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Bielefeld University


Teaching the internet of things to learn

The VEDLIoT project is developing a new generation of IoT platforms that use machine learning to improve the performance and energy efficiency of devices. The platform aims to enable autonomous vehicles, smart homes, and industrial applications to learn and adapt to their environments.

A hormone -- plant style

Scientists at Bielefeld University have created a method to produce a biologically significant precursor of jasmonic acid, a hormone that helps plants defend against predators. The new approach mimics how plants naturally produce the hormone, using enzymes as plant catalysts in a synthetic process.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMay 29, 2020

Democratic education in populist times

LabSchoolsEurope aims to develop and evaluate methods for dealing with heterogeneity in primary schools, promoting democratic behavior and preventing racism. The project will create multi-lingual practice guidelines, teaching materials, and successfully tested sequences that can be made available online.

HD microscopy in milliseconds

Researchers from Bielefeld University have developed a faster method for super-resolution SR-SIM microscopy, allowing for real-time recording of cell movements and observations of small structures. This enables biologists to explore such structures in detail, particularly in the study of viral particles on their way through cells.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2019

Research on the good life

The conference examines the good life through interdisciplinary analyses of issues like infrastructure, politics, religion, and marriage. The project 'WelfareStruggles' investigates the welfare of migrant workers in China and Vietnam, grounding it in underlying ideas of the good life.

A peek at the birth of the universe

Researchers examine SKA-MPG telescope prototype for its ability to investigate cosmic background radiation with ultra precision. The study provides new insights into the origin of the Universe and explores potential applications in gravitational wave detection and dark energy research.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 24, 2019

Phantom sensations: When the sense of touch deceives

A study by Bielefeld University and New York University reveals that healthy adults systematically misattribute touch on the hands to the feet and vice versa. The researchers found that three characteristics of touch - limb identity, side of body, and canonical anatomical position - contribute to phantom sensations.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 14, 2019

How antifreeze proteins make ice crystals grow

Researchers from Bielefeld University and international partners have confirmed two-fold ability of antifreeze molecules to trigger or inhibit ice crystal formation depending on temperature. This discovery challenges the long-held view that antifreeze proteins only inhibit ice crystal growth.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 7, 2019

Eleven seal species narrowly escaped extinction

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that eleven seal species narrowly escaped extinction, with most surviving strong population declines. However, four species, including the northern elephant seal and Mediterranean monk seal, suffered severe genetic loss due to overhunting.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2018

Children put on by robots

A study by Anna-Lisa Vollmer and colleagues found that children give into social pressure from humanoid robots, unlike adults. The research used a conformity experiment with Nao robots and investigated the impact on children's decision-making.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience Robotics·DateAug 16, 2018

Children's gestures, and what they mean

The EcoGest project aims to understand how children's gestures are connected to communication, with a focus on iconic gestures that pertain to the forms, functions, and movements of objects. Researchers will record children aged 4-5 years old in various communicative situations to analyze their gesturing patterns.

First discover the disorder and then find the patients

Scientists at Bielefeld University confirm the presence of a previously unknown genetic defect 'MPS III-E' causing progressive blindness and inner ear hearing impairment in patients. Biochemical studies revealed that the disorder is caused by an enzyme deficiency, which can be treated with biotechnological enzyme replacement therapy.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateJan 5, 2018

Easing refugees' trauma with psychotherapy

Researchers at Bielefeld University developed Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), a successful treatment method for refugees with mental problems. The therapy involves storytelling to process traumatic events in a meaningful context, leading to closure and reduced symptoms.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalPsychotherapeut·DateOct 27, 2017

Dancing electrons lose the race

Physicists observe that electrons emitted from different initial states in a solid material arrive at the surface last, contrary to intuition. Theoretical models are revised to account for intra-atomic interactions, which affect electron motion and lead to a new understanding of photoemission.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience·DateSep 21, 2017

On polygamous females and single-parent males

A study by Bielefeld University researchers found that male plover survival rates are significantly higher than females, resulting in a sex bias of only 37% females among adult plovers. This advantage may be due to males having greater body weight and growth rates at hatching.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2017

Self-learning robot hands

The Famula project has created a system that learns to recognize everyday objects through trial and error, mimicking human learning. The robot's language capabilities are also being developed to improve its interactions with humans.

Chip-based nanoscopy: Microscopy in HD quality

Researchers at Bielefeld University and the University of Tromsø have developed a photonic chip that enables superresolution light microscopy with conventional microscopes. This breakthrough method produces images with a resolution of about 20 to 30 nanometres, ten times that of conventional light microscopy.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 24, 2017

Nanoinjection increases survival rate of cells

Physicists at Bielefeld University develop new nanoinjection method that increases survival rate of cells to 92%, surpassing traditional microinjection's 40% success rate. The technique enables precise delivery of fluorescent molecules into living cells, opening up new possibilities for cellular research and experimentation.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 1, 2017