Researchers found that a protein called CXCL12 attracts growing nerve fibers and keeps them entrapped at the injury site. This prevents regeneration in the central nervous system. Eliminating the receptor for CXCL12 improved axonal regeneration, offering a potential starting point for new drugs.
A nationwide cross-sectional study found that Parkinson's patients are more susceptible to severe COVID-19, with increased hospital mortality rates, especially in advanced age groups. The study highlights the need for optimal treatment of Parkinson's patients during the pandemic.
Researchers found that hygiene measures such as heat, soap, and alcohol treatment can effectively eliminate new coronavirus variants. The variants have similar surface stability to the wild type virus but can be rendered harmless by these methods.
A research team created a computer model that can simulate the impact of individual receptor types on brain activity. The model uses data from three imaging techniques to quantify receptor-specific modulations of brain states. By predicting changes in brain dynamics after receptor activation, the researchers hope to develop new diagnos...
Researchers advocate for a comprehensive approach to chronic pain management by considering the person as a whole. This includes addressing socio-cultural practices, subjective experience, and learning behavioral patterns to develop an action-oriented treatment plan.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum and collaborators isolated a PS II transition complex with three helper proteins using cryo-electron microscopy. The study reveals a novel protective mechanism that prevents the formation of aggressive oxygen species during assembly, allowing for a more efficient and stable machine.
A team of researchers has developed an AI agent called Crystallography Companion Agent (XCA) to analyze X-ray diffraction data and identify material properties faster. The agent collaborates with scientists to perform autonomous phase identifications, overcoming traditional neuronal network overconfidence.
Researchers used heart rate monitoring to measure stress levels in secondary school students working on biology tasks. Contrary to expectations, mental effort was the primary correlate of stress, not task difficulty.
A team of researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum and Sorbonne Université has discovered the significant contribution of small hydrophobic molecules to the energy costs of electrochemical reactions. The study found that these molecules interact with water at interfaces, leading to a crucial role in the chemical reactions.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum and University of Duisburg-Essen developed a stable copper catalyst for CO2 conversion using boron. The catalyst's selectivity and long-term stability were improved, enabling the formation of larger carbon compounds that can be used as base chemicals or fuels.
Research by Ruhr-University Bochum finds that performance-based remuneration schemes can lead to emotional exhaustion, fatigue, depression, and burnout in employees. Workers with specific skills or experience tend to cope better with pressure.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that flashlight fish use blink patterns resembling Morse code to communicate in schools. The frequency and intensity of these signals affect the animals' behavior, with faster blinking associated with increased attraction to group members.
Researchers have developed a new extraction method to isolate monomeric photosystem I (PSI), revealing its atomic structure and providing insights into the energy transfer process. The discovery may enable uphill energy transfer and improve our understanding of photosynthesis.
A study published in PNAS found that theta oscillations in the human brain, generated by the hippocampus, play a crucial role in active learning and memory formation. Active navigation improves learning efficiency, while two consecutive phenomena, encoding and retrieval, are facilitated by theta phase code.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that computerised training can reduce PTSD symptoms by helping patients reappraise trauma memories. Patients who underwent the 'Cognitive Bias Modification-Appraisal' training showed fewer trauma-relevant symptoms and lower stress hormone levels compared to those in a control group.
Researchers analyzed over 90,000 Alexa Skills and found significant security gaps, including the ability to publish skills under false identities and circumvent Amazon's security checks. Many Skills lack proper privacy policies, putting users' sensitive information at risk.
Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and University of Copenhagen developed an approach to predict optimal composition and confirm accuracy with high-throughput experiments. The strategy enables identification of complex mechanisms at surfaces consisting of five chemical elements, overcoming limitations of previous catalysts.
Researchers studied bacterial predation behavior in Myxococcus xanthus, revealing a mix of direct contact and protein-based killing methods to tackle different prey types. The findings provide insights into dynamic interactions in bacterial communities, paving the way for future antibacterial strategy development.
A meta-analysis of 31 studies found that certain brain regions, including the insula and inferior frontal gyrus, are consistently activated during stress regardless of the test method used. This suggests a common neural basis for stress perception across different stimuli.
A German-Chinese research team has developed a new synthetic route to produce biofuel from biomass, achieving a higher yield and selectivity under milder reaction conditions. The method uses formic acid as a key catalyst, resulting in faster reaction rates and reduced unwanted side reactions.
Researchers discovered a unique molecular mechanism in CbA5H that shields the catalytic cofactor from oxygen attack, allowing it to repeatedly survive and resume activity. This protective function is provided by a thiol group binding directly to the substrate coordination site of the catalytic cluster.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a method to control the direction of nerve fiber growth using magnetic nanoparticles. The team successfully implanted functionalized nanoparticles into model neurons, allowing them to guide axon growth and potentially promote regeneration in Parkinson's patients.
A team of researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum has developed a novel approach to treat spinal cord injuries by stimulating nerve cell regeneration with a designer cytokine. In a groundbreaking study, they successfully restored walking ability in paralyzed mice, paving the way for future human trials.
A team led by Dr. Julian Packheiser recorded brain activity of romantic couples while cuddling, kissing, or discussing happy memories at home. Positive emotions were mainly processed in the left half of the brain, confirming the valence model of emotional lateralisation.
