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Goethe University Frankfurt


The world's smallest wedding rings

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have created two interlocking rings of DNA, measuring 18 nanometers in size, which are suitable as components of molecular machines. The catenan structure is freely pivotable and can be used to arrange and study proteins or other molecules that are too small for direct manipulation.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 11, 2011

Lab on chip for membrane proteins

A novel lab-on-chip device has been developed to screen sensitive membrane proteins in parallel, utilizing a nano-fabricated chip with 50,000 nanopores. This technology preserves protein structure without organic solvents or solid support, enabling simultaneous analysis and preserving fragile protein function.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 9, 2010

Neurons growing in line

Researchers grew two populations of neurons in microfluidic platforms, forming synaptic connections and enabling manipulation with drugs or neurotransmitters. The system allows for visualization and control of synapse dynamics, shedding light on memory formation and pharmaceutical development.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNeuron·DateApr 15, 2010

Depression care improved

Researchers found a simple intervention involving monthly follow-up phone calls improved depression care in primary practice. The trial evaluated 626 patients with depression, highlighting the potential of practice-based health care assistants to recognize and react to deteriorating symptoms.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 16, 2009

How mitochondria get their membranes bent

A research team at Goethe University Frankfurt has identified two proteins, Fcj1 and Su e/g, that regulate the shape of mitochondria's inner membrane. The protein Fcj1 promotes negative curvature, while the Su e/g protein induces positive bending, leading to the formation of cristae junctions.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJun 24, 2009

Protein structure determined in living cells

Researchers have determined the structure of a protein within its natural environment, Escherichia coli, for the first time using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This milestone advances our understanding of molecular biology and opens new avenues for investigating protein interactions in living systems.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2009

Commercial yeasts upgraded with an enzyme for biofuel production

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered an enzyme that enables yeast cells to ferment xylose into ethanol, a waste sugar in the cellulosic ethanol production process. This single-step conversion technology has the potential to increase biofuel production efficiency and reduce competition with food and feed production.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 24, 2009

A new class of anti-inflammatory drugs

Researchers developed a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer side effects than aspirin, targeting the later stage of arachidonic acid biosynthesis. These dual mPGES-1/5-LO-Inhibitors effectively target both prostaglandins and leukotrienes, promising more effective results for inflammatory reactions.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 10, 2008

Can one 'pin down' electrons?

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have made the first measurement of entangled states in nitrogen, resolving a long-standing debate on electron localization. The study uses COLTRIMS technology to probe the pathways of two electrons, demonstrating that electron location can only be determined for the complete system.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience·DateMay 15, 2008

Targeting key proteins of carcinogenesis

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have identified a novel Ub conjugation reaction that allows for more efficient manipulation of key proteins in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. This discovery provides a basis for novel therapeutic approaches that are more specific than existing drugs like Bortezomib.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 22, 2007