Discoveries by RSU Researchers Among the Most Significant Scientific Accomplishments in Latvia Last Year

After evaluating all submissions for most significant scientific accomplishment of 2019, the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) has announced ten notable scientific accomplishments. LAS also awarded seven LAS President’s Certificates of Appreciation. Among the recipients were several scientists and lecturers from Rīga Stradiņš Univesrity (RSU).

LAS President’s Certificates of Appreciation will be awarded to several RSU researchers and lecturers for their research in and implementation of innovative bone replacement materials in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Authors: LAS Corresponding Member Prof. Andrejs Skaģers, Assist. Prof. Ilze Šalma (MD, PhD), Ģirts Šalms (MD, PhD), LAS Corresponding Member Prof. Māra Pilmane, Ingus Skadiņš (MD, PhD), Prof. Juta Kroiča (MD, PhD), as well as the following representatives from Riga Technical University (RTU): LAS Corresponding Member Jānis Ločs, LAS Corresponding Member Dagnija Loča, Dr. sc. ing. Līga Bērziņa-Cimdiņa and Dr. sc. ing. Vita Zālīte.

The researchers have been awarded Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of their accomplishments with regard to the introduction of new methods in oral and maxillofacial surgery using innovative bioceramic materials. These materials ensure the renewal of bone density and volume in patients with osteoporosis or bone atrophy. They have conducted experimental research on biomaterials for the local treatment of osteoporosis by performing morphological, biomechanical, and radiological bone tissue analysis. Clinical research on oral and maxillofacial surgery demonstrated the efficiency of the operative methods developed for strengthening the alveolar bone in peri-implantitis patients by using biomaterials created in Latvia. The bone replacement materials can be used not only in oral and maxillofacial surgery, but also in other fields, for example in traumatology and orthopaedics in cases where bone tissue renewal is required.

Meanwhile, LAS Corresponding Member RSU Assoc. Prof. Ilze Konrāde and the RSU Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine Group participated in an inter-university and inter-institutional research project which resulted in the discovery of new type 2 diabetes treatment mechanisms and efficiency markers in patients’ intestinal microbiome. This group of researchers was also awarded with LAS President’s Certificates of Appreciation.

In addition, the RSU Faculty of Medicine participated as a research partner on the functionality of a versatile vision system working with an innovative volumetric 3D screen developed in Latvia. This discovery has been acknowledged as one of the most notable scientific achievements in 2019 in Latvia.