An international research group has investigated the mechanisms of cell migration and the impact of tissue rigidity on cell positioning and steering. The research sheds light on e.g. cancer cell migration and opens new possibilities for stopping and directing it.
Researchers from the University of Turku have described seven new fern species from the rainforests of tropical America. Many of the species were uncovered as the by-product of ecological research: the species diversity in tropical forests is still so poorly known that field trips and herbarium work keep discovering previously unknown species.
A research group from Turku Bioscience Centre, Finland, has developed a new method for studying the functionality of microbiota through metaproteomics. The new method poses broad potential for the study of microbiota on a new, functional level. The characterisation of the functionality of gut microbiota is central in the study of human health and disease as well as disease prediction, prevention, and treatment. Previous studies have mainly focused on cataloguing the composition of microbiota, but little is known about the functionality of the human gut microbiota.
The University of Turku has raised donations from companies, communities and private persons for altogether €5.2 million during the state-matched funding campaign of 15 June 2020–30 June 2022. The match funding period ends today, on 30 June 2022. The goal of the University of Turku was to raise altogether €5 million.
An international team of scientists found that sociality is not linked to intestinal nematode infection in Asian elephants. The researchers looked at loneliness and characteristics of the elephants’ social groups and found no differences in infection levels.
The University of Turku Nature2100 fund (Luonto2100-rahasto) that was established last year under the Turku University Foundation has bought its first forests close to Kurjenrahka national park. The two areas that are situated in Pöytyä’s Yläne region constitute altogether 25 hectares. The aim is to enhance the biodiversity and carbon sink of the areas, as well as the possibilities for recreational use.
The dissertation research of MSC Steffen Grebe provides new insights into the photosynthetic aspects of evergreen conifers and their dynamic response to seasonal environmental changes.
Stem cells and progenitor cells play an important role in the renewal of multiple tissues. Professor Jyrki Heino’s research group from the University of Turku together and Professor Fiona Watt´s research group from King’s College London have discovered a molecule called embigin on the surface of epithelia progenitor cells and proven its significance to sebaceous gland function.
The partnership agreement further deepens the diverse co-operation between the City and the University. The partners aim to develop the prerequisites for well-being and particularly internationality in the region.
While investigating hackmanite, a natural wonder material, researchers found that it, in addition to two other minerals, can change their colour upon exposure to UV radiation repeatedly without wearing out. The results show that the inexpensive hackmanite, which is easy to synthesise, is also an excellent material because of its high durability and applicability for different purposes.