Researchers develop a novel fuel cell design that protects sensitive catalysts using a redox hydrogel. This shield prevents deactivation caused by oxygen and extreme electrical potentials, allowing for efficient and long-term energy conversion. The breakthrough has major implications for the development of sustainable energy solutions.
Developmental psychologist Julia Jäkel argues that preterm children do not have an increased risk for dyscalculia. The study, published in The Journal of Pediatrics, suggests that current diagnostic criteria are insufficient to accurately assess mathematics skills in these children.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new type of catalyst that can facilitate two opposite reactions: electrolysis of water and combustion of hydrogen with oxygen. This catalyst has the potential to make regenerative fuel cells and rechargeable metal-air batteries more cost-efficient.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that sandalwood scent activates olfactory receptors in human skin cells, increasing cell proliferation and improving wound healing. The team identified the receptor OR2AT4 as responsible for this effect.
Bacteria have been found to use new mechanisms to produce lipids, which can be used for industrial manufacture and pharmaceutical applications. Researchers have identified enzymes that can generate multiple different lipids, including phosphatidylethanolamine and cardiolipin.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum decode mechanism for appreciation of the barrique character, a bitter sensation on the tongue. They found that gallic acid groups are responsible for triggering this sensation, which is mediated by the trigeminal nerve.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have created a novel method for controlling serotonin receptors using light, which could lead to more effective treatments for anxiety disorders. By utilizing optogenetic tools, the scientists were able to modulate mouse emotional behavior and reduce anxiety-like behaviors.
Chemists at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have completely analyzed the Terahertz spectrum of dissolved glycine in water, revealing its motion and disproving a long-standing theory. The study used spectroscopy and molecular-dynamics simulations to track the amino acid's movement in an aqueous solution.
Researchers found that MP196 peptide disrupts bacterial cell wall biosynthesis and cell respiration, preventing growth. The study suggests MP196's potential in developing new antibiotics without harming human cells.
A recent study reveals that the genetic disease ARVC is more widespread than initially assumed, with all known affected families sharing a common genetic origin. The mutation was first identified in Canada and has since been found in European countries including Germany, Denmark, and the USA, indicating a shared European heritage.
Researchers have found that bisphenol A impairs the function of vital proteins in cells, suggesting a potential health risk. The study also discovered alternative compounds with promising applications in cancer treatment.
Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum investigated anti-epilepsy drugs' effects on glial cells. They found that valproic acid and gabapentin promote cell survival, while phenytoin and carbamazepine have pro-inflammatory properties.
The Parkin enzyme activates a signal pathway that protects neurons from damage, increasing the expression of protective factors. This process may provide novel therapeutic targets to halt or delay neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease.
Researchers discovered that the brain reduces data volumes in the primary visual cortex, using image differences to efficiently process sensory information. The study used novel optical imaging methods and found that neurons represent only new or missing elements when the time elapsing between images is longer than 100 milliseconds.
Biologists at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a DNA barcode for Podocarpaceae, the second-largest conifer family, to facilitate species identification. The project helps protect endangered populations by assigning unknown individuals to their respective species, promoting conservation efforts.
The Ruhr-University Bochum researchers developed a bio-based solar cell using photosystem 1 and 2 proteins, generating an efficient electron current. The bio-based solar cell boasts an efficiency of several nanowatts per square centimeter, making it a potential blueprint for semi-artificial and natural cell systems.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have identified two opposing regulatory circuits that determine the fate of protein import receptor Pex18. The receptor's control is calibrated precisely by distinct ubiquitination cascades, which regulate its recycling or degradation.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have investigated how plasmas affect bacterial cells, finding that they attack the cell envelope, DNA, and proteins. This discovery could lead to the development of alternative treatments for chronic wounds and root canal disinfection.
Researchers have developed a new theory to analyze interacting nuclear spins in solvents, revealing that the Nuclear Overhauser Effect is long-range due to electromagnetic radiation frequency. This breakthrough improves understanding of molecular structures and dynamics, opening up new applications for NMR spectroscopy.
Researchers have closed the genetic map of the fungal kingdom by sequencing the genome of Pyronema confluens, a basal filamentous ascomycete. The study reveals key differences between this species and higher ascomycetes, shedding light on the evolution of mating type genes and light-activated processes.
Researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of coelacanth offspring and found high overlap between mothers and their offspring, suggesting a single father. The study suggests that coelacanth females are monogamous, likely due to mating with a single male for successful fertilization.
Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have developed a method to generate bio-based hydrogen through spontaneous protein activation, enabling the industrial application of hydrogenases. The new process uses chemically synthesized inactive iron complexes and biological precursors to produce fully activated enzymes.
Scientists successfully reproduce protein recycling process, tracing Rab's extraction from lipid membrane. The study reveals GDI protein's active role in recycling Rab proteins, shedding light on disease-relevant interactions.
Researchers found that mineralocorticoid receptors play a crucial role in enabling the brain to adapt to stressful situations. When these receptors are blocked, learning efficiency decreases and brain activity shifts from conscious to unconscious learning systems.
The Ruhr-University Bochum research team has successfully identified the structure of an enkephalin in solution and tracked its interaction with opioid receptors. This discovery provides a precise starting point for developing drugs to combat specific types of pain.
