A team of chemists has identified key enzymes in the metabolism of staphylococci, which could be targeted to starve bacteria and develop new antibiotics. The researchers used a novel methodology to isolate and analyze these enzymes, discovering previously unknown targets for new antibiotic development.
Researchers found that bacterial toxins from Staphylococcus aureus reduce the number of cells suppressing the immune response, leading to excessive immune responses. Weakened enterotoxins could potentially be used to induce stronger immune responses in cancer treatment.
A recent study published in Nature Immunology found that B cell accumulation triggers nervous system damage in MS patients. The presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) regulates the number of B cells, and their absence leads to inflammation and tissue damage.
Researchers developed a new approach to identify flavor-giving protein fragments in fermented foods. The 'sensoproteomics' method efficiently and quickly identified the decisive fragments responsible for bitter flavors in cheese, reducing possibilities from 1,600 to 17. This innovation aims to optimize the taste of various products.
Researchers from the Borexino collaboration confirm previous assumptions about the Sun's fusion processes using a comprehensive analysis of neutrinos from the Sun's core. The results substantiate the standard solar model and reveal an interesting clue to a previously unresolved solar mystery: high metallicity.
A new agent has been developed to combat anthrax by reprogramming the human immune system's siderocalin protein to neutralize a special iron complexing agent produced by the bacterium. This approach is expected to provide an effective treatment against the life-threatening infection.
A team of researchers at TUM and Helmholtz Zentrum München investigated the processes taking place in the body during a three-year allergen-specific immunotherapy. They found that regulatory B-cells play a more important role than previously thought, and that certain ratios of cell types can predict treatment success.
Scientists have developed a quantum circuit that demonstrates the advantage of quantum computers over classical systems. The new design exploits quantum physics' non-locality to solve complex problems efficiently. This breakthrough brings us closer to realizing near-term experimental realizations of quantum algorithms.
A large-scale study in Germany found that nearly ten percent of gay men had engaged in vaginal sex with women in the past three months, challenging traditional notions of sexual orientation. Additionally, a significant percentage of heterosexual men were found to have had non-traditional sex practices, including oral and anal sex.
A study by the Technical University of Munich found that native fish species are on the verge of extinction, while invasive species like rainbow trout and topmouth gudgeon are increasing in population. The analysis of over 30 years of data reveals a decline in specialiszed species with complex life cycles due to habitat changes.
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have created a heterometallic copper-aluminum superatom that exhibits atomic properties. The discovery paves the way for the development of new, cost-effective catalysts for various chemical processes.
A team of researchers at Technical University of Munich has developed a new method to measure the time between X-ray photon absorption and electron emission. The study reveals that photoelectrons can be generated in around 40 attoseconds, which is twice as fast as expected. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in photocathodes ...
A study found that bacteria in the intestines fuel tumor growth in the colon, with chronic inflammation having no effect on cancer development. Microbial therapy is considered a promising approach when more about bacterial flora composition is known.
The POPULAR study confirms a significant association between neuromuscular blocking agents and respiratory complications after surgery. Established techniques to avoid residual paralysis did not lower the patients' risk of pulmonary complications.
Scientists from TUM discovered that individual nerve cells create parallel connections to three areas of the brain, establishing feedback loops that reinforce salient stimuli while suppressing others. This automatic attention control mechanism is also shared by humans, revealing insights into perception and consciousness.
A recent study reveals that Zika virus proteins bind to cellular proteins essential for neural development, leading to brain damage and microcephaly. The research identifies specific viral factors responsible for the condition, offering new insights into the virus's mechanism of action.
Researchers at TUM demonstrated that food increases thermogenesis in brown fat, contrary to the long-held assumption that it only responds to cold. This discovery could lead to new ways to prevent obesity and diabetes.
A study by the Technical University of Munich found that European trees' wood density has decreased continuously since 1870, despite increased growth. The decrease in wood density is attributed to factors such as rising temperatures and nitrogen input from agriculture and industry, affecting forest ecosystems.
Scientists at TUM have discovered a new class of designed macrocyclic peptides that are highly potent inhibitors of amyloid formation, which could be an alternative to current antibody-based approaches. The researchers are now planning further investigations to verify their effectiveness in in vivo models.
A study found that ginger's 6-gingerol increases the enzyme sulfhydryl oxidase 1 in saliva, breaking down malodorous sulfur-containing compounds and reducing bad breath. Citric acid, on the other hand, makes people less sensitive to salt by increasing sodium ion content in saliva.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed an enzymatic process to produce methionine from gaseous CO2, replacing the current petrochemical-based method. The new process requires just two enzymes and has a yield of 40 percent, compared to photosynthesis which uses 14 enzymes with only a 20 percent yield.
A systematic literature analysis by TUM researchers found no evidence for genetic factors affecting total calorie, carbohydrate, or fat consumption. However, genes like FTO and MC4R were linked to energy intake in some studies, but the findings were inconsistent.
A recent study by TUM and HMGU researchers found that mugwort pollen is the primary vector for bacteria, releasing endotoxins that trigger severe respiratory problems in asthma sufferers. The research team discovered a clear correlation between mugwort pollen and bacterial toxins in both urban and Alpine regions.
Research found that strawberry and tomato allergy potential depends on the specific variety, with some varieties exhibiting lower allergenic proteins due to heat sensitivity. The study's results could lead to the development of hypoallergenic tomato and strawberry varieties.
