Researchers followed 2,700 Finnish men for 50 years, finding that those with healthy lifestyles lived longer and experienced more happiness, with only 2% showing frailty compared to 25%. A simple and affordable approach can mitigate cardiovascular risk, providing motivation for early interventions.
Researchers created normative growth charts for infant motor development using the MAIJU smart jumpsuit, providing a more detailed picture of how early development proceeds. The study found that motor skills do not appear in sudden jumps, but rather as a gradual shift towards a growing repertoire of skills.
A global study of over 23,000 marine mollusk species found that body size is projected to decline in most ocean regions by 2100, but some groups will grow larger. Researchers analyzed temperature, oxygen, and ocean productivity to predict changes in five major groups of mollusks.
Scientists identify previously unrecognized mathematical property explaining why widely used evolutionary statistical models can produce convincing but incorrect conclusions. A new decomposition of Markov models revealed hidden symmetries, allowing researchers to answer long-standing questions about species diversity.
The study projects that the total number of people with dementia will increase from 124,000 in 2018 to 216,000 by 2040, with those living at home potentially doubling to 170,000. The growth will be driven by an aging population and increased life expectancy.
A University of Helsinki research group has discovered a weakness in aggressive breast cancer cells that can be exploited, targeting the MYC protein's metabolic grip. By inhibiting energy production and glutamine uptake, researchers were able to slow breast cancer growth in mice, paving the way for new and personalised treatments.
A new study highlights the urgent need for concerted strategies to combat online illegal wildlife trade, which is magnified by the anonymity of online platforms. The review identifies critical gaps in data and emphasizes the need for cooperation across sectors and comprehensive policy frameworks to address this growing threat.
In the Miocene era, giant crocodylians were the most significant predators in South America's habitats, feeding on a wide range of herbivores. Their presence likely influenced the size of herbivore populations, with even the largest predators, such as the 1,800-kilogram Purussaurus neivensis, playing a crucial role.
A new study reveals that early snakes experimented with multiple habitats and sensory strategies before evolving into modern species. The research describes the discovery of a well-preserved fossil snake skeleton from the Late Cretaceous period, which provides insights into the early neuroanatomy and ecological diversity of snakes.
A new study using genetic information helps predict the onset and progression of glaucoma, allowing for earlier detection and targeted treatment. The research found that individuals with a high polygenic risk score are more likely to develop glaucoma and require additional treatments.
Researchers discovered that plankton emissions form acidic vapors that trigger aerosol particle growth and cloud formation over pristine ocean regions. This finding improves climate models by accounting for previously overlooked gas methanesulfonic acid.
Researchers found that areas with more vegetation in Taipei's metropolitan area had higher microbial richness and diversity. The Green View Index measures visible greenery from a pedestrian's perspective and correlates strongly with microbial richness.
A new study suggests that 71% of Finns believe the international rules-based order has crumbled, and they hope Europe and Finland will respond with a robust foreign and security policy. Finns see developing closer cooperation with middle powers like Brazil and India as an acceptable strategy.
A recent study estimates the carrying capacity of Baltic grey seals at 120,000 individuals, twice their current size, highlighting the impact of herring weight on population growth. Hunting quotas also play a crucial role in determining the future of the species.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that the evolution of a single species can drastically change the composition of an entire microbial community. By analyzing the changes in bacterial genomes and species composition over four years, researchers discovered that one species' mutation led to a shift in the community's dynamics.
New research reveals that humans used horses in organized ways as early as the 4th millennium BCE, challenging the accepted timeline of full domestication. The study's findings suggest a more complex and nuanced history of human-horse relationships, highlighting the significant impact of horses on major historical developments.
A new study reveals that a single gust of wind transported cesium-rich microparticles (CsMPs) across Fukushima Prefecture, contaminating the area with high levels of radioactivity. The particles' uneven distribution reflects weather conditions and pose an additional environmental and health risk.
Researchers have developed a new approach to reducing bird collisions with wind turbines by using warning signals found in nature, such as yellow, red, and black colors. The study found that these colors combined with rotating motion were more frightening to birds than existing patterns used on wind turbines.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that nature-based group activities can boost wellbeing, health, and connection to nature in older adults living in care homes. The activities improved sleep, cognition, and social connections, even among those with multiple diseases and mobility issues.
A social media analysis by the University of Helsinki reveals that nature has an important role to play in tourism beyond the beaches, with 25% of photos taken in conservation areas and a third in natural settings. This finding suggests that Central and Southern Europeans tend to focus more on nature than British or Nordic visitors.
A doctoral thesis reveals two drug molecules that can initiate the regrowth of a protective layer surrounding neurons, enhancing remyelination and accelerating brain tissue repair. The study also identifies scar tissue as a physical barrier to neural regeneration and demonstrates effective treatment with a second drug molecule.
A 10-year follow-up study found that partial meniscectomy did not improve patients' symptoms or function, but rather worsened osteoarthritis progression. The study's findings suggest a potential medical reversal, where widely used therapies prove ineffective or even harmful.
A new study by the University of Helsinki finds that the carbon footprint of milk production is 41% higher when soil carbon changes are included. Soil organic matter can either sequester or release carbon, and its impact on climate change should not be ignored.
Researchers found that high cholesterol absorption from the intestine increases the risk of myocardial infarctions and cardiac mortality in patients with a history of acute coronary artery events. Individuals with exceptional cholesterol absorption efficiency, which is present in about one-third of the population, are at a higher risk.
