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Technical University of Munich (TUM)


Put algae in your tank

Scientists have developed a unique combination of light and climate simulation to optimize algae cultivation, leading to higher yields and more efficient energy production. The system uses spectrum-tuned LEDs to simulate natural sunlight, allowing for precise control over the growth conditions of different algae species.

Hepatitis C virus proteins in space

Two researchers from the Technical University of Munich have won an International Space Station Research Competition to study the structure of Hepatitis C virus proteins in microgravity. The project aims to identify new targets for medications and could lead to breakthroughs in treating the disease, which is prevalent in Egypt.

Live from inside a battery

Lithium-ion battery researchers observed the phenomenon of 'lithium plating' during charging, which can cause short-circuits and reduce battery performance. The study used neutron diffraction to investigate the mechanism at work, shedding light on how lithium plating occurs and potentially paving the way for faster-charging batteries.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateSep 3, 2014

Zooming in for a safe flight

A new study reveals that bats process complex spatial information by dynamically adapting their brain maps to external factors. By enhancing neuronal signals for objects in close proximity, bats can magnify the appearance of nearby obstacles, enabling them to navigate safely.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 1, 2014

Flexible tapes from the nanoworld

Researchers at Technical University of Munich successfully assembled chains of up to 90 porphine units using a silver surface, opening doors for the development of ordered long molecular structures. These 'tapes' have potential applications in electronic devices and data storage.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 13, 2014

A million times better

Researchers at TUM and UT Austin developed nonlinear mirrors that reflect frequency-doubled output using input light intensity as small as a laser pointer. The new materials produce approximately one million times higher intensity of frequency-doubled output compared to traditional materials.

Cellular team players

Researchers at Technical University of Munich used FRET methodology to observe interaction between Hsp90, P23 and ATP. They found that P23 strengthens ATP bonding, increasing energy production. This breakthrough reveals the importance of cooperation in cellular energy generation.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2014

Decoding characteristic food odors

Researchers identify 230 key odorants responsible for encoding the typical smell of individual foodstuffs, with each foodstuff having its own unique odor code. The mapping of odor codes opens up new possibilities for biotechnology applications in crop breeding and industrial-scale production of high-quality food odorants.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 26, 2014

Traffic light labels can give a false sense of security

A study by TUM researchers found that traffic light labeling can lead to a false sense of security and result in consumers ignoring more complex product information. This effect is particularly pronounced in financial products where the labeling influences consumer trust in specific attributes, such as flexibility or state guarantee.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalInternational Journal of Consumer Studies·DateJun 26, 2014

Learning from sharks

Researchers discovered that shark antibodies possess structural characteristics making them robust against dehydration, leading to enhanced stability in human antibody fragments. This breakthrough enables the development of improved therapeutic and diagnostic antibodies with increased efficacy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2014