A team of scientists has discovered a gene switch in the leaf succulent Kalanchoë laxiflora that enables it to conserve water during dry conditions. This discovery could lead to the development of drought-tolerant crops with improved water efficiency, contributing to global food security.
A global meta-analysis of biological invasions found that impacts vary over time and are shaped by ecological contexts. Invasive plants reduce native plant diversity, while abiotic effects weaken after years. The study suggests early action to prevent invasive species' impacts on biodiversity and climate change.
Research on threespine stickleback populations in lakes with and without sculpins reveals that ecological differences trigger the evolution of new species. The study shows that adaptation to different habitats plays a crucial role in speciation, even in geographically isolated populations.
Researchers used deep learning to identify dust devils in satellite images, revealing high wind speeds that lift more dust into the atmosphere than previously thought. The study's findings have significant implications for future Mars missions, enabling better modeling of Martian weather and climate.
A new study published in Science Advances predicts a significant increase in supercell thunderstorms across Europe, with the Alpine region and northern side of the Alps expected to see up to 50% more storms. The simulations show that temperature increases of 3 degrees Celsius will concentrate these storms in the region.
A new test mimics allergic reactions in a test tube, showing higher diagnostic accuracy than standard tests for peanut allergy and potentially other allergies. The Hoxb8 Mast Cell Activation Test (Hoxb8 MAT) has been shown to have an exceptionally high diagnostic accuracy of 95% and leads to fewer false negative results.
A team led by the Institute of Archaeological Sciences at the University of Bern has precisely dated timber from the archaeological site of Dispilio in northern Greece, dating back to 5259 BC. This is made possible by using high-energy particles from space, known as Miyake events, which can be reliably dated to this period.
A team of researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope has detected signs of an atmosphere around 55 Cancri e, a rocky exoplanet. The planet's surface is estimated to be molten, but the team believes it may have a secondary atmosphere that could provide insights into habitable planets.
Numerical simulations attribute Pluto's 'heart' shape to a giant, slow oblique-angle impact. The study suggests no subsurface ocean on Pluto, contradicting previous theorized explanations.
Researchers uncover six transiting planets around HD110067, a bright star with a chain of resonances spanning five pairs. The precise gravitational dance enabled the team to solve the previously unsolvable puzzle of the system's arrangement, revealing planetary orbits and orbital periods.
Research by the University of Bern reveals that poison dart frog personality traits impact mating success, clutch numbers, and offspring survival. These traits are present in tadpoles and remain stable after metamorphosis.
Researchers from the University of Bern found that maize roots secrete chemicals that improve soil quality and increase wheat yields. The study demonstrates potential for using specialized plant compounds to enhance crop productivity through variety-specific rotations.
A new study investigates whether artificially dimming the sun could prevent the melting of West Antarctic ice sheets. The results show that artificial influence does not work without decarbonization and entails high risks, highlighting the importance of rapid climate mitigation measures.
The CHEOPS satellite has successfully detected two elusive exoplanets, TOI 5678 b and HIP 9618 c, using its precise measurements. The planets have sizes similar to Neptune and Earth radii, respectively, with orbital periods of 48 days and 52.5 days.
Researchers at the University of Bern have determined the structure of the canine distemper virus docking protein, enabling the development of tailor-made active substances to prevent virus entry into host cells. This breakthrough paves the way for novel therapies and antiviral drugs against this highly contagious viral disease.
Researchers at the University of Bern discovered that geckos can detect and distinguish their own skin chemicals from those of other geckos, revealing a new level of social complexity in these animals. This finding suggests that geckos are more intelligent than previously thought, using pheromones for communication and self-recognition.
Researchers at the University of Bern and Empa have developed a new technique to measure greenhouse gases in ancient ice cores, enabling more accurate climate records. The method allows for high-resolution analysis of the oldest ice, which contains 15,000 to 20,000 years of climate history compressed into one meter.
The study reveals that 'similar' planetary systems are the most common type, followed by 'ordered' and then 'anti-ordered' systems. The researchers found that factors such as gas and dust disk mass and star abundance play a crucial role in determining system architecture.
The cichlid fish species Lamprologous callipterus has a unique reproductive system where males are 12 times bigger than females, but also has a smaller male morph that is 60 times smaller. A new study found that the genetic mechanism underlying this size-determining sex chromosome is linked to the growth hormone regulator gene GHRHR.
The James Webb Space Telescope has identified ice in deeper regions of interstellar molecular clouds, revealing unprecedented insights into the abundance of icy compounds. The team discovered complex organic molecules, such as methanol and potentially ethanol, suggesting that prebiotic molecules may be common in planetary systems.
Researchers discovered two polarity proteins that accumulate on opposite sides of a cell, acting as a cellular compass to control the development of helper cells. This helps grasses form efficient stomata, optimizing gas exchange and saving water.
Researchers at the University of Bern have developed a new method to determine necessary emission reductions on a continuous basis. The AERA algorithm adjusts CO2 emissions according to latest temperature data, enabling more precise calculations.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that small asteroids are probably young because of their loose internal structure and low cohesion. This finding has important implications for understanding the geological development of asteroids.
A team of scientists at the University of Bern's Albert Einstein Center for Fundamental Physics has successfully narrowed the scope for the existence of dark matter using a precision experiment with neutron spin clocks. The results excluded axion-like particles and set new limits on dark matter existence.
