Quantcast

Latest News

Shifting Signatures Of Climate Change Reshuffle Northern Species

Analysis of long-term monitoring data for almost 1,500 species in Finland shows that four decades of climate change has led species to shift between the “better” and “worse” parts of their climatic niches, and that these impacts were most pronounced at higher latitudes.

Insomnia In Midlife May Manifest As Cognitive Problems In Retirement Age

According to a new study, long-term insomnia symptoms can pose a risk of poorer cognitive functioning later in life. This is why insomnia should be treated as early as possible.

Nitric Acid May Influence The Formation Of Aerosol Particles In The Upper Troposphere

A new mechanism was discovered in a study published in the journal Nature, which suggests that nitric acid, sulphuric acid and ammonia can together form aerosol particles and ice nuclei much more efficiently than previously understood. This mechanism is thought to be particularly significant in the cold environments.

Scent Dogs Detect Coronavirus Reliably From Skin Swabs

A recent study by the University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital confirmed that scent detection dogs can be taught to identify individuals with a coronavirus infection from skin swabs. In the experimental set-up the accuracy of the dogs in identifying the samples was 92 percent.

COVID Lockdowns Increased Burning In Globally-Important Protected Areas

During the early months of the pandemic, when on-site management activities were on hold due to lockdowns, fires inside protected areas in Madagascar increased very dramatically by 76-248 %, compared to levels expected from patterns in previous years.

A Healthy Lifestyle Helps To Prevent Gestational Diabetes In Those At Highest Genetic Risk

Researchers have developed a genetic-risk score for identifying individuals who would benefit the most from lifestyle counselling to prevent gestational and postpartum diabetes.

A Strong Saline Solution Can Boost The Delivery Of Morphine And Other Drugs To The Spinal Cord

A study conducted at the University of Helsinki investigated how the glymphatic system of the brain can be utilised in the delivery of morphine to the spinal cord to increase the effectiveness of pain relief.

A Single Course Of Antibiotics Affects The Gut Microbiota Of Infants

A study indicates that antibiotics, which kill bacteria, boost the abundance of gut fungal microbiota. The phenomenon can be a contributing factor in the long-term adverse effects of antibiotics, such as inflammatory bowel diseases.

Balancing Lipids And Recycling To Prevent Mitochondrial Meltdown

An international team led by scientists at the University of Helsinki have discovered that the cellular balance of lipid droplets can impact the recycling of damaged mitochondria. These results have importance for cell survival and nervous system dysfunction.

Phase Transitions In The Early Universe And Their Signals

A Helsinki research team has demonstrated how an early universe phase transition will lead to gravitational wave signals potentially visible in the upcoming satellite missions. The research results were recently published in the prestigious journal Physical Review Letters.

Genes Can Affect Our Nutrient Tolerance

According to an international study, minor genetic differences can affect the ability to utilise the energy of various nutrients. This work shows how nutritional planning based on genetic data could promote the development of personalised nutrition for health.

Fetal Exposure To Drugs May Affect Infants’ Brain Development

New study demonstrates that in utero exposure to mother’s antiepileptic or antidepressant medication may affect development of the newborn brain networks.In the study novel mathematical methods were developed to allow future research on how commonly used drugs or other environmental conditions affect the newborn brain.

Friend Or Foe? The Immune System Collaborates With Blood Cancer Cells

An international study coordinated by a University of Helsinki research group demonstrates that the body’s immune system attacks itself in a rare type of blood cancer. Consequently, treatment should be targeted at the immune system as well, not only the cancer cells.

Brain Activity Reflects Early Maturation Of Speech Processing Already In Infancy

Auditory abilities and the speech processing capacity of the brain, factors central to language learning, mature to a notable degree in the first years of life. Familial risk for the reading disorder dyslexia also affects the development of auditory abilities already in infancy.

Researchers Discover New Tools In Regular Blood Samples For Developing Precision Therapies For Lymphoma

Tumour DNA circulating in the bloodstream of patients with aggressive lymphoma has a previously unknown and even crucial role in the identification of effective therapies for this serious disease.

Stressful Environmental Factors And Behavioural Problems Predispose Dogs To Repetitive Behaviour

An extensive study conducted at the University of Helsinki revealed that sex, age, breed, sterilisation status, behavioural problems and environmental factors that cause stress are linked to repetitive canine behaviour. The identification of risk factors can help improve the wellbeing of dogs and their owners.

Like Father Like Child – Male Parents Lead Young Birds On First Migration

GPS tracking of Caspian terns showed that male parents carry the main responsibility for leading young during their first migration from the Baltic Sea to Africa.

Snow Conditions Influence The Choice Of Habitat For Wintering Birds

Deep snow cover increases the number of wintering birds near human settlements but reduces numbers in arable fields, according to a new study at the University of Helsinki.

High Pond Density Benefits The Dispersal Of Aquatic Insects In Urban Areas

Improving structural connectivity of urban ponds is important for building networks between ponds and enhancing pond biodiversity, indicates a recent study carried out at the University of Helsinki.

Embracing Mountain Microbiome And Ecosystem Functions Under Global Change

As mountain ecosystems are natural laboratories of global change due to their strong climatic gradients, they continue to be important ecosystems for climate change impact studies.