The Botnar Research Centre for Child Health (BRCCH) is supporting 11 research projects on Covid-19. Within the framework of the “Fast Track Call for Acute Global Health Challenges” (FTC), Fondation Botnar is financing the projects at the BRCCH's partner institutions with a total of around CHF 15 million over two and a half years.
For the first time, researchers have succeeded in creating strong coupling between quantum systems over a greater distance. They accomplished this with a novel method in which a laser loop connects the systems. In the scientific journal Science, the physicists from the University of Basel and University of Hanover reported that the new method opens up new possibilities in quantum networks and quantum sensor technology.
Certain bacteria, including the dangerous nosocomial pathogen MRSA, can protect themselves from acidic conditions in our body and thus ensure their survival. Researchers at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel have now elucidated an important mechanism in this process.
A survey by the University of Basel of over 10,000 people from throughout Switzerland has shown that around half of respondents feel more stressed in lockdown than they did before the coronavirus crisis. In the lockdown phase under study, the frequency of severe depressive symptoms almost tripled. On the other hand, 26% of respondents reported a drop in stress during lockdown. The survey also identified behaviors that can help reduce stress.
The fight against Covid-19 is far from over. People working in healthcare are more aware of this than most. In an interview, Prof. Michael Simon, Professor in Nursing Science at the University of Basel, speaks about the challenges faced by staff in hospitals and nursing homes.
Researchers from Basel have identified the genetic basis of rapid adaptation using a native fish species. They compared threespine stickleback fish from different habitats in the Lake Constance region. Their study reveals that changes in the genome can be observed within a single generation. The results were published in the journal Nature Communications.
The abundance of large orb web spiders in the Swiss midland has declined drastically over the last 40 years. The main reason for this is the shrinking food supply available to these insectivorous animals.
In response to a lack of potential coronavirus medications on the market, pharmacists from the University of Basel have begun to produce tablets themselves. Chronic patients, among others, could benefit from this.
Sporting activities can bring about a long-term improvement in cognitive performance across all age groups. However, the effects differ between men and women, and not all sports provide the same impact. Researchers at the University of Basel and the University of Tsukuba have provided recommendations based on a comprehensive analysis of previous studies.