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.
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.