For the first time, a large complex of proteins and RNA has been identified in chloroplasts, which cuts non-coding regions out of messenger RNA to create a protein blueprint. The study reveals that this splicing complex contains 23 different proteins encoded in the cell nucleus.
According to Newen and Barlassina's integrative embodiment theory of emotions, feelings of bodily processes are combined with cognitive contents to form a separate mental state. This model addresses the limitations of earlier theories, such as James-Lange and cognitive theories, which neglect the role of bodily states in emotion.
A research team at Ruhr-University Bochum has identified a new type of signalling mechanism in plant cells, involving the glutamate-like receptor AtGLR1.4. The receptor responds to multiple amino acids, including methionine, which is an essential nutrient for humans but can be produced by plants.
Biologists discovered that green algae require haemoglobin and nitric oxide to signal the absence of oxygen, allowing them to activate genes and produce hydrogen. In an oxygen-rich environment, this gene is idle, and its inactivation has fatal consequences for the algae.
A team of chemists used the Jülich supercomputer to simulate chemical reactions and found that beyond a certain force, additional mechanical energy does not significantly accelerate reaction rates. Instead, forces above this threshold can create unfavorable spatial structures that block access to reactant molecules.
A German-American research team identified a sensor protein called MsmS in the microorganism Methanosarcina acetivorans. MsmS may serve as a 'food sensor' to detect energy sources, similar to bacteria but with potential differences in signal transduction systems.
A new model explains how pseudogap states form in high-temperature superconductors, featuring two competing electron orders: d-wave superconductivity and quadrupole density wave. This breakthrough sheds light on the high transition temperatures of ceramic copper oxide bonds.
Doctors' treatment recommendations depend on medical aspects, individual patient relationships, and their own life situations. Cancer patients' desires for participation change over the course of the disease, with initial trust in doctors crucial, but later seeking more information and involvement in decision-making.
Researchers found that preterm children's cognitive performance deficits increase with task complexity and decrease with pregnancy duration. The study suggests that educational interventions could be developed to promote academic attainment in preterm children.
A 2.5-year-old boy with severe brain damage was treated with autologous cord blood and showed significant improvement in symptoms, including learning to speak simple sentences and move. The treatment's effectiveness has sparked hope for alternative therapies for infantile cerebral palsy.
Researchers at RUB created a square lattice of magnetic islands, where the north and south poles aligned themselves in chains. Higher-order interactions determined the magnetization orientation, leading to a chain formation instead of expected zigzag pattern.
Researchers have developed a method to precisely control the distance between electrodes and cells, allowing for accurate measurement of single-cell oxygen consumption. This enables quick analysis of cell activity and metabolic processes.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered how tiny gold particles selectively transform methanol into formaldehyde, a crucial step in producing everyday plastics. The catalyst produces only water as a byproduct, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
A new hypothesis suggests that spherical structures in the nucleus, containing FE65 and BLM proteins, can give a wrong signal for cell division. This degeneration and death of nerve cells is linked to Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum have discovered that vitamin P can protect motor neurons from dying off in culture. Unlike BDNF, which has limited effectiveness and potential negative consequences, vitamin P triggers a different signaling pathway to promote survival of isolated motor neurons.
Studies on the fruit fly Drosophila show that blind flies can't see due to histamine recycling in glial cells. Flies lacking Ebony and Tan genes have impaired vision, but those with Black mutations still struggle to see without histamine recycling. Further research is needed to understand the role of enzyme Black in vision.
The EU-funded 'LUMINET' project aims to develop novel luminescent materials that minimize the use of rare earths. Researchers are exploring new methods to produce phosphors without these precious commodities.
Researchers from RUB discover that adding hydrogen molecules to CH5+ gives it a rudimentary structure, freezing its dynamically flexible form. This breakthrough could enable experimental measurements of the molecule's vibrational spectra.
A long-term study by Ruhr-University Bochum found that patients who undergo plastic surgery experience improved life satisfaction, self-esteem, and mental health. The results suggest that cosmetic surgery can be a successful treatment for psychological variables, with no adverse effects observed.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new method to attach proteins to the surface of germanium crystals, enabling time-resolved tracking of molecule interactions. This technology has been applied in the EU project K4DD and allows for the study of G-protein-coupled receptors.
Computer simulations reveal that water stabilizes specific charge states on the catalyst surface, increasing efficiency and outperforming a gas phase. Researchers also found that thermodynamic conditions can control catalytic efficiency by varying pressure and temperature.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum develop novel composite materials to enhance the degradation rate of photocatalysts. The goal is to implement these photocatalysts into a liquid paint for easy coating on photoreactors, enabling efficient and cost-effective water decontamination in remote areas.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that loyal customers play out their loyalty in price negotiations, gaining an extra 5% discount without issue. This study turned the perception of customer loyalty on its head, highlighting its negotiating power in stores across various sectors.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have discovered a metabolic pathway for hydrogen production in green algae under stress conditions, even in the dark. This discovery provides new insights into the production of hydrogen gas and its potential application in sustainable energy solutions.
Researchers found that brain insufficiently processes sensory information, affecting learning. Alpha waves in EEG indicate brain readiness to exploit new information.