A study reveals that glacier retreat and changing vegetation may increase the overlap in resource use among bee species, potentially leading to pathogen transmission. This could have significant consequences for pollinator health and ecosystem services.
During REM sleep, the brain processes internal bodily signals more strongly than external auditory stimuli. By calculating an audio-cardio index, researchers found that the brain turns its listening inward, reorganizing sensory information processing as it shifts from wakefulness to sleep.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that the TDP-43 protein plays a crucial role in regulating microglial function. Microglia lacking this protein develop motor impairments and exhibit structural alterations in brain regions, highlighting its importance in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at the University of Lausanne developed a groundbreaking simulation that reconstructs the journeys of giant rocks carried by ice across the Alpine region. The model provides a tangible visualization of the processes that shaped today's landscapes.
A new international study confirms that erosion plays a key role in forming and accumulating natural hydrogen in mountain ranges. The Pyrenees and Alps are identified as key targets for natural hydrogen exploration, with the right conditions allowing for efficient serpentinization and hydrogen production.
A new study from the University of Lausanne identifies a specific subset of fibroblasts that produce Ccl19, an 'attractant signal' for cytotoxic T lymphocytes, bringing them into contact with type 1 dendritic cells. This mechanism is essential for proper immune cell organization and function.
Researchers at the University of Lausanne uncover a breakthrough in understanding Mount Etna's origin, suggesting that the volcano may have formed through a mechanism similar to petit-spot submarine volcanoes. This discovery opens up new perspectives for understanding how other volcanic systems may form around the world.
A study led by Cleo Bertelsmeier found that wild mammals traded for pets, meat, or fur are 1.5 times more likely to share infectious agents with humans. The risk is higher when species are traded illegally or alive.
A new 'rock clock' has been developed to date major climate events from the Cambrian Period, allowing precise constraints on the timing of environmental changes. This advancement enables the determination of the timing and duration of the DrumIan Carbon isotope Excursion (DICE), a major global climate disturbance.
A University of Lausanne research team discovered vitamin B7's role in bypassing glutamine addiction in cancer cells. The study found that pyruvate, enabled by pyruvate carboxylase and vitamin B7, fuels cells' energy cycle even without glutamine.
The Olympic Games' substantial carbon footprint highlights the need for a profound overhaul to comply with the Paris Agreement. Researchers recommend scaling down events, reducing air travel and increasing use of renewable energy to achieve ambitious emission reduction targets.
The surge in glacier tourism poses significant pressure on vulnerable ecosystems and local communities. Experts highlight the need for balancing tourism with conservation, awareness, and social equity to prevent maladaptation strategies from spreading.
Research reveals three major types of ant societies: small colonies with a single queen and diverse workers in tropical regions, large colonies with multiple queens and uniform workers in deserts, and temperate regions with polygynous and monomorphic colonies. Environmental conditions shape these social structures on a global scale.
Scientists have recovered a genome of Treponema pallidum from 5,500-year-old human remains in Colombia, pushing back the genetic record of this pathogenic species by over 3,000 years. The discovery sheds new light on the evolutionary history of treponemal pathogens and their occurrence in human populations.
Research reveals that chemotherapy alters the gut microbiota, producing indole-3-propionic acid, which travels to the bone marrow and rewires immune cell production. This leads to a metastasis-refractory state in preclinical models and improved survival outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer.
The study, which reviewed over 10,000 abstracts from ten international databases, found no statistically significant link between economic inequality and well-being or mental health. The researchers suggest that policies focusing solely on reducing economic inequality may not be effective in improving population mental health.
Researchers at the University of Lausanne discovered that plant roots release complex compounds called root exudates to recruit beneficial bacteria. These bacteria are attracted to glutamine, an amino acid that acts as a signal allowing them to colonize precise leakage sites on the root surface.
Researchers have discovered that astrocytes can integrate signals from several neurons at once, achieving a new level of spatial and temporal integration. This allows astrocytes to coordinate broader responses and enables new cognitive functions.
A new study reconciles opposing views on the spread of Neolithic farming by combining archaeology and genetics. The research found that cultural changes occurred through both people migration and the spread of ideas, depending on the region and period.
A new study predicts that a 2°C temperature rise could double the frequency of short-lived summer downpours in the Alpine region, causing severe damage and posing risks to lives. The analysis of nearly 300 mountain weather stations found that warm air retains more moisture, intensifying thunderstorm activity.
Researchers found that aging impairs CAR-T cell function and antitumor activity due to lower NAD levels. Rejuvenating aged cells with NAD-boosting compounds improves their effectiveness.
A study from the University of Lausanne reveals that larger animals and those with higher protein content tend to create reducing conditions more rapidly, which slow down decay and trigger fossilization. This explains why some ancient fossils are dominated by arthropods and others remain lost to time.
Scientists at University of Lausanne classify 35 commonly used drugs in Switzerland based on their ecotoxicity. The classification reveals that painkillers like diclofenac and antibiotics like ciprofloxacin have significant consequences for aquatic biodiversity.
Scientists at the University of Lausanne used AI to simulate the last Alpine glaciation, finding ice covers 35-50% thinner than previous models. The new approach enables unprecedented accuracy and resolution, making it possible to describe complex topography numerically.
