Ancient Egyptian religion and culture were informed by the concepts of demise and renewal. Rituals provided stability in times of upheaval, for example at the end of life. "People had to prepare in life for their later journey to the hereafter," explains Egyptologist Sandrine Vuilleumier.

Catalina Chaparro-Pedraza @ecoevodevolab.bsky.social has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant and will begin her research at the University of Basel on March 1. Her work will focus on how biodiversity responds to human-induced environmental changes. vist.ly/4rygx @eawag.bsky.social

Dr. Halyna Tsyhanenko fled Ukraine for Switzerland in 2022, and settling in was challenging. With support from @scholarsatrisk.bsky.social, she joined the University of Basel, where she was able to continue her social psychology research for two years. In this interview, she shares her experience.

In rural regions of Africa, high blood pressure often goes untreated. A new study shows: trained laypeople improve blood pressure control in their village community compared to normal treatment in healthcare centres. #TaskShifting #SolidarMed

The University Council of the University of Basel has entered the 2026–2029 performance period. At its inaugural meeting, the new University Council President, Prof. Dr. Aymo Brunetti, welcomed Markus Eigenmann, who represents the sponsoring canton of Basel-Landschaft on the Council.

Congratulations to @marcaurelbusche.bsky.social on receiving the 2026 Rainwater Prize for Innovative Early Career Scientists — one of the most prestigious international awards in neurodegeneration and dementia research. 👉 www.unibas.ch/en/News-Even...

Dr. Isabelle Wienand has headed the University of Basel's Research Ethics Committee since its inception. In an interview, she explains why universities need their own ethics board – and what matters most for responsible research.

How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect the mental health of people in Switzerland compared to other countries? A study by a team led by Prof. Christian Huber (UPK & @unibas.ch) suggests that well-being and mental health suffered less in Switzerland than in many other countries.

A Harley Davidson and an affair with a younger woman — classic signs of a midlife crisis. A typically male phenomenon? Science historian Professor Susanne Schmidt was surprised to discover that the midlife crisis was originally a feminist concept.

The University of Basel is taking on a co-lead role in National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) ‘Precision’, dedicated to cutting-edge research in high-precision measurements.

Researchers @unibas.ch & @ethz.ch have succeeded in changing the polarity of a special ferromagnet using a laser beam. "In the future, we will be able to use our method to optically write arbitrary and adaptable topological circuits on a chip," says Prof. Dr. Tomasz Smoleński.

A low-carb diet is considered a promising weight-loss solution. But does it really help to reach your dream weight? In a fact check for #UniNova, endocrinologist PD Dr. Eleonora Seelig explains that food quality matters more than cutting out carbohydrates.

#Fluoride is used worldwide to prevent tooth decay. However, health concerns are raised, particularly in places where fluoride is added to drinking water. An international research team involving the University of Basel has evaluated data from over 11 million births and reached a clear conclusion 👇

Entanglement is probably the most puzzling phenomenon observed in quantum systems. A research team @unibas.ch & @lkblab.bsky.social has now shown how entanglement of spatially separated quantum objects can be used to measure several physical parameters simultaneously with greater precision.

Researchers @unibas.ch have deciphered the diet of an important nomadic people in Eastern European history. By analyzing dental calculus, they have provided the first direct evidence that the diet of the Scythians included milk from various ruminants and horses. vist.ly/4nvc5

A research team @nanoscience.ch has accurately observed novel energy flow mechanisms in semiconductors, post-laser pulse excitation. The findings offer critical insight towards enhancing the efficiency of electronics and computer chips. www.unibas.ch/en/News-Even...

Environmental phenomena and their consequences can disrupt social structures and destabilize political systems. An interdisciplinary research team demonstrated this using the example of the late Tang dynasty in medieval China. vist.ly/4mzx3

Fiona Doetsch, Professor of Molecular Stem Cell Biology @biozentrum.unibas.ch has been awarded the 2026 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine. She is recognized for identifying neural stem cells in the adult mammalian brain. The prize is endowed with 500,000 Swiss francs. 👉 www.unibas.ch/en/News-Even...

Researchers @biomedizin.unibas.ch report how the Epstein-Barr virus can initiate early multiple sclerosis-like damage in the brain. This offers a new perspective on how rare immune events may shape disease risk.

Short exercise sessions can help children build social relationships. This has been demonstrated by @unibas.ch researchers. An “active” short break could be a fun way to integrate these findings into everyday school life.

Some bacterial pathogens play dead to dodge antibiotics. A new test watches them closely—and helps choose drugs that finish the job. #AntibioticTolerance @biomedizin.unibas.ch @lucboeck.bsky.social

Catalysts speed up chemical reactions and are essential for industry; but there is still some room for improvement. Murielle Delley wants to make catalysts more efficient and more sustainable.

When do people engage in dialog across political divides? A new study by researchers @socpsychbasel.bsky.social shows that personal factors matter more than the controversial nature of a topic in whether people actually talk across divides.

Ovarian cancer reshapes the omentum, a fatty, immune-active tissue in the abdomen, early on. Even tumor-free areas may harbor cancer cells. A new study by researchers @biomedizin.unibas.ch suggests that wider removal may reduce the risk of relapse.

As Christmas nears, grocery stores and delicatessens everywhere fill with boxes packed with #panettone. A truly delicious panettone requires time and skill – but the result is a scientific treat, explains @mpodvinec.bsky.social.

Prof. Dr. Ana Zora Maspoli has been appointed the new professor of Provincial Roman Archaeology. The Rectorate has named her the holder of the Vindonissa Professorship, significantly funded by the Canton of Aargau. 👉 www.unibas.ch/en/News-Even...

