Temperature gradients within pore channels in rock can separate primitive biopolymers based on their sequences, enabling the formation of self-replicating systems. This process is thought to have played a key role in the origin of life.
A study by LMU researchers found that employees who switch jobs to a competitor often intensify their competitive behavior against their former employer. However, this phenomenon may be linked to identity conflict rather than performance concerns. The study suggests that poaching individual talent from competitors can have mixed results.
A new study shows that genetically modified pig hearts developed by US and LMU researchers can survive for more than 2½ years when transplanted into baboons. The findings demonstrate a promising breakthrough in xenotransplantation, with potential implications for human organ transplantation.
Researchers identified a previously unknown pathway that triggers inflammation in human monocytes in response to a single signal, contrasting with the need for two signals in mice. This discovery sheds light on the species difference and refutes classical tenets of inflammasome research.
Researchers develop empirical model to estimate risks of volcanic ash on jet engines, finding that sand-based tests are unsuitable due to underestimated damage. The new model takes into account the chemical composition of ash, providing a more realistic assessment of aviation hazards.
Researchers have identified a new biomarker associated with the activation of an innate immune response to neural damage during early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The concentration of a specific segment of the protein TREM2 in cerebrospinal fluid is significantly elevated in early stages of the disease.
A study of 166 breast cancer patients found that 82.5% exhibited symptoms of PTSD following diagnosis, with more than half continuing to display symptoms one year later. The severity of psychological impact was underscored by the fact that some patients rated having breast cancer as their most severe traumatic event.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology found that pre-school children prefer to share with a friend who already has an abundance of stickers than with a stranger. The results suggest that social relationships take precedence over fairness as a motivation for sharing behavior.
Researchers have discovered that neutrophils promote cardiac repair by producing a factor that stimulates the differentiation of macrophages, which accelerate tissue repair. This finding challenges previous views on neutrophils' role in inflammation and suggests a potential therapeutic approach to boost repair processes.
A team from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München has discovered that the enzyme Dicer promotes the development of atherosclerosis by activating endothelial cells. Inhibition of Dicer using a specific microRNA reduces inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Researchers have found that mixtures of equally sized particles in solution will demix, or sort themselves, if they differ in their diffusion constants. This phenomenon, known as the Brazil Nut effect, was simulated and explained by a theoretical model, showing that random particle motions play a key role in the process.
Researchers have found age-dependent alterations in metabolism and gene regulation in middle-aged fruitflies, linked to a reduction in lifespan. The study identified a common process of protein acetylation as a key factor in the aging process.
A team of researchers found that specific patterns of histone modifications, known as acetylation motifs, play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. The study suggests that the distribution of these motifs depends on the neighboring marks, providing new insights into epigenetic mechanisms.
Researchers at LMU Munich uncover the mechanism by which crystalline deposits induce cell death, revealing a regulated process leading to necroptosis and inflammation. This discovery offers new targets for therapies and potentially improves treatment of conditions like gout and atherosclerosis.
Children who consume unprocessed farm milk have a lower risk of developing asthma due to its higher content of omega-3 fatty acids. The study found that the protective effect is specific and can be distinguished from other factors.
Researchers propose a mathematical theory explaining grid cell activity, enabling precise representation of spatial position and direction. The framework combines population-vector decoding with grid scale progression to maximize spatial resolution.
Researchers have developed a new vaccine candidate that significantly reduces the virus load in infected camels, offering a promising method to prevent human infections. The vaccine also provides dual activity, protecting camels from another disease similar to smallpox.
A new study uses laser-based measurements to estimate carbon dioxide emissions from tropical peatland fires, revealing that the amount of CO2 released depends on previous fire history. The research provides valuable insights into the devastating impact of climate change on global warming.
A short peptide, SKY peptide, has been developed by researchers at LMU to inhibit the activation of a signal pathway in monocytes, which enables their adhesion to endothelial cells and penetration into sites of acute inflammation. This can lead to chronic inflammatory reactions and tissue damage.
A recent study by an international group of evolutionary biologists has convincingly refuted the proposition that comb jellies are the phylogenetically oldest extant metazoan group. Sponges are now reaffirmed as the first phylum to diverge from the common ancestor of metazoans, restoring the classical view of early animal evolution.
Researchers found that infants exposed to farm dust at a young age have a lower risk of developing asthma later on. The study's findings suggest that the positive influence of farm environment can effectively neutralize the genetic variant associated with childhood asthma.
Physicists have developed ultrashort electron pulses to capture atomic motions in four dimensions, providing a sharp snapshot of molecular processes. The new technique enables the visualization of single atoms and reconstruction of atomic structures, revolutionizing our understanding of molecular dynamics.
Chemists at LMU München have created a new class of porous organic materials that can be used as molecularly tunable photocatalysts for light-driven hydrogen gas production. These materials exhibit features facilitating photocatalytic processes and offer a combination of practicality and efficiency.
Researchers have created a new class of molecular motors that rotate unidirectionally at speeds of up to 1 kHz when exposed to sunlight at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the development of more versatile and precise nanomachines with unprecedented control over mechanical motion.
Researchers develop rapid and efficient method to target protein modification, enabling precise attachment of synthetic molecules. This technique has potential applications in antibody-drug conjugates for tumor therapy, outperforming existing methods.
