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University of Turku


New study advances cancer precision therapies by identifying patients who benefit from Bexmarilimab treatment

A new study at the University of Turku identified conditions under which Bexmarilimab activates the immune system against cancer. The drug was shown to trigger B cell-mediated immune responses in healthy tissue adjacent to tumors. This could lead to more accurate patient selection and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateMay 20, 2025

Researchers discover a more eco-friendly approach to study light and matter interaction – could revolutionize development of emerging technologies

Researchers at the University of Turku developed a simple, eco-friendly approach to fabricate optical microcavities, allowing for precise study of polaritons and potential applications in ultra-efficient lasers and quantum optics. This innovation makes quantum and photonics research more accessible and energy-efficient.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMay 13, 2025

Favorite music sets the brain's opioids in motion

A new study found that listening to favorite music activates the brain's opioid receptors, explaining why it evokes strong feelings of pleasure. The release of opioids is also linked to individual differences in music enjoyment and may help develop new music-based interventions for pain management and mental health disorders.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEuropean Journal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 16, 2025

Researchers develop novel biomimetic fabrication technique for flexible electronics such as wearable sensors and electronic skins

A research team at the University of Turku developed a novel biomimetic fabrication technique to replicate bioinspired microstructures found in plant leaf skeletons. The resulting surfaces offer superior flexibility, breathability, and transparency, making them ideal for next-generation flexible electronics.

SourceUniversity of Turku·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateMar 24, 2025

Anxiety disorders in children can be screened through school health care

A new study from the University of Turku screened school-age children for anxiety and found that a Master Your Worries programme reduced symptoms of generalised anxiety, social anxiety, and separation anxiety. The study also showed that lighter digital study materials can reduce anxiety symptoms in children.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 20, 2025

Researchers invent new method for developing accurate sensors for continuous health monitoring

The University of Turku researchers have developed a new method to create more accurate sensors for detecting subtle changes in the body, such as hormone fluctuations. By purifying and separating single-wall carbon nanotubes, they achieved precise control over their properties and identified their electrochemical characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateMar 13, 2025

Damage caused to crops by barnacle geese can be mitigated with designated set-aside and repelling fields

Researchers from the University of Turku and Natural Resources Institute Finland found that combining accommodation and repelling fields can help mitigate crop damage and human-wildlife conflict. The study suggests using stakeholder knowledge and coordinated field design to prepare for goose damage and reduce costs.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 28, 2025

Standing at work can be detrimental to blood pressure

A Finnish study found that prolonged standing at work had a negative impact on 24-hour blood pressure, while sedentary work was not necessarily harmful. The study suggests that engaging in recreational physical activity during leisure time can help maintain fitness and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateNov 22, 2024

Reducing daily sitting may prevent back pain

A six-month study found that reducing daily sitting by 40 min/day can prevent back pain from worsening. The researchers suggest trying to reduce sitting at work or leisure time, but emphasize the importance of physical activity such as walking or brisk exercise.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalBMJ Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 2, 2024

Tarantulas have surprising partnerships with other species and their hairiness may be a defense mechanism

A recent study reveals tarantulas have mutually beneficial relationships with various species, including amphibians and army ants. The spiders' dense hair may serve as a defense mechanism against these predators. Tarantulas also employ unique escape strategies and potentially utilize chemical defenses to deter attacks.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Natural History·DateAug 22, 2024

Already 30 minutes of exercise increases the proportion of tumor-killing white blood cells in blood

A new Finnish study from University of Turku shows that already a 30-minute exercise can increase the proportion of tumor-killing white blood cells in the bloodstream of breast cancer patients. The amount of several different white blood cell types increased during exercise, with cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells rising the most.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJul 3, 2024

Depictions of depression are often misleading

A recent study found that leading health organizations inaccurately portray depression as a disorder that causes symptoms. Researchers suggest this circular reasoning makes it harder for people to understand their distress. The study's authors aim to promote accurate understanding of mental health conditions.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPsychopathology·DateJun 28, 2024

New drug developed for melanoma and lung cancer shows potential in treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma – the most common metastatic skin cancer

A new study at the University of Turku discovered that plixorafenib inhibits multiple signaling pathways in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, showing promise for treatment. The drug was originally developed for melanoma and lung cancer, but its effectiveness against cSCC is significant.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalOncogene·DateNov 22, 2023

Unlocking the secrets of cell behavior on soft substrates: A paradigm shift in mechanobiology

A new method for studying cancer cells' behavior on soft and stiff tissue environments has been developed, revealing crucial survival cues for cell growth. The study challenges the long-held assumption that cells prefer stiffer surfaces, opening up new possibilities for research in cancer biology and tissue engineering.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2023