The neocortex's layered structure is critical for healthy brain function. A team from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin identified two key processes that direct this organization, involving the regulatory protein Zeb2.
A low-calorie diet significantly alters the composition of the human gut microbiome, leading to changes in nutrient absorption and influencing weight control. The study found that specific bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile, play a role in this process.
Researchers from Charité and University of Bonn identify four substances that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in host cells, including niclosamide, a tapeworm drug. These findings suggest potential new treatment against COVID-19.
Care home residents over 70 have a delayed and weaker immune response to vaccines compared to younger individuals, making them more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infections. This phenomenon has been confirmed by researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
Researchers analyzed PCR samples from over 25,000 COVID-19 cases to estimate infectiousness. Viral loads were found to be lowest in young children and increased with age. The study provides new insights into the B.1.1.7 variant and highlights individual differences in infectiousness.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have identified a new role for the protein drebrin in controlling scar formation and astrocyte reactivity following brain injury. This mechanism, which regulates membrane trafficking, may hold promise for treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin studied genetic evolution of common cold coronaviruses, comparing with SARS-CoV-2. They found SARS-CoV-2 changes at a rate four times slower than the influenza virus, but still expected to need regular updates due to rapid evolution during pandemic.
Researchers developed a mass spectrometry-based technique to measure thousands of proteins in blood plasma in just a few minutes. The new technology identified previously unknown proteins associated with disease severity, including those involved in the immune response to pathogens.
A meta-analysis of over 53,000 patients found no evidence that beta blockers increase the risk of depression or most other psychiatric symptoms. However, sleep disturbance was linked to treatment with beta blockers.
Researchers developed a tissue-section analysis system that integrates morphological, molecular, and histological data for diagnosing breast cancer. The system provides heatmaps to explain the AI decision-making process, enabling doctors to assess results plausibility.
Scientists at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have identified a promising target for new antibacterial agents in the formation of ribosomal components. The study, published in Molecular Cell, reveals that a helper protein called ObgE plays a key role in guiding the process, which could be inhibited to stop bacterial growth.
Research from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin shows that dispatch of mobile stroke units is linked to improved survival and reduced risk of disability. STEMOs enable timely thrombolysis and treatment, leading to better functional outcomes for patients.
Research at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin found that patients' immune systems before chemotherapy determine treatment success in bladder cancer. High levels of CXCL11 and CXCR3alt receptors indicate a strong immune response, leading to increased survival rates.
Researchers at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin have visualized the structure of ribosomes in nerve cells at near-atomic resolution, revealing a new key factor Ebp1 controlling brain development and protein synthesis. This study provides insights into the regulatory processes involved in maintaining neuronal proteostasis.
A study found that supervised, self-administered swabs were as effective as professional-collected nasopharyngeal swabs in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections. The researchers identified cases where antigen tests missed infections were associated with low viral loads, but correctly identified high-load samples.
Scientists from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin discovered numerous variants of human helper proteins influencing the amount or function of viruses. The study reveals potential target structures for new drugs and helps understand risk factors for severe COVID-19 courses.
The Einstein Foundation Berlin launches its new award to promote quality in research, recognizing contributions from researchers and institutions. The award will be funded by €500,000 a year and will be awarded for the first time in November 2021 in Berlin.
The VARIPath project aims to develop a 'crystal ball' for predicting disease progression in viral respiratory tract infections. Researchers will analyze virus evolution and host immune response characteristics using high-throughput sequencing techniques. This could lead to personalized treatment strategies and improved prognosis.
A team of researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have studied how SARS-CoV-2 reaches the brain and found that it enters through nerve cells in the olfactory mucosa. The virus is also transported via blood vessels to reach the brain, which may contribute to neurological symptoms such as loss of smell or taste in COVID-19 ...
A German study confirms rats can transmit hantavirus to humans, with a young patient infected after contact with her pet rat. The virus, commonly found in Asia, poses severe disease risks and highlights the need for caution when keeping rats.
Studying arterial deposits, researchers found that activated immune cells accumulated on the interior arterial wall, causing damage to the arterial lining. This discovery suggests a misguided adaptive immune response is involved in heart attacks, holding promise for personalized treatments and prevention of clinical complications.
Researchers at Charité and Tel Aviv University are investigating the causes of drug tolerance in invasive fungal pathogens. They aim to identify molecular pathways that explain this phenomenon and develop new treatments for life-threatening fungal infections.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ) successfully treat two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus using daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting plasma cells. The treatment resulted in sustainable clinical responses and reduced systemic inflammation.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that mothers' ability to cope with stress during pregnancy is positively correlated with their children's telomere length. This suggests that maternal psychological resilience may have a protective effect on child development and lifelong health.
The CancerCirculome project aims to improve understanding of ecDNA's mechanisms involved in cancer development and disease progression. Researchers will focus on DNA circularization, replication, and reintegration into chromosomes to identify new diagnostic and treatment targets for pediatric cancers.
A study by Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin reveals that the immune system is less effective at fighting COVID-19 in older people and those with comorbidities. The researchers found a link between T-helper cell function and risk factors, suggesting a potential new treatment target.