Antibody-based therapies are used to treat numerous diseases, from cancer to rheumatic disorders and multiple sclerosis. Researchers @biomedizin.unibas.ch & @biozentrum.unibas.ch now report that individual genetic differences can prevent antibody-based therapies from being effective in some people.

In 2026, three new professors will take up positions in the Faculty of Medicine, while one professor will be joining the Faculty of Psychology. 👉 www.unibas.ch/en/News-Even...

If gut bacteria are too similar to the protective layer of nerves, they can misdirect the immune system and cause it to attack its own nervous system. This mechanism can accelerate the progression of #multiplesclerosis, as researchers at the University of Basel have shown in trials with mice.

From artificial intelligence to memory and from gene regulation to treatments for blindness: four projects at the University of Basel will each receive around EUR 2 million over a five-year period to pave the way for new discoveries. 👉 www.unibas.ch/en/News-Even...

The Chinese mathematician Hong Wang has been awarded the 2025 International Ostrowski Prize in Higher Mathematics. The Ostrowski Prize is worth 100,000 Swiss Francs and is named after Alexander M. Ostrowski, a professor of mathematics who taught at the University of Basel.

Western Europe was successfully reconstructed after the devastation of World War II. This wouldn’t have been possible without raw materials from Africa, says historian Danelle van Zyl-Hermann in an Uni Nova interview.

Some bacteria use a kind of molecular 'speargun' to inject a lethal cocktail into their rivals. Researchers @basler-lab.bsky.social @biozentrum.unibas.ch have now found that certain bacteria can protect themselves against these toxic attacks – but this makes them more vulnerable to antibiotics.

#SwissScienceImage 📷 Submit your best #photos and #videos of your research to the SNSF Scientific Image Competition! The winning entries will be exhibited at the Biel/Bienne Festival of Photography in May 2026. 🗓️ Submission deadline: 2 February 2026 ➡️ https://sohub.io/kw8d

A study led by @unibas.ch has discovered that nuclear pore complexes – tiny gateways in the nuclear membrane – are not rigid or gel-like as once thought. Their interiors are dynamically organized, constantly moving and rearranging. The findings have implications for diseases and potential therapies.

Professor Viktoria Jansesberger is to become the new assistant professor of political science, with a focus on environment and development. The professorship is being financed by the Max Geldner Foundation. 👉 vist.ly/4h774

30 years ago, the Dayton Agreement marked the end of the Bosnian War. Two researchers from the University of Basel are examining how its effects are being felt today, both locally and in the diaspora.

Neural implants can improve people's lives. But what happens when manufacturers stop supporting their own technology? George Kouvas, a researcher at the Institute for Biomedical Ethics @unibas.ch, is investigating the previously underestimated phenomenon of 'neuroabandonment'.

Just a few days after the crime – that is usually how long signs of strangulation can be detected. But research by @claudialenz.bsky.social shows that this timeframe needs to be reconsidered: internal injuries can be detected with MRI for much longer than previously thought – up to 12 days.

When parliamentarians disclose their additional income from lobbying work, they gain more trust from the electorate. Even those who receive very large financial contributions benefit from greater transparency. @stefaniebailer.bsky.social ‪ @ohuwyler.bsky.social @nathaliegiger.bsky.social

LAMA2 muscular dystrophy is a severe form of muscle weakness. The muscle fibers lack stability and die off. Researchers @ruegglab.bsky.social @biozentrum.unibas.ch have now shown that muscle stem cells are also affected—an aspect that future therapies will need to take into account.

Today, the University of Basel celebrated its Dies academicus, honoring leading figures from the fields of art, science, and society. In addition to awarding seven honorary doctorates and numerous prizes, the university appointed its first honorary councillor.

According to the laws of thermodynamics, total energy (heat plus work) in a closed system remains constant. But in quantum systems, the distinction between work and heat is no longer straightforward. Researchers @unibas.ch have developed a new approach to apply thermodynamics to quantum systems.

Sexist harassment on online platforms discourages young women from getting involved in politics, as shown by a new study by @dahoehmann.bsky.social, Tomoko Latteier and @stefaniebailer.bsky.social. The consequences are not only borne by those directly affected, with democracy also being harmed.

Dexamethasone, a proven drug for treating the side effects of chemotherapy, could reduce metastases and slow tumor growth in therapy-resistant ER + breast cancer, according to researchers at the University of Basel. www.unibas.ch/en/News-Even... @momobentires.bsky.social @biomedizin.unibas.ch

Our bone marrow consists of specialized tissue made up of bone cells, blood vessels, nerves and other cell types. Now, researchers @biomedizin.unibas.ch have succeeded for the first time in recreating this cellular complexity using only human cells. This could reduce the need for animal experiments.

Prof. Burcu Tepekule is to become the new assistant professor of Paediatric Infectious and Emerging Diseases Modelling. She will take up her position at the Basel Research Centre for Child Health, which is jointly supported by @unibas.ch & @ethz.ch, on 1 August 2026. www.unibas.ch/en/News-Even...

“If we’re open to new models, parenthood could become a multifaceted concept.” Prof. Dr. Sabine Hohl, a philosopher, studies how parenthood is perceived in society. Through her research, she aims to encourage a rethinking of fixed ideas about what constitutes a family. #uninova

How can we make global supply chains for coffee, cocoa and co. more sustainable? In this Uni Nova interview, sustainability researcher @janinagrabs.bsky.social discusses how certifications, minimum standards and other measures work in practice.

Three of this year's 41 @snsf.ch Starting Grants will fund projects in the humanities at the University of Basel. The three grantees @fabianbaumann.bsky.social, Dr Pauline Maillard and Dr Zeynep Köylü will receive an assistant professorship (without tenure track) at the University of Basel.