A recent study analyzed over 9,000 size changes in marine animals and found that body size decrease is a general response to environmental crises. The research suggests that warmer temperatures can lead to stronger and more variable changes in species size, posing far-reaching consequences for food chains and fisheries.
A new international study reveals that evolutionary success is not fixed and follows no rules when environmental conditions change. Using corals as an example, researchers demonstrated that even seemingly successful life strategies can lose their advantage when environmental conditions shift.
A new study reveals that Neanderthals and modern humans shared strikingly similar growth processes during the later stages of pregnancy. The researchers used high-resolution micro computer tomography to analyze fossils from three young Neanderthals, which showed a remarkable similarity in skeletal development before birth.
Researchers found that human brains predict word sequences similar to AI language models' processes, suggesting a shared information processing principle. The study's results corroborate key assumptions in cognitive neuroscience, shedding light on the effectiveness of AI language models in various applications.
Researchers identify conceptual weaknesses in established methods, suggesting targeted nerve and muscle activations for non-invasive electrostimulation. The study advocates for reconsidering high-frequency pulse usage to exhaust full potential for restoring motor function after paralysis.
The TransEuroOGS project establishes a network of interoperable optical ground stations across Germany, Greece, Ireland, and Luxembourg to enable quantum-secure space-to-ground communication. The project aims to address challenges in secure transnational communication using quantum key distribution.
Researchers at FAU are developing artificial muscles that can be controlled by light using tiny molecular machines. The technology enables the creation of intelligent materials with programmable properties, such as rigidity and elasticity under different wavelengths of light.
A study analyzing Neanderthal mitochondrial DNA sequences found evidence of a rapid decline in genetic diversity and geographic distribution around 65,000 years ago. This 'bottleneck' event is believed to have triggered the extinction of the species, with later populations emerging from refugia in southwestern France.
Using three-dimensional electron diffraction, researchers demonstrate that electrons can provide averaged structural information previously accessible only with X-rays. They also optimize the electron dose and develop tailored acquisition strategies to probe highly sensitive nanocrystalline structures while preserving the material.
Researchers have developed a method to preserve brain tissue in a functional state using vitrification, allowing for long-term preservation and re-examination of neural networks. The technique enables the recovery of electrical signals and long-term potentiation, crucial for learning and memory processes.
Researchers aim to develop a blood test that can determine a person's entire infection history by analyzing T-cell receptor analysis and sequencing. This could provide an indication of which pathogens they are immune to, improving diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at FAU and UMC Mainz found that genes on the deactivated X chromosome are reactivated in human brain cells during embryonic development. This reactivation acts as additional protection, reducing signs of disease symptoms in female brains.
A team of researchers has discovered that special immune cells in psoriasis patients migrate to the joints and trigger inflammation. The study reveals a crucial link between skin and joint diseases, providing an early warning signal for future treatments.
FAU researchers propose a method to produce methanol from wet biomass without prior drying, reducing energy consumption and costs. The new process enables decentralized production of methanol from renewable energy sources like photovoltaics or local wind farms.
Xu Zhangrun, a prominent Chinese legal scholar, has received the Human Rights Award from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg for his advocacy of democracy, academic freedom, and freedom of expression. The award is a recognition of his tireless efforts to challenge autocratic injustice in China.
The 2025 Academic Freedom Index reveals that eight countries have higher academic freedom, while 34 countries have declined. Anti-pluralist parties' electoral success is linked to lower academic freedom, particularly when they join the government.
Researchers at FAU's ECAP played a leading role in detecting the unusual discovery, which is puzzling due to its high energy and rarity. The detection could provide new insights into cosmic particle accelerators and the processes driving them.
A recent study by FAU researchers reveals how the brain coordinates food intake to ensure we receive the right amount of energy. The hypothalamus, a control center in the brain, triggers behaviors like eating and satiety through a complex mechanism involving four teams of neurons that work together like relay runners.
The study reveals that local field potential events play a crucial role in processing information, even without external stimuli. The findings offer new avenues for research, diagnosis, and treatment of brain diseases, as well as the development of AI inspired by neuroscience.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive optical-acoustic imaging method using short laser pulses to create images of muscle tissue. This breakthrough technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder causing muscle degeneration.
Neuroscientists have identified RNA molecules in nerve cells that persist for a lifetime, contradicting the general understanding of their short lifespan. These long-lived RNAs (LL-RNAs) play a key role in regulating chromatin and maintaining genome stability.
Researchers at FAU investigated a man who received over 200 Covid-19 vaccinations, finding that his immune system remained fully functional and even showed higher concentrations of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. No negative effects were observed on the immune response against other pathogens.
A team of researchers at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg has combined artemisinin with coumarin to develop an autofluorescent compound that destroys certain malaria pathogens. The new compound is effective against drug-resistant strains and shows promise for treating malaria.
A team of researchers from FAU and Stanford University has demonstrated the first nanophotonic electron accelerator, accelerating electrons using a nano device. The breakthrough marks a significant step towards creating smaller, more efficient particle accelerators for medical applications.
A team of researchers from FAU and the University of Cologne analyzed images of animal tracks in Namibian rock art, determining species, age, sex, limbs, side of the body, trackway, and relative direction. They identified 20 additional animal species not present in neighboring region's rock art.
