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Universität Leipzig


Study: Plant functional diversity varies greatly

Plant functional diversity varies greatly depending on seasonal cycles and wet-dry periods, according to a new study that analyzed 4,000 satellite images. The researchers used AI algorithms to derive plant traits from the images and calculated quantitative measures of functional diversity.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2025

“Security check” inside the cell: Self-cleavage as built-in quality control

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) use a self-cleavage process to monitor their function. This process relies on multiple domain-extrinsic factors, ensuring efficient receptor activation and preventing faulty proteins from reaching the cell surface. The discovery provides new insights into how cells maintain quality control.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2025

Inflammation in life-threatening malformation of infant lungs

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a deadly malformation of the lungs and diaphragm that causes underdeveloped lungs, leading to high mortality rates. Researchers discovered increased numbers of inflammatory cells in human lung tissue, both before and after birth, which may influence lung structure development.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2025

When eating is a burden

A study published by the University of Leipzig found that adults with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) who have a higher body weight are at risk of malnutrition and related health issues. The research also highlighted the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies for this overlooked population.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalPsychotherapy and Psychosomatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2025

How do our genes influence our sense of smell?

A large-scale genetic study found ten new regions associated with the ability to detect specific odours, with three showing sex-specific effects. The research also uncovered a link between the risk of Alzheimer's disease and the sense of smell, highlighting the interconnectedness of these senses.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2025

Research for stronger bones and muscles in old age

Scientists at Leipzig University have discovered that the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor GPR133 plays a central role in building and maintaining healthy bone. By mimicking natural activation, a new active substance AP503 can strengthen bones and potentially treat osteoporosis.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2025

New insights into the jet stream make better climate predictions possible

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the complex interactions between climate drivers and the Southern Hemisphere's Eddy-Driven Jet. By analyzing historical data and applying innovative statistical methods, they found that 50% of the observed shift in the jet stream is directly attributable to global warming.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2025

Synapses in the cerebral cortex are more reliable than those in the rear part of the brain

Researchers at the Carl Ludwig Institute discovered that synaptotagmin 1 in the cerebral cortex responds to lower calcium concentrations, triggering signal transmission and making cortical synapses more reliable and plastic. This knowledge provides a foundation for understanding brain disorders and developing new therapies.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2025

New insights into the energy balance of brain neurons

A study by Leipzig University researchers has provided high-resolution insights into the energy balance of brain neurons during spreading depolarizations. The findings show that even in 'healthy' brain tissue, these waves cause a temporary drop in ATP levels.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

A “roadmap” of the fruit fly brain

The study provides an overview of the fruit fly connectome, enabling scientists to intelligently design experiments to investigate individual neurons or circuits. Sex-specific differences were identified between male and female specimens, shedding light on behavioural differences such as egg-laying and mating.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2025

Rare side effect of cancer immunotherapy

A rare case of T cell lymphoma developed in a patient with multiple myeloma nine months after CAR-T cell therapy. Genetic alterations in the patient's haematopoietic cells played a role in tumour development, highlighting the importance of genetic predispositions for potential side effects.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 21, 2025

Flies play too, researchers find

In a groundbreaking study, researchers observed flies displaying play-like behaviors, such as swinging and sliding, in response to a rotating carousel. The findings provide valuable insights into the genetic and neuronal factors underlying playful behavior in insects.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2025

Researchers discover new mechanism for male sex hormone

Researchers have identified a new mechanism for the male sex hormone 5α-DHT, which increases bone mineral density and promotes skeletal muscle growth. The discovery of the GPR133 receptor's activation by AP503 could lead to the development of new muscle-strengthening drugs with a lower side-effect profile.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2025

New insights into bonding nature of antimony – implications for materials research

The study combines experimental measurements with theoretical calculations to analyze the nature and strength of chemical bonding in antimony. The findings demonstrate a smooth transition between classical covalent bonding and electron-rich multi-centre bonding, with important implications for phase change materials.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2025

