Human Health
Overview: Human Health
In the field of Human Health, several research groups at the PSI are involved in research into fundamental questions in biology and the treatment of cancer. To this end, they are studying the structure of proteins – highly complex biomolecules that are responsible for countless processes in living organisms. Patients with specific types of cancer are treated with proton therapy at the institute. The radio pharmacy is developing drugs aimed at very small tumours that have spread throughout the body.14. February 2013
A glimpse inside the control centres of cell communication
Media Releases Biology Human HealthNumerous processes taking place within our body, such as sight, smell or taste, are accomplished by an important family of sensors on cell surfaces, which are known as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Researchers have now compared the hitherto known structures of GPCRs and discovered a stabilising framework of fine struts that is characteristic for the architecture of the entire GPCR family. Knowledge about this constructional feature, which has been conserved over the course of evolution, can be of significant assistance in the development of new pharmaceuticals.
3. January 2013
How stabilised cell fibres prevent cancer cell division
Media Releases Human Health Biology Research Using Synchrotron LightAnti-cancer drugs are used under the heading of “Chemotherapeutics” to prevent cells from dividing. Because the cells in a growing tumour divide more frequently than others, tumour cells are damaged more severely. Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute and the ETH Zurich have now clarified the exact mechanism of action of one class of these drugs. The data acquired is so accurate, that targeted drugs could now be developed that are even better suited to fulfil their task.
5. June 2012
Alzheimer plaques in 3D
Media Releases Human Health Research Using Synchrotron Light BiologyResearchers have succeeded in generating detailed three-dimensional images of the spatial distribution of amyloid plaques in the brains of mice afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. The new technique used in the investigations provides an extremely precise research tool for a better understanding of the disease. In the future, scientists hope that it will also provide the basis for a new and reliable diagnosis method. The results were achieved within a joint project of two research teams – one from the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and ETH Zurich, the other from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).
21. December 2011
Wenn die Datenleitung in die Zelle versagt
Media Releases Human Health Biology Research Using Synchrotron LightLebende Zellen empfangen dauernd Informationen von aussen, die über Rezeptoren in das Zellinnere weitergeleitet werden. Genetisch bedingte Fehler in solchen Rezeptoren sind der Grund für zahlreiche Erbkrankheiten darunter verschiedene hormonelle Funktionsstörungen oder Nachtblindheit. Forschern des Paul Scherrer Instituts ist es nun erstmals gelungen, die exakte Struktur eines solchen fehlerhaften Rezeptors aufzuklären.
This news release is only available in German.
2. August 2011
Investigation of a new method for the diagnosis of cancer in breast tissue
Media Releases Human Health Medical ScienceThe Paul Scherrer Institute PSI has developed a new breast cancer diagnostic method, and is now carrying out first tests on non-preserved human tissue in conjunction with Kantonsspital Baden AG. This new method should be able to reveal structures that cannot be seen using conventional mammography. Scientists from the research department at Philips are currently investigating the use of this process as the basis for application in medical practice.
23. May 2011
X-ray methods help to understand brain disorders better
Media Releases Human Health Biology Research Using Synchrotron LightAn international team of researchers has developed a new method for making detailed X-ray images of brain tissue, which has been used to make the myelin sheaths of nerve fibres visible. Damage to these protective sheaths can lead to various disorders, such as multiple sclerosis. The facility for creating these images of the protective sheaths of nerve cells is being operated at the Swiss Light Source (SLS), at the Paul Scherrer Institute.
27. January 2011
Dem Rätsel der Centriolen-Bildung auf der Spur
Media Releases Human Health Biology Research Using Synchrotron LightIn menschlichen Zellen finden sich stammesgeschichtlich sehr alte Funktionseinheiten, die als Centriolen bezeichnet werden. Ein Forscherteam vom PSI und der ETH Lausanne hat nun erstmals ein Modell für die Bildung der Centriolen vorgestellt. Das erstaunende Ergebnis ist, dass die Neuner-Symmetrie des Centriols durch die Fähigkeit eines einzelnen Proteins sich selbst zu organisieren zustande kommt.
