Scientists have developed a bioinformatics strategy to predict membrane protein structures, which are underrepresented in existing databases. Using this approach, researchers successfully determined the tertiary structure of a bacterial membrane protein and predicted the structure of a plant membrane protein.
Four young researchers from TUM have developed a sensor technology that can measure mechanical loads on rotor blades, enabling real-time optimization of energy generation. The EXIST research transfer grant will help the team start their own business and expand renewable energy facilities.
Scientists created a 70-nanometer narrow channel to analyze photogenerated electrons with high precision. They demonstrated that photogenerated electrons can flow several micrometers before colliding with crystalline atoms, revealing the influence of circuit geometry on electron paths.
A novel nano-CT imaging technique enables researchers to visualize the nano-structure of bone samples with high precision. This allows for better understanding of structural changes related to osteoporosis and development of new therapeutic approaches.
The ALIAS project, a three-year, 3.87-million-euro initiative, seeks to develop adaptable robots capable of serving as safe assistants for elderly people. The robots will monitor home environments, provide cognitive assistance, and facilitate social contacts, aiming to improve quality of life.
Scientists at TUM create a versatile biophysical model system to investigate complex systems and their properties. They report finding that when density crosses a threshold, actin filaments begin to move collectively, resembling flocks of birds or shoals of fish.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich discovered that Hsp12, a stress protein, folds into helical structures to stabilize cell membranes against leaks and ruptures under various types of stress including heat shock, oxidative stress, and osmotic stress
Munich researchers uncover the rocking movement of Hsp90, an unexpected pattern of motion that sheds light on its stability and communication patterns. This discovery may lead to more effective cancer medication with fewer side effects.
A team of scientists at TUM has discovered a new protein crucial for the formation of plant cell vacuoles, which store vital substances like proteins and pigments. The protein, known as a 'splitting protein', plays a key role in initiating metabolic processes and assigning tasks to proteins.
Biologists at TUM have discovered mini-inflammations in the gut mucosa that upset the balance of the bowel and cause IBS symptoms. The team's research suggests that treating IBS with antihistamines may improve symptoms by normalizing nerve activity. Successful identification of physical causes could lead to effective treatments for IBS.
Researchers at TUM achieve ten times stronger interaction than previous levels, opening new experimental options for quantum computing. The ultrastrong coupling creates a new unit of atom-photon pairs, challenging existing theories.
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is working on a comprehensive initiative to accelerate the development of electric vehicles, focusing on making them affordable and sustainable. The goal is to unveil a concept car at the Frankfurt auto show in 2011 and eventually put a million electric automobiles on the road by 2020.
Researchers used ultra-short time measurement technology to test the assumption that electrons leave atoms immediately after photon impact. They found a small but measurable time delay of about twenty attoseconds, indicating electrons 'hesitate' before leaving.
Researchers found that GroEL and GroES proteins play a critical role in increasing the maximum temperature for E. coli growth. The study shows a 16-fold increase in GroE levels, indicating a uniquely important role in mitigating protein folding damage.
Researchers at TUM and LMU investigate kinesin-2, a fast motor protein that transports cellular cargoes along microtubules. They find that KLP11 has an autoinhibition mechanism that allows it to control its speed and function in the cell.
Scientists have discovered that a molecular switch in spider silk controls fiber assembly, enabling the creation of highly stable and elastic fibers. The breakthrough opens the way towards biomimetic production of ultra-strong fibers with applications in various industries.
A fully automated minilab developed by Munich researchers can quickly identify antibiotic residues in milk, providing a fast and simple solution to the current laborious and expensive testing method. The system takes just under six minutes to produce a result, reducing production losses and disposal costs for the dairy industry.
The GOCE satellite has determined precise gravitational forces in the Himalayas, confirming previous hypotheses of inaccuracies in conventional models. The satellite's data will contribute to a better understanding of geophysical processes, including earthquakes and ocean circulation.
Researchers have developed a novel microscopy method that allows for the observation of individual synapses and nerve contact sites in living mammalian brains. The study found that individual neurons integrate inputs from multiple synapses to produce a single output signal, making decisions by a single nerve cell.
Scientists at TUM developed a novel biosensor chip that can detect specific proteins with high sensitivity, enabling early disease diagnosis. The chip can analyze multiple parameters, including protein concentration and alterations caused by diseases or medications.
Researchers have identified a new breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene, RAD51C, in a German study. The gene is associated with a high risk of breast and ovarian cancer, particularly in familial cases.
A joint initiative of six European research institutes aims to develop a worldwide database called RoboEarth, where robots can share their experiences and adapt to new surroundings. This will enable robots to perform tasks more quickly and efficiently in healthcare and industry settings.
