Researchers at the University of Basel discovered a molecular pathway that helps balance neural excitation and inhibition in the brain. This balance is crucial for preventing neurodevelopmental disorders like epilepsy, and understanding this process may lead to new treatments.
A study claiming a decline in disruptive patents was based on a measurement error, researchers found. The correct analysis suggests that both disruptive and consolidating research are still needed to build upon existing knowledge and drive innovation.
New study reveals high concentrations of small microplastics in surface water samples from the Southern Weddell Sea off Antarctica, surpassing previous studies. The research suggests ocean currents play a crucial role in pollution and highlights the need for further investigation into their impact.
Researchers found that teammates' supportive touches, like pats on the back, increased free throw accuracy after a missed first shot. The study, published in Psychology of Sport & Exercise, suggests that physical contact can help manage stress and improve performance in basketball.
Researchers found that medical cannabis legislation in the US improves mental health for individuals with chronic pain and those using marijuana for medical reasons. However, no negative impact was observed on recreational users or younger populations.
A study by the University of Basel found that corn plants release benzoxazinoids, which reduce arsenic uptake and mitigate toxicity. This mechanism could be used to cultivate hyper-emitting plant varieties for arsenic-contaminated locations, reducing food chain contamination.
The study found that people prefer investments with frequent returns, rather than low-probability high returns, due to the 'frequent winner effect'. This phenomenon affects decision-making in the face of uncertainty and is influenced by how people find information about stocks.
Researchers developed a new model that highlights the crucial role of interactions among neighboring contact sites of nerve cells for brain plasticity. Synaptic plasticity, the brain's method for learning, is shaped by the strength and stability of neuronal connections, which are influenced by both excitatory and inhibitory synapses.
Researchers identified a case of chronic inflammatory bowel disease after a blood stem cell transplant, linked to a genetic mutation in the recipient's body. Genetic analysis revealed that the donor carried a similar mutation, which triggered an autoimmune response.
The study reveals that certain dyes can release more radicals than others, leading to increased energy efficiency and speed in photochemical reactions. By slowing down a reverse reaction, radicals are given more time to leave a solvent cage, resulting in up to ten times higher energy efficiency.
Researchers have discovered that clown loaches and zebrafish can control their sleep-wake rhythm without relying on orexin, contradicting the long-held assumption that vertebrates share similar mechanisms. This finding reshapes our understanding of sleep and wake regulation in vertebrates.
Scientists have found evidence of Dansgaard-Oeschger events during the penultimate glacial period, revealing a different frequency and interval between temperature peaks. The findings suggest that not all glacial periods are the same and provide insights into ocean circulation patterns and climate change mechanisms.
Researchers found that resistant bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli can remain in the body for up to nine years after initial infection. The study's key findings highlight the need for tailored treatment approaches to combat persistent infections.
Researchers have discovered genetic material of the pathogen Treponema pallidum in ancient Brazilian bones, indicating that humans suffered from diseases akin to syphilis over 2,000 years ago. This finding challenges existing theories about the spread of syphilis by Spanish conquistadors and suggests that treponematoses were already pr...
Scientists at the University of Basel developed a miniaturized quantum memory that can store photons in tiny glass cells. The innovation enables the mass production of quantum memories, paving the way for future quantum networks and secure communication.
A team from the University of Basel identified 35 previously unknown bacterial pathogens and classified another 26 as difficult to identify. Many of these newly discovered species are associated with clinically relevant infections and can cause rare infections in humans.
The brain's reaction to unexpected sounds changes as it matures, with different regions developing at different times. The study found that the cerebral cortex takes longer to mature than expected, around the early 20s in human years, and is influenced by experience.
Researchers developed an AI system that analyzed video recordings from therapy sessions with patients with borderline personality pathology. The system accurately detected the emotional states of patients, including fleeting micro-expressions. It also identified a predictor for therapy success: 'social' smiling at the start of a session.
A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that the colour of light has a limited impact on the human internal clock and sleep. The researchers exposed volunteers to different coloured lights, including blueish and yellowish lights, to determine their effect on the body.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a system that combines three functions: cutting bone, controlling depth, and differentiating tissue types. This autonomous system uses three lasers to make precise incisions with minimal human interference.
During pregnancy, distinct pools of stem cells in the adult brain are activated, giving rise to specific types of olfactory bulb neurons that enable mothers to recognize their own pups. These new neurons are temporarily formed and disappear after birth, highlighting the brain's ability to adapt to specific needs.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered that bacteria support each other across generations, sharing nutrients and forming intricate three-dimensional structures. This cooperative behavior enables bacterial communities to be more resilient and adaptable, highlighting the complexity and dynamics within microbial communities.
Excessive fluid consumption can be caused by a rare hormone deficiency, polyuria-polydipsia syndrome, which regulates the body's water and salt content. Researchers have developed a reliable test using highly concentrated salt infusion to diagnose this condition.
The University of Basel has successfully treated over 100 patients with focal lesions and two advanced cases of knee OA, reporting beneficial outcomes. The N-TEC procedure uses autologous cartilage cells to grow new cartilage grafts for repairing damaged joints, offering an alternative to knee joint replacements.
Economic sociologist Oliver Nachtwey analyzes Silicon Valley speeches and articles to show the emergence of a new spirit of digital capitalism. Solutionism is prevalent among tech elites, but its impact on worker protections and democratic processes remains uncertain.
