The study reconstructs the genetic profile of a small group of Neanderthals from Stajnia Cave, Poland, providing a coherent genetic picture of Neanderthals in this part of Europe. The discovery sheds light on the distribution of a particular Neanderthal maternal lineage in western Eurasia.
The project brings together eight perspectives to develop tools for documentation, legal clarity and traceability, supporting lawful activity and enforcement.
A new study found that wealthier nations tend to invest more in private solutions, exacerbating climate change. The research involved over 7,500 participants from 34 countries, who took part in a simulation on how economic resources are allocated to address climate change.
E-CoRe seeks to drastically reduce digital system energy consumption via reversible computing. The four-year project will train thirteen PhD candidates and promote sustainable digital innovation in Europe.
Researchers discovered that ancient humans used geometric principles to create organized and coherent patterns on ostrich eggshells, dating back over 60,000 years. The study suggests that this ability to organize visual space according to abstract principles is a key indicator of the emergence of abstract thought in human evolution.
A recent study using virtual reality found that men who embodied a female avatar subjected to catcalling experienced strong feelings of anger and disgust, closely linked to moral disapproval. This type of reaction reflects the ability to put oneself in the victim's shoes and indicates moral disapproval of the behavior.
The suspension of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act generated record gains for companies involved in overseas corruption cases. Companies that had been subject to investigations or sanctions under the FCPA collectively gained around $39 billion, with individual companies recording increases in market capitalization of billions of dollars.
The research analyzed satellite images and machine learning to detect forest loss in Ukraine during the war. The study found that Ukraine lost over 800 km² of forests in 2022 and 772 km² in 2023, mainly due to fires in war-torn regions.
The Ecological Peace Corridors concept aims to connect fragmented protected areas across international borders, promoting cooperation and minimizing disputes over resources. By leveraging artificial intelligence and zoning systems, these corridors could foster peacebuilding before conflicts escalate or in post-conflict efforts.
A team of scientists has developed a method to insert a filiform molecule into the cavity of a ring-shaped molecule using light-induced reactions and self-assembly processes. This creates a molecular fit that is not possible at thermodynamic equilibrium, enabling the creation of new substances with unique properties.
Researchers from the University of Bologna identified correlations between ancient cylinder seal designs and proto-cuneiform signs in southern Iraq. The study, published in Antiquity, sheds light on the birth of writing and may help decipher unknown signs.
A recent study has confirmed the efficacy and safety of the dengue vaccine TAK-003, which reduces the risk of contracting the disease by over 50%. The vaccine has shown a high safety profile, with more than 90% of adults and children developing antibodies after administration.
Researchers at the University of Bologna have identified a specific location and genomic context where DNA breaks occur due to topoisomerase I inhibition. This discovery could lead to new cancer treatments by inducing DNA damage and genomic instability in cancer cells.
Researchers have uncovered new insights into how the brain regulates imitative behavior, a phenomenon that facilitates interaction and social cohesion. The study used advanced brain stimulation technique to pinpoint the causal role of different circuits in facilitating or inhibiting automatic imitation.
A growth factor called BMP7 has been found to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation and regeneration in both zebrafish and adult mice. This discovery offers a promising new approach to treating heart disease by stimulating cardiac muscle cell regrowth even in later stages of life.
A new research project, PHOTOZYME, aims to develop photobiocatalytic tools to convert basic chemicals into chiral molecules. The project combines biocatalysis, photochemistry, and directed evolution to create sustainable molecular synthesis.
Researchers used AI to analyze tree databases and found that temperature and precipitation are strong predictors of non-native species invasion. The study also reveals that global forest carbon potential is considerably below natural levels, with most potential located in existing forests.
A study found that workaholics have a consistently negative mood throughout the day, regardless of workload. Women are more vulnerable to workaholism due to role conflict and cultural expectations.
Scientists studied medial longitudinal arch of the foot, a key adaptation for efficient bipedal walking. They found variation in navicular bone morphology among flat-footed individuals and those with well-developed arches, suggesting inborn flat feet may be a normal variant.
Researchers from Bologna, Siena, and Haifa will investigate Neanderthal extinction in Eastern and Southeastern Europe and Western and Central Asia. The project aims to shed light on the chain of events that led to their disappearance.
A new study enhances radiocarbon dating by creating a precise record of atmospheric shifts over 14,000 calendar years BP. This improvement allows for more accurate dating of sub-fossil samples, enabling researchers to reconstruct past environmental and climate changes during glacial times.
A recent study by the University of Bologna reveals that the EU is far from meeting its goal of protecting 10% of its land area for biodiversity. The study found that many countries have inadequate protection in place, with some having very few protected areas and others failing to implement integral protection in national parks. To ac...
An international team of scientists has successfully measured the electron spin in matter for the first time using kagome materials. The results could revolutionize the study of quantum materials, with potential applications in renewable energy, biomedicine, electronics, and quantum computing.
An international research team explores ultra-fast gas emissions from active galactic nuclei, which significantly change galaxy ecosystems. The study confirms the existence of these powerful emissions and their role in regulating star formation.
A study found that psychological factors, such as beliefs and attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine, significantly contribute to the onset and severity of adverse effects. The researchers investigated how fear, trust, and expectations affect side effects and explained 30% of the intensity of symptoms.
Researchers develop innovative method to analyze ancient bones, making collagen quantifiable and mapping possible. This technique supports the selection of samples for radiocarbon analysis, preserving valuable material and reducing destruction.
