Scientists at the University of Geneva have discovered that abnormal activation of connexin 43 disrupts cellular organisation and compromises airway integrity. By blocking connexin 43 activity, they restored cell orientation and prevented bacterial attachment.
A new study shows that administering cell immunotherapy before surgery to remove a brain tumour is significantly more effective than administering it afterwards. CAR-T cells were able to neutralize tumor cells and immune suppression, leading to unprecedented durable tumour control.
A UNIGE study shows that climate communication campaigns designed to appeal to people's emotions, such as evoking a sense of wonder, are more effective at inspiring climate action than those relying solely on scientific facts. Messages that include images and draw on moral or ethical considerations also achieve better results.
Integrating improvisational theatre, mindfulness meditation, and board games into the classroom can help stabilize—and even improve—students' mental health. The most anxious participants showed a protective effect, with self-efficacy remaining stable.
A UNIGE study shows that a slight overproduction of tubulin, essential for cell structure, can disrupt tissue architecture and reduce cell viability. Microtubules play a dynamic role in adapting to the cell's changing needs, and excess tubulin makes them abnormally stable.
A UNIGE study reveals that hair follicles organize their positions on the skin of mammals through a self-organizing principle. Researchers found that a chemotactic mechanism, which directs cells to respond to chemical gradients, reproduces the formation of complex biological structures.
A UNIGE team has developed a rapid and efficient method for identifying proteins molecule by molecule using nanopore technology and AI. The researchers used artificial intelligence to interpret the electrical signals produced by the nanopore, breaking them down into measurable characteristics that can be associated with specific proteins.
A team from UNIGE has improved a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called temporal interference stimulation, allowing deeper and more targeted stimulation. The breakthrough enables the potential application of this method in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease and depression without surgery.
A UNIGE team studied the evolutionary history of plant mechanisms that protect against UV-B radiation in Marchantia polymorpha. They found that while the core mechanism is conserved, regulatory proteins play different roles in ancestral and modern plants, influencing their tolerance to light stress.
A new study by UNIGE and SCAHT reveals that cannabis use is associated with an increase in testosterone levels, particularly in the testes. However, this increase does not appear to have a direct link to fertility, and further research is needed to determine potential long-term effects.
A European team has successfully observed the 'quantum metric' in a three-dimensional topological insulator, a unique geometric property that enables free electrical conductivity on its surface. This breakthrough could lead to better control of next-generation materials and pave the way for faster data transfer and superconductivity.
A UNIGE team developed an AI-based model to predict public support for decarbonization measures, highlighting the decisive role of emotions, beliefs about policy impacts, perceptions of fairness, and social norms. The research confirms that transparent communication is essential for accelerating the energy transition.
Researchers developed an innovative hydrogel called Amniogel to support insulin-producing cells after transplantation, achieving normal blood sugar levels in diabetic mice for at least 100 days. This breakthrough opens the door to developing a bioartificial pancreas that could eliminate the need for insulin injections.
Researchers discovered that plants from arid regions have stronger suberin barriers in their roots, helping them cope with water stress. A new gene regulating suberin was identified, linked to the plant hormone abscisic acid, which plays a key role in responses to environmental stresses.
Researchers from UNIGE and KIT found that traditional numerical models remain more reliable for predicting extreme phenomena than AI-based forecasts. The study highlights the limitations of AI weather models in extrapolating beyond their training domain, making them less effective for record-breaking events.
The DAMPE satellite has identified a universal feature in the energy spectra of primary cosmic ray nuclei, revealing that spectral softening occurs around a rigidity of about 15 TV. This observation strongly supports models explaining the acceleration and transport of cosmic rays based on their rigidity.
Researchers visualize immune synapse and cytotoxic granules with unprecedented level of detail, revealing new perspectives in immuno-oncology. The study uses cryo-expansion microscopy to provide a near-native view of T lymphocyte mechanisms.
Researchers from UNIGE have identified a molecular mechanism regulating cellular balance and found that TORC2's activation is controlled by a molecular 'cork'. This discovery paves the way for targeting this mechanism to treat diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Colorectal cancer incidence is rising among young individuals in Switzerland, with cancers occurring before age 50 accounting for 6.1% of all cases. The study highlights the importance of awareness and earlier screening to address this trend.
A Swiss-Italian team has discovered a vast magma reservoir containing approximately 6,000 km³ beneath Tuscany, which poses no threat to the region. The study uses ambient noise tomography to locate resources such as geothermal reservoirs, lithium, and rare earth elements.
An international team maps the climate of rocky exoplanets like TRAPPIST-1b and c for the first time, ruling out dense atmospheres due to extreme temperatures. The study uses James Webb Space Telescope observations to determine surface temperatures on both day and night sides.
A team from UNIGE has created a molecular system that distinguishes and neutralises cancer cells with unprecedented precision, paving the way for autonomous, self-regulating drugs. The technology uses synthetic DNA strands to deliver potent drugs only where they are needed, reducing damage to healthy tissue.
Researchers have discovered a remarkably well-preserved iron-smelting workshop in eastern Senegal that dates back to the 4th century BCE. The site, which was used for nearly eight centuries, provides new insights into late prehistoric metallurgical practices in Africa.
Researchers discovered that 240-million-year-old coelacanths used their lung to detect sounds underwater, employing an ossified lung and a canal connecting the hearing organs. This finding provides valuable insight into the evolutionary history of these fish and may also reveal secrets about our own aquatic ancestors.
Early alterations in the brain's clearance system may contribute to psychosis vulnerability. A study found that individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a genetic condition, had impaired glymphatic system function from childhood, which may promote psychosis onset.