The study reveals that the small intestinal microbiome is unstable and changes in response to diet, but certain species persist and adapt through subspecies changes. The findings have important implications for understanding intestinal diseases such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease.
Researchers at the University of Bern identified new targets for drug development in non-small cell lung cancer, a largely incurable type of cancer. The study focused on long noncoding RNAs, which were found to play a crucial role in NSCLC cell division and tumor growth.
A new study by the University of Bern has discovered 21 highly-active metal compounds that demonstrate good activity against various resistant fungal strains. These compounds were up to 30,000 times more active against fungi than human cells.
A study reveals that global warming will impact major astronomical observatories worldwide, increasing temperature and atmospheric water content by 2050. This could lead to reduced observing time and quality in ground-based astronomy.
Marine heatwaves and ocean acidity extremes often co-occur in subtropical oceans, exacerbating negative impacts. Climate change projections indicate a strong increase in compound events, posing severe threats to marine ecosystems.
Researchers have identified a series of complex organic molecules at comet Chury, including fragrant molecules like naphthalene and benzoic acid. The findings suggest that comets may have played a role in the emergence of carbon-based life on Earth.
The HenTrack project aims to breed healthier and more robust laying hens for cage-free housing while maintaining productivity. The project will monitor the behavior, health, and welfare of individual hens using novel tracking methods.
Researchers from the University of Bern and NCCR PlanetS simulated the DART mission impact, finding that it could deform the asteroid near unrecognizably. The study's results suggest that the impact could eject large amounts of material and deflect the asteroid more strongly than previously thought.
A new study suggests that long-term liquid water can occur on planets with massive primordial atmospheres, which could lead to the emergence of life. The research found that sufficient geothermal heat and radiation from a star are not necessary for conditions to prevail at the surface.
Researchers have directly imaged four new brown dwarfs orbiting stars from far away, significantly advancing our understanding of these enigmatic objects. The study utilized a novel approach combining space and ground-based facilities to detect hidden companions.
Researchers from Bern and Geneva universities will receive $878,000 in funding to investigate mechanisms of resistance to PARPi inhibitors in BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer. The goal is to develop new targeted therapies to improve survival rates for patients with drug-resistant ovarian cancer.
Researchers find that cooperative breeding in animal societies increases survival chances of carers, leading to higher reproductive success. The study also reveals the relative importance of kin selection and individual selection varies depending on environmental conditions.
Researchers at the University of Bern have identified how the brain processes emotions during dream sleep. During REM sleep, the brain favors the discrimination of safety versus danger in the dendrites, but blocks the over-reaction to emotion, particularly danger. This decoupling is essential for optimizing survival and stability.
The first farmers emerged from a population admixed between hunter-gatherers from Europe and the Near East, with a mixing process starting around 14,000 years ago. Genetic data from prehistoric skeletons were analyzed using novel demographic modeling techniques to reveal complex population dynamics.
Researchers identified genetic patterns in brain metastatic prostate cancer cells, revealing potential targets for PARP inhibitor therapy. This study contributes to precision medicine by tailoring treatment to individual patient profiles.
Studies of 54 'good sleepers' revealed that lower slow-wave activity over the right prefrontal cortex is linked to a greater propensity for risk. The findings suggest that targeted interventions could modulate slow waves to influence risk-taking behavior.
Researchers developed a novel, in vitro cell culture-based allergy test that simplifies diagnosis and predicts therapy success. The test can generate mature mast cells with IgE receptors, allowing for easy activation and quantification using flow cytometry.
The study provides the first analysis of pigment use in funerary and architectural contexts at Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic site in Turkey. The findings show that red ochre was commonly used on adults and children, while cinnabar and blue/green were associated with males and females, respectively.
A new report identifies ten key facts about global land use and details opportunities for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The study emphasizes the importance of considering trade-offs and acknowledging the rights of marginalized groups in policymaking.
Researchers reconstructed bedrock geometry using gravity measurements, finding that glaciers of 'Würm' glaciation mainly widened valleys rather than deepening them. The study also revealed U-shaped cross-sections and asymmetric geometries in overdeepenings beneath Aare and Gürbe valleys.
Researchers analyzed the exoplanet WASP-189b's atmosphere, discovering distinct layers with varying characteristics. The study reveals the importance of considering three-dimensional atmospheric structures in understanding exoplanets.
The CHEOPS space telescope has detected the deformation of exoplanet WASP-103b, a rugby ball-shaped world with extreme tides. The planet's Love number indicates similarities with Jupiter's internal structure, suggesting it may be highly inflated due to heating from its star.
A sub-Neptune exoplanet named TOI-2257 b has been found to have an eccentric orbit around its host star, making it a candidate for further study. The planet's distance from the star allows for liquid water and potentially life-supporting conditions.
A new study reveals that climate change causes a mismatch between above- and belowground plant phenology, with woody plants responding more strongly to warming in their roots. This finding highlights the importance of plant root phenology and its impact on ecosystem functioning.
Researchers at the University of Bern used brain stimulation to demonstrate that mentalizing with future climate change victims encourages sustainable behavior. The study found that stimulating an area of the brain involved in perspective-taking led to more sustainable decisions, suggesting potential benefits for climate communication.
Researchers at the University of Bern have developed an approach called 'evolving-to-learn' (E2L) that enables computers to discover mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, leading to improved learning capabilities. The algorithm was tested in three scenarios and successfully solved new tasks by mimicking biological evolution.