A clinical trial found that animal-assisted therapy can foster social competence and increase emotional involvement in patients with brain injuries. The study showed that patients exhibited more active social engagement, expressed positive emotions, and reported higher satisfaction when an animal was present during therapy sessions.
The study identifies 30 genes associated with schizophrenia, revealing their impact on brain structure and function. These findings could lead to new drug targets for the treatment of the disease.
Breast cancer researchers found that stress hormones increase glucocorticoid receptor activity in metastatic cells, leading to tumor heterogeneity and reduced chemotherapy effectiveness. Synthetic derivatives of stress hormones also decrease chemotherapy efficacy.
Physicists at the University of Basel have demonstrated spontaneous spin polarization in a two-dimensional material, molybdenum disulfide. The phenomenon occurs due to interactions between electrons and weak spin-orbit coupling, contradicting a well-known theorem from the 1960s.
Scientists at the University of Basel create a three-layer superlattice using graphene and boron nitride, producing new electronic material properties.
Case notes made by healthcare professionals can predict impending seclusion in psychiatric patients, according to a new study. The research found that longer and more emotional notes were associated with increased risk of seclusion, highlighting the importance of integrating subjective perceptions into electronic documentation.
A study of over 970 participants found that perceiving personal goals as attainable is crucial for later cognitive and affective well-being. Life goals also hold predictive power for specific domains, such as social relationships and health.
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a slight increase in readmission rates among patients discharged from Swiss hospitals under flat-rate payment structures. The researchers found that the rate of 30-day readmissions rose from 14.4% to 15.0%, raising concerns about early discharges and potential impact on hospital quality.
Researchers used cryo-force spectroscopy to study DNA elasticity and binding forces at low temperatures. The study reveals that DNA behaves as a chain of small coil springs, with the spring constant determined for individual components.
Researchers at the University of Basel found that neutrophils help tumor cells form metastases by escorting circulating tumor cells. This alliance enhances their ability to seed metastasis, and blocking it could lead to new anti-metastatic drugs.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that psychological placebos can have a positive impact on participants' well-being when attributed to them. The results suggest that the narrative associated with the placebo, as well as the relationship between the researcher and participant, play a crucial role in this effect.
Researchers discovered that isolated populations of threespine sticklebacks develop comparable characteristics in alkaline and acidic habitats, suggesting a shared genetic basis. The study found that changes in the genome proceed in similar ways across different habitats, making evolution predictable.
Researchers found 254 species in Basel gardens, including rare and threatened species. Structural diversity is key to increasing species diversity in these ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered a molecular approach to prevent organ rejection while maintaining the ability to fight infections. By blocking coronin 1 in T cells, these immune cells suppress immune response to transplanted organs but continue to control viral and bacterial infections.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a novel differentiation therapy that converts breast cancer cells into fat cells, impeding the formation of metastases in mice. The therapy combines two active substances, Rosiglitazone and Trametinib, to suppress tumor growth and spread.
Basel researchers identified a substance that prevents the formation of metastases by dissociating circulating tumor cell clusters and reversing epigenetic changes. This approach targets key aspects of metastasis seeding, including proliferation and tissue-forming capabilities.
Researchers at University of Basel discover how Pseudomonas aeruginosa attaches to tissue within seconds and spreads using motile spreaders and virulent stickers. The bacterium exploits a simple business model: settle, grow, expand.
Physicists from the University of Basel created a network with pores about one nanometer in size and controlled the physical state of individual Xenon gas atoms between solid and liquid by temperature and electrical pulses. The study paves the way for the development of new, smaller data storage devices.
Researchers found that metformin and syrosingopine combination blocks critical energy production step, driving cancer cells to death. The duo targets NAD+ regeneration, preventing lactate export and leading to cell demise.
Researchers found a way to change the spatial arrangement of bipyridine molecules on surfaces using metals, which can improve dye-sensitized solar cells. The cis configuration is formed through the addition of iron atoms and increased temperature, altering the chemical conformation.
Researchers at University of Basel developed new approach to analyze microbial molecular fossils in lake sediments, providing reliable temperature estimates. The study's findings can be applied globally, offering improved predictions for future climate conditions.
A mathematic model developed by researchers at the University of Basel's Biozentrum demonstrates how different variants of genes enable random diversity in neurons. This diversity is achieved by combining isoforms in a way that results in precise and exclusive neuron function.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a new technique to probe individual edge states in novel materials, such as topological insulators and 2D materials. This allows for precise measurement of current-carrying edge states with nanometer resolution.
Researchers at the University of Basel have found that endothelial cells can migrate within vessel sprouts while remaining firmly attached to each other. This process allows for the formation of a complex network of blood vessels that pass through the body from head to toe.
A University of Basel study reveals that native forest trees can adapt to extreme drought by closing their pores, preventing damage and reducing water loss. Despite this, researchers caution that prolonged dry spells could weaken trees and make them more susceptible to insect infestations.
