Prof. Lukas Kunz is investigating how individual neurons support our experience and behavior, particularly in spatial perception and orientation. His ERC-funded project aims to understand the roles of egocentric neurons in the human brain, with potential applications to neurological disorders like Alzheimer's.
CDK inhibitors show great potential for cancer treatment, particularly for aggressive tumor types like leukemias, breast, lung, and ovarian cancer. Innovative technologies like PROTACs and molecular glues may further enhance efficacy when combined with existing therapies.
Scientists at University Hospital of Bonn identified a signaling pathway in the immune system that helps newborn heart cells survive and regenerate after injury. The discovery opens new possibilities for therapies aimed at repairing damaged adult hearts, which have limited regenerative capacity compared to neonatal hearts.
A new glioblastoma model called Core2Edge has been developed to study the invasive front and direct assessment of new drug candidates in human tissue. The model combines glioblastoma organoids with human brain tissue, allowing for the tracking of tumor cell spread and the visualization of fine structures.
Researchers have found that B-cell depletion therapies exert their beneficial effect by mobilizing regulatory immune cells from the gut, which help regulate immune responses and may have a positive impact on MS course. The study suggests new possibilities for developing future therapies that harness beneficial gut immune cells.
Scientists at Universitatsklinikum Bonn developed a robust laboratory method to generate and study follicular regulatory T cells. The research found that TGF-β and IL-2 signaling pathways control the development of these cells, which regulate immune tolerance and antibody responses.
Researchers have published a comprehensive guide on the use of routinely collected health data to improve research quality. The guide addresses key problem areas such as representativeness, data quality, and temporal alignment, and provides strategies for ensuring data quality and reporting studies transparently.
Researchers found that people with depression experience reduced desire for food rewards during anticipation, but not during consumption. The study suggests that anhedonia in depression is characterized by altered expectation and motivational processes, which may be targeted in therapeutic approaches.
A team of researchers has created the first draft of a genetic interaction map, covering about 2.5% of all possible gene pairs in the human genome. The map reveals conserved principles and potential targets for human diseases, including drug targets and genes mutated in human diseases.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking finding on the underlying biological mechanisms of an innovative surgical approach to deliberately 'train' the heart. By applying pressure overload in the early neonatal heart, scientists triggered regenerative mechanisms that increase the number of heart muscle and vascular cells.
Palliative care aims to alleviate suffering early on, manage symptoms, and support patients throughout a long course of illness. An international review calls for its integration into cardiovascular medicine to prioritize quality of life over survival.
Researchers identify delirium as a common but underestimated complication in cardiac medicine, associated with longer stays, increased mortality, and cognitive decline. Prevention strategies, including non-pharmacological measures, can reduce the incidence of delirium by up to 40%.
Researchers at Universitatsklinikum Bonn have identified genetic and non-genetic factors that help the body fight Epstein-Barr virus. Genome sequencing data revealed correlations with HIV infections, smoking, and seasonal fluctuations in EBV viral load, suggesting new avenues for investigating EBV immunity.
Scientists have developed a method to create functional retinal organoids that contain human retinal ganglion cells and allow the development of light-signal pathways. The vascularized organoids demonstrated improved cell survival, increased functional maturity, and the ability to respond to hypoxia.
The study discovered that the human brain uses two separate groups of neurons, called content and context neurons, to form memories. These neurons work together in a coordinated manner, with connections strengthening over time, allowing the brain to reconstruct complete memory contexts from partial information.
Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn and international collaborators have deciphered the genetic instructions for building MOG antibodies. The study reveals that these antibodies contribute to the destruction of the protective myelin layer in the brain, leading to inflammation in the central nervous system.
A study by the University Hospital Bonn reveals that asthma immune cells have a special antioxidant protection mechanism to survive in an environment that should damage them. Disrupting this mechanism leads to reduced allergic inflammation in mouse models.
Researchers discovered that a person's conscious perception of their energy levels plays a crucial role in regulating their mood. The study found that when glucose levels drop, people who feel hungrier experience a worse mood, highlighting the importance of interoception in emotional stability.
Researchers discovered how a tiny RNA molecule in the kidney activates a mutated immune receptor, triggering severe organ-specific autoimmune diseases. The study found that blocking CCR2 signaling pathway significantly reduces kidney inflammation in affected mice.
Researchers found that combining serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) biomarkers significantly improves ALS diagnosis by differentiating it from other neurodegenerative diseases. The study identified an ALS-specific threshold for cTnT, allowing for increased sensitivity in identifying affected patients.
Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn have found that low doses of cortisone can suppress aggressive kidney inflammation, a potentially life-threatening condition. By targeting specific immune cells, these treatments could reduce side effects and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn have identified a neurobiological mechanism that could be responsible for post-ictal symptoms after an epileptic seizure. They found that spreading depolarization waves, or SD, are more common in people with temporal lobe epilepsy and may cause disorientation and wandering after seizures.
A multicenter study involving 26 European centers provides new insights into the course of severe myocarditis, identifying age and pH value as independent risk factors for hospital mortality. The study also shows excellent long-term outcomes for patients who survive discharge.
A team of researchers from Bonn investigated the influence of primary cilia dysfunction on adipocyte precursor cells in a mouse model. They found that overactivation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway causes abnormal development into connective tissue-like cells instead of white fat cells.
A research team has gained new insights into the brain processes involved in encoding and retrieving new memory content. The study found that nerve cells follow an internal rhythm, similar to orchestra members following a common beat, and that this rhythm is active in both learning and remembering new information.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that around one in five people with Lynch syndrome develop a second colon cancer over an average of 7.9 years. The risk depends on the genetic subtype, with changes in MLH1 or MSH2 genes increasing the likelihood of a second tumor.
