Researchers from Finland's Universities of Turku and Helsinki have identified dozens of prey species consumed by adult dragonflies using DNA analysis of faecal samples. The study provides unprecedented specificity on the position of dragonflies in natural food webs.
A recent study published in HYPERTENSION journal reveals that lower childhood socioeconomic status is associated with increased arterial stiffness in adulthood. The research, conducted over 21 years, found that children from lower-income families were more likely to experience cardiovascular events as adults.
Researchers at the University of Turku found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) releases endorphins in the brain, alleviating physical and emotional stress. In contrast, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise does not induce significant endorphin release, but rather increases pleasurable feelings.
A new study from the University of Turku reveals that ferns' survival during mass extinctions is linked to environmental changes, while species origination is driven by factors such as low diversity levels after major events. This finding clarifies the contrasting views on biodiversity regulation.
A longitudinal study found that overweight, high blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in childhood are linked to decreased arterial distensibility in adolescence. The study suggests that primordial prevention of cardiovascular diseases should focus on children and young people.
A multicentre trial found that low childhood socioeconomic status increases the risk of higher left ventricular mass and poorer diastolic function in adulthood. The study, part of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study, followed 1,872 participants for 31 years.
A new study reveals that the largest galaxies in the universe have been aligned with their surroundings for at least ten billion years. The discovery suggests that these galaxies are especially sensitive to their environment and were influenced by their surroundings from a young age.
Researchers have developed a synthetic hackmanite material that produces broad spectrum white light similar to sunlight, with low production costs and non-toxic elements. The material has persistent luminescence, suitable for use in lamps, exit signs, and diagnostic applications.
Researchers found that social laughter leads to increased release of endorphins and opioid peptides, promoting social bonding and feelings of safety. This chemical response may underlie individual differences in sociability, highlighting the importance of vocal communication in maintaining human social networks.
Researchers from Turku, Finland have discovered new information about the mechanisms regulating gene activity in human embryonic stem cells. The study sheds light on indirect genomic regulatory mechanisms that maintain gene expression and self-renewal of stem cells.
A new Finnish research reveals how brain's opioids modulate responses to others' pain. The less opioid receptors the participants had, the stronger their emotion and pain circuits' response to seeing others in distress.
The researchers discovered that major biological signalling circuits can be made to resonate when driven at their resonant frequency, allowing for the control of cell signalling pathways. This method has potential relevance in the treatment of diseases and could guide the discovery of new therapeutic approaches.
A Finnish study found that childhood exposure to high blood pressure, smoking, and elevated LDL-cholesterol is associated with poorer cognitive performance in middle age. The study suggests that regulating these risk factors through healthy lifestyle choices can promote brain health in adulthood.
A Finnish study finds that moderate cardiorespiratory fitness protects against fatty liver, a significant public health concern linked to metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular disease. Achieving cardiorespiratory fitness can help mitigate the risk of fatty liver, regardless of weight status.
A monitor lizard species from the island of New Ireland in northern Papua New Guinea has been re-described and found to be a separate species from the common mangrove monitor. The species, Varanus douarrha, was lost in a shipwreck over 180 years ago.
A two-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program improved glucose metabolism in muscles of people with type 2 diabetes. HIIT surpassed traditional moderate intensity continuous training in its benefits, with significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and endurance noted.
A study of 5,800 Finnish retirees found that 12% increased their risky drinking after retirement, while 81% maintained healthy levels. Depression, smoking, and changes in social networks were associated with the increase in risky drinking behavior.
Scientists have identified a cellular fuel sensor, AMPK, as a key regulator of the extracellular matrix and integrin function, which could lead to novel treatments for cancer and tissue fibrosis. The study reveals that AMPK's absence leads to increased adhesion and matrix production.
Researchers at the University of Turku found that SPECT imaging does not correlate with the number of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, a key area affected by Parkinson's disease. This discovery has significant implications for future treatment development and monitoring.
The discovery of 16 new fungus gnat species in the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve sheds light on the region's remarkable biodiversity. The presence of a diverse array of parasitoid wasps suggests a high level of interdependence between rainforest species.
A new study published in Nature Cell Biology reveals that the SHANK protein plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of breast cancer cells by regulating cell adhesion. The research also found that gene mutations in SHANK are linked to autism, demonstrating the protein's importance in both brain development and tumor invasion.
Researchers from the University of Turku identified new links between DNA variations and inflammation tracers, suggesting potential new treatments for diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. The study used a large dataset to investigate the molecular processes underlying inflammatory diseases.
Finnish researchers have identified a new molecule that alleviates anxiety and depressive behavior in rodents by controlling newly born nerve cells in the hippocampus. The discovery provides a fresh insight into how the brain regulates mood and indicates potential for new anti-depressant drug development.
Researchers have identified a new way of blocking cancer cell invasion using calcium channel blockers, which can stop breast and pancreatic cancer from spreading. The team discovered that these drugs target the sticky finger-like structures on cancer cells, rendering them inactive.