A study published in Advanced Science has revealed that joint implants can release metals into the surrounding bone tissue, leading to osteolysis and premature loosening. The researchers used a unique synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence imaging setup to determine the concentration and distribution of metallic degradation products.
The SEMIRA trial found that continuous glucocorticoid regimens controlled disease activity better than discontinuation, but the latter was also effective in preventing long-term side effects. Treatment success rates were 77% for continued prednisone and 65% for tapering regimen.
A study found that some healthy individuals have immune cells capable of recognizing SARS-CoV-2 due to prior infections with 'common cold' coronaviruses. Cross-reactive T-helper cells may provide a protective effect, but could also lead to misdirected immune responses.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have identified a specific nerve bundle as the optimal target for deep brain stimulation in obsessive-compulsive disorder. The study's findings may improve treatment outcomes for patients with severe OCD, which affects over 2% of people worldwide.
A new cell therapy approach has been shown to reduce the need for immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients, thereby minimizing the risk of side effects. The study found that regulatory cells were just as safe as standard treatment and did not result in higher rejection rates.
Researchers identified 27 protein biomarkers in COVID-19 patients' blood plasma linked to disease severity. These molecular signatures can precisely classify patients according to World Health Organization's coding criteria, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
A Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin study reveals that the northern Italian city of Nembro recorded more deaths in March 2020 than in previous years, but only half were classified as COVID-19 deaths. The study highlights the importance of all-cause mortality in quantifying the pandemic's full impact.
The study found that the microbiome exerts a continuous effect on conventional dendritic cells, which are key players in the immune response. In their basal state, these cells require microbiome-derived signals to prime for future responses against pathogens.
Researchers discovered that the loss of NEDD4-2 protein leads to impaired mucociliary clearance and dysregulation of the TGF? signaling pathway, contributing to pulmonary fibrosis progression. The study provides a novel animal model for IPF research, enabling further investigation of disease mechanisms and development of new treatments.
A new hereditary disease, FACAS, has been discovered that causes a cold-induced urticarial rash in patients exposed to temperatures below 15°C. The researchers found that the disorder is caused by a previously unknown mutation in the 'Factor 12' gene.
Prof. Dr. Christian Drosten has been recognized for his accessible and transparent approach to explaining scientific knowledge during the COVID-19 pandemic. His fact-based communications have gained widespread acceptance and trust, including in politics, where he is a key adviser.
A study by Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin reveals that the amoeba Entamoeba gingivalis plays a key role in periodontitis, causing inflammation and tissue destruction. The parasite's elimination may improve treatment outcomes for patients with gum disease.
Researchers analyzed COVID-19 patients in Munich and found high viral replication and shedding in the throat during symptoms. This suggests individuals with COVID-19 are infectious very early on, potentially before they show symptoms.
Researchers have found a new mechanism for long-lasting pain relief through the production of endogenous opioids by immune cells. The discovery uses cytokine interleukin-4 to induce M2 macrophages, which produce opioids and reduce pain, offering potential alternative pain management options.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have developed new painkillers that target tissue acidity to reduce the risk of addiction. By fine-tuning the acid dissociation constant (pKa) of opioid molecules, these new drugs can selectively activate opioid receptors in injured tissue, preventing severe side effects.
The MSTARS consortium aims to further develop mass spectrometry technology for clinical application and detection of treatment resistance in various diseases. By combining expertise in mass spectrometry, patient care, and data analysis, the team hopes to improve precision medicine and tailor treatments to individual patients.
A new test developed by a German Center for Infection Research team allows for quick characterization of the genetic material of ebolaviruses, enabling specific diagnostic tests and efficient outbreak control measures. This breakthrough could help reduce the number of lives lost to Ebola outbreaks.
Researchers discovered autophagy as a potential target in the fight against MERS, and found that licensed drugs like niclosamide can drastically reduce viral replication by inhibiting autophagic degradation. The study provides promising insights for developing new substances to combat MERS.
Researchers have identified hundreds of new viral diseases in insects, including those with negative strand RNA genomes that cause Ebola and measles. The discovery expands the database of known viruses, enabling scientists to investigate cases of rare illnesses in humans more effectively.
Researchers mapped circular DNA in childhood cancer for the first time, revealing its role in disrupting genetic information and contributing to cancer development. The study found that circular DNA was present in nearly all neuroblastoma tissue samples from children, with an average of 5,000 copies per sample.
Researchers found changes to the dentate gyrus, an area of the hippocampus responsible for spatial thinking and memory, in participants who spent 14 months in Antarctica. Cognition tests showed effects on both spatial abilities and selective attention.
The Wellcome Trust has established a translational partnership with Charité and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) to maximize translational medicine's benefits for patients and society. The partnership aims to raise biomedical research quality, improve regulatory understanding, and establish incentives for translational research.
A new gene therapy has shown promise in suppressing epileptic seizures in animal models and human tissue samples. The treatment delivers a specific gene that produces dynorphin, modulating neural activity and dampening seizure spread.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin developed a new diagnostic technique using tomoelastography to visualize liver tumor mechanical properties. The study found that hepatic malignancies contain tissues with both stiff and fluid properties, contrary to previous assumptions.