Two powerful strategies in one treatment: Researchers at the University of Basel and University Hospital Basel have demonstrated that a newly developed fusion protein can both block the “do not attack” signal used by cancer cells and selectively activate tumor-fighting immune cells.

Today, the 2025 fall semester begins for 12,890 students and PhD students at the University of Basel. Wishing everyone a successful semester!

Vertebrates, whether fish or great apes, have developed an incredible variety of mouth types. But what do we know about their history and origins?

Seven researchers from the University of Basel receive ERC Starting Grants – an exceptional result for the University of Basel. Over the next five years, they will each receive between EUR 1.5 million and EUR 2.3 million in funding.

Cells migrate during wound healing, immune response, and cancer metastasis, often squeezing through narrow spaces. @davidbrueckner.bsky.social and his collaborators found that cells have a kind of memory: they can “remember” how they previously navigated such constrictions. @biozentrum.unibas.ch

The University of Basel is setting up a new endowed professorship at the @biozentrum to make fundamental discoveries at the interface between biophysics and climate-relevant environmental biology. This will be made possible by the Georg H. Endress Foundation.

🎊Cheers to 25 Years of Discovery @biomedizin.unibas.ch ! Since 2000, we’ve grown into one of Switzerland’s top translational research hubs — thanks to our brilliant teams & community. We celebrated with music, laughter, science & soul. Here’s to the next 25.💙 biomedizin.unibas.ch/en/newsdetai...

Artificial photosynthesis could be the key to environmentally friendly fuels. A research team led by @wengeroliver.bsky.social has developed a special molecule that can store four charges simultaneously under light irradiation. Wenger calls this molecule "an important piece of the puzzle."

August 25 marks 125 years since the death of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who was a professor at @unibas.ch. In an interview, literary scholar Prof. Hubert Thüring reflects on why Nietzsche’s perspectivism, critique of power, and brilliant style still matter today.

Researchers at @unibas.ch made a spin qubit both faster and more robust at the same time — solving a key dilemma in quantum computing. Their trick: a smart use of spin–orbit coupling in nanowires.

The Septimer Pass in the canton of Graubünden provides a direct and simple route over the Alps. The first human traces there date back at least as far as the Bronze Age. Last year, Peter-A. Schwarz, Hannes Flück and a group of students spent two weeks searching for archaeological artifacts.

Silas Battisti's journey into the world of chemistry was shaped by a fascination for the organic processes involved in wine production. Today, he is pursuing his PhD at the Department of Chemistry @unibas.ch, where he is developing new synthetic methods in the field of C-H activation.

In order to fulfill their many functions, proteins must be folded into the correct shape. Researchers @hillerlab.bsky.social @biozentrum.unibas.ch have now discovered tiny “folding factories” in cells that were previously unknown.

Noise, accidents, emissions – mobility generates external costs that the general public must bear. But what would happen if these costs were charged directly to those who cause them? A research team led by economist Prof. Dr. Beat Hintermann set out to answer this question in a recent study.

Korean TV dramas resonate with global audiences. However, essential details in the plot and context are at risk of being lost in translation. So how can subtitles make the complexity of Korean culture understandable to an international audience? Researchers @unibas.ch explore this question.

Chiara Minotti loves ballet and the cultural diversity of the three-country region. But her greatest passion is medicine for the youngest among us. The PhD student is researching ways to prevent or treat infections in premature babies.

Researchers @unibas.ch have repurposed a natural enzyme so that it catalyzes a highly challenging chemical reaction. Their approach opens new possibilities for synthesizing complex molecules—such as pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals—in a more environmentally friendly and efficient way.

Between Basel and Zimbabwe, Chipo Mellisa Kaliofasi is researching how Shona women have to fight for their property. In her dissertation, she investigates how Shona women in colonial Zimbabwe tried to secure their rights and property from 1896 to 1980.

Relationships matter to all of us. A study by Basel psychologists shows how partnerships and personalities are interconnected. “If I’m sure of my own personality, I’m also in a better position to get involved with someone else,” explains Prof. Alexander Grob.

In his doctoral dissertation in psychology, Linus Hany focuses on statistics. As a volunteer, he is committed to helping people who are at risk of being forgotten by the system. In both areas, it’s important to avoid rushing to judgement.

Rahel Arnold blends code and choreography: by day, she develops augmented reality tech at @unibas.ch; by night, she trains on roller skates. Her motto? Fall down, get up — in research and in sport. 🧠🛼 Part of our #InFocus series on early-career researchers. #XR #PhDLife vist.ly/3y7n9

By examining the blood vessels of the eye, we can assess the health of vessels throughout the body. This method was developed in large part by researchers at the University of Basel. Now, it’s making its way into clinical applications.

🦠 A Swiss research team @unibas.ch University of Zurich has reconstructed the country’s first 1918 influenza genome. The study offers key insights into how the deadly virus adapted to humans— to better understand and prepare for future pandemics. #Influenza #RNA #PaleoGenomics vist.ly/3xsad

What drives someone to dive into theology today? For Anita Dirnberger, it’s not devotion but curiosity — about people, history, and how ancient texts still speak to us. She’s part of our #InFocus series highlighting early-career researchers at @unibas.ch www.unibas.ch/en/News-Even...

Everyone wants to maintain healthy teeth for as long as possible. Researchers at the University Center for Dental Medicine Basel UZB are studying how to keep cavity-causing bacteria at bay.

