Researchers at the University of Basel used computational models to describe human memory processes for the first time. The study identified specific genetic profiles underlying distinct mental processes, such as learning and memory storage.
Researchers have successfully coherently manipulated an electron spin embedded in a diamond resonator using a mechanical oscillating system. The discovery enables fast spin oscillation and precise measurement, making it suitable for highly sensitive sensors and potentially revolutionizing quantum computing.
Researchers found that cortisol administration significantly reduced cravings for heroin in addicts, with a 25% decrease seen on average. The study suggests that cortisol may have inhibitory effects on addiction-related memory and behaviors.
Researchers at the University of Basel have identified Buckminsterfullerene as a molecule that absorbs starlight and produces diffuse interstellar bands. The study used lab conditions similar to outer space to confirm the presence of ionized Fullerenes in space.
A new checkpoint enzyme, Plk1, has been discovered to play a crucial role in monitoring chromosome segregation during cell division. This finding may provide important clues for the development of new cancer treatments.
A comparative study of 9 European countries found that married couples have a higher body mass index than singles, with differences attributed to changes in eating behaviors. However, the study also shows that married couples tend to eat healthier, with increased consumption of regional and organic products.
A study by University of Basel researchers found that fructose stimulates the reward system in the brain to a lesser degree than glucose, leading to increased satiety hormone levels and reduced feelings of fullness. This may contribute to the development of various disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
Researchers discovered that the protein structure of a key membrane protein differs from a previously postulated model, providing a basis for new treatments. The study reveals how the protein pore opens and closes in response to substrate binding, offering insights into the pathogen's attachment mechanism.
A recent study published in Neuron reveals that the brain's visual cortex can differentiate between important and irrelevant images through practice. The researchers found that as mice learned to associate certain images with rewards, specific neurons in the brain became more responsive to those images.
Researchers at the University of Basel measured the movement of natural channel proteins in artificial membranes for the first time. The results show that these proteins move up to ten times slower than in their natural environment, a phenomenon linked to membrane flexibility and fluidity.
Older adults perform just as well as younger adults in simple decision-making, according to a study published in Cognition. However, in more complex decisions, older adults may struggle due to age-related cognitive decline. The study suggests that simple learning strategies can be useful for aging decision makers despite limitations.
Researchers have developed an antireflex device that efficiently uncouples high-frequency signals from nanocomponents to larger circuits. By minimizing impedance differences, the scientists can transmit signals with reduced loss and increase the performance of electronics.
A study published in Neuron found that people tend to prefer snacks they can recall better, even if they are less attractive. The researchers used fMRI scans and mathematical modeling to understand how memory influences decision-making, revealing an increase in communication between the hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex.
Physicists detect nuclear spins in single biomolecules for the first time using magnetic particles and novel experimental setup. This breakthrough improves medical diagnostics and analysis of biological and chemical samples.
Researchers have described the process of blood vessel pruning on a cellular level, revealing that cells can fuse with themselves to close vessels and prevent blood leakage. This discovery sheds light on the vascular system's ability to regulate itself through plasticity.
Researchers found a negative relation between atmospheric nitrogen emissions and plant diversity in Switzerland, with a 19% loss in phylogenetic diversity. High nitrogen deposition favors few highly competitive species, leading to decreased overall plant diversity.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that mental disorders and physical diseases often co-occur in teenagers. The strongest correlations were found between affective disorders (e.g. depression) and diseases of the digestive system, as well as anxiety disorders and arthritis. These associations highlight the need for...
A study of 14,348 Swiss individuals found that those with depressive symptoms have a higher risk of developing physical diseases, especially arthrosis and arthritis. The researchers suggest that lack of interest in physical activity or inflammatory processes may be key factors in this association.
A study published in Current Biology reveals that the dusky dottyback, a small predatory fish found on coral reefs, changes its color to mimic other fish species to hunt juvenile offspring. This clever strategy also helps the fish avoid detection by predators.
Researchers at the University of Basel have made significant advancements in developing next-generation lighting technologies. The team has successfully created light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) with remarkable lifetimes exceeding 2500 hours, paving the way for a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional LEDs.
A recent study by the University of Basel analyzed new drugs approved by the FDA from 2003 to 2013, revealing that several parameters have improved efficiency. The researchers found that market access is not inefficient, but rather dependent on collaboration between industry and authorities.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a new singing cicada species in Italy and southern Switzerland with a four-centimeter wingspan and high-pitched song. The 'Italian Mountain Cicada' has been identified through its distinctive song pattern, which includes slow phrases alternating with fast and rhythmic ones.
Neurons in the brain form a complex network of connections, with most links being weak. However, those that connect similar cells are strongly coupled, influencing activity and potentially aiding learning and adaptation.
Teenagers who own smartphones spend more time online during the night, leading to an increased risk of poor sleep and depressive symptoms. Smartphone use at night is associated with a higher likelihood of sleep disturbances.
Researchers used game theory to model cooperation among cancer cells, finding that free-riding cells can outcompete producing ones. Computer simulations and experiments with pancreatic cancer cells validated the predictions, suggesting new insight into cancer dynamics.
Researchers successfully mapped the condensation of individual atoms in microscopic measuring beakers, known as quantum wells. This breakthrough provides key conclusions on the nature of atomic bonding and enables the study of other atoms and their interactions.
