Behavioral biology: Ripeness is all
Researchers discovered that spotted-wing flies use senses of smell, touch, and taste to choose ideal nursery sites. They prefer firm texture and volatile chemicals emitted by freshly ripened fruits.
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Immunology: Live and let live
Dendritic cells, which help activate and suppress immune responses, play a key role in maintaining the balance between self and non-self in the gut. The discovery of a signaling molecule, CD40, reveals how this balance can be disrupted, leading to severe colitis, but also highlights the importance of regulatory T-cells in maintaining i...
Robo-journalism: Journalists on their robot pretenders
A recent study found that automated journalism lacks the context and complexity of traditional reporting, citing issues with programming news angles in advance. However, journalists believe robo-journalism can reduce costs and increase specificity in some reporting areas.
Molecular biology: Fingerprinting cell identities
Researchers compared six methods for single-cell RNA sequencing and found that some commercial kits are ten times more expensive than homemade versions. The choice of method depends on the experiment's conditions and demands. This study is valuable for further developing the technology, particularly in the Human Cell Atlas project.
Prebiotic evolution: Hairpins help each other out
Researchers found that hairpin structures can effectively replicate DNA, leading to faster evolution. This discovery challenges traditional views of DNA replication and provides insight into the origins of life on Earth.
Developmental biology: Life support for precursor cells
Scientists have identified microRNAs as crucial regulators of apoptosis in C. elegans embryogenesis, preserving progenitor cells and ensuring proper nervous system development. By genetically blocking specific microRNAs, researchers observed significant increases in egl-1 mRNA levels, leading to premature cell death.
Media research: For readers, print has priority
A study by Neil Thurman found that readers spend significantly more time reading print editions than digital versions, with 40 minutes spent on print versus less than a minute on digital. This suggests that print media remains a crucial source of attention for newspapers.
Educational psychology: Finding the fun in maths
A longitudinal study by LMU Munich researchers found that positive emotions and success in math learning mutually reinforce each other. Students who enjoyed and took pride in math had even better achievement than those with high intelligence.
New species: Gecko with tear-away skin
Scientists have described a new species of fish-scale geckos (Geckolepis megalepis) that possess the largest scales of any gecko. These unique geckos can lose their skin at the slightest touch, making them challenging to study.
Quantum matter: Shaken, but not stirred
Scientists have experimentally realized a stable exotic quantum state that resists mixing due to disorder, defying predictions of conventional quantum mechanics. The discovery could have implications for the development of robust quantum computers.
Animal genetics: The bovine heritage of the yak
Genomic analyses reveal that Mongolian yaks are derived from cattle, with a genetic heritage of about 1.5% of their genome coming from domesticated cattle. The study also found that yak breeders selected for polledness in the early stages of domestication, leading to the loss of horns and exploiting this trait worldwide.
Physics: Toward a practical nuclear pendulum
Scientists from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich have successfully measured the lifetime of an excited state in an unstable element, paving the way for the development of nuclear clocks. The research team has characterized the energy transition in the 229Th nucleus and achieved a breakthrough in this field.
Atherosclerosis: Endogenous peptide lowers cholesterol
Researchers have identified an endogenous peptide that reduces cholesterol levels in mice, inhibiting the development of atherosclerosis. The protein, human neutrophil peptide 1 (HNP1), binds to LDL in the bloodstream and induces rapid uptake by the liver, reducing hypercholesterolemia.
Nanotechnology: Lighting up ultrathin films
Novel ultrathin semiconductors exhibit strong interaction with light, making them suitable for opto-electronics applications. The researchers' new polarimetric method enables efficient detection of valley polarization in these materials.
Cell biology: Take the mRNA train
Researchers have characterized the structure of a macromolecular complex involved in mRNA transport, showing how RNAs are recognized and bound by binding proteins in the nucleus. The complex allows for the specific recognition and transport of mRNAs from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 17, 2017
Stereochemistry: Self-amplifying selectivity
Researchers have developed a catalyst that flexibly molds reaction product handedness, ensuring correct enantiomeric form. The system's self-amplifying action enhances stereoselectivity with each cycle, holding promise for biologically active compounds and new insights into biological systems.
Protein synthesis: Ribosome recycling as a drug target
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München discovered a mechanism to recycle bacterial ribosomes stalled on messenger RNAs lacking termination codons. This process, involving the protein ArfA, has emerged as a promising target for developing new antibiotics.