Advance in pain relief research

Scientists identify hederagenin, a highly selective antagonist of NPFFR1, to block chronic pain. The discovery could facilitate the rational design of future therapeutics for pain management.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2024

Making quantum physics easier to digest in schools

Researchers at Universität Leipzig focus on two-state systems, known as qubits, to improve conceptual understanding in learners. The study shows that teaching concepts based on two-state systems are more conducive to learning than traditional approaches.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalPhysical Review Physics Education Research·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 27, 2024

Professor Irene Coin’s lab: Important publication on genetic code expansion and Blue Flame Award

Irene Coin's lab has developed a comprehensive overview of genetic code expansion technology and its application in membrane proteins. The technology allows for the modification of proteins directly in living cells, enabling the production of novel protein therapeutics and a deeper understanding of natural proteins.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalChemical Reviews·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 14, 2024

More CO₂ in the atmosphere during El Niño

A new study reveals that extreme El Niño events are responsible for the increased sensitivity of CO₂ in the atmosphere to tropical temperatures. This finding challenges previous assumptions about climate change and highlights the importance of understanding internal climate variability.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAdvances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2024

Breakthrough in hydrogen research

Researchers have developed a new method for efficiently separating hydrogen isotopes using porous metal-organic frameworks. This breakthrough could lead to the production of highly pure deuterium and tritium, essential for pharmaceuticals and nuclear fusion, in a cost-effective way.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

How gaps in the canopy of a floodplain influence microclimate and soil biological activity

Researchers studied the effects of forest gaps on microclimate and soil biological activity in a European mixed floodplain forest. Temperature fluctuations increased in areas with gaps, but decomposition rates remained relatively stable. The study highlights complex interactions between forest structure, microclimate, and soil processes.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2024

Study: Cloud cover reduced by large-scale deforestation

Deforestation leads to decreased cloud cover, which partially offsets surface albedo change's cooling effect on climate. Researchers analyzed idealized deforestation simulations using climate models to provide insights into the impact of large-scale deforestation on global low-level and tropical high-level clouds.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 11, 2024

Study with Rohingya refugee children: Resilient and prosocial despite adversity

A study with Rohingya refugee children found that they exhibit resilient prosocial behaviour and increased well-being after participating in an intervention programme. The programme promoted cooperation, emotional perspective-taking, and cognitive skills training, leading to improved prosociality and cooperation among the children.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalMonographs of the Society for Research in Child Development·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2024

Cognitive impairment in chronic kidney disease

A Leipzig study found that chronic kidney disease (CKD) activates microglial cells, disrupting potassium balance in nerve cells and leading to cognitive impairment. Researchers identified a mechanism involving the blood-brain barrier and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalKidney International·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2024

Keeping skin healthy: New method provides molecular portrait of sebum production

Researchers developed a new method to map gene expression changes in sebocytes, providing insights into sebum production and its role in skin health. The study identifies key players in sebum production and suggests new ways to modulate it, with potential implications for acne, eczema, psoriasis, and infectious diseases.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2024

Cell atlas of regenerating liver

Scientists analyzed 21,000 cells from tissue samples to develop a cell atlas of regenerating liver tissue. The study reveals changes in cell composition, gene expression, and intercellular communication that facilitate liver regeneration after portal vein embolization.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2024

Does fertility affect a woman’s body odor?

Researchers analyzed underarm odour samples from 29 women over a menstrual cycle, finding no evidence that men prefer fertile days. Chemical analysis also showed no correlation between odour composition and fertility status.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

Cloud shift from day to night amplifies global warming

A recent study found that cloud cover changes more during the day than at night on a global scale, leading to increased greenhouse effect and amplified global warming. The asymmetry in cloud cover is attributed to stability in the lower troposphere due to rising greenhouse gas concentrations.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJun 20, 2024

When is genome sequencing advisable?

Genome sequencing outperforms exome sequencing in diagnosing rare genetic diseases, revealing new clues and mechanisms. The method's advantages include detecting non-coding mutations and gene segments outside the exome.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2024