Researchers identified novel oncogenic function for receptor linked to Alzheimer's disease
SORLA promotes HER2 receptor recycling and cancer cell proliferation. Removing SORLA from HER2 positive cancer cells inhibits tumor growth and formation.
University of Turku
Increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder among children with immigrant father
Researchers found that children with an immigrant father were two times more likely to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those with two Finnish parents. The study highlights the importance of schools and clinicians becoming aware of intergenerational trauma transmission.
Finnish school students outperform US students on 'fake news' digital literacy tasks
A recent study reveals Finnish students excel in social media and online news digital literacy tasks due to their curriculum's emphasis on explicit critical thinking skill development. The US system's implicit approach may contribute to the disparity.
Amazonian soils mapped using indicator species
Researchers from Finland and Brazil developed a method that uses both plant and soil data to produce a map of soil properties in Amazonia. The study leverages digital herbarium databases and fern species occurrence data to estimate soil properties, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts.
Study reveals brain marker for angry dreams
Researchers have identified a pattern of brain activity reflecting anger experienced during dreaming. The study found that frontal alpha asymmetry is related to anger in both wakefulness and dreams.
Digital parent training for child's disruptive behavior successful in primary health care
A digital parent training intervention with telephone coaching was successfully implemented in primary health care, reducing discontinuation rates by nearly half. The programme improved parenting skills and satisfied parents, highlighting the potential of web-based interventions to facilitate better access to mental health services.
Decades-old misconception on white blood cell trafficking to spleen corrected
Scientists have discovered that white blood cells enter the spleen primarily via vessels in the red pulp and migrate to other structures. The Clever-1 molecule controls this process, also regulating antibody-producing white blood cell expression.
Sex differences in personality traits in Asian elephants
The study found that male Asian elephants exhibited higher levels of aggressiveness and lower sociability compared to females. In contrast, female elephants displayed more agreeable personalities and consistent social behaviors within their family units.
Stars exploding as supernovae lose their mass to companion stars during their lives
Researchers observed that massive stars losing mass to companion stars before exploding can create Type Ib or IIb supernovae. Stellar winds also play a role in the process, especially for high-mass stars.
Maternal smoking during pregnancy increases risk of ADHD among offspring up to 3-fold
A recent study by the University of Turku found a strong association between prenatal nicotine exposure and offspring ADHD. The research used cotinine levels from pregnant maternal serum specimens collected during pregnancy, revealing a significant link between maternal smoking and offspring ADHD.
Antibody therapy training phagocytes to destroy tumors now tested on patients
Researchers at the University of Turku developed an immunotherapeutic antibody therapy that re-educates tumour-associated macrophages to activate cytotoxic T cells. The therapy showed promising results in a phase I/II clinical trial, inhibiting cancer progression and increasing activation of killer T cells.
Modern mahouts taking care of elephants in Myanmar are younger and less experienced
A recent study found that modern mahouts in Myanmar are younger and less experienced, leading to concerns about elephant welfare. The research team discovered a reduced traditional family connection to the profession and fewer apprenticeships, with many mahots having little training before being paired with an elephant.
Healthy aging and grandmother involvement with grandchildren benefit multiple generations
A new study found that grandmothers can increase toddlers' survival by nearly 30% due to their prolonged longevity. However, older or frail paternal grandmothers are detrimental to grandchild survival. The study suggests that healthy ageing is crucial for multiple benefits.
Parents' mental health problems increase risk of reactive attachment disorder in children
Reactive attachment disorder is a social functioning disorder characterized by ambivalence towards comfort and emotional withdrawal. A study of 614 children with RAD found that parents' psychiatric diagnoses increased the child's risk by nine-fold for mothers and six-fold for fathers.
Significant disparities between educational groups in smoking during pregnancy
A study published in Finland found that both educational level and occupational orientation predict a mother's likelihood of smoking during early pregnancy. Low educational levels and vocational education were strongly linked to increased smoking rates, whereas university degrees showed lower smoking rates.
Researchers discovered new immune response regulators
Newly discovered regulatory proteins differ significantly from mouse immune cells, offering new possibilities for treating immune-mediated diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Human T cell regulation has special characteristics that require further study to advance translational research.
Neighborhood affects the healthiness of dietary choices
Researchers from the University of Turku found that people living in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status ate less healthily, while those moving to more prosperous areas improved their diet. The study used a food index to measure adherence to dietary recommendations.