A team of scientists at TUM developed an artificial sensory organ inspired by the lateral-line system found in fish and amphibians, enabling the underwater robot Snookie to orient itself in murky waters. This technology aims to enable AUVs to work autonomously in operations ranging from deep sea exploration to inspection of sewer pipes.
Scientists at TUM developed a novel method to observe local movements in proteins on a time scale of nanoseconds to microseconds. They found two structures of the villin protein that were previously undistinguishable from one another, with different dynamic properties.
A report from Germany's Expert Commission on Research and Innovation recommends boosting the country's innovation engine by focusing on electric cars and the smart grid. The commission advises prioritizing government spending and increasing private investment in research and development.
Researchers at TUM have successfully manipulated a single 'zipper' protein molecule to map changes in its energy landscape during folding and unfolding. This breakthrough provides higher-resolution measurements of protein folding dynamics, shedding light on the chain of events leading from DNA coding to biological function.
Researchers found that grassland vegetation in both Switzerland and England improved its water storage potential as temperatures rose and CO2 levels increased. However, the effective water-use efficiency remained unchanged in Switzerland due to drier air, while a springtime increase was observed in England.
Researchers have produced the first images of biological cells using a nanoscale X-ray imaging technique called ptychography. The technique enables accurate maps of electron density in biological samples, which could yield important insights for evolutionary biology and biotechnology.
Researchers at TUM have developed a probe to take samples directly from the combustion chamber while running, aiming to discover soot formation methods and develop new emissions control techniques. The engine produces barely measurable nitrogen oxides and soot particles per kilometer, surpassing Euro 6 Norm standards.
The EU has funded a 3-year project called CAMbrella to study complementary medicine, with TUM university hospital coordinating the 12-nation initiative. The network will focus on building international cooperation and fostering patient needs, legal conditions, and terminology.
A German study has found that wild pigs and deer do not spread genetically modified (GM) corn through their feces or accumulate transgenic residues in their meat. The researchers fed GM-fed wild boars and fallow deer conventional maize, but found no evidence of germinable seeds in their feces.
German researchers have uncovered new details about the heredity of Vitis varieties in cultivation today, potentially breaking a bottleneck in the progress of the wine industry. They discovered a double mutation that could lead to more accurate classification tools and effective marker-assisted breeding methods.
Researchers from the Technical University of Munich are developing a new brewing process that uses zeolite storage systems to add heat and reduce energy consumption. The system aims to save up to 20% in energy costs, making it a more sustainable option for breweries.
Developed at the Technical University of Munich, Metaklett is a steel-based hook and loop fastener resistant to temperatures up to 800°C and aggressive chemicals. It has a tensile load of up to 35 tonnes per square meter and can be easily opened and closed.
The study reveals that fish and some amphibians use a unique sensory system to detect vibrations in water, allowing them to navigate and locate prey. Mathematical models developed by researchers demonstrate surprising accuracy in predicting nerve signals, enabling potential applications in robotics.
Agricultural scientists at TUM created indicators and models to analyze, assess and optimize the sustainability of agricultural enterprises. The new indicator model describes farms as systems based on their material and energy flows, enabling accurate calculations of emissions, climate balance and biodiversity.
Researchers at TUM have developed a custom-tailored anti-cancer drug by understanding the mechanism of proteasome inhibition, a promising approach to treating cancer. By analyzing the reaction pathway and producing variants of the bacteria-produced Salinosporamide A, they aim to create effective drugs with improved safety and efficacy.
Biophysicists at TUM develop a new technique to observe calmodulin in action, allowing them to study its binding sequences and regulate its target proteins. The results reveal new insights into the protein's hierarchy of folding and unbinding events.
Scientists at TUM and Harvard University have successfully programmed DNA to assemble into complex twisted and curved nanoscale shapes. The researchers report achieving precise control over the shape's curvature and twist, with potential applications in building miniaturized devices for biomedical applications.
A team of scientists at TUM has successfully determined the three-dimensional structure of αB-crystallin, a key protein that protects against cataracts. The discovery sheds new light on the molecular architecture of this protective protein and may lead to the development of new treatments.
By studying how flies process visual signals in their tiny brains, researchers hope to develop robots that can interpret camera pictures and react accordingly. This is crucial for creating safe human-robot interactions and efficient robotic systems.
Researchers have discovered the strongest protein bond yet found in nature, which anchors muscular strength. This discovery has significant implications for fields like medical research and nanotechnology.
Researchers at TUM have identified a unique pathway in aggressive microorganisms, such as tuberculosis and malaria pathogens, that may be vulnerable to custom-tailored antibiotics. The discovery opens a promising approach for developing new reaction steps vital to microorganisms but irrelevant in humans.