Researchers discover the key to modulating immune reactions by fine-tuning antibodies. The backbone of Y-shaped immunoglobulins plays a crucial role, with posttranslational modifications controlling the strength of the reaction.
Researchers at FAU are promoting a cradle-to-cradle approach for organic electronics, considering recycling and biodegradability from laboratory phase to product end-of-life. This strategy aims to reduce the environmental footprint of organic electronics by 30% less CO2 during manufacturing.
Researchers at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg have unlocked the mechanism behind intravenous immunoglobulin antibody therapy, which resolves joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. The study reveals that these antibodies suppress a central self-destructive process by targeting pattern recognition receptor Dectin-1.
Physicists at FAU have successfully measured and controlled electron release from metals in the attosecond range using a special strategy. This achievement could lead to new quantum-mechanical insights and enable electronic circuits that are a million times faster than current technology.
Researchers from FAU have discovered that vitamin D3 can alter the cellular inflammatory reaction in allergic asthma and alleviate symptoms. Taking vitamin D3 supplements led to less pronounced asthma symptoms and fewer allergy-inducing antibodies in children and adults.
Researchers have identified optimal flight routes for solar-powered airships, which can significantly reduce both transport costs and CO2 emissions of air travel. With a maximum of five percent of carbon dioxide generated compared to conventional air transport, solar airships offer a promising alternative.
The study emphasizes the connection between climate crisis and biodiversity loss, highlighting the need to protect and restore at least 30% of land, freshwater, and marine zones. The authors propose a combination of emissions reduction, restoration, and protection measures to address both crises.
Researchers at Universitätsklinikum Erlangen have successfully treated a patient with anti-synthetase syndrome using CAR T-cells. The innovative treatment approach has shown promising results, allowing the patient to recover entirely from their autoimmune disease after six months.
A team of researchers from Erlangen and Würzburg developed a method to bind specific molecules in samples and serums to iron oxide particles, allowing for their identification using an inexpensive and compact detector. This method enables highly sensitive measurements in a short time with little technical outlay.
A team of researchers found that repeated vaccinations with the Comirnaty mRNA vaccine lead to an increased number of non-inflammatory, spike-specific IgG4 antibodies. These antibodies show promise in providing protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
An interdisciplinary team from Erlangen has found a new treatment for Huntington's disease by accelerating the degradation of a specific messenger molecule necessary for protein synthesis. This reduces the huntingtin level in patients, offering new hope for long-term implementation of RNA-modifying approaches for fatal diseases.
Developing low-molecule non-fullerene semiconductors, researchers aim to combine the best from both worlds. Oligomer acceptors have been shown to increase performance and ensure a long operating life.
Female putty-nosed monkeys deliberately use alarm calls to recruit males to defend the group, a first observed intentional vocalization in animal kingdom. Researchers found females react directly to male actions, adjusting their behavior when goal achieved.
Research into Myanmar amber fossils is hindered by the country's ongoing political, legal, and economic crises. The strict restrictions on research access have led to international researchers acquiring the valuable amber for study.
Scientists at FAU have discovered new substances that activate adrenaline receptors instead of opioid receptors, providing effective pain relief without respiratory depression or addiction. The findings are a milestone in the development of non-opioid pain medication.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating autoimmune diseases by using genetically modified CAR T cells to target and destroy harmful B cells. This innovative therapy has shown promising results in six young patients with severe forms of systemic lupus erythematosus, curing them completely without returning.
Hereditary spastic paraplegia is a rare disease affecting approximately 77,000 Europeans, causing leg spasms and weakness. Researchers have discovered that the disease is linked to reduced calcium regulation, disrupting transport processes in brain cells.
A study published in The Lancet Rheumatology found that booster vaccinations significantly increase immune protection for individuals with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism and inflammatory bowel disease. Most patients experienced no significant side effects after receiving a third vaccination, and their antibodies effectively pro...
Researchers have discovered that long periods in space can damage bone structure irreparably, causing premature aging by up to 10 years. Adapting training programs and medication could help protect astronauts on future missions.
A team of researchers has discovered a protein called NOVA1 that displays pathological characteristics in ALS patients at an early stage. This finding could lead to the development of new therapy concepts and potentially enable early detection of the disease.
Researchers create micrometer-sized particles with modular structure and magnetic readout process, allowing tailored applications and non-real-time temperature tracking. The new temperature indicator stores maximum temperature reached in the past, suitable for tracing material temperature history.
Physicists at FAU have designed a framework to observe light-electron interactions using traditional SEMs, reducing costs and increasing experiment range. This photon-induced electron microscopy (PINEM) technique allows for precise measurements of energy changes in electrons.
Researchers from FAU and University of Rochester demonstrate how laser pulses can induce electron waves in graphene, creating real and virtual charges that can be processed as binary logic. This technology has the potential to make future computers over a million times faster.
A research team has observed an explosion on a white dwarf star for the first time, producing X-ray radiation. The explosion was detected by the eROSITA X-ray telescope and is believed to have occurred in a fireball of X-rays with a temperature of around 327,000 degrees.
A neural network was trained to differentiate between healthy joints and those with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis using finger joint scans. The AI achieved high accuracy rates, detecting 82% of healthy joints, 75% of rheumatoid arthritis cases, and 68% of psoriatic arthritis cases.