Researchers at the University of Bern have found that killer cells without TRAIL become 'tamer', producing more messenger molecules to activate other immune cells, and resulting in better protection against viruses. This alternative signaling pathway could be used to reprogram killer cells for cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers found that nematodes from infested areas are resistant to benzoxazinoids, a defense substance stored in maize roots. This resistance allows the nematodes to become immune to self-defense mechanisms used by the pests, enabling them to continue controlling pest populations effectively.
A genome-wide gene deletion study on malaria parasites identified hundreds of new targets for disease control. The study, led by the University of Bern, used a malaria mouse model to systematically screen the parasite's genome and identify essential metabolic pathways.
A recent study found that mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (mtDAMPs) are released by DCD hearts following warm ischemia, correlating with subsequent contractile recovery. The research team aims to investigate the role of mtDAMPs in inflammatory responses and recovery of contractile function in cardiac grafts.
Researchers identify a specific subset of cardiomyocytes with enhanced regenerative capacity in zebrafish, which differ from other myocardial cells in gene expression profile. This discovery could provide new insights into human heart regeneration and potentially stimulate the repair process.
Bioinformatician Serena Nik-Zainal is awarded the Dr. Josef Steiner Cancer Research Award for her development of new methods to classify tumors using bioinformatics. Her research aims to improve cancer diagnosis and prognosis by making comprehensive computational infrastructure accessible to clinicians.
Astronomers detected a massive planet, GJ 3512b, orbiting the small red dwarf star GJ 3512, defying predictions of theoretical models. The discovery poses questions about planetary formation mechanisms and encourages further research.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the construction of mitochondrial ribosomes, also known as mitoribosomes, which are crucial for protein synthesis. The study reveals that these structures undergo multiple assembly steps involving various proteins and machinery.
Researchers at the University of Bern have been awarded prestigious starting grants for their innovative projects on digital 3D models and fluid-rock interactions. The €1.5 million AlgoHex project aims to develop algorithms for automatic hexahedral mesh generation, while the €2 million PROMOTING project seeks to model fluid pathways in...
Researchers at the University of Bern discover hints of a volcanically active exomoon, or exo-Io, orbiting the hot giant planet WASP-49b. The presence of sodium gas at an anomalously high-altitude suggests the existence of a small rocky moon that could be responsible for the observed phenomenon.
Researchers from Bern, Switzerland have been awarded major grants by the US Department of Defense to study new treatments for prostate cancer and develop methods to preserve severed limbs. The projects aim to identify factors driving metastasis and improve survival rates in prostate cancer patients.
The University of Bern and Diabetes Center Berne create four tenure-track assistant professorships in diabetes technology and clinical research. The positions will focus on translating research into clinical use and improving patient outcomes.
Regional climate fluctuations, such as Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age, varied across the globe. The study found no evidence of uniform warm and cold periods across the world over the last 2000 years.
A series of large volcanic eruptions between 1808 and 1835 significantly altered the global climate, causing droughts in Africa and increased precipitation in Europe. The study's findings have implications for defining a pre-industrial climate and setting climate targets.
Researchers at the University of Bern have determined the structure of monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), a key protein in cancer cell metabolism. The study provides insights into the molecular mechanism of MCT4 and identifies promising binding sites for inhibitors, paving the way for new cancer treatments.
Researchers discovered melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons in the hypothalamus play a critical role in modulating REM sleep based on room temperature. Mice with functioning MCH neurons increase REM sleep when warmed, while those lacking the receptor show no such response.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found a negative combination between neonicotinoid insecticides and the Varroa mite, weakening honeybee colonies. The researchers observed a synergistic effect on body mass and survival rates, particularly in winter bees, compromising colony survivorship.
Researchers found that positive news about immigrants reduces prejudice, while negative reports increase it. Nouns also play a role in shaping opinions, with nouns used for ethnic descriptions leading to more pronounced prejudice than adjectives.
Researchers at the University of Bern have successfully demonstrated wave behavior in a single positron interference experiment, proving the quantum-mechanical origin of the observed pattern. The experiment used an innovative Talbot-Lau interferometer and nuclear emulsion detector to achieve micrometric resolution.
Researchers at the University of Bern studied spider venom from the Cupiennius salei species, discovering a dual prey-inactivation strategy involving neurotoxins and metabolic pathways. This complex effect mechanism attacks an organism's muscles, nervous system, and internal homeostasis, causing paralysis, pain, and inflammation.
Daniela Rubatto's research provides a new way to connect minerals' ages to their formation conditions, reconstructing the speed and duration of rock travel within the Earth's crust. Her innovative method uses an ion microprobe to extract valuable information from minerals, contributing to better understanding geological processes.
Researchers hope to uncover the cause of a dramatic change in ice ages and warm periods by analyzing greenhouse gases in ancient ice cores. The EU-backed project aims to drill into the oldest ice on Earth, expected to be at least 1.5 million years old, to gather valuable information about climate history.
Researchers create experimental device to mimic realistic chest impacts, testing its effect on bioengineered heart tissue. Contrary to previous studies, they found that even very rapid strains had no effect on the propagation of electrical impulses.
A recent study found that many cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis remain undetected due to inaccurate tests, leading to incorrect treatment and higher mortality rates. The researchers recommend developing new, comprehensive point-of-care molecular tests that can deliver results within hours or days.
A study published in Current Biology found that participants could reactivate associations formed between foreign words and their translations during a midday nap. The brain's active states supported the retrieval of these sleep-formed associations, suggesting that learning can occur independently of consciousness.
A new study by Graziano Ceddia reveals that greater inequality increases deforestation in Latin America, while less inequality better protects forests. Increasing agricultural productivity can help reduce pressure on remaining forests, but it also incentivizes the conversion of more forests to cropland.
Researchers have found a bacterial signature associated with intestinal disease, including Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. The study identified 18 new species of bacteria that can affect disease outcome, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches to treatment.
Scientists at the University of Bern have identified a unique mechanism in trypanosomes where non-coding RNA molecules stimulate ribosome activity, accelerating protein production during stress. This 'kick start' helps the cell recover quickly from nutrient scarcity or environmental challenges.
Researchers used high-resolution satellite imagery to assess the destruction of archaeological heritage in a remote region. Over 74% of analyzed burials were found to be destroyed and plundered, highlighting the urgent need for site protection.
The University of Bern has seen four researchers secure ERC Consolidator Grants, supporting their own research teams and promoting young scientists. The funding will enable more than a dozen doctoral students and post-docs to be appointed, advancing talent in these areas.
Researchers discovered that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) sends messages to Antarctica, causing sudden changes in global climate conditions. The study found that a weakening AMOC could trigger abrupt climate shifts, affecting Asia's monsoons and carbon dioxide absorption.
A study by an international research group found that diverse and old forests are best able to perform multiple ecosystem services, including regulating climate and storing carbon. Foresters should focus on specific forest attributes to promote desired services, as no single 'perfect forest' exists.
Stephanie Ganal-Vonarburg's research shows that maternal microbiota influences child's immune system from birth through placenta and breast milk. The award supports her future work to investigate long-term effects of maternal microbiota on children's immunity.
Researchers found perrottetinene, a natural compound in liverwort moss, to be more effective than THC in treating inflammation and pain. The study suggests perrottetinene could have potential therapeutic applications, but further research is needed.
A new EU-funded project, EXPLO, aims to uncover the dynamics and causes of prehistoric land use change in the cradle of European farming. By integrating underwater archeology with ecological and climate science methods, researchers hope to understand how early farmers adapted to changing environmental conditions.