The Earth's rotational axis fluctuates due to gravitational forces and atmospheric pressure. By building a ring laser at the Wettzell observatory, scientists have successfully captured these movements, corroborating Chandler and annual wobble measurements.
Researchers at TUM have developed a molecular switch with a surface area of one square nanometer, controlled by transferring protons within a porphyrin ring. The switch can be set to four distinct states and operated up to 500 times per second.
Researchers demonstrate graphene-based transistor array compatible with living cells, recording electrical signals generated by individual nerve cells. The platform shows potential for future bioelectronic applications, including brain-eye-ear implants to compensate for neural damage.
Scientists have identified a new class of drugs that target the proteasome in a unique way, leading to potential breakthroughs in cancer medication. The newly discovered hydroxyurea structures work more specifically than existing proteasome inhibitors, reducing severe adverse side effects.
Researchers at TUM elucidated the structure of PylB, an enzyme crucial for pyrrolysine biosynthesis. The discovery sheds light on how archaebacteria modify existing systems to create tailored amino acids with unique properties.
Researchers build a simple model system to study laws of 'absorbing states' in active systems, where energy is continuously consumed but movement stops. Complex structures form with perfectly shaped rings made up of millions of individual fibers.
Six TUM researchers have received substantial ERC grants to support their groundbreaking research projects. Prof. Annette Menzel's project aims to investigate the impact of extreme weather events on ecosystems, while Prof. Christian Pfleiderer is working on magnetic vortices for information technology.
A research team at TUM has developed a sensor system that monitors drivers' vital signs, including heart rate, skin conductance, and oxygen saturation, to prevent fainting spells or heart attacks. The system uses simple sensors in the steering wheel and can initiate measures such as phone call blocking or emergency braking if necessary.
Researchers use single-molecule force spectroscopy to study the dynamics of protein folding, revealing a complex network of intermediate structural and kinetic states. The experiments on calmodulin molecule show distinct subdomains fold independently, interacting with others in a 'energy landscape' with dead ends and express routes.
A fleet of 120 vehicles is testing a system that alerts drivers to hazards, including traffic blocks and emergency situations. The simTD project aims to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and lower CO2 emissions through real-time information sharing between vehicles and infrastructure.
A new multispectral fluorescence imaging system has been developed to localize cancer cells during surgery, enabling surgeons to detect small clusters of tumor cells that might otherwise go undetected. In a study on nine patients with ovarian cancer, the system successfully detected and removed all cancer cells in eight cases.
Dams and weirs have a profound effect on the ecosystem of watercourses, causing a significant decline in species diversity. The study found that fish species are 25% lower upstream of weirs compared to downstream areas, while invertebrate diversity is up to 50% lower.
Russian engineer Vladimir G. Shukhov invented a lattice design that supports structures with minimum materials while maintaining stability. The researchers are studying his works to identify previously unknown projects and raise awareness of their preservation.
The MUTE project presents a purely electric, energy-efficient vehicle with low weight and advanced technology. Researchers from TU Muenchen created an agile two-seater with a range of at least 100 kilometers, featuring a torque vectoring differential for improved safety and dynamics.
Researchers have discovered how p53 binds to Hsp90, revealing new insights into cancer development and potential therapeutic targets. The study found that p53 binds to both the middle and C-terminal domains of Hsp90, with negatively charged amino acids playing a crucial role in stabilizing the bond.
Physicists confirm neutrino mass exists, even if infinitesimal, after decades of discussion. Experimental evidence includes neutrino oscillations, which suggest mass is necessary for such transformations.
A team of medical engineers at TUM has developed a sensor chip that measures oxygen levels in tumors and transmits data wirelessly to doctors. This technology aims to make cancer therapies more targeted and less aggressive for patients.
Researchers discovered that a small domain in spider silk proteins is responsible for forming strong threads. The N terminal domain plays a crucial role in designing long threads with great tensile strength.
Researchers at TUM found that schoolchildren can master complex math topics on their own, without significant differences in performance between weaker and stronger students. The study, which involved 1600 8th-grade students, suggests that child-led learning can be an effective option for teachers to offer varied lesson formats.
Scientists have developed a new heart model to investigate the effects of artificial nanoparticles on cardiac function. Exposure to certain types of nanoparticles led to increased heart rates, cardiac arrhythmia, and modified ECG values typical of heart disease.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism in regulating human genes by enabling pre-mRNA splicing. The U2AF protein plays a crucial role in this process, which involves the cooperation of different proteins to remove introns and form mature mRNA. This process is essential for genetic information flow from DNA to RNA to proteins.
MUTE's low curb weight of 400 kg enables efficient energy consumption, while its active torque vectoring differential enhances cornering ability and safety. The vehicle's design optimizes suspension, damping, and axle kinematics for improved handling.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich (TUM) have identified two proteins in barley that powdery mildew takes advantage of during its attack. The RACB protein, a molecular switch, supports the fungus by increasing plant cell surface area, while MAGAP1 prevents this effect and limits the fungus's entry into plant cells.
Probiotic bacteria have limitations in conventional production processes. Researchers at TUM developed a gentle method using low-temperature vacuum drying, which is energy and cost-efficient. This process improves storage stability, allowing more active bacteria to remain in products until consumption.
