A new drug has shown encouraging safety and efficacy in treating Still's disease, a serious orphan condition. The treatment, which blocks the action of an inflammation factor, has been tested on 23 patients with refractory forms of the disease, resulting in positive responses and significant symptom reduction.
Researchers found that children from disadvantaged households are at greater risk of low muscle strength and poor health status as adults. Chronic stress in childhood may alter the body's ability to maintain good health over time.
Researchers identified TNF-alpha and VEGF as key cytokines in tumor vascularization. Targeting these molecules simultaneously could significantly increase the efficacy of existing cancer treatments.
Researchers used machine learning to decode brain activity during a simple task of distinguishing between BA and DA syllables. The results show that the brain uses specific regions for mental associations related to the task, not just for processing information.
The DRIVE-AB consortium recommends a market entry reward of $1 billion per antibiotic globally to increase innovative antibiotic development and sustainable use. The report estimates up to 16-20 new antibiotics could be developed in the next 30 years, addressing priority pathogens identified by the WHO.
A study by UNIGE and UNIL researchers found that individuals with Down syndrome have an excellent genome, better than the average genome of people without the genetic abnormality. This high-quality genome may compensate for the disabilities caused by the extra chromosome 21, enabling some fetuses to reach full term and grow up to old age.
Researchers developed a statistical model to study the origin of genetic diversity in Amazonian sardines, revealing interactions between geographical distance, waterfalls, and floodplain size. The approach could be used for conservation strategies, helping to assess human impact on biodiversity in various ecosystems.
Researchers at UNIGE detected an exoplanet with a highly inclined orbit around a red dwarf star, evading circular motion and instead following a polar path. This unusual behavior is attributed to the presence of an unknown companion planet that disturbs its path.
Researchers at the University of Geneva discovered the brain regions used to categorize emotions communicated vocally, highlighting the crucial role of the frontal lobe. The study found that the inferior frontal cortex is activated when categorizing and discriminating emotions from voices.
A meta-analysis of 15 years of research on action video games found that gamers showed significant improvements in cognitive abilities compared to non-gamers. The study suggests that playing action video games can train the brain and improve attention, spatial cognition, and reaction time.
The study reveals that protein ZO-1 perceives mechanical signals and activates cellular responses accordingly, influencing epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Targeted inhibition of ZO-1 in tumors could be a potential pathway to explore for cancer treatment.
The study found that trisomy 21 affects proteins on all chromosomes, leading to an overdose of proteins and dysregulated cellular functions. This deregulation disrupts the cell's ability to regulate protein production, resulting in symptoms such as intellectual impairment and congenital heart disease.
Researchers from UNIGE have identified a key role for the liver in the development of type 2 diabetes, linked to obesity and inflammation. By targeting the protein PTPR-γ, scientists may uncover new therapeutic strategies to prevent insulin resistance and related metabolic conditions.
Researchers from UNIGE and Roma Tre used thermal and experimental models to explain caldera resurgence, a process that prevents volcanic eruptions. The leftover magma behaves like a 'rubber sheet' due to its higher viscosity, stopping the new magma from reaching the surface.
The new battery prototype uses a solid electrolyte and metal anode, enabling the storage of more energy while maintaining high safety levels. The researchers have tested the battery over 250 cycles, with 85% of its energy capacity still functional after that period.
Astronomers study distant galaxy's gravitational lensing, revealing smaller-than-thought giant clumps. Groundbreaking observations and simulations confirm turbulent nature of distant galaxies.
Researchers have created a new statistical model to study bycatch in commercial fishing, enabling more accurate predictions of incidental catches. The Random-Effects Hurdle Model can be applied to various fields with complex data structures, including health economics and medicine.
University of Geneva researchers found that delayed neuronal migration in the fetus causes behavior disorders comparable to autism. They also discovered that correcting late neuron activity can restore interneuronal connections and prevent behavioral problems.
Researchers have identified two proteases essential for the malaria parasite's survival and dissemination, as well as a molecule capable of inhibiting them. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs blocking not only the parasite's development in humans but also its transmission to mosquitoes.
Scientists from the University of Geneva explore links between diseases and gene activity to build a model identifying specific sequences in the non-coding genome. The study reveals surprising results, including brain tissues being key contributors to schizophrenia risk and the small intestine playing a role in disease development.
A mutated Hoxd3 gene affects intestinal development and absorption, contributing to certain types of intestinal insufficiency in premature infants. The discovery provides a potential diagnostic tool for this disease, which remains unknown until now.
Researchers at UNIGE have successfully demonstrated the entanglement of 16 million atoms in a crystal crossed by a single photon, confirming the theory behind future quantum networks. This breakthrough confirms that a vast number of atoms can be entangled and intertwined by a strong quantum relationship.
Researchers discovered how TORC1 protein complexes regulate cell growth in response to sugar availability. In the absence of sugar, these complexes self-assemble into massive tubular structures that halt cell growth. The formation and disassembly of these tubules can be easily observed in living cells.
Researchers discovered that muscle cell lipid composition varies with the time of day, influenced by a biological clock, which could help regulate insulin sensitivity. This variation is linked to type 2 diabetes development.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management found a systematic link between droughts and riots in sub-Saharan Africa. Droughts increase the possibility of rioting by 10% in a given month, with population density playing a key role in this relationship.
