It takes 2 to infect
Structural biologists reveal how internalin B dimer activates human receptor Met, allowing Listeria to infect cells. The discovery may lead to therapeutics for improved wound healing and treatment of listeriosis.
Helmholtz Association
Spinons -- confined like quarks
Scientists have observed a phenomenon known as confinement of spinons in a condensed matter system, where individual particles behave like quarks. The researchers used neutron scattering experiments to study the crystal and magnetic structure, finding evidence for the confinement idea.
When roots lose contact
Researchers found air gaps in roots that formed during dry periods, which partially refilled after irrigation. However, older parts of the taproot showed limited re-establishment of contact, raising concerns about severe drought's impact on plant nutrition.
More than powerful! German research computer QPACE is the most energy efficient in the world
The QPACE supercomputer is the world's most energy-efficient supercomputer, developed by a German academic consortium and IBM. It uses a novel concept of connecting processors by a network of programmable units to achieve high performance and scalability.
How cells tolerate DNA damage -- start signal for cell survival program identified
Scientists have discovered that the protein PARP-1 plays a crucial role in activating the transcription factor NF-kappaB, which triggers a survival program that blocks programmed cell death. This activation is thought to be one of the potential causes for tumor cell resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
TEEB report released on the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity for policy makers
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) report suggests that policy makers can see higher rates of return and stronger economic growth by incorporating ecosystem services into investment strategies. By restoring and managing ecosystems, countries can generate significant income and jobs.
No-entry zones for AIDS virus
Researchers at German Cancer Research Center find that HIV virus rarely integrates into genes with high transcription activity. This discovery could lead to the development of specific AIDS drugs targeting these 'cold spots', potentially offering a new approach to combat the virus.
Are the Alps growing or shrinking?
The Alps are constantly rising in height, despite being eroded at the same rate, due to climate-driven uplift. Researchers used rare isotopes to prove this phenomenon, showing that mountains erode concurrently with their growth.
GKSS-Magnesium Award 2009
Dr. Mark Easton received the award for his work on grain refinement and development of new alloys for casting applications. He is recognized for leading teams in Australian and global research communities.
ERC provides millions for biodiversity research
A team of researchers led by Dr Thorsten Wiegand and funded by the European Research Council (ERC) is investigating the composition and dynamics of species-rich communities. They will use advanced methods to understand the factors and processes governing biodiversity, utilizing extensive data sets from tropical forests.
Smallest nanoantennas for high-speed data networks
Researchers at KIT have successfully manufactured the world's smallest optical nanoantennas from gold using electron beam lithography. These nanoantennas enable rapid information transmission and are considered a major basis for new optical high-speed data networks.
The European project, Eurofleets
The Eurofleets project aims to advance the networking of European research fleets, funded by the European Commission with 7.2 million Euros. Researchers will benefit from access to unique ship time on European research vessels.
MDC scientists show how hematopoietic stem cell development is regulated
Researchers at MDC Berlin-Buch show that DNA methylation regulates the development of blood cells from hematopoietic stem cells, with implications for cancer. The study found that manipulating DNA methylation levels can control the formation of specific blood cell lineages.
1 million euro EU grant for MDC diabetes researcher Dr. Francesca M. Spagnoli
Dr. Francesca M. Spagnoli is investigating the possibility of repurposing hepatic cells to produce insulin in diabetic patients. Her research aims to identify molecular signals that determine why one progenitor cell develops into a hepatic cell and another into a beta cell.
MDC researchers discover molecule responsible for axonal branching
Researchers at MDC Berlin-Buch have identified a protein, CNP, that triggers the splitting of sensory axon growth cones. This discovery sheds light on neuronal branching and its role in transmitting sensations such as touch, pain, and temperature.
Casting out devils
Scientists have discovered how salmonella kills tumors by migrating into cancerous tissues and triggering a strong inflammatory response. The inflammatory response causes blood vessels in the tumor to become permeable, allowing salmonella to spread and ultimately kill the tumor.
Pesticides -- easier detection of pollution and impact in rivers
Researchers have developed a tool to estimate the harmful effect of pesticides on rivers and water quality, using biomonitoring data. The SPEAR calculator uses species- and family-level information to provide immediate assessments of pollution levels.
