Archive Research 2026

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05.08.2026 Sustainable Development and Nature Conservation

Human Activity More than Doubles Fire Occurrence in the Arctic

In the Arctic, fires occurred 2.5 times more often in lit areas associated with human activity than in climatically similar unlit areas. Effective fire prevention and response can help reduce risks whose impacts extend far beyond the Arctic.

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17.07.2026 Summer Quiz

Keeping Your Cool

Take a break from the heat with this quiz and see how well you know the news from the past few months. Have a relaxing summer!

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16.07.2026 Brain Research

CHF 4 Million for Brain Health Research

Can the brain’s aging process be slowed? An interdisciplinary team led by UZH psychiatry professor Philipp Homan is investigating this question.

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14.07.2026 Benin Bronzes

Back in Nigerian Hands

Objects long kept in European museums have become accessible again to the communities to which they are connected. Alice Hertzog discusses the return of UZH's Benin Bronzes to Nigeria.

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10.07.2026 Miniature Intraoral Robot (MIR)

Innovative Mini Robot for Dentistry

Clinicians and researchers at the Universities of Zurich, Basel and Bern are joining forces to develop a miniature intraoral robot.

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09.07.2026 Video series

Young Scientists Answer Key Questions about Animal Research

In the video series “Animal Research in Switzerland” 14 researchers—most of them young—answer the public’s most pressing questions.

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09.07.2026 Economy and Education

Educational Mobility Fuels Innovation

European regions where educational success is less tied to family background show a significant rise in patent applications. Greater opportunities for advancement are an important driver of innovation and economic development.

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08.07.2026 Leading House Asia Pacific

Multilateral Research Takes Shape Across the Asia-Pacific

More than 200 proposals were submitted from across the Swiss higher education sector to the first funding call of the Leading House Asia Pacific.

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08.07.2026 Biocultural Heritage

Amazon’s Biocultural Heritage Under Greater Threat Than Expected

Indigenous cultures in the Amazon region will lose up to one-third of the native plant species due to climate change while biocultural knowledge is set to decline sharply by 2080.

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07.07.2026 Children with Cancer

The Optimum Combination of Drugs

Researchers are using sophisticated drug response profiling and AI to optimize the treatment of Leukemia.

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06.07.2026 Children with Cancer

Gentle Treatment for Leukemia

Pediatric oncologist Jean-Pierre Bourquin is working to develop gentler therapies and seeking ways of tackling aggressive forms of blood cancer more effectively.

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02.07.2026 Research Integrity

Integrity Proceedings Clear Adriano Aguzzi

Integrity proceedings conducted by the University of Zurich have found that Professor Adriano Aguzzi bears scientific responsibility for several publications affected by errors. However, no evidence of intentional misconduct or negligence was found. The case therefore does not amount to academic misconduct under the university’s Integrity Ordinance.

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02.07.2026 Children with Cancer

Kilian’s Battle

Kilian Käslin developed leukemia as a baby. The diagnosis marked the start of a months-long battle for his life that required his family and doctors to give their all.

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30.06.2026 Spectroscopy

Record-Breaking Magnet Decodes Complex Molecules

UZH operates one of the world's most powerful nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers for research on complex biological molecules.

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24.06.2026 Biodiversity

Environmental DNA Reveals Impact of Climate and Humans on Global River Fish Biodiversity

Human activity and climate influence biodiversity patterns in river ecosystems, as a global analysis of fish biodiversity using environmental DNA (eDNA) reveals.

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24.06.2026 Nadija Research Foundation

New Research Center to Improve Support for War-Affected Children in Ukraine

The Nadija Research Foundation plans to operate a research center in Ukraine that investigates the long-term effects of war on children’s mental health. UZH President Michael Schaepman will serve as chair of the new foundation.

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23.06.2026 Pride Month

A Global Spotlight on LGBTIQ+ Health

This week, experts from academia, LGBTIQ+ organizations and healthcare are coming together at the University of Zurich for a global research project.

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23.06.2026 ERC Advanced Grant

The Puzzle of Fitness Landscapes

Evolutionary biologist Andreas Wagner has been awarded an ERC Advanced Grant. Over the next five years, he and his team will investigate a longstanding puzzle in Darwinian theory.

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22.06.2026 Developmental Psychology

Positive Everyday Experiences Have Greater Impact on Young People than Crises

A new study from the University of Zurich shows that adolescents and young adults describe positive, everyday experiences as shaping their lives most significantly, while psychological stress can change how they view major life events.

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22.06.2026 UZH Magazin

Curing Children

Today, many children with cancer can be treated successfully. A new Center of Competence in Research aims to make treatments even more targeted and effective. Read more in the UZH Magazin.

