Researchers have discovered a mechanism that could help develop disease-resistant plant varieties with high yield potential. Steroid hormones regulate a molecular switch controlling the immune response, allowing plants to prioritize growth over defense against pathogens.
Researchers found that fruit trees like apples benefit from rising temperatures due to reduced late-frost damage, while wheat yields decline due to heat stress. The study highlights the importance of pollinators for crop yields and suggests strategies to support pollinators and adapt to climate change.
Researchers at TUM have developed a new method to generate single photons, increasing the photon share in emitted light from 23% to 72% using photonic crystal waveguides. This approach achieves results that were previously only attainable with complex resonator approaches, making it more suitable for quantum communication.
Tirzepatide has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and hospitalizations due to infections in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study found a relative risk reduction of about one-third, corresponding to a 36% reduced risk of infection-related hospitalization.
The study reveals a sharp increase in biomass losses due to climate change-related events, with Central European forests being particularly impacted. The findings raise concerns about the European Union's ability to meet its climate goals, highlighting the need for adapted forest management practices.
A new method creates 3D models of underground plant–fungal networks, revealing fine structures and spatial connections. The technique enables researchers to study climate-resilient plants and understand how plants and fungi interact in the soil.
A team at TUM has developed a process to produce crucial amino acids from carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and renewable energy. The approach converts solar energy into electricity, generating hydrogen that is then converted into methanol and eventually into amino acids.
A study from Technical University of Munich found that people perceive AI hiring decisions as unfair when the avatar resembles them in terms of gender or skin color. After receiving a rejection, trust in AI is shaken if the avatar's appearance differs from their own.
Researchers at TUM developed a soft, pneumatic glove that uses electrical signals to predict when a person intends to grasp an object. The glove enables people with severe impairments to regain the ability to hold objects, showing promising results for ALS and stroke survivors.
A team from Technical University of Munich developed a DNA switch that can be controlled quickly and precisely, and operates reliably over extended periods. The switch demonstrates two potential applications: controlling optical signals and chemical reactions.
A new lab-on-a-chip platform, CellTrap, visualizes individual cell contacts to better understand the effectiveness of immunotherapies. The platform shows that early activation signals in immune cells indicate a cell-damaging effect later in cell-cell interactions.
Researchers at TUM have developed a protein-based sensor that can detect magnetic fields and be controlled by radio waves. This technology has great potential for near-term biotechnological applications, including biological quantum sensors and radio wave-controlled cell activity.
Researchers developed an approach to dynamically distribute medical applications across the network, assessing requirements and resources to optimize processing. This enables future 6G networks to provide reliable, flexible, and digitally supported medical care with improved utilization.
Researchers found that people in densely populated coastal regions experience a relative sea-level rise of about 6 millimeters per year, three times the global average. Land subsidence is caused by factors like groundwater extraction, resource use, and tectonics, which amplifies climate-driven sea-level rise.
Researchers at TUM have developed a sorting process to extract recyclable plastics from end-of-life vehicle residues, producing materials that can be reused in new vehicles. The process shows promise in meeting EU quotas and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at TUM develop NTVE, a process that uses virus-like particles to shuttle messenger RNA out of living cells, allowing for repeated sampling and analysis. This enables precise monitoring of stem cell development and potential applications in cell therapies and tumor research.
The Urban Bee Concept aims to enable coexistence of honeybees and wild bees in urban areas by reducing competition for resources. This is achieved through measures such as heat stress management and floral resource increase initiatives.
The report proposes new strategies for digital safety, including AI-powered tools to detect and intervene in harmful situations. Experts also recommend involving children and youths in the design process, particularly schools, to promote agency and well-being.
Researchers confirmed core predictions of Hubel and Wiesel's model by analyzing signal transmission at individual synapses between the thalamus and visual cortex. They found that orientation selectivity emerges through cortical circuits, resolving a long-standing controversy in neuroscience.
TUM researchers have identified the microscopic causes of instability in perovskite solar cells and developed a strategy to prevent degradation through temperature swings. They discovered that a 'burn-in' phase triggers early loss of relative performance, but using special organic molecules as spacers can stabilize the material.
A new search robot developed at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) uses a combination of spatial maps and language models to efficiently find objects in dynamic environments. The robot can build a three-dimensional image of its surroundings and update it constantly, allowing it to search for objects with a high degree of accuracy.
Researchers discovered that carefully designed random pulses can drastically slow down unwanted heating in superconducting quantum computers, enabling complex quantum simulations. The study confirmed exotic quantum states of matter using a 78-qubit processor and explored new states of matter beyond classical computer capabilities.
A study predicts that forest damage in Europe will more than double by 2100 due to increased wildfires, storms, and bark beetle activity. The team used AI-based simulation models to estimate the impact of global warming on forest ecosystems.
Researchers at TUM found that urban trees significantly absorb more CO2 than cars emit in summer, making them a key climate offsetting strategy. The high-resolution analysis reveals the impact of urban vegetation on local climate, providing valuable insights into its benefits.
Astronomers have imaged and modeled an exceptionally rare supernova that could provide a new way to measure the universe's expansion rate. The supernova, known as SN Winny, is a superluminous stellar explosion 10 billion light-years away and appears five times in the night sky due to gravitational lensing.
