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University of Zurich
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Health - Psychology - 27.11.2024
Caregivers Experience Decline in Well-Being
New research from the University of Zurich, based on data from more than 28,000 caregivers in three countries, shows that the longer individuals spend caring for loved ones, the more their well-being suffers, regardless of the caregiving context. These findings underscore the need for policy discussions to alleviate the burden of informal care.
Innovation - Linguistics / Literature - 25.11.2024
User Language Distorts ChatGPT Information on Armed Conflicts
When asked in Arabic about the number of civilian casualties killed in the Middle East conflict, ChatGPT gives significantly higher casualty numbers than when the prompt was written in Hebrew, as a new study by the Universities of Zurich and Constance shows. These systematic discrepancies can reinforce biases in armed conflicts and encourage information bubbles.
Life Sciences - 21.11.2024
’Genetic Time Machine’ Reveals Complex Chimpanzee Cultures
Chimpanzees are known for their remarkable intelligence and use of tools, but could their cultures also evolve over time like human cultures? A new, multidisciplinary study led by the University of Zurich suggests that some of their most advanced behaviors may have been passed down and refined through generations.
Psychology - Life Sciences - 19.11.2024
The terrifying sound of the Aztec skull whistle
The Aztec skull whistle produces a piercing, scream-like sound. According to a study by the University of Zurich, this sound has a strong frightening effect on the human brain. It is assumed that the Aztecs used this effect specifically in their sacrificial rituals in order to influence the participants emotionally.
Life Sciences - Health - 06.11.2024
Use of Genetic Scissors Carries Risks
The CRISPR tool is capable of repairing the genetic defect responsible for the immune disease chronic granulomatous disease. However, researchers at the University of Zurich have now shown that there is a risk of inadvertently introducing other defects. The CRISPR molecular scissors have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of genetic diseases.
Health - Life Sciences - 31.10.2024
Unraveling the Link Between Hepatitis and Kidney Damage
The hepatitis E virus affects the liver. But infected liver cells secrete a viral protein that reacts with antibodies in the blood and may form complexes that can damage the filter structure of the kidneys, as researchers from the University of Zurich and the University Hospital Zurich have proven for the first time.
Life Sciences - 30.10.2024
Similarities in Brain Development Between Marmosets and Humans
In common marmosets, the brain regions that process social interactions develop very slowly, extending until early adulthood, like in humans.
Environment - Agronomy / Food Science - 24.10.2024
Plant Diversity Enhances Soil Carbon Retention
A new study shows that increasing plant diversity in agriculture can be used to improve the carbon sequestration potential of agricultural soils. As the agricultural sector strives to reduce its carbon footprint, promoting biodiversity in agricultural practices could be the key to more sustainable and climate-friendly food production systems.
Life Sciences - 23.10.2024
Birth: It’s a Tight Squeeze for Chimpanzees, Too
According to a new study, chimpanzees, like humans, must contend with a confined bony birth canal when giving birth. In humans, the problem was exacerbated by our unique form of upright walking since this led to a twisting of the bony birth canal, while the fetal head got larger. The "obstetrical dilemma" therefore evolved gradually over the course of primate evolution rather than suddenly in humans as originally argued.
Environment - 21.10.2024
Rapidly Increasing Industrial Activities in the Arctic
More than 800,000 km2 of the Arctic were affected by human activity in 2013, according to an analysis of satellite-derived data on artificial light at night. On average, 85% of the light-polluted areas are due to industrial activities rather than urban development. According to the international team led by researchers, the results are crucial for sustainable development and nature conservation in this highly vulnerable region.
Pharmacology - Health - 17.10.2024
AI Helps to Detect Antibiotic Resistance
In a pilot study, researchers at the University of Zurich have used artificial intelligence to detect antibiotic resistance in bacteria for the first time. This is an important first step toward integrating GPT-4 into clinical diagnostics. Researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) have used artificial intelligence (AI) to help identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Health - 15.10.2024
Novel App Tracks Travel-Related Illnesses
On around one in three trips someone falls ill, with gastrointestinal and respiratory complaints among the most common symptoms. These are the findings of a new study based on data from a travel app developed by researchers at the University of Zurich. The app could be used in the future to help detect outbreaks of contagious diseases at an early stage.
Life Sciences - Environment - 07.10.2024
Reducing Herbivore Damage Using Biodiversity
Pesticides aren't always necessary: researchers at the University of Zurich have conducted a comprehensive field study showing that damage from herbivores can be reduced by using biodiversity within a plant species. Different plant genotypes can cooperate to help fend off herbivorous insects. Just like humans, plants interact with the individuals around them.
Economics - 01.10.2024
Public Discourse Promotes Socially Responsible Behavior
Public discourse campaigns often promote social responsibility, but do such discussions also impact our market behavior? Economists at the University of Zurich have published a new study that shows that engaging in public discourse increases socially responsible market behavior - regardless of participants' social norms and values.
Social Sciences - Psychology - 25.09.2024
Self-Esteem Boosts Sexual Well-Being - and Vice Versa
A long-term study by the Universities of Zurich and Utrecht has confirmed a dynamic correlation between self-esteem and sexual satisfaction. The results provide valuable insights about longstanding questions about whether better sex makes you feel better, feeling better makes you have better sex, or both.
Life Sciences - Health - 23.09.2024
Compact ’Gene Scissor’ Enables Effective Genome Editing
CRISPR-Cas is used broadly in research and medicine to edit, insert, delete or regulate genes in organisms. TnpB is an ancestor of this well-known "gene scissor" but is much smaller and thus easier to transport into cells. Using protein engineering and AI algorithms, researchers have now enhanced TnpB capabilities to make DNA editing more efficient and versatile, paving the way for treating a genetic defect for high cholesterol in the future.
Economics - 19.09.2024
Aversion to Inequality Drives Support for Redistribution
As income inequality widens, debates around redistribution policies are heating up. New research from the Universities of Zurich, Lille and Copenhagen reveals that support for these policies stems not only from individuals' financial situations but also from an inherent aversion to inequality. These findings offer valuable insights into predicting public support for future redistribution policies.
Paleontology - Life Sciences - 29.08.2024
Ancient Sea Cow Attacked by Multiple Predators
Remarkable fossil evidence of an ancient sea cow being preyed upon by not one, but two different predators - a crocodile and a shark - offers fresh insights into the predation tactics and food chain dynamics of millions of years ago.
Life Sciences - 23.08.2024
Colorful Traits in Primates Ease Tensions Between Groups
Primate ornamentation plays a crucial role in communication not only within social groups but also between them, according to a new study. The research reveals that the males of species with overlapping home ranges often display vibrant colors or elaborate features, traits that may help reduce intergroup aggression by enabling quick assessments of potential rivals.
Astronomy / Space - 05.08.2024
Using Small Black Holes To Detect Big Black Holes
An international team of astrophysicists with participation of the University of Zurich proposes a novel method to detect pairs of the biggest black holes found at the centers of galaxies by analyzing gravitational waves generated by binaries of nearby small stellar black holes. The origin of supermassive black holes found at the centers of galaxies, is still one of the biggest mysteries in astronomy.