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18.06.2026 Economics

A Level Playing Field for All

A meritocratic system only works if everyone gets a fair start. Economists Ernst Fehr and Steven Ongena explain how education, a health and social security system and taxation help.

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18.06.2026 Biomedical research

Epigenetic Drugs Could Protect Blood Vessels in Obesity and Diabetes

Researchers were able to use medication to alter the epigenetic “reading signals” in the thin layer of fat surrounding blood vessels, thereby reducing inflammation and improving vascular health.

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16.06.2026 Sociology

Dominance-Oriented Views of Masculinity Widespread Among Young Men

Half of young men in Switzerland are concerned that “real men” are increasingly being marginalized in society. A lnew study shows how prevalent restrictive and dominance-based concepts of masculinity are.

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12.06.2026 Forensic Medicine

Sleep Deprivation Leaves Detectable Traces in Saliva

A research team at the University of Zurich (UZH) has discovered biomarkers of sleep loss in saliva. Acute sleep deprivation can be detected using just a single saliva sample.

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10.06.2026 Inequality in Football

Study Shows How Colonial Ties Shape Football Success

Colonial legacies continue to shape competitive outcomes in international football. Simulations of the upcoming World Cup show that former colonial powers benefit from access to a broader pool of talent, while formerly colonized nations face lower chances of success.

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09.06.2026 World Biodiversity Forum 2026

«Biodiversity loss»

At the 4th World Biodiversity Forum in Davos, biodiversity researchers are joining participants from politics, business, society, and culture to discuss ways to protect biodiversity.

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28.05.2026 FAN Fellowships 2026

Twelve Early-Career Researchers at UZH Receive Academic Excellence Fellowships

In 2026, the Academic Talent Development Fund (FAN) of UZH Alumni is awarding “Academic Excellence Fellowships” to twelve young researchers at the University of Zurich.

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28.05.2026 Digital transformation

How do young adults stay informed nowadays?

An NRP 77 study by the University of Zurich was the first to systematically investigate which news 18- to 25-year-olds consume online.

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28.05.2026 Digital Transformation 

“We need a culture for addressing AI errors” 

As the National Research Program Digital Transformation comes to a close, a new wave of digital change, driven by artificial intelligence, is already underway and needs to be addressed, says Abraham Bernstein.

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27.05.2026 Remote Sensing

ESA Mission to Explore Understory Biodiversity

The HiBiDiS mission aims to provide new insights into forest biodiversity, answering key questions about climate change. UZH is participating as a scientific partner.

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26.05.2026 Götz Award 2026

Targeting Cancer Cells’ Metabolism

Raphael Morscher, of the University Children’s Hospital Zurich, received the award for his research examining the metabolism of cancer cells as a potential therapeutic approach for neuroblastoma.

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25.05.2026 Applied Team Research

Too Much Proximity May Affect Team Well-Being

A new UZH study shows that months of isolation and constant physical proximity can increase conflict, mistrust and social withdrawal within teams.

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19.05.2026 Organisational sociology

Unexpected Digital Flexibility in Monasteries

A new study by the University of Zurich shows that historically developed monastic forms of co-determination can be a significant advantage for dealing with digitalization.

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13.05.2026 Animal Research

Hereditary Epilepsy Successfully Treated in Mouse Model

Scientists used gene editing to fix faulty DNA directly in the brain cells of mice, which reduced fever-induced seizures and markedly improved survival rates in an animal model.

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12.05.2026 Biomedicine

Antibody Spurs Nerve Fiber Regrowth Following Spinal Cord Injury

Scientists at UZH and Balgrist University Hospital reveal for the first time how the antibody therapy works: new nerve fibers were found to form functional connections once again.

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07.05.2026 Educational Science

“I just want a little bit of peace”

What do Ukrainian children who fled the war in their home country need in order to feel comfortable in Switzerland?

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06.05.2026 Evolutionary Medicine

Oxytocin Linked to Group Competition

A recent study shows that “love hormone” oxytocin levels increase when rivalry or clearly defined groups are involved – particularly in men.

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05.05.2026 Political Science

Helping Those Left Behind

Social decline – or the fear of it – is pushing people to vote for far-right parties. But trust in government rises when those struggling feel valued and receive support.

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04.05.2026 Mathematics

Playing with Numbers

Number theory is the branch of mathematics dedicated to the magic of natural numbers. Claire Burrin, assistant professor of mathematics, specializes in this field.

