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Université de Genève


Towards mastering terahertz waves?

Researchers have developed a technique to control terahertz waves using graphene, enabling potential applications in telecommunications and medical imaging. This discovery could lead to faster data transfer speeds and improved security in communications, as well as non-invasive detection of biological molecules for medical diagnosis.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2017

The cold exterminated all of them

Researchers found that a 80,000-year ice age caused by volcanic eruptions led to the loss of 95% of marine species during the Permian-Triassic boundary. The study challenges previous theories attributing mass extinctions to warming temperatures.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 6, 2017

Stepping up the hunt for genetic diseases

A new genomic technique has been devised to quickly and accurately detect imprinted genes expressed in each cell type, improving diagnosis of genetic diseases like Prader-Willi and Angelman syndrome. Researchers have identified novel imprinted genes and demonstrated their tissue-specific expression.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 16, 2017

Deciphering the emergence of neuronal diversity

Neuroscientists at the University of Geneva have identified three main sub-groups of inhibitory interneurons in the cortex by analyzing cell-type specific genes and their expression patterns. These findings will aid in understanding neuro-developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2017

Time to put TB on a diet!

Researchers discovered that Mycobacterium tuberculosis reprograms infected cells to feed on lipids and membranes, leading to new treatment opportunities. The study provides a promising lead in tackling the disease by starving the bacterium of its preferred high-fat food source.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 19, 2017

Modeling magma to find copper

Researchers from Université de Genève and Saint-Etienne propose a new method to estimate the size of metal deposits by modeling magma degassing. This approach uses high-precision geochronology and could identify deposits with the best potential early in the exploration process.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 12, 2017

The hidden side of sulfur

A research team at the University of Geneva has discovered that sulfur can act as an effective catalyst, transforming molecules with greater precision than hydrogen. This breakthrough enables chemists to exercise increased control over molecular transformations, paving the way for the creation of new materials and applications.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 14, 2016

How plants manage excess solar energy

Scientists have found that the UVR8 receptor in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii activates a safety valve to dissipate excess energy as heat. The study reveals a second protective role of these receptors, producing an anti-UV 'sunscreen'.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2016

Barcodes to identify gene regulators

A group of biologists from the University of Geneva developed a novel technology to identify all transcription factors involved in any process and in response to any signal. The BC-STAR-PROM screening method enables researchers to monitor the activity of thousands of promoters simultaneously, saving time and work.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 6, 2016

Blocking the migration of cancer cells to destroy them

Researchers at Université de Genève have developed an antibody that blocks the migration of cancer cells, preventing their spread and proliferation. The 'H225' antibody reduces cancerous cell transit into organs by over 50% and limits cell proliferation, offering a promising new therapeutic strategy against lymphoma.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateAug 4, 2016

No platelets, no immune response

Researchers at Université de Genève discovered that a protein called CCN1 produced by platelets and blood vessels is essential for the recruitment of immune cells during viral infections. Without CCN1, the immune response is impaired, highlighting a new potential target for antiviral treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2016

A new wave of antimalarial drugs in preparation

Researchers have identified potential new antimalarial drugs targeting the parasite's heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a key player in its survival and resistance to treatments. The study uses innovative modelling technology to isolate compounds that can destroy the pathogen without affecting human cells.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 7, 2016

The vascular bypass revolution

Swiss researchers have created a gel containing microparticles that inhibits cellular over-proliferation and reduces the risk of obstruction reoccurrence after vascular bypass surgeries. This innovation enables controlled release of a drug, improving outcomes for patients by reducing failure rates from 50% to potentially near-zero.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJun 10, 2016

New tools to manipulate biology

Researchers at Université de Genève have developed new tools to manipulate biology, including a novel co-factor that enables proteins to perform tasks previously thought impossible. Meanwhile, another team has created a method to visualize mRNA in live animals, providing real-time insights into cellular processes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalACS Central Science·DateMay 24, 2016

Generation of tailored magnetic materials

Scientists at Université de Genève successfully manipulate the magnetic properties of LaNiO3 and LaMnO3 oxides to create tailored materials. By controlling the interactions between these materials, they can now develop artificial structures with specific magnetic properties.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2016

Superconductivity seen in a new light

High-temperature superconductors exhibit two coexisting states, contradicting the competition-based models previously assumed. The study reveals electronic densities are a combination of separate effects, proposing a new model for understanding these materials.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 31, 2016

