A study by Kristiina Mannermaa analyzed over 4,000 elk tooth ornaments found in graves across Baltic and Scandinavian regions. The results showed that practically all teeth had been processed identically, with only two instances featuring perforation for threading.
A University of Helsinki study reveals how micro-climate shapes insect communities, herbivory rates, and parasitism in the North. Climate change dramatically reshapes northern ecosystems.
A new sequencing-based approach has been developed to determine infection clearance and microbiota recovery. The technique has shown promise in understanding the activity of microbial drug resistance mechanisms and identifying causative microbes.
A research team from the University of Helsinki has discovered a tree hyrax in Kenya's Taita Hills that may belong to an unknown species. The 'strangled thwack' calls of the animal have not been described anywhere else, suggesting a possible link to different species.
A study by the University of Helsinki and colleagues found that salmon from the Tornio and Kalix Rivers in Finland and Sweden have distinct migration patterns and ages, but no clear genetic differences. The research highlights the need for cross-border cooperation to conserve the largest wild Baltic salmon stocks.
A study published by the University of Helsinki found that living environments significantly impact the microbiota and health of both dogs and their owners. In rural areas, dogs and owners share skin microbes, while gut microbes differ between species.
Researchers identified a novel coupling mechanism linking neuronal networks using human intracerebral recordings, revealing high-frequency oscillations synchronize across multiple brain regions.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that singing to preterm infants during kangaroo care significantly reduced maternal anxiety. The intervention also improved mood, general wellbeing, and promoted interaction with the infant. Mothers reported continuing to sing at home after the study, establishing it as a daily family routine.
Researchers developed a polygenic risk score to assess breast cancer risk in carriers of high-risk mutations. The score provides a more accurate estimate, especially for close relatives, and has the potential to save lives by targeting cancer screening.
Researchers used symbolic regression to explain why some species exist in certain regions and the number of species on islands increases with age, peaking at intermediate ages. This breakthrough proposes that explainable AI is a promising field for human-machine cooperation in ecology
A new study reveals that natural emissions in the Himalayas can form large amounts of aerosol particles, which are then transported to high altitudes and injected into the upper atmosphere. These particles may affect climate by acting as nuclei for cloud condensation.
Researchers from University of Helsinki developed Lazypipe to identify both known and novel viruses, demonstrating its efficacy in detecting SARS-CoV-2 without reference genome. The pipeline overcomes challenges in viral metagenomics, enabling rapid detection of emerging infectious diseases.
A team of researchers discovered ancient human landscape modifications in Amazonia, revealing a 2,000-year-old civilization that used fire to clear patches and alter the forest composition. The findings contradict previous theories on extensive savannah formations during the current Holocene period.
Researchers analyzed a massive dataset of seasonal events across the former Soviet Union and found that species' activities fail to keep up with their cues due to past evolution. Local adaptation patterns result in a massive imprint on nature's calendar, making geographic variation in seasonal timing more pronounced in spring and less ...
Researchers found that Siberian primrose performed better in northern Norway than in southern Finland, indicating a lack of adaptation to global warming. Assisted migration and ex situ conservation are proposed solutions to help the species survive.
A study of 1 million Danish children found that growing up in low-income families increases the risk of developing mental disorders later in life. Children born into the lowest parental income quintile had a 25.2% chance of developing a clinically diagnosed mental disorder by age 37.
A novel bypass route for coronary vessels in the heart has been discovered using the VEGF-B growth factor, which can stimulate new blood vessel growth in damaged areas. This finding opens up possibilities for treating myocardial infarction by re-activating embryonic vessel growth programs.
Researchers found that dietary intervention increased skin gene expression manifold, with raw food activating the immune defense system and increasing antioxidant production. This study suggests that a raw diet may help activate the immune defense of dogs, potentially reducing the risk of atopic dermatitis.
The University of Helsinki is leading a €1.2 million project to develop next-generation miniaturised hyperspectral imagers for autonomous Earth and planetary observation. The project aims to reduce the costs of space operations by combining compact sensors, advanced algorithms, and CubeSat platforms.
A recent Finnish study found that subarachnoid hemorrhage is the 12th most common cause of death in middle-aged women and exceeds deaths from car crashes or cerebral infarctions. The disease can be largely prevented through healthy lifestyles, including not smoking and preventing high blood pressure.
Researchers have found that some plant viruses can hijack the plant's defence system, using a viral protein to block gene silencing and promote its own replication. However, studying naturally resistant plants and employing modern breeding techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 may help regain control over the virus.
A recent study at the University of Helsinki found that brainstem neurons play a crucial role in controlling both normal behaviour and misbehaviour in mice. The researchers discovered that faulty gene regulation can lead to behavioural abnormalities such as hyperactivity and attention deficit. The study provides new insights into the d...
A team of international researchers identified the second key used by SARS-CoV-2 to enter human cells as Neuropilin-1. This discovery reveals a new antiviral strategy to block infection and may lead to future therapeutic approaches. The study provides insights into the virus's ability to spread rapidly and evade the immune system.
Researchers at University of Helsinki identified mechanism behind bone marrow failure in Fanconi anaemia by finding MYC gene overexpression. This led to stem cell detachment from the bone marrow and development of bone marrow failure.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that thawing permafrost releases volatile organic compounds, including monoterpenes and diterpenes, which can be highly reactive and contribute to cloud formation. The study's findings introduce new uncertainties to climate change modeling.
