Researchers at the University of Basel have developed new drug combinations for liver cancer using mini-tumors, which retained key characteristics of the original tumor. The study identified several potent anti-tumor effects and combination therapies that could be effective despite significant biological differences between tumors.
Researchers developed a new tool, Bonsai, to visualize high-dimensional data on a tree, providing a faithful picture of the structure in the data. The tool reconstructs developmental pathways and identifies similar cells more accurately than existing methods.
A study by University of Basel researchers found specific brainstem neurons that become activated during prolonged wakefulness and promote sleep drive. These neurons, including GABAergic and serotonergic neurons, increase sleep pressure and ensure prolonged wakefulness is followed by deeper and longer recovery sleep.
Researchers at the University of Basel challenge the decades-old assumption that coronin proteins primarily regulate the cytoskeleton. Instead, they found that coronins are largely dispensable for cytoskeleton organization, while exhibiting additional roles in cell signaling.
Physicists at the University of Basel have developed a theoretical approach to reconcile thermodynamics and quantum physics. By using a miniature heat engine in a cavity, they can absorb and emit light particles, creating a
Physicists at the University of Basel and Technical University of Munich developed a method to study the internal behavior of Wigner crystals, a fragile quantum state. By illuminating a single atomic layer of tungsten diselenide and measuring reflected light, they observed new optical features revealing collective electron dynamics.
Researchers have identified a blood marker that can track the hidden progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), even in the absence of relapses. Elevated levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are associated with disability progression, while changes in GFAP during treatment predict later risk of progression.
A study by the University of Basel reveals how endothelial cells coordinate their cell-cell junctions to form continuous blood vessels. Pushing and pulling forces enable individual vessel segments to connect, allowing for the creation of a highly branched vascular network that supplies the body with oxygen and nutrients.
A study by University of Basel researchers found that farming in Switzerland increased plant diversity over the past 7000 years. However, this trend reversed with modern agriculture's emphasis on efficiency and uniformity. The data suggests that altering farming practices could reverse declining biodiversity.
Researchers have developed a miniature dental robot called MIR that can prepare teeth for crowns with precision, reducing the number of appointments needed. The robot uses a digital plan to remove tooth material and produces a custom-fitted dental splint.
A modular nanorobot with a magnetic propulsion module and payload capsule has been developed by researchers at the University of Basel. The system can be adapted to different applications and has shown promise in delivering therapeutic agents to cancer cells, reducing viability by 16% within 72 hours.
A zebrafish study has discovered that a gene associated with restless legs syndrome affects the cerebellum, a brain region crucial for movement coordination. The researchers found that mutations in this gene lead to developmental abnormalities and abnormal locomotion patterns.
A team at the University of Basel has developed a modular nanorobot with propulsion and payload modules that can be used in medicine to deliver active substances to specific locations in the body. The technology also has potential applications in industry and environmental technology.
Researchers discovered that intestinal obstruction affects feeding and sleeping behavior in fruit flies, causing lethargy and death. The study found a genetic defect responsible for intestinal blockage, leading to the formation of a 'Reinger's knot' that blocks the intestine.
A new study found that climate change can weaken the natural purification process in lakes, removing excess nitrogen from the water. This could have severe consequences for coastal marine ecosystems, including algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
Researchers have discovered how diet influences the composition of intestinal tissue in cichlid fishes, a key aspect of evolutionary diversification. The study found that different diets lead to distinct cellular adaptations, including changes in the number and type of cells involved in nutrient absorption.
A pilot study suggests that physical exercise can support stem cell donation by releasing specific types of blood stem cells into the bloodstream. The exercise stimulus increases stem cell numbers only moderately, but may offer a more targeted approach than medication.
A study by researchers at the University of Basel reveals that the immune system fights lifelong viral infections acquired at birth, with partial success. The body gradually produces antibodies to reduce virus amounts, supported by T helper cells, but the response remains limited.
A research team at the University of Basel has uncovered how a key protein switches on the machinery that enables Leptospira pathogens to survive and cause disease. By understanding this process, scientists may design drugs that keep the pathogen from becoming virulent, preventing severe cases and reducing mortality.
A global study reveals treelines shift upslope in 42% of cases, retreating in 25%, due to complex interactions between temperature and human interventions like land use changes. Treeline dynamics also influenced by natural disturbances like fires.
Researchers discovered a new layer of defense in the lungs, where specialized immune cells coordinate a local response to viral infections. The study found that these cells produce a protein called HIF-1α, which activates neighboring immune cells to mount a coordinated defense.
Researchers used AI to analyze skin lesion changes in mastocytosis patients treated with avapritinib, finding a 36.6% reduction in lesion area and normalized skin color. AI can aid dermatologists in assessing small lesions, but human expertise remains essential.
A new imaging method reveals the activity of thousands of genes simultaneously throughout the entire zebrafish embryo, enabling the creation of an atlas of early development. The study provides insights into how genes and cells shape the growing embryo, with potential applications in understanding organ formation.
A study by researchers at the University of Basel and University of Bern found that spring fatigue is not a real biological phenomenon, but rather a culturally influenced concept. Participants in an online survey reported feeling more exhausted in spring, but the data showed no correlation with seasonal changes.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a gene therapy that can potentially treat LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy, a rare and fatal muscle disease in children. The therapy has been shown to stabilize muscles and nerves and halt disease progression in animal models, with a single treatment being sufficient.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a new laser profile that enables deeper and faster cuts in hard tissues like bone. The top hat profile distributes energy more evenly, overcoming limitations of traditional laser systems and enabling joint implants and custom-made 3D-printed implants.