Researchers have developed a new method to study muscle diseases, reducing the number of experimental animals needed. This method enables the simultaneous investigation of several genes or entire signaling pathways in muscle fibers quickly and efficiently.
A University of Basel study reveals that high levels of arginine drive metabolic reprogramming to promote tumor growth. The findings suggest targeting the specific arginine-binding factor for effective liver cancer treatment.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a key signaling pathway that influences auditory sensory cell function and is downregulated with age. Removing this pathway from mouse hair cells leads to rapid hearing loss, highlighting its importance.
A study of 1,500 participants found that certain brain regions, including the hippocampus, exhibit stronger activation in individuals with better memory performance. The researchers identified functional networks in the brain linked to memory performance, shedding light on individual differences in memory recall.
Researchers used AI to predict 3D shapes of over 215 million proteins, providing insights into their functions and evolution. The Protein Universe Atlas offers a valuable resource for scientists to explore protein diversity.
Endurance training triggers profound muscle remodeling, with trained muscles responding differently to physical stress by activating protective genes and epigenetic modifications. This adaptation enables trained muscles to be more efficient and resilient, ultimately leading to increased muscle endurance.
Research found that active children produce less cortisol in stressful situations and exhibit reduced physiological stress reactions. Regular exercise may also help prevent high cortisol levels during exams by creating a positive association with the hormone.
The University of Basel is launching a new research centre for child health with support from Fondation Botnar. The centre aims to drive innovative research benefiting children globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. New professorships will focus on digital technologies, ethics, and public health.
Chemists at the University of Basel have developed chromium compounds that can replace osmium and ruthenium in luminescent materials and catalysts. The new materials are nearly as effective as some osmium compounds and are about 20,000 times more abundant and cheaper than their noble metal counterparts.
A study of 1,300 patients has identified a specific antibody, MOG-IgA, which may differentiate another MS-like illness from others. This discovery could lead to better understanding of the causes and treatment of these autoimmune diseases.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target for glioblastoma brain cancer by finding that the 'don't eat me!' signal sent by cancer cells can be blocked using antibodies. This breakthrough suggests that existing immunotherapies may be effective against glioblastomas if the receivers on macrophages are switched off.
A molecular switch called Arf1 controls the storage or conversion of lipids into energy in cells. When energy is needed, Arf1 allows lipids to enter mitochondria, where they are converted into ATP.
Scientists have developed a new technique to cool membranes with lasers, achieving temperatures close to absolute zero without measurement. The method uses a coherent feedback loop, where laser light acts as both sensor and damper, to dampen thermal vibrations and reach extremely low temperatures.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses a 'division-of-labor' strategy to colonize surfaces and spread through the body. This dual strategy allows the bacteria to increase its surface colonization success and resist antibiotic treatments.
Researchers at the University of Basel discovered that cholera-causing Vibrio cholerae forms an aggressive biofilm on immune cells, killing them. This novel strategy of attack can significantly affect the progression of cholera infection.
A team of researchers discovered a process that helps breast cancer cells implant themselves in certain places in the body, leading to poorer prognosis. Overproduction of NNMT is key to metastasis, producing excessive collagen that enables cancer cells to survive and adapt.
Researchers at the University of Basel have questioned Microsoft's claims of detecting Majorana particles, suggesting alternative explanations for the anomaly and superconducting properties detected in experiments. The team's calculations show that disorder in the nanowire could be responsible for the observed effects.
Researchers found that individuals with only one defective allele can suffer from life-threatening diseases, challenging the assumption that defects in one allele are asymptomatic. The study highlights the importance of considering haploinsufficiency, where a single functioning gene is insufficient to prevent disease.
Cell death is a crucial process in organisms, preventing tumor development and pathogen spread. Researchers at the University of Basel have now elucidated the exact mechanism of cell death, revealing that a specific protein called ninjurin-1 assembles into filaments that open the cell membrane, leading to its disintegration.
Researchers have demonstrated a clinically relevant oxytocin deficiency in patients with vasopressin deficiency, which could lead to new therapeutic approaches for conditions like autism.
A team of chemists at the University of Basel has successfully synthesized organic light-emitting diodes by creating compounds with the exact three-dimensional structure desired. This breakthrough enables the development of more efficient and longer-lasting OLEDs.
Researchers discover loss of neurofibromin 1 (NF1) gene leads to resistance to alpelisib, a common treatment for advanced breast cancer. Dietary supplement N-acetylcysteine restores sensitivity to this treatment, offering new hope for improving treatment outcomes.
A biological messenger called interleukin-33 (IL-33) plays a crucial role in maintaining cytotoxic T cells' 'marathon runner' state, allowing them to provide sustained immunity against chronic infections. This finding has implications for improving treatment of hepatitis C and cancer immunotherapy.
A new analysis of COVID-19 patient data reveals that remdesivir significantly lowers mortality in unvaccinated patients with conventional oxygen support. The study found no evidence of varying treatment effects based on age, comorbidities, or inflammation levels.
A new biomarker, GFAP, has been identified that can predict both current and future progression of multiple sclerosis. Elevated blood levels of GFAP indicate chronic disease processes involving astrocytes, which contribute to gradual progressive disability.