Highly Educated Women Continue to Find Partners
In Switzerland, the share of women with a higher education degree has tripled since 1999. A study conducted at the University of Zurich now shows how this trend is changing the marriage market.
Archive Media Releases 2026
Article list Media Releases
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Alternative Signaling Pathway Improves Transplantation of Blood Stem Cells
Gene therapies are used to treat many different blood disorders. However, blood stem cells often fail to achieve their full potential after transplantation. An alternative signaling pathway could provide a remedy. -
Global Genome Atlas Reveals Hidden Life in Lakes
Tiny single-celled organisms help keep lakes clear, but some can also contaminate the water. An international research team analyzed DNA data from 362 lakes to create the first global genome atlas of these organisms. -
The Swiss population wants comprehensive public service broadcasting – including in the digital realm
The public expects the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation to continue providing a diverse range of content in the future, including information, education, sports, culture and entertainment. There are differences when it comes to digital channels. -
Luck or merit? Not all inequality is equally acceptable
Inequality in earnings attracts attention across the globe. A UZH-study has now examined when people consider this fair (and when not). It revealed striking differences between Western and non-Western societies. In Switzerland, achievement through personal effort is particularly valued. -
Targeted Suppression of Autoimmune Response in MS
A novel therapy aims to halt misdirected immune responses in multiple sclerosis without suppressing the entire immune system. -
Buried Underwear Shows Land Use Is Key to Soil Health
A citizen science project involving 1,000 volunteers and more than 2,000 pairs of buried cotton underwear shows that land use is the most important factor in determining decomposition rates and soil life. -
Oxytocin Selectively Boosts Trust
A new study provides compelling evidence that this hormone tends to boost trusting behavior in men who tend to distrust others. -
Social Media Have Only Partially Democratized Climate Communication
Despite a wider range of actors being involved, established voices continue to dominate climate the discourse. Climate change skeptics are disproportionately visible. -
Brain Possesses Greater Self-Repair Capacity than Previously Assumed
A new study using a mouse model shows that special supporting and nourishing cells repopulate damaged areas of the brain by sending newly formed cell nuclei ahead. -
Human Activity More than Doubles Fire Occurrence in the Arctic
Effective fire prevention and response can help reduce risks whose impacts extend far beyond the Arctic. -
Educational Mobility Fuels Innovation
European regions where educational success is less tied to family background show a significant rise in patent applications. -
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. -
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. -
New Research Center to Improve Support for War-Affected Children in Ukraine
The center, operated by the Nadija Research Foundation, will investigate the long-term effects of war on children’s mental health. UZH’s Michael Schaepman will serve as the foundation's chair. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Study Shows How Colonial Ties Shape Football Success
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
UZH Awards Honorary Doctorates to Belarusian Nobel Laureate and Swiss Author
UZH has awarded honorary doctorates to Svetlana Alexievich, Catherine Housecroft, Ingeborg Schwenzer, Klaus Merz, Phanish Puranam, Chong Yap Seng and John Bonagura. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.