The Academy of Finland Centre of Excellence develops microbial cells to produce organic acids for industrial applications, including manufacturing bioplastics and medical materials. The method allows for efficient conversion of plant biomass sugars into sugar acids and their derivatives, offering alternatives to oil-based raw materials.
Researchers at the Academy of Finland have developed a new, laser-based ultrasound technique to accurately assess osteoporosis. This method uses photo-acoustic methods to produce an ultrasound pulse that propagates along the bone, providing a more accurate measurement than current X-ray methods.
A recent study found that boys' initial enthusiasm for upper secondary school gives way to cynicism and negativity as they progress. Girls experience a sense of inadequacy, which may lead to depression later in life. The study highlights the importance of effective stress management and supportive environments to promote positive growth.
A new method to produce nanomaterials has been discovered, utilizing the twisting of graphene nanoribbons to create carbon nanotubes. This technique enables experimental control and can be used to make various novel carbon nanotubes.
Researchers found that obese individuals' brains exhibit altered glucose metabolism in reward regions, leading to increased food cravings. The study suggests the brain plays a crucial role in obesity and weight gain, highlighting potential for new treatments.
Researchers found that nude bodies are processed more efficiently by the brain than clothed bodies, even at an early stage of visual processing. This effect is strongest for pictures of nude female bodies, and may play a role in reproduction.
Researchers have successfully tied molecules into a complex pentafoil knot using self-assembly, expanding the understanding of material properties and potentially leading to new materials with improved properties. The knot is composed of just 160 atoms, approximately 16 nanometers in length.
Researchers found that the Lutetia asteroid is a dense, intact relic dating back to the solar system's formation. The asteroid's density was calculated using a mathematical method developed by Professor Mikko Kaasalainen, revealing a large and metallic core surrounded by a more porous outer layer.
A multidisciplinary group of researchers found that a glazed stare is accompanied by measurable changes in eye behavior, indicating the existence of a conscious state. This discovery challenges the long-standing debate about the existence of a hypnotic state.
Recent PET-measurements show that mobile phone signals suppress glucose metabolism in specific brain areas. The study, conducted on 13 young males, reveals a methodologically unique approach combining brain imaging, radiation measurements, and modeling.
Research reveals prenatal exposure to nicotine increases vulnerability to nicotine self-administration in adolescent mice, making them more likely to start smoking and susceptible to addictive effects. The study supports the hypothesis that adolescents with prenatal nicotine exposure are more prone to nicotine addiction.
Researchers at the Academy of Finland have developed a new targeted drug that slows down nicotine metabolism, aiming to aid in smoking reduction therapy. The drug inhibits the CYP2A6 enzyme, which metabolizes nicotine, and is being explored as a potential alternative to traditional anti-smoking treatments.
A longitudinal study identifies six different pathways to adulthood among Finnish university students, shaped by career, partnership, and parenthood transitions. The study reveals that young adults with fast or on-time achievement of age-graded developmental tasks experience higher life satisfaction.
A 18-year longitudinal study found that students' social optimism during university studies correlates with high work engagement, dedication, and career commitment. Social withdrawal and avoidance are linked to increased risk of burnout.
Scientists have successfully characterised the absorption spectrum of a gold cluster, shedding light on its electronic properties. The research provides valuable insights for future applications in catalysis, sensing, and molecular electronics.
A study led by Academy Research Fellow Eleanor Coffey identifies new players that put the brakes on neuron migration. The results show that JNK1 and SCG10 cooperate to slow down neurons' movement, which is crucial for brain development.
A recent study published in the Sleep journal found a clear association between sleep disturbances and work disability. Employees with severe sleep disturbances were more likely to experience work disability due to various health issues.
New research evidence reveals gold nanoclusters can break the O-O bond by forming a novel one-dimensional gold-oxide phase. This mechanism is predicted to dominate at ambient conditions, enabling catalysts to use ambient oxygen in reaction processes.
A team of researchers has resolved the structural, electronic, and optical properties of a chiral gold nanocluster after ten years of mystery. The cluster, composed of 38 gold atoms and 24 organothiolate molecules, exhibits unique chiral properties that influence its response to circularly polarized light.
The world's waters are facing increasing pressure due to population growth, urbanization, and pollution, threatening food production and water resources. The Mekong River Basin is a prime example of water-related conflicts escalating over access to hydropower production and its impact on local livelihoods.
Researchers have identified genes that predispose people to gluten intolerance, which is linked to the human immune system and inflammations rather than gluten breakdown. The findings suggest a possible connection between virus infections and the onset of gluten intolerance.
The occurrence of gluten intolerance has doubled in Finland, affecting 2% of adults and 1.5% of children. A new diagnosis method is needed to treat early stages of the condition, which may be symptom-free.
