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Ruhr-University Bochum


The cerebellum as navigation assistant

The cerebellum contributes to creating a cognitive map of the environment through altering chemical communication between its neurons. Inactivation of this ability impairs navigation, as seen in transgenic mice lacking long-term depression in cerebellar neurons.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2011

Spin lasers in the fast lane

Researchers in Bochum developed a new concept for ultrafast semiconductor lasers by leveraging the intrinsic angular momentum of electrons called spin. This innovation enables modulation frequencies above 100 GHz, paving the way for high-speed data transmission and future Internet applications.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 28, 2011

Measuring the distance of processes

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new method to measure the distance between stationary and non-stationary processes, enabling more accurate statistical tests. This approach makes it possible to construct better models for predicting extreme events in time series data.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·DateOct 28, 2011

The architects of the brain

Researchers found that specific receptor variants determine the development of nerve cells' dendrites, a crucial mechanism for communication. Different cell classes use these variants to grow dendrites in unique ways.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateOct 26, 2011

RUB researchers break W3C standard

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found a serious attack against XML Encryption, which is used by companies like IBM and Microsoft to protect data. The attack exploits a weakness in the CBC mode for chaining ciphertext blocks, rendering XML Encryption insecure.

Putting light-harvesters on the spot

Researchers have found that a membrane protein interacts with a single soluble protein to anchor the subunits of light-harvesting complexes in the membrane. The new model proposes the formation of a pore for protein transport, supporting the integration into the membrane.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 19, 2011

No more tasty surprises

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new method to calculate the probability of extreme events in finance. The traditional approach ignores the bulk of the relevant data, which can lead to important information being lost. By using this new method, scientists can better predict such events and improve financial models.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Annals of Statistics·DateSep 26, 2011

2-dimensional learning

Researchers found that passive viewing of 2D images can lead to sustained changes in nerve cell connections, facilitating the expression of persistent hippocampal long-term depression. This discovery has implications for developing strategies to improve digital learning and reduce apathy towards traditional teaching methods.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateSep 26, 2011

Like fish on waves: electrons go surfing

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a method to manipulate individual electrons, enabling the transportation of an electron from one quantum dot to another using a sound wave. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of more powerful computers.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature·DateSep 22, 2011

The 'disinhibited' brain

Researchers have discovered that Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by a 'disinhibited' brain, with increased excitability in both the affected and unaffected hands. The study found altered sensory perception in CRPS patients, indicating a complex role of changes in the central nervous system.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeurology·DateSep 21, 2011

Controlling magnetism with electric fields

Researchers developed a multiferroic material that reacts to both magnetic and electric fields at room temperature, fulfilling a long-held dream. The material's ferromagnetic properties were demonstrated using X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, paving the way for more efficient data storage and logical switches.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 23, 2011

Shuttle service in cells

Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum discovered a new enzyme, Ubp15p, that collaborates with motor proteins to convert the protein transport machinery back into its initial condition. The enzyme detaches a specific signal sequence from a protein, allowing for recycling and reuse.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 25, 2011

Controlling movements with light

Using optogenetics, researchers were able to target one cell type and influence activity of nerve cells with laser light. The study found that activation of a specific G-protein-coupled receptor changed the activity pattern of Purkinje cells, leading to motor deficits in mice.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBiological Chemistry·DateJul 20, 2011

Extremely rapid water: RUB scientists decipher a protein-bound water chain

Researchers from RUB-Department of Biophysics elucidated the proton pump mechanism of a cell-membrane protein in atomic detail, revealing that protein-bound water molecules play a decisive role. A chain of only three water molecules is formed for just a few thousandths of a second to transfer protons into the interior of the protein.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2011

Cause of hereditary blindness discovered

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum discover that mutations in the CCDC66 gene are responsible for retinitis pigmentosa, a leading cause of inherited blindness. They also develop a genetic test for diagnosis and predictively breeding in dogs, with potential implications for human patients.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJun 22, 2011

Learning through mere exposure

Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum find that passive stimulation can induce lasting changes in human behavior and perception, opening new perspectives for intervention and treatment of visual perceptual disorders. Visual perception is impaired after slow stimulation but improved with rapid stimulation.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 11, 2011

The sweet mysteries of the nervous system

A new antibody called 5750 has been developed by researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum to label specific stem cells in the nervous system. The antibody targets a sugar residue on the cell surface called LewisX, which is found on different types of neural stem cells.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 10, 2011

NeuroImage: Multiplexing in the visual brain

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum successfully visualized distinct activity patterns overlaid in primary visual cortex, indicating simultaneous encoding of object orientation and motion direction speed. This breakthrough demonstrates the brain's ability to process multiple visual cues simultaneously.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeuroImage·DateMar 24, 2011

How reasonable it is to deceive yourself?

Researchers Prof. Dr. Albert Newen and Christoph Michel propose that self-deception can be a motivating factor in certain situations, while maintaining basic rational evaluation processes intact. However, excessive self-deception can lead to reality distortion and harm.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateSep 28, 2010

Bochum's researchers discover proton diode

Biophysicists at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered a proton diode in proteins that allows protons to pass through cell membranes in one direction. Water molecules play a crucial role in this process, supporting the hypothesis that protein-bound water molecules are essential for protein function.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 2, 2010

Why fish don't freeze in the Arctic Ocean

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum discovered a new mechanism of how Antarctic fish blood prevents freezing at temperatures as low as -1.8°C. The antifreeze glycoproteins work by perturbing the aqueous solvent over long distances, rather than forming a single molecular binding.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 25, 2010