The 3D-EM Network of Excellence aims to image macromolecules and molecular machines at atomic resolution, fostering innovation in European EM research. The network will provide training, a structural database, and user-friendly software to enhance structural analysis.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology gained new insights into chemical signaling within plants after herbivore attack, highlighting the value of genetically modifying plants to study complex ecological interactions. Transgenic Nicotiana attenuata plants were found to attract novel herbivore species despite being defe...
Researchers discovered an optimal shape of nanoscale contact surface that enhances adhesion strength, which becomes insensitive to small variations at a critical size scale of around 100 nanometers. This finding suggests combining size reduction and shape optimization for robust and reliable adhesion.
Researchers at Max-Planck-Institute for Quantum Optics and Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz successfully fermionize a gas of bosonic atoms, creating a Tonks-Girardeau gas. The resulting state exhibits unique properties that blur the distinction between bosonic and fermionic behavior.
Researchers found large ozone trends in low latitudes and the Southern Hemisphere, indicating the ozone smog problem has expanded globally. The study suggests that increasing energy use worldwide causes large-scale ozone increases, reducing global air quality.
Max Planck researchers discovered that the body's own cannabinoid receptor acts as a protective system against colon inflammation. The study found that mutant mice lacking this receptor are more prone to inflammatory responses, but treatment with cannabinoids can alleviate inflammation in wild-type animals.
The Max Planck Research Prize recognizes the work of Martin Vingron and Eugene W. Myers in bioinformatics, enabling precise gene expression analysis and tailored therapies. The prize honors international cooperation in this field, providing significant research funding.
Researchers found that African mole-rat eyes have anatomically well-developed retinas and a surprisingly high proportion of cones, which is unusual for blind animals. The density of rods, used for night vision, is also lower than expected in subterranean mammals.
Researchers found FoxP2 gene expressed in brain regions critical for song learning, similar to human brain. The study suggests that variations in the FoxP2 gene may have contributed to the development of language in humans.
A consortium has launched a programme to develop a TB vaccine, with the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology developing a highly promising candidate. The vaccine aims to improve upon the existing BCG vaccine, which lacks effectiveness against pneumotuberculosis.
Scientists capture real-time video-clips of signal transmission in living cells using Quantum Dots, revealing new insights into cellular processes. The breakthrough is expected to speed up the development of new cancer-curing drugs.
Researchers found a speed limit to neural network synchronization, set by network connectivity. The analysis revealed that even strong interactions cannot achieve faster synchronization than an upper limit. This could severely limit the speed of information processing in the brain.
Neutrophils can produce NETs, a net-like structure that binds, disarms, and kills bacteria. This novel defense mechanism was discovered by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology.
Researchers create ultrafast stopwatch capable of measuring atomic processes with an accuracy of less than 100 attoseconds. The device uses a combination of X-ray flashes and laser light pulses to detect electrons emitted by atoms, providing insights into chemical reactions and material synthesis.
Researchers found that isoprene emitted by forest vegetation forms hygroscopic compounds affecting cloud formation, rainfall, and climate. The discovery demonstrates a link between isoprene emissions and water-soluble fine particles.
The CONSTANS protein plays a central role in triggering flowering in plants, accumulating in the nuclei of cells under long days but not in short days. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have discovered that specific photoreceptors detect blue and far-red light to stabilize CONSTANS protein, allowing it to activate flowering genes.
Scientists successfully reverse the direction of a molecular motor by rotating its lever arm, achieving a previously unknown movement. The breakthrough demonstrates the potential for protein design and engineering to create novel properties with well-defined functions.
Researchers have unraveled the complete genome sequence of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a predatory bacterium that can degrade complex biopolymers in other bacteria. The study may lead to novel anti-microbial substances and the development of a 'living antibiotic' as a potential therapeutic agent.
Researchers have identified a mechanism for the size effect in ferroelectric oxides, which can lead to the loss of memory properties. Linear crystal lattice defects can cause material deformation and reduce storing properties.
The GEMS consortium presents the largest contiguous color image taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, comprising over 40,000 galaxies. The team uses this image to investigate how large galaxies evolved over the last nine billion years.
Global per capita greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced to a small fraction of present levels within the next hundred years. A gradual transition to an emission-free economy is possible at an acceptable price, with significant reductions in emissions necessary beyond the Kyoto horizon.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute and Leibniz Institute have identified key metal homeostasis proteins in a hyperaccumulator plant species, paving the way for cost-effective cleanup technologies. These proteins play a crucial role in detoxifying metals in roots and shoots, allowing plants to accumulate heavy metals in their leaves wh...
The Max Planck Research Awards recognize outstanding research in biosciences, medicine, chemistry, pharmacy, engineering sciences, mathematics, and the humanities. This year's awards went to researchers who made significant contributions to their respective fields.
Scientists discover conditions for cracks to propagate supersonically in brittle solids, challenging classical theories on fracture speed. Hyperelasticity governs dynamic fracture under extreme deformation, with a characteristic length scale near the crack tip.
Research on blue tits found that extra-pair copulations with distant males lead to more heterozygous offspring, resulting in improved survival and reproductive success. This study suggests that females can benefit from promiscuity by increasing the genetic quality of their progeny.