Study reveals new information about infant brain structure
A recent study from the University of Turku investigated brain structure in newborns, revealing asymmetry in lobar volumes between hemispheres. The findings suggest that environmental factors during pregnancy may have a lasting impact on infant brain development.
New study shows that mothers prefer daughters and fathers prefer sons
A new study conducted by Finnish and American researchers found that mothers are more likely to invest in their daughters than men in their sons. The Trivers-Willard hypothesis predicts that parents in good conditions will bias investment towards sons, but the study failed to support this theory.
Researchers managed to prevent the disappearing of quantum information
Researchers at University of Turku and University of Science and Technology of China have successfully controlled the flow of quantum information into the environment, preventing its disappearance. This breakthrough has significant implications for basic research and the development of quantum technologies.
New genetic compound marker could help early diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer
A research team at the University of Turku discovered a link between HOXB13 and CIP2A genes and aggressiveness of prostate cancer. The simultaneous expression of these two gene variants predisposes men to get prostate cancer earlier in life and stimulates tumor formation.
European Commission grants funding for project on transgenerational transmission of trauma
The project aims to develop tools to learn experientially about the harmful effects of transmitted collective traumas and their impact on hatreds and vengeance. Local events will be organized to test experiential learning tools, bringing together students, teachers, and community members.
Shared lifetime of grandmothers and grandchildren significantly increased since 1800s
The study found that the shared lifetime between grandmothers and their grandchildren significantly increased over time, especially in the 20th century. In the 1950s, 96% of grandchildren lived longer than their grandmother, highlighting the importance of grandmothers' influence on family life.
Researchers model tree species distributions in Amazonia
The study uses Landsat and Aster satellites to identify ecologically relevant environmental and biotic variation, and machine learning algorithms predict species distributions. The findings provide important information for forest management and conservation in the Peruvian lowland Amazonia.
Bodily sensations give rise to conscious feelings
Finnish research reveals that bodily sensations play a crucial role in shaping conscious feelings, with emotions influencing both physical and mental states. The study identifies five major categories of subjective feelings, including positive emotions, negative emotions, cognitive functions, somatic states, and illnesses.
New genetic marker could help diagnose aggressive prostate cancer
Researchers discovered a link between ANO7 gene mutations and aggressive prostate cancer risk and severity, suggesting improved diagnosis and treatment options. The study found specific genetic mutations that correlated with increased disease risk and poorer survival rates.
Sweeter dreams in a peaceful mind
A new study by University of Turku researchers found that individuals with higher levels of peace of mind reported more positive dream emotions, while those with anxiety experienced negative dream emotions. The study suggests a link between peaceful mind and better emotion regulation during both waking life and dreaming.
New study sheds light on the ecology of investors in financial markets
Researchers from the University of Turku and University of Palermo studied the ecology of investors in financial markets using actual data. The study found that groups of investors form interlinked clusters and are connected to strategy usage, which affects market volatility.
Capturing elephants from the wild shortens their lives
A study analyzing records of timber elephants in Myanmar found that even years after capture, wild-caught elephants' mortality rate remains increased and their average life expectancy is several years shorter compared to captive-born animals. This highlights the negative effects of capture on the long-term well-being of elephants.
Researchers solved mystery of clownfish coloration
The researchers discovered a connection between the colouration of clownfish and the toxicity of sea anemone species they live with. The more venomous anemones have less white stripes on their hosts, suggesting the bright colouration has a protective function.
New wasp species with a giant stinger discovered in Amazonia
A new parasitoid wasp species, Clistopyga crassicaudata, has been discovered in the Amazon with an exceptionally large stinger used for both laying eggs and injecting venom. The species belongs to a rare genus specializing in laying eggs into spiders or spider egg-sacs.
Consciousness is partly preserved during general anesthesia
Research study found that consciousness is not fully lost during general anesthesia, with brain processing words and sounds even when subjects do not recall them. The study used EEG and PET to monitor changes caused by anaesthetics.
Finnish scientists analyzed the proteome of T helper 17 cells
Researchers from Turku Centre for Biotechnology and Aalto University used label-free quantitative proteomics to identify over 4000 proteins expressed in Th17 and iTreg cells. The study, published in PLoS Biology, reveals protein expression changes that may be targeted in immunotherapy for diseases like cancer and autoimmunity.
Having a meal activates the functioning of human brown fat
A new study reveals that having a meal increases oxygen consumption in human brown adipose tissue (BAT) as much as cold exposure does. This finding suggests that eating may be an effective way to activate BAT and support metabolic health.
