Ant workers infected with a tapeworm live significantly longer than uninfected nest-mates, resembling the lifespan of ant queens. The parasites alter expression of ant genes and release antioxidants, contributing to their extended lifespan.
Researchers studied the 426-kilometer-long Aqueduct of Valens and found that it was cleaned of carbonate deposits just a few decades before abandonment. The double-construction system over 50 kilometers likely enabled constant operation for maintenance, highlighting the ingenuity of ancient engineers.
Researchers develop new technique to hyperpolarize and purify fumarate for MRI, offering cost-effective and convenient way to track metabolism in real-time. The method has potential applications in monitoring tumor responses to therapy and imaging acute kidney injuries.
Researchers at Mainz University discovered how fetuin-B binds to meprin beta, a protein released from cell membranes controlling physiological functions. The binding prevents excessive protein release, potentially treating Alzheimer's and cancer by inhibiting the enzyme.
A team of scientists has demonstrated atom interferometry on a sounding rocket, enabling precise measurements of gravity and potentially detecting gravitational waves. The success of this experiment marks a significant milestone in the field of quantum technologies.
A study on ants found that social isolation alters their behavior, reducing interest in adult colony mates and increasing time spent on brood care. The isolated ants also exhibit downregulated immune system genes, similar to humans experiencing stress and weakened immunity during the pandemic.
The Muon g-2 Collaboration has published the first result of its measurement, revealing a discrepancy of 4.2 standard deviations between experiment and theory. The result strengthens evidence for the existence of new physics, potentially indicating previously unknown particles or forces.
Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz developed a novel implantable sensor using color-stable gold nanoparticles that report concentration changes of substances in the body through color changes, enabling long-term monitoring of disease progression and therapeutic success.
Researchers have developed a bioinspired nanopaper that can change its stiffness and strength with an electrical switch, mimicking the defense mechanism of sea cucumbers. The material, made from cellulose nanofibrils, becomes soft and flexible when electricity is applied, and regains its original properties when the current stops.
Scientists from the NANOGrav Collaboration detected very low-frequency gravitational waves with potential implications for dark matter research. The signals are consistent with phase transitions in the early universe and extremely light axion-like particles, considered promising candidates for dark matter.
A new hyperpolarized proton MRI method has been developed by researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz. This technique uses parahydrogen to track biochemical processes in real-time, enabling the observation of metabolic processes without the drawbacks of existing hydrogen-based imaging methods.
Physicists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have combined two quantum sensing techniques to analyze a sample, enabling the mapping of magnetic fields and magnetization. The technique uses diamond color centers in diamond probes to provide a sensitivity that opens up new measurement options.
A new electrochemical procedure produces sulfonamides rapidly and inexpensively using cheaper starting materials, electrical current, and safe solvents. The process eliminates three reaction stages, making it scalable and cost-effective.
Magnetic whirls, known as skyrmions, exhibit particle-like properties when confined to geometric structures. The researchers discovered that the stability of skyrmions varies greatly depending on their arrangement within these structures, with certain patterns resulting in high stability and mobility.
A new study reveals that Twitter sentiment significantly predicts the valuation of young high-tech companies, while patents are a more reliable indicator of their long-term success. The researchers analyzed over 400,000 tweets and found that venture capitalists can be influenced by Twitter hype.
A team of scientists has found that Venus flytrap electrical signals generate magnetic fields, detected using atomic magnetometers. The magnetic signals are weak, but comparable to human nerve impulse signals.
Researchers propose a new theory that predicts the existence of a new force between ordinary and dark matter, making dark matter accessible to forthcoming experiments. The 5-dimensional field equations also predict the existence of a heavy particle with similar properties as the Higgs boson but a much heavier mass.
Researchers at Mainz University have developed an electrolysis process to produce dichloro and dibromo compounds from contaminated soil, reducing the need for toxic chlorine and bromine. The method is broadly applicable, easy to scale up, and can even separate chlorine atoms from banned insecticides.
Professor Andreas Walther receives EUR 2 million in EU funding to develop metabolic mechanical materials that can adapt, learn, and interact. The goal is to create a form of coevolution between synthetic materials and living cells, blurring the boundaries between animate and inanimate matter.
A joint Anglo-German research project will analyze the practice of translation in cultural magazines from 1945-1965. The project aims to understand how these magazines used translated texts to forge new European identities, and explore the significance of translation in reconfiguring a vision of Europe after WWII.
A study by Dr. Michael Deininger found that changes in regional precipitation over the past 10,000 years are connected and mainly caused by alterations to solar radiation and associated temperature differences between tropics and polar regions. This could lead to shifts in regional rainfall patterns, potentially causing droughts in som...
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz developed a new class of magnetic materials that enable faster information transfer. They were able to transmit and process information in a standard antiferromagnetic insulator at room temperature over long distances, raising the prospect of ultra-fast spintronic devices.
A joint research project has achieved a new milestone in ultra-fast control of magnetism by investigating femtosecond time-resolved x-ray scattering signals. The results indicate a faster recovery of chiral order compared to collinear magnetic order dynamics, suggesting that twists are more stable than straight magnetic configurations.
The Borexino Collaboration has directly detected CNO cycle neutrinos in the Sun for the first time, providing conclusive proof of this fusion process. The researchers estimated that CNO neutrinos account for about 1% of the energy produced by the Sun.
