Researchers at UNIGE have pinpointed the brain circuit responsible for addictive behavior in rodents. The study found that a stronger connection between decision-making and reward systems led to compulsive behavior, which could be regulated by artificially increasing or decreasing the activity of this circuit.
Researchers from UNIGE analyzed skin and blood cells from five women, identifying 55 genes that escape inactivation of the second X chromosome. The team found that XIST gene expression is key to inactivation, but also discovered five other genes playing a crucial role in the mechanism.
Researchers at the University of Geneva have developed a new technique called Ultrastructure Expansion Microscopy (U-ExM), which allows for the visualization of cellular structures and protein complexes at a nanoscale. This method enables the detection of biochemical modifications and mapping of large intracellular molecular complexes.
Researchers from UNIGE developed an AI-based approach combining genomics and machine learning to analyze microbial biodiversity and diagnose ecosystem health on a large scale. The method uses genomic tools to sequence DNA of microorganisms, then builds predictive models to identify species performing key functions.
Researchers discovered two warm Neptunes at the edge of the 'hot Neptune desert' losing their atmospheres at a rapid pace. This supports the idea that hot Neptunes transform into super-Earths, which are more numerous than previously thought. The study used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to observe the evaporation of these planets.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Geneva found that our brains quickly differentiate between angry and happy voices, with a faster response time to perceived threats. This enhanced auditory attention enables us to detect potential dangers more effectively, leading to improved survival behavior.
Researchers from UNIGE have detected helium in the atmosphere of an exoplanet, HAT-P-11b, which is swollen like a balloon due to stellar radiation. The discovery was made using the Carmenes spectrograph on a 4-metre telescope, and supported by numerical simulations that track the trajectory of helium atoms.
A study by researchers from UNIGE and Calcutta examines the reliability of a self-assessment question for evaluating health status in middle-income countries. The team found that the simple question provided a sound understanding of India's population health, with better variance captured compared to Switzerland.
Researchers discovered how Staphylococcus aureus assembles a complex to anchor pores, which are then stabilized and used to destroy host cells. Blocking this complex's formation can prevent toxin pore assembly.
Researchers at UNIGE have identified tamoxifen, a breast cancer medication, as a potential treatment for myotubular myopathy, a genetic disease that causes muscle paralysis and death before two years of age. The molecule greatly reduces the progression of the disease and boosts life expectancy in animal models by a factor of seven.
Researchers at UNIGE and UNIBE developed an emotional intelligence test to measure skills in work environments. The test, called the Geneva Emotional Competence Test (GECO), evaluates understanding emotions, recognizing emotions, regulating one's own emotions, and managing other people's emotions.
Researchers at UNIGE discovered that α and δ cells can take over insulin production when β cells are damaged, leading to a phenomenon of cell plasticity. This finding opens the door to new treatments by harnessing the body's regenerative capacities.
Researchers at UNIGE and HUG discovered that mucinous tumours of the ovary and pancreas originate from embryonic germ cells that migrate to reproductive organs. These cells can mistakenly stop in other organs, leading to cancer decades later.
Researchers at UNIGE have developed a laser that can create a temporary hole in clouds to transmit data, overcoming the limitations of radio frequency signals. This technology has the potential to enable global implementation by 2025.
Scientists at UNIGE discovered that resveratrol, a molecule in grape skin and seeds, can prevent lung cancer in mice treated with a nasal formulation. The study showed a 45% decrease in tumor load and a higher concentration of resveratrol in the lungs after nasal administration.
Researchers have developed artificial pseudo-embryos from mouse stem cells that display characteristics of early embryonic development, including the formation of antero-posterior, dorso-ventral, and medio-lateral axes. These structures, called gastruloids, could complement animal embryos in studying mammalian embryonic development.
Researchers at UNIGE discovered that African elephant skin channels are true fractures of the animal's brittle skin, created by local bending mechanical stress. This unique adaptation allows them to absorb and retain more water than flat surfaces, cooling down through evaporation.
Researchers at UNIGE have identified a protein called RUP2 that blocks the effect of UV-B radiation on plant flowering, allowing plants to regulate their growth in response to seasonal changes. This discovery has significant implications for agriculture and our understanding of plant development.
Researchers at UNIGE found that the brain struggles to counter its natural inclination towards minimizing effort when faced with physical activity. The study, published in Neuropsychologia, suggests that our ancestors' need to conserve resources for survival has become obsolete in modern societies.
Researchers at UNIGE successfully resynchronized neurons to correct desynchronization in neural networks, suppressing behavioral symptoms associated with schizophrenia. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, offers promising results for a new therapeutic approach targeting defective inhibitory neurons.
A study by researchers from UNIGE reveals that global warming 56 million years ago had a more significant impact on the environment than currently thought, with floods increasing by a factor of eight and landscapes transforming into arid plains.
Researchers have discovered that neurons themselves trigger the immune system response in Rasmussen's encephalitis, leading to synaptic damage. By blocking this signalling pathway, they may be able to develop new treatments for the disease.
Scientists develop FliptR, a fluorescent molecule that measures cell membrane tension, revealing how cells adapt their surface to volume changes. The discovery paves the way for applications in cancer cell detection and membrane tension regulation.
A UNIGE team discovered which brain zones are activated in anger and how the brain suppresses the act of revenge. The prefrontal dorsolateral cortex (DLPFC) plays a key role in regulating emotions, with higher activity during provocation phases leading to less punishment against unfair players.
