Research at the University of Zurich reveals that host genetic differences explain most of the variation in virus community composition. Genetic diversity within species is crucial for immune system function and should be prioritized in agriculture to improve pathogen resistance.
A Swiss study reveals that a certain fatalistic attitude can protect individuals from negative feelings during the Covid-19 pandemic. The researchers found that in Switzerland, fatalistic attitudes were associated with less fear and fewer negative emotions compared to Israel.
A study led by University of Zurich researchers found that the HLA-DR15 gene variant plays a significant role in developing multiple sclerosis. People with this genetic predisposition can develop an immune response against their own brain tissue if infected with certain viruses or bacteria, leading to the disease.
Researchers found that monkeys, chimpanzees, and humans share the ability to process non-adjacent dependencies, a crucial element of language. This suggests that this cognitive skill existed in our most recent common ancestors with these species around 40 million years ago.
A study by University of Zurich's Brain Research Institute found that early childhood trauma can lead to changes in lipid metabolism and glucose levels in offspring and grand-offspring. The researchers discovered a molecular mechanism involving the PPAR receptor, which is activated by fatty acids and regulates gene expression.
A new plant species, Cardamine insueta, has emerged in the Urnerboden region of the Swiss Alps, 150 years after land conversion from forest to grassland. The species inherited traits from its parent plants, allowing it to grow in a distinct environmental niche.
Researchers analyzed woodpeckers' drumming signals to understand their function and diversification. Despite changes in structure, the amount of biological information about species identity remained consistent for 22 million years.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered that the orbitofrontal cortex can reprogram neurons in sensory areas to enable flexible decision-making. This process involves a direct connection between the two regions, allowing for rapid adaptation to new situations.
Plant researchers have identified the calcium channel responsible for stomatal closing, a crucial defense mechanism against pathogens. This discovery has the potential to engineer pathogen-resistant crops by allowing plants to 'close their gates' when threatened.
Researchers found treponematoses in ancient human remains from Finland, Estonia, and the Netherlands, dating back to the 15th-18th century. This suggests that syphilis may have originated or developed in Europe before Columbus' voyages to America.
A trusting therapeutic relationship and collaborative approach between therapist and patient are crucial for successful mental illness treatment. Early alliance in therapy also plays a significant role in reducing symptoms and improving outcomes.
A new study has revealed that the long-necked reptile Tanystropheus was a surprisingly adaptable creature, living in water and hunting underwater. The researchers reconstructed its skull in unprecedented detail, showing adaptations for life in water, including long teeth for catching prey.
A new checklist of New Guinea's 13,634 vascular plant species has been built by 99 scientists from 56 institutions and 19 countries. The list contains 20% more species than Madagascar or Borneo, with many endemic plants found only in the region.
New research from the University of Zurich and Radboud University found that people's capacity for hedonism contributes at least as much to a happy life as successful self-control. Distracted thoughts can undermine immediate pleasure, while consciously planning downtime can help enjoy it more
A recent study by Sandra Heldstab and colleagues found that primate species follow fixed neural development patterns when learning fine motor skills. Humans develop their abilities later than other primate species due to the less developed state of our larger brains at birth.
Scientists combined environmental DNA and hydrological models to assess riverine ecosystems' biodiversity with unprecedented accuracy, identifying unseen hotspots for conservation strategies. The new method enables rapid application of research findings in Switzerland, finalizing guidelines for the Federal Office for Environment.
Researchers have determined the detailed three-dimensional structure of the oxytocin receptor, paving the way for the development of new drugs. The discovery also reveals previously unknown interaction regions with cholesterol and magnesium, improving understanding of the receptor mechanism.
A new study reveals that a single slow touch on the Venus flytrap's trigger hair can also trigger trap closure, allowing it to catch slow-moving larvae and snails. The researchers used highly sensitive sensors and mathematical models to determine the forces needed to trigger the mechanism.
A study led by the University of Zurich found that 1.5 billion people will strongly depend on mountain water resources by mid-21st century, up from 7% in the 1960s. Sustainable development and climate action are crucial to ensure mountain areas continue to supply water as 'water towers'.
Dolphins use complex techniques like 'shelling' to obtain food, a behavior comparable to tool use in humans. A study revealed that dolphins learn new foraging methods mainly through social transmission among peers, similar to great apes and gorillas. This discovery expands our understanding of how dolphins adapt to changing environment...
Researchers have identified a new mechanism implicated in familial hemiplegic migraine type 2, a debilitating condition affecting the central nervous system. The study found that genetic mutations cause malfunction of astrocytes in the cingulate cortex, leading to increased sensitivity to pain triggers and neuronal excitability.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to describe human behavior in various scenarios, helping to understand decision-making. The study found that people tend to use a linear threshold model, increasing the price they're willing to pay over time.
The study reveals that human presence disrupts the complex social structures of Masai giraffe populations, leading to weaker relationship strengths and exclusive social associations. Giraffes living near humans have reduced social interactions and are more likely to encounter livestock and predators.
A new gene has been discovered that reduces pollen number in plants, a trait previously thought to be detrimental. The RDP1 gene promotes protein production, suggesting a potential advantage in self-fertilizing species.
A study by researchers at the University of Zurich mapped immune cells in different types of brain tumors, revealing tumor-specific instructions for tissue-invasive leukocytes. The findings provide a basis for developing tailored immunotherapies for various types of brain tumors.
