Researchers at KIT develop a new concept for rechargeable batteries based on fluoride shuttles, increasing storage capacity by several factors. The fluoride-ion battery offers improved safety properties without lithium, with potential applications in mobile devices.
Researchers at KIT have developed a new process to fill porous electrodes with liquid electrolyte more rapidly, increasing battery production efficiency. The innovative method uses a physico-chemical effect inspired by nature to reduce filling time from several hours to just minutes.
Scientists have developed a material that exhibits physical properties similar to graphene, including superconductivity and magnetic behavior. The discovery was made by combining ultra-high magnetic fields with the unique composition of SrMnBi2, which allows for easy doping with foreign atoms.
A study analyzing 500 organic substances in four major European rivers reveals that 38% are present in concentrations potentially affecting organisms. Most pesticides, not currently on the EU's list, pose a risk to aquatic ecosystems.
Dr. Malgorzata Borowiak has been awarded a grant from the Helmholtz Association to return to the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch, Germany, as head of a Young Investigators Group. She aims to contribute to diabetes research by studying beta cell development.
Researchers found that the El Niño effect drives faster conversion of CO2 in the terrestrial biosphere, leading to a revised estimate of global primary productivity. The new value suggests that land plants are more productive than previously thought, with implications for climate models and future carbon cycle research.
Researchers have identified micro-RNA 34c as a key regulator of learning and Alzheimer's disease. Elevated levels of miRNA 34c are associated with memory impairment, while lowering its levels can restore learning ability in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study found that rain-index insurance can have ecological consequences if farmers adopt unsustainable grazing practices. The study suggests that insurance payouts in periods of moderate drought may incentivize farmers to abandon sustainable management strategies, leading to overgrazing and increased soil erosion. To mitigate thes...
MDC researchers have determined the molecular structure of dynamin, a key player in cellular nutrient uptake. The study provides fundamental insights into the 'wire-puller' mechanism of dynamin during endocytosis, which is essential for signal transmission and immune system function.
Researchers investigated 50-million-year-old clam shells and wood from Antarctica, finding a climate rhythm resembling El Niño and La Niña in the South Pacific Ocean. The results indicate that global warming may not disrupt the ENSO climate rhythm above the South Pacific Ocean.
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute discovered that plants create a water reserve around their roots, which helps them survive short periods of drought. The water reserve is found within a few millimeters from the roots and contains about 30% more water than the rest of the soil.
A new model suggests that Siberian mantle plume contained recycled oceanic crust, leading to exceptional magmatic eruptions and mass extinction. The team's study provides new insights into the origin of the Siberian Traps and their relation to the Permo-Triassic mass extinction event.
Researchers at Helmholtz Association find that phytoestrogens, particularly lignans and their metabolite enterolactone, may help reduce breast cancer mortality. Enterolactone levels are linked to clinical disease progression and mortality risk, with higher levels associated with lower risk.
Researchers have created a method for silencing non-protein-coding genes using zinc finger nucleases. This allows for the study of these genes' molecular and cellular functions, which are thought to play a role in cancer development.
Scientists found that high levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) expression are required for leukemia-initiating cell activity in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Blocking IGF1R using inhibitors or reducing its expression significantly impaired leukemia stem cells' self-renewal capacity.
Researchers have classified brain tumors into two distinct subgroups based on genetic analysis, revealing that one subgroup has a favorable prognosis while the other is more aggressive. The study provides valuable insights for better treatment options and could lead to targeted therapies for patients with ependymoma.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have engineered a material that exhibits both electrically charged (ferroelectric) and magnetic (ferromagnetic) properties, controlled by electricity. This 'multiferroic' material has potential for multi-state data storage in computers, offering cost-effectiveness compared to existing materials.
A study published in Nature journal has identified the structure of the enzyme that decomposes nitrous oxide, a harmful climate gas with a 300 times stronger impact than carbon dioxide. The discovery provides insight into the decomposition mechanism and its dependence on environmental conditions, which may help prevent N2O emissions.
Researchers found that La Nina's cold phase leads to marginal rainfall and stronger winds in East Africa, while El Niño warm phase causes weak wind conditions with frequent rain. The study tracked climate variations to the last ice age using Lake Challa sediment cores.
Researchers identified genetic changes that led to the loss of E2A, a crucial gene regulator. The loss enables tumor cells to grow rapidly and uncontrolledly, contributing to the aggressive behavior of Sézary syndrome.
Researchers found that coccolithophores form thinner calcite skeletons in acidic ocean water, with significant implications for marine ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. However, some coastal areas exhibit highly calcified species, suggesting potential adaptations to environmental changes.
Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich and universities of Kiel and Hamburg discovered a regular lattice of stable magnetic skyrmions on a surface, opening up new possibilities for data storage. The tiny formations, made up of just 15 atoms, exist without an external magnetic field and are located on the surface.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf develop a system to recreate amyloid formation on artificial surfaces, providing insights into disease mechanisms. The customized mica surface exhibits hydrophobic properties, facilitating the formation of oligomers and fibrils that can destroy cell surfaces.
Researchers found a sub-group of cutaneous human papillomaviruses (beta HPV types) associated with skin carcinogenesis in a novel experimental animal model. Chronic skin UV irradiation promoted the formation of skin lesions resembling squamous cell carcinoma precursor lesions, closely mimicking human observations.
Researchers found that 22 non-native species in Chile pose a high risk to Argentina, with yellow glandweed being the most dangerous. The study highlights the need for cooperation between neighboring countries to counter invasive plant species and prevent severe damage to agriculture.
