Researchers at UNIGE discovered that natural opioids cannot enter cells, whereas therapeutic opioids can, leading to differences in physiological responses. The study's findings could help develop safer medications with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
A study found that practicing music and active listening can alter cognitive decline in healthy seniors by promoting brain plasticity. The researchers discovered an increase in grey matter volume in four brain regions involved in high-level cognitive functioning.
An international team of researchers analyzed medieval texts and ice core data to date some of the largest volcanic eruptions in history. They found that five lunar eclipses occurred within a year or so of major volcanic eruptions, providing new information about the most volcanically active period in Earth's history.
A UNIGE team created customizable treatments by testing drugs on artificial tumors derived from patients' cancer tissue. The approach opens the way for optimized and tailored therapies against various cancers and diseases.
Researchers found that neutrophils can be pro- or anti-tumour depending on their surface markers, and those fighting tumours share cytotoxic power with neutrophils in bacterial infections. Blocking these anti-tumour neutrophils eliminates treatment benefits.
An international team developed a novel method for evaluating AI interpretability methods to decipher the basis of AI reasoning and possible biases. The approach helps users understand what influences AI results and whether they can be trusted, especially in medical applications where AI-powered decisions can impact health and lives.
Researchers at UNIGE have designed a quantum material that can be controlled by curving space, allowing for ultra-fast electromagnetic signal processing and potential applications in high-speed communication systems. The material's unique properties enable the creation of new sensors and potentially unlock new avenues in exploration.
A team from UNIGE and ID Quantique has developed single-photon detectors that can generate secret keys at a rate of 64 megabits per second, overcoming current limitations. This innovation enables ultra-secure data transfer for banks, healthcare systems, governments, and the military.
Researchers at UNIGE discovered that seeds have an internal thermometer-like mechanism to delay or block germination if temperatures are too high. This mechanism is implemented by the endosperm tissue, which controls germination and seedling growth.
Researchers at UNIGE and UNIL have discovered the importance of cell metabolism in reactivating quiescent neural stem cells, increasing new neurons in adult mice. This breakthrough could lead to potential treatments for conditions like depression and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, a 5-8°C warming event, was caused by high carbon dioxide and methane levels. The team's study provides new insights into sedimentary systems and the impact of seasonal changes on ocean turbidity.
An international task force led by UNIGE and HUG has developed a preventive protocol to address the growing number of people affected by Alzheimer's disease. The guidelines focus on four pillars: risk assessment, risk communication, risk reduction, and cognitive enhancement.
A team from UNIGE has observed a sample of planets at the edge of the Hot Neptune Desert to understand its creation. They found that most of these planets have an orbit misaligned with the stellar equator, indicating disruptive migration processes.
A European consortium has successfully guided lightning using a high-power laser installed at the top of Mount Säntis in Switzerland, increasing the radius of protection from 120m to 180m. The Laser Lightning Rod (LLR) works even in poor weather conditions, such as fog.
Researchers from UNIGE observed that negative emotions modify the brains of older adults excessively and over time, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex and amygdala. This could be prevented with better emotional management, such as meditation, which could limit neurodegeneration.
Researchers at UNIGE and FMI successfully modified the structure and function of tentacle cells in hydra by reducing Zic4 expression, resulting in transdifferentiation into foot cells. The study provides new insights into transdifferentiation mechanisms and could pave the way for therapies to regenerate deficient cell types in humans.
Researchers at UNIGE and LMU discovered that immune system's anti-tumour activity peaks in the morning. Tumours implanted at night grew faster than those implanted in the afternoon. Administering immunotherapy treatments early morning significantly enhanced their effectiveness, suggesting a new strategy for cancer treatment.
A study by the University of Geneva finds that adopting multiple perspectives on mathematical problems enhances proportional reasoning. Students who received lessons based on this approach outperformed those in traditional classes, regardless of socio-economic background.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from 233 patients with ovarian cancer and found that precise localization of BRCA gene mutations is crucial for effective treatment. The study suggests that PARP inhibitors can be highly effective in patients with mutations in the DNA-binding domain, leading to improved overall survival rates.
A team from UNIGE has revealed the existence of a hidden 'pocket' on the surface of the non-structural protein Nsp1, which could be used to develop new treatments against Covid-19. This discovery paves the way for innovative therapies targeting the Nsp1 protein and its potential application against other coronaviruses.
Researchers have developed a transport nanoparticle to deliver an anti-inflammatory drug, Necrosulfonamide (NSA), directly into macrophages to combat inflammatory overactivation. The mesoporous silica nanoparticle is fully biodegradable and non-toxic, showing remarkable efficacy in reducing inflammation.
A UNIGE team found an increase in altruism among children returning from summer camps, compared to those who did not participate. These results suggest that holiday camps can be a valuable tool for developing socio-emotional abilities in children.
A new treatment option for multi-resistant bacteria has been identified by a UNIGE team, which uses the drug edoxudine to weaken the defence mechanisms of Klebsiella pneumoniae, making it easier to eliminate. This approach could be a game-changer in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at UNIGE have discovered a way to overcome resistance to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer, using an optimized combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for developing targeted therapies that can effectively treat patients with low five-year survival rates.
A team from the University of Geneva has identified the structure of the SEA complex, a key regulator of cell growth, and how it controls the activity of the major regulator of cell growth, mTOR. The discovery provides new insights into how cells perceive nutrient levels to regulate their growth.