Scientists at University of Zurich create custom X-ray contrast agent 'XlinCA' for improved vascular imaging. This breakthrough allows for complete and uninterrupted visualization of blood vessels in humans and animals, reducing the need for animal experiments.
A new method uses CAR-T therapy to eliminate leukemia stem cells and blood stem cells selectively, sparing mature blood cells and other tissues. The treatment is achieved through genetic modification of immune cells, which then target and destroy only the leukemic stem cells.
A recent study by University of Zurich researchers has identified a key mechanism controlling brain development and cognitive function. The study found that a lipid metabolism enzyme, fatty acid synthase (FASN), regulates the lifelong activity of brain stem cells, leading to reduced division and learning deficits.
A field experiment with a leaf galling fly and its parasitic wasps found that eliminating natural enemies constrains the fly's evolution toward only one optimal solution. This loss of genetic diversity may make it harder for the fly to adapt to changing environments.
A new study by researchers from the University of Zurich and Harvard Medical School found that the high cost of cancer drugs in the US is not always justified. The study analyzed the costs of 65 cancer drugs in five countries and found no correlation between monthly treatment costs and clinical benefit.
Researchers identified a protein responsible for transporting iron into bacteria that causes tuberculosis. Inhibiting this transport process could lead to new drug targets and novel treatments.
Researchers have discovered that dental pulp stem cells promote neuronal growth in tissue regeneration and cancer progression, while also recruiting facial neurons. The findings open up new paths towards effective therapies against cancer using drugs that modify the communication between neurons and cancer stem cells.
A recent study reveals that the loss of protein MCL1 can drive cancer formation in the intestine, even without bacterial-driven inflammation. The research found that mice lacking MCL1 developed tumors and intestinal damage, similar to human cases with chronic intestinal inflammation.
Research on ancient hornwort genomes has identified genes that boost carbon dioxide concentration, increasing yield, and those promoting symbiosis with bacteria for nitrogen acquisition. This discovery may lead to more efficient crops requiring less fertilizer.
A study on the BEF-China experiment found that directed species loss in high-diversity ecosystems leads to significant reductions in forest productivity. The researchers simulated both random and directed species extinction scenarios and analyzed the data, revealing that diversity alone does not protect against losses.
A study of Agta hunter-gatherers in the Philippines revealed that their complex social networks accelerated cultural evolution and innovation. The researchers found that sharing knowledge and combining individual insights led to faster development of medicinal products, with an average of 250-500 rounds of interactions required.
The extinct turtle Stupendemys had a carapace reaching almost three meters and weighed an estimated 1,145 kg, making it one of the largest turtles to have existed. Males carried horns on their shells, indicating two sexes with sexual dimorphism.
A multinational study by University of Zurich researchers found that members of disadvantaged groups are less likely to support social change when interacting with privileged groups, but more willing to work in solidarity. The study suggests that actively acknowledging structural inequalities can prevent perpetuation of group disparities.
Researchers used imaging mass cytometry to analyze 35 protein biomarkers in breast cancer patients, identifying four subcategories of the disease with varying molecular profiles. This breakthrough has the potential to change clinical practice by enabling precision medicine and personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers analyzed how juvenile male zebra finches learn to sing using a novel framework that revealed multilayered changes in brain wiring. Good songs improve slowly over time, while bad ones change quickly but are often forgotten the next day.
Researchers develop machine that repairs injured human livers and keeps them alive for a week outside the body. The technology increases the number of available organs for transplantation, saving lives of patients with severe liver diseases or cancer.
A new study reveals that landscapes with mixed land uses are more productive and stable than those with uniform use. The research found that diverse landscapes can mitigate effects of climate variation and interact in ways that improve the functioning of the entire landscape.
Researchers developed a new ELISpot blood test to diagnose bacterial infections, including Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which can trigger skin and mucous membrane lesions in children. The test detects specific immune cells targeted against M. pneumoniae, allowing for more specific treatment and prognosis.
A newly discovered protein called Mib1 has been identified as key to successful viral DNA uncoating, enabling adenoviruses to infect cells. The protein's presence is necessary for viral infection, and its inhibition could lead to the development of new anti-viral therapies.
Studies on mice suggest that a neuropeptide αCGRP has beneficial effects on the heart in patients with high blood pressure. Physical activity increases αCGRP levels, which help prevent pathological heart remodeling and cardiac dysfunction. However, long-term use of αCGRP blockers may be hazardous for these patients.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have identified a new target for treating incurable leukemia in children by analyzing the molecular causes of the disease. They found that an abnormal protein activates genes at the wrong time, triggering the formation of malignant white blood cells and causing leukemia.
Researchers have discovered that dental epithelial stem cells from young mice can regenerate mammary glands and produce milk-producing cells. This breakthrough highlights the exceptional plasticity of these stem cells, which can generate not only dental tissues but also other cell populations.
Researchers found that mindfulness meditation boosts the positive long-term effects of a single dose of psilocybin, reducing stress and increasing feelings of happiness. The study showed that meditation can counteract negative reactions to psilocybin and increase empathy and altruism.
Researchers found that common marmosets learn and adopt new dialects when moving to a new colony, suggesting socially learned dialects. The study provides insight into the origins of language in primates.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered a new family of synthetic antibiotics that target essential outer membrane proteins in Gram-negative bacteria, disrupting their synthesis and leading to cell bursting.