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Helmholtz Association


Scientists find cause of fatal inflammation of the heart muscle

Researchers found that a specific type of immune cell attacks the heart muscle because it fails to develop tolerance against a unique protein. This leads to inflammation and potentially fatal consequences, highlighting the need for targeted therapies. The study's findings have significant implications for treating autoimmune myocarditis.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 29, 2011

Large-scale assessment of the Arctic Ocean

The Arctic Ocean's freshwater content has risen significantly, with a 20% increase since the 1990s. This change affects global ocean circulation and heat exchange between the ocean and atmosphere. Researchers analyzed over 5,000 salt concentration profiles to determine this increase.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalDeep Sea Research·DateMar 25, 2011

Single gene defect causes brain tumor

A single gene defect in the BRAF gene has been linked to pilocytic astrocytoma, a common brain tumor in children. Treatment with kinase inhibitors has shown promise in slowing down growth, paving the way for further research into targeted therapies.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 15, 2011

Mini disks for data storage

Researchers created mini magnetic disks with slanted edges, which favor the formation of tiny magnetic vortices. This allows for efficient data processing and reduced power consumption compared to traditional memory storage systems.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 14, 2011

New interpretation of Antarctic ice cores

Researchers at Alfred Wegener Institute expand prevailing theory on climate history by showing local climate changes in southern hemisphere can trigger temperature fluctuations in Antarctica. The study, published in Nature, suggests alternative explanation for historical Earth climate data from Antarctica.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011

Uncovering the genetics of prostate cancer

A research project aims to analyze the genomes of 250 prostate cancer patients under 50 to identify genetic mutations that cause and promote the disease. The goal is to produce a comprehensive map of genetic modifications involved in prostate cancer, which may lead to new treatment approaches and diagnostic methods.

New impulses for surface research

Ralph G. Nuzzo, an American chemist, has been awarded the Research Award of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for his pioneering work on thiol-based SAMs. He will spend several months researching at KIT and Bielefeld University to advance Interfacial Systems Chemistry.

Fastest movie in the world recorded

Researchers at Helmholtz Association create ultrafast image sequences of nanostructures, enabling real-time observation of molecules and nanostructures. The breakthrough method uses X-ray pulses to capture images at femtosecond intervals, paving the way for new insights into fundamental processes in natural sciences.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 12, 2011

Supercomputer unravels structures in DVD materials

A team of researchers used the Jülich supercomputer to unravel the structures of DVD materials, revealing a new understanding of the read and write processes. The study provides insight into the rapid phase change mechanisms, which could lead to improved storage materials with longer life, larger capacity, or shorter access times.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 9, 2011

Drilling in the holy land

Researchers from eight nations are analyzing sedimentary deposits from a 460-meter deep borehole to reconstruct the climate history of the region. The drilling project aims to provide information on past environmental changes in the Bethlehem area, including those related to early human migration.

A molecular switch for memory and addiction

Researchers have identified a key role for a protein called RyR2 in the development of long-term changes in brain connectivity associated with learning, memory, and addiction. By upregulating RyR2, nicotine can trigger the formation of new connections in the brain, leading to addictive behavior.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 26, 2010

Diabetes drug could work against Alzheimer's

Researchers found that metformin counteracts alterations of cell structure protein Tau in mice nerve cells, a main cause of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests metformin may be an effective therapy for Alzheimer's diseases if confirmed in humans.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2010

New microscope reveals ultrastructure of cells

Researchers have developed a new X-ray microscope that delivers immediate 3D images of entire living cells, closing the gap between conventional microscopic techniques. The new method allows for high-resolution imaging without chemical fixation or labelling, enabling detailed study of cellular ultrastructure.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 19, 2010

Electrons get confused

Researchers at HZB observed exotic behavior in beryllium oxide when bombarded with high-speed heavy ions, causing electrons to forget material properties. The results show changes in electronic structure and ultra-fast melting processes around the firing line of the heavy ions.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 3, 2010

Is the ice at the South Pole melting?

Researchers have found significant regional variations in the western Antarctic ice sheet due to El Nino fluctuations, affecting global sea levels. The study suggests that precipitation patterns play a crucial role in mass balance changes, with the Antarctic Peninsula experiencing increased snowfall during La Nina years.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateOct 29, 2010

The biggest crash on Earth

Scientists have used a new seismic method to investigate the collision process between India and Tibet, revealing a more pronounced boundary between rigid lithosphere and softer asthenosphere. The study provides insights into the processes involved in the collision and aims to reduce earthquake risk in the region.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateSep 16, 2010

Untiring dedication to solar energy

Prof. Dr. Hans-Werner Schock received the prestigious Becquerel Prize for his outstanding work in solar energy technology, particularly in developing efficient thin-film solar cells. His research has led to significant advancements in solar cell efficiency and material combinations, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future.

Many roads lead to superconductivity

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) have discovered a universal magnetic signature among all iron-based superconductors. Despite differences in magnetism, these materials display the same magnetic resonance signal as their parent compounds, hinting at a new understanding of how superconductivity arises.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 10, 2010

A tectonic zip

The February earthquake in Concepción, Chile, followed a predictable pattern of stress accumulation, correlating highly with GPS observations. This study offers an optimistic perspective on the predictability of earthquake magnitudes and fracture patterns, reducing the likelihood of future tremors in the region.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2010

Juelich researchers take a look inside molecules

Researchers at Juelich have developed a method to study the inner structure of molecules using a scanning tunneling microscope, revealing detailed information on atomic irregularities and charge distribution. The technique uses a small molecule with deuterium atoms to enhance sensitivity for organic molecules.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 20, 2010

Help from the dark side

Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) used X-ray absorption spectroscopy to observe electron transfer in biochemical substances. They discovered a 'dark channel' where excited electrons remain longer, preventing fluorescent light emission.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 8, 2010

New approach to Alzheimer's therapy

DZNE and LMU researchers have identified alpha secretase enzyme ADAM10, which cleaves amyloid precursor protein without forming beta-amyloid plaques. This discovery opens up new possibilities for diagnosing and preventing Alzheimer's disease.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJul 30, 2010