University of Zurich

An ancient Aztec Death Whistle, found in 1999 on a sacrificial victim, produces a terrifying human-like scream sound, designed to deter threats. Researchers from the University of Zurich discovered its unique construction, unlike any other pre-Columbian instrument. Additionally, laser-sensing technology uncovered an ancient Mayan city, Valeriana, suggesting dense population in previously uncharted regions.

The OCT DACH 2024 conference in Zurich discussed EU regulations, digitalisation, AI, and ethics in clinical trials, with concerns over MDR hindering innovation and the need for inclusive trial designs. Experts emphasized the importance of partnerships and patient-centric approaches, while WHO guidance aimed at reducing research waste through better trial design and inclusivity.

Insilico Medicine secures $100M revolving loan from HSBC to expand its AI-driven drug discovery pipeline and upgrade Pharma.AI platform, aiming to revolutionize healthcare and meet unmet clinical needs.

OECD countries favor transparency in medicine contracts but paradoxically opt for opaque agreements. Only 7 out of 38 countries express interest in sharing prices, fearing higher costs without secrecy. The OECD report highlights the contradiction between desired transparency and actual practice, citing legal constraints and confidentiality clauses as barriers.

Dr Jasmin Barman-Aksӧzen, diagnosed with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), joined a University of Zurich research group working on Scenesse, a treatment increasing skin pigmentation to protect against light-induced skin damage. Scenesse, approved in Europe in 2014 and the US in 2019, allows EPP patients to spend more time in sunlight without pain. Barman-Aksӧzen co-founded the International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN) and advocates for head-to-head studies comparing new treatments to existing therapies.

Illumina unveils MiSeq i100 Series, simplifying next-generation sequencing with room-temperature storage, faster run times, and cost-effective solutions, aiming to make NGS accessible to more labs.

A study by the Universities of Zurich and Utrecht found a strong correlation between self-esteem and sexual satisfaction, suggesting a reciprocal relationship over time. Sexual satisfaction, rather than frequency, was key to self-esteem, and this link was stronger in older people and women.

Swissmedic to decide by end of 2024 on approving lecanemab, the first new Alzheimer’s drug in two decades. The decision faces challenges due to safety concerns and cost-effectiveness. Lecanemab, approved in the US, Japan, China, and South Korea, targets both symptoms and underlying causes of Alzheimer’s. The European Medicines Agency rejected it, citing risks, while the UK authorized it but denied reimbursement. Swissmedic's decision will impact Alzheimer’s patients and drugmakers' investment in new treatments.