Researchers at TUM developed a coating that makes UV-A radiation visible using proteins and bacteria, opening up new possibilities for sustainable materials. The coating, which includes the protein mEosFP, reliably detects contact with UV-A light and can be integrated into paints and coatings without compromising material properties.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which an existing cancer drug can block the loss of BCMA molecules on cancer cells, allowing CAR T cell therapy to become effective again in some patients. The study shows that carfilzomib can prevent the degradation of BCMA and restore its presence on the surface of malignant plasma cells.
Research reveals that probiotics can enhance root development and nitrogen uptake in plants, improving growth without excess fertilizer use. The Sphingopyxis genus supports plant function, offering a potential solution to reduce environmental impact of agriculture.
Researchers found identical bacterial strains in the mouth and gut of patients with advanced chronic liver disease, suggesting oral bacteria colonize the gut. These bacteria can damage the intestinal barrier, compromising gut health.
Scientists at Technical University of Munich create constructed soils by mixing excavated soil with compost and biochar, resulting in improved fertility and carbon accrual. These new urban soils can be tailored to specific use cases, such as protecting groundwater or enhancing plant growth in green areas.
Researchers at TUM developed a new method that allows for direct analysis of urine to determine antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections. The test reduces the time to result by up to 24 hours compared to conventional testing, enabling healthcare providers to prescribe more targeted treatments.
Researchers found that increased fMRI signal doesn't always mean increased oxygen demand. In fact, regions with high activity actually use more efficient oxygen supply. This challenges current interpretations of brain disorders and proposes a new energy-based approach to understanding the brain.
Researchers at TUM have discovered that deuterons and antideuterons are formed through the decay of highly energetic particle states, releasing protons and neutrons necessary for their formation. This finding improves models of particle formation and could provide clues about dark matter.
Researchers at TUM have developed a method to boost oxidase biosensor accuracy from 50% to 99%, paving the way for new uses in personalized medicine, AI-driven healthcare, and agriculture. This breakthrough could enable on-site adjustments to fertilization, reducing environmental impact.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich found that boron-efficient plants can grow well with little boron by using long, lateral roots for nutrient uptake. The team identified genes responsible for boron utilization and uptake in roots and shoots, which could help breed more climate-resilient crops.
A study at Technical University of Munich found that AI-simplified CT reports reduced reading time to two minutes and improved patient comprehension. Patients rated the simplified texts as more helpful and informative, with 82% finding them easier to read and understand.
The TUM researchers created a benchmark that standardizes lightweight design methods by comparing six reference strategies, including classical topology optimization and lattice-based layouts. This allows users to evaluate the mechanical and geometric characteristics of components with different resolutions and material use.
Researchers at TUM have developed a method to transform stem cells into bone cells using nanorobots that exert external pressure on specific points in the cell wall. This process can be completed within three weeks and has the potential to produce cartilage and heart cells as well.
Researchers discovered that pancreatic tumors form pseudosynapses, exploiting the body's nervous system to drive tumor growth. Calcium waves triggered by glutamate binding promote metastasis and cancer progression.
Researchers analyzed insurance claims data from US health insurers to demonstrate the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide and tirzepatide. Both GLP-1 drugs provide cardioprotective effects, reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack by 18% and 13%, respectively.
TUM researchers discovered that dendrite growth can occur inside polymer-based electrolytes, which are supposed to protect against short circuits. This finding challenges the assumption that dendrite growth occurs only at the interface between electrode and electrolyte.
Researchers at TUM have discovered a new regulatory mechanism that controls apoptosis, with potential applications in cancer treatment and neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that the protein VDAC1 can bind to Bcl-xL, promoting apoptosis.
Researchers have mapped the full genetic diversity of oat lines to understand their capacity for adaptation and resilience. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the pan-genome, including a directory of gene activity across different tissues and lines.
A study found that AI image generators reproduce and amplify gender biases in different languages, with varying degrees of impact. The results showed that direct prompts using the generic masculine produced the strongest biases, while explicitly feminine prompts showed almost exclusively women.
An international study finds that four central climate components - Greenland Ice Sheet, AMOC, Amazon rainforest, and South American monsoon system - are destabilizing due to rising temperatures. The researchers warn of potential abrupt changes with severe consequences if these systems reach critical thresholds.
Researchers identified a cellular mechanism that alters the gut microbiome in a way that promotes cancer. Long-chain fatty acids serve as food for certain bacteria, such as Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis, which multiply and displace other microbes.
Climate change is expected to bring increased damages and costs for European forestry, with gains in Northern Europe and losses in Central and Southern Europe. The study highlights the need for strategic adjustments to forest management to reduce economic losses and foster more climate-resilient forests.
Researchers found that patients have more confidence in autonomous robotic ultrasound systems when an avatar guides them through the process. The virtual agent explains what it is doing and answers questions in any language.
Researchers from TUM and Google Quantum AI realize Floquet topologically ordered state, a phase predicted but never observed, using 58 superconducting qubit quantum processor. They probe the system's underlying topological properties and witness dynamical 'transmutation' of exotic particles.
Scientists developed hollow microspheres with adjustable pore size, adhesion, and lubricity properties using mucus and polydopamine. These spheres can be used as drug delivery agents and may prevent tissue damage or provide a protective coating.