Researchers found JAM-A facilitates immune cell recruitment to arteries, promoting plaque formation. Reducing JAM-A levels can slow lesion growth, but deleting the molecule from monocytes causes damage and increases plaques.
Researchers at LMU München have developed a novel technique to identify tumor and autoimmune disease antigens, which can simplify diagnostic procedures and enable the design of targeted, long-term therapies. The technology uses genetically engineered cells to analyze millions of antigens within hours.
Researchers found a new switch involved in dosage compensation, which doubles gene activity on the male X chromosome. This switch, revealed to be a hairpin structure, must be unwound by an enzyme before MSL proteins can bind, allowing for functional assembly of the Dosage Compensation Complex.
Researchers identified a novel component of Legionella's replication system, RidL, which disrupts an intracellular transport system needed for bacterial elimination. This allows the bacteria to survive and replicate in phagocytic cells.
A team of scientists identified a protein that induces membrane curvature in thylakoids, enabling the formation of stacks. The CURT1 protein enhances photosynthesis efficiency by increasing the degree of stacking and potentially boosting crop yields.
Researchers have developed a new method to visualize material defects in thin-film solar cells using laser light, enabling the direct mapping of defect distributions. This breakthrough could lead to improved material quality and more efficient energy production by reducing temporary traps for charge carriers.
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.
Scientists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München discovered a mechanism that allows chromosomal DNA to be locally displaced from nucleosomes for transcription. The FACT complex interacts with histone subunits and detaches stretches of packaged DNA from the nucleosome core, releasing it from its tight wrapping.
Researchers at LMU discover how cellular respiration generates reactive oxygen species that can cause DNA mutations, leading to cell dysfunction and cancer. The study highlights the importance of improving treatment options for cancer by inhibiting DNA repair processes in tumor cells.
Researchers from LMU Munich uncovered well-preserved fish fossils, shedding light on the gobioid order's evolution and classification. The discovery of perfectly preserved otoliths allowed for a genetic code-like analysis, placing a new species in the Butidae family.
Researchers found a link between natural killer cells and hematopoiesis in CMV-infected mice, revealing an antiviral reaction that could lead to new treatments for viral infections. This process involves the elimination of infected cells and mobilization of immune cells to combat the pathogen.
A novel nuclear protein called Trnp1 triggers the expansion and folding of the cerebral cortex in mice, supporting tangential expansion and ordered formation of neurons. The findings imply that Trnp1 controls both expansion and folding and serves as a starting point for dissecting cellular and molecular interactions.
Scientists have transmitted a secure quantum code via satellite, promising secure global communication. The experiment uses quantum states of single light quanta, making data transmission virtually un-hackable.
The North American Cordillera is composed of dozens of crustal blocks that were welded onto the continent over 200 million years. A new study clarifies their mode of origin, identifying a previously unknown oceanic plate that contributed to their assembly.
A team of medical researchers has identified a specific microRNA, miR-342-5p, that plays a key role in promoting inflammation in atherosclerosis. Inhibiting this microRNA has been shown to retard the progression of the disease in animal models.
Researchers identified a novel signal transduction pathway that activates parkin and prevents stress-induced neuronal cell death in Parkinson's disease. The parkin gene plays a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial integrity, which is essential for preventing cell death.
Researchers identify critical role of CCR1 and CCR5 receptors in monocyte recruitment to atherosclerotic lesions. The findings suggest that inhibiting these receptors may provide novel therapeutic strategies for treating atherosclerosis.
The study reveals two independent mechanisms for fixing heterochromatin to the inner face of the nuclear envelope, using lamin A/C and the lamin-B receptor. This discovery sheds light on how the nuclear architecture in rod cells of nocturnal animals differs from normal cells.
The measles virus uses a hairpin-like structure to bind to the MDA5 receptor, preventing it from forming filaments and signaling viral RNA. This interaction allows the virus to evade the immune system's defense mechanisms.
A team of researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München has identified an old acquaintance as the missing link in regulating electron transport during photosynthesis. The enzyme, PGRL1, plays a central role in the regulation of cyclic electron flow and may help improve photosynthetic performance.
Researchers have elucidated the function of Translation Elongation Factor P (EF-P) during protein synthesis, revealing its role in regulating protein copy numbers in response to changing conditions. EF-P helps stalled ribosomes overcome a specific proline-rich motif, allowing for adjusted protein production.
A new gene delivery vehicle has been developed to target tumor cells with the TNFα cytokine, allowing for improved drug delivery and reduced resistance. The treatment approach combines the cytokine with a DNA-intercalating drug doxorubicin, showing promise in reducing tumor growth and metastasis.
A new study reveals that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, can inhibit the formation of metastases in prostate cancer. Curcumin reduces inflammation and decreases the expression of proteins that promote metastasis, resulting in a decline in tumor cell growth.
LMU researchers have developed a method called Single-Molecule Cut & Paste (SMC&P) to assemble individual protein molecules with nanometer precision. This technique allows for the controlled assembly of complex protein machines, enabling the testing of functional aspects such as enzyme interactions and coupled reactions.
Researchers have developed a light-sensitive derivative of propofol that can reverse its anesthetic effects. In experiments with tadpoles, the compound was found to be more potent than propofol alone and allowed neurons to regain responsiveness upon exposure to light.
