Researchers at IST Austria find that bacteria can copy genes as an adaptive strategy, creating genetic diversity and tuning gene expression levels. This mechanism allows for quick adaptation on ecological timescales, potentially impacting antibiotic resistance.
Ants' social interactions and sanitary care significantly impact the competitive outcome of coinfecting pathogens within the insect body. By modulating pathogen competition, ants' grooming helps prevent infections, altering the disease outcome.
Researchers discovered that Cdkn1c loss leads to cell death and smaller brains when targeted at the single-cell level. In contrast, whole animal studies revealed no effect on brain size, suggesting a new growth-promoting role of Cdkn1c.
Researchers develop 'flash and freeze' method to study structure and function of synapses in intact neural circuits. The method allows for simultaneous observation of structural changes during signaling, revealing a near-identity between structurally and functionally defined vesicle pools.
Researchers have visualized the atomic structure of the metabolic enzyme transhydrogenase (NNT) using cryo-electron microscopy. The study reveals the enzyme's channel gating mechanism and has implications for understanding metabolic regulation and developing novel therapies.
Researchers have determined the first atomic structure of the V/A-ATPase family, a key energy machine in cells. The enzyme's structure reveals a turbine-like structure with two or three peripheral stalks and additional connecting protein subunits, enabling greater plasticity and flexibility in its rotation mechanism.
Research found that high inequality reduces willingness to cooperate in groups, but some inequality can help ensure everyone contributes to the public good. The study suggests policy-makers should consider the optimal level of inequality when funding public goods and services.
Researchers studied root gravitropism across diverse plant species, finding it emerged slowly in ancient plants and became more efficient in seed plants. Key components of the mechanism include starch-filled organelles acting as gravity sensors and auxin polarization facilitating growth regulation.
Researchers at IST Austria developed a new method to produce realistic water wave animations, now possible without sacrificing computational efficiency. The technique, which models wave-surface interactions, enables detailed scenes such as ripples forming around islands or boats passing by.
Researchers have created a mechanical oscillator that can produce entangled radiation, which could serve as a link between quantum computers and optical fibers. This device has practical value in transferring information between quantum computers.
Researchers at IST Austria identified PRC2 as a key protein regulating temporal maturation of stem cells, leading to correct neuron type production. Eliminating PRC2 activity resulted in incorrect neuronal cell type composition and reduced neuron numbers.
Researchers at IST Austria discovered that combined pulling and pushing forces within the embryo facilitate the segregation of cytoplasm from the yolk granules. Actin flows towards the animal pole drag along cytoplasm, while comet-like actin structures push yolk granules towards the vegetal pole.
Scientists have found that plant cells adjacent to injured areas re-activate their stem cell programs to produce new cells of the correct type. This process, called 'restorative patterning', allows plants to heal wounds more efficiently.
Researchers have discovered a novel gene expression pathway triggered by auxin accumulation at the inner bend of seedling, leading to growth inhibition rather than stimulation. This finding helps explain the formation of apical hooks that aid seedlings in breaking through the soil.
Researchers found that leukocytes select the path of least resistance by using their nucleus to measure pore sizes and guide movement. The nucleus acts as a mechanical gauge, pushing forward to insert into multiple pores to determine the largest size.
Grid cells in rat brain provide a 'treasure map' for goal-directed navigation by carrying information about goals, not just space. Their activity fields shift to follow the location of hidden rewards.
Researchers at IST Austria discovered that place cells in the hippocampus randomly replay memories of movement in open environments during sleep, following a pattern similar to Brownian motion. This finding suggests that the complex circuitry of the hippocampus generates an abstract representation of experience.
Scientists at IST Austria found a new mechanism for lateral inhibition in zebrafish ovarian follicles, where the most rapidly growing cell inhibits its neighbors through mechanical compression. This process leads to the formation of a micropyle precursor cell critical for fertilization.
Moritz Lang and Mikhail Shkonikov from IST Austria have discovered a new property of the Abelian sandpile model, showing that it can exhibit dynamics similar to those of real-world sand dunes. The researchers used a specific method to add sand grains to the model, which induced self-similar fractal patterns reminiscent of the Mandelbro...
A team of researchers has found that the four gap genes in Drosophila embryos can be jointly decoded into an optimal specification of position, suggesting that cell identities are established close to optimally. The study challenges the traditional textbook model of how positional information is conveyed in the embryo.
An interdisciplinary team of scientists developed a new method to describe molecular rotations in solvents, paving the way for controlling chemical reactions. The technique, based on Feynman diagrams, delivers precise results and has potential to simulate molecular behavior.
During zebrafish development, a region of the embryo switches from viscous to liquid, allowing it to take shape. The study found that this process is mediated by cell division and regulated by non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
Researchers at IST Austria found that plant cells inherit knowledge of where is up and down from their mother cell. The directional transport of hormone auxin sets up polarization, but this depends on polar distribution of PIN auxin transporters. Endocytosis and phosphorylation of PIN transporters are crucial for re-establishing polarity.
Researchers used place cells to determine a rat's location and predicted its next move. The findings provide insight into how rats think about space and solve spatial memory tasks.
Scientists have identified the biochemical pathway that allows bioluminescent fungi to light up and created an artificially luminescent eukaryote by inserting the necessary genes into a non-glowing yeast. The discovery could lead to widespread applications, including glowing plants and animals.
