Nanophysics: The right twist
Nanophysics researchers at LMU München discover that twisting ultrathin layers of semiconducting materials creates unique phenomena. The twist leads to moiré interference, affecting electron and exciton properties.
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Biomolecules: Trying nanometer measurement for size
A team of scientists has successfully tested a method to measure biomolecules' precise dimensions and comparability. They used single-molecule FRET analysis to measure distances in proteins with precision, observing structural changes on time scales of less than a millisecond.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023
Photosynthesis: varying roads lead to the reaction center
A team of scientists has characterized chlorophylls in photosystem I using quantum chemical calculations, revealing key elements of its super-efficient energy transfer. The study identifies 'red chlorophylls' that absorb lower energies and overcome energy barriers, enabling the system to constantly open new pathways.
Biophysics: Droplets in motion
Enzymatic droplets in cells exhibit directed self-propulsion and positioning, driven by influx of energy. The findings suggest a novel mechanism for controlling cell division, distinct from thermal equilibrium dynamics.
Microscopy: highest resolution in three dimensions
Researchers have developed a super-resolution microscopy method that combines pMINFLUX, graphene energy transfer, and DNA-PAINT to achieve the highest resolution in three-dimensional space. This enables the rapid imaging of dense molecular structures with unprecedented precision.
What makes the immune systems of prematurely born babies susceptible to deadly infections
Researchers have found that prematurely born babies' immune systems are vulnerable to deadly infections due to an imbalance in immunoregulatory signaling pathways. This imbalance affects the proper functioning of important immune cells, leading to inadequate inflammatory responses and increased susceptibility to infection.
The chemistry of mummification – Traces of a global network
Researchers analyzed chemical residues in ancient vessels to identify specific embalming ingredients, including unexpected global sources like tropical Africa and Southeast Asia. The findings shed new light on the global trade relationships involved in ancient Egyptian mummification.
Biological patterns: Directed by intracellular flows
Researchers discovered that fluid flows direct protein pattern formation in E. coli, allowing patterns to move with or against the flow direction. The study's findings could lead to novel tools for controlling protein patterns and understanding molecular mechanisms.
Toxoplasmosis: pathogen with molecular master key
Researchers have discovered a complex of two protein variants that plays a significant role in Toxoplasma gondii infection. The parasite can infect a wide range of hosts due to its ability to recognize multiple host cell structures, leading to the activation of a central invasion complex.
COVID-19 vaccination protects people with blood cancer
The study found that COVID-19 vaccination in patients with blood cancer activates a strong T cell response, providing protection against serious illness. Patients who form antibodies tend to produce high-quality antibodies capable of neutralizing different SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Climate change: evaluating CO2 emissions from land use with greater precision
A team of researchers has harmonized calculation methods for CO2 emissions from land use, enabling more accurate evaluation of country targets and supporting the fair distribution of climate mitigation goals. The analysis reconciles land-based mitigation estimates by separating natural and land-use CO2 fluxes at the country level.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalOne Earth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 21, 2022
More control over plasma accelerators
Researchers have developed a hybrid plasma accelerator that combines two methods for electron acceleration, achieving better stability and higher particle density than single-accelerator systems. This innovation opens up new possibilities for precision X-ray generation and novel applications in fields like medical imaging and ultrafast...
Sinonasal cancer: AI facilitates breakthrough in diagnostics
Researchers developed an AI tool that distinguishes between four distinct groups of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas (SNUCs) based on DNA methylation patterns. This breakthrough could lead to targeted therapies and improve prognosis for patients.
Self-organization: What robotics can learn from amoebae
Researchers describe a new model for self-organization in biological and technical systems, leveraging local interactions and information processing. This paradigm shift can help design soft robots that communicate via electromagnetic waves, enabling applications such as drug administration in the human body.
Crown-of-thorns seastar from Red Sea is endemic species
Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified a new, endemic species of crown-of-thorns seastar in the Red Sea. The species, Acanthaster benziei, differs from other species in the genus by its smaller arms and thinner spines.
Photosynthesis: Auxiliary factor ensures efficient energy production
Researchers demonstrate that protein CGL160 recruits ATP synthases to assemble efficient photosynthetic machinery. This discovery sheds light on chloroplast development and adaptation to varying light conditions.
Light-driven molecular swing
Researchers have developed a method to track the temporal distribution of energy absorption in molecules using time-resolved spectroscopy. This allows for a precise understanding of the dynamics of energy transfer between light and vibrating molecules.