Bioavailable contaminants come from the Exxon Valdez oil catastrophe
A team of researchers has found that contaminants from the Exxon Valdez oil spill were the main source of bioavailable PAH pollutants in the Gulf of Alaska. The study used genetically engineered bacteria to prove that only tanker oil PAHs had an effect on organisms.
Small fluctuations in solar activity, large influence on the climate
Small fluctuations in solar radiation have a significant impact on cloud formation and precipitation, with variations of just 0.1% affecting the Pacific Ocean's water temperature and precipitation patterns. This study demonstrates that understanding natural climatic variability is crucial for making reliable future climate scenarios.
Now butterflies are also being counted in China, Australia and Israel
Experts from Germany are sharing their butterfly monitoring methods with China, Australia, and Israel to track changes in butterfly populations. The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research has been working with butterflies for years, using them as indicators of habitat health.
Research institutes from Bremen install new Arctic deep-sea observatory
Researchers from seven nations installed a new deep-sea observatory in the Norwegian Arctic to study mud volcano eruptions and their effects on the environment. The observatory will provide insights into the dynamics of gas eruptions and their consequences for biological communities on the seafloor.
Estrogen-dependent switch tempers killing activity of immune cells
Researchers found that estrogen temperes the killing activity of cytotoxic T cells through the molecule EBAG9. In its absence, CTLs release more tumor-killing enzymes, making them more effective at attacking cancer cells.
Silenced genes as a warning sign of blood cancer
Researchers discovered epigenetic changes in mice with chronic lymphocytic leukemia that occur before disease symptoms appear. These findings suggest an early methylation test could predict cancer development and delay its onset.
New test for safer biomedical research results
Researchers developed a 'Multiplex cell Contamination Test' to identify 37 different cell contaminations in a single run, detecting viruses and mycoplasmas with high sensitivity and specificity. The test has been tested in over 700 samples and found frequent contamination rates in some laboratories.
International research team seeks to unravel flatworm regeneration
Researchers have identified 60 new microRNA genes in planarians that may play a role in regeneration. Additionally, they discovered millions of piRNAs, which are essential for genome stability and likely function similarly to mammals.
When children have breathing problems
A study by UFZ researchers found that air pollution caused by industry has more severe effects on children's health than vehicle exhaust fumes. The research revealed that around a quarter to a third of children in industrial areas experience respiratory problems, compared to half as many in suburban and rural areas.
The right messenger for a healthy immune response
Researchers from the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research found that Beta-Interferon facilitates faster immune reactions against microbial and viral threats by regulating antigen presentation. Low levels of Beta-Interferon before infection can lead to a stronger immune response, known as priming.
Gliomas exploit immune cells of the brain for rapid expansion
Researchers discovered that glioma cells use microglia, the brain's immune cells, to grow and expand rapidly. By manipulating microglial cells' receptors, gliomas can clear the way for further growth.
A question of height
By analyzing the factors behind the Large Blue's extinction and success, researchers propose using modified countryside management techniques to mitigate climate change. These methods can include letting grass grow longer to maintain soil temperature, providing a breathing space for threatened species to adapt or migrate.
Colorectal cancer
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine have identified 115 genes associated with metastatic potential in colorectal cancer. The study found that BAMBI gene is more active in metastatic tumors, promoting metastasis formation through key signaling pathways.
The tiny difference in the genes of bacteria
Researchers developed a new diagnostic method using tandem repeats in bacterial genomes to distinguish between pathogens like Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This technique can identify hundreds of bacteria strains quickly and accurately, helping track disease outbreaks and inform preventive measures.
New control system of the body discovered
The study identified the B1-receptor as a key player in regulating T cell entry into the central nervous system. Activation of this receptor slows down T cell entry and reduces clinical symptoms of inflammation in multiple sclerosis, suggesting a potential new target for therapy.
Lack of happiness hormone serotonin in the brain causes impaired maternal behavior in mice
A lack of serotonin in the brain slows mouse growth and impairs maternal behavior, but not overall survival. Female mice with deficient serotonin still give birth and produce milk, but their offspring suffer poor survival rates.
GARP makes the difference
Scientists have identified a molecular factor called GARP that plays an essential role in regulatory T cell function. By artificially inserting GARP into transplants, researchers were able to convert immune-reactive T cells into regulatory T cells, which inhibit organ rejection.
