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Liver cancer: How liver cells go astray

The causes of liver cancer are manifold. In addition to metabolic disorders such as those associated with obesity, the main causes in the western world are infections with hepatitis C virus and high alcohol consumption.…


Cell receptors: of voids and void fillers

The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) perform very diverse tasks in our body. They enable us to see, taste food, feel cold or warm, or respond to stress. Located on the cell surface, GPCRs sense a large variety of signals…


Discovery of a new antibiotic against resistant pathogens

The WHO calls the creeping and rapidly growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria a “silent pandemic”. The crisis is aggravated by the fact that hardly any new drugs have come onto the market in recent decades. Even…


T cells: No time to die

Like human beings, every cell in our body tries to ward off death as long as it can. This is particular true for a specific type of immune cells, called T-lymphocytes, or T cells for short. These cells keep viruses,…


Heat stress reduces lifetime of mRNA molecules

The coronavirus pandemic and the development of the novel vaccines has brought mRNA into the public eye. mRNAs are transcripts of DNA. They serve as a template for protein production and are degraded after a certain time.…


Liver cancer: Lipid synthesis promotes tumor formation

In Switzerland, about 650 new cases of liver cancer are diagnosed every year. The incidence of the malignant and aggressive liver cell carcinoma has doubled in the last 20 years, especially in developed countries. One…


Cilia in 3D: Miniature train station discovered

Cilia perform numerous functions for the cell: they help cells swim, move fluid, and send messages to each other. Cilia ensure that we can see, they remove substances from the lungs, move fluid in the brain, and enable us to…


Neuronal circuits for fine motor skills

Picking up a pen and writing our name or reaching for a fork to eat spaghetti with tomato sauce are things we take for granted. However, holding a pen properly or bringing spaghetti to the mouth without making a mess…


Win-win in muscle research: faster results and fewer laboratory animals thanks to new method

Researchers use the mouse as a model organism to study the structure and function of skeletal muscle, neuromuscular diseases and ageing processes in muscle. The scientists are aware of their responsibility in the use of…


Anissa Kempf

Meet sleep scientist Prof. Anissa Kempf Do gender issues play a role in your team? Yes, gender equality plays an important role in my team. Gender diversity is key to create a fair and productive work environment. How can we…