  Statistical boosting algorithms have triggered a lot of research during the
last decade. They combine a powerful machine-learning approach with classical
statistical modelling, offering various practical advantages like automated
variable selection and implicit regularization of effect estimates. They are
extremely flexible, as the underlying base-learners (regression functions
defining the type of effect for the explanatory variables) can be combined with
any kind of loss function (target function to be optimized, defining the type
of regression setting). In this review article, we highlight the most recent
methodological developments on statistical boosting regarding variable
selection, functional regression and advanced time-to-event modelling.
Additionally, we provide a short overview on relevant applications of
statistical boosting in biomedicine.