Researchers at the University of Basel have unlocked the magnetic properties of individual bacteria, enabling them to navigate using an Earth-based compass. This discovery holds promise for medical applications, such as magnetically controllable microrobots, and environmental research.
A study in Lesotho shows that trained laypeople can achieve better blood pressure control in their community compared to normal treatment in healthcare facilities. The layperson-assisted model was found to be safe and effective, reducing hospital admissions and improving access to healthcare for underserved rural communities.
Scientists at University of Basel and ETH in Zurich successfully changed the polarity of a ferromagnet using a laser beam. The breakthrough method could be used to create adaptive electronic circuits that can be controlled by light.
A research team has demonstrated how quantum mechanical entanglement can be used to measure several physical parameters simultaneously with increased precision. By distributing atoms into up to three spatially separated clouds, the effects of entanglement act at a distance, reducing measurement uncertainties and canceling disturbances.
Researchers analyzed dental calculus to determine the diet of Scythian communities, finding evidence of ruminant dairy consumption. They detected horse milk proteins in one individual's remains, challenging previous historical accounts.
A new study analyzing over 11.5 million births found no significant negative effects of community water fluoridation on birth weight or risk of premature birth. The research supports the recommendations for promoting caries prevention and suggests that fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, repairs early damage, and prevents tooth decay.
The researchers developed a technique to accurately measure energy transfer and conversion within the crystal lattice of germanium following ultrafast laser pulses. They observed how energy flows, transfers, and converts into heat, providing new insights for improving electronic device efficiency.
A study found that hydroclimatic extremes and changes in agriculture led to the collapse of the Tang dynasty in 907 CE. The research analyzed tree ring data and concluded that increased droughts and floods took a toll on the empire's outer borders and agricultural systems.
Researchers identify a concrete biological mechanism that triggers MS, focusing on B cells and Epstein-Barr virus. This understanding may help guide future strategies to prevent or treat MS.
Researchers developed a new method to measure how effectively antibiotics kill bacteria, crucial for treating complex infections. The 'antimicrobial single-cell testing' method predicts treatment success by observing individual bacteria under different conditions.
A recent study published in Political Psychology explored the willingness of people to engage in discussions with others who hold different opinions. The researchers developed a measuring tool called WEDO to assess this willingness and found that open-minded individuals tend to think analytically and are more willing to engage in dialo...
Researchers found that ovarian cancer transforms the omentum into an environment that favors tumor spread. The study analyzed tissue samples from 15 patients and created a cell atlas of the omentum in diseased and healthy states.
Research from the University of Basel found that individual genetic differences can make antibody-based therapies ineffective in some people. The study analyzed thousands of genetic sequences and discovered a large number of naturally occurring variations in amino acid sequences, which can render treatments ineffective.
Researchers have discovered that certain gut bacteria with similar structures to the protective layer of nerves can misdirect the immune system and cause it to attack its own nervous system. This mechanism accelerates the progression of multiple sclerosis.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses the type VI secretion system (T6SS) to counterattack when attacked by other bacteria, but this defense mechanism also makes it more vulnerable to antibiotics.
A severe form of muscular dystrophy has been found to impair muscle regeneration, with researchers identifying a genetic defect that affects laminin-α2 protein production. This discovery opens up new avenues for therapies targeting both muscle fibers and stem cells to slow disease progression.
A team of researchers at the University of Basel has developed a new approach to applying thermodynamics to microscopic quantum systems. They defined what constitutes
Researchers discovered that synthetic stress hormone dexamethasone can combat therapy-resistant breast cancer metastases in mice trials. The drug activates the glucocorticoid receptor, suppressing estrogen receptor production and slowing tumor growth. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in patients with breast cancer.
Scientists have created a complex tissue model of human bone marrow using only human cells, replicating the cellular complexity of the body's 'blood factory'. This breakthrough reduces the need for animal experiments in blood cancer research and potentially enables personalized therapies.
Research reveals that microorganisms in ocean hypoxic zones convert nitrate into nitrous oxide to generate energy, producing this climate-damaging gas. The study's findings suggest that organic material in these zones increases the oxygen tolerance of bacteria, allowing for more regions of nitrous oxide production.
Researchers found that AI models predict protein structures despite modifications in amino acid sequences or ligands, indicating a lack of understanding of physical chemistry. The models only recognize patterns they've seen before and struggle with unknown proteins.
Researchers at the University of Basel discovered that certain RNA molecules in food can prevent harmful protein aggregates that drive aging and disease. A balanced diet promotes healthspan and activates quality-control mechanisms to protect against cellular stress.
Researchers developed a fusion protein that blocks the 'do not attack' signal and selectively activates tumor-fighting immune cells. The molecule, combining an IL-2 variant with a PD-1 antibody, induces a multifaceted anti-tumoral T cell response in human lung cancer patients.
Migrating cells maintain a mechanical memory that allows them to retain their shape when passing through constrictions, enabling faster movement in complex environments. This study sheds light on the biophysical mechanisms underlying cell migration and its implications for processes like wound healing and immune defense.