How roots grow
Root shape is determined by a combination of genetic predisposition and the self-organization of cells. The development of secondary roots follows principles of non-deterministic growth and adaptation.
Goethe University Frankfurt
Unconventional superconductivity near absolute zero temperature
The discovery confirms a long-discussed mechanism for high-temperature superconductivity and reveals the importance of ytterbium atoms in the material's properties. Quantum fluctuations dominate at temperatures near absolute zero, leading to alternative ordered fundamental states.
Research grant for Marti G. Subrahmanyam and SAFE
Marti G. Subrahmanyam has received a €250,000 grant to collaborate with the LOEWE research center SAFE at Goethe University Frankfurt. The award promotes international cooperation in humanities and social sciences over five years.
Group therapy helps autistic children to cope better with everyday life
A new group therapy program has been shown to improve social skills in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), helping them cope better in everyday life. The therapy, developed at Goethe University Frankfurt, was tested in six clinics and found to have a lasting effect on social behavior.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJan 25, 2016
Better understanding of cell renewal and cellular quality control
The newly established Collaborative Research Centre on selective autophagy aims to improve therapy for diverse diseases by targeting autophagy at the molecular and cellular level. Researchers will study autophagy in complex organisms, including humans, to understand its role in pathophysiology and develop new therapies.
New nanoscopic tools to study ligand-binding of receptors and quantifying two ligand-binding sites while imaging membrane receptors
A new high-resolution method allows precise identification and quantification of interactions between a receptor and two ligands. Scientists have developed a novel approach using atomic force microscopy, enabling the imaging of single membrane receptors while detecting their interactions with multiple ligands.
Studying cardiac arrhythmias in nematodes
Scientists have created a nematode model using Caenorhabditis elegans to study cardiac arrhythmias. The model uses the nematode's feeding apparatus, which resembles the mammalian heart's muscle cells, to test substances for treating genetic arrhythmias.
Optogenetics: Light switch generates cellular second messenger
Researchers have developed a new optogenetic tool, CyclOp, which produces the second messenger cGMP when exposed to light. This allows for precise control of cellular signals involved in vision, blood pressure regulation and cell death, enabling new studies on signal pathways.
Less is more
Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed SLAP technology, a small labeling pair that achieves high sensitivity and efficiency in single-molecule localization microscopy. The approach avoids mislocalization artifacts caused by large detection markers, enabling precise analysis of protein clusters and oligomeric states.
Conflicts 4,000 years ago
A new LOEWE research focus at the Goethe University Frankfurt is investigating Bronze Age forts between the Taunus and Carpathian mountains. The study aims to uncover the social historical perspective of violent conflict during this period, comparing it to early Middle Ages conditions.
New boron compounds for organic light-emitting diodes
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed a new class of organic luminescent materials featuring blue fluorescence, which are suitable for use in organic light-emitting diodes. The boron-containing nanographenes exhibit improved electron transport and stability, making them ideal for portable electronic devices.
Controller in the cell
Researchers identify a new autophagy receptor, FAM134B, which ensures proper breakdown and disposal of dysfunctional endoplasmic reticulum. Mutations in FAM134B cause rare hereditary disease HSAN II, highlighting the importance of autophagy in cellular quality control.
The Arctic: Interglacial period with a break
Researchers found indications of a 6-million-year interruption in the interglacial period in the Arctic Ocean during the Cretaceous period. The team analyzed glendonites and sediment cores to reconstruct climate conditions, including a severe cold snap that interrupted the warmest era of the past 145 million years.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in baby teethers
Researchers at Goethe University found that two out of ten plastic rings in baby teethers release chemicals with hormone-like effects. These additives can inhibit the effects of androgens such as testosterone and act like natural oestrogen in the body. The study highlights the need for manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and scientists...
Where do the happiest children live?
A survey of over 50,000 children aged 8-12 across 15 countries reveals that children's happiness differs significantly depending on their geographical location and lifestyle. In Northern European countries, children are dissatisfied with their appearance and self-confidence, while those in African countries tend to be happier with scho...
How do neurons and blood vessels 'talk' to each other?
Amparo Acker-Palmer aims to decipher molecular signaling pathways regulating the neurovascular interface, which could lead to new approaches for treating dementia and mental illness. Her team uses genetically altered mice and zebrafish to visualize dynamic events of cell-to-cell communication at the neurovascular interface.
