A new study suggests that reducing daily sedentary time by just one hour a day can have significant health benefits in three months. The intervention group showed improvements in blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity, and liver health compared to the control group.
A study found that Asian elephant males experience increased stress when alone or in male-dominated groups, while females show lower stress when accompanied by babies. The researchers also discovered that social bonds play a crucial role in regulating stress hormone levels in these animals.
Researchers have identified early-onset epigenetic changes linked to an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. These findings offer new opportunities for identifying children at genetic risk, potentially allowing for earlier intervention and prevention.
Researchers discovered that certain snakehead species, including the kampango catfish, produce and provide trophic eggs as supplemental nutrition for their offspring. This unique adaptation likely enabled these fish to conquer new environments and lead to the high diversity of species in this group.
A recent systematic review found that COVID-19 led to a 28% reduction in mental health service use among children and young people. The largest decrease was recorded in emergency department visits for mental health issues, with a 40% reduction on average.
A study by University of Turku found that grandparents' support decreases with adverse experiences in children's families. However, maternal grandmothers' support remains consistent. The study suggests that future prospects for successful reproduction may impact grandparents' willingness to offer support.
Researchers from the University of Turku found that a black hole's axis of rotation is tilted more than 40 degrees relative to the orbiting stellar body. This extreme misalignment challenges current theoretical models and opens up new prospects for studying black hole formation and evolution.
A study found that specific bacterial groups from the Lachnospiraceae family were associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research used machine learning techniques and analyzed fecal samples from a large Finnish population cohort, identifying microbial biomarkers that predicted disease incidence.
A new study found that living in a disadvantaged neighbourhood increases a child's risk of developing overweight by school age. Children born in less affluent areas were more likely to gain weight and develop obesity, even when controlling for other factors.
A study conducted at the University of Turku found that following a healthy diet in early pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes. The research revealed that a diet high in saturated fats and low in essential nutrients increases inflammation and raises the risk of gestational diabetes.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted work-life boundaries, particularly for mothers, who took on more childcare responsibilities. Research in Finland found that mothers' flexibility was key to managing multiple roles, while the absence of support services highlighted gendered practices.
Eukaryotic plankton are highly diverse taxonomically, phylogenetically, and ecologically. The study found that ocean currents significantly influence their biogeography, with smaller organisms being more sensitive to local environmental conditions.
A study at the University of Turku found that brain function regulating satiety and appetite is altered before obesity develops, with family background risk factors contributing to these changes. The findings suggest the brain and central nervous system are key targets for treating obesity.
Researchers found that aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cells use swiprosin-1 to hijack a cellular conveyor belt, increasing integrin circulation and cell migration. High swiprosin-1 expression correlates with metastasis formation and malignancy in breast cancer.
A recent study published in British Journal of Psychiatry found that adolescents diagnosed with mental health disorders are more likely to be excluded from education and labor market for at least five years. The results highlight the importance of timely treatment and rehabilitation to prevent social exclusion.
A two-hour glucose tolerance test is linked to cognitive decline in a 10-year follow-up study. Higher blood glucose levels measured in the test were associated with weaker performance in a memory test and a greater decline in results.
A Finnish study discovered a positive association between standing and improved insulin sensitivity in adults with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers found that increasing daily standing time can help prevent chronic diseases, even if physical activity recommendations are not met.
A study by researchers from the University of Turku found that elephants who worked with their handlers for over a year performed better in new work tasks than those with shorter relationships. The team also observed that older elephants were more reluctant to cross a novel surface, suggesting a decrease in curiosity with age.
A recent study discovered a connection between the brain's opioid system and food craving triggered by external stimuli. The researchers found that individuals with fewer opioid receptors were more likely to overeat in response to appetizing food, suggesting the opioid system as a potential target for anti-obesity drugs.
Researchers have developed a new X-ray imaging method utilizing hackmanite's colouring abilities, revealing its potential for non-expensive and reusable imaging applications. The study found that adding different atoms to the material impacts its colouring properties, and the mechanism of colour changing occurs through X-ray excitation.
A recent study of the Suontaka grave challenges traditional beliefs about gender roles in Iron Age and Early Medieval communities. The analysis suggests that the buried individual had Klinefelter syndrome, indicating a non-binary person who was valued and respected by their community.
Researchers found that most protected areas have been effective against deforestation, but significant variation exists among them. They estimated that these protected areas avoid the same amount of carbon emissions as 120,000 Europeans per year.
The giant panda's temporomandibular joint and premolar teeth evolved to facilitate sideways movement of the jaw, allowing for efficient peeling of bamboo. This adaptation enabled pandas to access an endless source of nutrition in the early Pleistocene.
Researchers at the University of Turku have discovered hundreds of previously unknown insect species, including a parasitoid wasp that glitters like an electric blue jewel. The newly found Dolichomitus meii wasp is unique in its large size and striking coloration, with wings that shimmer golden yellow.
A new Finnish study found that healthcare workers who received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had strong antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, with similar effectiveness against the alpha variant as the original virus. The immune response was weaker against the beta variant, but still provided relatively good protection.