A new study from Finland found that receiving an ADHD diagnosis earlier is associated with better academic performance and lower school dropout rates. Young people diagnosed earlier had a higher grade point average at age 16 and were more likely to pursue academic degrees.
A recent study by Miquel Torrents-Ticó found that human attitudes play a crucial role in determining predator populations. In two Kenyan sites, human tolerance influenced spotted hyena distribution, with tolerated herders allowing predators to thrive. The findings suggest that coexistence is more likely when humans accept predators.
Researchers found that penguins living in zoos with regular food access and limited physical activity age faster, but live longer than those in the wild. The study reveals a link between zoo conditions and accelerated aging mechanisms.
A recent study by the University of Helsinki found that untreated wood surfaces harbor more bacteria and remain viable longer than treated surfaces. The study suggests that surface treatment can affect the microbiota on wood surfaces, influencing hygiene and health risks.
A new model explains how planetary radiation belt intensity is limited by the planet's surface magnetic field strength, with an upper limit of about 0.0004 tesla for protons and 0.00004 tesla for electrons. The model can be used to explore exoplanets and study the energy limits of radiation belts.
A new study reveals how plant mitochondria interact with chloroplasts to regulate oxygen levels, affecting photosynthesis and stress responses. This discovery sheds light on plant metabolism and energy management, offering potential insights into crop development and stress detection.
A study by University of Helsinki found that virtual wooden walls and a wood scent significantly enhance recovery and mood. The combination of visual and scent stimuli produces the best results, making it suitable for indoor spaces like workspaces and breakrooms.
A recent study examining microscopic remains of clothing and burial items from 7,000-year-old graves in Sweden reveals the use of bird skins, furs, and feathers. The analysis method provides a fresh vantage point on Stone Age attire, shedding new light on the significance of soft organic materials.
A recent study at the University of Helsinki found that short periods of REM sleep impair horses' perseverance and performance in demanding learning tasks. Horses with longer REM sleep duration performed better in a reverse learning test, suggesting that REM sleep is associated with motivation and perseverance.
A recent study reveals that discretionary foods, including sweets and soft drinks, account for nearly one-fifth of Finnish households' total food expenditure. This has significant environmental implications, contributing to climate change, freshwater eutrophication, and land use.
A new study reveals that childhood exposure to indoor air pollution from solid fuels may impair brain health and cognitive abilities throughout life. The research analysed data from over 7,000 Chinese adults aged 45 and above, showing a significant association between early-life exposure and poorer cognitive performance in adulthood.
The study found that women with two to three children tend to live the longest, while those with an above-average number of children have shorter lifespan. Pregnancies between ages 24 and 38 were also linked to more favorable aging patterns.
A new compound has been developed that can absorb carbon dioxide directly from untreated ambient air, outperforming existing methods. The compound's ease of releasing captured CO2 is a key advantage, as it only requires heat at 70°C.
A new AI method using aerial imagery can reliably identify aspen trees and standing dead trees, crucial indicators of forest biodiversity. The technique has been proven effective in all seasons and can be scaled up for monitoring forest environments.
A new study found that 63% of bird species in four large European mountain ranges have shifted uphill in the past two decades, with an average movement of half a metre per year. This trend is driven by broader climatic trends and is observed in regions such as Scandinavia and the Alps.
A study by the University of Helsinki reveals that microplastics interact with the rumen microbiome, alter fermentation processes, and are partially broken down. This interaction has significant implications for animal health, productivity, and food safety.
A new global study found a correlation between a species' aesthetic value and its likelihood of being traded, particularly in live markets. The study highlights the troubling pattern that people's preference for visual beauty may unintentionally increase conservation risks for certain species.
Research at the University of Helsinki reveals that forest thinning can temporarily boost carbon storage in upland forests, while drained peatlands become stronger net carbon sources due to slower tree growth and increased decomposition. The study highlights the importance of adapting management practices to different forest types.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki and Turku University of Applied Sciences found that bats can overwinter almost anywhere with rocky features. A wide range of bat species, including rare and endangered ones, use these sites for hibernation, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
A University of Helsinki study found that individuals with a religious upbringing tend to enjoy better physical health in later life and report fewer difficulties with daily activities. However, the study also suggests that childhood socioeconomic challenges may exacerbate health problems in later life.
A new study by the University of Helsinki found that a high-fat raw meat-based diet had favorable metabolic effects on dogs, while a high-carbohydrate kibble diet was associated with adverse changes. The study's lead researcher notes that more research is needed to understand the long-term health implications of these diets.
The new textbook explores the environmental consequences of medicine production, use, and disposal, highlighting pharmaceutical residues in ecosystems and resource consumption. It emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to develop environmentally sustainable medicinal products and medications.
A recent study found that fish oil supplements can lower cardiovascular disease risk even in healthy individuals, with effects varying greatly between people. The study showed that EPA supplementation improved blood lipid profiles and reduced lipoprotein attachment to arterial walls.
A recent study analyzed 390 parent-offspring trios to identify gene mutations that occur in the sperm or ovum, leading to de novo mutations. The results show a clear correlation between parental age and the number of new mutations in puppies, with higher paternal age increasing the risk.
Researchers found vole teeth evolved from simple changes in tooth growth over six million years, making them excellent grass-eaters during ice ages. This discovery sheds light on how development steers species adaptation and informs conservation efforts.
Research highlights the need for an adaptive ecosystem restoration process that considers key factors to minimize zoonotic disease risks. This process should involve stakeholder engagement and co-creation, targeting environment, animals, and humans.