Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Ruhr-University Bochum


New mechanism of action kills cancer cells

Researchers have discovered a cobalt complex that triggers ferroptosis in tumor cells, slowing down microtumor growth. The substance has shown promise as an alternative to conventional chemotherapeutic agents but requires further development and targeting of healthy cells.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 14, 2024

Local solvation is decisive for fluorescence of biosensors

Researchers have discovered a direct correlation between the hydration shell of biosensors and their fluorescence behavior. The study used terahertz spectroscopy to analyze energy transfer between carbon nanotubes and water., The findings provide a general design principle for developing optimal biosensors with improved performance.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 12, 2024

Exploring consciousness with eureka moments

Researchers propose a new approach to studying conscious cognitive information processing, focusing on eureka moments and learning curves. By analyzing performance over time, scientists can identify the timing of conscious processes and observe brain activity using imaging or electrophysiological methods.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateJul 25, 2024

Hot traces in rock

Scientists have reconstructed climate information from rocks dating back to the Devonian period, finding significant geological events such as oceanic openings and mountain uplift. The study's findings may help improve the usability of deep geothermal energy.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2024

Can consciousness exist in a computer simulation?

Wanja Wiese's research focuses on ruling out deception by conscious AI systems and understanding the prerequisites for consciousness in artificial systems. He draws on Karl Friston's free energy principle, suggesting that computers can simulate consciousness but may require additional conditions to replicate conscious experience.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhilosophical Studies·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 19, 2024

Active plant substance reduces pulmonary hypertension

Researchers found that a compound from the Ardisia crenat houseplant inhibits Gq proteins, which can help relax pulmonary vessels and alleviate symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. The study showed significant vascular relaxation in mice with pulmonary hypertension, improving their health condition.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2024

No more stressing out over structural formulas

Researchers found that providing simple hints on structural formulas reduces stress and improves performance in biology classes, as students were able to focus on the essentials without feeling overwhelmed. In contrast, self-efficacy remained unchanged, with students acknowledging their incomplete knowledge of formulas.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalResearch in Science Education·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

Golden ball mills as green catalysts

The study introduces a new method for selectively oxidizing alcohols into aldehydes without secondary reactions, using gold-coated ball mills. This approach reduces the formation of unwanted byproducts and minimizes environmental impact, making it more sustainable and cost-effective.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2024

Paving the way for hydrogen from algae enzymes

Researchers have gained new insights into how a specific enzyme, HydF, facilitates the production of hydrogen from algae enzymes. The study reveals the importance of amino acids in anchoring and synthesizing a crucial ligand for hydrogen turnover.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

A second chance for new antibiotic agent

Researchers have successfully adapted a modified drug molecule to selectively bind to a protein in bacteria, rather than human cells, making it more effective against bacterial infections. This breakthrough could provide a new avenue for treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

How to make ubiquitous plastics biodegradable

Scientists have discovered a way to break down styrene, a toxic plastic component, using microorganisms that produce an enzyme called styrene oxide isomerase. This enzyme accelerates the conversion of styrene into a less toxic compound, offering a potential solution for biodegradable plastics.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

How infections influence our social empathy

Researchers found that acute inflammation from bacterial endotoxin administration led to a significant reduction in empathy for psychological pain in healthy women. The study highlights the impact of inflammation on both physical and interpersonal relationships.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2024

New ways to fine tune electrochemistry

Researchers developed new techniques to study acid-base chemistry at electrified interfaces, revealing the impact of hydrophobic layers and electric fields. These findings offer opportunities for optimizing electrochemical processes and designing novel catalytic strategies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2024

Same target, different effects

Researchers have identified five LpxC inhibitors that can bind to and inhibit the enzyme, leading to accumulation of inactive enzyme and bacterial cell death. Compound-specific differences were observed in membrane composition and stress responses.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2024

Where neural stem cells feel at home

Neural stem cells developed into nerve cells when adhering to hydrogels with high positive charge, while those on lower positively charged gels became glial cells. The ability to influence differentiation could aid in nerve and glial cell regeneration and treatment of diseases like multiple sclerosis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

The influence of the cellular environment on vision

Studies on knockout mice have shown that removal of specific matrix proteins leads to visual deficits, including impaired motion processing and synaptic imbalance. This research contributes to a better understanding of visual processing mechanisms, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Enzyme for biocatalysis uses solvent as a substrate

Researchers developed a new enzyme that uses formamides as a substrate for biocatalysis, achieving equivalent or slightly better results than traditional formate-based systems. The enzyme converts formamides into NADPH, producing CO2 as a waste product and opening up new possibilities for asymmetric reductive amination.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

How fruit flies smell CO2

Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum have identified molecules that block CO2 receptors in fruit flies, leading to potential insect repellents. The team's findings could also enable the development of a CO2 biosensor for detecting volatile substances.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2024

Novel catalyst system for CO2 conversion

A team of scientists from Ruhr-University Bochum and the Fraunhofer Institute has developed a novel catalyst system for converting carbon dioxide into raw materials. The system, which uses homogeneous electrocatalysts, can efficiently convert CO2 under industrial conditions and maintains stability over 100 hours without decay.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateDec 21, 2023

Comparable memory strategies in birds and humans

The study used various tests to analyze the memory performance of jackdaws, finding that their performance decreased when working memory demands increased. The researchers found that corvids, like humans, show reduced accuracy and biased representations when working memory demands are high.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

Releasing brakes on biocatalysis

Researchers have elucidated the molecular mechanism of formaldehyde poisoning in a class of efficient hydrogen-producing biocatalysts. The study suggests that modifying the enzyme to resist formaldehyde inhibition could enable its use in bio-based industrial processes and understanding metabolic pathways.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Tiny beads preserve enzymes for biocatalysis

Researchers used tiny beads to immobilize enzymes from edible fungus Agrocybe aegerita, protecting them from plasma treatment and increasing stability up to 44 times. The study paves the way for new biocatalytic applications combining enzymes with technical plasmas.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

When we feel things that are not there

Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum used virtual reality to study the phantom touch illusion, where subjects experience tingling sensations without physical contact. The study found that this phenomenon is described by most subjects as a tingling or prickling sensation.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 14, 2023

What’s the story behind ASMR clips?

ASMR clips have been found to induce short-term positive effects on mood and physiology in approximately 25-30% of viewers. EEG studies also show a decrease in delta waves associated with deep sleep, while fMRI studies reveal specific brain areas involved in the ASMR experience.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPsychology of Consciousness Theory Research and Practice·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

How to protect biocatalysts from oxygen

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a method to increase oxygen stability of [FeFe] hydrogenase enzyme using site-directed mutagenesis, electrochemistry, X-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics simulations. Blockages in dynamic water channels near the H-cluster were found to improve oxygen resistance.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemSusChem·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2023