This news release is only available in French and German.
16. November 2010
Effizienter Gentransfer nun auch in Säugerzellen möglich
Media Releases Human Health BiologyWissenschaftler am Paul Scherrer Institut entwickelten ein neues Verfahren, das auch zur Entwicklung von neuen Medikamenten genutzt werden kann.
Die Gentechnik ist aus der modernen Biologie nicht mehr wegzudenken. Sie liefert Werkzeuge, mit denen Forscher Gene aus dem Erbgut von Zellen herausschneiden, verändern und einfügen können. Die stabile Einführung mehrerer Gene in Säugetierzellen gilt zwar als Schlüsseltechnologie, die verfügbaren Methoden waren bislang aber äusserst ineffizient. Wissenschaftler am PSI haben nun eine neuartige Technik entwickelt.
This news release is only available in German.
15. October 2010
25 Jahre erfolgreiche Behandlung von Augentumoren am PSI
Media Releases Human Health Medical ScienceHeute haben die Physiker und Ärzte des PSI diesen Erfolg mit einem Festsymposium gefeiert. In Anwesenheit von geladenen Gästen aus Forschung, Medizin und Politik wurde dabei auch die brandneue Behandlungsanlage OPTIS 2 eingeweiht. Diese Bestrahlungseinrichtung befindet sich nicht nur technisch auf dem allerneusten Stand, sondern überzeugt auch durch ihre Patientenfreundlichkeit.
This news release is only available in German.
23. September 2010
Advanced imaging for bone research and materials science
Media Releases Human Health Biology Research Using Synchrotron LightHigh-resolution method for computed nano-tomography developed
A novel nano-tomography method developed by a team of researchers from the Technische Universität München, the Paul Scherrer Institute and the ETH Zurich opens the door to computed tomography examinations of minute structures at nanometer resolutions. The new method makes possible, for example, three-dimensional internal imaging of fragile bone structures.
2. July 2010
Paul Scherrer Institut ermöglicht bessere Versorgung der Spitäler mit hochwirksamem Krebsmedikament
Media Releases Medical Science Human HealthDas Paul Scherrer Institut ist für die Behandlung von bestimmten Krebserkrankungen mittels seiner einzigartigen Protonentherapie-Anlage bekannt. Nun hilft das PSI auch bei der Behandlung einer Gruppe von Krebspatienten durch die Herstellung eines Krebsmedikaments. Die erste Patientendosis wurde heute am Zentrum für Radiopharmazeutische Wissenschaften des PSI hergestellt und im Kantonsspital Luzern einem Patienten verabreicht.
This news release is only available in German.
18. January 2010
Attacking the lifeline of tumour cells
Media Releases Biology Research Using Synchrotron Light Human HealthResearchers at Biomedicum Helsinki, Finland, and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland, have determined the crystal structure of the ligand-binding domain of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor in complex with one of its ligands (VEGF-C).
1. December 2009
Studies on protein structures – understanding the basic building blocks of life
Human Health Biology Research Using Synchrotron LightProteins are the building blocks of all living organisms. In the living cell these complex molecules perform countless tasks. The precise function a protein performs is directly related to its structure. Researchers at the PSI investigate a wide range of proteins, in order to understand their structures and functions, often to lay the foundations for developing new drugs. In addition, researchers explore new techniques for determining protein structure – in particular with synchrotron light at the Swiss Light Source (SLS).
24. July 2009
Ticket für die Reise durch die Zelle
Media Releases Biology Human Health Research Using Synchrotron LightPublikation in “Cell”. Forscher entdecken Mechanismus für wesentliche Erkennungsvorgänge in lebenden Zellen. Über ihre Ergebnisse berichten die Forscher in der neuesten Ausgabe der Fachzeitschrift Cell.