A recent study by the Academy of Finland has found a correlation between school burnout and parental work burnout. Children of parents experiencing burnout are more likely to experience school burnout, with shared experiences often occurring between adolescents and parents of the same gender.
Researchers have identified a new nerve growth factor, MANF, that can halt the progress of Parkinson's disease and restore damaged cells in rats. The study shows promising results, suggesting that MANF may be a highly significant finding in respect to growth factor therapy for PD.
Astrocytes play a key role in generating fMRI signals by regulating blood vessel diameter and responding to changes in nerve cell activity. This discovery sheds light on the basic mechanisms behind fMRI signals and highlights the need for careful interpretation of imaging data.
Research shows that the brain uses the same neural networks to process both familiar and newly learned words, with no clear differences in function. New definitions are learned even faster than new names, indicating a possible link between meaning retention and brain activation patterns.
Researchers identified a novel mechanism linking a common single-base variant in chromosome 8 to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. This variant is carried by nearly all African populations and contributes significantly to the disease at a population level, yet its impact on individual susceptibility is minimal.
A study by the Academy of Finland found that up to 20% of female upper secondary school students experience school burnout, characterized by feelings of inadequacy and cynicism. In contrast, enthusiasm for school is a protective factor, predicting successful transitions to further education.
Research shows that inhibiting MMP enzymes slows down dental filling deterioration, preventing bacteria entry and decay. Chlorhexidine use can rapidly inhibit MMP activity, offering a practical solution for improved dental care.
Researchers identified genes that show statistical association with specific anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social phobias. The study found that environmental factors can trigger an anxiety disorder more easily in people with a genetic predisposition.
The study found that placental insufficiency leads to smaller brain volume in preterm infants, and degree of prematurity is the single most significant risk factor for brain injury. The research also suggests a link between genetic regulation of an inflammatory transmitter and brain growth.
Researchers discovered diazepam causes a similar change in the brain's reward-inducing dopamine cells as addictive substances. The study found neural message transmission is reinforced for up to 72 hours after ingestion of diazepam.
Researchers at the Academy of Finland's Centre of Excellence in Learning and Motivation Research have found that pre-school age exercises can significantly reduce reading and writing difficulties in children. The study suggests that training should focus on phonetics, mathematics, and information technology to aid learning.
Scientists have discovered that infants develop increased sensitivity to negative emotional expressions at around 6 months old. This change allows them to focus more intensely on fearful faces and take longer to shift their attention away from these stimuli.
Researchers found that the brain processes another person's face more efficiently when their gaze is straight ahead. This study, funded by the Academy of Finland, sheds light on emotional reactions to human faces and may aid in diagnosing mental disorders.
A new study identifies a key molecular pathway in neurons that contributes to brain cell degeneration, a process linked to conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. The Rho protein plays a crucial role in this destruction of neurons, and blocking its activity can prevent cell death.
A team of international researchers has found an asteroid whose rotation speed increases due to re-radiation of solar energy from its surface. The study confirms that non-gravitational forces play a crucial role in asteroid evolution and could potentially affect asteroid collisions with Earth.
A recent study published in Nature found that a genetic defect in PALB2 elevates the risk of both breast and prostate cancer. The mutation was discovered in Finnish breast cancer families and was also identified in patients with prostate cancer, suggesting its potential role as a susceptibility gene for heritable cancer.
The Academy of Finland is funding 12 research consortia and three individual projects to develop new eco-efficiency indicators and model an eco-efficient biorefinery. The goal is to create a more sustainable future through the recycling of raw materials, waste reduction, and innovative production methods.
The Finnish government prioritized economic and foreign policy goals over addressing wartime emotional trauma, leading to a prolonged recovery period. The post-war era saw ongoing challenges, including reintegrating veterans and supporting affected groups, which were only partially addressed.
Finnish soldiers rarely sought compensation for psychological war injuries due to a culture of shame. Researcher Ville Kivimäki's study reveals that restrictive war psychiatry created a reality where traumatic experiences were stigmatized, limiting veterans' ability to express their traumas.
Long-term antibiotic medication does not prevent recurrent myocardial infarcts in patients without periodontitis. Patients with periodontitis are more likely to experience cardiovascular events, especially under the age of 65.
The Academy of Finland and Tekes have launched a new funding programme to strengthen key areas of science and technology in Finland. The programme aims to build longer-term international research cooperation by hiring top foreign researchers, who will work as part of the Finnish research community.
The nuclear family model is becoming widespread in St Petersburg, with Russian women giving birth to one child on average. However, many women experience health problems and unintended infertility. Positive developments include improved sexual education and the use of reliable contraceptives among young women.