A study by sports scientists at TUM found that women's football is marked by more frequent interruptions, but the game generally resumes faster than men's. Longer interruptions were recorded in men's football, particularly for goal celebrations and injuries.
Researchers at TUM create an artificial skin for robots that simulates human-like touch and temperature detection, allowing machines to interact with their environment in a more human-like way. The system uses sensors to register movement and detect changes in the robot's surroundings, enabling it to develop self-awareness.
The German Federal Ministry of Health has awarded funding for efficient production of cancer diagnostic agent technetium-99m at FRM II in Garching. The goal is to increase specific activity and improve packaging processes.
A study by the Technical University of Munich reveals that non-alcoholic wheat beer can reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and prevent upper respiratory infections in athletes. The 'Be-MaGIC' study found that consuming the test beverage daily reduced infection frequency and severity.
Researchers investigated snake venom's surface tension and viscosity, discovering that these properties facilitate the venom's entry into wounds. The team found that snakes developed optimal fang groove geometry and a special property of their venom to allow for efficient delivery of deadly poison.
Researchers at TUM have developed a geo-sensor system that can monitor unstable mountain slopes and detect movements. The system uses a combination of sensors, including coaxial cables and GPS, to track changes in the slope's structure.
The TUM team graded over 6,000 timber specimens from ten European countries to determine the influence of origin on strength. They found that some parameters influencing timber properties have yet to be established, but propose classifying timber into three regions based on similar properties.
Scientists at TUM create customized fluorescent proteins in various colors for future applications by incorporating a genetically encoded non-natural amino acid into widely used natural proteins like GFP. The new bio-molecule exhibits a pseudo-Stokes shift, allowing it to be excited with commercially available black-light lamps.
A team from Vienna and Munich has developed a numerical solver to predict the design-limited damping of mechanical resonators, enabling the creation of more efficient devices. The solver uses quantum mechanics to calculate the radiation of phonons from the resonator, removing the need for trial and error prototype fabrication.
Researchers at TUM developed a new method to measure photocurrent in nanoscale photodetectors with picosecond precision, enabling faster detection of electrons. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of optoelectronic components such as nanoscale photodetectors and solar cells.
Microscopic relaxation processes contribute to macroscopic changes in polymer network properties. Over ten hours, elasticity decreases by about a fifth and remains stable, shedding light on the aging process of elastic polymers.
Researchers unveil structure of small molecules by analyzing residual dipolar couplings in partially aligned samples. This new approach provides valuable structural information, even when traditional methods fail.
Scientists at TUM have developed a novel method to observe hydrogen bond formation in protein binding processes. Their model system showed that protein recognition takes place via hydrophobic interaction of the S-protein with two spatially clearly defined areas of the unstructured S-peptide.
Researchers aim to utilize residual field crop material for industrial bio-ethanol production by breaking down cellulose into sugar. They are testing a bacterium's toolbox of enzymes to find ideal combinations for efficient degradation.
Researchers confirm existence of spherical magnesium-32 nucleus, contrary to predicted shell structure. The finding has implications for understanding element synthesis in stellar explosions and requires further experiments to refine predictions.
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have received prestigious ERC Grants to develop new therapies against multi-resistant germs, study interactions between cellular components, and improve algorithms for image processing. The grants total €9.8 million.
The human body produces a human antibiotic, beta-defensin 1, in remarkable quantities despite showing little activity against microbes under standard conditions. However, research discovered that this protein unfolds strong antibiotic activity against lactic acid bacteria and yeast under low-oxygen conditions.
Researchers discovered that carbon monoxide binds to metalloporphyrins in a unique saddle-shaped configuration, contrary to previous expectations. This finding has significant implications for the development of catalyzers and sensors.
Scientists create a new model system to study the effects of mechanical stress on plastics, allowing direct observation of polymer chain reorganization. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of material development and properties.
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research has invested 198 million euros over ten years to support scientific use of the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz neutron source. This funding will enable researchers to build new instruments, upgrade existing ones, and hire additional staff.
Researchers at TUM used neutrons to observe the coupling between electric current and magnetic structure in a material. The discovery of magnetic vortices shows promise for developing new data storage systems that are stable and can be written to using weakly anchored electric currents.
Scientists from Technical University of Munich are investigating how robots can help workers pack large TV sets, reducing costs and improving competitiveness. The CustomPacker project aims to create a safer and more efficient packaging station through human-robot cooperation.
Researchers at TUM have developed a new mechanism for reversible proteasome inhibition, which could lead to improved treatments for cancer and immune reactions. By targeting the immuno-proteasome specifically, they aim to minimize damage caused by side effects.
Researchers from TUM are studying the development of soil, flora, and fauna at Chicken Creek, aiming to establish factors influencing ecosystem development. The project has shown that rain plays a crucial role in shaping the initial phase of an ecosystem.
Physicist Franz Pfeiffer's research on X-ray phase-contrast imaging has immense potential for applications in medicine and industry. His approach enables improved image contrast with lower doses of radiation, leading to better diagnostic success in tumor detection.
Researchers have successfully self-assembled rod-shaped molecules into small rotors within a two-dimensional network, forming a hexagonal lattice. The rotors exhibit unique energy thresholds and can maintain their structure even when exposed to thermal energy, enabling potential applications in optical or electronic switching.