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University of Helsinki


A novel quantification method for ribonucleotides, which are needed in almost all cellular processes

Researchers have developed a novel method to quantify all 12 ribonucleotides from small tissue and cell samples, enabling easy measurement without specialized equipment. This breakthrough has significant implications for basic research in biology and medicine, particularly in understanding mitochondrial diseases and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 27, 2023

University of Helsinki researchers solve cosmic conundrum

Researchers Till Sawala and Peter Johansson propose that frequent interactions and mergers within the Supergalactic Plane lead to elliptical galaxies, while isolation outside the plane preserves spiral structure. The team's simulation is consistent with observations, supporting the standard model of dark matter.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2023

Northern peatlands are still expanding

A new study has found that northern peatlands have accelerated in expansion over the past 1,500 years, with an average growth rate of approximately one centimeter per year. This increase in peatland area is significant for carbon sequestration and storing ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 10, 2023

New research exposes humans’ early ecological versatility

A recent study by University of Helsinki researchers found that early humans occupied diverse environments beyond savannah-grasslands when dispersing out of Africa. This challenges the previous assumption that humans required specific habitats and suggests they were more ecologically versatile than thought.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEvolutionary Anthropology Issues News and Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 9, 2023

Maternal microbiota can affect fetal development

A Finnish study found that maternal microbiota affects foetal development by altering gene activity in the intestine, brain, and placenta. The researchers identified previously unknown compounds in the fetus that are likely to be microbial, shedding light on the significance of the microbiota in individual development and pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBMC Biology·DateNov 1, 2023

Differences in mortality rates for fatal cerebral haemorrhage between Finnish university hospitals

A study of nearly 10,000 subarachnoid hemorrhage cases in Finland found significant variations in mortality rates among university hospital districts. Patients treated at Helsinki University Hospital and Oulu University Hospital had the lowest mortality rates, with a difference of 52% compared to Turku University Hospital.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2023

A new species of mosquitoes found in Finland – official count of species now at 44

A new species of mosquito, Culex modestus, has been discovered in Finland, adding to the country's mosquito species count. The discovery is an important addition to the understanding of mosquitoes and their potential pathogens, with no reported cases of West Nile virus transmission in humans or horses.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of the European Mosquito Control Association·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2023

Study revealed rainforest releases oxidized organic molecules that form aerosol particles in tropical free troposphere

A study by the University of Helsinki found that oxidized organic molecules from Amazon rainforests contribute to the formation of aerosol particles in the tropical free troposphere. These molecules, primarily composed of isoprene, can nucleate or condense on nanoparticles, impacting cloud formation and global climate.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 28, 2023

European bird communities move to cooler areas, but mountain ranges and coastlines ‘control the traffic’

Researchers found that two-thirds of European bird species shifted northeastward by an average of 100km over the past 30 years, with coastal communities facing extinction. Mountain ranges also controlled bird migrations, preventing some species from adapting to changing temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2023

A short snout predisposes dogs to sleep apnea

A new method for diagnosing sleep-disordered breathing in dogs has been developed, revealing that brachycephalic breeds are more susceptible to the condition due to their shorter snouts. The study used a neckband system to measure breathing during sleep and found a higher number of events in short-snouted dogs.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateJun 13, 2023

Significant presence of cesium-rich microparticles in an abandoned school close to the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant

Researchers have found significant amounts of highly radioactive cesium-rich micro-particles in an abandoned school building close to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, posing a potential health risk if inhaled. The study highlights the need for thorough cleaning and safety assessments when handling contaminated buildings.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalChemosphere·TypeCase study·DateMay 29, 2023

Activity sessions in daycare already nurturing emotional skills by 10 weeks

Researchers from the University of Helsinki found that daycare centers using SAGA and Pikkuli interventions strengthened children's ability to help others, reduced internalising problems, and advanced social orientation. The studies showed positive experiences among early childhood educators, leading to further development of the methods.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScandinavian Journal of Educational Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

Immune cells of the brain are not all the same – new research could open novel therapeutic pathways

A recent study found that a unique subset of microglia, ARG1+, plays a crucial role in cognitive functions and development. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and depression. Female animals exhibited more pronounced behavioral impairments caused by ARG1 microglial deficiency.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Novel possibility to stop dementia progression?

Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia using a PREP inhibitor. The PREP inhibitor reduced Tau accumulation and toxicity in cellular models and mice with tauopathy, improving cognitive skills.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 12, 2023