Scientists confirm a link between planetary and stellar compositions, with some planets exhibiting higher iron content than their host stars. This study provides insights into planetary formation and evolution, shedding light on potential habitability and constraining possible compositions.
A team of scientists has found that IgA antibodies, a natural defense substance in the human body, can limit the fitness of benign bacteria in the intestine. This discovery helps maintain a delicate balance between the human organism and the intestinal flora.
Researchers developed a new system to measure and stimulate the entire ventricular surface of mouse hearts, allowing for simultaneous optical and electrical tracking of heart activity. The POEMS system provides accurate measurements of action potential propagation with minimal differences between modalities.
Theoretical astrophysicist Kevin Heng has discovered an entire family of new mathematical solutions for calculating phase curves, enabling the analysis of data in seconds. These solutions have major implications for interpreting data, such as analyzing the Cassini spacecraft's Jupiter phase curves to infer a cloudy atmosphere.
A team of researchers has cracked the code on dog coat color patterns by identifying five distinct genetic variants that cause different colors. These variants originated in an extinct species and were introduced into modern dogs through hybridization events.
Researchers at the University of Bern created an in vitro cell culture model biobank from 12 different animal species to assess their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found that rhesus macaques and cats may be particularly vulnerable, highlighting the need for close surveillance and early detection programs.
A recent study found that neuronal microcircuits in the amygdala play a crucial role in regulating fear responses and suppressing fear memories. The researchers' findings suggest that dysfunction of this system can contribute to anxiety disorders, paving the way for more effective therapies.
Astronomers using the CHEOPS space telescope have detected a unique exoplanet, Nu2 Lupi d, which is 9 times the size of Earth and has masses between those of Earth and Neptune. The discovery reveals that the planet has a mild stellar radiation environment, making it an ideal target for studying its composition.
Researchers at the University of Bern found that most plastic waste does not end up in open ocean, but instead remains near coastlines or on beaches. The study suggests that regions with large sources of plastic waste, such as Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean, are disproportionately affected.
A new study has reduced the Southern Ocean's CO2 uptake uncertainty by 50% using a novel method that constrains the ocean's carbon sink. The approach links human-made CO2 uptake to surface water salinity, allowing for more accurate projections of future climate change.
Researchers have reconstructed ocean temperatures over the past 700,000 years using ice core samples from Antarctica, finding that mean ocean temperatures have fluctuated by up to 3°C between ice ages and warm periods.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 prefers to replicate at temperatures typical of the upper airways, whereas replication of SARS-CoV was not impacted by temperature. This understanding provides new insights into virus-host interactions and potential targets for intervention strategies.
A research team studied glaciers and landforms in the Ethiopian Highlands, finding that tropical mountains cooled less than expected. The team mapped moraine boulders and dated them to determine past glaciations, revealing that glaciers reached their maximum extent between 40,000 and 30,000 years ago.
Researchers found that weathering rates and atmospheric composition are crucial for a planet's habitability. Geochemistry plays a key role in determining the balance between radiation and liquid water, with extreme temperatures potentially altering this balance.
Researchers at the University of Bern developed a new strategy to assess therapy response in prostate cancer patients. They created patient-derived organoids that retain relevant characteristics of the original tumors, allowing for targeted drug testing and potential treatment repurposing.
Adhesions form after inflammation or surgery and can lead to chronic pain, digestive problems, infertility, and life-threatening consequences. Researchers have discovered that macrophages play a key role in their development and have developed a new imaging system to visualize them.
Researchers found evidence of tectonic activity on exoplanet LHS 3844b, resulting in extreme temperature contrasts and potential volcanic activity. The planet's surface receives intense radiation, causing blistering heat during the day and freezing temperatures at night.
Scientists highlight the need for sustainable collaboration frameworks and harmonization of health data practices to tackle the pandemic. Improved sequencing could enable better tracking of transmission and mutations, leading to more accurate estimates of R-number and improved understanding of mutational impacts.
Researchers demonstrated the D614G mutation's increased binding to human cells and replication speed, confirming its dominance over the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study used hamsters and ferrets as models to evaluate transmission dynamics in direct competition between variants.
Scientists have developed a biological lung-on-chip that replicates the human lung's structure and function, enabling researchers to model lung diseases such as IPF and COPD. The device has broad clinical applications, including drug screening and precision medicine.
A new study from the University of Bern has developed a simplified computational model to accelerate brain research. The approach uses a mathematical relation to reduce complexity while retaining accuracy, allowing for easier characterization and simulation of large neural networks.
Researchers have discovered a binary system of brown dwarfs, orbiting each other at an unprecedented distance, with one object being similar in mass to Jupiter and the other about 8 times less massive. This rare find suggests that star formation processes can create binary systems like those found in our solar system on smaller scales.
The G-VERSITY project develops scientifically sound measures to promote gender diversity in working life, including workshops, guidelines, and training materials. The project also aims to improve career prospects for young researchers through a collaborative European network.
Marine heatwaves have increased significantly due to global warming, with major events becoming more frequent and prolonged. The probability of such events has risen massively, posing a serious threat to marine ecosystems and their ability to recover.
Researchers discovered ultraviolet emissions on Comet Chury due to solar wind electrons striking its coma. The phenomenon, similar to Earth's aurora borealis, provides new insights into comet environments.
