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University of Bonn


New window on the early universe

Researchers at the University of Bonn and Cardiff develop a new observational strategy for imaging extremely distant galaxies, using ALMA radio telescope data. This method improves upon previous efforts by accurately estimating molecular hydrogen presence in these galaxies, providing insights into galaxy formation and star creation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 22, 2014

Adenosine can melt 'love handles'

Scientists at the University of Bonn have discovered a new signaling pathway that utilizes adenosine to stimulate brown fat cells. This 'browning' process may help convert white fat cells into energy-burning brown cells, potentially aiding in weight loss and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2014

Communication without detours

Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered a previously unknown nerve cell shape that allows signals to be transmitted directly from dendrites to axons, bypassing the cell body. This unique structure facilitates faster and more efficient communication between neurons.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuron·DateSep 22, 2014

MERS: Low transmissibility, dangerous illness

Researchers led by the University of Bonn have found that the MERS virus has a low transmission rate from person to person, but is still a deadly disease. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, also suggests that dromedaries may be an additional source of infection.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 29, 2014

Polio: Mutated virus breaches vaccine protection

Scientists have isolated a mutated polio virus that can evade the immune system and render vaccinations ineffective. This discovery is alarming as it threatens to undermine progress made in eradicating polio, which has been nearly eradicated thanks to effective vaccination.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2014

Keeping viruses at bay

An international team of researchers from the University of Bonn Hospital and the London Research Institute have now discovered that our immunosensory system attacks viruses on a molecular level. This means a healthy organism can keep rotaviruses, a common cause of diarrheal epidemics, at bay.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateAug 11, 2014

Chinese mosquitos on the Baltic Sea

Ancient insect inclusions in Baltic Sea amber reveal a surprising similarity with Asian forms, dating back 40-50 million years. This discovery fills a long-standing gap in the understanding of species migration between continents.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 30, 2014

Not even cell death can stop the alarm

A team of researchers found that inflammasomes remain active even after cell death, triggering a rapid inflammatory reaction. This discovery offers potential novel approaches for therapies against diseases such as gout, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 23, 2014

Caffeine against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have found that caffeine can positively affect tau deposits in Alzheimer's disease, improving spatial memory and reducing pathogenic processes in genetically altered mice. The study suggests a new class of drugs may be developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease using an A2A antagonist.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateApr 7, 2014

Genetic cause of heart valve defects

Scientists at the University of Bonn identified Creld1 as a crucial gene for heart valve development in mice, which also functions similarly in humans. This discovery may lead to improved diagnosis of unidentified heart valve diseases and better understanding of cardiac development.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 31, 2014

Genetic factor contributes to forgetfulness

Researchers found a connection between the DRD2 gene variant and everyday lapses in attention, including forgetfulness. The study suggests that individuals with this genetic variation are more likely to experience short-term memory lapses and distraction, which can have consequences in daily life.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuroscience Letters·DateMar 21, 2014

New gene for bipolar disorder discovered

Researchers identified two new gene regions associated with bipolar disorder and confirmed three existing ones through a massive international collaboration. The study analyzed genetic data from over 9,400 patients and found that these genes work together with environmental factors to contribute to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2014

Sunburns strike twice

Researchers discovered that sunburns contribute to melanoma development through inflammatory processes in surrounding tissue. Melanoma cells migrate along blood vessels in inflamed skin, with activated neutrophils playing a key role in metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2014

Immune cells need a second opinion

Researchers at the University of Bonn have decoded a new immunoregulatory mechanism controlling defense in urinary tract infections. The mechanism involves two types of macrophages regulating neutrophils, with sentinel macrophages triggering an alarm and helper macrophages providing a safety mechanism to prevent collateral damage.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell·DateFeb 4, 2014

App may signal cellphone dependency

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed an app that measures cellphone use, revealing shocking statistics. The app, dubbed Menthal, analyzes user behavior over six weeks, showing average users activate their smartphones every 12 minutes, and problematic use can lead to addiction-like symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMedical Hypotheses·DateJan 27, 2014

Oxytocin leads to monogamy

Researchers found that oxytocin administration increases attractiveness of partner and strengthens monogamy by stimulating brain's reward center. The study suggests a biological mechanism for maintaining love relationships.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

Attractants prevent nerve cell migration

Researchers from Bonn University discovered that immature nerve cells secrete chemical attractants that prevent mature brain cells from migrating into the brain. Inactivating these attractants improves nerve cell migration in animal models, offering a promising universal approach to treat Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 21, 2013

Novel LEDs pave the way to cheaper displays

Researchers have developed a novel type of OLED that shows promise for high conversion efficiencies, potentially leading to cheaper displays. The new compounds can store electrical energy for longer periods, allowing for more efficient light generation and reduced heat production.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 8, 2013

Maya dismembered their enemies

Archaeologists at the University of Bonn have discovered a 1,400-year-old mass grave containing 24 skeletons from the Maya civilization. The remains show signs of violent death and dismemberment, including decapitation and hatchet marks.

