A new study using chess game data shows that cognitive capacity increases steadily until around the middle of the fourth decade before plateauing. Modern 30-year-olds exhibit a higher level of cognitive ability than those born 100 years ago at the same age.
Researchers have discovered a reaction pathway that forms sugars in the absence of water, using minerals as catalysts. This finding provides a plausible explanation for the formation of sugars under extraterrestrial settings.
Researchers have identified five genes associated with the different visual mating preferences of two tropical butterfly species. These genes are linked to the processing of visual information during courtship, without affecting perceptions of other aspects of the environment. This study provides insights into the evolutionary changes ...
Researchers at LMU Munich uncover 'molting' process of 90S precursor to small 40S subunit, shedding Russian doll analogy on ribosome maturation. The study sheds new light on the complex process of protein synthesis and its importance in maintaining cellular equilibrium.
Researchers developed a theoretical model to predict spectral splitting of excitons in WSe2 under magnetic field. The results provide better understanding of opto-electronic properties and potential applications in quantum technologies.
The innate immune system interprets cytosolic DNA as a sign of intracellular pathogens. However, cGAS is found in the nucleus and prevents autoimmune reactions by binding to chromatin, not DNA. This interaction fails to activate the innate immune system.
Researchers at LMU find that H. pylori's genetic diversity enables it to exploit different cellular niches in the stomach lining, contributing to chronic infections and cancer risk.
Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy approach that activates genes with similar functions to compensate for the primary defect in retinitis pigmentosa. This method has shown promise in slowing down retinal degeneration and improving retinal function without side effects.
A team of scientists has discovered how the enzyme SPRTN recognizes and cleaves DNA-protein crosslinks, which are formed when proteins attach to DNA. This new mechanism is crucial for cell viability and the suppression of tumorigenesis, and has implications for cancer therapy.
Researchers at LMU München report a hydrothermal mechanism that could have promoted the prebiotic evolution of self-replicating molecules. In an experiment, warm water circulation through pores stimulates RNA strand replication, overcoming the initial problem of double-stranded RNA formation.
Researchers at LMU Munich found activated immune cells and blood platelets play a major role in COVID-19 pathologies, leading to lung failure and systemic clot formation. The study identified a link between virus-induced changes in the lungs and increased thrombotic risk.
A team of researchers has identified a crucial ion channel protein in mast cells that regulates calcium levels, which are essential for the activation of many types of immune cells. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of allergies and autoimmune diseases.
A team of geophysicists used the ROMY ring laser to measure the Earth's rotational velocity and axis orientation, achieving the most precise ground-based measurements yet. The instrument detected minute alterations in the Earth's rotation caused by ocean currents, ice mass shifts, and seismic events.
Researchers found that certain species of foraminifera can survive and thrive in anoxic environments with high levels of toxic hydrogen sulfide. The organisms exploit soluble organic material as a source of carbon and energy, playing a crucial role in anaerobic nutrient cycles.
Researchers at LMU Munich used smartphone data to analyze users' personalities, finding strong correlations between behavior patterns and self-assessed traits. The study focused on the Big Five personality dimensions, revealing that certain types of digital behavior are more informative for specific self-assessments.
Researchers discovered how SARS-CoV-2 inhibits protein synthesis in infected cells, effectively disarming the body's immune response. The Nonstructural Protein 1 (Nsp1) is a central weapon used by the virus to replicate and propagate, targeting the 40S subunit of ribosomes.
Researchers identify genetic mutation contributing to reproductive isolation between carrion and hooded crows due to differences in plumage color. The mutation appears to have been favored by natural selection, potentially providing a selective advantage in hot regions.
Researchers discovered that DNA droplets can exhibit bubbling behavior, similar to boiling water, when exposed to certain enzymes. This phenomenon occurs in lightly-bound systems, where the enzyme penetrates the crowded DNA particles, causing an osmotic effect and leading to a burping-like outburst.
Neurobiologists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München found the brain requires disproportionate amounts of oxygen for energy consumption. The study directly correlates oxygen consumption with nerve cell activity, showing that only about 50% of oxygen is used for nerve cell function.
Researchers create genuine time-dependent topological system using ultracold atoms in periodically-driven optical honeycomb lattices, exhibiting unique electronic properties and chiral edge modes. The system's non-trivial topological properties are rooted in the non-trivial winding of its quasienergy spectrum.
A new study found that a severe spring heatwave in Europe contributed to the 2018 summer drought, depleting soil moisture. The research suggests that adopting alternative land management strategies could mitigate droughts' effects.
Scientists used genomic analysis to assess genetic variability in 17 seal species, finding that past population fluctuations have had a significant effect on contemporary populations. The study estimates the risk of genetic impoverishment and inbreeding, with implications for conservation efforts.
Researchers discovered a microRNA named miR-126-5p that protects endothelial cells from damage and reduces atherosclerosis risk. By inhibiting caspase-3 activity, miR-126-5p maintains vascular integrity and prevents the development of atherosclerotic lesions.
Physicists have measured electron flight times in a molecule to study the influence of the molecule on photoemission time. The measurements reveal a delay attributable to the molecular environment that becomes larger as the energy of the light pulses is reduced.
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified an earlier indicator of vaccine efficacy: specific white blood cells in the blood. The study shows that these cells can predict the quality of the immune response induced by vaccination, allowing for more rapid assessment of vaccine effectiveness.
