A new international study reconstructs the legacy of Chile's largest indigenous community, the Mapuche, through genetics and linguistics. The research reveals distinct Mapuche lineages originated locally and have remained in relative isolation, punctuated by episodes of contact with other South American populations.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new class of antibiotics that target novel targets in bacterial metabolism, effectively fighting resistant bacteria. The peptides are highly effective, safe, and immune to resistance, offering hope for treating bacterial infections in patients.
A study by the University of Zurich found that chimpanzees understand and respond strongly to combined calls, which they use to recruit group members in threatening situations. This discovery sheds light on the potential evolutionary origins of language's compositional structure, suggesting it may be at least 6 million years old.
Scientists have identified Norn cells as the primary source of erythropoietin (Epo) in humans, a crucial hormone for red blood cell production. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for anemia and other conditions related to impaired Epo production.
A sociological study at the University of Zurich reveals that outdated gender stereotypes play a major role in women's reluctance to pursue STEM subjects. Women tend to prefer fields with less emphasis on analytical thinking and more social and emotional skills, despite high salaries and good employment prospects. The study suggests th...
Researchers have developed a new type of microscope objective inspired by the eyes of scallops, which can capture images in various immersion media, including liquids. This innovative approach uses a mirror instead of lenses and has been shown to provide excellent image quality in homogeneous fluids as well as in air.
A genetic census has been used to estimate the number and population structure of critically endangered western chimpanzees in West Africa. The analysis identified a total of 136 chimpanzees living in four different communities, with high levels of shared ancestry and genetic diversity.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to predict prime editing efficiency and accuracy, enabling faster and more precise genome editing. By analyzing a large data set of over 100,000 pegRNAs, the tool identifies key properties influencing prime editing success.
A recent study from the University of Zurich shows that men selectively leave occupations increasingly taken by women. This could explain shifts in occupation sex composition and specializations. The study's findings suggest that men are less likely to remain in jobs when a higher proportion of women enter.
A new study analyzing a two-decade long grassland experiment found that plant species complement each other to produce stable biomass at the community level. This 'compensatory' effect is more pronounced in diverse communities, which also show increased stability and resilience over time.
A study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that people are reluctant to harm others and upend existing social hierarchies when considering distributive justice. The participants were more willing to reduce inequality but maintained the existing hierarchy, suggesting a complex interplay between conflicting motives.
A new study by researchers at the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research found that commercial dishwashers' rinse agents can damage the gut's epithelial barrier, leading to chronic diseases. The study used human intestinal organoids and analyzed the effect of detergents and rinse aids on gut cells.
A global analysis of matches and mismatches between human genetic and linguistic histories found that populations often shift to neighboring languages despite genetic differences. This suggests that giving up one's language isn't difficult, but preserving original linguistic identity is rare despite genetic assimilation.
Researchers from the University of Zurich have discovered why a stem cell transplant is effective in treating multiple sclerosis. The study found that memory T cells reappear immediately after the transplant and do not trigger an autoimmune reaction due to pre-damage caused by chemotherapy. This knowledge enables the body to gradually ...
A study led by the University of Zurich found that diverse Arctic vegetation affects the land surface energy budget. The researchers linked vegetation types to energy exchange data from 64 measuring stations, revealing a significant difference in heat flux between various vegetation types and glaciers/grasslands.
A study published by the University of Zurich has found that vocal communication in vertebrates has a common and ancient evolutionary origin, dating back to around 407 million years ago. The research used vocal recordings and contextual behavioral information from 53 species across four major clades of land vertebrates.
Researchers found that literacy has no effect on auditory processing of speech, contradicting previous studies. However, literate individuals showed improved functional connectivity between brain areas responsible for handwriting and speech sound processing.
A randomized controlled study found that short training units improved children's self-regulation, reading ability, and focus, with positive long-term effects on their educational success. The training program, based on the MCII Strategy, can be easily integrated into primary school teaching schedules.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have successfully decoded the genome of Aldabrachelys gigantea, one of the world's two remaining giant tortoise species. The reference genome provides crucial information for breeding programs in zoos to represent genetic diversity and conservation efforts across East Africa and Madagascar.
A study conducted at the University of Zurich has identified a key gene network responsible for severe tooth enamel defects. The researchers found that mutations in the Adam10 molecule lead to disorganization of ameloblasts and severe defects in both structure and mineral composition of enamel.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new immunotherapy strategy to eliminate fibroblasts in targeted manner, reducing lung and liver fibrosis in mice. The treatment triggers an immune response via cytotoxic T-cells, eliminating activated connective tissue cells while leaving resting cells undamaged.
Researchers at the University of Zurich found that compound concurrent hot day and night extremes are projected to increase by up to 7.8-fold in frequency and 5.3-fold in duration in all cities in Switzerland by the end of the century. Lugano and Geneva will be most affected.
A new study found that young Swiss military personnel with confirmed Covid-19 infections experienced symptoms like fatigue, reduced sense of smell, and psychological problems for up to 180 days. Long-term effects included increased BMI, high cholesterol, and lower physical stamina, suggesting a higher risk of metabolic disorders and ca...
A study found that genetic testing before pregnancy can detect the risk of severe developmental disorders in 44% of cases if parents are related. However, non-hereditary mutations play a larger role in children of non-consanguineous couples, and many genes remain undetected.