This news release is only available in German.
4. May 2009
Komplexe in den Griff bekommen
Media Releases Human Health BiologyDie meisten Vorgänge in lebenden Zellen werden von molekularen “Maschinen” aus vielen Proteinen ausgeführt. Wissenschaftler von PSI und EMBL haben ein automatisiertes Verfahren zur Herstellung von solchen Multiprotein-Komplexen für die Forschung entwickelt.
This news release is only available in German.
28. October 2008
Röntgenbilder mit Durchblick
Media Releases Medical Science Human HealthDer Nationale Latsis-Preis 2008 geht an Franz Pfeiffer. Der Physiker hat einen Weg gefunden, die in der Spitzenforschung angewandten Verfahren der Röntgentechnik auch für gewöhnliche Röntgengeräte nutzbar zu machen. Der mit 100'000 Franken dotierte Preis wird jährlich vom Schweizerischen Nationalfonds (SNF) im Auftrag der Latsis-Stiftung vergeben.
This news release is only available in German.
5. September 2008
Promising targets for drug development
Media Releases Human Health BiologyETH Researchers determine atomic structure of the mammalian “fatty acid factory”. Mammalian fatty acid synthase is one of the most complex molecular synthetic machines in human cells. It is a promising target for the development of anti-cancer and anti-obesity drugs and for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Researchers of ETH Zurich have determined the atomic structure of a mammalian fatty acid synthase.
3. June 2008
Vitamin B12 ist das Trojanische Pferd der Krebsforscher am schweizerischen Zentrum für radiopharmazeutische Wissenschaft
Media Releases Human Health Medical Science BiologyErste Klinische Studie soll Mitte Juni beginnen.
This news release is only available in German.
20. January 2008
New technology sharpens X-ray vision
Media Releases Medical Science Biology Human HealthPublication in “Nature”. Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and the EPFL in Switzerland have developed a novel method for producing dark-field X-ray images at wavelengths used in typical medical and industrial imaging equipment. Dark-field images provide more detail than ordinary X-ray radiographs and could be used to diagnose the onset of osteoporosis, breast cancer or Alzheimer's disease, to identify explosives in hand luggage, or to pinpoint hairline cracks or corrosion in functional structures.
27. November 2007
First structure of a Rhesus family membrane protein solved
Human Health Biology Research Using Synchrotron LightResearchers at PSI, in collaboration with scientists in France and England, have solved the first structure of a Rhesus (Rh) protein and thereby shed new light on a group of proteins of great importance in human transfusion medicine.
27. November 2007
New insights on cataract formation
Human Health Medical Science Biology Research Using NeutronsUsing the tools and techniques of soft condensed matter physics, a research team from University of Fribourg and EPF Lausanne in Switzerland has demonstrated that a finely tuned balance of attractions between proteins keeps the lens of the eye transparent, and that even a small change in this balance can cause proteins to aggregate and de-mix.
25. September 2007
Year round proton radiation therapy at PSI using a new, dedicated cyclotron
Media Releases Large Scale Facilities Medical Science Human HealthA pioneer in proton therapy for the treatment of cancer, PSI has recently introduced one of the most advanced technologies in the field. A new proton accelerator, a superconducting cyclotron, has been put into operation for patient treatment. The accelerator is used in conjunction with a gantry, a device which delivers the protons to the patient from any angle. The desired dose distribution is achieved by scanning a small pencil beam of protons throughout the tumor. The performance of the new accelerator has been excellent since the start of medical operation.
9. May 2007
Important protein-folding problem solved
Media Releases Biology Human HealthCoiled coils comprise two to five polypeptide chain helices that wrap around each other to form a supercoiled protein structure.
18. January 2007
Key proteins illuminated by SLS
Media Releases Human Health Biology Research Using Synchrotron LightHow cells regulate nitrogen uptake can be better understood.
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