Ants and epiphytes: A longstanding relationship
A study by LMU researchers demonstrates that ants have cultivated their plant partners at least three million years ago, long before humans. The interaction is vital for the survival of both partners, with ants providing nutrients to epiphytes in exchange for nesting sites.
Attosecond physics: A zeptosecond stopwatch for the microcosm
Physicists have recorded an internal atomic event with unprecedented precision, measuring the duration of photoionization for the first time with zeptosecond accuracy. The study provides a reliable basis for future experiments and reconciles theory and experiment in complex systems like helium.
Gene regulation: Shaping up to make the cut
Researchers have discovered that distinct conformations of a protein essential for spliceosome assembly on mRNA precursors significantly influence splicing efficiency. The findings suggest that different structural configurations adopted by the large subunit of U2AF regulate splicing operations, affecting protein synthesis rates and fi...
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2016
Neurobiology: Supporting the damaged brain
Researchers successfully integrated transplanted embryonic nerve cells into the visual cortex of adult mice, demonstrating functional connectivity and restoration of network function. This breakthrough holds promise for treating acquired brain diseases, including neurodegenerative illnesses and stroke-induced damage.
Neurobiology: Epigenetics and neural cell death
Early epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in determining the fate of neurons during embryogenesis. Deregulation of Uhrf1, a key epigenetic gene, leads to activation of endogenous retroviruses, causing accumulation of retroviral proteins and cell death.
Suicide prevention: Reacting to the tell-tale signs
Search engine algorithms can be modified to better target users at risk of suicide, according to a study by LMU researchers. The findings suggest that algorithms should be regularly updated to take into account objective factors that increase the risk of suicide, making a greater contribution to prevention.
Nanosciences: Genes on the rack
Researchers create novel nanotool that allows for simultaneous analysis of large numbers of molecules, enabling testing of protein and gene functionality under deformation. The new method uses self-assembled power gauges to apply precise forces on biomolecules.
Retroviral diseases: Children who keep HIV in check
A new study reveals that some HIV-infected children control the virus by activating low levels of immune activation and producing potent antibodies. This differs from adults who develop AIDS despite effective antiretroviral therapy.
Understanding of norms: Children overeagerly seeking social rules
Three-year-olds quickly grasp social norms and infer them from observation, even without direct instruction. They expect others to follow these norms, protesting when they are broken.
Planet formation: The death of a planet nursery?
The TW Hydrae system shows a prominent gap that is unlikely to be caused by an actively accreting protoplanet. Instead, researchers attribute the feature to photoevaporation, which heats gas and allows it to fly away from the disk. This process may disperse the disk before planets can form.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 5, 2016
X chromosome: The structure makes the difference
A breakthrough study published in Nature reveals that the fine detail of DNA shape plays a crucial role in distinguishing X chromosome binding sites from other chromosomes. The researchers identified a specific sequence signature called PionX, which is selectively recognized by the dosage compensation complex, enabling gene regulation.
Paleontology: A monster put in its place
A team of paleontologists has assigned a new genus to the largest predatory dinosaur ever found in Germany, dating back to the Middle Jurassic. The fossil, named Wiehenvenator albati, is estimated to be around 8-10 meters long and weighs over 2 tons.
Bioimaging: A clear view of the nervous system
A novel imaging technique allows visualization and monitoring of structural alterations in neuronal networks after traumatic brain damage, stroke, or aging processes. This enables detection and characterization of diseases like dementia, epilepsy, and metabolic disorders.
Biophysics: Stopping the random walk
Researchers at LMU Munich developed a new theoretical model explaining how regulatory proteins are transported to their sites of action in microtubules. The model suggests that energy is required to capture freely diffusing particles and proposes a mechanism for efficient transport by diffusion.
Cosmology: Lore of lonely regions
Researchers from LMU Munich analyzed data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey to calculate the dynamics of cosmic voids. Their findings demonstrate that the analysis of voids is a suitable approach to investigating gravity in empty regions and determining the total density of matter in the universe.
Deer evolution: Ancient DNA reveals novel relationships
Researchers at LMU Munich have sequenced mitochondrial DNA from museum specimens of rare deer species, refining the evolutionary history of cervids. The study identifies novel relationships among species, including confirmation of a second muntjac species in Borneo and polyphyletic genera in New World deer.
Developmental psychology: Little strategists
A study by Markus Paulus found that preschoolers (3-5 years) expect reciprocity in social interactions, even before it's explicitly taught. This strategic behavior is rooted in the understanding of relative amounts of social capital they build with others.