From heart attacks to cancer: What role do long, non-coding RNAs play?
Stefanie Dimmelers research suggests that long non-coding RNAs play a role in creating heart attacks, strokes, and cancer by regulating endothelial cells. She will use the ERC Advanced Grant to identify new treatments for preventing arteriosclerosis.
Quantum mechanical helium trio
Physicists have created a stable Efimov state consisting of three helium atoms, exhibiting huge distances between binding partners. The discovery confirms theoretical predictions and opens new avenues for research in quantum mechanics.
Zip me up!
Researchers have identified the specific molecules involved in skin fusion during wound healing, using fruit fly embryos as a model system. The study reveals a complex process involving molecular machines and cellular components that work together to fuse the skin, with microtubules playing a crucial role in this process.
A pathfinder for optogenetics
A new priority program funded by the German Research Foundation will develop next-generation optogenetic tools with higher light sensitivity. The program aims to expand optogenetics' application in basic research and medicine, particularly for treating vision and hearing impairments, Parkinson's disease, and cardiac diseases.
Protecting against memory loss with olives
A three-year project at Goethe University Frankfurt is investigating olive polyphenols to develop new functional food for the ageing society. The researchers aim to test whether these substances can protect against Alzheimer's disease and improve brain function.
30 years after C60: Fullerene chemistry with silicon
Researchers at Goethe University have successfully synthesised a silicon dodecahedron, a structurally similar compound to C60. The molecule features an Si20 Platonic solid and opens up new possibilities for the semiconductor industry.
Solving the riddle of neutron stars
Theoretical astrophysicists discovered that gravitational waves from merging binary neutron star systems have a characteristic spectrum similar to atomic spectral lines. This allows for the inference of neutron star properties, including equation of state and stellar structure.
The green lungs of our planet are changing
Satellite data shows that growing periods worldwide are changing, with earlier springs and later autumns, impacting agriculture, species interactions, and ecosystem functioning.
In the city, rabbits build more densely
Researchers found that European wild rabbits construct smaller, more densely packed burrows in urban areas than in rural settings. This suggests that cities provide a more suitable habitat for these animals, leading to concerns about their potential impact on rural populations and the preservation of the species.
Obtaining a better understanding of processes in the atmospheric boundary layer
The German Meteorological Service sponsors a new professorship to enhance numerical weather forecasting models. Researchers focus on the atmospheric boundary layer, a critical component in predicting extreme weather events like heavy rainfall and near-ground winds for wind farms and solar facilities.
Schizophrenia: Impaired activity of the selective dopamine neurons
Researchers found altered patterns and frequencies of electrical activity in dopamine midbrain neurons critical for emotional and cognitive processing. These findings suggest that impaired dopamine neuronal activity contributes to schizophrenia's negative symptoms, such as cognitive deficits and impaired motivation.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2015
1.6 million euros from the DFG: Nok culture study enters its third round
Researchers will evaluate recent excavation sites and previous finds from 79 archaeological sites, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Nok Culture. The study aims to shed light on the societal development, economy, and role of iron metallurgy in this ancient culture.
Respiratory chain: Protein complex structure revealed
Biochemists elucidate protein complex structure in the respiratory chain, a crucial process for cellular energy production. The study reveals how complex I switches between active and inactive forms, shedding light on its role in disease, including Parkinson's and myocardial infarction.
New bacterial language discovered
Researchers have identified a new bacterial communication pathway, dialkylresorcinol, that is widely distributed among pathogenic bacteria. This discovery offers a promising therapeutic target for new medicines, potentially reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2015
Data protection and trustworthiness: Both can be secured on the Internet at the same time
The ABC4Trust project has developed solutions to increase the trustworthiness of personal data in the Internet while offering optimal privacy protection. The project uses attribute-based credentials, which provide a type of credibility certificate from an entity trusted by the provider.
As in a cloud
Physicists at Goethe University Frankfurt have used the COLTRIMS reaction microscope to demonstrate that the structure of the helium-3 molecule is a 'cloud' rather than a solid structure. The results resolve a long-standing dispute in theoretical physics and show that all possible configurations are equally probable.
Comparison of cultures and epochs: What discourses on weaknesses can trigger
Historians, ethnologists, philosophers, and law historians will collaborate to shed light on global historical issues from ancient times to the present day. They aim to compare cultures and epochs to provide highly generalised findings.
