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Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf


How many fish constitute a school?

A team of physicists discovered that groups of just three zebrafish exhibit coordinated movement patterns similar to those in large schools. In contrast, pairs of fish behave differently, with one leading the other. The study's findings suggest that three is a critical number for group cohesion in schooling behavior.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 25, 2024

New growth factor for the liver

Researchers have discovered a new growth factor, MYDGF, that plays a crucial role in liver regeneration. The study found that higher levels of MYDGF are present in patients' blood after partial liver removal, and that it stimulates the proliferation of human hepatocytes in tissue cultures.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2024

Molecular mechanisms of fungal infections clarified

A research team from Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf has clarified an important mechanism in how fungal infections are regulated at the molecular level. They discovered a single RNA-binding protein called Khd4 that controls the growth of infectious hyphae by determining mRNA stability, which in turn regulates membrane trafficking.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2023

How atomic nuclei vibrate

Researchers at Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf have measured the wave-like vibration of atomic nuclei with record-breaking precision, confirming the accuracy of quantum theory. The study also explores the possibility of a new fundamental force between protons and deuterons in connection with Dark Matter.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 28, 2023

A guide through the genome

A research team has developed a method to identify genetic variations responsible for differences in plant traits. The study found thousands of variations associated with traits like yield and pest resistance in maize. These regions can be targeted for plant breeding, leading to improved crop varieties.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalGenome Biology·DateMay 22, 2023

Neuroregeneration in multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf discovered that corticosteroid Medrysone promotes oligodendroglial cell replacement and myelin sheath restoration. Astrocytes play a surprising role in mediating this effect, with some promoting tissue repair and others contributing to lesion formation.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

The greening ashore

The invasion of plants onto land triggered a transformation of the hostile environment, accelerating atmospheric changes. This process laid the foundations for modern terrestrial flora, including flowering plants that comprise over 90% of all known species.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateJun 20, 2022

Incurable Leigh Syndrome: German scientists create first human model for rare disease

Researchers developed a human model of Leigh syndrome caused by SURF1 mutations, discovering that energy deficits in neural precursors lead to neuronal defects and brain function impairment. This breakthrough provides potential therapeutic strategies, including gene replacement therapy and the use of Bezafibrate, for treating children ...

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2021

Evolution of cereal spikes

Scientists have identified a gene responsible for varying cereal spike forms, offering a possible solution to increasing grain yields. The research focuses on the INT-M/DUB1 gene's ability to regulate meristem activity and determine lateral spikelet formation.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2021