A meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials shows that zinc acetate lozenges can increase the recovery rate from the common cold by 3 fold. The studies found no adverse effects at doses up to 92mg/day, making them a potentially effective treatment option.
A recent study utilizing genomic big data analyzed the silver birch genome, uncovering population bottlenecks and speciation events that shaped the species' current form. The research also identified genes under natural selection, which have contributed to birch's cold tolerance and rapid growth.
A large mineral sector can lead to a 'resource curse,' where the finance sector prioritizes established firms over smaller companies, hindering national economic growth. This phenomenon, studied in 70 countries, suggests that the finance sector's focus on larger companies can exacerbate the resource curse.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that individuals sensitive to sexual disgust are more likely to make duty-based moral judgments, similar to those who follow Immanuel Kant's moral philosophy. This is surprising, as previous research has shown no connection between moral disgust sensitivity and moral preferences.
A study of almost 3000 Finnish women found no association between religiosity and the development of anorexia nervosa. In fact, moderate religiosity may even have a small positive effect on body image.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have discovered that premature cell differentiation caused by a STAT3 gene mutation can lead to underdeveloped pancreas and early onset of neonatal diabetes. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells to examine the impact of the mutation on pancreatic development.
A study found that higher doses of vitamin C, particularly 8g per day, significantly reduced the duration of common cold symptoms. The findings suggest a dose-dependent effect and could lead to improved treatment options for individuals with common colds.
A recent study found that Right-leaning politicians tend to be considered more attractive, whereas Left-leaning scholars are viewed as more physically appealing. This effect was observed despite similar factors such as age and education level between the two groups.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that entrepreneurs exhibit similar brain behavior to parents when viewing images of their own companies, suggesting that emotional attachment plays a crucial role in entrepreneurial success. This attachment is linked to confidence levels and can impact risk perception.
The CLUE Working Group conducted two systematic reviews to address thrombosis and hemorrhage risks after urological cancer operations and other forms of urological surgery. The studies found that anticoagulant prophylaxis is justified in high-risk patients, but not necessarily in low-risk procedures.
Researchers developed minitablets with synthetic flavourings and coatings to enhance palatability, making it easier for cats to take medication. The study found that amino acids and vitamin B-based flavours were promising options, but further research is needed.
A meta-analysis of three randomized trials found that vitamin E supplementation reduced the risk of contrast medium-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) by up to 62%. This may be due to its antioxidant activity, with a pooled effect indicating significant protection against CIAKI.
A Finnish-Swiss research team analyzed half of the human protein phosphatome, identifying molecular functions and pathways connecting protein phosphatases. The study reveals phosphatase-based regulation of human cancer and promises therapeutic intervention.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified a novel gene associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Dalmatian dogs. The gene study found that the disorder results from a defect in an anillin protein which binds to actin, leading to abnormal regeneration capacity of the bronchiolar epithelium.
A new simulation model describes the formation of supermassive black holes in the early universe, proposing that massive gas clouds collapse directly to seed these behemoths. This alternative model, known as the Direct collapse black hole model, suggests that inefficient gas cooling is necessary for this process.
Researchers discovered that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accelerates brain activity after a prolonged convulsive seizure, leading to harmful neural connections. Blocking GABA's effect with bumetanide may help prevent seizures and limit the severity of epilepsy.
A collaborative study has discovered a genetic cause for myoclonic epilepsy syndrome in dogs, the DIRAS1 gene. This finding has significant implications for both veterinary diagnostics and breeding programs, as well as human epilepsy research.
A recent study found that antibiotic use among travelers increases the risk of contracting antibiotic-resistant ESBL intestinal bacteria. In fact, up to 80% of those taking antibiotics brought the most resistant strains back home with them. The use of antibiotics while traveling selects for the broadest spectrum of resistance.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that empathetic individuals assess dog facial expressions more quickly and intensely than non-empathetic ones. People with higher emotional empathy also recognize happier human faces more intensely.
A Finnish study found that pregnant women consuming large amounts of liquorice during pregnancy had children who performed less well in cognitive reasoning tests and had more ADHD-type problems. The study suggests that glycyrrhizin, a natural sweetener in liquorice, may have long-lasting effects on fetal development.
A systematic review of 14 randomized trials found that vitamin C significantly reduced the incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients. The review also showed that vitamin C decreased hospital stay length and intensive care unit stay, with intravenous administration having greater effects.
A new regulatory mechanism has been identified that allows animals to increase reductive power in response to high sugar intake. This mechanism involves protein kinase SIK3 and glucose metabolism enzyme G6PD, providing protection against oxidative stress and allowing for conversion of excess sugar into fat.
A team of researchers has found that certain anti-influenza compounds can also inhibit Zika virus infection, providing a potential new treatment for the disease. The study, published in Antiviral Research, shows that these compounds target host cell factors, making them effective against viruses that mutate easily.
Research suggests that climate change affects microbial biodiversity most strongly in natural environments and those with high nutrient levels. The study found that warming temperatures lead to a decline in biodiversity as enrichment increases.
Research at University of Helsinki finds that noise sensitive individuals' brains process sounds differently, leading to decreased responsiveness to new sounds. This adaptation may help protect against overreacting to noise, suggesting a physiological basis for noise sensitivity.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have successfully corrected Parkinson's disease motor symptoms in mice using a PREP blocker treatment. The treatment, which blocks the formation of alpha-synuclein aggregates, restored motor skills and cleared brain accumulations within two weeks.
