Researchers identified five loci associated with a canine systemic lupus erythematosus-related disease complex in Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers. This study suggests that dogs can serve as an excellent model for identifying pathways involved in human complex diseases, particularly autoimmune disorders.
Researchers at University of Helsinki and Paul Scherrer Institute determine crystal structure of VEGF-C ligand binding domain with its receptor complex, providing new insights into cancer cell growth and metastasis. The findings support the use of blocking VEGFs as a strategy to inhibit tumor growth.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that northern forests are unable to adapt to changing environmental conditions, with established trees' mortality promoting evolutionary adaptation. This means older trees will survive in a warmer climate but prevent genetically better adapted individuals from thriving.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki have shed light on the origin of probiotic mechanisms, promoting product development in the food industry. The study found that LGG probiotics have a fundamental role in binding with human intestinal mucus, enabling health-promoting effects.
The Arctic ecosystem is experiencing rapid changes due to global warming, impacting natural resources, food production, and climate temperature. Many original species are being displaced by migrants from southern areas, leading to concerns about the long-term survival of vulnerable species such as Arctic foxes and ivory gulls.
The ERC is funding top researchers, including Sanna Lehtonen's group, to study the development of albuminuria and diabetic nephropathy. They aim to identify novel drug leads to treat insulin resistance and combat early stages of kidney disease.
A Finnish study found that low glycogen levels predict forthcoming violent offending among antisocial male offenders. Low glycogen stores may contribute to impulsive violent behavior during alcohol intoxications.
A Finnish family study found a significant association between musical aptitude and creative functions in music. The research suggests that the neurobiology of music perception is related to pathways affecting intrinsic attachment behavior, supported by associations with AVPR1A gene variants.
A Finnish study suggests that family and network-oriented, stress-reducing care can improve the overall functioning and mental health of adolescents at risk of developing psychosis. The JERI project provides a multiprofessional, community- and family-focused intervention that reduces stress levels and supports adolescents in their natu...
A recent Finnish study found that short sleep duration increases risk for behavioral symptoms of ADHD, even without sleeping difficulties. The researchers tracked 280 healthy children and found a higher hyperactivity and impulsivity score with shorter sleep duration.
Researchers found that allergens can bind to and travel through the epithelium of allergic patients but not healthy subjects. This transport mechanism is crucial for the development of allergic reactions.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have successfully produced nano-sized metallic copper particles that can form electricity-conducting layers and patterns on paper. The particles, protected by polymeric compounds, exhibit good electrical conductivity and make them promising materials for electronics printed on paper.
A six-year vitamin E supplementation study found that high dietary vitamin C intake significantly influenced the effect of vitamin E on mortality in male smokers. Vitamin E decreased mortality by 41% in elderly smokers with high vitamin C intake, while increasing mortality by 19% in middle-aged smokers with similar intake levels.
A genome-wide study has uncovered a significant increase in genetic distances towards Northern Europe compared to Central Europe. The analysis of dense single nucleotide polymorphisms across the whole genome found substantial genetic differences between Eastern and Western Finland.
A large study of Finnish twins found that early-onset depressive disorders at age 14 predicted daily smoking, tobacco use, and frequent alcohol consumption later. The findings suggest a significant association between early depression and substance abuse in adolescents, regardless of genetic or family factors.
Scientists have discovered that phosphatidic acid, a phospholipid component of cellular membranes, may be a promising novel anti-cancer drug target. Researchers found that siramesine, a previously failed anxiety medication, effectively inhibits the growth of cancer cells and tumors in mice.
The DIABIMMUNE project investigates the relationship between high living standards, immune system development, and the emergence of autoimmune diseases and allergies. The study focuses on Finnish and Russian Karelian children, finding that high living standards promote the development of these conditions.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki solved the structure of archaeal virus SH1 to one nanometre resolution, revealing details about its biological membrane, genomic matter, and protein coat. The study suggests a possible common viral structural protein ancestor found in adenoviruses.
A study of 15 Finnish families has pinpointed genetic regions associated with musical aptitude, including genes involved in neural development. The findings suggest that musical talent may be regulated by multiple predisposing genes/variants, offering new insights into music's relationship to language and brain function.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified a novel mechanism by which harmless colon polyps acquire malignant tumor properties, driven by abnormal PROX1 protein production. Removing PROX1 from cancer cells reverses their malignant behavior, suggesting it as a promising target for future therapies.
A team of researchers has cloned nearly all predicted human protein kinase genes in functional form, providing a valuable resource for studying kinase signaling networks. This achievement has significant implications for understanding the mechanisms of various cancers and identifying promising therapeutic targets.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Petri Salvén found that circulating endothelial precursor cells, crucial for angiogenesis and cancer growth, do not exist. Instead, ordinary white blood cells near blood vessel walls may have been misinterpreted as ECs in earlier studies.
Researchers developed a new analysis technique to identify genes influencing migraine susceptibility. By studying 1700 patients and their relatives, they found a significant genetic locus linked to female migraineurs and discovered that specific types of pain are more closely linked to specific genetic loci.
The study found that antidepressants like fluoxetine enhance neuronal plasticity in the visual system by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), allowing for improved vision in individuals with amblyopia. Environmental stimuli, such as rehabilitation or therapy, are required to guide the rearrangement of cortical connections.