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30.04.2026 Developmental Psychology

Early Institutional Care Lowers Life Expectancy

A study of infants who were raised in care institutions in the 1950s shows that the lack of affection in early childhood seriously affects a person throughout their life.

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29.04.2026 Medicine

Manipulating Protein Factories

Ataman Sendoel is researching how tumors are able to misuse protein production for their purposes. And he is looking for substances to prevent this.

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28.04.2026 Evolutionary Biology

Cozzarelli Prize Awarded to Jordi Bascompte

UZH evolutionary biologist Jordi Bascompte has received the Cozzarelli Prize for his research on the emergence of eukaryotic cells.

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21.04.2026 Law

Dirty Water, White Gold

Human rights are often not sufficiently enforced. Legal scholar Christine Kaufmann recommends to name problems specifically.

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15.04.2026 Research Funding

UZH Creates New Fellowship Program for Postdocs

Meet the first three recipients of the Sylvia Isobel Willener Fellowship, a new funding instrument for postdoctoral researchers.

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14.04.2026 Evolutionary Biology

How Soil Microbes Adapt to Life in Lakes

An analysis of bacteria in Lake Zurich reveals that some soil microbes acquire new traits in order to colonize new aquatic habitats, while others reduce their genome size.

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13.04.2026 Animal Welfare

“Before we can refine, we need to define”

As part of the NFP 79 “Advancing 3R”, UZH veterinary physiologist Christina Boyle explores what life is like for breeding female mice.

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10.04.2026 Oncology

The Role of Gut Bacteria in Boosting Cancer Treatment

New research from Zurich shows that the gut microbiome may have an impact on cancer immunotherapy, giving patients who did not initially respond to treatment a second chance.

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09.04.2026 Digital Antiquity

History Set in Stone

Inscriptions from the Hellenistic and Roman periods are rich sources of information about life in ancient times. Databases make them available for research.

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07.04.2026 Economics

Can Fair Decisions Be Calculated?

Political decisions often create winners and losers. As research by economist Maya Eden shows, predictable and transparent criteria can help minimize unfairness.

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30.03.2026 Classical Archaeology

The Aromas of Pompeii’s Household Altars

An international research team investigated ash residues from incense burners. The substances they discovered show that Pompeii was part of a global trade network.

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30.03.2026 Nobel Prize in Economics 2019

Tailored Development Aid

Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee are fighting poverty with rigorous experiments and concrete policies. An interview with the Nobel-winning economists.

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26.03.2026 Political Science

Victims’ Background Shapes Perceptions of Police Violence

Police violence is judged differently depending on who is affected. When people with an immigrant background are targeted, abusive police actions are perceived as less serious.

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26.03.2026 Economics/History

Rebalancing the Tax Burden

There’s no easy way to achieve fair taxation. It takes a bundle of pragmatic measures to close loopholes, minimize false incentives, and tax work and capital evenly.

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25.03.2026 Immunity

HPV Vaccination Uptake in Adults Shaped by Knowledge and Medical Advice

Approximately one in four adults in Switzerland has been vaccinated against the human papillomavirus. A study explores the key factors influencing vaccination uptake.

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23.03.2026 Spin-offs and Patents

Innovative Strength Driven by Basic Research

At UZH, basic research brings about innovative products and applications. Researchers at UZH filed several patents in 2025, and four new spin-offs were created.

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20.03.2026 Restitution

UZH Returns Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

The objects originate from the Kingdom of Benin in what is now Nigeria and hold immense value for the people who live there.

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19.03.2026 Occupational Health

AI as a Resource and Challenge

How can we maintain mental health in our AI-driven world of work? Interview with UZH professor of psychology Laurenz L. Meier.

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18.03.2026 Citizen Science

Researching on Equal Terms in the Amazon

Two researchers have discovered a new palm species in the virgin forests of Colombia. Together with an indigenous community, they mapped its geographical distribution.

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18.03.2026 UZH Magazin

Ideas for a Fairer World

How can poverty be tackled more effectively? How can companies be held accountable? The new issue of the UZH Magazin explores how researchers at UZH are addressing these questions.

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17.03.2026 Clinical Psychology

Brief Interventions Reduce Risk of Renewed Suicide Attempt

A single conversation can make the difference: Brief, structured interventions significantly reduce the risk of a renewed suicide attempt.

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12.03.2026 BrainFair 2026

How AI Can Learn Better

Today’s artificial intelligence (AI) systems have difficulty understanding complex relationships. Benjamin Grewe wants to change this and draws his inspiration from biology.

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09.03.2026 Neuroeconomics

Brain Activity Reveals How Well We Mentally Size Up Others

Humans often adapt their behavior to that of other people with lightning speed. A new study shows which brain networks control this social adaptation.

