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Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München


Cancer and chemobrain: Cancer diagnosis affects cognitive function

A new study by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München attributes mild cognitive defects in breast cancer patients to post-traumatic stress induced by diagnosis, not chemotherapy side-effects. The study found pretreatment cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients was due to stress associated with the disease.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 17, 2015

Immunology: Macrophages as T-cell primers

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München demonstrate that macrophages can effectively substitute for dendritic cells as primers of T-cell-dependent immune responses. They stimulate a more comprehensive immune reaction than cross-presenting dendritic cells, activating T-cells specific for all antigen-binding sites.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2015

Cosmology: Late news from the Big Bang

New Planck analysis confirms Viatcheslav Mukhanov's theory on quantum origin of universe's structure, supporting the idea that quantum fluctuations gave rise to galaxies and clusters. The study also rules out primordial gravitational waves, suggesting that instruments may not be sensitive enough to detect them yet.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateFeb 5, 2015

Motor learning: Lining up our sights

Neurologists investigate the significance of the vestibular system in directing gaze, finding that patients with vestibular or cerebellar dysfunction have difficulty controlling eye movements. The study suggests that rehabilitation training based on active head movements can enhance gaze shift control and learning to find endpoints.

Innate immunity

A team of researchers has identified an enzyme called cGAS that detects cytosolic DNA, triggering the innate immune response. This discovery has significant clinical implications for understanding autoimmune diseases and developing new therapies.