Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Technical University of Munich (TUM)


The limits of rainforest growth

A new study by TUM researchers suggests that rainforest growth limits are being tested due to insufficient phosphorus. Trees can only absorb additional carbon dioxide if phosphorous is available, leading to a potential 50% decrease in CO2 absorption under increased atmospheric pressure.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 6, 2019

Dry feed for superfood producers

Researchers investigated how insects, such as crickets and locusts, respond to different dry feed variants containing cornstarch, protein-rich cowpea leaves and vitamin-enriched carrot powder. The study found immense species-specific differences in metabolism and digestion between the two insect species.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAnimal Feed Science and Technology·DateAug 5, 2019

Light for the nanoworld

Researchers have developed a new method to create quantum light sources in atomically thin material layers, which will pave the way for optical circuits and potentially lead to applications such as quantum sensors, transistors, and secure encryption technologies.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 1, 2019

Food quality control made faster and easier

Scientists at TUM and Leibniz-Institute developed a new methodology for simultaneous analysis of odorants and tastants using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. This approach enables fast and precise food analysis, which is crucial for manufacturers to guarantee consistent sensory quality.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJul 30, 2019

The physiology of survival

Bacteria do not die randomly in hunger phases; their neighbors play a crucial role. The team identified two key factors: basic energy consumption and biomass recycling efficiency. Changes to these factors affect the mortality rate, which can arise from genetic or ecological perturbations.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Systems·DateJul 17, 2019

Successful T cell engineering with gene scissors

A team at Technical University of Munich has developed modified T cells using CRISPR-Cas9, which can recognize specific antigens without mixed receptors. These near-natural cells have the same structure but are capable of being genetically modified, making them suitable for cancer therapy and potential solutions to immunotherapy problems.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 11, 2019

'Eyes' for the autopilot

Researchers at TUM and TU Braunschweig have developed a camera-based optical reference system that enables completely automated landings of smaller aircraft without the need for ground-based systems. The system uses GPS signals and custom-tailored image processing software to determine the aircraft's position relative to the runway.

Activity of fuel cell catalysts doubled

Researchers at TUM have developed platinum nanoparticles that double the performance of current fuel cells. The particles are about one nanometer big and contain approximately 40 platinum atoms, resulting in high mass activity. This breakthrough could lead to widespread adoption of fuel cells in electric cars.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 3, 2019

The secret of mushroom colors

A study by researchers at Technical University of Munich found that fungal communities have darker mushrooms in cold climates, suggesting a correlation between coloration and temperature regulation. This mechanism may improve reproduction by allowing fungi to harness solar energy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2019

How plants defend themselves

Researchers at Technical University of Munich discovered that plant cells recognize bacteria through small fatty acid molecules, rather than complex molecular compounds. This finding could lead to breeding or genetically engineering plants with improved immune responses and increased resistance to pathogens.

Tipping the scales

A team from TUM has successfully marked proteins with ubiquitin in a targeted manner, paving the way for exploring the inner workings of this vital regulatory system. The discovery may lead to a better understanding of protein function and its impact on diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 3, 2019

At the limits of detectability

Researchers at TUM have developed a compact instrument to determine the spectral properties of individual molecules, capturing detailed information on molecule-environment interactions. This breakthrough aims to accelerate the identification of efficient molecules for future organic solar cells.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2019

A trap for positrons

Researchers at TUM and Max Planck Institute have developed a magnetic field trap to confine positrons for over a second, a breakthrough in studying electron-positron pair plasmas. This achievement has significant implications for plasma physics and astrophysics, including the study of neutron stars and black holes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 28, 2019

Molecular Lego blocks

A team of researchers from TUM used computational screening and data mining to analyze 64,000 organic compounds, identifying key structural frameworks and functional groups that facilitate favorable charge transport. The study reveals the importance of molecular design in creating efficient electronic components.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateFeb 14, 2019

Bitter rapeseed

Researchers at TUM identified kaempferol 3-O-(2'''-O-sinapoyl-β-sophoroside) as the bitter compound causing rapeseed protein's unpleasant taste. This discovery paves the way for developing tasty, protein-rich foods from rapeseed.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 31, 2019

Models of life

Researchers at TUM created artificial cell assemblies that can communicate and trigger complex reactions like RNA production, mimicking biological organisms. The system achieves spatial differentiation and is a step towards tissue-like synthetic materials.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 17, 2019

The vanished mirror image

A team from the Technical University of Munich has achieved photochemical deracemization of chiral compounds, converting a mixture into a single enantiomer with high concentrations up to 97 percent. This method saves time and energy by utilizing all molecules in the process.

The virus detectives

Researchers from Technical University of Munich identified a previously unknown virus causing mass mortality in brown trout. The piscine reovirus is related to the virus infecting salmon in North Atlantic and Pacific, causing significant economic damage.