Parkinson-associated genes PINK1 and Parkin functionally interact to maintain mitochondrial function, impairing neuron loss
Theropod dinosaurs likely targeted young and small dinosaur species as a primary food source, exploiting their softer bones. This hypothesis is supported by fossil finds and stomach contents, suggesting that giant carnivores mainly fed on juvenile animals, not large herbivorous dinosaurs.
Researchers have discovered a new type of cellular defense mechanism that acts against DNA sequences present in high copy numbers, even if they have not integrated into the genome. Small RNA molecules play a central role in this process, which is also found in Drosophila and potentially in mammals.
A research team has used single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to follow magnetic nanoparticles as they transport genes or drugs into target cells in real-time. The study reveals bottlenecks in nanoferry transport and provides insights into optimizing existing systems, potentially leading to breakthroughs in gene therapy.
Researchers have discovered that the methane-producing molecule deazaflavin is also involved in DNA repair processes in eukaryotes. The discovery challenges the long-held assumption that deazaflavin is unique to methanogenic bacteria, and has significant implications for our understanding of cellular metabolism and DNA repair.
Researchers found that young autoreactive T-cells are more receptive to reeducation into regulatory T-cells. In contrast, older T-cells become fully activated and cause damage. Understanding the developmental stage of T-cells holds promise for developing new therapies for autoimmune diseases.
Dieter Kotschick solved Hirzebruch's problem, determining that most Chern numbers depend on algebraic structure of a variety, not topological properties. The breakthrough resolves the relationship between flexible and rigid geometric objects.
Researchers Ulrich Gerland and Terence Hwa discovered two opposing principles guiding gene regulation in microbes: 'use-it-or-lose-it' and 'wear-and-tear'. These mechanisms adapt to environmental changes, with the latter mitigating detrimental effects of constant use.
Researchers analyze chlorotrinitromethane molecule to reveal extremely short carbon-clorine single bond of 1.69 Angstroms, breaking previous measurements. Theoretical calculations confirm electrostatic interactions between atoms contribute to this unusual bond length.
Multiple sclerosis researchers discover that the immune system targets gray matter in addition to myelin, damaging nerve cell bodies and leading to irreversible destruction of axons. The newly identified protein Contactin-2 plays a critical role in this process.
Researchers at LMU Munich have created a system of nanostrings made of non-conducting material, which can be individually electrically excited and produce thousands of strings on a small chip. This breakthrough could lead to the development of highly sensitive 'artificial noses' for detecting various molecules, including pollutants.
Researchers have discovered that nocturnal mammals' rod cell nuclei are inverted, allowing for reduced light scatter and enhanced low-light vision. This unusual organization enables these animals to perceive light as much as a millionth of daylight's intensity.
Scientists successfully observed extensive nerve cell death in zebrafish with a severe form of Alzheimer's disease, enabling targeted search for drugs to stop dementia. This breakthrough allows for the testing of drugs on living organisms.
Scientists have re-examined Hawaii's formation, finding the Pacific oceanic plate moved under a drifting hotspot, creating a 50 million-year-old bend in the seamount chain. Mantel circulation models aid understanding of forces on tectonic plates and stress estimation for major earthquakes.
A comprehensive study resolves decades-long debates on early animal relationships, revealing that sponges and comb jellies share a common group with bilaterians. The research also sheds light on the evolution of nervous systems, suggesting they developed only once in animal history.
Research suggests that dendritic cells are essential for generating and maintaining immunological tolerance. Without these cells, the immune system fails to distinguish between self and foreign substances, leading to autoimmune responses. This study highlights the critical role of dendritic cells in protecting against autoimmune diseases.
Researchers Johannes Soeding and Andreas Biegert have developed a new method called CS-BLAST that takes into account the sequence context to improve similarity searches. This approach can identify twice as many distant relatives of proteins compared to traditional BLAST, leading to better insights into gene and protein functions.
In a study, researchers found that even slight differences between competing species can lead to the weakest being victorious in cyclical competitions. This phenomenon, known as the law of the weakest, was simulated using computer models and has implications for understanding evolution and ecosystem development.
Researchers have reconstructed the chronology of Oetzi's injuries, finding evidence of a short-lived arrow wound and a blow to the back before his death. The study suggests that Oetzi endured at least two injuring events, which could indicate two separate attacks.
LMU Munich has awarded two Alexander von Humboldt professorships to international scientists Ulrike Gaul and Georgi Dvali, both experts in systems biology and cosmological particle research. The awards bring significant funding and attract top talent to the institution.
A team of scientists has made significant progress in understanding how the brain controls eye movement, particularly when tracking fast-moving objects. The study found that gain control, a phenomenon where the brain adapts eye movement to object speed, is determined by specific neural networks in the frontal eye fields.
Researchers discovered medulloblastomas arise from granule cells and only if they are fully committed. They also found protein Olig2 influences cancer cell formation and multiplication. This knowledge could lead to targeted therapies for childhood brain tumors.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in schizophrenia research, identifying three microdeletions and several single nucleotide polymorphisms that contribute to the illness. These genetic variations increase disease risk, with one of the microdeletions found on chromosome 1 having a moderate to large impact.