Sunlight induced DNA crash

Researchers at Bonn University have discovered that UV-light induced DNA damage triggers lupus-like autoimmune symptoms by activating the cGAS signaling pathway. This study provides a crucial understanding of the immune mechanism behind lupus and offers potential new therapy targets.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateAug 29, 2013

Cute and armed at the same time

Researchers discovered a 165-million-year-old fossilized skeleton of the ancient mammal Megaconus mammaliaformis in Northeast China. The animal had striking cusps on its teeth for crushing hard plant material and powerful jaws for eating tough plants.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 2013

Devastating long-distance impact of earthquakes

Researchers at the University of Bonn used computer simulations to show that seismic waves can focus over long distances, triggering mud eruptions. The study found that a dome-shaped structure under the mud volcano focused energy into the mud layer, liquifying it and injecting it into nearby faults.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 23, 2013

Accurate prognosis for epilepsy patients

Scientists at Bonn University Hospital and MPI Cologne developed a method to predict temporal lobe epilepsy surgery success rates, achieving 96% accuracy for female patients and 94% for males. The algorithm assesses brain images to differentiate between seizure-free and non-seizure-free patients.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuroImage·DateJul 17, 2013

Markets erode moral values

Researchers found that markets significantly lower moral standards, with subjects willing to accept killing a mouse for money. In market conditions, people focus on competition and profits over moral concerns, leading to an erosion of moral values.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateMay 10, 2013

From blank round to a potently active substance?

Researchers at Bonn University Hospital have deciphered the mechanism of CMA, a long-forgotten antiviral candidate. The study reveals that the compound stimulates the immune system in mice but not humans due to differences in receptor structure. This discovery inspires the search for an effective antiviral drug.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateApr 19, 2013

Researchers demonstrate oldest dinosaur embryos

Researchers from the University of Bonn have found the oldest known dinosaur embryos in China, shedding light on the rapid growth and high reproductive rate of these ancient animals. The discoveries provide valuable insights into the biology of dinosaurs, including their development and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2013

Sensational success in patients with major depression

Researchers at Bonn University Hospital have achieved remarkable results using deep brain stimulation to treat treatment-resistant major depression. In six out of seven patients, symptoms improved considerably and rapidly, with significant improvements observed in anxiety, despondence, listlessness, and joylessness.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 9, 2013

Profiting from climate change

Researchers found that tiny single-cell organisms are spreading rapidly through the world's oceans, stabilizing coastlines and reefs with their calcareous shells. By 2100, these protozoa may spread closer to the poles, occupying ecological niches left by corals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 2013

Environmental chemical blocks cell function

Bisphenol A, a widely used industrial chemical, has been shown to block essential calcium channels in human and mouse cells. This can lead to adverse effects on heart muscle contraction, enzyme activity, and nerve cell communication. The study suggests that alternatives to BPA should be developed to replace it in various products.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMolecular Pharmacology·DateDec 6, 2012

Corn: Many active genes - high yield

Researchers at the University of Bonn have decoded a possible mechanism for hybrid corn's high yield, finding that more genes are active in hybrid plants than in their homozygous parental lines. This increase in gene activity could lead to increased growth and vigor in hybrids.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGenome Research·DateDec 3, 2012

Melanoma - The wolf in sheep's clothing

Melanoma cells can temporarily alter their external characteristics to become invisible to defense cells, allowing them to evade destruction. This knowledge forms an important foundation for improving combination therapies and may also be relevant to treatment with inhibitors of signal transmission in tumor cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2012

Testosterone increases honesty

Researchers found that testosterone-treated subjects lied less frequently than placebo-treated subjects in a dice game experiment. This result challenges the common perception of testosterone as promoting aggressive behavior and suggests that it may increase pride and the need for self-image.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 10, 2012

Researchers decipher manic gene

The NCAN gene plays a major part in how manias manifest, being closely correlated with manic symptoms but not depressive episodes. Researchers found that knockout mice lacking the NCAN gene exhibited increased hyperactivity and reward-seeking behavior, responding well to lithium therapy.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 1, 2012

Internet addiction -- Causes at the molecular level

A study by the University of Bonn found that a genetic variation on the CHRNA4 gene is associated with internet addiction. This variation occurs more frequently in women and may be related to social media use. The researchers hope their findings will lead to better therapies for online addiction.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·DateAug 29, 2012

Drastic desertification

Researchers studied Dead Sea sediment cores to reconstruct climate conditions over the past 10,000 years, finding rapid changes between moist and dry phases. They linked pollen data to plant species that can tolerate specific temperature and precipitation levels.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateAug 21, 2012

Splitting the unsplittable

Researchers have successfully split a single atom into its two halves, pulled them apart and reunited them again. This achievement showcases the potential of quantum mechanics in simulating complex systems, such as topological isolators and photo¬synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2012