Researchers studied the role of high-frequency traders in stock markets, finding that their presence increases market volatility and networked structure. The study reveals that high-frequency traders prefer to trade with other types of traders but avoid mutual trading among themselves.
A new study reveals that secretin hormone induces satiation by activating brown adipose tissue, leading to increased glucose uptake and elevated energy expenditure. This mechanism has significant implications for weight control and metabolic disorders.
Researchers at the University of Turku discovered a novel antibody treatment that reactivates the immune defense system in patients with advanced-stage cancer. The treatment activates killer T cells and lowers the suppressive potential of macrophages, leading to increased inflammation and white blood cell activity.
A new Finnish study reveals pertussis is more prevalent among middle-aged adults in European countries than previously assumed, leading to concerns about underdiagnosed cases. The study also highlights the low levels of antibodies against diphtheria, indicating decreasing herd immunity.
A large population-level study analyzed stool samples from over 7,000 Finnish adults and found that certain bacterial strains in the gut microbiota were associated with increased mortality risk. The study's machine learning algorithm identified specific microbial species linked to a shorter lifespan.
A new study published by the University of Turku found that children born in December are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with a learning disorder. The study included nearly 400,000 children born between 1996 and 2002 and showed no correlation between ADHD diagnosis and learning disability risk.
Researchers discovered that distinct Notch family members are modified differently by phosphorylation, leading to opposite effects on transcriptional activity and oncogenic behavior. The study suggests that targeting PIM or Notch proteins may provide new treatment options for hormone-dependent breast cancer with poor prognosis.
A novel PET radiopharmaceutical targeting vascular adhesion protein 1 (VAP-1) showed promising results in a first-in-humans study. The compound was well-tolerated and safe, with thousands of times lower doses than regular drugs.
A Finnish study found that psychopathic criminal offenders and well-functioning individuals with similar traits have altered brain structure and function in emotional regulation areas. The more psychopathic characteristics a person has, the more their brain resembles that of psychopathic criminals.
Researchers identified a single personality component related to Confidence/Aggressiveness in red deer, which is also linked to dominance behavior. The study's findings suggest that understanding individual differences in animal behavior can improve welfare management decisions.
Researchers from the University of Turku found that hypnosis shifts brain regions into a less synchronized state, allowing for more independent action. This finding provides new insights into how hypnosis modifies neural processing and may explain its effects on behavior and perception.
Researchers have solved a long-standing mystery of how living organisms distinguish RNA and DNA building blocks during gene expression. The discovery enables the design of more effective antiviral drugs targeting viral RNA polymerases.
Research at the University of Turku found that a father's childhood stress exposure is connected to faster white matter tract development in his child's brain. The study suggests potential epigenetic inheritance of this trait.
A study by University of Turku scientists reveals that ecology researchers underestimate the risks associated with unconscious cognitive biases, leading to overestimation of effects and poor reproducibility. The study found that career stage, gender, and affiliation country influence knowledge about biases and attitude towards them.
A recent study discovered that SORLA protein plays a crucial role in the growth of breast cancer cells in the brain and their resistance to HER2 therapy. Removing SORLA from cancer cells sensitizes them to anti-HER2 treatment, offering new possibilities for targeting drug-resistant cancers.
A study conducted at the University of Turku found that patients with schizophrenia have an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research suggests that alterations in the brain's dopamine system may be a key factor contributing to this increased risk.
Researchers used novel experimental designs to study brain activity during general anesthesia and normal sleep. They found that the effects of anesthesia and sleep on brain activity were surprisingly similar, pointing to a common central core brain network fundamental for human consciousness.
Study uses machine learning to map brain regions activated by music and finds distinct patterns for happy and sad music. Emotions evoked by films and music rely on different brain mechanisms, with films activating deeper emotion-regulating regions not seen in music.
A population-based study found that comorbid non-affective psychoses and affective/anxiety disorders increased the risk for self-harm in autistic adolescents and young adults. The risk was highest among females and those with intellectual disability, linked to natural causes rather than accidental death.
A new study found that DNP treatment in zebra finches reduced their lifespan by 20% over four years. The birds showed no short-term adverse effects but suffered from accelerated aging, highlighting the need for more research on DNP's long-term safety.
A new iGIST method detects pertussis toxin levels, reducing animal testing. The method is more effective and enables detection of lower toxin levels than current methods.
Researchers have revised the record of glacial and warm intervals in southern Finland, pushing back the timeline by 200,000 years. This discovery provides new insights into the paleogeography, vegetation, and climate of Fennoscandia during different interglacials.
The study led from the University of Turku discovered phosphorus and fluorine in solid dust particles collected from comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. This finding suggests that comets may have delivered life-necessary elements to the young Earth.
Researchers from University of Turku developed a new bioinformatics tool to predict microbial sensitivity to glyphosate. The tool classifies 80-90% of microbial species as sensitive or resistant, with 54% of human core gut bacterial species potentially affected.
A recent study published in the Sleep Medicine and Disorders International Journal suggests that sleep apnea may be a risk factor for severe COVID-19. The research, conducted at Turku University Hospital, found that 29% of patients admitted to hospital care had already been diagnosed with sleep apnea.