A study published in Nature identified over 1,000 genetic variants associated with human behavioral traits, including personality. While the genetic contribution explained only a small proportion of personality differences, the study suggests that environmental factors and social relationships may have a greater influence.
Researchers at the University of Tartu developed a single genetic test that can uncover causes of previously unexplained premature ovarian insufficiency in 12% of cases. This breakthrough diagnosis provides valuable information for women with infertility and associated health risks, enabling personalized counseling and treatment options.
Psychedelics like psilocybin profoundly alter how we perceive and think by tipping neurons toward their apical, context-gathering side. This amplifies the relations between representations, enhancing the impression that information makes and its connections to everything else.
A new study using the EST-Health-30 dataset found that more than 60% of Estonian adults have at least one chronic condition, with nearly half having two or more. Chronic conditions significantly impact healthcare utilization and mortality rates.
Bacteria Pseudomonas putida adapts to high levels of fluoride by spontaneously mutating its regulatory gene PP_3125, which inhibits the activity of benzoate transporter BenE-I. This mechanism helps the bacteria tolerate higher intracellular concentrations of fluoride, enabling more efficient biosynthesis of fluorine compounds.
Researchers found that during the Cambrian Period, empty mollusc shells remained uninhabited, but the first animals to colonize these habitats appeared around 460 million years ago. The study reveals that different shell shapes influenced the diversity of organisms and their growth rates.
Research suggests that digital platforms can alter how valuable our brain perceives cognitive effort, leading to a preference for immediate gratification. This 'effort recalibration' framework proposes that digital media do not necessarily reduce cognitive capacity but rather reshape internal evaluations of task difficulty.
Post-Soviet Estonian films tend to focus on victimhood and resistance, while ignoring the Holocaust and collaboration with Nazi forces. Films like Awakening and In the Crosswind address deportation complexities, while others draw connections to the Holocaust for international audiences.
A new study found striking differences in parasite communities among North-Atlantic island systems, with limited exchange of parasites across the region. The researchers suggest that factors such as a short transmission season and specific migration routes may limit successful parasite colonization.
The research shows that meaningful emission reductions are possible in small-vessel decarbonization, but the best option depends on context. Electrification performs best on short, predictable routes with low-carbon electricity and adequate charging infrastructure.
The article proposes a new framework to understand how digital media affects cognition, arguing that repeated exposure to effortless rewards can recalibrate our sense of effort. This shift may make difficult tasks feel less attractive, as the brain learns to expect faster returns.
Researchers argue that aphantasia poses a challenge to Hume's theory, suggesting that mental imagery may not be as central to human thought as previously assumed. Despite lacking visual images, individuals with aphantasia can reason about abstract concepts and engage in cognitive processes similarly to others.
A study by Nikolai Kunitsõn shows that participatory theatre can bridge the gap between Estonian- and Russian-speaking young people's civic skills. The method, called forum theatre, allows young people to practice debating, resolving differences of opinion, and taking a stand in a playful way.
Large language models can accurately identify reasons for medication discontinuation from doctors' electronic clinical notes, revealing that adverse reactions are a common cause. The study uses this approach to transform clinical free text into analyzable data, supporting evidence-based decision-making in health policy.
Researchers found that the success of species in a new habitat depends on the proportion of suitable but absent species (dark diversity) and community completeness. Species similar to local species are more successful in lakes with fewer suitable species, while those utilizing different resources thrive in lakes with more species present.
A new tool, SUP.ME, helps schools and universities assess and maintain effective collaboration. Successful partnerships depend on mutual trust, communication, and adaptability.
A study found that seeking health information online does not necessarily lead to better health decisions, as people's ability to critically assess information is crucial. Doctors remain the most trusted source of health info, with internet use primarily used as a complementary tool.
Research highlights parents' beliefs and active participation in kindergarten as key factors supporting preschoolers' academic skills. Children's cognitive processes and learning skills significantly predict their academic abilities.
Researchers have developed a system that enables AI agents to interpret and generate facial expressions, leading to more realistic interactions in low-risk settings. The technology was tested on 60 participants across five social scenarios, showing improved control over responses when individual facial muscle movements were used.
The study identified 88,604 associations between genetic variants and metabolites across 619,372 individuals. Researchers created a detailed map of metabolic traits, understanding the causal relationships between genes and diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Research reveals Neandertal ancestry affects immune system to multiple DNA viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus 7. Archaic DNA variants were disproportionately associated with higher viral loads in modern humans.
This research explores how vibration can convey emotional qualities like reassurance and encouragement, as well as represent abstract experiences through touch. The findings highlight the potential of vibration as an alternative to sound-based navigation for blind and low vision people.
The Nordic-Baltic initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the European maritime sector by retrofitting existing vessels with alternative fuels and digital technologies. The alliance, involving Estonia, Finland, and Norway, aligns with EU climate and industrial policies, including the Fit for 55 package.
A recent study from the University of Tartu found that young children who spend more time on screens and less time talking with adults tend to have weaker language skills. In contrast, daily interaction – rather than screen limits alone – plays a key role in early language development.
Researchers developed two heart failure risk assessment models using large international health databases, enabling early detection of the disease. The SCORE2-HF model estimates up to 30-year risk of heart failure in the general population, while the SMART2-HF model assesses risk for people with a history of cardiovascular disease.