A recent study by an international research team (with @spanglab.bsky.social @biozentrum.unibas.ch) reveals that slowing down the intracellular transport of RNA-based drugs can significantly enhance their effectiveness. These promising therapeutics are currently used to treat rare genetic diseases.

Hassina Baraki has been appointed Clinical Professor of cardiac surgery. She will also become the chief physician for cardiac surgery at the University Hospital Basel. Ilija Bogunovic will be the new associate professor for AI and foundation models. 👉 www.unibas.ch/en/News-Even...

It can happen to anyone: A tooth has to be replaced with an implant. Ideally, dental implants integrate seamlessly into the mouth and last a lifetime. A nanoscientist and a dentist are teaming up to find the best material to achieve this.

When it comes to the digital transformation of countries, faster doesn’t necessarily mean better. Using a monitor, Christian R. Ulbrich compares the consequences of government digital transformation for the democratic systems in Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Estonia.

“The successful pop hits of recent years differ quite substantially in their tonal quality, expressiveness and emotional depth.” As a lecturer, Dr. Julia Landmann examines the English-language pop songs consumed by millions of listeners — and she likes to get her students involved in the process.

Researchers @swisstph.ch and partners have discovered a new parasitic worm species named Trichuris incognita in Côte d’Ivoire. The discovery is now formally recognized through the official handover of preserved specimens to the Natural History Museum in Basel.

The governments of Basel-Landschaft and Basel-Stadt have approved the performance mandate and the global contribution to the university for 2026-2029. They are asking their parliaments for a global contribution of CHF 1.504 billion – around 11 percent more than in the previous mandate period.

Following a highly competitive selection process, three researchers from the University of Basel have been awarded a European Research Council Grant. ‪@erc.europa.eu‬

Communication isn’t just about what we say. When we eat together, we communicate in different ways. “You can’t view language in isolation,” says linguist Lorenza Mondada. “It goes hand in hand with facial expressions, gestures and other body movements.” www.unibas.ch/en/News-Even...

Populism is a political reality in many European countries. A study by @sophsuda.bsky.social and her research team now shows that coalition governments that include populist parties are often unstable. But it isn’t the radicalism of the party that counts, rather it’s the political style.

Next stop: Osaka! Our Department of Biomedical Engineering will be presenting its current developments at the World Expo in Japan, as part of the Swiss Pavilion: Robotics, laser systems, 3D printing, and virtual reality – all aimed at improving lives through innovation in biomedical engineering.

Calculating the correct dosage of general anesthetics is no easy task, especially for pediatric patients. A study now shows that breath analysis can help anesthesia personnel administer the optimal dose of a common anesthetic. Breath analysis can also determine how the body reacts to the anesthesia.

Not only do neurons deep in the brain help initiate movement, they also actively suppress it with astonishing precision. These findings, from a new study by researchers @unibas.ch & @fmiscience.bsky.social, are key to improving our understanding of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

Despite just two years of physics at high school, Andrea Hofmann chose to study the subject in Zurich. Today, she develops qubits with her research group in Basel. 👉 www.unibas.ch/en/News-Even...

Our Sustainability Report for the years 2023/2024 shows that many university members got involved once again in the cause of greater sustainability. Nevertheless, the university’s greenhouse gas emissions increased in 2023/2024 – primarily due to increased air travel following the pandemic.

In laying the foundation stone for the new biomedicine building, we are strengthening our role as a leading research institution in the life sciences. The new laboratory building will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure to around 700 researchers from 2030/31 onward. @biomedizin.unibas.ch

Our jaws are getting smaller — and it’s been happening for generations. Dental anthropologist Kurt W. Alt calls it a “microevolution in the background.” What’s driving this shift, and why jaw and tooth size aren't reliable indicators of biological sex, is explored in the latest issue of Uni Nova.

Before we had mass media, people’s voices were instrumental in disseminating news. A research project by @missfelder.bsky.social looks at vocal culture in the early modern period. #UniNova @geschichtebasel.bsky.social

Taste, pain, or response to stress — nearly all essential functions in the human body are regulated by so-called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Researchers @biozentrum.unibas.ch have uncovered the fundamental mechanism how such a GPCR works, using a method similar to the earth satellite GPS.

The body defends itself against pathogens by depriving them of vital iron. However, this strategy doesn’t always succeed against Salmonella. Researchers @biozentrum.unibas.ch have discovered that these bacteria specifically target iron-rich regions within immune cells to replicate.

After the bloody attack on Indian tourists in #Kashmir, the decades-long conflict has flared up again. Conflict researcher @pascaleschild.bsky.social puts the events into perspective and explains why the people of Kashmir have been torn between the fronts for decades. @swisspeace.bsky.social

In order for trees to grow, they need to control their water balance meticulously. A study by researchers @unibas.ch & @tum.de shows how trees react to drought – and revises previous perceptions.

It talks, sings, eats, kisses, and laughs. We rarely give it much thought — except, perhaps, when we visit the dentist. In the new issue of Uni Nova, we give the mouth the spotlight it deserves. 👉 www.unibas.ch/en/News-Even...

Bacteria have a simple yet potent mechanism that controls their sensitivity to environmental stimuli. A new study by researchers led by @erikvannimwegen.bsky.social @biozentrum.unibas.ch shows: the slower cells grow, the more sensitively they respond to their environment.

How does the legal supply of cannabis affect the consumption and mental health of its users? An interdisciplinary research team has now reported on the direct comparison of the substance’s legal versus illegal procurement.