Researchers found that ants' subdivision into groups reduces disease risk by changing behavior and interaction patterns. Colonies protect the queen and most valuable individuals from pathogens, with a high correlation between predicted spore load and mortality.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that mice with a SETD5 mutation have brains less flexible, leading to difficulties in forming new memories and adapting to situations. The researchers also discovered that the gene cooperates with other proteins to regulate gene expression during learning and memory formation.
Researchers develop a new, more realistic model of human interaction, finding that cooperation is unstable without open communication. The study reveals that even a single difference of opinion can lead to dramatic effects and polarization in the population.
The dentate gyrus uses a process called pattern separation to store distinct memories of similar events. Researchers found that parvalbumin-expressing interneurons play a key role in this process, using lateral inhibition to keep similar memories apart.
Researchers found that ants wrap pupae in a silk cocoon to shield them from acidic chemicals used for nest cleaning. This practice protects the pupae from harm, reducing mortality rates. The study provides insights into ant immunopathology and its similarities with human immune responses.
Researchers at IST Austria identified two genes that determine magenta and yellow flower colors in snapdragons, which are separated by a hybrid zone. The study found that selection favored new variants of these genes, making the flowers more attractive to bees, while also creating barriers to gene exchange.
A mathematical model explains why some bacteria cause disease in small doses while others require thousands of bacteria, attributing it to the scale of their attack mechanisms.
Researchers discovered that highly robust regulatory proteins can acquire binding to new promoters in response to mutations, challenging the long-held assumption that robustness and evolvability are mutually exclusive. This finding has significant implications for understanding gene regulation and evolution.
Researchers from IST Austria have developed a tool that automatically finds the best way of designing molds, producing optimized silicone mold pieces. The method can lower the cost of this fabricating technique, making it accessible for everyone.
Researchers develop computational tool to automatically create 3D print templates for nanostructures that correspond to user-defined colors. The new design tool has several advantages over previous methods, including a free-form structure that allows for greater flexibility and possibilities for additional coloring effects.
A new interactive design tool, CoreCavity, allows users to create durable injection molds for hollow, free-form objects. The software analyzes an object's 3D-scan and proposes a decomposition into pieces, which can be adjusted by the user, producing mold templates that can be 3D-printed.
Scientists have developed an interactive machine learning tool that enables designers to test aerodynamic properties of objects in real-time, speeding up the design process. The tool uses polycubes to represent shapes and achieves impressive accuracy, making it a promising solution for engineering applications.
Researchers at IST Austria developed a method that can reproduce complex interactions with the environment and tiny details over huge areas in real time. The new simulation method simplifies artistic effects and allows graphics designers to create realistic water wave simulations with detailed interactions.
Researchers at IST Austria have identified the signal and receptor that coordinate root cap loss and regrowth. The team discovered a small peptide called IDL1 that diffuses through the root tip and is perceived by cells in the root apical meristem, enabling communication between outer and inner root cap cells.
Researchers find that a plant hormone called auxin from the mother plays a crucial role in regulating early embryo development in plants. The study, published in Nature Plants, reveals that increased maternal auxin production is necessary for normal embryo development and that auxin from the mother is essential for correct embryo growth.
Scientists developed a new machine learning method that can make accurate predictions for all possible conditions governed by the same physical dynamics. The method provides simple and interpretable descriptions of underlying physics, allowing for safer robot operation.
Researchers decipher how plants evolve recognition systems to prevent self-fertilization, leading to genetic diversity in nature. The study found that new mating types can evolve through different pathways and are influenced by population demographics and mutation rates.
Researchers from IST Austria introduce a new framework to overcome social dilemmas and foster cooperation, considering feedback that affects players' actions. The framework extends the theory of repeated games, enabling the design of systems that maximize cooperation.
Scientists have identified a new mechanism for the plant hormone auxin that enables rapid adaptation of root growth direction in response to gravity. This mechanism allows roots to quickly bend and grow deeper into the soil, where they can anchor themselves and find water and nutrients.
Herbert Edelsbrunner, a renowned researcher in computational geometry and topology, has been awarded the 2018 Wittgenstein Prize. The prize will support his research, enabling him to establish Austria as a leading center for this field.
Two joint projects between IST Austria and French research institutes will study how polarity, shape and mechanics of cells control cell division. Johann Danzl and Olivier Thoumine investigate the role of synaptic adhesion molecules in synapse function using optically controlled molecules and high-resolution optical imaging.
A team of scientists created a new model to explain behaviors like anonymous donations and subtle art styles. They found that hiding signals can be a signal in itself, conveying confidence or unconcern with others.
Researchers introduce 'quantum many-body scar' concept to explain unexpected periodic oscillations in interacting atoms. The phenomenon alters our understanding of possible dynamics in many-body quantum systems, providing a new perspective on equilibrium state.
A study published in Developmental Cell found that a signal from the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling molecule Eiger reduces tension in tissue barrier cells, allowing immune cells like macrophages to pass through more easily. This mechanism was previously unknown and has potential importance beyond fruitflies to vertebrates.
Researchers at IST Austria propose using disk space instead of computational power to secure blockchains, reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability. The 'proofs of sequential work' approach has the potential to revolutionize blockchain design, offering a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional proof-of-work systems.