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Goethe University Frankfurt


Semen facilitates infection with Monkeypox virus

A study by Goethe University and Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt has found that seminal fluid can facilitate infection of skin cells with the monkeypox virus. The researchers discovered that protein fragments in seminal fluid form fibers that promote attachment of the virus to human cells, increasing the risk of transmission through sexu...

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalEmerging Microbes & Infections·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2026

B-cell lymphoma: Cause of high-risk disease discovered

A new study has identified molecular tumor characteristics that distinguish between different subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The findings suggest that tumors from high-risk patients, referred to as PG4 proteogenotype, are characterized by specific genetic mutations and protein patterns. These characteristics can hel...

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2026

Louse-borne relapsing fever: How the pathogen evades the immune system

Researchers identified five immunomodulatory proteins in Borrelia recurrentis that prevent activation of the human complement system, allowing the pathogen to survive in the human body. These Chi proteins also convert plasminogen into active plasmin, giving Borrelia recurrentis a significant advantage in spreading after infection.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

On air travel and digital currencies

The Baker McKenzie Award has recognized Dr. Alexander Heger's dissertation on European Competition Law and Air Transport for its outstanding analysis of a complex field. The award also goes to Dr. Felix-Julius Konow for his research on regulating stablecoins, which explores regulatory mechanisms to address economic and financial risks.

Fair careers in academia

The study found that researchers value the university's commitment to diversity and anti-discrimination measures and are broadly satisfied with their working conditions. However, respondents identified areas for improvement, including the need for structured institutional support and clear procedures to prevent discrimination. The find...

How life could arise from molecules

Complex systems exhibit emergent properties due to water's unique polarity, enabling DNA to store information and proteins to adopt specific structures. This order forms the basis for complex molecules to develop unpredictable properties, driving the evolution of life.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 5, 2026

Aging zoo animals threaten long-term species conservation goals of modern zoos

Research from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that many zoo mammal populations are becoming demographically fragile due to declining birth rates and increasing numbers of older individuals. This trend poses a threat to species conservation goals, as stable and resilient populations are crucial for addressing biodiversity loss.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2026

A view into the innermost workings of life: First scanning electron microscope with nanomanipulator inaugurated in hesse at Goethe University

The newly inaugurated cryo plasma-FIB scanning electron microscope with nanomanipulator at Goethe University Frankfurt enables imaging of living cells and provides new insights into cellular structures. Researchers can now visualize protein structures in their natural environment or trace cellular changes in diseases.

The “broker” family helps tidy up the cell

A research team at Goethe University Frankfurt has compiled a catalog of human E3 ligases and mapped their relationships, revealing family-specific functions. The study identifies 40 additional E3 ligases suitable for PROTAC development, expanding the range of tissues and diseases targeted by degradation therapies.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2026