The discovery of Dmanisi's unique skull sheds light on early human evolution, suggesting that Homo erectus was a single species with diverse individuals. The analysis of five well-preserved skulls reveals that the variation within the species is more significant than previously thought.
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Zurich allows them to display viral DNA in host cells at single-molecule resolution, revealing unexpected insights into its distribution and cell response. The technique uses click chemistry to label viral DNA without affecting its biological functions, enabling scientists to s...
A team of paleontologists discovered a new evolutionary mechanism for body elongation in early ray-finned fishes, characterized by the doubling of vertebral arches. The exceptionally preserved form, Saurichthys curionii, had a unique two-vertebral arch per myomeric segment, resulting in an overall elongate appearance and flexibility.
Scientists have developed a new method to visualize gene activity in single cells, revealing strong variability in gene expression and spatial organization between cells. The method allows for the parallel measurement of gene activity and transcript molecules in thousands of single cells, providing novel insights into cell behavior.
A new study found that brain stimulation can directly influence compliance with social norms, particularly in the right lateral prefrontal cortex. Participants who received increased neural activity followed fairness norms more strongly under threat of sanctions, but showed decreased voluntary norm compliance without punishments.
Fossilized pollen from flowers dating back to the Early Triassic, around 252-247 million years ago, challenges previous estimates of flowering plant evolution. The discovery pushes the origin of flowering plants back by 100 million years.
A systematic questionnaire has been devised and evaluated to identify pre-school children with an increased risk of long-term post-traumatic disorders within a few days of an accident. The questionnaire recorded high accuracy, identifying 85% of children who would later develop PTSD.
Researchers observed orangutans planning their travel direction up to a day in advance and communicating these plans through loud calls. The males used specific long calls to announce changes in travel direction and even predicted the direction better than random until the next day.
A study of 5,400 young Swiss men found that those who prefer beer exhibit riskier drinking patterns and substance use behaviors. Beer-drinkers are more likely to binge drink, smoke, and use cannabis than wine drinkers.
Researchers discover that prion protein has a 'switch' controlling its toxicity, which can be triggered by antibodies targeting the flexible tail. The study finds that only antibodies targeting the tail are suitable for use as potential drugs, while those triggering the switch are harmful.
A University of Zurich study found online psychotherapy to be equally effective, and in some cases better than, face-to-face therapy in reducing depression. After treatment, 53-57% of patients showed significant improvement, with higher satisfaction rates for both groups.
A study of 12,000 young Swiss men found that those who consume addictive substances like alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis are more likely to seek information on these topics. Despite this, prevention campaigns may not be effective due to the complexity of individual knowledge and behaviors.
Researchers fitted homing pigeons with GPS loggers to study their navigation. The results showed that satiated pigeons flew directly to their home loft, while hungry pigeons flew to a nearby food loft, indicating they have a type of cognitive navigational map in their heads
Researchers developed a neuromorphic system that can carry out complex sensorimotor tasks in real time, exhibiting cognitive abilities. The system combines artificial neurons into networks that implemented neural processing modules, closely resembling mammalian brain structures.
Research reveals that powdery mildew fungi favor asexually produced offspring for infection, while sexual reproduction is crucial for adaptation to host defense mechanisms. The study suggests an ancient co-evolutionary history between the fungus and its hosts, highlighting the complex dynamics of plant-fungus interactions.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that long-lived female house mice are less active than shorter-lived counterparts, consuming less food and displaying reactive personality traits. The researchers suggest that life-history theory predicts individuals with greater life expectancy to be more cautious and energy-conserving.
A study by researchers at the University of Zurich and UCL found that irreversible tissue loss occurs in spinal cord injury patients as early as 40 days after injury. The study used novel MRI protocols to track changes in the spinal cord and brain, revealing a rapid decline in spinal cord diameter and nerve cell volume.
Researchers at the University of Zurich found that brain areas communicate differently based on the task to be solved, with specific neurons activated for distinct tasks, and this can help develop therapies for impaired cognitive abilities in patients with Alzheimer's disease, Autism, and Schizophrenia.
Researchers identified two genes responsible for flowering in a tropical tree species. The genes, SbFT and SbSVP, show dramatic changes before flowering after a four-week drought period. This discovery may help predict mass flowering events, aiding conservation efforts.
Researchers have discovered two new fossil crocodile species in the Urumaco region, revealing that up to 14 different species coexisted around 5 million years ago. The discovery sheds light on the diverse array of crocodilian species that once inhabited South America and Southeast Asia.
A new study reveals that glacier melting is responsible for about one-third of the observed sea-level rise, with other factors like ice sheets and thermal expansion contributing equally. The research used satellite data from NASA's ICESat and GRACE missions to calculate glacier mass changes globally.
A study by the University of Zurich found that climate variability accounts for 54% of global vegetation activity changes. Human activity caused over 30% of changes, with regions such as Tanzania and Zimbabwe experiencing declines in vegetation activity. The research team will further investigate interactions between humans and climate.
Researchers studying Australopithecus sediba's fossil find that its conical ribcage made it difficult to swing its arms while walking or running. The species' unique foot structure also suggests it walked with feet turned inward, setting it apart from other australopiths.
Researchers studied the teeth of the Neolithic mummy Ötzi, finding severe oral diseases such as advanced periodontitis and tooth decay. The Iceman's diet, which included starchy foods like bread and cereal porridge, contributed to his dental problems.