Land use: greater differentiation in evaluating climate protection measures
A new method was developed by LMU geographers to distinguish the direct effects of human land use on global CO2 fluxes from those of natural environmental factors using satellite and other Earth observation data. This differentiation is important for isolating the true progress achieved by climate protection measures.
African sleeping sickness: How the pathogen colonizes tsetse flies
Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have deciphered a crucial signaling mechanism that enables trypanosomes to reach the salivary glands of tsetse flies. By understanding this process, scientists can develop new methods to prevent transmission of African sleeping sickness.
Gene regulation: DNA modification important for silencing of endogenous retroviruses
A team of researchers led by Gunnar Schotta found that DNA methylation is a decisive factor in silencing endogenous retroviruses in certain cell types. The presence of histone modifications, however, is not sufficient for complete silencing.
Innate immunity: the final touch for antimicrobial defence
Researchers uncover crucial role of enzyme NAGK in converting bacterial cell wall component MDP into its phosphorylated form, activating immune receptor NOD2. This process prevents bacteria from entering the intestinal wall and triggering inflammatory responses.
Structural and mechanistic insight into DNA repair
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how the Mre11-Rad50 protein complex processes blocked DNA ends, a crucial step in genome repair. The study's findings provide valuable insight into the mechanisms underlying DNA double-strand break repair and its role in carcinogenesis.
Chemistry: Long-range interactions
Researchers led by Heinz Langhals have found intermolecular interactions that extend beyond 100 nanometers, enabling molecules to interact with their environment at almost macroscopic dimensions. This discovery raises new possibilities for addressing molecular structures macroscopically and may lead to advancements in molecular memories.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateAug 24, 2022
Life at close quarters
Researchers discover fossil lacewing larvae with enlarged abdomens, providing insights into the evolution and lifestyle of early lacewings. The discovery sheds light on the successful evolutionary strategy of physogastry, which allows insects to greatly increase their body volume when required.
Complex patterns: building a bridge from the large to the small
Researchers develop a new coarse-graining approach that enables the prediction of patterns on small scales, reducing complexity by focusing on total densities of particles. The model is applied to the Min protein system, which controls cell division in bacteria, and experimental results confirm theoretical predictions.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2022
How tiny changes help T cells to survive
Research reveals that m6A modifications in T cells influence cell differentiation and biological processes. The study shows that loss of m6A affects T cell signaling and survival, leading to severe inflammatory responses and colitis in mice.
Quantum cryptography: Hacking futile
Researchers at LMU and NUS have successfully implemented device-independent quantum key distribution (QKD), a new method for secure communication. This breakthrough enables the creation of secret keys with uncharacterized devices, improving the security of quantum networks.
Paleobiology: Complex family relationships
An international team of researchers has successfully classified fossil gobies into a family tree for the first time. The study used an integrative phylogenetic approach to inferring relationships between fossil gobioids and their modern descendants.
Quality control for antibodies
A team led by Dr. Johan Duchêne investigated commercial antibodies against ACKR1, refuting a previous study that claimed its expression on macrophages and monocytes. The study emphasizes the significance of antibody specificity and demonstrates the importance of publishing corrections in scientific research.
Quantum physics: Record entanglement of quantum memories
Physicists have successfully entangled two atomic quantum memories over a 33-kilometer-long fiber optic connection, setting a new record. The entanglement is mediated via photons emitted by the two quantum memories and has potential applications in large-scale quantum networks and secure communication protocols.
Cell biology: RNA granules on the spot
Researchers at LMU demonstrate that Staufen2 and Argonaute proteins form RNA granules that compete with each other to regulate protein translation in neurons. This competition regulates synaptic plasticity, particularly in dendrites and synapses, contributing to learning and memory.
Ancient DNA and teeth show: Romans brought mules with them
Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from over 400 equids in Celtic and Roman settlements, finding mule remains only in the Roman sites. Mules were valued by Romans for their pack and work capabilities due to their strength, endurance, and resistance to diseases.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJun 29, 2022
Psychology: Diversity of opinions influences opinion formation
Researchers explored how diverse opinions affect group behavior, finding that larger variance promotes conformity. In an experiment, participants conformed more to a group opinion when there was a broad spectrum of views.
Controlling the waveform of ultrashort infrared pulses
Researchers successfully controlled ultrashort mid-infrared light pulses, enabling new possibilities in optical control for biomedical applications and quantum electronics. The team developed a method to precisely control the oscillations of generated mid-infrared light via tuning laser input parameters.
