In the fight against bacterial pathogens, researchers are combining vaccination with targeted colonisation of the intestine by harmless microorganisms. This approach could potentially mark a turning point in the antibiotics crisis.
LSD is a well-known hallucinogenic drug, but medical research has also discovered its potential for treating psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. Now, researchers from the University of Basel have explored whether the substance could also relieve symptoms of ADHD.
People breathing contaminated air over the course of years are at greater risk of developing numerous diseases. This is thought to be due to highly reactive components in particulate matter, which affect biological processes in the body. However, researchers from the University of Basel have now shown that precisely these components disappear within hours and that previous measurements therefore completely underestimate the quantities in which they are present.
In vertebrates, the skeleton of different regions of the body arises from different precursor cells. Researchers at the University of Basel have now discovered that these skeletal cells do not just differ in their developmental origin, but also in their gene regulation – which may be a key to the vertebrates’ evolutionary success story.
Almost half of women of reproductive age experience complaints in the days leading up to menstruation. Researchers from the University of Basel have shown that open-label placebos can help, particularly when combined with an explanation of the treatment.
The University Council has appointed Professor Ece Özkan Elsen assistant professor of paediatric digital health data analytics. Professor Sebastian Ludyga is to become professor of sport pedagogy and health development. Both professorships are affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine.
Last week’s Senate meeting focused on the revised regulations on the protection of personal integrity. The board also awarded ten people the title of Dr. habil. and the Venia docendi.
Mitochondria are the powerhouses in our cells, producing the energy for all vital processes. Using cryo-electron tomography, researchers at the University of Basel have now gained insight into the architecture of mitochondria at unprecedented resolution. They discovered that the proteins responsible for energy generation assemble into large “supercomplexes”, which play a crucial role in providing the cell’s energy.
Students and staff have until 26 March to nominate their favorites for the University of Basel Teaching Awards.
