Researchers aim to create diamond windows that can withstand high levels of radiation, a crucial step towards building safer fusion reactors. The University of Tartu's three-year project involves partnerships with German and Latvian institutions to develop materials and technologies necessary for the DEMO reactor.
A large-scale study has identified a new genetic link to male infertility, revealing that unstable Y chromosomes are associated with a significantly increased risk of fertility issues. The study analyzed over 2,300 Estonian men and found that the genetic variation was more common in European descent populations.
A global summary of species functions revealed that more than half of species perform less than 20% of the group's functions, with only a few species performing unique roles. This study highlights the importance of conserving functionally unique species to maintain ecosystem services and human well-being.
A study found that the gut microbiome can predict changes in glucose regulation, particularly related to insulin levels and secretion. The study suggests that certain microbes may be useful for predicting disease progression and informs future research.
A comprehensive database of Estonian soils and a map application have been completed to make soil information easily accessible. Key findings include the ability to derive large-scale actionable insights from the data, with potential applications in digital agriculture support, forest management, and environmental assessments.
Researchers identified two highly antigenic epitope markers predicting multiple sclerosis in optic neuritis patients, providing a novel blood biomarker. The study utilizes the Mimotope Variation Analysis technology to analyze over 500 clinical samples from Finnish and Estonian patients.
A recent review of over 300 studies found that cancer is linked to pollution in around 30 aquatic species, including skin and liver cancers. The study highlights the need for further research on the effects of chronic low-to-medium level exposure to oncogenic pollutants on wild animal health.
Researchers used machine learning to generate high-quality synthetic human genomes without real human donors, addressing accessibility barriers in genomic research. The generated genomes mimic real human populations' complexities and can serve as proxies for underrepresented populations.
Researchers at the University of Tartu are developing a new large-scale prototype of a cosmic-ray tomography device to detect illegal goods in cargo, making security checks faster and safer. The technology uses safe natural radiation that passes through us every day, allowing for efficient customs controls.
Researchers at the University of Tartu have discovered a way to create ultrafast optical quantum computers using rare earth ions. The new method uses microcrystals synthesised on the basis of mixed optical fluoride crystal matrices, enabling faster computation and fewer errors compared to earlier solutions.
Researchers from TalTech have made a groundbreaking discovery linking CTG repeat expansion to Fuchs' corneal dystrophy, a common eye disease affecting millions. The study reveals changes in TCF4 expression levels in patients with the disease, paving the way for potential treatment strategies.
A recent study published by an Estonian-led international network found that social media is increasingly used as a primary channel for official news and information during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers recommend creating methods for fact-checking and releasing consistent results to combat misinformation.
A doctoral thesis found that flexible working arrangements can improve efficiency targets if employees' preferences for work arrangement are taken into account. Employees often appreciate flexible schedules, but may struggle with maintaining focus outside of traditional hours.
Research reveals significant microbial changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, associated with metabolic health. The study also found differences in microbiome profile between pre-diabetic and healthy women, shedding light on the causes of the condition.
Researchers analyzed Neandertal-associated phenotypes in Asian and European populations, finding shared variants increasing risk of autoimmune diseases like dermatitis and rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, a specific gene variant in Asians had a protective effect against prostate cancer.
A study found that individual coronavirus antibody tests have varying levels of sensitivity, making it essential to combine multiple tests for accurate results. This is crucial for planning major seroepidemiological studies and understanding the prevalence of COVID-19 exposure in populations.
A study published in PLOS ONE introduces a new flow cytometry method for diagnosing male urethritis, which is faster and more precise than existing methods. The study found that gonorrhoea causes the highest inflammatory reaction and bacterial count in urine, highlighting the potential of this technique for rapid screening.
TalTech's new generation monograin layer solar cells have been developed with a focus on reducing the ecological footprint and increasing efficiency. The Cu2CdGe(SxSe1?x)4 semiconductor material shows promising results, with a power conversion efficiency of 6.4%.
Researchers found that providing genetic feedback to high-risk individuals improves their understanding and perceived value of the information. The study aims to improve healthcare by enabling personalized prevention plans and treatments for people with hereditary predispositions.
Researchers found genetic variation related to placental biology is partly responsible for miscarriage etiopathogenesis. Miscarriage has been linked to health outcomes such as asthma, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Environmental scientists at TalTech have developed a new ozonation method to treat drinking water contaminated with pharmaceutical residues. The study compared the efficiency of ozone, ozone/hydrogen peroxide and ozone/persulfate processes in degrading sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, finding promising results for the O3/PS process.
Researchers in the FIThydro project developed new assessment methods and technologies to reduce negative ecological effects of hydropower plants. They also created a decision support system to help operators plan and assess hydropower plants, taking into account environmental policy requirements and international regulatory guidelines.
Researchers from University of Tartu discovered how coronavirus activates before attacking cells and identified a potential target for COVID-19 treatment. The study found that a specific enzyme, furin, plays a crucial role in the virus's life cycle.
Researchers at TalTech have created a mechanochemical synthesis method that produces chemicals faster and with fewer environmental impacts. The technique replaces solvent-based processes, reducing toxic waste and speeding up production time.
A recent study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 can remain infectious in aerosol particles for up to 3 hours, and that large droplets don't travel far, contrary to initial medical guidelines. Engineers recommend increasing outdoor air supply, using fine particle filters, or short-wavelength UV-C light to deactivate virus particles.
