A team of Uppsala researchers discovered a wealth of previously unknown microscopic animal fossils in Greenland rocks, dating back over half a billion years. The finds reveal a diverse array of soft-bodied organisms that likely made up the majority of ancient ecosystems.
A study published in Molecular Cell sheds light on the molecular mechanisms controlling Amplified in Liver Cancer 1 (ALC1) enzyme activity. Researchers found that ALC1's 'macro domain' interacts with its ATPase motor, switching off activity when not needed.
Researchers from Princeton University and Uppsala University report the origin of a new lineage of Darwin's finches through hybridization between two distinct species. The study reveals that reproductive isolation was established in just two generations, with the new lineage becoming ecologically competitive and unique.
A genomic study of Scandinavian wolves has found extensive inbreeding, with some individuals having entire chromosomes without genetic variation. The study also revealed that immigrant wolves were partly inbred, contradicting the assumption of unrelated founders.
A Swedish study of over 3.4 million individuals found that dog owners had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Dog ownership was particularly protective for singles, with a 33% reduced risk of death and 11% reduced risk of myocardial infarction.
A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that breastfeeding may increase the risk of developing hay fever and eczema, while not having a clear effect on asthma. Lifestyle factors such as socioeconomic status and body mass index also played a role in the study.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers found that patients' expectations significantly influence the efficacy of SSRI antidepressants. In a double-blind study, patients who received correct information about their medication showed three times more responders than those given incorrect information.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered how CRISPR-Cas9 finds its target sequence in the genome, taking around six hours to search a bacterium's four million base pairs. To improve speed and reliability, they found that sacrificing Cas9's flexibility can lead to faster, but still versatile genetic scissors.
A genomic analysis of ancient human remains from KwaZulu-Natal reveals that southern Africa played a significant role in the history of humankind. The study estimates the divergence among modern humans to have occurred between 350,000 and 260,000 years ago.
Preschool children in joint physical custody show less behavioral problems and psychological symptoms compared to those living mostly or only with one parent. A new study finds that continuity and stability are crucial for young children's mental health.
A new study from Uppsala University finds that genetic effects on obesity are not fixed but interact with lifestyle factors. The study reveals that physical activity and socio-economic status can reduce the impact of genes on weight.
A 132 million-year-old plesiosaur fossil was discovered in northern Germany and identified as a new species, Lagenanectes richterae. The ancient creature had a long neck, short jaws with specialized teeth, and internal channels for electroreceptors.
A comprehensive study has identified 33 million genetic variants in 1,000 Swedish individuals, with 10 million being novel. The data will aid researchers and clinicians in understanding the association between genetic variants and diseases.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new method for rapidly determining bacterial resistance patterns in urinary tract infections, reducing the time from days to minutes.
Researchers at Uppsala University develop a small-scale method to determine bioavailability of drugs within cells, facilitating early-stage drug development. The method takes into account how drugs 'disappear' when binding to cell components, offering a promising tool for pharmaceutical companies.
Researchers found Epac2A controls insulin release amount and timing at cell membrane sites. Patients with type 2 diabetes have lower Epac2A levels, suggesting a link to reduced insulin secretion.
A nationwide registry study of 156,000 people found that daily incidence rates of myocardial infarction were higher during winter holidays and on Mondays, but lower during weekends and summer vacation. The study suggests that perceived psychosocial stress may be a trigger for MI rates.
A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that almost half of patients with type 1 diabetes for over ten years still produce some insulin. Higher levels of interleukin-35 were detected in these patients, suggesting a link between this protein and the regeneration of remaining insulin-producing cells.
A new study by researchers at Uppsala University reveals that genetic differences between species are the key to song discrimination in juvenile songbirds. The study finds that even when exposed to songs from other species, young birds selectively learn and discriminate their own species' songs.
A new study uses synchrotron tomography to create high-quality 3D models of well-preserved food residues in 230 million-year-old fossil faeces. The technique reveals detailed information about the diet and lifestyle of ancient animals, providing insights into the ecosystem.
A new study from Uppsala University found that tea consumption in women leads to epigenetic changes in genes related to cancer and estrogen metabolism. However, coffee consumption was not associated with such changes.
Children at Swedish 'gender-neutral' preschools show reduced tendencies for gender-stereotypical assumptions when interacting with peers of the opposite sex. This is attributed to the norm-conscious practices used by teachers, which also promote increased interest in playing with unfamiliar peers.
In a breakthrough study, Uppsala researchers demonstrate magnetic order in a two-dimensional molecular chessboard lattice consisting of organometallic molecules. The researchers created long-range magnetic order at low temperatures through the transmission of Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interactions and Kondo screening.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new method to measure proteins in dry blood samples, allowing for easier and cheaper healthcare. The study found that this method has great potential to save resources and enable early diagnostics, with minimal changes to protein levels over time.
A mislocalized calcium channel contributes to failed insulin secretion in type-2 diabetes, disrupting the cellular signal for release. Researchers found that the channel proteins are located too far away from insulin vesicles, causing secretion to fail.
The number of fatalities in organized violence decreased to 102,000 in 2016, a decline of over 20% from the peak year of 2014. However, conflicts with external involvement remain a major concern for researchers, who note that these conflicts are more likely to escalate into larger wars.
