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Academy of Finland


How many gold atoms make gold metal?

Gold nanoclusters of 102 and 144 atoms show distinct behavior, with smaller clusters acting like giant molecules and larger ones exhibiting metallic properties. These findings have significant implications for developing bioimaging and sensing technologies based on metal-like clusters.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 10, 2015

Technology changing teacher's role

A recent Finnish-Swiss-Belgian study finds that technology changes the teacher's role from a traditional knowledge provider into a facilitator guiding students' learning processes and engaging in joint problem-solving. Technology offers new types of learning possibilities, including interactive learning and teaching opportunities.

Seeing a molecule breathe

Researchers successfully measured the vibrational motion of a single molecule for the first time, showing distinct behavior from larger molecular groups. This achievement demonstrates ultrafast spectroscopy at the single-molecule level, enabling new possibilities for quantum computing and single-molecule photonics.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 20, 2014

Poor hearing confines older adults to their homes

Two studies found that older adults with poor hearing participate less in group activities and meet friends fewer often than those with good hearing. The researchers emphasize the importance of face-to-face conversation to facilitate lip-reading and suggest rehabilitation as a key strategy for supporting socially active lives.

Parliamentary means dissensus

Parliamentary means dissensus explores the confrontational nature of parliamentary politics, where opponents' views are thoroughly examined. The book offers new approaches to democratic theory by highlighting the singular political significance of parliaments.

Molecules do the triple twist

A team of scientists has successfully created a triple twisted Möbius annulene, a complex molecule with three twists but only one surface. This achievement demonstrates their expertise in manipulating molecular structures and has significant potential for future applications in molecular electronics and optoelectronics.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 26, 2014

New perspectives to the design of molecular cages

Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä report a new method for building molecular cages that exploits intermolecular steric effects to control self-assembly. This allows for the creation of cages with vacant metal binding sites, enabling modifications to their properties.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalChemical Communications·DateMay 26, 2014

Bending helps to control nanomaterials

Bending nanomaterials can detach layers from each other, improving control over their electronic and optical properties. This discovery advances research in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics, allowing for more accurate interpretation and tuning of material properties.

Physical function and sense of autonomy determine life-space mobility in older people

Research conducted by Erja Portegijs and colleagues found that physical function and sense of autonomy are independent determinants of life-space mobility in older people. Life-space mobility, which reflects an individual's opportunities to participate in society, is affected by both physical limitations and psychological factors.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 9, 2014

Genes bring music to your ears

Researchers analyzed the genomes of 767 individuals for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) to identify genetic loci related to musical aptitude. The study found associations with genes involved in inner-ear development, auditory pathways, and emotional processing.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 12, 2014

Mechanism affecting risk of prostate cancer is found

A research group at Biocenter Oulu in Finland has identified a mechanism related to a transcription factor that binds strongly onto a particular SNP variant, initiating a genetic programme enhancing prostate cancer proliferation and metastasis. The study used DNA samples from tens of thousands of prostate cancer patients and healthy me...

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 13, 2014

How the gut gets its villi

Research reveals that gut villification is caused by mechanical compression of the epithelium sheet, rather than active mechanisms involving growth factors. This process involves the spontaneous buckling of the epithelium into longitudinal folds and zigzag patterns, ultimately forming villi.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2013

New research findings on onset of uterine fibroids provide potential for novel treatments

Scientists have identified the molecular mechanisms underlying the onset of common leiomyomata, a type of benign tumour that affects millions of women. The study suggests that complex chromosomal rearrangements may underlie the development of these tumours, and highlights potential avenues for novel pharmacological treatments.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 7, 2013

Breakthrough in chemical crystallography

A research team developed a new protocol for X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis that doesn't require crystallisation of the target molecule. This method allows for the analysis of scarce marine natural products and characterises many compounds previously impossible to analyze crystallographically.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 2013

2 problems in chemical catalysis solved

Researchers at the University of Jyvaskyla have solved two acute problems in chemical catalysis using a novel intramolecularly assisted catalyst for beta amino acid synthesis. They also identified a new mechanism for the amine-catalysed Michael addition reaction between aldehydes and nitroalkenes.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 20, 2012

New mechanism of bacterial pathogenesis discovered

Researchers have identified a novel mechanism by which Bartonella bacteria manipulate host cell signaling, prolonging cell lifespan and contributing to chronic infection persistence. The study reveals the role of protein BepA in binding adenylyl cyclase, leading to increased cAMP production and preventing host cell death.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2012