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Université libre de Bruxelles


“Biological emulsions”: What salad dressing can teach us about the internal organization of cells

Researchers unveil detailed construction plan of nucleolus, a ribosome factory inside cells, and demonstrate ability to engineer synthetic nucleoli with altered properties. This discovery has important implications for controlling ribosome production, which is critical in preventing diseases such as cancer and ribosomopathies.

Climate change drived the emergence of West Nile virus in Europe

A study by researchers at Université libre de Bruxelles found that climate change is a significant driver of West Nile virus emergence in Europe. The virus can now be transmitted to humans through mosquitoes, posing a public health threat. Climate change is also linked to an increase in population density and the spread of the virus.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2024

Atoms realize a Laughlin state

Researchers have successfully created and visualized a Laughlin state using ultracold neutral atoms in an optical box. The experiment demonstrated the peculiar 'dance' of particles and their fractional charge, opening up new possibilities for exploring exotic states in quantum simulators.

Empathy for the pain of the conflicting group is altered across generations in the aftermath of a genocide

Research reveals that empathy for the suffering of others from a conflicting group is reduced over time and can be passed down to children, suggesting that intergroup biases may persist. The study used electroencephalograms to measure brain activity in Rwandan participants, including former perpetrators, survivors, and their children.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateOct 28, 2022

A better understanding of HIV-1 latency

A new study by Université Libre de Bruxelles researchers reveals that inhibiting the cellular protein UHRF1 can reactivate latent HIV-1 viruses in reservoir cells. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapeutic strategies that force the virus to leave its dormant state, marking a significant step forward in AIDS research.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalEBioMedicine·DateMay 3, 2022

Slow and steady wins the race – a tale of molecules dancing in a different way

Researchers have identified a new molecular process called SAP that enables liquids to equilibrate efficiently at low temperatures. This process, which is slower than structural mobility, allows molecules to cooperate and reduce their internal energy, making it possible for materials to achieve equilibrium within a reasonable time frame.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 15, 2022

Quantum causal loops

A new theory of causality in quantum theory proposes cyclic causal loops, challenging classical intuitions. The study offers a novel understanding of exotic processes with indefinite causal order, which can be explained through unitary transformations.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 9, 2021

Quantum interference in time

Nicolas Cerf and Michael Jabbour identify a new form of quantum interference that occurs through time, using an optical amplifier to produce identical photons. This phenomenon challenges our classical understanding of space-based interference.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

A new beat in quantum matter

Researchers demonstrate the existence of exotic Bloch oscillations in crystals with intrinsic non-Abelian fields, characterized by a multiplication of the oscillation period. These phenomena are perfectly synchronized with internal states of the crystal and shed new light on topological quantum matter.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 23, 2020

Mushrooms are older than we thought

Researchers at Université libre de Bruxelles discover oldest known mushroom fossil, dating back 715-810 million years, using advanced molecular analysis techniques. The findings suggest that fungi played a crucial role in the colonization of Earth's surface around 500 million years ago.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 22, 2020