Researchers found that a protein called Rictor plays a key role in regulating stem cell metabolism, which can help prevent hair loss. The study used a genetic mouse model to demonstrate that the absence of Rictor protein impaired stem cell function and led to hair loss.
The rehoming process involved months of basic pet dog skills training and outdoor acclimation. Some dogs experienced separation anxiety, highlighting the need for improved facility design and socialisation strategies.
A study analyzing nearly a thousand individuals' nightmares during the COVID-19 pandemic found that more than half featured pandemic-related themes. The study used AI-based analysis to identify recurring word associations in dreams, revealing 'dream clusters' that echoed the apocalyptic atmosphere of the pandemic.
Researchers found that postnatal fecal microbiota transplantation can restore normal gut microbiota development in C-section infants. The study showed that treatment had no negative effects and improved microbiota composition compared to untreated C-section born infants.
Researchers discovered that R-spondin treatment reduces intestinal tumor growth and promotes healthy epithelial cell function. The study suggests a new rationale for treating familial adenomatous polyposis patients with APC mutations.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki developed a technique that models visual perception by monitoring human brain signals, allowing computers to generate new information and create images matching users' intentions. The accuracy of this method was 83% in an experiment where participants focused on certain features.
A recent Finnish twin study reveals that smoking is the primary cause of subarachnoid hemorrhages, which account for up to half of all deaths within months of the haemorrhage. The research indicates a strong causal link between smoking and fatal brain haemorrhages, highlighting the importance of quitting or never starting smoking.
A study found a significant association between carotid artery calcification observed in oral panoramic radiographs and chronic coronary artery disease. The researchers also discovered that patients with severe carotid artery calcification had a significantly higher risk of death from cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers found climate change impacts parasitoid wasps and flies, altering ratios between warm- and cold-adapted species. This study provides insights into how global warming affects ecosystems, increasing understanding of ecology and potential solutions.
Warmer temperatures cause Arctic plants to compete for pollinators, with the most attractive species monopolizing services. Researchers found that Avens and Moss Campion experience altered flowering periods due to temperature changes, impacting competition and pollination success.
Researchers identified mutations in the novel gene ANGPT2, responsible for primary lymphedema. The discovery provides insights into the disease's underlying mechanisms, potentially leading to improved treatments.
A San group in Namibia faces malnutrition due to a dysfunctional local food system, with no agency over food sources and limited access to traditional foods. The researchers recommend context-specific solutions, including eliminating movement restrictions and supporting traditional foodways to supplement diets with key nutritional groups.
Research found that frequent use of antimicrobial drugs in early life shifts bacterial profiles in saliva, with azithromycin having the strongest effect on girls. The study also showed that AM use is associated with a decrease in Paludibacter and pathways related to amino acid degradations.
A study published by the University of Helsinki found that an active lifestyle can significantly reduce fearfulness in dogs. The research revealed significant breed differences, with some breeds, such as Chinese Crested Dogs, being less fearful than others, like Cairn Terriers.
Researchers at the BioMag Laboratory successfully applied paired associative stimulation therapy to a 47-year-old male with incomplete paraplegia, enabling him to walk independently. The three-month treatment improved his walking distance and leg strength significantly.
A novel MAC-tag technology protocol has been introduced for detailed understanding of protein-protein interactions and regulation of cellular networks. The protocol combines state-of-the-art methods AP-MS and BioID to identify protein-protein interactions, providing insights into disease mechanisms.
A 34-species artificial bacterial community was exposed to different antibiotic levels, showing changes in composition and eventually recovering to its initial state. Repeatability of responses across replicate communities suggests certain traits may predict future community behavior.
Research reveals exotic species diversity increases on Azores islands through human activities, disrupting native ecosystems and nutrient recycling processes. The study found a slight decrease in endemic island species, such as the Azorean money spider.
Researchers used drones with thermal cameras to locate ground-nesting farmland bird nests, identifying a promising conservation tool. The system performed best under cloudy and cold conditions, showing potential for automated nest detection in agricultural practices.
A recent study published in Science of the Total Environment reveals that small amounts of plutonium were released into the environment during the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The research found that plutonium was included inside cesium-rich microparticles, which were emitted from the damaged reactors and deposited across Japan.
A study published in EBiomedicine reveals a genetic link between the HLA-G gene and preeclampsia. The researchers found that certain alternative forms of the HLA-G gene are connected to the male-to-female ratio at birth, fetal survival, and pregnancy complications.
Researchers mapped out immune system of haematological malignancies to identify drug targets and patient groups for immunotherapies. Cytotoxic T and NK cells are abundant in certain subtypes, such as activated B cell-like B cell lymphoma and acute myeloid leukaemia.
A study found that conservation messaging is lacking in mainstream wildlife-based tourism operations, failing to provide information on wildlife conservation and opportunities for tourist action. The researchers propose a toolbox of ideas to improve conservation messaging using five principles: promote positive messaging, provide actio...
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed a tissue-engineered approach to stimulate myocardial regeneration in ischemic heart disease. The therapy uses autologous atrial appendage micrografts to improve functional recovery and preserve heart pumping function.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that even minor heart defects can lead to chronic diseases, such as arrhythmia and heart failure, in adulthood. Adults who underwent congenital heart surgery during childhood are more likely to experience lower levels of education and employment rates.