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have developed a novel photonic crystal that changes color in response to moisture, enabling humidity-sensitive contactless control. The nanosheet-based material displays unparalleled sensitivity and response time, making it ideal for next-generation touchless navigation systems.
A team of researchers has developed a unique source of coherent radiation for identifying and quantifying molecules in complex mixtures. The new laser can detect minimal amounts of disease markers present in exhaled breath, with the potential to diagnose potentially lethal diseases early.
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München develop efficient synthesis of epicolactone, a complex natural product produced by the endophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum. The 8-step pathway reveals how the molecule is assembled and provides insight into its biochemical significance.
Researchers found that the vestibular organ can adapt its sensitivity to movement signals, allowing for smooth balance and posture control. This is achieved through a process where the spinal cord sends efferent signals to the hair cells in the inner ear, reducing their sensitivity.
Researchers have identified a new protein fragment, amyloid-η, which antagonizes the hyperactive effect of beta-amyloid on nerve cells. This finding has immediate implications for ongoing clinical trials targeting beta-amyloid, suggesting that unanticipated side-effects may occur if eta-amyloid levels increase
Researchers simulated volcanic eruptions to understand how current forecasting models succeed in predicting magma properties. Heterogeneous magma leads to more accurate predictions, while homogeneous magma results in less precise forecasts.
Researchers have developed a light-activated switch that enables precise control of NMDA receptors, which are crucial for forming and storing memories. This tool promises to provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity and memory formation.
A team of researchers has found that variations in the morphology of auditory axons, particularly the length of internodes and diameter, impact the speed and precision of signal transmission. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about axon structure and function.
Actin filaments exhibit synchronized motion when motor proteins are added, with local curvatures incompatible with thermal fluctuations. Collective motion emerges at high densities through non-binary interactions among filaments.
Researchers used computed microtomography to investigate a well-preserved fossil arthropod from the famous Chengjiang Lagerstätte in China. The study revealed anatomical details previously hidden in the rock matrix, allowing for the identification of the species as Xandarella spectaculum.
Researchers create a technique to emit electrons in a controlled direction using near-fields induced by strong laser pulses on glass nanoparticles. This method has potential applications in cancer therapy and imaging methods.
Researchers from LMU Munich have discovered that human DNA repair enzymes employ a 'pincer' strategy to target damaged DNA, using a sugar molecule as a key component. This finding sheds new light on the complex process of DNA repair and its importance in maintaining genome stability.
Scientists observe a Many-Body Localized state in ultracold atoms trapped in light crystals, where interactions fail to lead to thermalization. This peculiar insulating state retains a quantum memory of its initial state, even at elevated temperatures.
Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München elucidated the molecular level interactions between an inherited mutation and a spontaneous somatic mutation in Ewing's sarcoma. The team discovered that a germline susceptibility variant increases risk for the disease by interacting with a driver mutation, promoting tumorigenesis.
Researchers used DNA barcoding to study Antarctic sponge diversity and revealed a highly diverse group of species, comparable to tropical communities. The genetic analysis suggests that these sponges developed as an isolated population, likely descended from ancestral forms in Gondwana waters.
Scientists developed a technique to enhance nanoparticle signals using an optical microcavity, achieving near fundamental diffraction limit resolution. This enables the study of individual nanoparticles' optical properties, promising potential breakthroughs in biology, chemistry, and nanoscience.
A team of researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München has developed a candidate vaccine against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and demonstrated its efficacy in a mouse model. The vaccine, named MVA-MERS-S, uses a modified virus to induce protective immunity against the coronavirus.
A mechanism regulating plasma cell lifespan has been elucidated, identifying a promising new biomarker sBCMA for monitoring autoimmune diseases. The study shows that BCMA shedding is correlated with disease severity in multiple sclerosis and lupus patients.
Researchers have compared two novel ways of inhibiting atherosclerotic plaque-induced platelet activation, finding that one strategy is more effective at higher flow rates. The study suggests a new GPVI inhibitor may be used specifically to block thrombus formation at high-risk plaques.
A new study by LMU's Markus Paulus shows that preschoolers as young as 3 years old can anticipate negative feelings in others and adjust their behavior accordingly. The results suggest that a heightened awareness of the emotional consequences of being left out is a stronger incentive to generosity than making the recipient happy.
Physicists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have developed a new Ytterbium:Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Yb:YAG) disk laser, which produces pulses lasting 7.7 femtoseconds and enables the study of ultrafast physical processes on attosecond timescales.
A new system combining GPS and radar measures snow properties on slopes, enabling continuous and non-destructive monitoring of snow volumes and liquid water content. The method promises to enhance forecasting of avalanches and spring floods in Alpine areas.
Researchers discovered that bacterial viruses carry genetic instructions for producing an actin-like protein, which enables the transport of their DNA to host cells. This mechanism allows the virus to replicate its genome in bacteria lacking a cytoskeleton.
Researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanisms behind brachiopod shell formation, revealing evolutionary conserved genetic programs among invertebrates. The study identifies unique proteins and structural resemblances to other animal phyla, providing new insights into the evolution of biomineralization.
A team of researchers has identified the first fossil specimens of a major group of killifishes that is widely distributed in freshwater habitats today. The fossils, which date back to 6 million years ago, provide new insights into the evolution of bony fishes and the diversification of species.