A team of scientists discovered an elbow-shaped flume in the Barbegal watermills, a unique adaptation for efficient water supply. The research, published in Scientific Reports, provides insights into Roman engineers' ingenuity and technological advancements.
Scientists calculate that rare signals from dark matter can be detected by GPS atomic clocks and magnetometers, adding to multi-messenger astronomy
A new study finds that burnout has a greater impact on work stress than vice versa, leading to a downward spiral of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced performance. Providing adequate support and promoting employee control are key to preventing this cycle.
A team of scientists discovered that membrane-attached protein IM30 forms a protective carpet on the surface of cell membranes under stress conditions. The protein's complex ring structure disassembles and unfolds into a protective shield, stabilizing membranes and preventing cell death.
Professor Mills Kelly receives the prestigious award for his contributions to digital teaching methods and innovative approaches. The Gutenberg Teaching Council recognized him for his work on digitizing history teaching with his book 'Teaching History in the Digital Age'.
The Hittite cuneiform scripts will be made available online, providing access to 30,000 clay tablets and fragments written in the Hittite language. This digital platform aims to boost Hittitology research worldwide.
A team of physicists successfully transported light stored in a cloud of ultra-cold rubidium-87 atoms over 1.2 millimeters using an optical conveyor belt. The controlled transport process has minimal impact on the stored light's properties, enabling potential applications in quantum communication and computing.
Researchers have successfully measured the lowest known nuclear-excited state in thorium-229, a crucial step towards constructing a nuclear clock. The measurement was made using an extremely accurate detector that detected tiny temperature increases due to energy released during de-excitation of the atomic nucleus.
The joint project aims to develop digital courses and promote intercultural exchange between faculty and students. The collaboration will cover various aspects of music education, including musicianship, analysis, and composition.
A research team at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz identified a new variant of Photorhabdus luminescens that interacts with plant roots, releasing substances to combat plant-damaging fungi. This discovery offers new prospects for sustainable crop protection and biological pest control in agriculture.
Researchers aim to develop compact and portable NMR devices that can detect metabolic disorders and analyze fuels, biofluids, and food extracts. Dr. Danila Barskiy's new group will focus on zero-to-ultra-low field magnetic resonance technology.
The European ReIReS network has launched an online database offering improved access to research material and sources on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The database combines the rich collections of various European institutions, providing a single platform for researchers to search and reuse data.
A comprehensive survey found similar color-emotion associations worldwide, with red linked to both love and anger globally. National peculiarities were observed, such as white being associated with sadness in China and purple with mourning in Greece. Climate may also influence these associations.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz engineered a system of magnetic whirls to form a regularly ordered state, akin to crystalization in two dimensions. This breakthrough demonstrates the emergence of a hexatic phase, exhibiting properties similar to hard discs.
Researchers aim to develop a new method of electrolysis that uses electricity instead of high pressure and temperature, reducing energy efficiency. The goal is to create an environment-friendly process for recycling residues from plastic production.
A recent study found that lactase persistence, which allows humans to digest milk sugar after infancy, was present in only about 1 in 8 individuals from the Bronze Age Tollense valley. This contrasts with today's population where around 90% have this trait.
Paleontologists found that different types of mineral dust cause distinct signs of wear on plant-eating vertebrates' teeth. Larger quartz particles caused severe abrasion, while small particles generated smooth surfaces. This study improves diet reconstruction accuracy using fossil teeth analysis.
A research team identified a mechanism to control myelin sheath restoration after injury or in multiple sclerosis, regenerating damaged sheaths with theophylline. The study found significant recovery of myelin sheaths in both peripheral and central nervous systems, promoting efficient remyelination.
Scientists at Mainz University prove that information can be stored electrically in antiferromagnetic materials. By using currents instead of magnetic fields, they improve the efficiency of writing operations, paving the way for applications such as smart cards and ultrafast computers.
Researchers will analyze massive atmospheric data using machine learning methods to identify patterns and understand processes, facilitating the development of new models for tackling scientific problems in atmospheric physics.
The 'Gamma Factory' initiative aims to develop a high-intensity gamma rays source using accelerated ion beams and laser beams. This will enable detailed investigations into atomic nuclei and facilitate breakthroughs in spectroscopy.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz developed a new zero-to-ultralow-field NMR spectroscopy method to analyze chemical reactions in metal containers. This technique overcomes the limitations of high-field NMR, allowing for the observation of complex reactions and catalysis mechanisms.
The new LRC approach enables the investigation of superheavy elements with extreme sensitivity, even at low production quantities. By combining laser spectroscopy and ion mobility spectrometry, researchers can unveil element-specific emission spectra, providing valuable insights into the electronic structure of these exotic atoms.
Researchers at Mainz University have developed a technique that can halve the energy required to write data to servers by utilizing piezoelectric crystals. This innovation enables complex server architectures and reduces energy consumption, which is projected to increase significantly in the IT sector.
A new German research project aims to improve the automatic analysis and generation of high-quality texts using artificial intelligence. The goal is to disentangle styles and topics in textual data, enabling enhanced text quality and influencing tone, while overcoming challenges with irony and sarcasm.
The Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has secured EUR 2.82 million in EU funding for a new doctoral training program on Roman inscriptions, led by Professor Marietta Horster. The CARMEN project will provide innovative training to 11 young researchers, exploring the role of poetry in everyday culture in Roman times.