Research at Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that the human brain prepares for dawn and dusk by reducing resting activity in the visual cortex, allowing it to process weak visual stimuli more effectively during these times. This mechanism may have provided an evolutionary advantage in the pre-industrial era.
The study found that rorquals have been hybridizing during their evolutionary history, with genetic barriers between species seemingly non-existent. This rare phenomenon, called sympatric speciation, has significant implications for our understanding of biodiversity.
Researchers detected evidence of a sudden sea-level rise in the northern Aegean Sea around 7,600 years ago, coinciding with a standstill in the Neolithic revolution. This event likely caused flooding of low-lying coastal areas and delayed settlement development.
Research by Professor Yee Lee Shing investigates how brain predicts environment, using EU-funded grant to explore internal models and cognitive processes. Long-term goal is to better understand clinical conditions like autism and schizophrenia.
Mutations in p63 protein lead to severe genetic disease AEC syndrome, which resembles Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or ALS more closely than other syndromes. The research lays groundwork for causal therapies by showing that protein aggregates underlie the disorder.
A global study by researchers at Senckenberg Nature Research Society and Goethe University Frankfurt found that mammals cover half to one-third of their usual distances in human-modified areas. This reduction affects ecosystem functions, including nutrient transport and species interactions.
Astrophysicists have determined that the maximum mass of neutron stars cannot exceed 2.16 solar masses through a combination of theoretical and observational research. The result was achieved by applying universal relations to data on gravitational-wave signals and electromagnetic radiation from merging neutron star events.
The university is tackling socially relevant topics such as earth's water resources and the effects of regulatory measures on market development with funding from the German Research Foundation. Researchers will examine how institutional and regulatory parameters influence financial market decisions and outcomes.
The Goethe University Frankfurt's Nok research project has been awarded €1.5 million in funding to continue its 12-year study of the 2,500-year-old Nigerian Nok Culture. The project has uncovered significant insights into chronology, settlement, land use, and environment.
A team of researchers led by Eberhard Gischler analyzed the Blue Hole stalactite recovered in 1970, revealing concentric layers that detail climate conditions since the last ice age. The study provides new insights into paleo-environmental conditions and storm patterns.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have successfully designed non-ribosomal peptide synthetases to produce completely new natural products. This breakthrough enables the creation of novel therapeutics and peptides with improved yields and modified structures, offering new avenues for biotechnology and drug development.
Research at Goethe University Frankfurt finds that more intelligent individuals have brain regions more strongly connected to each other within their own 'family', but less connected to others. This may help them filter out irrelevant information and focus on important tasks.
A theoretical physicist at Goethe University Frankfurt proposes using magnetic sails to decelerate interstellar spacecraft, enabling them to collect data from nearby stars and planets. The concept involves creating a strong magnetic field that reflects ionized hydrogen in the interstellar medium, slowing down the probe.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed a new super-resolution optical microscopy technique that makes dimerization of membrane receptors visible. The study reveals ligand-specific receptor dimerization and improves our understanding of the decision between cell life or death.
Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt reveal how correct molecular passports are selected by cells to avoid autoimmune diseases and cancer. The new discovery sheds light on the quality control of antigens, crucial for effective immune surveillance.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have identified key molecules involved in regulating brain plasticity and memory. GRIP1, ephrinB2, and ApoER2 are found to interact and regulate AMPA receptor insertion at the synapse, influencing learning and memory.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt develop a new mechanism to channel metabolism in baker's yeast, enabling direct delivery of raw materials to desired enzymes. This approach improves sugar conversion into ethanol while minimizing unwanted by-products.
A recent study by Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that regular physical exercise not only enhances fitness but also positively affects brain metabolism and memory. The SMART trial found stable cerebral choline concentrations in the training group, indicating a reduced risk of dementia.
In a study on eastern mosquitofish, researchers found that females prefer males with average sexual activity, rather than high or low drives. This is due to the cost-benefit ratio, as high-activity males can be hazardous to their safety and feeding opportunities.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt discovered that anesthetics decrease local information generation in specific brain areas, which can lead to reduced signal transmission and consciousness loss. This finding challenges the previous assumption that anesthetics disrupt signal transmission between brain areas.
Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt have combined two advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques to observe cells with high-resolution imaging. The new technique, called csiLSFM, allows for three-dimensional insight into a cell's interior with sub-100nm resolution.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed light-inducible microRNA inhibitors that can target specific genes involved in slow-healing wounds. By injecting these inhibitors into the skin of mice, they were able to improve wound healing by blocking a particular microRNA that is frequently found in diabetes patients.
A team of researchers has discovered an inflammatory signaling platform that cells use to defend against Salmonella infections, which may lead to the development of new antibiotic treatments. The study found that protein chains relay pro-inflammatory signals to trigger degradation of bacteria and restrict their proliferation.
A new screening process makes boron-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) accessible for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) applications, offering a cost-efficient and resource-friendly way to achieve results.
The European Union has funded two projects at Goethe University Frankfurt: one on producing environmentally friendly fuels from bacteria that can use carbon dioxide as a feedstock, and another on understanding how bacteria manipulate the ubiquitin system to their advantage in infectious diseases such as Salmonella and Shigella.