Photopharmacology and optogenetics: Lighting the way for second messengers
Scientists create synthetic diacylglycerols that can be controlled by UV light, revealing new insights into cellular signaling networks. The findings enable precise regulation of metabolic processes such as insulin secretion and nerve signal transmission.
Attosecond physics: Mapping electromagnetic waveforms
Researchers create ultrafast electron imaging instrument to map electromagnetic fields oscillating at billions of cycles per second. The new technology enables precise detection and measurement of tiny, rapidly oscillating electromagnetic fields.
Paleontology: Aftermath of a mass extinction
A new study of fossil fishes from Middle Triassic sediments on Lake Lugano finds that biological communities recovered within a few million years after the great mass extinction event. The research identifies two new species of ancient fish with distinct ecological niches, suggesting that ecosystems were already recovering.
Bacterial physiology: Two sensors for the price of one
Researchers have elucidated the mechanism by which the sensor protein KdpD adjusts potassium uptake in bacteria, employing a dual strategy to monitor both internal and external potassium concentrations. This allows for precise control of intracellular potassium levels, vital for bacterial survival.
Myocardial infarction: Rush-hour for neutrophils
Researchers found that circadian rhythms influence the influx of immune cells into damaged tissue, worsening heart attack outcomes. The study showed that neutrophil recruitment is correlated with CXCR2 expression and peaking in early morning hours, leading to increased inflammation and scar formation.
Solid-state physics: Probing the geometry of energy bands
Researchers at LMU Munich develop a new method to probe the geometry of electronic states in solids using ultracold atoms in an optical lattice. The technique, based on Wilson lines, reveals both local and global properties of the band structure, including topological aspects.
Attosecond physics: Attosecond camera for nanostructures
Physicists observe nanoscale light-matter phenomenon lasting only attoseconds, studying collective electron motions and near fields in gold nanoneedles. The development enables precise characterization of near-field vibrations, paving the way for complex studies of light-matter interactions in metals.
Attosecond physics: A switch for light-wave electronics
Scientists have developed a novel method to study the dynamics of electrons in solids when exposed to ultrafast light pulses. This breakthrough enables the precise optimization of energy transfer between light and matter, paving the way for faster electronic signal processing and potentially accelerating data processing to its limits.
Evolution: Building blocks of life
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified a plausible reaction mechanism for the production of key components of RNA under conditions similar to those on the young Earth. The discovery validates a pathway that could explain how chemical evolution proceeded before the formation of the first cells.
Endogenous retroviruses: Lethal reawakening
Researchers have discovered that the activation of endogenous retroviral genes in B cells can lead to programmed cell death and disrupt immune system development. This occurs when the silencing mechanism fails, allowing viral proteins to accumulate and trigger an unfolded protein response, ultimately leading to apoptosis.
Attosecond physics: Using laser pulses to direct protons
A team of physicists at LMU Munich has used laser pulses to selectively remove and reattach hydrogen atoms from a hydrocarbon molecule, opening up new possibilities for chemical synthesis. This technique could lead to the creation of new substances by controlling individual steps in chemical reactions.
Physics: From the atomic to the nuclear clock
Physicists have detected a long-sought excitation state in an isotope of thorium, which could enhance atomic clock accuracy by a factor of ten. The discovery brings researchers closer to developing a working nuclear clock, with potential benefits including improved precision and resistance to external influences.
Biophysics: Closing the ring
Physicists have found a novel pattern-forming mechanism in biological systems, with the discovery of a crucial protein that forms ring-shaped filaments to constrict bacterial cells. At high concentrations, FtsZ polymers self-organize into ring-like structures, leading to the formation of Z-rings and daughter cells.
Active systems: Life is motion
Physicists have developed a way to differentiate between the active motions of living cells and those driven by random molecular movements. The method uses video imaging and analysis to identify non-equilibrium systems in living organisms.
Media research: What readers think about computer-generated texts
An experimental study found that readers prefer articles attributed to real journalists, but rate computer-generated texts as more credible. The study suggests that readers' expectations and limited experience with computer-based reports contribute to these differing assessments.
Attosecond physics: New movies from the microcosmos
Scientists at LMU and MPQ create a technique for controlling ultrafast electron pulses, enabling the visualization of atoms and electrons in motion. This breakthrough could lead to new photonic and electronic materials and devices.