether a small patient requires immediate help.

A new nanosecond generator of ultrashort pulses with controlled shape, including asymmetric pulses, was created at the Medical University of Wrocław as part of a research project carried out in partnership with the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. The device is used to manipulate various cellular processes. One of the applications may be to break drug resistance in cancer cells, which translates into their more effective destruction.

More than 250 seniors aged 60 and over are taking part in the extraordinary project “Seniors under the magnifying glass”. Scientists from the Department of Public Health, Department of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, UMW are examining the impact of visits to the ZOO on the health and quality of life of seniors visiting this place.

Research conducted at UMW focuses primarily on three areas: circulatory system diseases, oncology and neurodegenerative diseases. As noted by Prof. Piotr Dzięgiel, Vice-Rector for Science at the Wrocław Medical University, these areas are currently the greatest challenge for modern medicine in the world. – Circulatory system diseases and neoplastic diseases are the two dominant causes of illness and death in the world. In turn, the ageing process of society causes the risk of an increase in the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. UMW tries to meet all these challenges by conducting research at the highest, world level, as evidenced by our high position in international rankings – emphasizes Prof. Piotr Dzięgiel.