The Estonian Research Council partnered with Luunja Stud Ltd to create the first cloned foal, named Wodan M Alpha, using a genetic copy of successful competition horse Wodan M. This achievement marks an important step in preserving genetics of top-performing horses and conserving endangered breeds.
The University of Tartu Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health has launched a new continuing education course on refugee and migrant health, based on the World Health Organization's global competency standards. The course aims to provide healthcare professionals with specific knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality care to...
A longitudinal study of Estonian residents found that while some experienced increased stress and depressive symptoms, others coped well with the pandemic. Active leisure activities were identified as a key protective factor against stress and mental health issues.
A molecular clock, governed by epigenetic marks, controls neuronal maturation in the brain. The balance between these signals ensures that maturation occurs at the right time and in the right order. Even in mature adult brain cells, hundreds of genes remain bivalent, suggesting a role in stress response and cell death.
A doctoral thesis confirms that polysaccharides extracted from algae can accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation and protect skin cells. These natural compounds have potential as alternatives to synthetic treatments for chronic wounds, affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Tartu have identified a new gene, MGRN1, linked to congenital heart malformations in fetuses. The study found that both parents carry a rare recessive variant of the gene, which causes developmental anomalies when inherited from both parents.
The initiative aims to strengthen Estonia's scientific excellence, train new generations of scientists and engineers, and translate frontier technologies into industrial value. The project plans to create a critical mass of top-level scientists in Estonia capable of leading both research and technology development.
Researchers discovered that antibacterial coatings, initially effective against bacteria, can lose their performance over time. The study found that ZnO-based coatings maintained their antibacterial properties, unlike TiO2-based materials which degraded and lost effectiveness after prolonged exposure to UV-A light.
Researchers developed a novel method to enhance 3D image quality, increasing depth of focus in holograms by fivefold. This technology facilitates the study of complex biological structures and improves performance of 3D holographic microscopy under challenging conditions.
A pharmacokinetic recall study involving 114 Estonian Biobank participants reveals functional impact of rare CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 variants. These variants significantly affect how drugs are processed in the human body, emphasizing the need to look beyond common pharmacogenetic markers.
Research by Rafaela Lehtme shows that bird's nest parenting, where children stay in one home and parents move back and forth, can improve well-being. This arrangement provides a stable environment for children to grow independence, shifting focus from parental rights to responsibilities.
A new study reveals that small river impoundments significantly elevate water temperatures and increase the pathogenic impact of Proliferative Kidney Disease (PKD) among brown trout. Dams create hotspots for the myxozoan parasite Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, leading to higher infection prevalence and severe disease progression.
A new theory proposes that consciousness arises from hybrid, scale-inseparable, and metabolically grounded biological computation. This approach challenges traditional computationalism and suggests that the brain's unique properties are essential for conscious experience.
Researchers developed an AI-based tool called BMVision to help radiologists detect kidney cancer faster and more accurately. The tool was validated in a study, which showed that AI assistance reduced the time needed to identify and report malignant lesions by one-third.
The study pooled data from 90 previously published research papers, standardizing 162 different phenotypes, including life events, traits, or choices. The researchers found five large groups of personality profiles, each characterized by distinct patterns of neuroticism, extraversion, and sociability.
A clinical study in Estonia found that personalized, risk-based breast cancer screening can detect the disease earlier and reduce complications. The approach is feasible and scalable, with potential to improve patient outcomes globally and reduce mortality.
Researchers aim to fill a gap in understanding human-induced climate change with an ERC-funded study. Velle Toll's project will use satellite data and machine learning to analyze the effect of air pollution particles on global warming.
The conference focuses on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Warfare, and cyber security, featuring presentations from leading experts. It aims to enhance cooperation between science, industry, and the defence sector.
Researchers discovered that a nanostructure in peat can create efficient fuel cell catalysts without precious metals. The study mapped the atomic structure of iron-nitrogen-carbon catalysts, revealing how porosity and curvature affect catalytic activity. This breakthrough offers a sustainable alternative for fuel cells.
Researchers from the University of Tartu developed a theoretical framework to address current limitations in electrocatalysis, enabling more efficient conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy. The framework identifies strategies to overcome scaling relations, which have set limits to catalyst efficiency.
The ERC Synergy Grant aims to create a detailed molecular and spatial map of the blood-nerve barrier, which shields nerve cells from harmful substances. The project seeks to understand how to deliver drugs across this barrier using homing peptides to improve treatments for chronic nerve pain.
A new study analyzed Estonian BMI data and identified unique genetic traits influencing appetite and body weight. The research found a link between genetic variants in the MC4R and POMC genes and body mass index (BMI), with some individuals tending to have lower or higher BMIs due to these variations.
Researchers found that SINE elements in junk DNA support peripheral nervous system healing but not central nervous system repair. Activating these elements artificially stimulated the central nervous system to regenerate itself.
A large-scale study found that medications taken years ago can alter the human gut microbiome, with some drugs leaving lasting effects detectable years after patients stopped taking them. The study highlights the importance of considering drug usage history when studying links between the microbiome and disease.
Researchers created a machine embroidery technique that encodes fabric stretchability, allowing for unique stretch patterns and mimicking the mechanics of skin. The approach enables mass-customization at industrial scale, enabling garments to conform to individual body shapes and reduce injury risk.