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.
A new molecule has been developed that can store four charges simultaneously under light irradiation, two positive and two negative. This is an important step toward achieving artificial photosynthesis, which aims to convert sunlight into carbon-neutral fuels.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a smart accelerator for qubits, increasing both speed and coherence time simultaneously. By exploiting spin-orbit coupling, they created a 'plateau' effect that reduces fluctuations and allows for faster operation without sacrificing coherence.
Tiny folding factories, composed of multiple chaperones, enable efficient protein folding in cells. This discovery has significant implications for treating diseases caused by misfolded proteins, such as diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed an engineered enzyme to precisely build complex molecules, such as pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. The new approach uses metal hydride hydrogen atom transfer (MHAT) chemistry with enzymatic catalysis to produce three-dimensional molecules with single-handed configuration.
Researchers developed a simple model that reproduces deep neural network features, allowing for optimized parameter tuning. The 'folding ruler' model demonstrates how nonlinearity and noise improve network performance, enabling more efficient training without trial-and-error.
Researchers discovered that slowing down intracellular transport of RNA-based drugs increases their effectiveness in treating genetic diseases. The study identified key genes involved in endosomal transport and found that selectively switching off a specific gene can prolong ASO residence time, boosting therapeutic efficacy.
Researchers used breath analysis to monitor general anesthesia in children, achieving results comparable to blood tests. The method also detected oxidative stress and potential complications, enabling early detection and prevention.
Researchers discovered that specific neurons in the basal ganglia make precise decisions about when to allow and stop movements, licensing the timing of movement. This fine-grained movement control has important implications for understanding neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease.
Researchers found that Salmonella bacteria target iron-rich regions within immune cells to survive and spread. The pathogens exploit these niches, where the remaining iron is still enough for them to grow, driving infection.
Using a novel GPS NMR method, researchers tracked the motion of a key GPCR and found that it doesn't simply switch between two states. Instead, it exists in a dynamic conformational equilibrium between inactive, preactive, and active states.
Researchers discovered that trees close their stomata earlier than previously thought, prioritizing growth over photosynthesis during drought. This finding has implications for carbon sequestration and climate models, suggesting that trees may absorb less CO2 from the atmosphere during droughts.
The study reveals that bacteria's responsiveness to environmental stimuli is directly linked to their growth rate, with slow-growing cells being more sensitive. This sensitivity advantage can help the cells survive in challenging conditions.
A randomized controlled trial in Switzerland found that legal access to cannabis decreases problematic consumption, especially among individuals using other substances. After two years, participants showed significant improvements in mental state.
Research shows that highly reactive components in particulate matter disappear within hours, leading to inaccurate estimates of their presence and potential health risks. This discovery highlights the need for more accurate measurements and better protective measures.
A study by researchers at the University of Basel has identified three distinct groups of precursor cells that give rise to different parts of the skeleton in vertebrates. These cells use unique regulatory mechanisms to drive their developmental programs, leading to a more complex and flexible skeletal system.
A study found that open-label placebos alleviated symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women, with effects greatest when provided with additional information. The placebo effect played a significant role, accompanied by improved self-efficacy and reduced symptom intensity.
Researchers at the University of Basel discovered that mitochondrial proteins assemble into large supercomplexes, crucial for providing cells with energy. These findings may lead to insights into human diseases and biotechnology applications.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered that bacteria assemble their nanoweapons, known as type VI secretion systems (T6SS), in response to cell envelope damage. This rapid retaliation allows Pseudomonas aeruginosa to incapacitate attackers and thrive in diverse environments.
Researchers have developed a method to repair complex knee injuries using cartilage implants made from nasal septum cells. The study shows that longer maturation periods of the implant lead to better clinical efficacy and tissue composition.
Researchers from the University of Basel challenged the idea that persisters are responsible for antibiotic ineffectiveness. They found that nutrient starvation increases Salmonella resilience, making antibiotics less effective. This discovery could lead to more effective therapies against difficult-to-treat infections.
A new method of testing the metabolic effects of thousands of active substances at the same time has been developed by researchers at the University of Basel, providing valuable insights into the modes of action of known medications. The study reveals previously unknown mechanisms and potential side effects.
Quantum particles can behave like foxes and rabbits, with one attracting the other but also repelling it, leading to constant motion and formation of time crystals. This effect can be realized in open quantum systems using coupled atoms driven by laser light.
Researchers discovered that bacteria use cell wall fragments as an alarm signal to initiate protective biofilm formation. Biofilms provide protection from immune cells, antibiotics, and viruses, highlighting universal survival strategies across bacterial species.
Research reveals that competence and integrity are key factors influencing trust in AI chatbots, with benevolence also playing a role. Personalized chatbots are perceived as more benevolent and competent, but overall trust was not significantly higher than in impersonal chatbots.
