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.
It’s not always easy for children with cleft lip or palate to get the treatment they need, particularly in low-income settings. Researchers at the University of Basel are working with ETH Zurich to develop a digital process to facilitate the production of palate plates – which simplifies surgical closure of the cleft.
The Botnar Research Center for Child Health is launching an emergency initiative to help manage the COVID-19 pandemic. CHF 15 million is available for projects by researchers from the four partner institutions.
Female professors are still underrepresented at Swiss universities. PRIMA is a funding instrument from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) that provides women with targeted support in their academic careers. Last year, funding was awarded to three female researchers at the University of Basel.
Labs and seminar rooms are empty, lectures are being held online. Even research has been reduced to the minimum. However, for Prof. Richard Neher from the University of Basel, these times are far from quiet. With his research on the global spread of the coronavirus, he is currently at the forefront of investigations into the pandemic.
Half a year into her new mandate as Personal Integrity Coordinator, Dr. Andrea Bauer takes stock for the first time. There has been a great demand for advice and support in the past few months, and there is still a lot more work to be done.
Much of the media coverage on COVID-19 focuses on numbers and statistics. While this can be helpful, it might also be overwhelming and confusing. How to decide how to act in the current situation? Social psychologists from the University of Basel recommend nine practical tips on how to make decisions now.
Currently, the question is being discussed whether taking the painkiller Ibuprofen exacerbates the progression of COVID-19. A correspondence by Basel researchers states that there are some indications of a negative effect, but no clear evidence of an adverse impact. More research is needed to investigate this hypothesis.
