A study of 25 European cities found that only 11.6% of climate strategies include green spaces, despite their potential to alleviate climate change effects such as heatwaves and heavy rain. Cities prioritize measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but neglect adaptation strategies that incorporate green spaces.
Researchers have found a reliable alternative to bone marrow sampling for children with rhabdomyosarcoma, using PET scans to detect bone marrow involvement with high accuracy. This approach could spare patients from painful procedures and improve diagnostic practices.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg have discovered a way to generate and control toroidal moments in carbon nanotori using computer simulations. This enables precise control of superconductors with minimal loss, opening up new possibilities for quantum computing.
A new study found that Europe's local plant communities have experienced an increase in overall species numbers over the past century. However, this growth is primarily driven by generalist and non-native species that outcompete native species for resources.
Proteins lose their hydration shell when environment becomes more acidic, a process that had remained unanswered for 50 years. Direct observation of individual water molecules reveals clear rules: certain amino acids bind or release water, leading to stable inner core regardless of pH level.
Scientists have identified novel peptides in carpenter ant venom that contribute to the ants' hygiene and provide an external immune defense against pathogens. The findings, published in Science Advances, offer new avenues for medical drug discovery and understanding of insect community health.
A recent study found that wild bumblebees are the key hosts for acute bee paralysis virus, not honeybees. This discovery could inform policies to curb disease spread in nature and highlights the importance of diverse food sources and flower strips to minimize infection risk.
Physicists at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have discovered a precursor for electronically chiral materials, which could pave the way for uniform chirality in thin layers. These materials could provide a solution to modern microelectronics' size and efficiency limitations.
Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a promising new substance that inhibits the ability of tuberculosis bacteria to produce energy and causes them to die. The compound, PRP020, targets the pathogen's ATP synthase but attacks a different site than existing drugs like bedaquiline.
Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg develop PROTAC molecule MA203, specifically binding to tumor protein CHK1, leading to its breakdown in cancer cells. This triggers a chain reaction destroying other tumor proteins, ultimately killing the cancer cells.
Dr. Julian Schrader will investigate the interaction between climate change and plant species spread on islands using a 1.5 million euro grant. He aims to close the knowledge gap on migration processes and their consequences for species communities.
Researchers at MLU and University of Münster show that CBT leads to measurable changes in brain structure, particularly in areas responsible for emotion processing, and increases grey matter volume in the amygdala and hippocampus.
Researchers found that large language models like ChatGPT outperform humans in identifying neuromyths, but struggle to critically correct them. By prompting AI to explicitly correct false assumptions, error rates can be significantly reduced.
A new study published by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg found that theophylline significantly improved symptoms and quality of life for patients with ADCY5-related dyskinesia. The treatment yielded impressive results, including reduced muscle twitches, improved gait, and better psychosocial well-being.
The study found that almost half of researchers have experienced the Gollum effect, with two-thirds reporting repeated encounters. The phenomenon undermines scientific progress and disproportionately affects early-career and less established researchers.
The University of Halle has been awarded funding for its Cluster of Excellence, the Center for Chiral Electronics, which will focus on developing new concepts for energy-efficient electronics. The cluster aims to create highly qualified physicists who will make important technological contributions to semiconductor technology.
A new study by Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found that brain stimulation can influence decisions, making choices faster with anodal stimulation and slower with cathodal stimulation. The research used transcranial direct current stimulation to activate or inhibit specific brain regions.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new avenue to combat the Cucumber mosaic virus by directing the plant's natural defences. The RNA-based active agents have shown high efficacy in laboratory experiments, protecting 80-100% of treated plants from infection.
Researchers found that p-tau proteins in blood are elevated in both Alzheimer's and ALS patients, making them less specific for Alzheimer's diagnosis. However, they also show promise as potential biomarkers for early detection of ALS or monitoring disease progression.
Selective breeding by humans led to significant changes in pig skulls, with snouts becoming shorter and flatter, in just a century. The study also found that even separate breeds of domestic pigs underwent similar changes, highlighting the power of human influence on animal evolution.
A recent survey of 2,100 US customers found that the price of meat alternatives is the most decisive factor for their acceptance. When both options were priced the same, respondents often favored the animal product, but significantly cheaper alternatives made them more attractive.
A fully preserved skull of Diatryma, a 45-million-year-old flightless bird, has been discovered in the Geiseltal Collection at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg. The fossil, which was initially misclassified as a crocodile skull, provides new insights into the evolution of animals during the Eocene Epoch.
The quantum Hall effect produces a magnetic current in addition to the well-known electric current, allowing for more efficient devices. This breakthrough could enable the creation of new types of electronic devices without energy loss.
A global analysis of 1.7 million plant community datasets reveals no positive correlation between functional and phylogenetic diversity in most ecosystems. Instead, many plots exhibit a high level of functional diversity with low phylogenetic diversity.