Australia's climate: Drought and flooding in annual rings of tropical trees
Scientists have compiled the first ever growth ring chronology from tropical Australia, revealing that tree growth depends mainly on annual precipitation. The analysis suggests that growth rings are a more suitable proxy data for registering precipitation dynamics in Australia than current methods based on ENSO and IPO.
Immune cells ameliorate hypertension-induced cardiac damage in mice
Researchers found that regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) can ameliorate hypertension-induced cardiac damage in mice by reducing inflammation, fibrosis, and abnormal heart rhythms. The study provides insight into the role of the immune system in organ damage during hypertension.
New research program BioInterfaces launched
The BioInterfaces program aims to develop new tools to control cells, leading to therapies for muscle, retina, and central nervous system diseases. The program also focuses on controlling bacterial cells that form biofilms on man-made surfaces.
Investigating the development of mechanosensitivity
Scientists have directly elucidated the emergence of mechanosensitivity in mice, finding it arises during specific developmental phases with the growth of neuronal pathways. The study suggests a genetic program drives this process, which is distinct from pain sensitivity development.
Bacteria with a built-in thermometer
Bacteria of the Yersinia genus possess a protein thermometer called RovA, which measures temperature and metabolic activity to control infection. RovA activates genes for the infection process in suitable environments, while adapting to life within the host.
3-D kidney atlas created for researchers and physicians
A 3D kidney atlas has been created to help diagnose and treat renal diseases more effectively. The atlas, part of the European Renal Genome Project, will aid in understanding genes that play a key role in renal diseases and other data on anatomy.
MDC researchers unravel key mechanism in pathogenesis of osteoporosis
MDC researchers have elucidated a molecular mechanism that regulates the equilibrium between bone formation and bone resorption. They found that two different forms of a gene switch – LAP and LIP – determine this process. The study suggests that an imbalance in the ratio between these two isoforms may play a role in osteoporosis.
EU awards $4 million for pneumonia research
The European Union has awarded $4 million to support the development of new antibiotics and vaccines against pneumococcal infections. Researchers from 13 international institutions are working together to combat this deadly disease, which claims over 60,000 lives annually in Germany alone.
New light shed on the enigma of salt intake and hypertension
Scientists find novel salt storage site in the skin and a gene regulator controlling blood pressure regulation. A high-salt diet leads to increased lymphatic vessels, but the process behind this storage and its relevance to human disease are not yet fully understood.
Gene test determines risk of heart surgery complications
Researchers discovered a genetic variant that can predict patients' risk of developing shock and kidney failure after heart surgery. Patients with the 'LL' gene variant are more likely to experience these complications and may not respond well to standard treatments, highlighting the potential benefits of personalized medicine.
German researchers make significant strides in identifying cause of bacterial infections
Researchers have identified 39 interaction partners of bacterial toxins, revealing how these toxins manipulate human host cell signaling pathways. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments targeting the underlying mechanisms disrupted by bacterial toxins.
New risk variant for atopic dermatitis identified
Researchers have identified a gene variant on chromosome 11 that is linked to an increased risk of atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The study found that this variant is also associated with Crohn's disease and affects approximately 36% of the European population.
Will Europe at last unite to combat thousands of alien invaders?
A recent paper suggests legislation is only part of the solution to Europe's invasive species problem, with a single coordinating body needed to tackle the issue effectively. The European Centre for Invasive Species Management (ECISM) would coordinate activities across Member States and support rapid response and public awareness.
MDC researchers prevent virus induced myocarditis
Researchers at MDC Berlin-Buch discovered a mechanism to prevent viral myocarditis by blocking the Coxsackie-adenovirus-receptor. Genetically engineered mice without this receptor were protected from cardiac infection caused by the Coxsackievirus, showing that autoimmune response may not be the primary cause of disease process.
New theory on largest known mass extinction in the history of the Earth
A new theory suggests that massive emissions of halogenated gases from giant salt lakes at the end of the Permian Age contributed to the world's largest mass extinction. The researchers calculated that these emissions could have caused catastrophic effects on vegetation, leading to irreparable damage.
The host makes all the difference
Braunschweig Helmholtz researchers found that host genetic factors significantly impact the progression of influenza A virus infections. The study discovered strong differences in disease outcomes among mice with genetically identical immune systems, suggesting a genetic basis for varying responses to the flu virus.