Researchers identified seven new DNA variants associated with increased prostate cancer risk, accounting for 25% of familial cancer risk. The study, conducted by an international consortium, used genome-wide association studies to identify genetic variants linked to the disease.
Researchers at MDC discover that a lack of laminin-332 causes tactile stimuli to be perceived as painful, leading to increased sensitivity and branching of sensory neurons. The findings provide new insights into the disease's mechanisms and potential drug targets for therapy.
Research found that cortisol controls the recycling of bile acids, which are crucial for fat digestion. Without cortisol, mice lose weight and develop gallstones due to reduced bile acid levels. In humans with Addison's disease, cortisol deficiency also disrupts bile acid recycling.
A team of researchers at the Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology has identified thousands of gene products expressed in planarian flatworms, revealing new insights into the molecular mechanisms of regeneration. This study, which combined two existing sequencing methods, expands and refines planarian research.
Scientists discovered a unique screw-and-nut joint in weevil hips, allowing for improved leg movement and climbing ability. This innovative feature has been present in over 50,000 weevil species worldwide.
The Virtual Institute VISTRIE is a transnational research group examining how viruses evade the immune system. The team will study immune mechanisms and identify critical antiviral processes using CMV as a paradigmatic model pathogen. This knowledge may lead to new drugs to treat CMV and other virus infections.
A European joint project, HCVAX, is developing a novel hepatitis C vaccine based on nanotechnology. The vaccine uses biocompatible nanogels to bring genetic information of the virus into the body, triggering an immune response.
Scientists at KIT's Institute of Nanotechnology create a nano-switch that does not consist of metals or oxides but entirely of soft materials like carbon nanotubes and molecules. The component can be electrically read out, opening up new possibilities for spintronics.
Scientists have discovered that niclosamide, a drug previously used to treat tapeworm infections, can silence a gene that triggers colon cancer metastasis. In mouse studies, the compound inhibited the formation of metastases in colon cancer cells.
A large study found that carrying the FVL gene variant substantially increases the risk of colorectal cancer, with a six-fold increase in risk compared to those without the variant. Another gene variant of clotting factor XIII was also associated with a 15% lower risk of bowel cancer.
Researchers have discovered that cancer cells use specific chemokines to create a survival niche in the lymph nodes and spleen, allowing them to grow and develop. This niche is created by the interaction between cancer cells and stromal cells, which secrete increased quantities of chemokines CCL19/CCL21.
Researchers have created a new metallic high-performance material that can switch between strong and brittle behavior and soft and malleable states at the touch of a button. The discovery, made by Prof. Dr. Jörg Weißmüller and Hai-Jun Jin, opens doors to diverse applications such as self-healing materials and intelligent structures.
A new microscopic theory describes interactions between components of complex polymer mixtures, enabling realistic modeling and macroscopic property predictions. The method has been experimentally proven using neutron scattering experiments, opening up possibilities for studying complex mixtures with improved properties.
Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center (MDC) have identified E-cadherin as a key molecule enabling embryonic stem cells to differentiate into diverse cell types. The study found that E-cadherin plays a crucial role in maintaining pluripotent stem cells and reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells.
A study from Romania highlights the importance of traditional agriculture in protecting amphibians, finding that roads have a direct and indirect negative impact on their populations. Preserving traditional agricultural practices could be key to protecting these species in Central and Eastern Europe.
Studies by MDC researchers have comprehensively quantified gene expression for the first time, revealing that protein production is mainly controlled in the cytoplasm. This discovery highlights where gene expression can get out of control and may provide key insights into diseases such as cancer.
Researchers developed a 3D invisibility cloak that guides light waves around an object, making it invisible to the human eye. The cloaking material is structured in the nanometer range and has precisely defined thicknesses, enabling it to manipulate light waves with unprecedented precision.
Research by Dr. Inés Ibañez-Tallon and her team at MDC Berlin-Buch reveals that the midbrain habenula region plays a key role in nicotine dependence. The study found that only a balanced activity of two genes can rein in nicotine use.
Phase change materials exhibit surprisingly low thermal conductivity in both crystalline and amorphous states. The researchers found that resonance bonding between atoms in the crystalline state impairs heat conduction. This property makes phase change materials suitable for developing fast, non-volatile, and energy-saving main memories.
Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research found a new Salmonella infection mechanism targeting the actin cytoskeleton and exploiting myosin II motor protein. This approach allows bacteria to pull themselves into host cells without forming ruffles, expanding the known invasion strategies.
Scientists from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and TU Dresden created a unique material, Bi3Ni, with nanometer-scale size, which exhibits both ferromagnetism and superconductivity. This phenomenon is rare and not yet fully understood, with the possibility of featuring a special type of superconductivity.
Researchers have discovered a new phenomenon that enables ultrafast magnetic reversal, which could lead to significantly faster data storage. The study found that certain atoms can reverse their magnetization in as little as 300 femtoseconds, making it possible for magnetic memory to operate at terahertz speeds.
Research discovers TBL1 protein plays critical role in fatty liver development; higher triglyceride levels associated with lower TBL1 production. This finding may enable early identification of high-risk individuals and targeted dietary interventions.
Scientists have discovered that a gene regulating neuronal cell migration also plays a crucial role in liver organogenesis. The navigation gene nav3a optimizes cytoskeletal modulation, guiding cells to form the liver. Dysregulated expression of nav3a may be involved in human liver diseases.
Researchers at KIT have successfully cultivated cells on three-dimensional structures with precise control over adhesion and cell shape. The team developed a special polymer scaffold using the Direct Laser Writing Method, which allows for the growth of individual cells in specific locations.