Research team at the University of Basel uncovers new mechanisms in blood vessel formation, highlighting the critical role of dynamic forces and protein regulation. The study reveals that contraction forces enable continuous vascular lumen formation, while Rasip1 plays a key role in initial steps of lumen formation.
A combination of policies is necessary to encourage widespread adoption of environmentally friendly technologies like solar panels and heat pumps. Removing barriers for renters, such as subsidies and investment requirements, can make these technologies more accessible and affordable.
A new study found that fampridine can improve working memory in individuals with reduced cognitive function, particularly those with low baseline working memory levels. The drug increased brain excitability and enabled faster processing of stimuli.
Researchers have successfully synthesized simple, environmentally sensitive cells with artificial organelles and emulated natural cell-cell communication. The protocells use light-responsive molecules and calcium ions to transmit signals between cells, paving the way for synthetic tissue development and therapeutic applications.
Researchers have developed an immunotherapy that targets glioblastoma by turning its microenvironment against it. The treatment uses CAR T-cells with a blueprint for a molecule that blocks tumor signals, allowing macrophages and microglia to support the attack on cancer cells.
Researchers have discovered a protein shell in diatoms that enables efficient CO2 fixation, with implications for bioengineering approaches to combat climate change. The discovery reveals how diatoms convert CO2 into nutrients through photosynthesis, with potential applications for improving carbon capture from the atmosphere.
A study analyzing health data from 780 infants found that early signs of asthma can be predicted by observing dynamic symptom development during the first year. Genetic predisposition, air pollution, and infections were key risk factors contributing to the child's respiratory system adaptation.
A Europe-wide invasion of the southern small white butterfly has led to a significant loss of genetic diversity within the species. The insect's expansion into new areas is facilitated by urbanization and its preference for human-designed habitats, but this comes at the cost of reduced genetic variation.
The brain stores multiple copies of a single memory in parallel among different groups of neurons emerging at different stages during embryonic development. These memory copies change with time, with early-born neurons storing long-term persistence and late-born neurons fading over time.
The study finds that agricultural expansion could lead to a 26% decline in biodiversity and emit almost half of current annual global CO2 emissions. Conservation policies can also have economic benefits, with minimal impact on GDP and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers have found that the coevolution between water fleas and a parasitic bacterium has been ongoing for at least 15 million years, preserving genetic diversity. This process, known as balancing selection, ensures that multiple genetic variants for surface molecules are always preserved in the water flea without one ever prevailing.
A new CRISPR method, SEED/Harvest, has been developed to precisely modify DNA in fruit flies using the Single-Strand Annealing repair pathway. This allows for genome-wide changes with minimal unwanted scars.
A study found that providing resistance tests for HIV patients has no significant impact on treatment outcomes. Instead, daily medication adherence is key to improving treatment success. The researchers suggest prioritizing resources for programs focusing on children and adolescents' specific needs.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that specific exercise concomitant with chemotherapy can prevent nerve damage in many cases. The exercises reduced the incidence of CIPN (chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy) by 50-70% and improved patients' perceived quality of life.
Researchers used human lung microtissues to uncover the strategy used by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to invade lungs. The pathogen targets goblet cells, which it uses as Trojan horses to breach the defense line. Lung organoids also enabled the development of a sensor to monitor bacteria and track their behavior during infection.
Researchers discovered that killifish early embryogenesis differs from other fish species, with the embryo's body axis formed through self-organization rather than maternal pre-patterning. This adaptation allows the species to survive dry periods without accumulating damaged cells.
Researchers uncovered evidence of ancient Mongolian cuisine using protein analysis on Bronze Age cauldrons. The study revealed that nomads collected animal blood for sausage production and fermented yak milk, providing insights into the traditions and diet of Bronze Age nomads.
A new approach to fighting Epstein-Barr virus-related diseases has been discovered by University of Basel researchers. By inhibiting a specific metabolic pathway in infected cells, the risk of downstream disease can be diminished.
Researchers have developed an approach to 'delete' a diseased blood system while building up a new, healthy one with donor blood stem cells. This process involves targeting specific antibodies coupled to a cytotoxic drug that recognize and destroy diseased blood cells while sparing healthy ones.
A new type of immune cell, MR1T cells, has been found to detect cancer cells through metabolic traces. This discovery opens up new avenues for targeted therapies against various types of cancer. The cells recognize altered metabolism in cancer cells, which produces specific molecules on the surface.
Researchers at the University of Basel and NCCR SPIN have successfully coupled two hole-spin qubits, enabling fast and precise controlled spin-flip operations. This achievement is a significant milestone in the quest for practical quantum computing, with millions of qubits on a single chip.
Researchers have discovered that medieval English red squirrels hosted the leprosy bacterium M. leprae, shedding light on potential transmission pathways between animals and humans during the Middle Ages. This finding highlights the importance of understanding animal hosts in predicting disease persistence.