Researchers from UNIGE have developed a new type of chemical sensor capable of detecting the presence of metals in the environment. The sensor forms a 3D structure with molecules that emit light when metal ions are present, making it easy to detect and identify different types of metals.
Astronomers have detected iron and titanium vapors in the atmosphere of KELT-9b, an ultra-hot Jupiter, using spectroscopy. The high temperatures break apart molecules, making these atomic species visible.
Researchers discover that autistic disorders are caused by poor maturation of synapses in the reward system, leading to impaired social communication. This finding has significant implications for understanding and treating autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers at Université de Genève reveal the mechanism of seed germination, where proplastids differentiate into chloroplasts within 48 hours. The process is controlled by growth hormone gibberellic acid and protein TOC159, ensuring rapid transition to autonomous growth.
Researchers from UNIGE have developed a portable device called TBIcheck that analyzes proteins in the blood to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury. The device can detect four biomarkers associated with brain injuries, including H-FABP, Interleukin-10, S100B, and GFAP.
UNIGE researchers found that bioelectrical potential is a driving force for stem cells to generate different types of neurons during embryogenesis. This discovery reveals an unexpected role for electrical charge in generating neuronal diversity, which could help explain how neurological disorders affect brain development.
UNIGE researchers identified a new gene, MARK3, as the cause of a recessive genetic disorder leading to childhood blindness. The discovery enables accurate diagnosis and may lead to personalized treatment options.
Researchers at UNIGE have discovered ytterbium, a rare earth element that can store and protect quantum information even at high frequencies. The material's properties make it an ideal candidate for future quantum networks, where the aim is to propagate signals over long distances by acting as repeaters.
An international team of astronomers detected molecules on an exoplanet, allowing it to be visualized. The technique reveals the planet's surface composition and temperature, providing new insights into planetary atmospheres. Future spectrographs will enhance this method, enabling more accurate characterization of planets.
Researchers have developed a novel technique using spider silk microparticles to deliver vaccines directly to immune cells, increasing T lymphocyte responses. This method shows promise in strengthening vaccine efficacy, especially for cancer and infectious diseases.
A UNIGE-led team of chemists has created a common electronic language, NMReDATA, to process organic molecule data. This standardizes the translation of spectra, enabling easy export and reuse of data, and paving the way for an international, open-access database and AI analysis.
UNIGE researchers found that a DNA-binding factor called TOX triggers immune cells to cause autoimmune tissue destruction in the brain. This discovery provides important insights into understanding and treating auto-immune diseases.
A recent study found that one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics does not meet expected success rates, while another is as effective as newer drugs. The study suggests re-evaluating old antibiotics against modern standards to ensure patient well-being and restrict newer antibiotic use.
The AVENUE project, led by the University of Geneva, aims to develop and test autonomous vehicle services in European cities. The project will focus on optimizing itineraries, in- and out-of-vehicle services, and addressing security concerns. Geneva is one of the pilot sites for the large-scale tests.
Researchers from UNIGE and CEA have discovered a novel topological phase transition in BACOVO, governed by two different sets of topological excitations. The team was able to control which set dominated the other, yielding a quantum phase transition.
Introduced species are deliberately excluded from biodiversity reports, distorting international nature reports and the public's view of nature. The study recommends including their positive contributions to accurately track the state of biodiversity and its evolution.
A study by the universities of Zurich and Geneva found significant differences in end-of-life decisions across Switzerland's three linguistic regions. In all regions, deaths were preceded by one or more end-of-life decisions, with a common legislative framework governing life-sustaining treatment and assisted suicide. The involvement o...
Researchers at UNIGE and MBI successfully place an electron in a dual state, neither free nor bound, and regulate its electronic structure. They also discover that high-intensity lasers can amplify light, enabling new possibilities for intense laser propagation in gases.
Researchers use ultra-cold neutral lithium atoms to study conductivity in a one-dimensional quantum tube. They discover an unusual state of matter that retains its insulation regardless of particle interactions, challenging conventional theories about materials.
Researchers from UNIGE found that six-month-old babies can differentiate between happiness and anger based on voices and facial expressions. The study, published in PLOS ONE, shows that babies look longer at an angry face with a happy voice than at a neutral face or one expressing anger.
Estrogen supplementation may prevent type 2 diabetes incidence by regulating glucagon and GLP1 hormones, according to a new study published in JCI Insight. The research highlights the protective role of oestrogens on type 2 diabetes incidence, particularly in post-menopausal women.
Researchers found that bonds based on antimony yield powerful new catalysts, enabling precise molecular transformations and opening up untried prospects. The discovery puts antimony back into the spotlight, highlighting its exceptional qualities for molecular transformation.
UNIGE researchers analyzed tree rings to link global warming to increasing frequency and intensity of avalanches in the Himalayas. The study found that rising temperatures have led to bigger avalanches traveling greater distances, threatening infrastructure development and socio-economic stability in regions like Himachal Pradesh.
Teachers often rely on intuitive knowledge when students struggle with math problems. However, research by UNIGE shows that this can lead to misconceptions and hinder effective teaching. Training teachers to recognize the limitations of intuition is crucial for improving pupil outcomes.
Mutated Cyclin E and Myc genes induce premature DNA replication, leading to molecular collisions and new mutations. The study identified a method to map replication origins on all chromosomes, revealing that aberrant sites can cause genomic instability in cancers.
Researchers discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa rapidly overexpresses genes coding for proteins capturing host's iron and uses lactate, lipids, and collagen as nutrients. This knowledge opens the way to develop innovative treatments to counter its strategies.