Hospital superbug uses tiny sticky fingers to infect medical tools and devices
Researchers discovered Acinetobacter baumannii attaches to plastic medical devices using its 'fingers' to form biofilms. Developing antibodies that prevent bacterial attachment could help reduce pathogen spread in hospitals.
New findings link estrogen and T cell immune response to autoimmune inflammation
Research reveals estrogen receptor alpha influences T cell activation, proliferation and survival in autoimmune diseases, including MS, RA, and SLE. Regulatory T cells play a crucial role in preventing autoimmune diseases, and the study identifies potential targets for novel treatments.
New material detects the amount of UV radiation and helps monitor radiation dose
Researchers have developed a synthetic SensoGlow™ material that can detect the quantity and quality of UV radiation from the Sun. The material is durable and can be used multiple times due to electron storage, making it a promising tool for everyday UV radiation monitoring.
New approach for treating neuropathic pain
Researchers have found a novel therapeutic that interrupts signaling cascades in the body required for multiple forms of neuropathic pain. The treatment targets the nNOS-NOS1AP protein-protein interactions, reducing neuropathic pain in rodents and disrupting nociceptive signaling.
Novel approach for photosynthetic production of carbon neutral biofuel from green algae
Scientists at the University of Turku have discovered an efficient way to transform solar energy into chemical hydrogen through photosynthesis of green algae, extending hydrogen production by several days. The new method shows that a major obstacle to efficient hydrogen production is not oxygen, but competition between metabolic pathways.
Retirement transition increases sitting during free time
A study by University of Turku researchers found that retirement transition leads to a significant increase in sitting during free time, averaging six hours per day. This increase was especially noted among women and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
New point-of-care test quickly detects Lyme neuroborreliosis
A new point-of-care test measures CXCL13 concentration in cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose neuroborreliosis, allowing for targeted antibiotic treatment and reducing unnecessary treatments. The test provides quick results, reducing the time between diagnosis and treatment initiation.
Mobile application detecting atrial fibrillation reduces the risk of stroke
A new mobile application developed at the University of Turku can detect atrial fibrillation with 96% accuracy, significantly reducing the risk of stroke. The app uses smartphone accelerometers to identify patients with atrial fibrillation, and its results have been validated in a study involving 300 patients.
Finnish research group discovers a new immune system regulator
A new regulator of the immune system has been identified by a Finnish research group, with potential implications for treating both cancer and immune-mediated diseases. HIC1 protein controls the expression of genes contributing to T cell function and regulates immune response.
Asian elephants have different personality traits just like humans
Researchers at the University of Turku studied Asian elephant personalities in a semi-captive population in Myanmar and identified three key factors: Attentiveness, Sociability and Aggressiveness. The study provides insight into how personality develops in long-lived, social species and can inform conservation efforts.
Countries investing in well-being allocate resources to child and adolescent psychiatry
A new study by the Eurasian Child & Adolescent Mental Health Study network reveals a strong correlation between Human Development Index scores and the availability of mental health services. Countries with high HDI rankings have higher ratios of child and adolescent psychiatrists per population size, indicating better investment in chi...
Increasing number of adolescents receive a psychiatric or neurodevelopmental diagnosis
A national register study by the University of Turku and THL found that more adolescents are receiving psychiatric or neurodevelopmental diagnoses, especially girls, between ages 12 and 18. The diagnoses primarily relate to depression and anxiety, with limited psychotherapy treatment options available.
New study on the impact of relatedness on grandmothers' desire to care for grandchildren
A recent study at the University of Turku found that X-chromosome relatedness between grandmothers and their grandchildren did not affect grandchild survival. The study tested a hypothesis about the genetic inheritance of grandmothers' help towards their grandchildren, but did not produce enough support for its claims.
Researchers induced a form of synesthesia with hypnosis
Researchers from University of Turku successfully induced a functional analogue of synaesthesia in the brain using hypnosis. The study confirms previous results and shows that hypnosis can rapidly trigger visual hallucinations and induce a form of synaesthesia, offering new insights into cognitive neuroscience.
Duration of sleep increases and sleeping difficulties decrease after retirement
After retiring from work life, people sleep approximately 20 minutes longer than before retirement and experience improved sleep quality. This is particularly true for individuals who had previously experienced sleep difficulties or were heavy alcohol users, with a notable decrease in early morning awakenings and nonrestorative sleep.
HIIT alters brain glucose metabolism in insulin resistant people
A two-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program reduced glucose metabolism in all areas of the brain in physically inactive individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. HIIT improved whole-body insulin sensitivity, and moderate exercise also showed similar benefits.