Myxococcus xanthus bacteria evolved the ability to swarm socially on soft agar without filamentous appendages (pili), relying on an enhanced adhesive matrix composed of fibrils. This cooperative behavior depends on individual cells contributing to a public commons, enabling efficient swarming and cooperation.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have developed a novel technique for tailoring silicon nanocrystals on 4-inch wafers, enabling the mass production of these tiny crystals. By controlling the size and position of the nanocrystals, the team aims to improve the efficiency of light-emitting devices such as LEDs.
Researchers have discovered that microRNAs play a crucial role in controlling plant growth and development by regulating cell division and leaf shape. The study found that a specific microRNA called "Jaw" targets messenger RNAs involved in preventing excessive cell division, leading to abnormal leaf shapes.
Max Planck researchers found that reducing SK3 channel production in the hippocampus of aged mice prevented learning and memory deficits. The study provides new insight into the mechanisms of age-related cognitive decline and suggests a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden and EMBL in Heidelberg have counted the number of proteins that help an egg cell divide. They found that there are more motors pulling on one side, which can pull the centrosome off-center, leading to proper development of the embryo.
A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery linking black hole growth to galaxy evolution. The study found that more than 20,000 galaxies contain growing black holes, mostly in massive galaxies with recent star formation. As the rate of black hole growth increases, so does the amount of recent star formation.
Granzyme A, a double-headed protease, is assembled into a dimer with identical catalytic domains connected by a covalent disulfide bond. This unique configuration enables the enzyme to recognize specific sequences and activate cell death machinery in tumor cells and virally infected cells.
Scientists at Fritz-Haber Institute find mechanical oscillations in catalytic foil during chemical reactions, leading to precise measurement of heat created. Mathematical models and computer simulations reveal delicate interplay between thermo-chemistry and thermo-mechanics.
Sensory hair cells convert mechanical energy into electrical signals through transduction channels. A new report identifies NompC as a vertebrate homologue of a previously known channel, required for mechanosensation in zebrafish and possibly other animals.
Research suggests that rodents' UV vision helps them detect fresh urine marks, improving localization and social organization. This adaptation may have driven the retention of UV vision in these animals.
Researchers found that there exists a critical nanometer size where mineral particles in biocomposites become insensitive to flaws, maintaining strength equivalent to a perfect crystal despite inherent defects. This phenomenon suggests that the engineering concept of stress concentration at flaws is no longer valid for nanoscale design.
A team of scientists has discovered that chaotic wave patterns in the heart's electrical pulses can be controlled and potentially terminated using a weak periodic modulation. This discovery could lead to new methods for treating cardiac fibrillation, a life-threatening condition.
A recent study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that in mutualistic interactions between species, the faster-evolving species may actually lose out. The slow-moving species can gain an advantage when both are generous and coordinate their strategies, whereas quickly evolving species tend to adapt to slow evolvers' needs.
Wolfgang Baumeister and Riitta Hari develop cryoelectron tomography to visualize molecular complexes in cells, while Nikos Logothetis studies the basis of visual awareness in trained monkeys. These advances may provide insight into changes during synaptic activation and social cognition.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research successfully observed the formation and dynamics of coordination compounds on a copper surface. They directly imaged single molecules and monitored their movements, revealing how rotating molecules act as dynamic atom traps for individual Cu atoms.
Astronomers detected two active black holes at the center of galaxy NGC 6240 using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. The binary black hole system will eventually merge, producing massive gravitational waves detectable by LISA.
A study analyzing patient deaths and survivors in German hospitals found that nearly 40% of total expenditures went towards the care of just 10% of patients. The most expensive group were young female cancer patients, while old and terminally ill patients accounted for the lowest costs.
The MINOS study found high levels of air pollution over the Mediterranean Sea, originating from both western and eastern Europe, as well as South Asia. The pollution transport follows prevailing winds and affects ecosystems and human health, while aerosols alter solar radiation absorption and climate patterns.
Researchers establish superconductivity in lithium at pressures greater than 30 GPa, with critical temperatures ranging from 9 K to 16 K. This finding contradicts theory and sparks interest in searching for high-temperature superconductivity in light element compounds.
Iron fertilization of phytoplankton could lead to changes in atmospheric composition and climate, potentially offsetting CO2 removal benefits. This may also result in significant warming of ocean surface waters, affecting oceanic circulation and the climate.
An international team of scientists found that birds use alternative reproductive behaviors to avoid inbreeding depression when mates are genetically similar. Extra-pair paternity and quasi-parasitism occur at low frequencies, but more importantly, extra-pair parentage occurs when parents are more related to each other.
The Max Planck Institute for Radioastronomy has determined the sizes of four of the largest and most distant minor planets in our solar system. The diameters range between 700 and 1200 km, providing new insights into the Kuiper belt's structure and potential origin of planetary systems.
Researchers have successfully synthesized clusters of fluorine-containing dendritic polymers that organize into tiny supramolecular cylinders. These nanocylinders display promising optoelectronic properties and can be used as donor- or acceptor groups, enabling the creation of novel electronic devices.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics have determined the first structure of the SecYEG protein translocation machinery from Escherichia coli. The structure provides a detailed view of the complex, which binds and transports secretory and membrane proteins.
Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of the yeast proton ATPase, revealing a dynamic mechanism of ion pumping. The study provides important clues about regulating the pump's activity, and its inhibition could lead to the development of new fungicides.