Researchers found that vaccination greatly reduces the infectious viral load caused by COVID-19 variants Delta and Omicron. However, boosted individuals showed a significant reduction in viral load compared to unvaccinated people. The study highlights the importance of updated knowledge for combating new variants.
A research team found that limiting energy in neurons increases hyperexcitability and severity of seizures in mice. The ketogenic diet restored mitochondrial function and reduced seizure intensity.
A UNIGE team has successfully stored a quantum bit for 20 milliseconds in a crystal-based memory. This achievement marks a major step towards the development of long-distance quantum telecommunications networks.
A gene called Fer2 has been identified as a key player in protecting dopaminergic neurons from degeneration. In flies and mice, overproduction of Fer2 reduces oxidative stress and prevents neurological defects characteristic of Parkinson's disease.
A team from UNIGE has identified a potential target for restoring the efficacy of standard breast cancer treatment. The loss of SPRED2 protein leads to tumor proliferation even with tamoxifen treatment. Combining tamoxifen with an inhibitor of estrogen-independent cell activation may be promising for resistant patients.
Researchers at UNIGE find that near-death experience in primary tumors triggers pro-metastatic states in cells, leading to metastasis. These 'PAME' cells reprogram themselves and trigger a cytokine storm, forming new tumors.
UNIGE researchers developed a new approach combining genetics and cell biology experiments with physical modelling to simulate protein gradients. Their innovative model can explain complex mechanisms and be adapted to other biology systems.
A team from UNIGE demonstrates that a reduction in gamma wave activation is correlated with the emergence of psychotic symptoms in children and adolescents at genetic risk. This study makes it possible to envisage an early diagnosis and identifies potential therapeutic targets for treating schizophrenia.
A study published in Cell Reports reveals that the APOE4 variant increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease by triggering the secretion of potentially toxic lipids in astrocytes. This secretion can lead to the accumulation of harmful lipids, which may contribute to neuronal death and disease progression.
A Swiss-French team has identified a mechanism that could lead to the development of new therapies for acute myeloid leukaemia, a particularly dangerous form of cancer. The selective activation of AMPK triggers apoptosis in tumour cells by initiating the cell's stress response.
A team from UNIGE demonstrates that cells can self-organize to generate forces that model the shapes of our tissues. Topological defects create cellular tornadoes that concentrate forces and shape tissues similar to those observed in embryo development.
A team from UNIGE and Empa recommends a domestic generation mix of wind and photovoltaic energy to reduce Switzerland's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The scenario would enable the country to reduce its footprint by an estimated 45%.
A new material, sodium carbo-hydridoborate, improves the performance of solid-state sodium batteries, making them more sustainable and durable. The ideal pressure to be applied to the battery for efficient operation has also been defined.
Gene-environment interactions play a crucial role in the development of autism symptoms, according to a new study by UNIGE researchers. By inhibiting Trpv4 and inducing massive inflammation, scientists observed neuronal hyperexcitability, which disrupted communication channels and led to social avoidance behaviors.
A multidisciplinary team at UNIGE has developed a simple mathematical equation to explain the complex distribution of scales in ocellated lizards. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of skin color pattern evolution and provides an optimal pattern for animal survival.
A new study demonstrates that playing a child-friendly action video game can improve reading skills, including speed, accuracy, and comprehension. Children who played the game showed significant long-term improvements in attentional control and literacy compared to those who played a coding game.
A team from UNIGE analyzed over 200 scientific articles on 'nudge' strategies, classifying them into three groups: information, structure, and assistance. They found that techniques in the second group ('structure') are the most effective, particularly in influencing food choices.
A research team at UNIGE and HUG has identified signals produced by the brain when people speak to themselves, offering a breakthrough in treating speech disorders. The study found that low frequencies and coupling between certain frequencies contain essential information for decoding imagined speech.
Researchers at UNIGE found that fat can aid pancreatic beta cells in adapting to excess sugar levels. The study reveals a dynamic cycle of fat storage and mobilization allows cells to maintain near-normal insulin secretion. Regular physical activity may help give this beneficial cycle a chance to be active.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists from UNIGE and MPIPKS has solved the mystery of how an organ changes its size depending on the size of the animal. They developed a mathematical equation that explains how cells know when to stop growing, using the example of the Paedocypris fish.
Researchers from UNIGE found that a single missing genetic switch can lead to clubfoot and other malformations by disrupting cellular activation. The study highlights the crucial role of genetic switches in developmental disorders, suggesting that flaws in these mechanisms may be responsible for numerous malformations.
Chemists at UNIGE have developed a new method to rapidly generate millions of molecule combinations using DNA-pairing processes, finding the best match for target proteins within two weeks. This technique uses evolutionary forces to amplify the best combinations and generates diversity.
Researchers found that increasing food amount elevates intestinal absorptive surface and function due to enhanced PPARα expression. Food restriction reverses this process, suggesting potential avenues for limiting obesity.
A team from UNIGE found that dopaminergic neurons in the reward system are responsible for motivating social interactions. The study used mice to demonstrate how these neurons release dopamine, crucial for motivated behaviors and learning.
Researchers discovered two new exoplanets using AI-powered image recognition, which can predict the effect of interactions between planets on a star's luminosity. This technique improves detection rates for terrestrial-type planets and provides insights into their mass, density, and composition.
