Researchers compared therapies for Neuromyelitis optica, a rare autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Plasma exchange therapy proved more effective than steroids in treating the condition's relapsing symptoms.
A team of researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum has developed a method to control the interior of transistors by applying resonators at terahertz frequencies. This allows for manipulation of ultra-thin electron layers, enabling new applications in sensors and chemical technology.
Researchers have investigated high-frequency repetitive sensory stimulation as a therapeutic approach for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) patients. The study showed significant improvement in tactile performance after stimulation, with individual patients reporting substantial pain relief.
Researchers discovered that the protein APP forms spherical structures in the nucleus, affecting gene activity and neurotransmitter modulation. This finding may lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting neurotransmitter activity.
Researchers discovered two alternating activity states in the hippocampus that enable effective working memory, a crucial process for retaining new information. This finding suggests that complex tasks rely on intricate neural mechanisms, contrary to common perceptions of simplicity.
Young adults with genetically increased Alzheimer's risk show altered activation patterns in the entorhinal cortex, a key region for spatial navigation. This alteration may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's dementia in the long term.
Research found that long-chain fatty acids promote CNS reactive immune cells, while short-chain fatty acids regulate autoimmune responses. The study suggests a potential role for dietary interventions in managing multiple sclerosis.
A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study found that The Dress activates frontal and parietal brain areas, depending on perception. Researchers identified differential brain activity in participants perceiving the dress as white-gold versus black-blue.
Scientists have gained insights into the dynamic behavior of two switch proteins using subatomic resolution. The study reveals that an amino acid in one protein prevents a water molecule from dissociating the phosphate group from GTP, leading to slower switch-off.
Infants under stress exhibit less flexible behavior when presented with new situations, unlike adults who also show reduced flexibility due to stress. This study suggests that repeated exposure to stress in infancy may hinder knowledge acquisition and have lasting effects on cognitive development.
Physicists at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new approach to carry out precision calculations of the forces acting between protons and neutrons in atomic nuclei. This method uses effective field theory and a new method for analyzing theoretical uncertainties, allowing for a more accurate description of nuclear systems.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that mental focussing can improve tactile acuity by 17 percent after a four-day Zen-retreat. This improvement is comparable to those achieved through intense long-term training or physical stimulation, challenging the current understanding of neuroplasticity.
The hippocampus is involved in quick and successful conflict resolution, enabling the brain to make rapid decisions. This finding suggests that the memory system may learn from resolved conflicts, leading to improved performance.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that whistled Turkish eliminates brain asymmetry in language perception, contradicting the long-held theory of left hemisphere dominance. This discovery sheds new light on the cognitive processing of languages.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have successfully manufactured biocatalysts suitable for industrial applications by harnessing the power of cyanobacteria's photosynthesis. The production process uses carbon dioxide and water as source materials, eliminating the need for mineral oil-based resources.
Researchers found that the same brain cells are engaged during memory formation and retrieval, challenging long-standing debate. The study used molecular imaging to identify specific cells in the hippocampus responsible for accurate memory performance.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a method to quickly and reliably identify organisms in flowing waters using DNA barcodes. This approach sheds light on the quality of habitats and can be used to assess water quality, even when species abundance is uncertain.
A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that cortisol enhances the consolidation of emotional memories, particularly in individuals with anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Cortisol levels can strengthen memories of traumatic experiences during both initial formation and reconsolidation after memory retrieval.
A new security technology has been developed by IT researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum to protect the 'Internet of Things' from cyber threats. The technology uses a combination of digital encryption and analogue communication technologies, making it fast, energy-efficient and secure.
A team of researchers has developed a hydrogel that can protect sensitive catalysts from oxygen-caused damage, making it possible to create efficient and affordable hydrogen fuel cells. The hydrogel acts as both solvent and protective environment, allowing the catalysts to remain functional even in high-oxygen concentrations.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that coral colonies have higher genetic diversity than assumed, with 24-47% of polyps being genetically different. This increased diversity may help corals adapt to environmental changes, but is it sufficient to compensate for the devastating effects of climate change?
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum recreated memory formation in the hippocampus using computer simulations, challenging the existing model. They found that the CA1 region plays a key role in completing memories, while the CA3 region is not as crucial as previously thought.
Dopamine-producing neurons play a crucial role in signal transmission, influencing motor control, reward behaviour, motivation, and impulse control. The discovery reveals that glutamate facilitates rapid signal transmission, enabling the brain to respond quickly to stimuli.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic method called spectral histopathology that facilitates marker-free detection of individual subtypes of lung cancers. The accuracy of this method is higher than traditional histopathology, reaching over 92%, allowing for more precise diagnosis and personalized treatment options.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that Hedione, a magnolia scent molecule, activates the human pheromone receptor VN1R1, triggering sex-specific brain activities. This effect differs from traditional olfactory perception and may be related to the release of sex hormones.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum propose a new model for emotion recognition, suggesting that humans can directly recognize emotions through pattern recognition. Even with sparse clues, humans can identify typical emotion patterns, including physiological reactions and facial expressions.
Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum used CT imaging to examine the buoyancy of ammonite shells. Their analysis suggests that ammonites could have swum freely in water after hatching, contradicting previous theories.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum analyze interactions between Oriental-Orthodox Churches and Jewish communities in the post-Late Antiquity period. The project aims to close a research gap, exploring manuscripts, inscriptions, and archaeological artefacts in different languages.
Researchers found that Ras activity determines circadian clock phase and induces phase-shifts in response to light. Artificially increased Ras activity alters the circadian rhythm.
A research team aims to create semi-artificial chloroplasts to produce biofuels and other chemicals, using synthetic biology tools. The 'Sun2Chem' project, funded by the EU with 1.2 million euros, will modify natural chloroplasts to generate biotechnologically relevant products.
A study by Ruhr-University Bochum scientists and colleagues identifies specific brain regions responsible for spatial memory. The researchers found that suppressing irrelevant activities improves spatial navigation accuracy.
Scientists from Ruhr-University Bochum successfully isolate and analyze the fluorenyl cation, a prototype of antiaromaticity, at extremely low temperatures in water ice. This breakthrough enables standard spectroscopic analysis of antiaromatic compounds for the first time.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that terpenes in citrus scents can inhibit liver cancer cell growth. The study discovered the signalling pathway used by (-)-citronellal and citronellol, two terpenes with anti-cancer properties.
Infants who slept for at least half an hour within four hours of learning reproduced significantly more actions than those who did not sleep. Timely sleep facilitates declarative memory consolidation in infants, according to a study by Ruhr-University Bochum researchers.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have received €1.5 million ERC funding to develop novel security mechanisms for the Internet of Things and catalyzers for target-specific drug manufacture.
The EHT model describes the mode of action of channelrhodopsin-2 as a twisted retinal group triggering a pore opening and water entry. This understanding enables targeted protein engineering for specific applications.
Researchers developed a novel sensor that changes color depending on the confinement of space in cells, demonstrating the effects of lack of space on protein behavior. The study reveals attractive forces inside cells that override compression effects, leading to changes in protein functions under osmotic stress.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered a protein called RidA that protects intestinal bacteria E. coli from immune activity caused by chlorine. In the presence of chlorine, RidA binds to other proteins, preventing them from coagulating and losing their function.
Researchers revised classical enzymatic theory by incorporating long-lasting protein-water coupled motions into models of functional catalysis. The study revealed a new biological phenomenon where water motions adapt to substrate binding, critical for effective binding.
A mathematical model, a finite state machine (FSM), calculates disease states in patients with depression. The model distinguishes between high-risk and low-risk patient groups, providing insight into the recurrence rates of depression.
A new EU project, Enterprise+, supports young entrepreneurs by providing feedback discussions and potential analysis tools. Experienced executives from participating countries share their knowledge with young professionals to help them develop entrepreneurial strengths.
Researchers have created a novel technology to simulate the hippocampus, a key region in memory formation. By analyzing the 3D model, they found that the hippocampus' shape and size can explain why neurons fire at specific frequencies.
Researchers confirm the diathesis-stress model for low birth weight populations, showing they catch up but don't outperform normal-weight peers. A new differential susceptibility model suggests vulnerable children can thrive under optimal conditions, even with risk factors.
Guillardia theta's unique phycobiliproteins have distinct biosynthesis and assembly processes compared to cyanobacteria and red algae. Researchers gained insight into the complex transport mechanism of these pigments using docking enzyme GtCPES.
A team of scientists has found that water molecules form a 'funnel' around proteins, guiding them to potential binding partners. This collective water movement assists binding and supports the mutual recognition of biomolecules, allowing them to select or reject certain partners.
Researchers identify Pex22p module as key component in peroxisomal Ub machinery, boosting enzyme import and degradation of pollutants. This discovery sheds light on peroxisomal disorders like Zellweger syndrome and highlights the importance of reevaluating familiar proteins.
Researchers have successfully visualized the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on neurons in real-time using voltage-sensitive dyes. The high-resolution imaging data may lead to optimized TMS parameters and learning processes for treating neurological diseases.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have discovered a new scaffold protein called PRO40 that plays a crucial role in the production of fruiting bodies in hyphae fungi. By binding to specific kinases, PRO40 enables signal transmission and regulates MAP kinase modules.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that HIV-infected cells activate specific immune cells in the brain, leading to chronic inflammation and neuronal cell death. This discovery may help develop biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
Researchers have developed a semi-artificial leaf that outperforms natural photosynthesis, achieving higher photocurrents and electron transfer rates. This breakthrough enables the development of cheaper and flexible solar cells for various applications, including micro-sized medical devices.