A study published in Gut journal found that COVID-19 patients experienced gastrointestinal symptoms more frequently than non-infected patients. The research also discovered a higher incidence of irritable bowel syndrome among infected individuals, with symptoms lasting up to 12 months after hospitalization.
The new Radiocarbon 3.0 method provides valuable new insights into the earliest human history, starting with the interaction between Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals in Europe. This is achieved through updated radiocarbon pretreatment, latest AMS instrumental advances, and the application of the Bayesian model coupled with the new IntCal20.
A recent study monitored the Italian province of Pescara for 18 months and found no increased risk of serious diseases among vaccinated individuals. The study revealed that vaccinated persons were more protected against COVID-19 and had lower rates of deaths and disease occurrences compared to non-vaccinated individuals.
This project aims to identify conditions necessary for abandoning climate-damaging social norms and test their effectiveness on representative samples in different countries. The goal is to find solutions for large-scale sustainable changes in individual and social behavior.
A study published in the journal Nutrients found that regular coffee consumption is associated with lower blood pressure levels, both peripheral and central. The researchers analyzed data from a sample of Italian adults and discovered that moderate coffee drinkers had significantly lower systolic and pulse pressures.
A new Legionella species, Legionella bononiensis, has been identified in a hotel facility in northern Italy. The discovery was made by researchers from the University of Bologna using genetic sequencing and mass spectroscopy techniques.
The ERC Red Cardinal project aims to shed light on the mysterious phase of star formation extinction in massive galaxies. The team, led by Sirio Belli, will use James Webb Space Telescope observations to test a hypothesis predicting two distinct modes of stellar extinction.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the likelihood of reinfection and severe symptoms. Vaccinated individuals who have recovered from the virus have a 50% to 60% lower risk of reinfection compared to those who are not vaccinated.
A study found that Italian regions with high levels of environmental pollution have higher cancer mortality rates, even after controlling for lifestyle factors. The analysis identified specific sources of pollution associated with certain types of cancer, highlighting the need for environmental reduction and prevention to combat cancer.
A team of scholars at the University of Bologna revived and studied ancient alchemical texts, then put procedures into practice in the laboratory. The results revealed unexpected methods for mercury extraction and the use of substances like natron and iron in sublimation processes.
Researchers identified glucocorticoids as a key factor inhibiting cardiac regenerative capacity after heart attacks. The study showed that deleting or blocking the glucocorticoid receptor increased heart muscle cell replication and regeneration.
Asteroseismology helps determine mass, age, and features of stars in globular clusters, such as M4. A sample of 37 stars was analyzed, with most being red giants and others horizontal branch stars. The study provides an asteroseismic characterization of the stellar populations, shedding light on their origins and chemical characteristics.
A recent study published in Genome Biology and Evolution found that ancient human remains from Bulgaria are more closely related to contemporary East Asians than Europeans. The researchers propose a scenario where an African population hub expanded into Europe and East Asia around 45,000 years ago, with the European representatives dec...
Researchers at the University of Bologna have developed a new targeted cancer therapy based on a genetically modified phage that selectively eliminates tumour cells. The virus is engineered to transport a drug activated by light to target tumour cells, reducing side effects.
Researchers found that alpha oscillations are involved in two distinct processes: one related to observation accuracy and the other to internal representation of sensory events. Increasing or decreasing alpha speed and amplitude can independently modulate perception accuracy.
A new transistor-based technology has been developed to quantify SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in blood serum and test the efficacy of new vaccines. The device allows for fast and real-time analysis, reducing response times and costs.
A study published in AGU Advances found that water depletion from rivers and lakes accelerates near urban centers due to factors like increased evaporation and groundwater exploitation. Researchers analyzed satellite imagery of the US from 1984 to 2018 and developed a model predicting surface water loss proximity to cities.
A new study estimates that there are approximately 73,300 tree species on Earth, with 9,000 yet to be discovered. The majority of these unknown species are rare and endemic to specific regions, particularly South America.
Researchers found that prenatal exposure to nicotine and its by-products produces long-term effects on sleep and stress-response in mice. This early-life exposure can lead to alterations in the hippocampus, a sensitive structure that develops after birth.
Researchers successfully reproduced the formation of methane from diamonds under high-pressure conditions, shedding light on the deep Earth's carbon cycle. This finding suggests that hydrocarbons like methane can be created without biological activities, which has significant implications for our understanding of the planet's climate.
A new study in Scientific Reports reveals the first palaeontological site with multiple, exceptionally complete dinosaur skeletons from Italy. The Villaggio del Pescatore site in north-eastern Italy has yielded seven individuals of Tethyshadros insularis, the biggest and most complete dinosaur ever found in Italy.
The North American Monsoon originates from the interaction of mountain ranges with extratropical atmospheric circulation, deflecting the jet stream and generating a stationary wave. This unique case has implications for models forecasting heavy rainfall events brought by the monsoon.
Researchers analyzed the genome of 300 individuals from 15 Mexican ethnic groups to understand their evolutionary histories and adaptability to global changes. The study found that Native Mexican peoples have biological characteristics influenced by their complex history, including susceptibility to certain diseases.
A team of researchers observed the evolution of warm gas coming from an active black hole for unprecedented detail, revealing structures reminiscent of volcanic eruptions. These gas bubbles, rings, and 'intergalactic smoke' filaments are formed when black holes consume surrounding matter and release energy, influencing galaxy evolution.