A new study found that Scottish badger populations are more likely to thrive in areas with higher minimum winter temperatures and lower elevation. However, the predicted increase in human population in the Scottish Highlands may counteract these benefits, highlighting the need for context-dependent responses in conservation management.
Researchers found that larger schooling fish exhibit stronger attraction forces compared to smaller fish. Computer simulations validated the results, revealing a key role for interdisciplinary statistical approaches in understanding social interactions.
A new study published in Oncoimmunology suggests that kidney dysfunction in cancer patients can be triggered by the immune system's response to the tumor. Researchers identified neutrophils as a key player in this process, which can lead to impaired blood flow and inflammation in organs like the kidneys.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered two independent mutations required for the development of sex-linked barring in chickens, a pattern resembling the common cuckoo's plumage. The study sheds light on the genetic mechanisms behind colour variation and pigmentation in birds.
Researchers sequenced Africanized bee genomes to understand their success. They identified a region linked to ovary size and foraging strategy, key traits for adaptation and dispersal. Hybridization between different populations led to the creation of new genetic variants, contributing to the bees' exceptional abilities.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that antibodies against cartilage protein collagen II are associated with a good prognosis in rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that patients with these antibodies showed increased signs of inflammation during the first six months after diagnosis, but no difference later on.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that water temperatures generally remain low despite rising air temperatures, helping to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The research, conducted by Uppsala University, involved nearly 3,500 schoolchildren taking measurements and samples from lakes across Sweden.
A new study by Uppsala University reveals that household electricity use can be reduced substantially when residents are forced to pay for their own consumption. The study found that 20% of tenants accounted for up to two-thirds of the reduction in electricity consumption, highlighting the need for fairer distribution of costs.
Researchers at Uppsala University found that genes frequently collaborate in large clusters or networks to regulate traits. This study highlights the importance of considering gene interactions when predicting genetic effects on individuals.
Historical ecologists identify key questions about past human-environmental relationships to inform modern sustainability efforts. The research aims to bridge the gap between natural and social sciences, incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.
A new study has found that men with higher cognitive ability are more likely to take statins prescribed after a heart attack, reducing the risk of another heart attack or premature death. The study used data from over 2,500 patients and found an association between low general cognitive ability and non-compliance with medication.
A new study on genetic data of prehistoric human remains shows that only a few women participated in the migration from the Pontic-Caspian Steppe around 5,000 years ago, whereas men made up most of the migrants. This suggests that different social and cultural processes drove the two migrations.
Researchers at Uppsala and Umeå University found that the molecular composition of sediment organic matter controls methylmercury formation. Organic compounds from phytoplankton are linked to high mercury methylation rates, while carbon compounds from the watershed do not have this effect.
Scientists at Uppsala University reveal the secret behind massive volcanic eruptions, discovering chemical clues in quartz crystals that hint at magma assimilating a local rock rich in water, leading to increased gas pressure and catastrophic eruptions.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered a correlation between brain tumor cell origin and its growth rate, malignancy, and response to cancer drugs. The study found that tumors originating from immature neural stem cells were more aggressive and less sensitive to treatment than those from differentiated glial cells.
Researchers at Uppsala University found that climate change upends the selection of face characteristics in collared flycatchers, with rising spring temperatures leading to a reversal in fitness selection. The study suggests that the balance of investment in ornaments and survival was fundamentally altered over the study period.
Researchers at Uppsala University have found a new principle for epigenetic changes, involving the tryptase enzyme that cleaves histone tails. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining cellular identity and preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation.
A new study from Uppsala University found that delaying umbilical cord clamping by more than three minutes can prevent iron deficiency and anemia in infants up to six months of age. This method resulted in a nine percent reduction in anaemia incidence at eight months and an eight percent decrease at twelve months.
Researchers at Uppsala University developed a new antibody design that increases brain uptake of antibodies almost 100-fold, offering new opportunities for treating brain diseases. The modified antibodies use the transferrin receptor to transport them across the blood-brain barrier.
A recent study from Uppsala University found that systematic exchange of information between parents, preschool teachers, and child healthcare centres (CHCs) is crucial for identifying young children with mental health issues. The study introduced a new method to enhance communication between these groups, resulting in improved assessm...
Researchers at Uppsala University identified a new mechanism that could explain the tumor-promoting role of EZH2 in multiple myeloma. Inhibiting EZH2 reduces the survival of tumor cells by downregulating oncogenes and upregulating microRNAs with potential tumor suppressor functions.
A new study from Uppsala University identifies a group of microorganisms, Asgard archaea, that provide insights into the evolutionary transition from simple to complex cells. The discovery sheds light on how eukaryotic cells evolved their complexity and suggests a possible mechanism for this process.
A study published in Nature Climate Change finds that a lack of research led by Southern scientists hinders global agreements and nationally-appropriate actions on climate change. Practical steps are recommended to bridge the divide and promote inclusive scientific development.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a cost-effective method for live cell imaging using smartphones, enabling laboratories worldwide to study cellular responses to treatments. The innovative system utilizes 3D-printed parts and off-the-shelf electronics, providing excellent cell culture conditions and high-resolution imaging.