A new therapy combining Imagery Rehearsal Therapy with Targeted Memory Reactivation has been shown to significantly reduce nightmare frequency and increase positive dreams in patients. The treatment, which involves associating a major piano chord with positive scenarios, resulted in lasting benefits even three months after the experiment.
Researchers developed a new method to study membrane proteins in their native environment, the cell, using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. This technique allows for precise determination of protein properties and could lead to better understanding and targeting of membrane proteins involved in anti-cancer drug resistance.
A team from UNIGE and EPFL discovered that too much or too little motivation can blur sensory information and affect decision-making. In a state of hyper-motivation, rodents performed poorly, while moderate motivation led to optimal choice. These results open up new perspectives in learning methods.
Researchers discovered that zinc can restore the functioning of proteins affected by mutations in the GNAO1 gene, leading to severe mental and motor disabilities. By reactivating hydrolysis, zinc enables neurons to communicate correctly with their environment.
A UNIGE team identified a three-step mechanism that allows our body to defend itself against hepatitis B. The complex detects the viral DNA, traps it, and inhibits the virus' chromosome.
A team from UNIGE and HUG identified a protein regulation mechanism that reduces melanoma cells' capacity to adapt and resist treatment. They found that targeting this mechanism with an enzyme inhibitor reduces therapeutic resistance in all melanoma cells.
A study by the University of Geneva team shows that disrupted circadian clocks lead to a rigidity in the membrane of pancreatic endocrine cells, affecting their function. The researchers also found that lipid profiles oscillate more during the day than previously thought, particularly in phospholipids and sphingolipids.
A recent study from the University of Geneva suggests that ketamine's therapeutic use may be safe due to its limited impact on dopamine levels and neuronal communication. The research found that ketamine triggers a short increase in dopamine, but also inhibits a specific receptor that prevents addiction progression.
Researchers at UNIGE have found that the S100A9 protein can significantly improve insulin metabolism in diabetic patients, reducing the risk of severe side effects associated with insulin therapy. The protein's anti-inflammatory effect may also help to normalize ketone production and prevent life-threatening conditions.
An international research team has shed light on the origin of neutrinos, shedding new evidence that blazars can be confidently associated with astrophysical neutrinos. The study utilizes neutrino data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and BZCat catalogue to establish a connection between high-energy neutrinos and galactic nuclei.
A study found that Omicron's neutralization capacity outperforms its predecessors, even in vaccinated individuals. Antibody levels against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 are roughly 10 times higher in vaccinated people than those with natural immunity.
A team from UNIGE has identified a molecular mechanism that causes degeneration of photoreceptors in retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disease leading to blindness. The discovery could lead to therapeutic treatments targeting this mechanism.
Researchers found that 'killer' T-cells used in immunotherapy can also destroy tumour lymphatic vessels, greatly reducing the risk of metastasis. This synergistic effect could increase treatment effectiveness against cancers with high lymphangiogenesis.
An international team developed a new theoretical model that solves part of the 'solar problem' by considering the Sun's rotation and magnetic fields. The results reproduce the concentration of helium and lithium in the Sun's outer layers, providing insights into stellar physics.
Researchers at UNIGE found that olfactory neurons change their identity based on expressed receptors and past experiences. The study reveals a wide range of identities among these neurons, which adapt rapidly to different levels of stimulation.
Researchers discovered that hydrating the surface of airways in people with cystic fibrosis restores their protective barrier against bacterial infections. This breakthrough opens the way to new therapies based on mucus hydration, offering a promising alternative to current treatments.
A UNIGE team found that car owners systematically underestimate electric driving ranges to meet their daily needs. To overcome this, researchers suggest providing personalized information to increase drivers' willingness to adopt electric vehicles.
Researchers at UNIGE discovered that temperature changes trigger organ-specific effects in all tissues, leading to distinct gene expression profiles. The study's web-based application provides access to thousands of gene expression profiles, enabling further research and potential therapeutic applications.
A UNIGE team discovered that cells in curved tissues swell by 50% before returning to normal, opening avenues for in vitro organ culture. This active phenomenon can be harnessed to control spontaneous growth of organoids and develop new materials with volume increase upon folding.
Scientists from the University of Geneva discover that copper deposits are formed by mechanisms similar to those causing large volcanic eruptions. The 'porphyry' deposits, containing copper, form when hot fluids release from cooling magmas and develop under the earth's surface.
Researchers at UNIGE develop new method using eye-tracking to evaluate social-emotional and perceptive abilities in children and adolescents with severe multiple disabilities. This approach enables assessment of individual skills and preferences, allowing for personalized stimulation and care devices.
Researchers have discovered that palmitoylation can occur at the plasma membrane, paving the way for innovative drug discovery strategies. A novel tool, SwissKASH, allows for dynamic observation of this process, enabling precise targeting of oncogenic proteins in cancer therapy.
A team of biologists identified a protein involved in the spread of breast cancer to bones. The discovery confirms the importance of cellular plasticity during the metastatic process and could lead to new treatments. ZEB1, a protein that increases cell plasticity, was found to direct cells with metastatic characteristics to bones.
Researchers have successfully visualized crystal nucleation, a crucial stage in crystallization, using Raman microspectroscopy and optical trapping. This breakthrough enables better understanding of molecular dynamics and may lead to the development of purer and more stable crystals for pharmaceuticals and other industries.
A team from UNIGE demonstrates that stem cells giving rise to beta cells cease to exist after birth, and defines the 'identity card' of other hormone-producing cells. This discovery has significant implications for developing cell-based therapies to treat diabetes.