Finnish research reveals clear changes in gene-networks and mitochondria function in obese individuals, associated with pre-diabetic changes and increased insulin release. Mitochondrial inefficiency may maintain obesity state.
Biological electron transfer has been captured for the first time in real time by researchers at the University of Helsinki. The discovery could lead to significant medical advancements, particularly in understanding mitochondrial diseases caused by Complex I dysfunction.
Gastrointestinal polyps can arise from mutations in smooth muscle cells surrounding epithelial tissue, not just the epithelium itself. This discovery opens new avenues for treatment strategies targeting intercellular signaling.
Scientists at the University of Helsinki and the University of California have discovered a gene regulating carbon dioxide uptake and water evaporation in plants. This gene helps develop drought-tolerant crops, addressing climate change's impact on global food production.
A six-year vitamin E supplementation increased TB risk by 72% in male smokers with high dietary vitamin C intake. Vitamin E had no effect on those with low dietary vitamin C intake.
Researchers found that listening to music improved verbal memory and focused attention in stroke patients, with a 60% improvement in verbal memory three months after the stroke. Music also reduced depression and confusion in patients, suggesting its potential as an addition to clinical practice.
The Uukuniemi virus structure reveals how bunyaviruses infect host cells by changing shape in acidic environments, a mechanism shared with influenza and dengue viruses. The discovery may aid in developing drugs for treating hemorrhagic fever and encephalitis.
Researchers found that VEGF-C gene therapy induced robust growth of lymphatic capillaries in mice, leading to functional collecting lymphatic vessels and improved lymph node transplantation outcomes. The treatment also showed promise in preventing systemic dissemination of metastases and improving patient safety.
A new study by the University of Helsinki finds that EU forests are expanding and absorbing large amounts of carbon, with an average annual absorption of 126 teragrams between 1990 and 2005. The expansion of forests in certain countries, such as Finland and Lithuania, has even more than offset national emissions.
The EUCAARI project aims to improve knowledge on the impact of fine particles on climate and air quality. A global network of measuring stations, including those in Brazil, South Africa, China, and India, will collect data on European air through both ground-based and airborne measurements.
The EU-funded sleep research project has investigated the effects of partial sleep loss on human health, finding that individuals' ability to perform complex tasks decreases with restricted sleep. The study also revealed changes in the immunological system, including increased C-reactive protein levels.
Activation of DNA damage response in early stages of Kaposi's sarcoma development functions as an anti-cancer barrier also in virus-induced malignancies. The study found that viral oncogene-induced DNA damage response is activated in Kaposi's sarcoma tumorigenesis, leading to growth arrest or apoptosis.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that a weak inhibitory cascade in mouse molars may cause the last molar to develop in humans. They developed a mathematical model predicting tooth proportions and numbers across various species, including humans.
A large-scale virtual microscopy slide seminar is held with over 800 pathologists from Europe and worldwide participating. The event features digitized samples of rare cases and a European Virtual Microscopy Network for future collaboration.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that tightly organized epithelial cells can suppress malignant cell proliferation, with a focus on the LKB1 tumor suppressor gene. The study found that epithelial cells lacking LKB1 protein form disorganized structures enabling cancer genes to drive proliferation.
A nationwide outcome study reveals anorexia as a common, severe but highly transient illness, with most women recovering before age 30. The study found that anorexic symptoms usually started between ages 10 and 25 and took 5-10 years to resolve.
Researchers at University of Helsinki discover novel neurotrophic factor CDNF that protects and rescues damaged dopamine neurons, recovering function after experimental lesion. This breakthrough may lead to new treatment strategies for Parkinson's disease.
A Finnish study found that persistent smokers are at a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms compared to never smokers. In contrast, those who successfully quit smoking tend to experience elevated depressive symptoms in the short term, but this risk declines over time.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have discovered a new effective treatment modality for KSHV-infected lymphomas by reactivating the p53 pathway. The study shows that Nutlin-3a, a small-molecule inhibitor, selectively induces massive apoptosis in PEL cells.
A consortium of seven institutions led by the University of Helsinki will receive €2 million funding from the European Commission to develop a new therapy for cancer. The Apotherapy project aims to activate the protein CD40, which can stop tumor growth and induce the body's natural defenses against cancer cells.
The complexity of tooth surfaces reveals a species' diet, with carnivores and rodents having similar complexity despite differing diets. The MorphoBrowser database provides publicly available information on phenotypes, enabling scientists to study extinct animals' diets.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have discovered that sulphuric acid and water mixture droplets can be cooled and heated without forming ice. This finding has implications for cloud physics, suggesting that cirrus clouds are not completely solid ice, but contain a layer of liquid water.
A new method of measuring forest cover considers volume, biomass, and captured carbon, showing a growing trend in most countries. Richer nations with higher GDP per capita tend to have more forested areas, biomass, and carbon.
A study published in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases found a strong association between salt intake and obesity. Reducing salt intake was associated with a significant decrease in stroke and coronary heart disease mortality, as well as an increase in life expectancy.
A new research project will investigate how prenatal and childhood environmental factors affect mental well-being, including exposure to maternal stress during pregnancy and childhood separation from parents.
The Braintuning project, a €2.5 million EU-funded research initiative, aims to investigate the relationship between music, emotions, and brain functions. Researchers seek to explain individual differences in musical preferences and emotional responses to music, as well as how environmental factors influence these experiences.