The neurobiologist Prof. Silvia Arber and the developmental biologist Prof. Alex Schier from the Biozentrum of the University of Basel have been elected as new members of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Joining the ranks of the NAS is one of the greatest honors to be bestowed on a scientist.
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.
On 23 April 2020, the general assembly of Euresearch elected Professor Edwin Constable to the role of President. Ed Constable is professor of chemistry at the University of Basel and has served on the Management Board of Euresearch for the past eight years.
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.
The Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI) has appointed genome researcher Prof. Dr. Dirk Schübeler as its new director.
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.
Group 3 innate lymphoid cells have contrasting functions depending on the organ: in the intestines, they prevent certain immune responses, whereas in the spleen they stimulate them. Researchers from the University of Basel have discovered how signals from the surrounding tissue control this.
In order to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the University of Basel has reduced its research and operations to a bare minimum. But despite these challenging circumstances, research is by no means standing still. In the last few weeks, numerous new projects have emerged, including a survey on the subject of “COVID-19 & Sleep.” We interviewed Dr. Christine Blume, a sleep researcher at the Centre for Chronobiology, about the interests and objectives of her current study.