A research team from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg observed how sediment particles align during deposition in real-time using state-of-the-art technology. They found that clay particles adopt a certain orientation very early on, contradicting a common hypothesis about the alignment of clay particles.
Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new method to visualize magnetic nanostructures with a resolution of around 70 nanometres. This breakthrough enables the analysis of spintronic components and has significant implications for energy-efficient storage technologies.
Plant cells use a mechanism called telescripting to monitor and control protein production, preventing premature completion of gene expression. This process is crucial for maintaining accurate gene function and has potential applications in making plants more resistant to climate change.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have observed proteins restructuring themselves to produce inositol, a key substance for metabolism. The study reveals that this process occurs in multiple similar proteins, shedding light on their functions.
A study found that island-dwelling animals have slower metabolisms and produce offspring later, making them more susceptible to extinction. This adaptation helps them thrive in pristine environments but also makes them vulnerable to human activities.
A new type of gel developed by MLU chemists improves the safety and service life of lithium-ion batteries. Initial lab studies show that it also enhances battery performance, remaining stable at over five volts.
A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience has found that fans of action films and comedies react strongly to negative emotional stimuli, while those who prefer documentaries or crime films show a weaker reaction. The research suggests that people choose film genres that optimally stimulate their brains.
A new study by MLU and UG found that organic farming, flower strips, and semi-natural habitats improve bee health. Organic fields had the greatest impact, reducing parasite infestation and boosting colony growth.
A new study found that benevolent humour among medical assistants improves their job satisfaction and receives more positive feedback, while dark humour like sarcasm has negative effects. The study suggests using humour consciously and appropriately in patient interactions.
A study by MLU found that ecosystems with diverse plant mixes can regulate up to 5% of regional climate, while plant traits like leaf thickness affect climate. The research highlights the complex relationship between plants and climate, emphasizing the need for biodiversity in nature conservation.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg developed novel RNA- or DNA-based substances that reliably fight off viral infections in plants. The new approach uses antisense oligonucleotides to target specific viral RNA molecules, achieving an impressive up to 90% success rate against a common virus.
A new study found that intelligent tutoring systems for math problems helped pupils maintain or even increase their performance during the Corona pandemic. Lower-performing children benefited from regular use of the software, closing the gap with higher-achieving peers.
A new study found that self-compassion within romantic relationships can improve both partners' relationship satisfaction. Men in particular benefit from their partner's self-compassion, leading to higher levels of relationship satisfaction.
A large-scale German-wide randomized controlled trial found that high-dose therapy with glucocorticoids is not more effective than standard treatment for sudden hearing loss. However, it was associated with a higher risk of side effects. Several hundred thousand people worldwide suffer from sudden hearing loss each year.
Researchers have discovered a way to use heat signals to process data in energy-efficient computers. The team's approach uses non-conductive magnetic strips and metal spacers to conduct and amplify heat signals, enabling logical computing operations and heat diodes.
A new study found that most people with colorectal cancer in sub-Saharan Africa receive inadequate treatment, leading to significantly improved life expectancy through simple measures. The mortality rate is up to 3.5 times higher in regions studied compared to countries with medium HDI scores.
The new AI system can reliably recognize symbols on cuneiform tablets, allowing for the search and comparison of multiple tablets. This breakthrough enables new research questions and access to ancient texts.
A study found that underground car parks in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland warm the groundwater throughout the year. The team proposes using geothermal energy and heat pumps to extract excess heat from the ground, which could supply sustainable heat to cities like Berlin.
Researchers created single-chain nanoparticles with thermoresponsive properties, which can be used to produce high-resolution internal images of the human body. These particles create a rich optical contrast that can be used to examine tumors more closely.
A team of scientists has discovered a second toxin produced by the cyanobacterium Aetokthonos hydrillicola, which is highly toxic and similar to substances used in cancer treatment. The findings could lead to the development of new anti-cancer drugs.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases found that individuals infected with the Omicron variant have a significantly lower risk of developing long COVID compared to those infected with earlier variants. The study analyzed data from over 11,000 people and found that around half of all wild-type infe...
Researchers discovered that inhibiting IGF2BP1 can extinguish its cancer-causing effects, leading to the formation of neuroblastomas. The study provides a promising new potential therapeutic approach for treating this childhood cancer.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, which takes just two hours from swab to result. The approach can also detect other pathogens and is more flexible than existing PCR tests.
Semi-crystalline polymers' structure and properties depend on molecular chain entanglement. The researchers developed a model to predict their microscopic structure and properties, offering potential improvements or replacements with more sustainable materials.
Plant roots detect temperature changes and adjust their growth accordingly. Researchers found that root cells produce more auxin in response to elevated temperatures, stimulating cell division and allowing roots to grow deeper into the soil. This discovery could help develop new approaches for plant breeding against climate change.
A study found that consumers incorrectly assume low-fat products contain less sugar, affecting purchasing behavior. Manufacturers' labeling practices can deceive consumers, leading to decreased willingness to buy.