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Helmholtz Association


One third less life on planet Earth

A recent study by a German-US science team estimates that there is about 4 billion tons of carbon stored in subseafloor microbes, reducing the total amount of carbon stored in living organisms by about one third. This new finding challenges previous estimates based on drill cores taken in nutrient-rich areas.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2012

New insights into salt transport in the kidney

The study discovered that the claudin-10 gene plays a crucial role in reabsorbing sodium chloride in the kidney. In its absence, mice exhibit elevated magnesium levels and excess calcium deposition in the kidneys, highlighting the importance of this gene in maintaining salt balance.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2012

Viruses with integrated gene switch

Researchers have successfully integrated RNA switches into viral genetic material to control gene expression, increasing the production of therapeutic genes by ten times. This technology has vast potential for various research and medical applications.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 21, 2012

Nature: Electronic read-out of quantum bits

Scientists have developed a molecular spin-transistor that can read out the quantum state of an atom, paving the way for more stable and controlled quantum computing. The device, which uses electrodes to detect changes in the atomic spin, can maintain stability for up to 20 seconds.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateAug 16, 2012

The earthquake risk and Europe

Scientists have created a new, harmonized earthquake catalogue for Europe and the Mediterranean that spans over 1,000 years. The catalogue, known as the European-Mediterranean Earthquake Catalogue (EMEC), covers earthquakes with magnitudes of Mw 3.5 and larger in the northern part of the region, and Mw 4.0 in the southern part.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Seismology·DateAug 10, 2012

Magnetic field, mantle convection and tectonics

A study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that rapid mantle convection may influence the Earth's magnetic field, which is produced by convection currents in the liquid core. The research team found that changes in heat flow and density distribution in the mantle could lead to more frequent or less frequent geomagnetic reversals.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 29, 2012

Teamwork against Benzene

Researchers from Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research identified three teams of bacteria working together to degrade benzene, a highly toxic substance. By analyzing proteins, they shed light on the complex process, which could also apply to other bacterial cooperatives.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJul 26, 2012

Contaminant transport in the fungal pipeline

Researchers found that fungal hyphae can transport contaminants, bypassing air barriers, allowing for potential environmental remediation. This ability enables fungi to overcome limitations in nutrient uptake, suggesting a broader role in facilitating contaminant movement.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 25, 2012

Aqueous iron interacts as strong as solid iron

Researchers developed a new method called inverse Partial Fluorescence Yield (iPFY) that allows them to examine the structure of metal ions-complexes in solution without sample damage. The study found that iron ions interact strongly with water, contradicting previous thoughts.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJul 6, 2012

Just a question of time?

Researchers at the virtual Helmholtz Institute PolarTime are studying the inner clock of Antarctic krill to understand its impact on the marine ecosystem under climate change. They will investigate the principles and evolution of endogenous biological rhythms and clocks in pelagic organisms.

Solar power from plastic foils

A group of KIT researchers has been granted €4.25 million to enhance the efficiency of organic solar cells to over 10% using tandem architectures and novel materials. The new generation of solar cells is light, flexible, semi-transparent, and can be produced at low cost.

Climate drilling in the Arctic Circle

Researchers have extracted a sediment core from Lake El'gygytgyn in Siberia, revealing temperatures previously thought impossible for the Arctic Circle. The findings suggest a correlation between warm periods in the Arctic and large melting events in Antarctica, indicating previously unknown interactions between the Polar Regions.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2012

Stars, jets and batteries

Researchers at Helmholtz Association confirm the existence of Tayler instability, a magnetic phenomenon that reduces rotation rates and creates powerful fluid flows. This discovery has significant implications for the development of liquid metal batteries and their potential use in renewable energy storage.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 20, 2012

Big uncertainties in the global water budget

Researchers found significant differences between global models and measurement data sets, with uncertainties increasing due to a shrinking global network of measurement stations. This study emphasizes the need for better understanding of evaporation, clouds, and precipitation interactions on regional levels.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·DateJun 13, 2012

Dual effect on tumor blood vessels

Scientists found that Ang-2 regulates angiogenesis through TIE-2 and integrin signaling, leading to two independent effects on tumor blood vessels. This discovery prompts the development of new therapies targeting Ang-2.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 31, 2012

Greenland's current loss of ice mass

Research reveals Greenland's ice sheet is losing mass at an unprecedented rate, with melting and calving processes increasing by 0.07mm/year annually since 2005. The study provides insights into the impact of regional weather patterns on ice sheet dynamics.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 29, 2012

Plant growth without light control

Researchers from Japan and Karlsruhe have successfully used a synthetic photoreceptor to stimulate plant growth and development, regardless of exposure to light. This breakthrough could lead to improved agricultural practices and more efficient biomass production.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 16, 2012

Climatic effects of a solar minimum

Researchers found a direct solar-climate linkage on centennial timescales using sediment analysis from Lake Meerfelder Maar. The study suggests a mechanism explaining the relation between weak sun and climate change, with positive feedback effects.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 6, 2012

Different recipes for success in the world of plants

Researchers found that non-native plant species use different strategies, such as blooming later in the year and occupying specific habitats, to increase their frequency of occurrence. This differentiation is important for understanding modern ecosystems and recognizing potential dangers from introduced species.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEcology Letters·DateMay 4, 2012