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Technical University of Munich (TUM)


New AI technology protects privacy

A new AI algorithm developed by TUM and Imperial College London can detect pneumonia in pediatric x-ray images while maintaining patient privacy. The algorithm uses federated learning, secure aggregation, and differential privacy to keep data onsite and prevent individual identification.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMay 25, 2021

Making the gray cells happy

Research using neutrons reveals a connection between lithium concentration and depression, with healthier individuals having more lithium in their gray matter. The findings suggest that lithium may play an important role in the body, with implications for therapy and understanding of physiological processes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 21, 2021

Why robots need reflexes - interview

The study used a slap on the hand as a test subject to examine reflexes and their coordination. The researchers found that humans anticipate pain when reacting to potential harm, which could be applied to robot development for improved safety. Robots can learn from human reflex systems to develop intelligent protective mechanisms.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 5, 2021

Losing weight through exercise

A recent study published in Nutrients investigated the influence of exercise on food intake. The results showed that physical activity increased the amount and urgency of food consumption, particularly after exercise. This finding highlights the importance of considering post-exercise eating habits for optimal weight loss.

Contactless high performance power transmission

A team of physicists at TUM has developed a coil with superconducting wires capable of transmitting power in the order of more than five kilowatts without significant loss. The researchers optimized the distance between individual windings to achieve a higher power density, paving the way for exciting application areas such as industri...

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity·DateMar 11, 2021

A memory without a brain

Researchers have identified how Physarum polycephalum, a single-celled organism, stores and retrieves information about its environment through its network architecture. The slime mold weaves memories of food encounters into the architecture and uses stored information to make future decisions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2021

Supercapacitors challenge batteries

A team of researchers from TUM has developed a highly efficient supercapacitor using a novel, powerful and sustainable graphene hybrid material. The new energy storage device achieves an energy density of up to 73 Wh/kg and performs better than most other supercapacitors at a power density of 16 kW/kg.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 4, 2021

Sixfold increase in risk

A new study published in The Lancet Global Health found that cervical cancer risk is six times higher in HIV-infected women worldwide. Southern and Eastern Africa are particularly affected due to high rates of HIV and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateDec 21, 2020

"The machine as extension of the body"

A research team led by Prof. Gordon Cheng aims to develop a 'soft' exoskeleton that can sense user movement intentions and provide real-time feedback, integrating with brain-machine interfaces. The goal is to create an exoskeleton that works as an extension of the human body, enabling users to control their movements with their minds.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 11, 2020

Metal-organic frameworks become flexible

Researchers from TUM and RUB have developed flexible MOFs by adding carbon arms to the organic connecting pieces, allowing them to maintain their shape under pressure. The material's behavior is driven by configurational entropy, which enables it to transform between open-pored and closed-pore structures.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 17, 2020

Climate-adapted plant breeding

Researchers are harnessing the genetic potential of old crop varieties, known as landraces, to develop improved climate-adapted hybrid varieties. By analyzing gene variations, they have identified traits such as early plant development, wind resistance, and growth form that can be beneficial in breeding climate-resilient crops.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 11, 2020

How the immune system remembers viruses

Researchers at Technical University of Munich found that memory T cells form earlier in the immune response than previously believed, contrary to current scientific opinion. This discovery has significant implications for vaccine development and could lead to improved vaccines with increased long-term effectiveness.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 2, 2020

Smart bottle brushes

Researchers from TUM have visualized the changes in bottle-brush polymers using neutron radiation, enabling a deeper understanding of their behavior at different temperatures. This knowledge can be used to optimize their chemical structure for practical applications.

A molecular break for root growth

Researchers have discovered a molecular break that controls the length of plant roots, influenced by hormones ethylene and karrikin. The study found that the protein SMAX1 acts as a molecular break for ethylene production, stimulating long root growth and short root hairs.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

An alternative to animal experiments

Researchers at TUM have developed human intestinal organoids as a model for studying nutrient and drug transport in the intestines. These miniature intestines can accurately reflect physiological processes inside humans, paving the way for medical and pharmaceutical applications such as drug screening.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateOct 14, 2020

The accident preventers

Researchers at TUM have developed a software module that analyzes and predicts events while driving, ensuring the vehicle will not cause accidents. The system determines movement options and emergency maneuvers to prevent collisions, using simplified dynamic models for swift calculations.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateSep 16, 2020