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Technical University of Munich (TUM)


Research shows how to get more crop per drop

Scientists at TUM have discovered a plant-inherent water-conservation strategy that enables plants to absorb carbon dioxide while minimizing water loss. By activating this mode, plants can preserve moisture in the ground for later use during droughts, potentially increasing crop yields with limited water availability.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2016

Thousands on one chip: New method to study proteins

Researchers at TUM developed a new molecular method to investigate the function of thousands of proteins in parallel. They identified hundreds of previously unknown interactions among proteins using DNA-printed protein arrays, which enabled them to study protein functions more efficiently. The new method has the potential to accelerate...

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2016

Reading between the genes

Researchers at TUM and MPI have developed a method to identify active regulatory DNA regions controlling genes. This breakthrough enables scientists to study how genes are controlled in different cell types, shedding light on gene regulation and its role in diseases.

Telling irregularities

A clinical study confirmed a strong correlation between minor heart rate irregularities and the survival prospects of heart attack patients. The new method, measuring respiratory sinus arrhythmia, produces a specific picture of the body's functional condition.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 27, 2016

Mechanics of the cell

Researchers developed a synthetic cell model to investigate fundamental principles of cellular mechanics, revealing the interplay between cytoskeleton and cell membrane is key to changes in form. The model cells demonstrate that protein interactions are essential for biological functions and can alter shape through deformation mechanisms.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 18, 2016

Supernova iron found on the moon

Researchers at TUM and USA colleagues have discovered unusually high concentrations of radioactive 60Fe in lunar samples from Apollo missions 12, 15 and 16. This evidence supports a supernova hypothesis, suggesting that one or more explosive events occurred close to our solar system approximately two million years ago.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 14, 2016

The gut: Performing into old age

A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Dagmar Krüger has revealed that the human gut's secretory capacity does not decline with age, contradicting long-held assumptions. The research team examined over 2200 specimens from 450 patients with bowel disease and found no correlation between intestinal secretion and age or gender.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMar 9, 2016

A tunnel through the head

Researchers at Technical University of Munich developed an universal mathematical model that describes how sound waves propagate through the internally coupled ears and which clues for localizing sound sources are created. This system enables animals to pinpoint sound sources, a mechanism applicable to over 15,000 species.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 18, 2016

Small is different

Researchers at TUM and Georgia Institute of Technology found that the size of platinum catalyst particles significantly affects reactivity, with clusters having fewer atoms showing lower activity. The discovery could lead to more efficient production of margarine and other chemicals, as well as new materials.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2016

Giant waste bins

Scientists have unraveled the abilities of multinucleated giant cells, which help the body deal with bulky items that obstruct physiological processes. The treatment for systemic amyloidosis has been found to be effective due to the complement system's role in marking and destroying protein deposits.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 30, 2015