Research found that patients with anorexia nervosa unconsciously assess their proportions to be larger than they actually are, leading to a distorted body schema. Virtual reality and cognitive behavioral therapy may help correct this distortion by influencing the representation of the body.
Researchers developed a blood test that detects misfolded proteins in blood, predicting Alzheimer's disease risk in people with subjective cognitive decline. The test identified those at high and low risk, providing hope for early-stage treatment.
A newly discovered receptor in Arabidopsis thaliana has helped scientists understand the evolution of the GET pathway, a mechanism that enables membrane protein transport. The receptor's discovery provides crucial insights into the evolution of this pathway across organisms.
A team of researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam have determined the development stages of Aβ fibrils, which form the basis of Alzheimer's disease plaques. The study provides new insights into the formation of oligomers, potentially harmful structures that contribute to the toxic effect of Aβ.
A team of scientists developed a semi-artificial electrode that converts light energy into other forms of energy in biosolar cells. The system uses the photosynthesis protein Photosystem I from cyanobacteria to couple with an enzyme that produces hydrogen.
Researchers investigate the body's own pain control system using Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) and find that two different stimuli can reduce pain to a similar degree. The study used electrical stimulation of the skin as a new test stimulus, allowing for objective measurement of brain activity.
Researchers have developed a new technique to analyze the properties of individual cobalt oxide particles, enabling more efficient catalysts for hydrogen production. The method allows for the selection of particles under an electron microscope and their placement on a nanoelectrode for electrochemical analysis.
Researchers discovered water's unique properties when confined in a tiny cage, facilitating access to the catalytic center. The team showed that water forms a droplet inside the cage, structurally and dynamically distinct from known phases of water.
Researchers discovered that peppers undergo a transformation from chlorophyll-rich chloroplasts to carotenoid-rich chromoplasts as they ripen. This process differs from tomatoes, which continue to ripen after harvesting due to an increased respiratory activity.
A novel method detects conformational changes in TDP-43 protein in ALS patients' CSF, showing high sensitivity and specificity. The technology has potential for diagnosing and developing clinical therapies for this fatal neurodegenerative disease.
A team of researchers has found that visual short-term memory retains multiple types of information, including color, texture, and name, in a single phase. This challenges previous assumptions about the complexity of visual short-term memory and highlights the importance of complex brain activity analysis.
A multicentre study found a strong correlation between thyroid function and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a condition triggered by extreme emotional stress. The research identified two distinct mechanisms: an overactive thyroid gland promoting heart disease risk and an elevated target value of thyroid regulation related to the stress event.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that certain drugs can activate glutamate receptors, rather than inhibiting them, due to their binding to specific receptor subtypes. This potentiation effect can lead to a stronger response and longer-lasting effects.
A research team has cleared up 150 years of false assumptions about bird brains. The study found that avian brains are organized similarly to mammalian brains, with fibers arranged horizontally and vertically in columns.
The study found that tackling is linked to a high risk of injury for the attacking player, while injuries without physical contact often occur due to fast running. To prevent these injuries, experts recommend training consisting of aerobic and anaerobic elements.
A randomised controlled study found that computerised training can support preterm children's academic success, particularly in math and attention skills. The study tested two learning apps, Xtramath and Cogmed, on 65 first graders born preterm.
Researchers have developed an experimental setup allowing them to conduct fMRI studies on awake pigeons, investigating cognitive processes for the first time. The results show that even simple tasks elicit widespread brain activity, paving the way for more complex investigations into avian intelligence.
Scientists have identified a promising new system to attack tumors directly by combining a small biomolecule with a toxic metal complex. The molecule's luminescent properties allow for detection within cells and demonstrate its toxic effect, paving the way for further research into this innovative theranostic system.
Researchers found comparable immune reactions in clinical follow-up of recovered and seriously ill Covid-19 patients. A strong T-cell and antibody response was detected in both mild and critically ill patients, but did not guarantee recovery.
Researchers found that individuals with a genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease exhibit impaired path integration, a cognitive ability essential for spatial navigation. The study suggests that grid cell activity in the entorhinal cortex plays a crucial role in this process, and may serve as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis.
Researchers have created an atomic structure of the peptide-loading complex, a biological nanomachine that loads antigens onto MHC molecules. This allows for detailed molecular dynamics simulations to study its dynamics and mechanism, enabling targeted interventions in immune processes.
A study published in Child Development found that babies can't always remember what they've learned due to fluctuations in their internal state. Research suggests that changes in mood affect learning and memory in infants, particularly when recalling experiences from a different emotional state.
Hydrogenases can convert hydrogen efficiently like platinum catalysts. A team from Ruhr-Universität Bochum found that proton and electron transfers take place spatially separated but are coupled, crucial for efficiency. This discovery may lead to more efficient miniaturized hydrogenase catalysts.
Researchers developed a test that shows transplant patients can form a good immune response to Sars-Cov-2, allowing for individualized adjustment of immunosuppression during Covid-19 infection. This is crucial for preventing severe infections in chronically ill patients with impaired immune defenses.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered a security gap in the LTE mobile network, enabling eavesdropping on calls. The vulnerability affected 80% of radio cells across Germany, but has been fixed by manufacturers and mobile phone providers.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new phosphine-palladium catalyst that selectively converts organolithium compounds into desired products, reducing unwanted side reactions. The catalyst's high activity and selectivity enable industrial-scale production of pharmaceuticals, chemicals for agriculture, and other fine ...