A qualitative study investigated how women subjectively experience fundal pressure during childbirth, revealing that understanding and manageability significantly influence the outcome. The study found that clear communication from medical staff can turn a critical intervention into a supportive one.
Bonn researchers reduce cardiac arrhythmia after heart attacks by using gene therapy to overexpress connexin 43 in fibroblasts of cardiac scar tissue, leading to improved electrical connection between cells and reduced arrhythmias.
A new study uses AI to analyze surgical videos of manual small incision cataract surgery (SICS) with over 85% accuracy, enabling quantitative comparison between surgeons and feedback on critical steps. The 'SICS-155 Challenge' invites international teams to test their algorithms for phase recognition in 155 SICS operations.
Researchers from Bonn University Hospital identify structurally and temporally coherent substructures in networks, known as 'tipping subnetworks', which can lead to extreme events. The method provides new possibilities for early detection of critical transitions with potential applications in medicine, climate research, and beyond.
Bonn researchers found higher numbers of type 3 innate lymphoid cells in duodenum tissue of FAP patients, producing interleukin-17A which stimulates ROS production and DNA damage. This suggests a local environment favoring cancer development, prompting a new approach to preventing duodenal cancer.
A study published in Brain reveals profound changes in the dopamine system in focal cortical dysplasia type 2, a congenital malformation associated with difficult-to-treat epilepsy. The findings suggest a disrupted dopaminergic system, which may contribute to the development of epileptic seizures and other symptoms.
A team of researchers from Bonn and Tübingen investigated the brain's ability to retain a sequence of events in memory using implanted electrodes. They found that the traditional theory was contradicted by their data, but an alternative mechanism emerged through AI simulations.
Bonn researchers have compiled a comprehensive toolbox to characterize IRESes, involving circular RNA reporters and quantitative staining techniques. This enables the direct characterization of IRES-mediated activity in cultured cells and embryo tissue.
The international study analyzed data from over 1,000 patients and found that surgical thrombectomy and catheter-based procedures significantly increased chances of survival. Targeted treatment strategies resulted in a mortality rate of 34%, significantly lower than traditional circulatory support methods.
Researchers found that neurons conserve energy by regulating mRNA and protein number and location based on molecule length, longevity, and other properties. This helps minimize energy expenditure for synthesis, transport, and degradation.
Researchers discovered that depressed people tend to prefer carbohydrate-rich foods, even when they have a lower appetite. The study suggests that carbohydrate cravings are more related to the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms.
A study by Bonn researchers has shown that local Large Language Models (LLMs) can structure radiological findings in a privacy-safe manner, without transferring data to external servers. The open-source LLMs performed equally well as commercial models with advantages of being developed locally.
Researchers found comorbidities like asthma and atopic dermatitis associated with earlier onset, severity, and duration of alopecia areata. AA patients with multiple concomitant diseases reported more severe hair loss.
A new robotic-assisted surgical procedure uses the patient's own tendon to suspend the cervix, showing excellent clinical outcomes and high satisfaction rates. The study analyzed ten patients and found no intraoperative or postoperative complications, with improved quality of life for those treated.
Researchers found that women who chose their birthing position voluntarily were more satisfied with the birth experience. Around three quarters of mothers gave birth lying on their side or back, but up to 40% stated they didn't choose their position. Women who had autonomy over their birthing position reported higher satisfaction rates.
A study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia found that using a single syringe pump for induction and maintenance of anesthesia reduces propofol waste by 30-50%. This eco-friendly approach can also save hospitals money by reducing the number of propofol vials needed. The researchers analyzed data from over 300 surgeries and ...
Researchers from Universitatsklinikum Bonn found that tiny eye movements and photoreceptor density in the fovea contribute to sharp vision. The study used high-resolution imaging and micro-psychophysics to demonstrate how finely tuned eye movements provide optimal sampling by cones, leading to better visual acuity.
Researchers analyzed 48 studies on AI's effect on medical imaging workflows and found no significant efficiency gains. The success of implementation depends heavily on specific conditions and processes on site.
A study published in Nature elucidates the role of individual brain neurons in human odor perception, revealing distinct neural responses to smells, images, and names. The research demonstrates that different brain regions process specific functions of olfaction, shedding light on the complex mechanisms behind human scent detection.
A large proportion of gene variants previously classified as 'variants of uncertain significance' (VUS) have been reclassified as benign, according to a study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics. This reduces the total number of VUS by 37%, providing relief for carriers worldwide.
Bonn researchers use nanobodies to elucidate pore formation by gasdermin D in cell membranes, identifying key steps and potential therapeutic applications for inflammatory diseases. The study reveals that nanobodies inhibit pore formation and prevent cell death, offering a new approach to treating sepsis and autoinflammatory diseases.
A team of researchers from Bonn and Tübingen has discovered that individual nerve cells in the medial temporal lobe recognize the number zero as a numerical value. The study found that neurons respond to both Arabic numerals and empty sets, but not both simultaneously.
A study by Bonn researchers confirms the important function of concept neurons in working memory and predicts correct memorization. The activation of these neurons during the working memory phase can also be used to predict whether a test subject will correctly remember an image that has already been shown.
Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn identified a new gene, KRT31, responsible for dominantly-inherited monilethrix, a rare congenital form of hair loss. The discovery improves diagnosis and sheds light on the genetic mechanism underlying this condition.