The distinctive feature of the Department of Biomedical Sciences is the multidisciplinary nature of its research projects.

Several research groups study environmental factors that predispose individuals to major human diseases: cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases.
In particular, the role of molecules called microRNAs is investigated in widespread cancers such as colon and pancreatic carcinomas, to assess whether they can be used as early diagnostic markers. Other blood markers are also studied, to understand their role not only in cancer, cardiovascular, rheumatologic, and pulmonary diseases, but also in the phenomenon of longevity.

Research also delves into the role of the human microbiota (the community of microorganisms that physiologically inhabit specific environments of our body, such as the intestine or skin) in diseases such as Crohn’s disease, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and colorectal cancer. Great importance is also given to understanding how the gut microbiota interacts with diet in the processes of aging and maintaining good health.

DSBM researchers also study other risk factors such as persistent and chronic infections, oxidative stress, and heavy metal pollution.

Several researchers in the department investigate the role of physical activity and nutrition in the aging process. This topic is approached from multiple perspectives, ranging from the study of cellular alterations underlying aging and the use of stem cells as a tool to counteract it, to the evaluation of the beneficial effects of physical exercise and sports activities (such as dance, Nordic walking, water-based activities). The effects of motor activity programs are assessed in healthy individuals, professional athletes, and patients with chronic or degenerative diseases (e.g., cardiovascular, neurological, oncological, and musculoskeletal).

Oncological research is primarily aimed at understanding how healthy cells transform into tumor cells and at developing personalized treatments for cancer care. Thanks to the testing of genetic and molecular assays, it is possible to choose targeted anticancer therapies that are more effective and better suited for each patient. Research also focuses on identifying the main risk factors involved in the onset of neoplasms, discovering new substances capable of killing tumor cells, and selecting new blood markers that could enable very early cancer diagnosis.

Within DSBM, studies are also being conducted on brain structures that influence mental processes and human behavior, and on their alterations in various diseases. One line of research investigates the role of blood vessels in the brain of patients with autism; in addition, researchers study the inflammatory mechanisms responsible for the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Several groups carry out genetic studies related to animals, pathogens, and human diseases. Through “population genetics,” the evolution of species is studied to reconstruct their origins, migrations, and survival potential. These techniques make it possible to understand the potential spread of viruses, identify when and where they emerged, and detect transmission events between species. Human genetics studies, on the other hand, aim to understand the alterations underlying complex diseases such as multiple sclerosis, which is particularly relevant in the context of our island, and to identify new therapeutic strategies for these diseases in the future.