Understanding Human Beings
What makes us human? Researchers have been grappling with this question for centuries. In the latest issue of the UZH Magazin, researchers from different fields across the university offer their answers.
Research
Article list Research
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Twin Honor for Father of Genetic Scissors
Biochemistry professor Martin Jinek will receive the Max Cloëtta Prize at the end of October, followed a week later by the Swiss Marcel Benoist Science Prize. -
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. -
5 Tips from Nature’s Editor-in-Chief
Magdalena Skipper used her visit to the University of Zurich to meet with early-career researchers and answer their questions about publishing. -
Measuring Plant Stress – From Space
On 15 September, the European Space Agency launched a satellite mission to measure and map the photosynthetic activity of plants on Earth. The University of Zurich is involved in the project. -
“A key player in matters of digital transformation”
With the Digital Society Initiative (DSI), the University of Zurich has established one of the largest interdisciplinary networks for topics surrounding digital transformation. -
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. -
Kyiv, Uppsala, Zurich
Roman Horbyk researches the impact of mobile phones and digital propaganda on modern warfare – a topic that blends the media specialist’s academic work with personal experience. -
Award-Winning Underpants
Ig Nobel Prizes honor research that first makes you laugh and then makes you think. Yesterday, the UZH study Proof by Underpants was among the lucky winners. -
UZH Secures Ten ERC Starting Grants
UZH researchers have been awarded European Research Council funding for projects ranging from climate change and black holes to bullying prevention. -
First Hint of Dark Matter
The LUX-ZEPLIN experiment has delivered a small but compelling hint of dark matter. UZH researchers are playing a key role in capturing and analyzing these data. -
“Confusion can promote learning”
Education researchers Sascha Schneider and Joshua Weidlich share their thoughts on chatbots, outsourced thinking and desirable difficulties. -
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. -
First Measurement of Low-Energy Solar Neutrinos Scattering Off Electrons
Researchers have observed low-energy solar neutrinos scattering off electrons in the XENONnT detector. The University of Zurich is involved in the experiment. -
A Look Back at Scientifica 2026
With approximately 40,000 visitors over nine days at five locations, the Scientifica science festival organized by UZH and ETH was a huge success. -
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. -
Cancer Cells Without Fuel
Physician and molecular biologist Raphael Morscher is trying to understand and selectively block the processes involved in the growth of cancer cells. -
SNSF Ambizione: 22 projects at UZH
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is funding 22 projects by early career researchers at the University of Zurich with an Ambizione grant. -
Can Love Be Commanded?
What does Christian love mean? And can it still serve as a moral compass today? These are the questions an international research project led by ethicist Michael Coors set out to answer. -
Cancer-Causing Supergenes
Brain tumors are the most fatal form of cancer in children and adolescents. Ana Guerreiro Stücklin is investigating new therapies against gene fusions that cause cancer. -
The Value of Consent
Health data is the raw material of precision medicine. Crucially, researchers are only allowed to use it with the patients’ consent. -
The Biggest Ever Scientifica
Over the course of a week, the collaborative UZH and ETH science festival offers an ideal platform for introducing the wider public to the latest research projects. -
Cancer in the Bones
Sarcomas are a rare form of cancer. Didier Surdez is working on models that capture and map the tumors as granularly as possible. -
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. -
Xi Jinping’s Big Bet
Xi Jinping is steering China toward global technological leadership in AI and clean energy, says sinologist Christopher Mittelstaedt. -
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. -
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! -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Educational Mobility Fuels Innovation
European regions where educational success is less tied to family background show a significant rise in patent applications. -
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. -
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. -
The Optimum Combination of Drugs
Researchers are using sophisticated drug response profiling and AI to optimize the treatment of Leukemia. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
«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. -
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. -
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. -
“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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
“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? -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Dirty Water, White Gold
Human rights are often not sufficiently enforced. Legal scholar Christine Kaufmann recommends to name problems specifically. -
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. -
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. -
“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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Tailored Development Aid
Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee are fighting poverty with rigorous experiments and concrete policies. An interview with the Nobel-winning economists. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Bug-Born Breakthrough
Oliver Zerbe is working on an active substance that attacks pathogenic bacteria in a novel way and eliminates them. -
Acknowledge the Good
When we talk about morality, we tend to think about guilt, blame and punishment rather than praise, says philosopher Pascale Willemsen. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
The Mind Doctor
Rwandan psychologist Celestin Mutuyimana studies how societies can overcome historical trauma – and hopes to help his compatriots heal. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.