News

© EPFL/iStock (quantic69)

How a protein keeps gene clusters quiet in the cell nucleolus

— In a discovery that sheds light on the complex mechanisms of gene regulation, scientists at EPFL have uncovered a critical role for the protein ZNF274 in keeping certain gene clusters turned off by anchoring them to the cell nucleolus.

© EPFL/iStock (luismmolina)

Exposing hiding lymphoma cells to the immune system

— EPFL scientists uncover how cancer cells use certain proteins to shield themselves from immune attacks, offering new treatment perspectives with immediate application.

© EPFL/iStock (byakkaya)

“Genomic time machine” reveals secrets of our DNA

— EPFL researchers reveal a novel method for uncovering bits of our genetic blueprint that come from ancient genetic parasites, offering fresh insights into human evolution and health.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the Western world. © Stock

Genetic discovery could improve treatment of colorectal cancer

— EPFL scientists have discovered a rare gene in the tumors of some colorectal cancer patients. This finding could lead to more accurate diagnoses and, eventually, personalized treatments that target the protein expressed by the gene.

a) Cryo-EM map of omicron spike b) Model of of Omicron spike built into Cryo-EM map. c) Model of one monomer of Omicron spike showing all the mutations present. © 2021 EPFL

Omicron's secrets revealed under a microscope

— Thanks to the high-power electron microscopes at the Dubochet Center for Imaging (DCI), EPFL scientists were able to observe the configuration of the Omicron variant’s spike protein at a near-atomic scale. This should provide fresh insight into the mechanisms the variant uses to evade vaccines and antibodies.

EPFL / Jamani Caillet - CC BY-SA 4.0

Our top ten news articles from 2021

— We published nearly 300 news articles on EPFL’s homepage in 2021, detailing the latest developments in science, academics, student life, startups and EPFL in general. However, these articles provide only a glimpse of the many exciting things going on at our School in research, education and innovation. Here’s a summary of the ten most-read news stories from 2021.

Dr Christina Ernst. Credit: EPFL

EPFL life scientist awarded Ambizione grant

— Dr Christina Ernst at EPFL’s School of Life Sciences has been awarded an Ambizione grant for research in Molecular Biology.

©iStockphoto Broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, binding antibodies that target multiple conserved sites on the spike (S) protein

Scientists discover a highly potent antibody against SARS-CoV-2

— Scientists at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and EPFL have discovered a highly potent monoclonal antibody that targets the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and is effective at neutralizing all variants of concern identified to date, including the delta variant. Their findings are published in the prestigious journal Cell Reports.

Priscilla Turelli (left) and CharlÚne Raclot analysing blood samples for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. © EPFL / Alain Herzog 2021

New blood test measures immunity against SARS-CoV-2

— The Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and EPFL teamed up to develop a new test that’s sensitive enough to measure the amount of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies present in the bloodstream. The scientists’ discovery, published in the prestigious Science Translational Medicine, opens promising new avenues for tracking immunity acquired by infection or vaccination. With this test, experts can measure the level of protection against variants of the virus and monitor their prevalence over time.

A neuron. Credit: iStock photos

“Jumping” DNA regulates human neurons

— “Jumping” sequences of DNA, known as transposable elements, partner up with evolutionarily recent proteins to influence the differentiation and physiological functioning of human neurons.

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