A UNIGE study shows that connected devices can gather valuable data to help prevent neurological and mental disorders. The study found that AI-analysed data from smartwatch and smartphone data can accurately predict emotional and cognitive fluctuations, with error rates ranging from 5-20%.
A review of 900 scientific articles identified several biological markers associated with cognitive decline in viral infections, including activated monocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, certain markers like anti-inflammatory cytokines are linked to better preservation of cognitive abilities.
The 'SWISS100' study identified 37 proteins in centenarians' blood whose profile appears linked to slower ageing, with remarkably low oxidative stress markers. Centenarians also show profiles surprisingly close to those of younger individuals, particularly with youthful expression levels of regulatory proteins of the extracellular matrix.
A team from UNIGE has shown that certain antibodies to seasonal flu can also target avian flu. Stimulating these antibodies could strengthen protection in the event of a pandemic. Vaccinated individuals show increased levels of cross-reactive antibodies capable of neutralizing the H5N1 virus, which may result in milder symptoms.
Scientists at UNIGE discovered that neutrophils, a type of immune cell, undergo reprogramming to produce chemokine CCL3, promoting cancer growth. This mechanism appears to be a major variable in tumour biology and could serve as an indicator of disease progression.
Researchers at UNIGE successfully determined the structure of abnormal protein deposits from a skin biopsy, paving the way for earlier diagnosis and potentially more accessible treatment options. The study's breakthrough opens up new avenues for studying neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Scientists at UNIGE created an AI tool called MangroveGS that can accurately predict the risk of cancer metastasis and recurrence. The algorithm uses gene expression signatures from colon cancer cells to identify key factors influencing metastatic potential, paving the way for more precise care and discovery of new therapeutic targets.
A team from UNIGE developed a new approach to characterise quantum states without direct measurements, using transport measurements based on particle flow. This method opens up possibilities for open quantum devices and sensors in various fields, including healthcare and geophysics.
A mobile app developed by researchers from UNIGE and Agroscope helps winegrowers anticipate climate change impacts on their vineyards. The app uses climate analogues to identify regions with comparable climatic conditions in the future, allowing for the adoption of suitable viticultural practices.
Researchers discovered the cerebellum's key role in regulating the brain's reward system in people with schizophrenia. Stronger cerebellar regulation is associated with reduced negative symptoms, while weaker regulation increases symptoms. This finding opens up new avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions.
Researchers from Université de Genève have identified the transporters responsible for each lipid, revealing the complex mechanisms behind their cellular targeting. This study provides valuable insights into lipid biology and its link to various diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.
Researchers discovered that natural light exposure improves blood glucose levels and reduces variability in people with type 2 diabetes. The study also found that melatonin levels increased and fat oxidative metabolism improved when participants were exposed to natural light.
Researchers at the University of Geneva have created a laboratory platform to rapidly evaluate the toxicity of new cancer treatments using human tissue-derived cell clusters. This approach allows for safer evaluation and could lead to personalized treatment options.
A team of astronomers detected with precision two huge tails of gas surrounding the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-121b using the James Webb Space Telescope. The continuous observation revealed a trailing tail pushed back by radiation and a leading tail pulled towards the star, covering over three times the distance between planet and star.
Scientists at UNIGE have developed a high-precision spectrograph called RISTRETTO to analyze light from the exoplanet Proxima b. The instrument can detect signs of oxygen or water in its atmosphere, similar to Earth.
Researchers from UNIGE found that specific areas of the auditory cortex respond to chimpanzee vocalisations, suggesting a shared neural basis for voice recognition. This discovery could have implications for understanding the origin of language development.
Astronomers from UNIGE and others observe large streams of helium gas escaping from WASP-107b, a super-puff exoplanet with extremely low density. This is the first time helium has been detected on an exoplanet using JWST, revealing valuable clues for understanding atmospheric escape.
Researchers at UNIGE and HUG have developed CAR-T cells capable of destroying glioblastoma cells by targeting specific proteins present in the tumour environment. The new approach has shown promising results in animal models, paving the way for clinical trials in humans.
Eric Nestler receives the UNIGE Synapsy Prize 2025 for his pioneering work in linking fundamental neuroscience research to clinical advances in mental health. His career has shown how stress and addictive substances alter gene expression, affecting neural circuits involved in reward and mood.
A UNIGE-led team found that dark matter behaves similarly to ordinary matter on a cosmological scale, following Euler's equations. However, the possibility of an unknown interaction or fifth force remains open.
A team of researchers found that a regulatory region of the genome, which controls the development of digits in mice and fish, was co-opted by evolution to guide digit formation. This discovery reveals a major evolutionary strategy of reusing existing genetic mechanisms.
The ATREIDES program observes and analyzes exo-Neptune systems, revealing a surprisingly inclined orbital architecture that offers new insights into chaotic planetary history. The study of TOI-421 highlights the role of high-eccentricity migration in shaping planetary orbits.
A UNIGE team has discovered a 9,000-year-old quartz knapping workshop in Senegal, providing new insights into the stone-knapping techniques used by West Africa's last hunter-gatherers. The findings suggest technical similarities among these communities and potential shared traditions.
A UNIGE team reveals a previously theoretical geometry that distorts electron trajectories in certain materials, revealing its presence through observation under intense magnetic fields. This discovery opens up new avenues for exploring and harnessing quantum geometry in various materials with major implications for future electronics.
A team from UNIGE and INGV created a high-resolution 3D image of Vulcano's internal structure using seismic ambient noise tomography and AI. This breakthrough understanding of volcanic structures may lead to more accurate predictions and evacuation plans.