Researchers created a novel Drosophila-based disease model for Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS), which is caused by mutations in the TCF4 gene. The model reveals that certain substances can enhance learning and locomotor abilities in PTHS patients, suggesting potential therapeutic options.
A research team has successfully sequenced and assembled the Wels catfish genome, which is expected to reveal insights into its remarkable growth rate, appetite, and lifespan. The study's findings will help address bottlenecks in aquaculture and conservation of wild populations.
A new study uses next-generation sequencing to analyze genetic diversity of fish eye parasites, revealing complex life cycles and diverse habitats. The research also sheds light on the impact of parasites on fish behavior and immunity.
A genome-wide association study identified a locus in the HLA-B gene associated with penicillin allergy, with carriers having a 33% higher relative odds. The study also detected a variant in the PTPN22 gene linked to autoimmune diseases and drug-induced liver injury.
A citizen science study led by the Estonian Research Council analyzed data from over 1,700 observations, revealing a systematic dominance of short-styled morphs and increased deviations in smaller populations with higher human population density. The findings have significant implications for conservation efforts, highlighting another ...
Researchers have developed a DNA-based method to identify food components and specify their origin. The technique used k-mers for analysing genomic DNA data, allowing for the quick identification of plant or bacterial DNA in food samples.
Researchers discovered that copper ions are primarily bound to ceruloplasmin and serum albumin in the blood, with implications for diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's disease. The study's findings provide new insights into normal copper metabolism and its disturbances in genetic diseases.
A University of Tartu study found a low prevalence of the coronavirus in Estonia, with just 12 cases identified among 6,024 adult residents. The researchers concluded that the infection is not widely spread in society and that the prevalence remains stable over time.
Researchers have found that genes associated with female hormone synthesis and ovarian follicle development play a more complex role in oocyte maturation. The study reveals new information on the ovarian function, which can improve diagnosis and treatment options for female infertility.
Researchers investigated how gut bacteria grow at different rates and their effect on dietary fibers, finding that faster growth rates alter the composition and metabolism of fecal microbiota. The study suggests that a person's diet can influence their gut microbiota by adjusting fiber intake to support healthy digestion.
A study published in Royal Society Open Science found that small and slowly moving robots can effectively monitor the behavior of salmon in fish farms without scaring them off. The results suggest that these robots can provide valuable insights into the state of the fish, including their health, parasites, and feeding habits.
New research reveals that mature forests do not retain extra carbon absorbed from elevated CO2 levels, but instead release it back to the atmosphere. The study's findings have significant implications for climate models and future carbon sequestration strategies.
The study aims to develop a unique instrument to investigate microscopic properties of superconductors and understand the emergence of spontaneous magnetic fields. The researchers hope to fill the knowledge gap that hinders the development of new devices, including quantum computers.
A new study proposes a method to extend polygenic scores for individuals with multiple ancestral origins, improving personalized medicine for recently admixed populations. The approach combines knowledge from homogeneous populations to create a model suitable for diverse genetic backgrounds.
Researchers found strikingly high molybdenum, uranium, and rhenium concentrations in drill cores from shungite rocks, suggesting elevated oxygen levels at the time of their deposition. The discovery contradicts prevailing models of Earth's carbon and oxygen cycles and has implications for understanding the evolution of complex life.
Scientists studied monocytes in young and elderly individuals, finding that energy production decreases and inflammation markers increase with age. This research provides a foundation for understanding age-related changes and potential solutions to slow down vascular calcification and atherosclerosis.
Isolated limb infusion (ILI) is a new method for treating melanoma metastases confined to an extremity, offering a more targeted and less exhausting alternative to systemic chemotherapy. The study found an overall response rate of 76% and long-term limb salvage rate of 90%, comparable to high-volume centers in the US and Australia.
University of Tartu scientists have discovered that sleeping bacteria can learn about the growth of other bacteria by spying on them. This discovery offers hope for creating a solution for chronic infections that do not respond to antibiotic treatment.
Researchers are creating a machine translation program for web browsers like Mozilla Firefox, focusing on improving translation quality and ensuring user privacy. The project involves adapting the engine to context, recognizing nuances in language style, and estimating translation quality.
Researchers at Tallinn University of Technology have improved the efficiency of monograin layer solar cells by replacing copper with silver in absorber material. This innovation increases efficiency by 2%, making it an attractive solution for renewable energy production.
Researchers used peat core analysis to reconstruct the development of a calcareous spring fen on Saaremaa, Estonia. The study found that the high diversity of vegetation in spring fens is a result of long-term stable environments, providing insights into conservation efforts.
The IKID project focused on Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam's economic transitions, exploring challenges and opportunities in knowledge-based development. Key findings highlight the importance of supporting institutions for sustainable growth, innovative technology adoption, and individual wellbeing.
The FinEstBeAMS beamline at the MAX IV Laboratory in Sweden has conducted its first scientific experiments, studying the electronic structure of three ionic liquids. The research aims to understand the properties of ionic liquids for their application potential in supercapacitors.
A four-year study using advanced computational methods has found that IVF embryos do not have a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities than naturally conceived children. The study, published in Nature Medicine, analyzed the genetic makeup of live-born children and found no evidence of cell lines with chromosomal aberrations.
Researchers at TalTech have identified a new receptor, P2X4, in human eosinophils that plays a key role in the communication between the immune system and nervous system. The discovery has implications for understanding multiple sclerosis and cancerous lesions.