Researchers control adhesion of E. coli bacteria
A team of scientists has created a synthetic surface that can control the adhesion of E. coli bacteria using light. By switching on and off specific wavelengths, researchers can reverseorientate carbohydrate structures to influence bacterial bonding.
New substance overcomes treatment-restistance in leukemia
Researchers from Frankfurt and Moscow develop kinase inhibitor PF-114 effective against Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia, including resistant cases. The new substance offers a more favorable profile than existing Ponatinib, paving the way for further clinical trials.
Why cancer cells grow despite a lack of oxygen
Researchers discover PHD3 controls EGFR uptake, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor proliferation. PHD3 loss is crucial for human malignant brain tumour growth under hypoxia.
How cells defend themselves against antibiotics and cytostatic agents
Researchers have determined the structure of an ABC transporter complex, enabling targeted therapeutic approaches to combat antibiotic resistance and cancer cell defense. The study's breakthrough has significant implications for treating cystic fibrosis, bacterial infections, and cancer.
'Superglue' for the atmosphere
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt found that dimethylamine can greatly enhance the formation of aerosol particles from sulfuric acid, creating 'neutral molecular cluster' formations. This process could influence Earth's climate by affecting cloud condensation nuclei and precipitation patterns.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2014
On the trail of the truffle flavor
Researchers found that soil bacteria produce volatile compounds that make up part of the distinctive truffle smell. The study, published in Environmental Microbiology, sheds light on how symbiosis between fungi and microorganisms benefits both partners.
Weakness of leukemic stem cells discovered
A team of researchers has identified 5-lipoxygenase as a target for therapeutic management of stem cell-like cells in acute myeloid leukemia. Inhibiting this enzyme selectively attacks and eliminates leukemic stem cells in both cell culture models and mouse models, suggesting a promising approach for treating the disease.
The rate at which groundwater reservoirs are being depleted is increasing
Researchers have found that groundwater reservoirs are being depleted at an increasing rate worldwide. A study by Prof. Petra Döll found that the rate of depletion is not as high as previously estimated, but still poses a significant threat to ecosystems and water resources.
New research unit for dangerous hospital germs
A new research unit at Goethe University Frankfurt aims to understand the molecular basis of multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains, a common and deadly nosocomial pathogen. The researchers will study the bacterium's biology, infection process, and resistance mechanisms using an interdisciplinary approach.
Spanish slug -- Busting an invasion myth
Research reveals that Spanish slugs (Arion lusitanicus) are not native to Spain but originated in Central Europe, contradicting long-held assumptions. The findings highlight the need for reevaluation of EU regulations on invasive species and encourage a more nuanced approach to labeling non-native species.
A tale of survival
Shortfin molly fish populations have evolved genetic changes that enable them to thrive in hydrogen sulphide-rich springs. The adaptations involve changes in the cox1 and cox3 genes, allowing the fish to maintain COX activity under high H2S concentrations.
GPS also helps to analyze global water resources
A study published in Surveys in Geophysics found that the hydrological model WaterGAP underestimates seasonal continental water storage fluctuations and fails to retain rainwater for a long time. The researchers used GPS observations and GRACE satellite data to identify shortcomings in the model.
Fossils provide insight into origin of unique Antarctic ecosystem
A study found that the development of the sea-ice ecosystem in Antarctica possibly triggered the evolution of larger organisms like baleen whales and penguins. The researchers analyzed sediment samples from drill cores, which provided new insights into the past.
Tropical climate in the Antarctic
Scientists have discovered a tropical climate in Antarctica 52 million years ago, where palms and relatives of today's Baobab trees thrived on the coast. This finding highlights the extreme contrast between modern and past climatic conditions on Antarctica and provides valuable insights into global warming.
New mouse model for testing cancer drugs
Researchers developed a new mouse model to test cancer drugs by simulating gene inhibition, preventing rapid cell division in cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. The study published in Nature Communications validates the preclinical relevance and predictive value of the inducible RNAi-based mouse model.
A chaperone system guides tail-anchored membrane proteins to their destined membrane
A newly synthesized protein is fragile and requires chaperones for proper folding, which also escort it to its destination and aid in membrane insertion. The researchers identified key components responsible for TA protein sorting, including Get3 ATPase and receptors Get1 and Get2.
Intestinal cell defense mechanism against bacteria
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have elucidated the molecular mechanism of autophagy in intestinal cells, revealing how salmonella is marked and digested. Impaired autophagy may be linked to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.