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Technical University of Munich (TUM)


Wobbling precisely through space

Researchers at TUM Institute of Engineering have accurately measured the Earth's axial movement using a ring laser over a 250-day experiment. The results reveal small wave movements in the precession circle of the Earth's axis, known as nutation, with varying degrees of intensity.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2025

TUM creates seal of approval for robotics

Researchers at TUM create standardized procedure to compare industrial robots and assess their sensitivity, categorizing them into 'industrial robots,' 'cobots,' 'soft robots' and 'tactile robots.' This evaluation scheme has the potential to become an industrial testing standard, creating a seal of quality for the robotics market.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

Quantum computers simulate fundamental physics: shedding light on the building blocks of nature

Researchers successfully simulated fundamental interactions using Google's quantum processor, demonstrating the potential of quantum computing in particle physics and quantum materials. The study provides new insights into gauge theories and the behavior of particles, with implications for understanding space and time.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

Why people reject new rules – but only until they take effect

A study by Technical University of Munich and University of Vienna found that resistance to restrictive measures is often less robust than feared by policymakers. Once the new rules come into force, people's attitudes towards them decline significantly, revealing a psychological mechanism behind this phenomenon.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

New findings on T cell exhaustion: The body prepares early for mild to severe disease

A recent study by researchers at TUM has discovered that the body produces special T cells predisposed to exhaustion even in early infection phases of moderate diseases. This finding expands our understanding of immune response mechanisms and could help control the immune system in cancer patients or weaken excessive defenses.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2025

A completely new type of microscopy based on quantum sensors

Researchers at TUM developed a new microscopy technique combining magnetic resonance spectroscopy with fluorescence microscopy, enabling high-resolution imaging of individual cells and structures down to the microscopic level. The technique has potential applications in cancer research, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2025

Mouse study finds impaired cell development: Intermittent fasting could be unsafe for teenagers

A recent study reveals that intermittent fasting can impair beta-cell function and maturation in young mice, potentially leading to diabetes. Researchers found that adolescent mice showed a decline in insulin production after prolonged fasting, with defective beta cells resembling those of type 1 diabetes patients.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2025

Extensive study on telemedicine for diabetes and coronary heart disease – Senior author concludes: "The hype around medical apps needs to be put into perspective"

A large study found that telemedicine and training apps had minimal positive effects on patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The study suggests that direct care from medical professionals remains crucial for improving health outcomes in this population.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 12, 2025

Microbiome as a potential key to better treatment: Clinical study on new therapy for Crohn's disease

Researchers at TUM have developed a new therapeutic approach combining dietary therapy with fecal microbiome transfer to sustain inflammation-free states in Crohn's disease patients. The study found that the gut microbiome changes as a result of dietary therapy contribute to treatment success.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 11, 2025

Preventing clinical depression: Early therapeutic interventions offer protection

Researchers found that participants who received early therapeutic interventions were significantly less likely to develop clinical depression within the first year. The interventions, which typically lasted six to twelve sessions, reduced symptoms and lowered the risk of depression by 42% in the first six months.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 8, 2025

Land use in tropical regions: Biodiversity loss due to agricultural trade three times higher than thought

Researchers found that international trade has caused over 90% of biodiversity loss in tropical regions due to agricultural land conversion. The study tracked land use changes between 1995 and 2022, revealing a significant impact on species loss in countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Madagascar.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2024

New method for designing artificial proteins

Researchers have developed a new method for designing large artificial proteins with high accuracy, utilizing AI-based software Alphafold2. The approach combines accurate structure prediction with optimization techniques, allowing for the creation of proteins with tailored properties, such as precise binding and stability.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

Robotic shorts support people when walking

Researchers at TUM developed robotic shorts called WalkON that provide motorized support during walking. The system reduces metabolic cost by 10-18%, improving mobility and quality of life for frail individuals, particularly the elderly. Developers aim to create a modular exoskeleton system for leisure activities in the future.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2024

Possible trigger of Crohn’s disease discovered: Dysfunctional mitochondria disrupt the gut microbiome

Researchers at TUM found that mitochondrial dysfunction in mice leads to chronic intestinal inflammation and changes in the gut microbiome. The study suggests potential new treatments targeting mitochondrial pathways or addressing the connections between the microbiome and mitochondria.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

Global warming leads to higher nitrogen requirements - New wheat varietys can contribute to food security

Researchers found that new wheat cultivars achieve 16% higher yields under current climate conditions, but overall nitrogen needs will increase with global warming. The team recommends a systemic approach to food security, combining agricultural science, environmental aspects, and policy makers.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Plants·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2024

More academic freedom leads to more innovation

A recent study by an international team has established a link between academic freedom and innovative output for the first time. The researchers found that countries with higher levels of academic freedom tend to have more patent applications and citations, indicating a positive correlation between academic freedom and innovation. Con...

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2024

Not the day after tomorrow: Why we can't predict the timing of climate tipping points

A new study shows that predicting exact tipping times for critical Earth system components is challenging due to large uncertainties. The authors identified three primary sources of uncertainty and found that predicted tipping times for the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) ranged from 2050 to 8065.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2024