Researchers from Technical University of Munich have determined the cosmic origin of highest-energy neutrinos, finding they emanate from a galaxy four billion light-years away. The team used open access archive data and specialized software to rule out other origins, confirming blazar TXS 0506+056 as the source.
A research group led by IceCube scientist Elisa Resconi provides evidence that the particles detected by the IceCube neutrino telescope originate from a galaxy four billion light-years away. The team used open access archive data to examine a 1.33-degree sky region around the position of the high-energy neutrino, and found only one bla...
Researchers discovered that pancreatic cancer cells' ability to alter their characteristics and shape affects where metastases form. The presence of E-cadherin protein controls this process, with its absence leading to lung metastases but not liver metastases.
A research team at TUM has reconstructed the protein complex responsible for transport within cilia, crucial for cellular movement and organ development. The study reveals a minimal combination of four proteins that start the engine of intraflagellar transport.
A team at TUM has succeeded in generating ultrashort electric pulses on a chip using tiny plasmonic antennas, operating above the surface and reading them in again. This breakthrough closes the terahertz gap, enabling frequencies up to 10 terahertz.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich discovered a new regulator called PAX that helps cells determine their respective cell types in vascular tissue. The discovery sheds light on how plants develop new leaves, branches, and roots over weeks, months, and years.
Researchers at TUM have developed a biodegradable insect deterrent that repels pests without poisoning them, potentially saving bees and other beneficial insects. The new product is produced by bacteria that use terpenoid-based compounds to protect themselves from pests, offering an alternative to traditional synthetic pesticides.
Researchers found that SHP2 inhibitors are effective against lung and pancreatic cancers, which share the same genetic error. The new class of drugs may help treat drug-resistant tumors by reverting cancer cells to being susceptible to other drugs.
Researchers have developed molecular nanoswitches that can switch between two states using an applied voltage, enabling the development of novel electro-optical devices. This breakthrough could replace silicon-based components with organic molecules, reducing component sizes in electronics.
A team at TUM has shown that phase separation is an efficient way of selecting and stabilizing chemical building blocks, allowing them to survive longer. This process can be used to create self-replicating information carriers with life-like properties.
Scientists created self-contained spaces inside mammalian cells using bacterial proteins, allowing for controlled enzymatic reactions and iron biomineralization. This technology could aid in cell therapy, gene reporting, and sorting, opening new avenues for biomedical research.
A study by researchers at Technical University of Munich found that alternative shotgun ammunition materials containing copper and zinc can be highly toxic to water organisms, potentially threatening environmental protection. The study suggests a ban on these materials may be necessary to replace lead shot.
A meta-analysis of 126 case studies from five continents reveals mixed-species forest stands are more ecologically valuable and resilient. These forests also exhibit greater productivity, particularly in areas with favorable water supplies.
Researchers at TUM have deciphered the mechanism of action for a class of pore-forming bacterial toxins. This breakthrough could lead to new substances that inhibit toxin interaction and prevent fatal cell damage.
A recent study by the Technical University of Munich found that trees with grassy areas can significantly cool urban environments, particularly on hot summer days. The research showed that black locust trees provide a higher cooling effect compared to linden trees, making them a promising option for cities like Munich.
An international team has identified potential biomarkers for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disease affecting one in six people. The study found that IBS-specific proteins and proteases play a key role in triggering nerve activation, providing new evidence for organic causes of the disease.
The study reveals that a slight change in the substrate can practically stop an enzyme reaction. Computational design of a new variant was successfully produced and tested, demonstrating the method's accuracy and potential for future research.
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has developed an adaptive algorithm called ALES+, which can accurately measure sea levels in both open and ice-covered ocean areas. This improvement enables researchers to track changes in sea level and ocean currents, crucial for understanding climate change.
A new measurement chip has been developed to detect Legionella pneumophila, a deadly bacterium that causes pneumonia. The chip uses microarray analysis and can identify the specific subtype of the pathogen present within 34 minutes.
Scientists at TUM found that electrodes are wetted twice as fast in a vacuum than under normal pressure. The liquid spreads evenly from all four sides, reducing electrolyte absorption by ten percent.
Researchers have developed a new non-invasive method to measure the metabolic activity of brown adipose tissue, making it easier to verify its heat generation. The method uses multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) to visualize changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, allowing scientists to study its effects on energy b...
A study found that female patients with anxiety disorder react more quickly to a heart attack and arrive at the hospital sooner, potentially improving their chances of survival. In contrast, men with anxiety disorder also showed a positive trend in seeking medical attention earlier, although the effect was not statistically significant.
A new staining method allows specialists to investigate three-dimensional tissue samples using the Nano-CT system, delivering resolutions of up to 100 nanometers. The technique is time-efficient and compatible with conventional methods, enabling enhanced insights into tissue distribution and microscopic origins of diseases.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed a strategy for designing peptides that can be administered orally, overcoming the major challenge of stability and absorption. This breakthrough simplifies the creation of peptide medications, potentially offering new treatments for various diseases.
A team from TUM developed a methodology to observe ultrafast chemical processes with quintillionths of a second resolution. This allows for the control and influence of ionization dynamics, shedding light on photosynthesis and silicon ionization in computer chips.
Researchers discovered that characteristic patterns of the myelin layer are determined early on and can be adjusted by nerve cells. The team found that the speed of signal transmission through an axon is partly determined by the number and length of myelin segments.