Noise disrupts the tactile skills of premature babies

A study by the University of Geneva found that excessive noise disrupts premature babies' tactile skills, hindering their ability to memorize shapes and distinguish between objects. The researchers suggest implementing environmental measures to reduce noise levels in neonatal units to support optimal brain development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2016

A new recessive disease identified

Researchers at the University of Geneva identified a new recessive disease caused by the failure of a single gene, PIGG, which affects protein production and leads to intellectual disability, epilepsy and hypotonia. The discovery provides hope for early detection and prevention through personalized genetic diagnosis.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 17, 2016

The expansion of the universe simulated

Physicists at Université de Genève developed a new code that simulates the rotation of space-time and gravitational waves in the formation of large-scale structures. This allows for more precise calculations than current codes, enabling the study of dark energy's role in the universe's expansion.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 7, 2016

Discovery of a 'neuronal big bang'

Researchers have developed FlashTag technology to isolate and visualize newborn neurons, revealing the genetic origin of these cells. This discovery sheds light on how brain development occurs and may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateMar 3, 2016

DNA as a weapon of immune defense

Scientists have found that a social amoeba uses both phagocytosis and DNA nets to defend against bacteria, similar to the human immune system. This discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic granulomatous disease and other immune disorders.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2016

A new way of fighting bacteria?

Scientists at Université de Genève found a novel regulatory mechanism in the HigBA toxin-antitoxin system that can selectively kill bacteria when they suffer from DNA damage. This discovery could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections by forcing bacteria to turn their weapons against themselves.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 22, 2016

Memory ensembles

The brain regulates the size of neuronal ensembles that reflect the memory trace to optimize performance, researchers from Université de Genève demonstrate. The study shows that inhibiting or resurfacing a memory can be achieved by targeting neurons in the hippocampus.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 11, 2016

A new role for vitamin B6 in plants

Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in nitrogen metabolism, informing plants of their ammonium content and helping regulate its use. This discovery could lead to the development of new methods to prevent overuse of nitrogen-containing fertilizers, which harm the environment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateFeb 8, 2016

A defense protein that causes cancer

A team of Swiss and Russian scientists has deciphered how APOBEC takes advantage of a weakness in DNA replication to induce mutations, primarily affecting early-replicating genes. The study reveals that APOBEC targets single-stranded DNA regions during replication, which are more prone to mutations.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGenome Research·DateJan 22, 2016

The post Big Bang revelead

An international team has discovered a compact galaxy emitting a large number of ionizing photons, confirming the hypothesis that galaxies were responsible for cosmic reionization. The 'green pea' galaxy J0925 was found to be ejecting ionizing photons with unprecedented intensity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2016

A wax shield to conquer the Earth

Researchers discovered that seeds have recycled a plant protection mechanism called the cuticle to withstand terrestrial aggressions. The cuticle increases seed viability, resistance to reactive oxygen species, and maintains dormant state, allowing seeds to survive and propagate in new environments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 17, 2015

A step towards quantum electronics

Researchers connected two materials with unusual quantum-mechanical properties through a quantum constriction, enabling clean materials with intriguing quantum-mechanical properties. This collaboration opens up a new research direction for ultrafast and robust electronic networks.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2015

It's all about polarity

Asymmetric cell division occurs when endosomes, containing signalling molecules, are distributed unevenly between daughter cells. The central spindle, a scaffold structure composed of microtubules, plays a crucial role in dispatching this information.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateDec 9, 2015

How cold -- and a bacterium -- fight obesity

Researchers at Université de Genève found that cold exposure alters microbiota composition, leading to increased brown fat activation, improved insulin sensitivity, and weight loss. The discovery highlights the key role of Akkermansia muciniphila in regulating nutrient absorption and may lead to new anti-obesity treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateDec 3, 2015

What is the universe made of?

Researchers discovered the majority of missing ordinary matter in the universe, found in hot gas associated with intergalactic filaments. The study validates models of galaxy formation and could lead to a better understanding of heavy elements formed by stars since the beginning of the universe.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateDec 2, 2015

The corn snake genome sequenced for the first time

The corn snake genome has been sequenced for the first time, providing valuable insights into reptile evolution and genetic diversity. The study aims to understand how snakes lost their limbs and developed various skin colorations, shedding light on the evolutionary processes that shaped these animals.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 2015

Hydra can modify its genetic program

Researchers at the University of Geneva discovered that Hydra cells can modify their genetic program by overexpressing genes involved in nervous functions. This study sheds light on cellular plasticity, a phenomenon that could influence research into regenerative medicine and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateNov 23, 2015