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Nearly all vital functions in the human body are regulated by so-called G protein-coupled receptors on the cell surface. These receptors thus serve as attractive drug targets to treat various diseases. Researchers have now discovered that empty spaces inside these receptors are important for their activation and thus for relaying messages to the inner cell. Their approach to locate these voids may help to direct the search for novel drugs.
Ethiopia is known for its coffee but also regularly makes headlines for poverty and the flaring up of violence. For his dissertation project, geographer Thomas Betschart investigates how the design of the country’s infrastructure shapes daily life. Getting into conversation with locals and gathering information turned out to be quite a challenge.
Changes to tumor cells during metastasis depend on certain molecules on the cell surface. Here, the importance of “glycolipids” in the spread of ovarian cancer has been deciphered by a Basel-led international team. These findings could pave the way for new treatment methods.
At the end of August, Professor Nicole Schaeren-Wiemers will step down from her role as Vice President for People & Culture and resume her research work in the Department of Biomedicine.
Ferda Canbaz develops lasers for high-precision cutting. Things don’t always go to plan. But that only sparks her ambition all the more. Her research to date focused on investigating different laser materials and developing ultrafast lasers – now she is revolutionizing surgery as part of the MIRACLE team.
Initially, Nadine Felber couldn’t imagine doing a doctoral thesis. But the coronavirus pandemic and its effect on her private life made her change her mind. She’s now looking at the level of acceptance for new technologies in nursing care for the elderly. The question she’s trying to answer: “What is truth”?
You can’t see Mitchell Brüderlin’s work – at least, not with the naked eye. The nanoscientist’s research on bacteria sits at the intersection of biology and physics. When he’s not losing track of time in the basement of the Biozentrum, he can look out from his office over the city where his scientific career began.
Higher aspirations lead to higher achievements. At least, that is true in the context of educational and occupational aspirations, as shown by a new study co-authored by economist Dr. Reto Odermatt of the University of Basel. Unrealistically high aspirations as a teenager, however, can have a negative effect on well-being as an adult.
If evolutionary biologist Carolin Sommer-Trembo is not in her office, it is often because her work has taken her to a place others might think of as a holiday destination: Zambia. She is researching cichlids, which exhibit extraordinary diversity there, and investigating how curious the fish are. Working as a scientist involved turning her back on a career in dance.
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