Higgs excitations have been observed in a two-dimensional quantum gas near absolute zero temperature. The phenomenon, associated with spontaneous symmetry breaking, can lead to coordinated collective motion and is crucial in the Standard Model of Particle Physics.
LMU researchers have identified magnetosensory cells in trout that detect the Earth's magnetic field and convert it into nerve impulses. The cells sense the field through micrometer-sized inclusions of magnetic crystals, which are coupled to the cell membrane.
Researchers found a young megalosaur with filamentous integument, revealing its body was covered in feathers, which may have been present in all predatory dinosaurs. The discovery also sheds light on the changing diets and lifestyles of juvenile dinosaurs as they grew older.
A new theoretical model shows that the length of microtubules is regulated by the attachment of motor proteins, which grow towards the plus-end and shorten the filament. This interplay between growth and shrinkage maintains a precisely regulated microtubule length essential for various intracellular tasks.
Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified the enzyme YfcM as a key player in bacterial pathogenicity modification. The discovery of YfcM, which displays hydroxylase activity and lacks sequence similarity to known proteins, has significant implications for the development of new antibiotics.
Researchers have successfully trapped and controlled light within a graphene lattice, allowing for the development of computers with optical switches. This breakthrough demonstrates the high potential of graphene in nanoelectronics.
Researchers have elucidated the structure of a key protein involved in DNA double-strand break repair. The MRN complex plays a crucial role in cell survival and function, with mutations linked to distinct syndromes and predispositions to cancer, radiation sensitivity, and neurodegeneration.
A new study reveals that obesity is associated with disrupted biological rhythms and social jetlag. The research found that individuals who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for serious metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, due to a lack of sleep and an irregular body-mass index (BMI). The study suggests that lifestyle fact...
A new study uses molecular clock methods to reconstruct the cypress family tree, revealing that their evolution reflects the break-up of Pangea. The research confirms that cypresses are a very old plant family with origins tracing back to 153 million years ago.
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have developed a genetically modified strain of pigs whose beta-cells can restore glucose homeostasis and inhibit human-anti-pig immune reaction. This breakthrough could potentially treat type 1 diabetes, overcoming the major barrier of immune rejection.
A team of scientists has developed porous carbon nanoparticles that utilize sulfur molecules to achieve high efficiency in lithium-sulfur batteries. The sulfur can absorb two lithium ions per sulfur atom, making it an excellent energy storage material.
Researchers developed a new method to identify antigens that induce autoimmune reactions by generating cells emitting green fluorescent light when stimulated. The technique uses genetic engineering techniques and is highly sensitive, allowing for the analysis of millions of antigens in hours.
Researchers fabricated optically active, three-dimensional structures using DNA origami to tailor visible light properties. The study enables the preparation of self-assembling metamaterials and novel optical lens systems.
Researchers have developed a light-controlled neural inhibitor that can inhibit pain-sensitive neurons. The compound QAQ acts as a photosensitive switch, and its conformation can be altered by light, enabling it to bind to specific receptors on nerve cells.
Linguist Michael Cysouw disputes Quentin Atkinson's claim that the cradle of language is in southwest Africa, citing inconsistent results from comparative linguistics analysis. The study's findings suggest the site of language origin may be located in eastern Africa or the Caucasus, rather than supporting an 'Out-of-Africa' model.
Researchers have successfully identified the underlying mechanism of ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated lungs, a major complication in lung transplantation. The study highlights two key proteins responsible for increased vascular permeability and inflammation, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
A recent study analyzed data from tree species censuses and fossil evidence to chart diversity in rainforests. The results show that variation in species richness among families is very similar across tropical forests, suggesting that community structure in rainforests cannot be attributed to stochastic factors.
Acidification provides the thrust for kimberlites to ascend through the Earth's crust, with assimilated xenoliths playing a crucial role in facilitating the process. This discovery enhances understanding of kimberlite genesis and will aid in searching for new diamond-bearing ores.
Researchers have developed a new method for analyzing the spatial conformations of biomolecules like proteins and DNA, minimizing interactions with pore materials. The approach enables the prediction of translocation dynamics of nucleic acids with varying sequences.
Researchers have successfully converted an intrinsically 'blind' receptor molecule into a photoreceptor using molecular genetic techniques. This synthetic construct enables light-controlled activation and may potentially be used to restore sight in patients suffering from certain forms of blindness.
Researchers developed a new method called HHblits that surpasses PSI-BLAST in performance by increasing sensitivity and precision. By analyzing similar sequences, scientists can infer the structure and functions of proteins more accurately and frequently than before.
Research reveals that cancer cells use a positive feedback loop involving c-MYC and SIRT1 to drive continuous cell division and tumor growth. This mechanism undermines normal cell regulation, leading to uncontrolled proliferation and treatment resistance in certain types of cancer.
Researchers have discovered a novel route for synthesizing EMT zeolites with large pores at near ambient temperature and low pressure. This approach avoids the use of expensive templates, enabling potential industrial applications in catalysis and adsorption.
Professor Jonathan Harrington, a LMU Munich phonetician, has been awarded an ERC Advanced Grant to investigate the origins of sound change in languages. His project aims to establish relationships between language evolution and language acquisition in children.
Researchers found that reducing CXCR4 levels correlated with reduced infarct size and inflammation, but impaired recovery of blood flow and neovascularization. The study suggests that localized approaches, such as injecting stem cells with higher CXCR4 levels or CXCL12 variants, may be more effective in heart repair.