A new find in a 246-million-year-old sediment layer reveals the skull of a juvenile placodont, confirming its European origin and providing insight into the group's early evolution. The discovery highlights the significance of crushing dentition in placodonts, with pointed teeth appearing earlier than previously thought.
The study reveals that peripheral glaciers in Greenland are losing mass at a rate of up to 50 Gigatons per year, contributing to around 15-20% of sea-level rise. This is higher than expected and more significant than the ice sheet alone.
Scientists have identified enzymes that can reverse a key protein modification involved in breast cancer, cellular stress reactions, and gene regulation. The discovery enables selective manipulation of ADP-ribosylation, which could lead to new treatments for inflammasions and cancers.
A European-wide study with 450,000 participants found that eating over 40 grams of processed meat per day increases the risk of mortality compared to those who eat fewer than 20 grams a day. Moderate consumption of up to 40 grams daily does not increase mortality risk.
Researchers at University of Zurich have developed normative data for gross and fine motor exercises in pre-school children. Children typically develop hopping and standing on one leg skills between three to five years old, with most able to perform these tasks by age five.
Researchers discovered XPD protein's role in locating damaged DNA, which aids cancer treatment development. The protein works like a scanner that glides along the DNA double helix, marking damaged spots for repair.
Multicellular cyanobacteria developed over 2.3 billion years ago, coinciding with the Great Oxidation Event that increased atmospheric oxygen levels. This event is considered a significant climate shift, as multicellularity allowed for more efficient metabolism and paved the way for diverse life forms.
Behavioral biologists at the University of Zurich discovered that banded mongooses produce structured monosyllabic sounds, similar to human vowel and consonant systems. The calls provide information on identity and activity, demonstrating a complex sound expression structure.
Italian immigrants from Switzerland have a significantly lower mortality risk compared to native-born Swiss, largely due to the 'healthy migrant effect'. However, subsequent generations born in Switzerland show a higher risk of mortality, likely due to lifestyle differences.
Research suggests that cooler climates led to increased biodiversity in marine fauna, while warmer temperatures caused species to become extinct. The study's findings indicate that climate fluctuations played a significant role in the emergence and extinction of species.
Researchers demonstrate Anderson localization of light for the first time, showing waves no longer spread if defects are within one wavelength apart, exceeding previously thought threshold.
Researchers from University of Zurich found turning off specific cytokines reduces Alzheimer's amyloid-ß deposits by 65% in mice. Behavioral testing showed substantial improvements when p40 molecule-blocking antibody was administered, suggesting potential human therapy.
Researchers discovered that fruit flies can develop and be fertile in the absence of histone H3.3, challenging established models of gene regulation. Additionally, they found that histone modification is not essential for activating genes, but rather plays a role in regulating their expression.
Scientists propose using ultraprecise atomic clocks to directly measure the Earth's true physical form, the geoid, which is currently determined indirectly through satellite tracking. This method has the potential to map the interior of the Earth to great depths, enabling more accurate exploration and discovery of subsurface structures.
Scientists have confirmed the existence of a new tick-borne disease in Switzerland, neoehrlichiosis, which has infected eight patients with severe symptoms. A DNA test has been developed to detect the infection quickly, allowing for timely treatment.
A recent study has found that former political prisoners in East Germany continue to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 15 years after their imprisonment. The study, which followed up with 78 men and 15 women who were initially interviewed in the mid-1990s, revealed that PTSD affects about a third of those studied.
Researchers found that young male orangutans migrate across the island to increase breeding chances and preserve genetic diversity. The study suggests protecting mountainous regions with no viable populations to maintain genetic exchange and promote species survival.
Researchers found that plants in different regions produce distinct chemical defenses against aphids, which are influenced by local pest populations. This variation is driven by the need for optimal defense against specific aphid species, highlighting the importance of genetic diversity in plant evolution.
Ernst Fehr, a leading economist from the University of Zurich, has been awarded the 2013 Gottlieb Duttweiler prize for his pioneering work on fairness preference and its impact on human behavior. His research has challenged traditional economic theories and shed light on the importance of social norms and cooperation.
Research shows that nearly 20% of young children with cancer develop posttraumatic stress disorder, exhibiting symptoms such as flashbacks and anxiety. The study highlights the need for child-friendly treatment procedures and psychological support to prevent prolonged disorders that impair development.
A study by University of Zurich botanists and ecologists found that higher biodiversity aids stress resistance in ecosystems. Systems with more species can maintain biomass production longer under moderate stress, while those with few species are more negatively impacted as stress increases.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a rapid detection method for blood cyanide, reducing analysis time from up to an hour. This allows emergency responders to administer antidotes promptly and monitor treatment more effectively.
A new transport protein, ABCD4, has been identified as responsible for the transfer of vitamin B12 from lysosomes into cells. This discovery provides evidence for another cause of hereditary vitamin B12 deficiency and enables diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers from University of Zurich detect presence of os interparietale in over 300 species using micro-CT imaging, resolving previous assumptions about its existence and evolutionary history. The discovery sheds new light on human anatomy and refutes earlier theories.
A new technique has revealed a significant amount of dark matter near the Sun, contradicting previous studies that found less. The researchers used a simulation of the Milky Way to test their method and obtained a high measure of local dark matter density.
Researchers develop method to measure individual particle charge, allowing for precise control over nano particles' behavior. This enables improved understanding of nanoscale phenomena and potential applications in medicine.