Researchers developed a novel technology to tackle the 'secret ubiquitin code' by enabling systematic analysis of linear ubiquitination targets. This breakthrough will improve understanding of linear ubiquitination's role in diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory conditions.
Goethe University Frankfurt scientists create high-value short-chain fatty acids from sugar with brewer's yeast, suitable for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fuels. The new technology has the potential to replace fossil fuels with yeasts-based biofuels.
Researchers found that parenting by ADHD parents is less adequate, with more criticism and household chaos. However, they also rated their relationship to children more positively than non-ADHD parents. The study suggests a complex interplay between these factors and recommends future research on designing parent training programs.
Researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt discovered a novel biomarker, SAMHD1, that enables accurate prediction of therapy responders and non-responders in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients. This biomarker can guide cytarabine-based chemotherapies to only those patients likely to respond, sparing others from toxic side effects.
Physicists at Goethe University Frankfurt have made a pioneering discovery about the phase transition from an electrical conductor to an insulator. The researchers found that both electrons and the atomic lattice play a significant role in the transition, contrary to common textbook opinion.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered a class of peptides that can kill insect larvae, producing up to four times more compounds than previously thought possible. The peptides, known as rhabdopeptide/xenortide peptides (RXPs), are produced by bacteria and play a crucial role in infection.
Researchers in Frankfurt confirm the quantum-mechanical tunnel effect in deep-frozen helium molecules. The study reveals that over 75% of bonding time can be explained by this effect.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt discovered a new ubiquitination mechanism in Legionella bacteria that affects cellular processes and causes cell death. This mechanism reveals a broader role of ubiquitin in regulating life processes and may lead to new strategies for developing antibacterial agents.
The 'Iron Hammer' protein complex plays a crucial role in splitting the two subunits of the ribosome after protein synthesis is complete. The researchers used advanced techniques to reveal the structure of this complex and its interaction with the small ribosomal subunit.
The study calculates the production of aerosol particles in all Earth regions and at different heights, revealing key findings about particle formation and its role in climate. It also determines the influence of cosmic radiation and human activity on cloud condensation nuclei.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed a new non-metal catalyst that can split the hydrogen molecule under mild conditions. The process requires only an electron source and has potential applications in energy production, chemical synthesis, and the semiconductor industry.
The LIGO Scientific Collaboration detected gravitational waves that could have been caused by the collision of two black holes. Researchers used theoretical models to test whether these signals could also be produced by gravastars, hypothetical objects proposed as an alternative to black holes.
Scientists have reclassified giraffes into four distinct species based on genetic analysis, revealing new insights into their biology and conservation needs. The study highlights the urgent need for protection efforts to safeguard these endangered animals in Africa.
Experimental trials reveal that two-thirds of test persons are insensitive to group size when making decisions. This insensitivity can lead to enormous social costs as politicians and medical practitioners make decisions that benefit a few at the expense of large groups.
Gros has investigated the possibility of bringing life to planets with temporary habitability, proposing an automated gene laboratory on board a probe. The Genesis mission could be achieved within decades with interstellar unmanned micro spacecraft, potentially allowing for the development of complex life forms.
A European and US research team has successfully determined the structure of the most disease-relevant beta-amyloid peptide 1–42 fibrils at atomic resolution. The findings simplify the targeted search for drugs to treat Alzheimer's dementia, offering hope for a potential cure in the next decade.
Urban rabbits use scent marks to separate themselves from neighbors along territorial boundaries, indicating a greater need for segregation.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt discovered how yeast cells measure and adapt to the availability of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in foodstuffs, which opens up new possibilities to understand membrane lipid production and distribution. This finding paves the way for targeting hormone-producing cells with more precision.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt discovered that birds use a light-independent radical pair to detect the Earth's magnetic field lines. This finding indicates a special evolutionary adaptation in birds, as cryptochrome is used exclusively for light perception in other organisms.
Researchers found that organic compounds from trees in pre-industrial times formed aerosols that counteracted greenhouse gas effects. The CLOUD experiment discovered a process where these low-volatility substances efficiently form new particles under atmospheric conditions, even without sulphuric acid.
Physicists have found a simple formula for the maximum mass of neutron stars, which depends on their rotation rate. The research, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, suggests that rotating neutron stars can support masses up to 20% higher than non-rotating ones.
Researchers aim to spare people with type 1 diabetes from lifelong insulin therapy by developing three-dimensional cellular structures of insulin-producing cells. The EU-funded project plans to work with pharmaceutical industry partners to mass-produce the cells for transplantation.
The 'Children's World' study found that most eight-year-old children (62%) liked going to school, while a minority reported being left out or hit by classmates. Children in some countries had lower life satisfaction, with safety and well-being varying by region.
A team of European researchers has predicted increased hunting pressure in the Congo Basin, leading to dramatic population declines or extinctions. The study identified areas with high hunting pressure, including Virunga National Park and the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
Researchers from Goethe University and MIT have developed a new method to deliver protein markers with nanometre precision into living cells. The technique, called cell squeezing, uses high pressure to incorporate fluorescent probes with an efficiency rate greater than 80 percent.