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Universität Leipzig


New regulator of eating behaviour identified

Researchers have identified a new regulator of eating behavior, the latrophilin 1 receptor, which is linked to obesity. The receptor, primarily studied for its role in synapse formation, was found to be present in brain regions controlling food intake and adipose tissue.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

New method developed to isolate HIV particles

Researchers develop a new method to efficiently capture and isolate HIV particles using nanofibrils and magnetic beads. This innovation improves the sensitivity of existing diagnostic tools, enabling better monitoring of viral infections and resistance.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

African One Health network launched to prevent disease

The ADAPT project is a new initiative to prevent antimicrobial resistance and neglected tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. By analyzing biological-medical and socio-cultural factors, the network aims to enhance policy-makers' technical expertise and increase efficiency in disease prevention.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 5, 2024

Plant diversity stabilizes soil temperature

Researchers found that high plant diversity acts as a buffer against fluctuations in soil temperature, protecting ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Plant diversity increased shading and organic carbon content, reducing heat conduction and stabilizing soil temperature.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

New insights into the prognostic power of gene expression signatures in breast cancer

The study analyzed 10,000 gene expression signatures to assess their prognostic ability, finding that they lead to accurate patient prognosis in no more than 80% of cases. The researchers emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach incorporating molecular, clinical, histological, and other factors to ensure an accurate prognosis.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2023

New insights into how the human brain organises language

A Leipzig-based meta-analysis of over 400 neuroscientific experiments has provided new insights into the organisation of language processing in the human brain. The study found that brain regions below the cerebral cortex, including the cerebellum and amygdala, play a key role in language processes, influencing emotion and memory.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 29, 2023

Conservation gardening: Green spaces in Germany could contribute far more to biodiversity conservation

A recent study has developed an app providing lists of native, declining species suitable for gardening, increasing public engagement. The research found that over half of threatened species are commercially available and prefer dry soils, offering a promising approach to reversing biodiversity decline.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 4, 2023

Study: fluidity predicts aggressiveness of cancerous tumors

Researchers developed tomoelastography, an imaging technique that maps tumor mechanical properties using MRI. Studies found consistent patterns between changes in tumor stiffness and increasing aggressiveness. The technique allows for precise measurement of tumor fluidity, enabling more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment options.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Breakthrough in Monte Carlo computer simulations

Researchers develop new algorithm to effectively investigate long-range interacting systems, reducing runtime from quadratic to linear with system size. The new method opens up new questions and applications in nonequilibrium processes, including phase separation and structure formation in cosmology and solid state physics.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalPhysical Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 27, 2023

Researchers at Leipzig University visualize activity of CRISPR genetic scissors

Researchers at Leipzig University have developed a new method to visualize the activity of CRISPR-Cas protein complexes, allowing for precise observation of gene recognition. The study reveals that base pairing with RNA is not energetically advantageous, but becomes stable only after the entire sequence is recognized.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

More menu choices: Migrant orangutans learn a lot about food by watching the locals

Researchers found that migrant orangutan males use observational social learning to learn new ecological knowledge from local individuals after dispersing to a new area. They observed males peering at role models for at least five seconds, indicating attentive interest and learning how to process new foods.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2023

Neurotic people are more likely to suffer from mood swings

A new study by Leipzig University found that neurotic individuals experience greater variability in negative emotions, leading to more frequent mood swings. Researchers used Bayesian statistics to analyze data from over 2,500 people and confirmed the association between neuroticism and emotional instability.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 7, 2023

How to increase the chance of survival in older patients with head and neck cancer

An international study of 1,044 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma found that combining radiotherapy with chemotherapy significantly improves survival rates compared to radiotherapy alone. The benefit was particularly notable in patients between 65-79 years old with good general health.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 26, 2023

How to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B

A study published in Journal of Hepatology found that some patients with chronic hepatitis B can achieve sustained immune control by discontinuing antiviral therapy after four years. This suggests a potential cure for the disease, which affects an estimated 350 million people worldwide.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2023

Receptor ‘blasting’ visualised

Researchers from Universität Leipzig have developed a molecular sensor system to detect when and where adhesion GPCRs break apart, activating receptors and transmitting biochemical signals. The breakthrough could lead to the development of drugs targeting these receptors for treating various diseases.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

Researchers find access to new fluorescent materials

Researchers have found a way to increase the efficiency of fluorescence in phosphole-based compounds by modifying them with sulfonyl isocyanates. This modification method has been shown to significantly enhance the optical properties of these substances, making them suitable for use as efficient dyes or markers.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

New stem cell model developed for research into a life-threatening malformation of the newborn lung

Researchers have created a new patient-specific cell model to investigate the cause of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and explore potential treatments. The study found that inflammation alters stem cells in affected lungs, but drug therapy can restore functionality.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

How nanoplastics can influence metabolism

Researchers at Leipzig University discovered that nanoplastics from PET particles accumulate in organs and cause liver function impairment, oxidative stress, and behavioral abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. The study provides insight into the toxicity pathways induced by PET nanoplastics.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023

Putting out “the fire in the brain”

Researchers have developed a potential treatment for autoimmune encephalitis by creating an NMDA receptor fusion construct that neutralizes pathogenic antibodies. This innovative approach has shown promise in reducing signal transmission to neurons and may lead to improved treatment options for patients with this rare and serious disease.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2023

Method found for analysing complex, tiny crystals

Researchers at Universität Leipzig have developed a new method to analyze complex, tiny crystals like phosphorus oxide nitride. The technique successfully uncovers the structure of previously difficult-to-analyze compounds, offering potential for novel phosphors in future studies.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 13, 2023

New hope for treatment of rare metabolic disease

A controlled clinical trial has shown that the new drug leriglitazone can prevent neurodegeneration and brain inflammation in patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. The study found improvements in neurological conditions such as balance disorders, which had a positive impact on quality of life.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 20, 2023

Swarm intelligence caused by physical mechanisms

Researchers at Leipzig University developed an experimental model of microswimmers that exhibit properties of natural swarm intelligence. The swimmers' internal states and navigation rules can be controlled, allowing for the observation of complex collective behaviors.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2023