A team of researchers argues that social distancing is at odds with human nature, which naturally seeks social contact in times of danger. This contradiction poses a significant challenge to public health and policy-making.
The study found that an mRNA molecule's lifetime is correlated with the rate of protein synthesis, and a key protein complex plays a crucial role in this process. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to identify the molecular basis for the link between mRNA degradation and ribosomal efficiency.
Researchers at LMU synthesized nanoparticles that rapidly release ionized iron within cells, triggering pyroptosis and potentially eliminating malignant tumors. The nanoparticles' structure and coating enable controlled release of iron ions in acidic environments, making them a promising therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
Biophysicists analyzed the mechanical stability of a protein-ligand complex, finding that geometry affects stability and forces required to extract ligand vary by barrel structure. This discovery may improve experimental data analysis and understanding of mechanosensitive proteins.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown signaling pathway that protects chloroplasts from damage caused by intense sunlight. This pathway, involving the protein SAFE1, suppresses light-induced programmed cell death and promotes stress tolerance in plants.
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München identified a signaling pathway enabling mitochondria to transmit distress signals to the surrounding cytosol. This pathway involves enzymes OMA1 and DELE1, which trigger cellular responses to stress, potentially opening new therapeutic approaches for age-related diseases.
A team of scientists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München has isolated immune cells from human tonsils obtained following routine surgery, allowing them to analyze the immune response and test anti-inflammatory agents. The new culture system enables researchers to study human lymphoid tissue under physiologically relevant conditions.
A team of researchers has identified a membrane-associated protein crucial for human T-cell development and immune function. The study, published in Nature Communications, sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying rare genetic diseases that cause severe immune deficiencies.
Researchers have developed a new classification scheme for psychoses into five clearly defined subgroups based on machine learning analysis of clinical data. These subgroups exhibit distinct patterns in symptoms, functioning, and genetic risk factors.
Scientists have identified a molecular mechanism that enables amphibians and fish to change their color by communicating between the actin and microtubule networks. The discovery reveals potential evolutionary paths and highlights the importance of motor proteins adapting to different cytoskeleton systems.
Researchers have elucidated the mechanisms that mediate the establishment of epigenetic histone modifications following cell division. The team found that methylation patterns influence each other and are associated with specific regions of the genome, known as domains.
A study by LMU linguists reveals that language learners believe their own pronunciation is better than others', even when they make the same mistakes. This overestimation hinders progress in learning foreign languages, highlighting the importance of external feedback to improve skills.
Researchers uncover complex mechanisms controlling epigenetic modifications on histones after cell division. The study provides deeper insights into the inheritance of epigenetic marks and has implications for understanding cellular differentiation and tumor development.
Researchers at LMU have determined the structure of a specialized transport system for inserting folded globular proteins into membranes. The system exploits the airlock principle, allowing mitochondria to transfer essential protein Rip1 in its folded state across their inner membrane.
Researchers have discovered two crucial mechanisms that contribute to the robust orientation of polarized proteins along the long axis of the fertilized egg. The study shows that the ellipsoidal geometry of the egg influences patterning and selection of the long axis polarization.
Researchers at LMU München successfully couple a light-activated molecular motor to a receiver unit, demonstrating the motor's ability to accelerate rotation and perform useful work. The study provides unprecedented insights into the operation of an integrated molecular machine.
Researchers successfully demonstrated the transport of an entangled state between an atom and a photon via an optic fiber over a distance of up to 20 km. This achievement sets a new record for quantum communication and confirms that quantum information can be distributed on a large scale with little loss.
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have developed a tool that allows for the selective degradation of essential proteins in cells using light or chemicals. This method enables the study of protein function without relying on genetic mutations or gene deletion, which is often not possible for essential proteins.
A new study published in Nature Plants reveals that there is no simple or universal solution to the problem of engineering plants to cope with the challenges posed by climate change. Higher levels of photoprotection may actually interfere with other mechanisms important for plant growth, and targeted adaptation is a complex task.
Physicists have developed a novel detector that precisely determines the oscillation profile of light waves, enabling research on dynamic processes at molecular levels. The new technique allows for real-time investigation of molecule responses to intense light fields.
A new laser-based system has been developed to detect and measure the levels of all biomolecules, including proteins, sugars, fats, and their derivatives. This technique offers unparalleled sensitivity and can be used for all known classes of biomolecules, enabling the detection of precancerous and malignant cells in body fluids.
A new study supports the idea that hydrogen played a crucial role in the emergence of eukaryotes, the first nucleated cells. The research suggests that the Lokiarchaeota, an enigmatic group of microorganisms, use hydrogen for metabolism, providing evidence for the 'hydrogen hypothesis' of eukaryote evolution.
A recent study found that genetic data can accurately predict stroke risk, identifying individuals with a three-fold higher risk of ischemic stroke. This method is more precise than existing estimates based on clinical risk factors and can help pinpoint modifiable risk factors to mitigate the risk.
A German high school's flexible scheduling system, which allows students to start school later, has been shown to improve their sleep patterns and ability to concentrate. The study found that students who started school later slept more soundly and were better equipped to handle coursework.
Researchers at LMU have discovered that inhibition of a specific enzyme can effectively prevent heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a potentially life-threatening condition. The study shows that Btk inhibitors can block platelet activation and prevent the formation of harmful clots, offering a new promising therapeutic option for t...