Neurons: How RNA granules grow and shrink
Researchers found that RNA granules containing the protein DDX6 decrease in size as neurons mature but increase in number. They also discovered that another protein, Staufen2, plays a role in forming these granules, which can store inactive mRNAs. This process helps regulate neural activity and gene expression in neurons.
The origin of life: A paradigm shift
A new concept suggests that a novel molecular species composed of RNA and peptides emerged, setting the stage for complex life forms. This RNA-peptide world idea resolves the chicken-and-egg problem by creating a foundation for life's origin.
Toxoplasmosis: Propagation of parasite in host cell stopped
A novel genetic screening technique identified two genes crucial for Toxoplasma gondii cell egress, leading to the death of parasites within host cells. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of new drugs that could block parasite propagation.
LMU study: Social origin shapes how high potentials launch their career
A new LMU study finds that social origin significantly influences career development, with university graduates from low-education backgrounds facing greater difficulties launching their careers. The study suggests organizing career support events for these individuals and promoting more inclusive hiring practices.
Geophysics: Better insights into Earth’s interior
A new method developed by LMU geophysicist Max Moorkamp improves the accuracy of understanding the Earth's crust composition. By combining data on electrical conductivity and density, researchers can better distinguish between fluids and solid graphite in geological regions.
Atherosclerosis: How diseased blood vessels communicate with the brain
A team of scientists has found that nerve signals are exchanged between arteries with plaques and the brain in atherosclerosis. This discovery sheds light on the chronic inflammatory disease of the entire artery, revealing an electrical circuit between the arteries and brain.
Arterial thromboses: Innovative treatment approach
Researchers have identified a new signaling pathway of blood clotting and demonstrated how it can be experimentally inhibited to reduce the risk of thrombosis. By targeting platelet-derived CXCL12, the approach may offer additional benefits without increasing the risk of bleeding.
Paleobiology: Rare beetle larva in amber
Scientists have found the first ever riffle beetle larva in Baltic amber, revealing unique characteristics that suggest oxygen-rich rivers existed in the area. The discovery provides valuable insights into the ecosystem of the Baltic amber forest, which covered northern Europe 33-38 million years ago.
AI can improve teacher training
A study found that AI-assisted adaptive feedback significantly improved pre-service teachers' diagnostic reasoning skills through simulation-based learning. This promising method adds value to the advancement of complex skills, particularly in large courses like teacher education.
Cell biology: How mitochondria report stress
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München discovered the mechanism by which DELE1 detects organelle stress and reports it to the cell. This process involves the continuous importation of DELE1 into mitochondria, processing by proteases, and degradation within the mitochondria.
Molecular biology: Better method for measuring genes
Researchers at LMU have developed a new method called prime-seq to measure gene activity, which is up to 50 times more cost-effective than existing RNA-seq protocols. The method integrates DNA barcodes and directly extracts mRNA from cells, making it robust, validated, and accessible to molecular biology laboratories.
Light energy transfer: Molecular vibrations instead of resonance
Researchers at LMU München experimentally refute Förster's resonance energy transfer theory, instead showing that light energy is transferred through molecular vibrations. This discovery has implications for the development of optical technologies and may revolutionize our understanding of energy transfer in molecules.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalThe Journal of Organic Chemistry·DateMar 30, 2022
The first stages of DNA evolution
Scientists recreating primordial conditions discovered that dew droplets in a CO2-rich atmosphere facilitate the replication of short DNA molecules. These cycles promote DNA mutations and recombinations, leading to longer DNA strands. The findings suggest dew droplets as the first compartments for DNA evolution.
Immune cells regulate body weight
Research reveals that plasmacytoid dendritic cells accumulate in visceral adipose tissue, triggering fatal immune responses. Blocking their migration can reduce weight gain and improve metabolic conditions.
Bacterial ribosomes: Molecular collision activates protection mechanism
In bacteria, ribosome collisions trigger the rescue operation by detecting and eliminating defective mRNA and proteins. The SmrB enzyme plays a crucial role in this process, scanning normally translating ribosomes and cutting problematic mRNA upon collision.
Immunological signature against SARS-CoV-2
Scientists at LMU found that mild disease courses are characterized by strong antiviral upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes, preventing viral spread and lung infection. This 'specific immunological signature' is initially independent of antibodies and holds promise for modulating the immune system to activate these mechanisms.