Researchers discovered that neurons forming connections between brain areas share similar genetic programs, but unfold at varying speeds. This tempo-dependent development enables the creation of diversity in neurons without requiring major genetic differences.
A team from UNIGE has developed a new system to secure data transfers using the principle of relativity. This approach enables users to identify themselves confidentially without disclosing personal information, making it suitable for cryptocurrencies and blockchain applications.
Researchers found that motorway connections lead to a 42% increase in wealthy households but only a 5% increase in lower-income households. This results in higher land prices and urban sprawl, disproportionately affecting those with modest incomes.
Researchers from UNIGE and Peking University developed a technique to estimate the maximum size of a future super-eruption of Toba volcano. The study found that magma silently accumulated in the magma reservoir until massive explosions occur, with no warning signs beforehand.
A new application allows for daily monitoring of psychotic symptoms in people at risk, enabling adapted medical follow-up and identification of triggers. The study, published in Schizophrenia Research, used an app to assess 86 individuals with microdeletion of chromosome 22q11.2, finding it a reliable tool for monitoring symptoms.
Exoplanets HD3167b and two mini-Neptunes orbit in planes perpendicular to each other, with the innermost planet still in the equatorial plane. The discovery suggests an unknown celestial body responsible for this disorder is likely at play.
A UNIGE-led team studied fossil rivers to reconstruct the Sahara's rainfall rates that led to a major migration of people away from the Nile valley 10,000 years ago. The research found a sharp increase in intense rainfall events, forcing riverine populations to migrate to central Egypt.
A UNIGE team discovered that the endosperm's role extends beyond nutrition to influence seedling development, including cuticle formation. In its absence, seedlings fail to develop normally, highlighting the tissue's crucial protective function.
Scientists at UNIGE discovered that cold therapy can reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis by shifting energy resources away from the immune system. This approach shows promise for treating autoimmune diseases and could be relevant to other immune-mediated or infectious diseases.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, women researchers faced increased domestic duties and homeschooling, leading to a drastic drop in scientific production. The study found a 20% decrease in women first authors, 12% decrease in last authors, and 20% decrease in corresponding authors compared to pre-pandemic data.
Researchers found that the human immune system is most active just before dawn, making it an important consideration for vaccination and cancer therapy. The study's findings suggest that stimulating the immune system at the right time could lead to better treatment outcomes.
A team of astrophysicists led by Martin Turbet from UNIGE and NCCR PlanetS found that Venus's climate conditions prevented the formation of oceans. The study suggests that the Earth could have suffered a similar fate if it had been closer to the Sun or had weaker radiation in its youth.
Scientists have identified specific epigenetic signatures for nociceptive and neuropathic pain, allowing for quicker and more reliable classification. This breakthrough enables a simple blood test to determine the type of pain an individual suffers from, paving the way for targeted treatment.
Researchers developed an AI tool using longitudinal network analysis to identify predictive symptoms of psychotic illnesses in children with a microdeletion of chromosome 22. The study found that anxiety and feelings of guilt were significant warning signals, enabling early treatment and prevention.
Researchers have identified four molecular factors controlling the formation of suberin in plant roots, allowing for the development of more resistant plants. These modifications optimize nutrient acquisition while protecting against environmental stresses like salt and toxic elements.
Scientists from UNIGE and UNIFR discovered that the brain misperceives tactile vibrations when their amplitude varies, creating an illusion. Humans are more sensitive to lower frequencies (around 250 Hz) but struggle to differentiate between higher and lower frequencies when amplitudes are not matched.
Researchers discovered serotonin helps regulate dopamine levels, reducing addiction rates to 20% in humans. The study used mice self-administering cocaine and adding unpleasant stimuli, revealing serotonin's crucial role in curbing addiction.
New research reveals that the Milky Way's environment is not evenly mixed with metals and dust, contrary to previous models. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.
Researchers at UNIGE developed an AI algorithm using automated video analysis to detect autism spectrum disorder in children under 5. The system correctly classified 80% of cases and showed a convincing result in just 10 minutes, providing an initial screening tool for parents.
A UNIGE team has identified the Nf1 gene as essential for regulating the sleep-wake cycles of Drosophila. This discovery could help explain symptoms of neurofibromatosis, including sleep disturbance, and may provide new insights into the circadian rhythm.
Researchers at UNIGE deciphered the genetic mechanisms controlling protein synthesis speed, revealing a dynamic observation technique called ribosome profiling. This method showed that regulatory factors modulate translation rate, affecting protein structure and aggregation.
A study by the University of Geneva found that maternal voice significantly reduces signs of pain in premature babies during medical interventions. The presence of a mother's voice also increases oxytocin levels, indicating better pain management.
An international team has identified five objects that could help distinguish brown dwarfs from low-mass stars. The companions, characterized by periods of 5-27 days and radii between Jupiter's, provide valuable information about their composition and formation.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists studied the elephant trunk's kinematic versatility, revealing a toolkit of 20 basic movements that combine to produce complex behaviors. The researchers identified a mathematical law governing the trunk's velocity, similar to human hand-drawing movements.
A UNIGE team has identified important regulatory mechanisms of the protein responsible for chromosome separation. The study reveals that inhibitory proteins block separase activity by occupying sites that recognize the cohesin substrate, preventing cleavage.