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26.02.2026 Climate change

Global Warming Causes Cropland Areas to Shrink

The subtropics are particularly affected. Explore animated diagrams and interactive maps that show the extent of the decline in various climate scenarios.

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26.02.2026 Developmental Pediatrics

Start School Later, Sleep Longer, Learn Better

On school days, adolescents are chronically sleep-deprived. A new study reveals that a flexible starting time can improve their sleep quality, health and academic performance.

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17.02.2026 Chemistry

Bug-Born Breakthrough

Oliver Zerbe is working on an active substance that attacks pathogenic bacteria in a novel way and eliminates them.

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11.02.2026 Philosophy

Acknowledge the Good

When we talk about morality, we tend to think about guilt, blame and punishment rather than praise, says philosopher Pascale Willemsen.

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10.02.2026 UZH–Kyoto University Symposium

Tackling Global Challenges Together

A symposium held last week showcased the wide-ranging benefits of the strategic partnership between the University of Zurich (UZH) and Kyoto University.

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05.02.2026 Sparkling Research

Innovative Researchers in the Spotlight

At the research gala Sparkling Research, Vice President Research Elisabeth Stark presented seven awards for outstanding achievements in the fields of research and innovation.

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03.02.2026 Food in Film

A Feast for the Eyes

Since the advent of cinema, characters have been shown eating on screen. A culinary journey through the history of film.

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02.02.2026 Psychology

The Mind Doctor

Rwandan psychologist Celestin Mutuyimana studies how societies can overcome historical trauma – and hopes to help his compatriots heal.

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02.02.2026 Developmental Psychology

One-Third of Young People Are Violent Toward Their Parents

Physical aggression by adolescents against their parents is more common than people realize. According to a long-term study, violent behavior peaks at age 13.

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30.01.2026 Cardiology

New AI Tool Improves Treatment of Cancer Patients after Heart Attack

Researchers have developed an AI-based risk prediction model that combines cancer-related and traditional cardiovascular factors.

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30.01.2026 New National Centers of Competence in Research

Muons and Childhood Cancer

The University of Zurich has been chosen to host two new National Centers of Competence in Research, for childhood cancer diagnostics and treatment as well as muon research.

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28.01.2026 Nutrition

The World Is Getting Fatter

We eat too much and move too little. Physiologist Thomas Lutz and obesity specialist Philipp Gerber know how overweight people can get back on track.

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28.01.2026 UZH Foundation

CHF 75 Million for Science

The UZH Foundation raised a record CHF 75 million in third-party funding for the University of Zurich in 2025.

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28.01.2026 Soil Ecology

Pesticides Significantly Affect Soil Life and Biodiversity

Seventy percent of soils in Europe are contaminated with pesticides. A Europe-wide study now shows that their effects on soil life are substantial, as pesticides suppress various beneficial soil organisms.

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27.01.2026 Postdoc Team Award

When Spirituality Meets AI

A team of four researchers has won the UZH Postdoc Team Award for creating an AI tool that can search through thousands of UN documents for information on religion and spirituality.

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22.01.2026 Healthy Aging

Through Zurich Without Barriers

At the UZH Healthy Longevity Center, researchers working across disciplines are developing solutions that help older people live healthier, happier lives.

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20.01.2026 TRANSFORM funding line

Crime Research and Responsible AI

Two interdisciplinary projects have been awarded seed funding. One researches topics such as new forms of crime, while the other promotes the accountable use of AI.

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15.01.2026 Veterinary Physiology

Alzheimer’s Drug Demonstrates Efficacy Against Sickle Cell Anemia

Memantine, a cost-effective drug used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, could also benefit patients with sickle cell anemia in the future. Initial clinical data indicate that the active ingredient is well tolerated.

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15.01.2026 UZH Spin-Off

New Skin for Burn Victims

Researchers at UZH have been working on bio-engineered skin grafts for over 15 years, leading to the founding of spin-off Cutiss that produces living skin tissue from the patients’ own cells.

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14.01.2026 Psychology

Staying Single for Longer Affects Young People’s Well-Being

Long-term singles experience a sharper decline in life satisfaction over time and feel lonelier and more depressed – especially in their late twenties.

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13.01.2026 Immunology

Genetic Risk Factor and Viral Infection Jointly Contribute to MS

In addition to an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, certain gene variants are also partly responsible for triggering MS. Together, these two risk factors lead to the autoimmune disease.

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13.01.2026 Regenerative Medicine

Solving the Alzheimer’s Puzzle

How can we influence whether we develop Alzheimer’s disease? Researchers at UZH are examining the factors that trigger the onset of the disease – and those that shield us against it.