A study published in The Lancet reveals that AI-based risk profiling can improve treatment outcomes for women with heart attacks. By accounting for sex-related differences, the novel score refines current risk models and reduces mortality rates among female patients.
A study of over 80,000 adults from nine countries found that siblings have a surprisingly small impact on personality in adulthood. The research refutes the idea that growing up with brothers or sisters causes certain personality traits to develop in the long term.
Researchers found that frogs with few predators rely on escape strategies with large brains and conspicuous coloration, while those with many predators use camouflage with smaller brains. This study establishes a link between brain evolution and predator evasion strategies.
Scientists used 3D modeling to reconstruct the body of megalodon and estimate its weight, speed, and energy usage. The model suggests that megalodon was capable of eating prey up to 8m long and had a high energetic demand, likely feeding on whale blubber.
Simultaneous extreme heat and drought events have significant consequences on various sectors, including economy, health, and food production. The analysis of eight extreme events in Europe, Australia, and Africa highlights the need for more systematic risk assessments to improve adaptability and resilience.
A research team uncovered the secret of powdery mildew's success by comparing genetic compositions of 172 strains from 13 countries on five continents. The pathogen was introduced to new regions through human migration and trade, undergoing hybridization with local species to form better-adapted hybrids.
Researchers found that specific vocalizations, known as the 'hunting bark', recruit more group members to hunt and capture prey more effectively. Chimpanzees have been observed joining hunts after hearing these barks, increasing success rates.
Researchers discovered that individual cells use multimodal perception to integrate external and internal cues when making decisions. This finding has significant implications for understanding cellular decision-making in various contexts, including cancer treatment resistance.
Researchers at University of Zurich found that the presence of parents and caregivers mitigates pandemic's negative effects on social development in infants. Infants born during COVID-19 pandemic exhibit similar social behavior as same-aged infants before pandemic, with no significant behavioral differences detected.
A new study found that people with severe speaking difficulties pay more attention to hand gestures when their verbal communication is impeded. This highlights the importance of incorporating gestures into therapy for individuals with aphasia.
The World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases has introduced a new diagnosis for complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), expanding the criteria for PTSD. CPTSD is characterized by excessive emotional responses, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulties in relationships.
Research found that exposure to drought in previous generations increases complementarity between plant species, making them more resilient to subsequent droughts. This transgenerational effect enhances the sustainability of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
A team of researchers at University of Zurich successfully transplanted a human liver that was treated in a machine, paving the way for a potential solution to the global organ shortage. The liver was preserved for three days outside the body using a custom-made perfusion machine.
Researchers from the University of Zurich and University of Montréal developed a method to assess plant biodiversity across ecosystems using satellite imaging spectrometry. The study found that spectral diversity calculations can capture differences in plant community composition across all ecosystems studied, allowing for targeted fie...
Researchers found that australopithecines' smaller brain sizes at birth were likely an adaptation for bipedalism, allowing them to navigate the complex birth canal. The study suggests that prolonged learning outside the womb was crucial for cognitive and cultural development in early humans.
A new study using a citizen science board of people affected by Long Covid identifies key research areas, including treatment, diagnosis, and disease management. The findings highlight the need for clear diagnoses and access to care that meets their multidimensional needs.
A team of researchers discovered that a single gene, AOP2, plays a critical role in maintaining species diversity in an ecosystem. The study found that mutations at this gene can dramatically alter the structure and function of an ecosystem.
A recent study led by the University of Zurich found that well-integrated male dolphins with strong social bonds to many alliance partners produce the most offspring. The researchers analyzed 30 years of behavioral data from 85 male dolphins and used genetic data to conduct paternity analyses for more than 400 dolphins.
Research suggests that frequent external childcare can lead to behavioral issues in children, including aggression, ADHD symptoms, and anxiety. However, these problems typically disappear by the age of 13. The study also found no strong link between external childcare and substance use or delinquency in adolescents.
A study found that intact astrocyte networks are essential for neural homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, and spatial cognitive abilities in adult mice. Disrupting these networks impairs spatial learning and memory due to altered neuronal excitability and compromised synaptic transmission.
Researchers used identical twins to exclude genetic influences and track immune system changes responsible for triggering multiple sclerosis. The study found that an error in the communication of immune cells leads to greater activation of T cells, causing damage in the central nervous system.
Scientists have developed a genetically encoded biosensor called OxLight1, which enables them to study the action and release mechanisms of neuropeptides like orexin in living mice. The researchers found that the level of orexin release correlates with neuronal activity, revealing previously invisible aspects of healthy brain function.
A study by University of Zurich researchers reveals Arctic warming causes temperature anomalies and cold damage thousands of kilometers away in East Asia, leading to reduced vegetation growth and smaller harvests. The warmer Arctic winters also trigger extreme winter weather events in the region.
A study has identified specific signaling pathways that determine when immune cells develop into long-lived protective T cells. The researchers found a distinct molecular signature of these memory cells, which helps to unravel the complex way in which immunological memory is formed and maintained.
Researchers found that wild chimpanzees do not independently invent complex tool use behaviors like nut cracking. Instead, they learn from observing and imitating others, similar to humans. This challenges the long-held assumption that chimpanzee culture is non-cumulative.
Adolescents experienced improved health-related quality of life during school closures, with increased sleep duration by about 75 minutes per day. This positive effect outweighs the negative impacts of depression and anxiety.