Archaeologists discovered intestinal parasites' eggs from the Celtic period in Switzerland, indicating poor sanitation and mixed living environments. The parasite eggs suggest a lack of proper waste management and possible livestock introduction, highlighting the challenges faced by ancient communities.
Muscle spindle sensory feedback promotes repair of damaged neuronal networks after spinal cord injury. Basic locomotor functionality can be restored spontaneously, but fine motor task performance remains permanently lost. Activation of muscle spindles is essential for recovery, suggesting a key role in designing novel treatment strateg...
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed nanomimics of host cell membranes that trick malaria parasites. These nanomimics effectively disrupt the parasite's cycle, blocking its invasion of new red blood cells while exposing it to the immune system.
Researchers cool membrane vibrations to less than 1 degree above absolute zero, opening up possibilities for novel studies of quantum physics and precision measurement devices. The technique harnesses the unique features of ultracold atomic gases, enabling fundamental quantum physics experiments with macroscopic mechanical systems.
Researchers at the University of Basel have created a helical molecule with unique properties, where one strand winds around a central axis like a staircase banister. This 'twisted world' enables dynamic changes in chirality, opening up new possibilities for basic research and industrial applications.
Swiss researchers have discovered a new parasite species that represents the missing link between fungi and extreme parasites. The study reveals that microsporidia adopted intracellular parasitism first, followed by genome modifications such as the loss of mitochondria and metabolic simplification.
Cichlids' egg-spots developed through insertion of a mobile genetic element influencing pigmentation gene expression. This discovery provides insight into the evolution of novel traits and their regulatory mechanisms.
Researchers created a novel method for cell migration by mimicking the connective tissue environment, allowing cells to move in a controlled direction. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches in combating cancer metastasis and inflammation.
The immune system uses a molecular biological clock to target and eliminate intolerant T cells during their maturation process. This process is crucial for preventing autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Scientists have successfully observed the 'forbidden' infrared spectrum of a charged molecule for the first time. This achievement enables precise measurements of molecular properties with unprecedented accuracy. The research has significant implications for the development of molecular clocks, quantum technology, and fundamental physics.
Researchers have successfully engineered cartilage tissue using nasal septum cells, showing promising results in repairing articular cartilage defects. The treated patients' knees were replaced with the engineered cartilage grafts, demonstrating the potential of this innovative clinical treatment for cartilage damage.
A study has restored a missing repair protein in skeletal muscle of patients with muscular dystrophy. Proteasome inhibitors enabled mutated dysferlin proteins to regain function and repair damaged muscle membranes.
Researchers discovered that innate lymphoid cells become activated during inflammation, inducing specific T and B cell responses. These findings open up new avenues for treating infection and chronic inflammation.
Long antibiotic treatments are ineffective against slowly growing bacteria that persist in tissues, leading to ongoing disease. Slowly growing pathogens dominate treatment, posing a risk for relapse despite effective initial therapy.
Research at the University of Basel reveals that aberrant mTOR signaling in the liver affects not only hepatic metabolism but also entire body physiology. The study found that activation of mTORC1 in the liver reduces locomotor activity, body temperature, and lipid metabolism.
Researchers successfully manipulate 20 single bromine atoms on a sodium chloride surface to form the smallest 'Swiss cross' at room temperature. The achievement marks an important step towards next-generation atomic-scale storage devices and logic circuits.
Researchers have discovered that aspirin use slows down certain aging processes of the genome, while smoking accelerates them. The study found a significant correlation between aspirin use and reduced DNA methylation changes in healthy women over 50 years old, suggesting a possible mechanism for cancer prevention.
Scientists at the University of Basel have discovered that proteins within nuclear pores function like a 'velcro', enabling controlled and selective transport of particles. This discovery has potential applications in lab-on-a-chip technology, where it could be used to miniaturize complex pump and valve systems.
Scientists identified a gene regulatory switch in cattle embryos that led to the reduction of toes and transformation into cloven hooves. The discovery provides insights into the molecular history of evolution in even-toed ungulates, shedding light on their unique adaptations.
Research reveals a large diversity of spiders engaging in fish predation globally, with semi-aquatic species catching small freshwater fish. Spiders use powerful neurotoxins and enzymes to kill and digest fish, providing an occasional nutrient-rich prey item.
A new study by Prof. Gennaro De Libero and his team at the University of Basel identifies a lipid molecule, methyl-lysophosphatidic acid (mLPA), that stimulates specific T cells to kill leukemia cells. This breakthrough discovery offers new avenues for non-invasive cancer immunotherapies.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that US school psychologists help adolescents with mental disorders navigate the healthcare system, but specialist access remains limited. The research suggests that collaboration between school psychologists, psychotherapists, and doctors could improve care for these adolescents.
Researchers develop protocol combining hard X-ray tomography and histology to visualize constricted vessels, enabling simulation of blood flow and targeted drug delivery. The method also characterizes soft tissues in the vicinity of calcified arteries with high precision.
A study published in Cell Reports reveals that a specific protein, EIIAGlc, is essential for Salmonella's ability to inject toxins into host cells and manipulate host processes. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing targeted treatments against life-threatening Salmonella infections.