Science-Switzerland

#Discovery | 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝘆𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝘂𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 | Researchers from EPFL, CHUV | Lausanne university hospital, and the University of Lausanne, guided by lead researcher Dr. Jordan Squair and Prof. Dr. G. Courtine, have uncovered a remarkable finding: stimulating the lateral hypothalamus through deep brain stimulation (DBS) can restore walking in paralyzed patients, delivering both immediate and sustained improvements, even after the stimulation is turned off. Using an advanced imaging platform at the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, detailed brain-wide maps were created to identify the lateral hypothalamus’s crucial role in walking recovery. The study applied DBS therapy to precisely target this brain region, demonstrating a pivotal therapeutic pathway for spinal cord injury recovery. Integrating fundamental neuroscience and precise neurosurgical techniques, the research suggests a reorganization of residual nerve fibers, bolstering long-term neurological recovery. A game-changer, this breakthrough is poised to revolutionize paralysis care. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/gw9yk7we 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/gVhKWawx 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#AI | 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗚𝗣𝗧 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲? | Researchers at EPFL, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Antoine Bosselut, have conducted a compelling study evaluating the performance of language models in university courses. The investigation, spanning 50 courses across nine different programs, encompassed disciplines such as computer science, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and materials science. The research discovered that AI systems like ChatGPT could correctly answer 85% of university test questions, given prior training. This showcases the potential for AI to serve as an accurate evaluator of course performance and indicates that current AI technology would likely yield even higher accuracy today. The researchers also aim to advance the integration and understanding of LLMs within educational settings. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/gnsfcQzb 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#NeuroScience | 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗔𝗴𝗲 | A study led by Prof. Dr. Friedhelm Hummel from EPFL, in collaboration with Dr. Pablo Maceira Elvira and teams from the University of Geneva, University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland (HES-SO), and the NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, uncovers that the effectiveness of brain stimulation is more closely linked to an individual's learning capability rather than their age. The researchers conducted the study by examining how native learning abilities affect the impact of brain stimulation during a motor task learning process. They discovered that individuals with less efficient learning mechanisms gain more from stimulation, while those with optimal learning strategies may experience adverse effects. This pivotal finding indicates the potential for developing tailored brain stimulation protocols that maximize individual benefits, enabling enhanced interventions in neurorehabilitation, where relearning lost skills is vital. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/gm6gXA-M 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/gAAhPfe8 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> www.swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#AI | 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗚𝗣𝗧 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘀 | At the University of Zurich, researcher Dr. Christoph Steinert, alongside physicist Daniel Kazenwadel from the University of Konstanz, Germany, has spearheaded an study on large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, which uncovered how the language used for prompting impacts the responses generated by these models. Using an automated query system, the researchers posed identical questions in various languages to ChatGPT, focusing particularly on contentious topics such as the Israeli-Palestinian and Turkish-Kurdish conflicts. Their analysis revealed a stark disparity; specific languages can sway the model's answers, such as denying airstrikes when questions are posed in the language of the attacker. This finding is crucial as it underscores potential language biases in LLMs, highlighting the risk of reinforcing informational divides and biases, which could exacerbate existing conflicts. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/gHtM_eVk 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/gH8Q3qVu 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#SocialMedia | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗯𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 | Conducted at the University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), this innovative research explores how social media influences public health messages, focusing specifically on obesity. Using a mix of human and AI analysis, researchers delved into sentiments surrounding obesity on Twitter. This involved advanced algorithmic and manual sentiment analysis across eight languages, providing a nuanced view of the digital landscape. The findings underscore the profound impact social media and public personalities have on shaping public health opinions and behaviors, which is critical for crafting effective public health policies and strategies that navigate the unique challenges posed by digital communication channels. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/evATn6fk 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/eVV3wbi3 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> www.swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#Psychology | 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 | Researchers at the University of Zurich, led by Dr. Michael Krämer, have uncovered crucial insights into the well-being of caregivers. By analyzing an extensive dataset from the Netherlands, Germany, and Australia, comprising 281,884 observations from 28,663 caregivers, the study reveals significant declines in life satisfaction and emotional health, particularly heightened anxiety and loneliness, among caregivers, with women notably affected. The study's findings indicate that increased time dedicated to caregiving tasks leads to a deterioration in well-being, irrespective of gender. This comprehensive research emphasizes the urgent need for policy changes, suggesting reduced dependence on informal care and better access to formal long-term and blended care solutions. The research underscores the profound impact caregiving has on caregivers’ lives, urging policy discussions to mitigate the burden of informal care. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/gmbvWeGG 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/gDvtMHPW 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> @Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#ClimateResearch | 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗔𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 | EPFL scientists, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Julia Schmale have developed a system that unravels the intricate relationship between sea spray aerosols, sea state, and atmospheric conditions. This breakthrough offers crucial insights into the environmental processes at play in the Arctic, focusing on summer conditions. The team conducted their research by mounting this innovative system on an icebreaker, which traversed expansive Arctic regions, collecting valuable data. The collaboration included experts from the University of East Anglia, ETH Zürich, GESSHIN Ca' Foscari University of Venice, and the University of Melbourne. The research identifies physical variables like sea state, wind speed, and atmospheric stability affecting aerosol production. Understanding these dynamics is vital, as aerosols significantly influence cloud formation, precipitation, and the planetary energy balance, ultimately enhancing climate change predictions and advancing weather forecasting. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/gS24N_5E 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/gn32mTjt 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#SleepResearch | 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 | Researchers from the University of Lausanne and the CHUV | Lausanne university hospital, led by Dr. Georgios Foustoukos, have achieved a remarkable scientific breakthrough in sleep research. Their study explored the role of the locus coeruleus, a specific brain region, revealing its vital function in structuring sleep cycles. Utilizing advanced neuroimaging technologies, the team investigated the neural pathways in mice, uncovering how the fluctuating activity of the locus coeruleus during sleep orchestrates the sleep cycle. This discovery revealed previously hidden structural units of sleep and their coordination, offering new insights into the evolution of sleep across species, including reptiles, by identifying precursor activities in ancient sleep patterns. The implications for understanding sleep disorders are could potentially lead to new strategies to enhance sleep quality. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/erdUTJHY 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/gwPGpbRv 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#MarsDiscovery | 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝟰.𝟰𝟱 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 | A team of researchers from Curtin University, the University of Lausanne, and the University of Adelaide, led by Jack Gillespie, has made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the ancient presence of water on Mars. Their research provides compelling evidence that hydrothermal activity occurred on Mars over 4.45 billion years ago. Through meticulous analysis of the Martian meteorite NWA 7034, dubbed "Black Beauty," found in the Sahara desert in 2011, the team focused on zircon minerals within the meteorite. This analysis revealed crucial insights into Mars' geological processes, highlighting the early presence of water and its potential habitability. Supported by the Australian Research Council, Curtin University, and the Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF, this discovery considerably enhances our understanding of Mars' early planetary evolution and hints at the possibility that the planet could have supported life. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/e8qPgDzc 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/gZwbjaGB 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#WeeklyDigest | 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 & 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 | A weekly recap of the latest achievements of Switzerland's higher education and research institutions, startups and other innovation-driven organizations: 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 / 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 - Innovative Tree Restoration in Oil Palm Plantations (Université de Neuchâtel) >> https://lnkd.in/g4mMYf24 - Disaggregating Carbon Sinks for Accurate Climate Action (University of Bern) >> https://lnkd.in/gJXumfHV 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 - The Chilling Sound of the Aztec Death Whistle (University of Zurich) >> https://lnkd.in/g3vQ2qYH 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗼 / 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 / 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 - New Supercomputer Enables Cutting-edge and Sustainable Research (EPFL) >> https://lnkd.in/gkR_QsWT 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀 / 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 / 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗵 - Previously Unknown Compound Discovered in Drinking Water (ETH Zürich) >> https://lnkd.in/g2YhGGtb 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 - Shell Limits Evolution of Turtles (Université de Fribourg - Universität Freiburg) >> https://lnkd.in/gCwRtWzk - Multiple Sclerosis Drug May Help with Poor Working Memory (University of Basel) >> https://lnkd.in/gqZcNUB3 - "Genetic Time Machine" Reveals Complex Chimpanzee Cultures (University of Zurich) >> https://lnkd.in/gSiSMFBN - A New Model to Understand Skin Renewal (University of Geneva) >> https://lnkd.in/gEnuzr59 - Cause of the Yo-Yo Effect in Weight Loss Deciphered (ETH Zürich) >> https://lnkd.in/gGMzt4YX - Cutting-edge AI Methodology Enhances Stress Research (ETH Zürich) >> https://lnkd.in/gM3TPuxt 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 - Transforming the Construction Industry for Future Generations (EPFL) >> https://lnkd.in/ggzqVgXq 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #AddingValue | #Education | #Research | #Innovation