A recent study has found that consuming more phosphate with food increases blood pressure and pulse rate in healthy young adults. The study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, suggests that increased phosphate intake can lead to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
The motor cortex is essential for executing corrective movements in response to unexpected changes of sensory input, but not when movements are executed spontaneously. Neuronal activity patterns in the motor cortex differ between these two scenarios.
Scientists study quantum interference in a three-level quantum system and demonstrate complete control over individual electron spins. The researchers extend coherence time by a hundredfold, providing protection for fragile quantum states and opening new perspectives for sensor technology.
Researchers at the University of Basel have identified a factor that could support the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. FGF21 is induced by cellular stress reactions after disturbances in mitochondria and can be detected prior to neuronal cell death.
A new procedure has been developed to quickly diagnose drinking by the liter, a condition that can be caused by rare hormone disorders like diabetes insipidus. The test, which measures biomarkers in blood, has a high diagnostic accuracy and can treat patients with primary polydipsia through behavioral therapy.
Chemists at the University of Basel have developed a novel synthesis method for terpenes that uses molecular capsules to mimic nature. The method significantly reduces the number of steps and improves yield in the synthesis process.
Researchers found that training with an e-bike is as effective as regular bicycling for improving cardiorespiratory fitness. After a month of riding at least three days a week, participants showed significant improvements in oxygen uptake capacity.
Researchers from the University of Basel and IBM Research - Zurich have developed a technique that allows electrical contact to individual molecules to be established. Thousands of stable metal-molecule-metal components can be produced simultaneously by depositing a film of nanoparticles onto the molecules.
Researchers from the University of Basel discovered a 2,000-year-old medical document from late antiquity with an unknown text from Roman physician Galen. The Basel papyrus collection comprises five languages and was likely written by Galen.
The world's insectivorous birds consume a significant amount of energy annually, estimated to be comparable to that of the city of New York. Forest birds play a crucial role in suppressing pest insects, with their annual food intake being around three-quarters of the global prey biomass gathered by insectivorous birds.
Research from the University of Basel found that people tend to view exclusion as unjust when someone is visibly different from the group. However, if the excluded person is not visibly different, onlookers often assume they have
Scientists have developed a method to track protein movement using nanosensors, allowing for the observation of protein distribution and transport within cells. The technique uses genetically altered nanobodies that can fluoresce, enabling researchers to follow protein pathways in living cells.
The University of Basel researchers have solved the mystery of how the ACC enzyme assembles into distinct filaments, revealing its impact on enzymatic activity and fatty acid production. This discovery opens up new possibilities for developing selective ACC inhibitors to combat diseases linked to metabolic syndrome.
Scientists from the University of Basel and ETH Zurich have developed an artificial bone marrow niche that mimics natural biological properties, allowing hematopoietic stem cells to multiply for several days. This breakthrough could lead to personalized research models for blood diseases like leukemia and drug screening.
Scientists have successfully separated two forms of water, ortho- and para-water, which exhibit different chemical reactivities due to their nuclear spin orientations. These findings were reported in Nature Communications and confirmed by computer simulations.
Researchers developed an artificial metalloenzyme that can penetrate a mammalian cell and accelerate hormone release, activating a gene switch to create a fluorescent protein. This breakthrough enables the modification of cell functions on a genetic level or the creation of drugs from harmless precursors.
Researchers found distinct MAIT cell populations in human intestinal mucosa, influenced by bacterial metabolites. These cells can modulate local inflammation and tissue healing in the gut.
Researchers found that Evodia rutaecarpa extracts contain substances that can cause cardiac arrhythmia, specifically Torsade de pointes and ventricular fibrillation. The natural compounds dehydroevodiamine and hortiamine were shown to be potent inhibitors of potassium channels in the heart muscle.
A team of scientists led by Alex Schier has developed a new method to trace the entire history of individual cell differentiation. They discovered that cells can leave their initial path and change their identity, leading to a more flexible developmental program than previously thought.
Researchers have successfully observed the quantum mechanical Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox in a system of several hundred interacting atoms, demonstrating precise predictions of measurement results. This breakthrough has implications for new sensors and imaging methods for electromagnetic fields.
A study found that changes in brain networks can predict psychosis in high-risk patients. Cortical folding was analyzed to identify potential biomarkers for clinical diagnosis.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a method to generate stable cartilage tissue from adult human mesenchymal stem cells by inhibiting specific signaling pathways. This breakthrough has significant implications for the treatment of joint diseases and injuries.
A team of physicists has successfully imaged individual impurity atoms in graphene ribbons using atomic force microscopy. The technique allowed them to identify boron and nitrogen atoms, expanding graphene's properties for applications like transistors and circuits.
Scientists have developed a method to efficiently genetically modify T-cells from mice, allowing for targeted gene surgery and potential therapeutic applications. The technique involves using plasmids and CRISPR-Cas9 molecular scissors to introduce specific changes into the cells.
Researchers have identified a new anti-cancer protein called LHPP, which prevents uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells in the liver. The discovery offers potential as a biomarker for diagnosing and predicting liver cancer outcomes.