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Ruhr-University Bochum


Why the hepatitis E virus cannot infect mice

Researchers found that hepatitis E virus particles can attach to and release from mouse cells, but viral genetic material remains unpacked. This discovery improves understanding of the host range and could pave the way for a mouse model to study the disease and test therapeutic approaches.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalEmerging Microbes & Infections·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026

Batteries lose lithium in the current collector

A recent study using atom probe tomography reveals that lithium ions accumulate at the grain boundary and surface of copper current collectors after just one charge/discharge cycle. This leads to degradation of the collector and potential impact on battery performance.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2026

More sustainable process for alcohol oxidation

Researchers developed an electrothermal process for alcohol oxidation using cobalt oxide as a catalyst, achieving high selectivity and efficiency. The study shows that combining heat and electricity can increase production rates while reducing energy consumption.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2026

How empathetic rats are

Researchers found that rats displayed empathy-like behavior by registering their companion's emotions and situation, but not mental states. This suggests that rats possess a unique type of empathy, differing from human empathy in its limitations.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 2, 2026

Individual lipid transporters under the microscope

A new method has precisely measured how quickly individual protein transporters transport lipids through cell membranes, revealing previously unknown variability in their behavior. This platform can be applied to various proteins involved in biological processes and allows for selective analysis of factors influencing transport activity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Light as a brake

The study found that increasing light intensity decreases diffusion rates of nanotubes in water, a phenomenon known as light-induced quantum friction. The team also demonstrated the immediate coupling between nanotubes and water using terahertz spectroscopy.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2026

When online content exerts an irresistible pull

A recent study found that individuals with pathological internet use exhibit a strong tendency to approach internet-related stimuli, indicating automatic and unconscious processes play a major role in usage behavior. This insight could help identify risk groups and inform therapy strategies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Behavioral Addictions·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2026

CRISPR system inhibits hepatitis E virus

The CRISPR/Cas13d system effectively targets and degrades hepatitis E virus RNA, reducing viral replication and infectious virus production. A limited combination of short guide RNAs can cover most viral variants, providing a promising approach to combatting the rapid adaptability of viruses.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJHEP Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

What lies behind hereditary heart rhythm disorders

Researchers investigated the mechanisms of familial SQTS caused by SLC4A3 gene mutations, finding altered ion channel function and increased intracellular pH. The study revealed that correcting these mutations can prolong the action potential duration and reduce arrhythmias in human heart cells.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

How physical activity is linked to well-being in daily life

Research analyzed data from over 300,000 participants to find correlations between physical activity and affective well-being. Positive correlations were found for energy and mood before and after exercise, while calmness showed a negative correlation. Individuals with low well-being particularly benefited from physical activity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 6, 2026

How plants rebalance their energy under stress

When proteins become unbalanced, plant cells use a molecular recycling system to break down defective proteins. Central regulators NAC53 and NAC78 adjust this activity in response to stress, activating genes that strengthen protein breakdown while suppressing photosynthesis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Treating tumors independently of oxygen

A new active agent enables photodynamic therapy to target cancer cells without relying on oxygen levels. The agent's interaction with intracellular iron triggers a rapid electron transfer process, generating highly reactive hydroxyl radicals that kill cancer cells.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2026

Copper overload kills cancer cells

Researchers developed a copper complex that selectively induces cuproptosis in cancer cells, killing them without harming healthy tissue. The method is 100 times more effective than existing platinum derivatives and can target treatment-resistant cancer cells.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

A highly precise target for medications against tropical diseases

Researchers identified PEX38 as a critical component in the biogenesis of glycosomes, specialized organelles used by trypanosomes to produce energy. This finding presents a highly precise target for developing medications against tropical diseases, with potential for selectively eliminating pathogens without harming human cells.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

Unlearning fear faster

Researchers discovered that inhibiting nerve cells in the brain, known as CRF neurons, can speed up the process of unlearning fear. This finding has implications for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders, suggesting that targeting specific brain regions may provide new therapeutic options.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

How psychedelic drugs affect the brain

Research shows that psychedelics suppress visual processing by activating the 2A receptor, leading to hallucinations as the brain fills the gap with fragmented memories. Short-term oscillations also play a crucial role in communication between brain areas.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2026

New factor involved in pulmonary hypertension

Researchers have discovered a key factor involved in pulmonary hypertension: beta arrestin protein. The protein helps guide signaling molecules and is essential for relaxing muscle cells, reducing intracellular calcium concentration.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2026

How damaged huntingtin proteins are broken down

Damaged huntingtin proteins accumulate due to a genetic mutation, leading to severe symptoms like movement disorders and dementia. Blocking specific tagging sites on the protein exacerbates the disease, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2026

Why visceral pain makes us more empathetic

A study at Ruhr-University Bochum found that visceral pain induces stronger cognitive and empathic responses than somatic pain. Participants rated visceral pain as more intense and unpleasant, feeling more empathic concern for themselves and their loved ones.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Pain·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2026

Mitochondria as control centers of cell communication

Mitochondria serve as signaling platforms linking metabolic states to inflammatory responses, while also emitting signals that influence cellular decisions. This understanding is crucial for comprehending their role in health and disease, potentially leading to targeted interventions for pathological signaling processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeSurvey·DateJan 29, 2026

Why we believe what we click

A recent study found that people give more credence to reiterated information than new information, especially when selecting their own content. This phenomenon can contribute to the propagation of fake news, but fact-checking presented in an engaging way can mitigate its effects.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2026

Simulations could make antibody medicines easier to inject

A new coarse-grained simulation approach predicts the consistency of various antibody formulations more efficiently than traditional methods. This enables rational design of experiments and early filtering out of unpromising candidates, ultimately making subcutaneous injection easier.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2026

Emotions play a role in inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers found that IBD patients perceive pain as more unpleasant and intense due to fear learning, which is linked to the emotional component of pain. This suggests that psychological approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, should be investigated for treating chronic abdominal pain in IBD patients.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPAIN·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2025

The minority dilemma in media reports

Studies show that media reports systematically mention minority group membership more frequently, even in positive contexts. AI models replicate this tendency, highlighting the need for media professionals to mitigate this effect and consider alternative reporting methods.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2025

Six criteria for the reliability of AI

Researchers propose six dimensions to evaluate AI reliability, including transparency, uncertainty quantification, and philosophical perspectives on trustworthiness. They emphasize the need for critical understanding of AI systems to ensure trustworthy decision-making.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalTopoi·DateNov 26, 2025

Understanding unstable proteins

Researchers studied the YB1 protein's cold-shock domain, finding moderate stability under physiological conditions. The domain can interact with multiple nucleic acids, facilitating quick and efficient binding, which may contribute to cancer cell resistance.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2025

Why do we have a consciousness?

Scientists Albert Newen and Carlos Montemayor identify three types of consciousness: basic arousal, general alertness, and reflexive self-consciousness. Birds also demonstrate conscious processing, meeting criteria for theories like the Global Neuronal Workspace theory, and exhibit situational self-consciousness in experiments.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2025

Extending the lifespan of electrocatalysts

Researchers discovered that chromium dissolution in Co-Cr spinel oxide creates an oxyhydroxide, activating cobalt and maintaining its activity over a long period. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and sustainable catalysts for hydrogen production.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2025

New genetic cause of microcephaly identified

Researchers have identified EXOSC10 as a novel genetic cause of microcephaly, a condition characterized by abnormal brain development. The study reveals that the protein's dysfunction leads to excessive Sonic hedgehog signalling, resulting in reduced stem cell population and smaller cerebral cortex.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2025