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12.01.2026 Flagship Project

UZH Research Co-Stars in TV Crime Drama

A federally funded research project aims to improve the implementation of assistive computer technologies, such as audio descriptions of TV programs for visually impaired viewers.

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12.01.2026 Plant and Microbial Biology

How Wheat Fends Off Fungi

Although cereals naturally resist pathogenic fungi, powdery mildew can overcome this resistance. Researchers have now discovered one of the mechanisms behind this process.

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08.01.2026 Evolutionary Medicine

Built for Fish, Not Fast Food

The modern world offers an abundance of convenience foods. But our Stone Age physiology isn’t built for modern diets, which are taking their toll on our bodies.

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07.01.2026 Best-Of Media Releases 2025

Melting Glaciers Top the List

Climate change, trust in science and health were among the most popular topics covered by UZH media releases and articles in 2025.

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Article list Research

Human Activity More than Doubles Fire Occurrence in the Arctic

Keeping Your Cool

CHF 4 Million for Brain Health Research

Back in Nigerian Hands

Innovative Mini Robot for Dentistry

Young Scientists Answer Key Questions about Animal Research

Educational Mobility Fuels Innovation

Multilateral Research Takes Shape Across the Asia-Pacific

Amazon’s Biocultural Heritage Under Greater Threat Than Expected

The Optimum Combination of Drugs

Gentle Treatment for Leukemia

Integrity Proceedings Clear Adriano Aguzzi

Kilian’s Battle

Record-Breaking Magnet Decodes Complex Molecules

Environmental DNA Reveals Impact of Climate and Humans on Global River Fish Biodiversity

New Research Center to Improve Support for War-Affected Children in Ukraine

A Global Spotlight on LGBTIQ+ Health

The Puzzle of Fitness Landscapes

Positive Everyday Experiences Have Greater Impact on Young People than Crises

Curing Children

A Level Playing Field for All

Epigenetic Drugs Could Protect Blood Vessels in Obesity and Diabetes

Dominance-Oriented Views of Masculinity Widespread Among Young Men

Sleep Deprivation Leaves Detectable Traces in Saliva

Study Shows How Colonial Ties Shape Football Success

«Biodiversity loss»

Twelve Early-Career Researchers at UZH Receive Academic Excellence Fellowships

How do young adults stay informed nowadays?

“We need a culture for addressing AI errors”

ESA Mission to Explore Understory Biodiversity

Targeting Cancer Cells’ Metabolism

Too Much Proximity May Affect Team Well-Being

Unexpected Digital Flexibility in Monasteries

Hereditary Epilepsy Successfully Treated in Mouse Model

Antibody Spurs Nerve Fiber Regrowth Following Spinal Cord Injury

“I just want a little bit of peace”

Oxytocin Linked to Group Competition

Helping Those Left Behind

Playing with Numbers

Early Institutional Care Lowers Life Expectancy

Manipulating Protein Factories

Cozzarelli Prize Awarded to Jordi Bascompte

Dirty Water, White Gold

UZH Creates New Fellowship Program for Postdocs

How Soil Microbes Adapt to Life in Lakes

“Before we can refine, we need to define”

The Role of Gut Bacteria in Boosting Cancer Treatment

History Set in Stone

Can Fair Decisions Be Calculated?

The Aromas of Pompeii’s Household Altars

Tailored Development Aid

Victims’ Background Shapes Perceptions of Police Violence

Rebalancing the Tax Burden

HPV Vaccination Uptake in Adults Shaped by Knowledge and Medical Advice

Innovative Strength Driven by Basic Research

UZH Returns Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

AI as a Resource and Challenge

Researching on Equal Terms in the Amazon

Ideas for a Fairer World

Brief Interventions Reduce Risk of Renewed Suicide Attempt

How AI Can Learn Better

Brain Activity Reveals How Well We Mentally Size Up Others

Global Warming Causes Cropland Areas to Shrink

Start School Later, Sleep Longer, Learn Better

Bug-Born Breakthrough

Acknowledge the Good

Tackling Global Challenges Together

Innovative Researchers in the Spotlight

A Feast for the Eyes

The Mind Doctor

One-Third of Young People Are Violent Toward Their Parents

New AI Tool Improves Treatment of Cancer Patients after Heart Attack

Muons and Childhood Cancer

The World Is Getting Fatter

CHF 75 Million for Science

Pesticides Significantly Affect Soil Life and Biodiversity

When Spirituality Meets AI

Through Zurich Without Barriers

“We need a culture for addressing AI errors” 