Researchers found that climate change led to a sharp rise in volcanic activity as the Mediterranean Sea dried up, contradicting previous hypotheses. The study used numerical models to test scenarios and confirmed that the massive loss of sea level was the primary cause of increased magmatic activity.
Congenital hyperinsulinism is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to permanent activation of the GDH protein, resulting in excessive insulin production. This triggers chronic hypoglycaemia, brain damage, and intellectual retardation. A new study may pave the way for novel therapies, including a drug that inhibits the GDH accelerator.
Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet, GJ 436b, with a huge gas cloud resembling a comet's tail, caused by intense stellar irradiation. The planet's atmosphere loses hydrogen due to the star's radiation, forming a massive cloud that absorbs UV radiation.
A mathematical model of embodied consciousness predicts states of consciousness and behavior, analyzing free energy and projective geometry. The model, developed by an international team of experts, has potential industrial applications in robotics, AI, and healthcare.
Researchers measured the effect of low-level mercury concentrations on microalga gene expression, revealing widespread deregulation of genes involved in various processes. This study provides insight into the environmental and public health implications of mercury's entry into the food chain.
Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet, HIP65426b, using the SPHERE/VLT instrument for the first time. The planet is located at three times the Earth-Neptune distance from its star and has a mass 6 to 12 times higher than Jupiter.
Scientists reviewed 80 years of research on facial expressions in blind people to determine if they express emotions in the same way as sighted individuals. The study found that blind people use the same muscles to express individual emotions, suggesting an innate and universal emotional character.
Researchers at UNIGE show that Fprs, present on immune cells, also bind to molecules linked to pathogens in the nose of mice, indicating an evolutionary shift towards olfaction. This innovation resulted from two genomic 'accidents' occurring millions years apart during rodent evolution.
Researchers at Université de Genève discovered that healthy fibroblasts surrounding breast cancer cells have a unique variant of the estrogen receptor GPER in their nuclei. This genetic variation promotes tumor cell migration and invasiveness through the secretion of molecules that stimulate malignant growth.
Researchers at Université de Genève have developed a new test to detect anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), an autoimmune disease affecting around 0.5% of the population. The test targets the specific antibody that binds to cells, producing pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic factors, offering improved accuracy and standardization.
Researchers at UNIGE have discovered the essential role of Vps4 molecule in cell division, shedding light on the fight against cancer and HIV. The study reveals that Vps4 is necessary for abscission, a stage where cell membranes are severed, and its absence inhibits cell division and delays it significantly.
Researchers propose that a single neural network, the fronto-parietal network, relies on 'emulation' to perform various cognitive tasks. This process creates an abstract dynamic image of movements, enabling the brain to strengthen motor skills and construct precise representations.
Scientists at the University of Geneva found that a protein called Sara plays a crucial role in guiding endosomes to differentiate between cells, a process essential for fly hair development. Mutant flies without Sara have naked backs, highlighting the significance of this mechanism in cancer tumour formation.
Researchers dated flood basalts to confirm magmatic activity coincided with mass extinction, linking CO2 release and climate change to species disappearance.
Researchers at the University of Geneva have created a self-testing quantum random number generator that ensures reliability and unpredictability. This device allows users to verify generated numbers in real-time, making it difficult for hackers to exploit bias or imperfections.
Scientists demonstrate novel protocol using crystals to emit and store quantum light for extended distances, paving the way for a future quantum repeater. This breakthrough enables secure communication over longer ranges by harnessing the properties of quantum superposition.
Researchers have created artificial viruses that can specifically target and destroy cancer cells by stimulating the immune system. The unique combination of alarm signals and cancer cell proteins enables the creation of a powerful army of killer cells to identify and destroy cancer cells.
A new study by Université de Genève researchers reveals the basic geometry of the gene-to-protein code, highlighting the mechanical basis for DNA's map of functional proteins. The research focuses on the segment of the gene coding the hinges of nano-machines, which are essential for protein function.
Researchers have discovered that sedimentary cycles are linked to sea level changes, rather than mountain erosion. The study uses carbon isotopes to predict sedimentary rock distribution and better understand the Earth's sedimentary history.
In a study published in Cell, researchers found that liver size in mice increases by almost half before returning to its initial dimensions. The fluctuations are influenced by the rhythm of food intake and physical activity. The discovery sheds light on how our circadian clock affects liver function.
An international team has demonstrated that mineral resources are sufficient to meet growing demand, contradicting claims of exhaustion. The report highlights the need for responsible mining practices and continued research to minimize environmental impact.
Researchers at Université de Genève discovered that a lizard's skin color pattern forms a cellular automaton, a natural process generated by biological evolution, using a computational system invented by John von Neumann. Computer simulations implemented the discretisation of Turing's equations, which linked the biology-driven mechanis...
Researchers from the University of Geneva linked marine biological aerosols to ocean water characteristics, enabling indirect study through water analysis. This discovery simplifies aerosol characterization and enhances climate models' accuracy.
Researchers found that certain 'super-readers' with reorganized brain circuits perform better in tasks involving written words, while others with intact auditory-visual integration achieve more accurate results. This study highlights the crucial role of brain interactions in cochlear implant success.
Scientists at Université de Genève studied over 100,000 combinations to establish a model predicting the amount of copper present in deposits. The researchers found that factors such as magma depth and duration determine the quantity of copper, with optimal conditions ranging from 20 km depth and 2 million years injection time.