A new study uncovers patterns of perimortem trauma in a Southern Siberian nomadic community from the 2nd-4th centuries CE, suggesting violence beyond warfare, including ritualistic practices. The research found that 25% of individuals died from interpersonal violence, with evidence of throat-slitting and scalping on some skeletal remains.
Researchers have discovered a signal molecule called Interleukin-32 that can make tumors attackable again, improving the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This combination treatment shows promise in animal models and may lead to improved life expectancy for melanoma patients with higher IL-32 activity.
Researchers have discovered new genes that play a crucial role in determining the success of radiotherapy in cancer treatment. These genes, which encode for repair mechanisms used by cancer cells, can be missing or dysfunctional in some patients, making them more likely to respond to radiation therapy.
A team of international researchers, led by the University of Bern, has created an electrocatalyst that improves the electrochemical reaction in fuel cells without a carbon carrier. This breakthrough technology promises stable fuel cell operation even at higher temperatures and high current density.
Researchers at the University of Bern used a new measurement technology to analyze Antarctic ice cores and found that CO2 concentration rose rapidly during interglacial periods, even when ocean circulation was disturbed. This challenges the assumption of stable climate conditions during previous interglacials.
Researchers at the University of Bern have developed a new mass spectrometer, ORIGIN, capable of detecting and identifying the smallest amounts of extraterrestrial life traces. The instrument outperforms previous space instruments in terms of measurement sensitivity.
Researchers discovered that REM sleep tunes eating behavior by reducing the activation of hypothalamic neurons in mice, indicating the importance of sleep quality in maintaining stable feeding habits. The study suggests a long-lasting effect on neuronal activity and feeding behavior.
Researchers found that intestinal microbes direct antibody development before infection, with diverse B cell receptors shaped by beneficial bacteria. This process is not random and can be influenced by the type of microbe and its location in the body.
Medical ethicists warn against premature COVID-19 triage, citing concerns over fairness and strain on patients and medical personnel. The experts advocate for increased regional, national, and international collaboration in intensive care to avoid shortages.
Researchers found that certain immune cells in belly fat can reverse age-related impairments and chronic low-grade inflammation. This therapy promotes rejuvenation and improves physical fitness and vaccination responses in aged animals.
Scientists have discovered an exoplanet with an exposed core, similar in size to Neptune, orbiting a star about 730 light years away. The researchers believe the planet may be a gas giant that lost its atmosphere or failed to form one due to special circumstances.
Chronic exposure to thiamethoxam has negative impacts on black garden ants, compromising colony survivorship. The study highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices to prevent damage to natural ecosystems.
An international team identified an error in the cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) gene as the cause of aromatase deficiency, a rare metabolic disorder. This discovery enables precise therapy and prevents side effects associated with steroid supplementation.
The Arctic Ocean is projected to absorb 20% more CO2 by the end of the 21st century, leading to stronger ocean acidification. This increase in CO2 will negatively impact calcifying organisms such as mussels and corals, having serious consequences for the entire food chain.
Researchers at the University of Bern have discovered how Clostridium perfringens causes fatal intestinal bleeding in piglets. The toxin attaches to CD31, a key molecule on endothelial cells, leading to cell death and damage to blood vessels.
Researchers advocate for heterogenization, deliberately including biological variation in study design to balance conditions and improve generalizability. This approach aims to maximize knowledge gain per animal and experiment while reducing the number of animals needed.
Research reveals that natural products ingested by pregnant women can be broken down into harmful substances by the intestinal microbiota. This can pose a risk to the unborn child's development and immune system.
The PaNDiv experiment reveals that increased nitrogen application shifts the plant community towards fast-growing species, leading to faster litter decomposition. This change has a feedback loop effect, producing more nitrogen in the soil, which further accelerates decomposition.
A study found increased cancer risks in two regions of Switzerland, particularly brain tumors, due to localized factors. The research suggests a need for intensified search for environmental risk factors and separate consideration of different brain tumor subgroups.
A study led by Marius Roesti of the University of Bern found that predation by large fish is stronger in temperate zones than near the equator, contradicting the biotic interactions hypothesis. The researchers analyzed over 900 million predator attacks and found that fish species richness peaks at the equator.
The CHEOPS space telescope has successfully opened its cover following a series of tests, enabling further activities including star and planet imaging. The first images are expected to be published within one or two weeks, allowing the team to assess the instrument's abilities.
Researchers have discovered traces of five different ammonium salts on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, shedding light on the presence of nitrogen on comets and its potential link to the emergence of life on Earth. The study found high concentrations of ammonia in the form of these salts.
Researchers have identified a mechanism that contributes to clot formation in mechanical heart valves. By modifying the valve's design, turbulent vortices can be eliminated, reducing the risk of blood clots and strokes. This breakthrough could lead to life without blood thinners for thousands of people with artificial heart valves.
Bern researchers have identified the neurons responsible for rapid eye movements (REM) during sleep, a characteristic of paradoxical sleep with high dream activity. The discovery was made by a team of scientists who found that activation of these neurons causes rapid eye movement and can be used to study the function of this phenomenon.
The Wyss Academy for Nature tackles biodiversity losses, climate change, and land resource demands by bringing together experts from policy, business, and civil society. The initiative aims to develop forward-looking solutions on a global scale.