Researchers from the University of Lausanne used genome editing to repair a deleterious domestication mutation in the tomato genome. This resulted in an earlier yielding variety, which could have implications for agriculture and sustainability. The study demonstrates the potential benefits of genome editing for crop breeding.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that bacteria used to produce Gruyère, Emmental, and Sbrinz cheese show signs of ancient domestication. The researchers analyzed genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the bacterial strains over a 50-year period, finding low genetic diversity and high stability of traits specific to...
Researchers identified a novel role for the locus coeruleus in facilitating transition between NREM and REM sleep states while maintaining unconscious vigilance. Stress disrupts its functions, negatively impacting sleep quality. The study provides crucial insights into sleep disorders and could lead to improved treatments.
Scientists studied Drosophila species' ability to adapt to day length fluctuations, revealing the critical role of the Pdf gene in regulating circadian plasticity. The study found that Drosophila melanogaster has a wider distribution due to its flexibility in responding to environmental changes.
Researchers uncover calcite precipitation as the key mechanism behind Lake Geneva's significant CO2 emissions. The discovery provides a new understanding of the carbon cycle in lakes and has implications for global warming efforts.
A new AI model generates detailed images of cancer tissue that imitate what its staining would look like, reducing the need for resource-intensive lab analyses. The VirtualMultiplexer uses contrastive unpaired translation to create accurate virtual pictures of diagnostic tissue colorations.
Researchers at UNIL find that observing others cope with trauma increases resilience and prevents pathological states. Serotonin release in the habenula brain structure is identified as the key mechanism, offering new perspectives for understanding depression and treatment.
A new study from the University of Lausanne reveals that both high and low levels of the AFF3 protein can lead to severe intellectual deficits and developmental disorders. The research, led by Alexandre Reymond, identifies a critical role for the gene in development and highlights the importance of precise dosage.
A new model predicts a decrease in species diversity by 39% due to climate change, compared to traditional models' forecast of 54% loss. The study reveals that some species may better tolerate climate change than expected, with 49% of species living in climate niches that could expand under warming conditions.
Researchers identify fossil from Fezouata Shale as ancestor of modern arthropods, solving long-standing paleontological mystery. The discovery fills a gap in the evolutionary tree of life and provides insights into early chelicerate evolution.
A recent study reveals that non-native ant species have profoundly altered the historical distributions of ant species, reshaping global ecosystems. The study found that just 2% of ant movements are sufficient to erode established borders and redraw the distribution map for this diverse array of insects.
A minimal metadata set (MNMS) is established to enable in vivo data reuse and improve the sharing and reproducibility of research data. The MNMS is designed to contribute to making data from living animals compliant with the FAIR data concept, which emphasizes Easy-to-Find, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable data.
A global survey of 200+ major cultural organizations reveals significant room for improvement in social and environmental sustainability. However, top performers like the National Galleries of Scotland and Sydney Opera House showcase successful integration of sustainability into strategy and operations.
The Cabrières Biota, a new fossil site in southern France, has revealed unprecedented information on polar ecosystems during the Ordovician period. The discovery of over 400 fossils provides insights into the composition of southernmost ecosystems and serves as a refuge for species that escaped high temperatures.
By 2050, at least 34% of Alpine ice volume will be lost even if global warming stops. This is based on a new study predicting near-term ice loss due to climate inertia.
Researchers have discovered that bees produce multiple acids that provide essential nutrients to native gut microbes, such as Snodgrassella alvi. This finding suggests that the bee directly enables bacterial colonization by furnishing necessary nutrients, highlighting the intricate metabolic synergy between bees and their gut microbiota.
Researchers found that one group of vervet monkeys exhibited more affiliative behavior and reciprocated grooming, suggesting a social tradition. This discovery challenges the idea that ecological differences explain behavioral variations and highlights the importance of social influence in shaping primate cultures.
Researchers discovered that plants create a directional light signal through air-filled channels, allowing them to position their organs for optimal light capture. This mechanism is crucial for photosynthesis and survival, and provides insights into the formation of air-filled intercellular channels with multiple functions.
A new computer model reconstructs the evolution of Alpine ice cover with unprecedented precision, allowing scientists to understand past climate interaction with glaciers. The simulation provides a direct visualization of phenomena, making them accessible to a wide audience.
A large-scale study confirms that playing Tetris for fifteen minutes can prevent psychological trauma in mothers after a difficult birth. The therapeutic activity was found to interfere with memory consolidation of traumatic images, thereby preventing the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms linked to childbirth.
Researchers at the University of Lausanne have discovered a new kind of cell that combines characteristics of neurons and glial cells, specifically astrocytes. These hybrid cells express molecular machinery necessary for synaptic transmission, releasing glutamate to modulate neuronal activity.
Researchers discover compound Urolithin A restores mitochondrial function in hematopoietic stem cells, rejuvenating blood reconstitution capability and improving immune system function. The study shows promising results in aging mice, paving the way for potential interventions targeting age-related health conditions.
A study analyzed 50,000 scientific publications on climate change and found that media coverage often focuses on large-scale projections and threats, rather than solutions. This selective approach can lead to public disengagement and denial, emphasizing the need for a more transdisciplinary and solution-focused approach in media coverage.