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Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore


Excessive Instagram use could erode our sense of self, altering the perception of our bodies

A study found that prolonged Instagram use can blur boundaries between self and others, making it harder to recognize unique aspects of one's body. The research suggests that excessive social media use could lead to a loss of bodily identity, contributing to mental health issues such as depression and low self-esteem.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJun 19, 2026

The human gaze speaks to children, who remain insensitive to the gaze of humanoid robots.

A study published in the International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction found that preschoolers attribute preferences in response to human gaze but struggle with robotic gaze. The research highlights the importance of designing richer interactions for children, beyond just imitating human signals.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalInternational Journal of Child-Computer Interaction·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2026

Faculty of Economics and Law, Piacenza-Cremona campus, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore earns AACSB international accreditation

The Faculty of Economics and Law, Piacenza-Cremona Campus, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore has earned AACSB accreditation for its commitment to teaching, research, and student learning. This achievement demonstrates the institution's ability to combine academic excellence with innovation and global perspective.

Fecal microbiota transplantation improves response to immunotherapy in advanced kidney cancer: TACITO study published in Nature Medicine

A new study found that fecal microbiota transplantation can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The research showed improved clinical outcomes, including longer progression-free survival and higher response rates, in patients who received donor-derived fecal microbiota t...

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 28, 2026

The batman effect: The mere sight of the 'superhero' makes us more altruistic

A study found that the sudden appearance of Batman increases prosocial behavior, such as helping others, by interrupting routines and increasing present-moment awareness. In an experiment on the Milan subway, 67.21% of passengers offered their seats to a pregnant woman in the presence of Batman, compared to 37.66% without.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·Journalnpj Mental Health Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

Immersive virtual reality visual hallucinations simulate the effects of psychedelic substances

Researchers at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore develop immersive VR experiences mimicking psychedelic substances' effects on cognitive and emotional processes. The study shows significant effects on flexibility, creativity, and emotional state, with potential for integrating cyberdelics into therapeutic protocols.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalDialogues in Clinical Neuroscience·DateOct 9, 2025

In a nasal spray, gold “nanoparticles” deliver a targeted treatment to the brain. A potentially revolutionary approach to mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases already has a patent

Researchers develop a new nanotechnological device that delivers lithium directly to the brain, targeting glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta enzyme. The treatment achieves similar effects as oral lithium but with lower concentrations and reduced side effects.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2025

An ultrasound scan of the baby's heart at the onset of labor is useful for safe childbirth

An ultrasound scan of the baby's heart at the onset of labor can predict the outcome of birth and determine if contractions will be tolerated. The study suggests that identifying fetal cardiac function abnormalities early in labor may impact clinical management, potentially leading to expedited birth through operative delivery.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2025

Long COVID, Italian scientists discovered the molecular ‘fingerprint’ of the condition in children's blood

A study by Italian scientists has identified a distinct protein signature in the blood plasma of pediatric patients with Long COVID, characterized by increased inflammation and endothelial damage. The discovery could lead to the development of a simple diagnostic test based on a blood sample.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalPediatric Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2025

The Italian language enters the Semantic Web with LiITA, a project to create a linguistic knowledge base to serve as a basis for developing new technologies

The LiITA project creates an interoperable Knowledge Base for Italian language resources, enabling dialogue between resources and artificial intelligence model development. The project aims to foster innovation in linguistics and counteract declining interest in humanities studies.

Defects in the structure of insulating materials can trigger the transformation into a conductor

Topological defects in the structure of certain insulating materials can trigger a transition to conductivity, enabling the development of new ultra-fast devices and memories. Researchers have discovered that these defects play a crucial role in the transformation of Mott materials from an insulating to a conductive state.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2024

AI-based software 'guide' childbirth by ‘seeing’ the baby’s position in real time

A new AI-based software developed to guide childbirth has been validated in a multicenter study using 2,154 ultrasound images from 16 centers worldwide. The tool provides precise, real-time information on the baby's head position, indicating whether to proceed with a natural descent or use a vacuum extractor.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalEuropean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2024

Artificial intelligence is creating a new way of thinking, an external thought process outside of our minds

Artificial intelligence is creating a new way of thinking with System 0, an external cognitive process that enhances human abilities. This system relies on AI's capabilities to process information and provide suggestions, but humans must interpret and assign meaning to the results.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeNews article·DateOct 22, 2024

Understanding others: By age three, we can do this with mirror neurons

Researchers discovered that children's understanding of others' motor intentions develops with age, but is already present at three years old. They measured the activation of a muscle involved in opening the mouth while performing tasks, finding that it activated earlier in older children.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2024

Fighting the climate emergency: SACRU Universities united for planetary health

The Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities (SACRU) publishes a paper on planetary health, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities. The authors emphasize the need for integrated solutions, social justice, and renewable energy to address global challenges.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 6, 2024

Pancreatic Cancer: Italian scientists found out how the tumor escapes therapies

Researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells employ a 'favorable genetic reshuffling' to evade treatments, leading to a potential breakthrough in developing targeted drugs. Alternative splicing plays a crucial role in this process, and the study identifies a specific splicing regulator called 'Quaking' that promotes chemoresistance.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

An engineered protein enhances memory

Researchers have developed an engineered LIMK1 protein that can be activated by administering the drug rapamycin, resulting in improved memory function. This innovative approach has great potential applications in understanding memory processes and facilitating the identification of solutions for neuropsychiatric diseases.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Parkinson's disease, intense exercise helps to keep the disease at bay

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of physical activity on Parkinson's disease. Intensive exercise has been shown to slow disease progression by restoring striatal synaptic plasticity and improving dopamine release, leading to better motor control and visuospatial learning.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023