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Ruhr-University Bochum


Water molecules are gold for nanocatalysis

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum have discovered that water molecules facilitate oxygen dissociation in aqueous solutions, reducing energy costs by 25%. This breakthrough helps explain the high catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles on metal oxides for selective oxidation.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 27, 2020

Children of academics exhibit more stress

A Swiss-German research team found that first-year students from academic households exhibit higher stress levels due to the fear of jeopardizing family social status. Hair cortisol analysis revealed no differences in subjective stress perception between academic and non-academic families.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateJun 25, 2020

RNA structures by the thousands

Researchers developed a high-throughput structure mapping method, Lead-Seq, to determine RNA structures in bacterial cells. The team successfully mapped the structures of thousands of RNAs simultaneously, including previously unknown 'RNA thermometers' that detect temperature changes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 17, 2020

What it means when animals have beliefs

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum have identified four criteria for understanding animal beliefs, including the ability to use information flexibly and recombine components in novel ways. These criteria are met by various species, such as crows, scrub jays, rats, chimpanzees, and border collies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMind & Language·DateJun 17, 2020

The benefits of slowness

Researchers developed an AI algorithm that uses the 'slowness principle' to estimate age and ethnicity by ignoring rapidly changing facial features. The system achieves impressive accuracy, outperforming even human experts in face recognition.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMachine Learning·DateJun 15, 2020

An unusual cobalt compound

A research team has discovered a novel cobalt compound with a low molecular weight, allowing it to be evaporated at high temperatures without decomposition. The compound's unique geometry enables an unusual spin configuration of ½, making it a promising candidate for ultra-thin layer applications.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 9, 2020

Metal collector made of bacteria

Research by Dirk Tischler's group has identified potential applications for bacterial siderophores, including treating iron overload disease and creating biosensors. The team has also developed semi-artificial compounds using genetic information from these microorganisms.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNatural Product Reports·DateMay 26, 2020

Why visual perception is a decision process

Researchers found that prediction errors can be accessed during final processing stages of perception, contradicting previous theories. This means the brain simultaneously keeps track of past, current, and future image contents, allowing for stability and flexibility in rapid image sequences.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 2020

Water molecules dance in three

Researchers have accurately described the interaction energy among three water molecules for the first time. The study uses advanced spectroscopy and quantum calculations to analyze the intermolecular vibrations of water trimers.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 24, 2020

How the immune system reacts to hepatitis C viruses

Researchers discovered that hepatitis C virus interacts with the immune system through the interferon-stimulated gene C19orf66, disrupting viral replication machinery and inhibiting its ability to replicate. The study found increased production of C19orf66 in hepatitis C patients, suggesting a potential antiviral effect.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateApr 24, 2020

How expectations influence learning

Neuroscientists at Ruhr-University Bochum have found that the thalamus plays a key role in decision-making during learning, while the insular cortex is active when participants make correct or incorrect decisions. This suggests that expectations influence brain activity and sensory perception.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateApr 15, 2020

Mutation reduces energy waste in plants

Researchers identified mutations that improve photosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana by reducing protein degradation and increasing chlorophyll production. The findings suggest a potential mechanism to enhance plant energy efficiency and biomass production.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2020

Artificial intelligence identifies optimal material formula

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum used artificial intelligence to predict the structure of thin films, reducing the need for extensive experiments. The team developed a generative model that can generate images of the surface of a layer under specific process parameters, enabling the identification of optimal material formulas.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCommunications Materials·DateMar 26, 2020

Healthier and happier without Facebook

Participants who reduced their Facebook usage experienced fewer depressive symptoms, were more active physically, and showed increased life satisfaction. Reducing social media time may help prevent addictive behavior and support a healthier lifestyle.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 12, 2020

Plasma-driven biocatalysis

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a process to protect enzymes from plasma treatment, allowing for stable biocatalytic reactions with precise hydrogen peroxide dosing. This method improves the efficiency of traditional enzyme catalysis by reducing energy consumption and waste.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemSusChem·DateMar 3, 2020

How big is the neutron?

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have determined the neutron charge radius from lightest atomic nuclei using a more direct methodology, differing significantly from previous calculations. The new result corrects the previously assumed value for the size of a neutron.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 26, 2020

Iodide salts stabilize biocatalysts for fuel cells

Researchers have discovered that adding iodide salts to electrolytes can prevent hydrogen peroxide formation, leading to the stabilization of biocatalysts for fuel cells. This extends the life of catalysts, making them suitable for energy conversion processes such as solar fuel generation and electrosynthesis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2020

Catalyst deposition on fragile chips

Researchers have developed a new method of depositing catalyst particles to tiny electrodes, providing a clean and easy-to-use approach for testing various catalyst materials. This innovative technique allows for the stable and reproducible application of different catalysts on liquid cell TEM chips.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 14, 2020

Observing proteins in their natural environment

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum successfully detect protein structures in Escherichia coli bacteria using EPR spectroscopy and nanobodies. They can measure distances between proteins within native membranes, opening up new possibilities for studying membrane protein dynamics and functions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020

Parkinson's and the immune system

Researchers have identified a link between the nervous system and immune system in Parkinson's disease, finding that genes like Parkin and PACRG protect nerve cells from cell death. These proteins regulate a signalling pathway that also plays a role in innate immunity, which prevents bacterial infections.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 5, 2020

First robust cell culture model for the hepatitis E virus

The researchers have created a robust cell culture model for the hepatitis E virus, producing approximately 100 times more infectious virus particles than previous models. This allows for extensive studies on the virus and its impact on human liver cells, enabling the identification of key genes involved in the infection.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2020

How playing the drums changes the brain

Researchers found that professional drummers have fewer but thicker fibres in the corpus callosum, a brain structure responsible for motor planning. This leads to more efficient brain organisation and better performance in drumming tasks. The study also revealed that drummers' brains are less active in motor tasks.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateDec 9, 2019