Researchers found AR technology benefits pupils from the lowest achieving school success group, helping them catch up with peers. The study also showed that girls benefited more from informal learning experiences, highlighting a key factor in their learning outcomes.
Phage therapy, which uses viruses to kill bacteria, has shown no adverse effects in clinical trials and holds promise for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. Researchers plan to use phages against E. coli in the gut or MRSA on the skin, with a goal of establishing a central repository for phages.
Finnish researchers found that a melatonin receptor gene influences shift workers' ability to adapt to disrupted daily rhythms. A common variation in the MTNR1A gene is linked to job-related exhaustion experienced by shift workers.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that gene therapy stimulating blood vessel growth in the heart can alleviate cardiac atrophy caused by doxorubicin. The study found that this treatment prevented blood vessel rarefaction in mouse hearts, providing a potential solution for protecting patients from cardiotoxicity.
A recent study found that vitamin E supplements increased pneumonia risk by 68% in older smoking men who didn't exercise, while decreasing risk by 69% in those who exercised regularly. The findings suggest that a single universal estimate of vitamin E's effect may be misleading for some population groups.
Research found a strong correlation between high resting heart rate and blood pressure with an increased risk of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Men with higher resting heart rates were 21-69% more likely to develop these mental health conditions.
A new study has found that features in animal teeth can detect unfavourable weather conditions, such as long dry periods or heavy rains. This method, known as reverse engineering, allows researchers to infer annual rainfall and average temperatures from fossil records, providing valuable information about past environmental conditions.
Researchers found that satellite cells differentiate into myofibres only when Prox1 is active. The study also revealed that Prox1 is expressed in adult slow muscle fibres, which have high metabolic activity and are linked to type 2 diabetes risk.
Researchers found that the patient's intestinal microbiota resembled the donor's microbiota and remained stable throughout a 1-year follow-up period. The study suggests that intestinal microbiota can be modified relatively permanently, paving the way for bacteriotherapy products.
A new study reveals the existence of a non-proliferative signaling center in tooth development, which drives epithelial invagination and instructs neighboring cells to proliferate. The initiation knot is identified as a critical regulator of tooth morphogenesis and size determination.
Researchers found that vitamin E supplementation decreased pneumonia risk by 35% in smokers starting at age 21 or older. Vitamin E also reduced pneumonia incidence by 69% in a subgroup of light smokers exercising in their leisure time. This benefit was seen even among heavy smokers and those not exercising.
Researchers found significant links between hyperactivity, lower blood phospholipid levels, and a negative correlation with tryptophan metabolites in hyperactive dogs. This study suggests that intestinal health impacts canine behavior and provides new clues for studying behavioral disorders.
Researchers have identified a specific signaling pathway in leukemia cells that enhances their viability and reproduction. The discovery highlights the potential for targeting this pathway to develop new treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL).
A unique health survey of Finnish cats has identified common health issues such as mouth, skin, and kidney problems, as well as nearly 60 breed-specific illnesses. The study provides valuable information for preventing disease and developing breeding programs, highlighting the importance of genetic research and improving cat welfare.
A comprehensive study on canine hereditary disorders found that 1 in 6 dogs carried genetic variants for diseases, and 1 in 6 previously unreported variants were discovered in a specific breed. The research highlights the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to improve dog health and welfare.
A new study found that Finland's national tobacco policies are responsible for a significant decrease in the incidence of subarachnoid haemorrhage, the most fatal form of stroke. The prevalence of SAH declined by 45% among women and 38% among men under 50 over a 15-year period.
Researchers found that a specific gene mutation linked to impulsive behavior also protects carriers from obesity and insulin resistance, which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that lower testosterone levels in these individuals actually increase insulin sensitivity.
A team of physicists has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the internal composition of neutron stars. They used thermal perturbation theory to determine the thermodynamic properties of dense quark matter under extreme conditions, shedding light on its potential presence inside these stars.
A Finnish study found that nearly 60% of patients with coronary artery disease also had dental root tip infections. The researchers discovered a strong link between the two conditions, suggesting that oral infections may contribute to heart disease risk. Root canal treatment may help reduce this risk.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed a novel rehabilitation method that uses paired associative stimulation to restore movement in patients with spinal cord injuries. After six months of treatment, two patients showed significant improvements, including bending and grasping abilities.
A large-scale genetic study has identified 38 new susceptibility loci for migraine, with most variants overlapping with genes regulating the vascular system. The findings support the importance of blood vessels in migraine attacks and hold promise for developing personalized treatments.
A recent study found that exposure to commonly used antidepressant drugs (SSRIs) during pregnancy can affect the brain activity of newborns. The research suggests that the effects on fetal brain function should be reassessed and non-pharmacological interventions should be prioritized for treating depression and anxiety during pregnancy.
A study by the University of Helsinki reveals three novel canine genes associated with human rare disorders, including Caffey disease and van den Ende-Gupta syndrome. The discovery highlights the potential of comparative research for developing diagnostics and treatments.
Researchers found that sleep loss reduces gene expression involved in cholesterol transport, leading to lower levels of good cholesterol. The study also discovered that sleep-deprived individuals have fewer high-density HDL lipoproteins, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.