Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Bonn


Bonn scientists discover new hemoglobin type

Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a new hemoglobin type that appears to transport less oxygen than normal. This discovery was made after examining two patients with low oxygen levels in their blood, who did not show any signs of cardiac defects. The new type of haemoglobin, named Haemoglobin Bonn, can distort oxygen...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateMar 17, 2008

Getting to the roots of hair loss

Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a gene responsible for Hypotrichosis simplex, a rare hereditary form of hair loss. The study's findings offer new hope for developing targeted therapies for various forms of hair loss.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 24, 2008

The lively little girl is a miracle for everyone

A team of doctors at the University of Bonn performed the first-ever prenatal surgery to treat premature rupture of the fetal membrane. The operation successfully stimulated lung growth in Miriam, who was born after five days with almost doubled lung volume. Her case will be published in Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy on October 29th.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFetal Diagnosis and Therapy·DateOct 28, 2007

Storing data on atomic roundabouts

Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered right-handed and left-handed magnetic vortices, which could be used to store information in hard disks. The discovery has potential practical applications, but the primary interest is in understanding the underlying principles of magnetism.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2007

Elephantnose fish 'see' with their chin

The Peters' elephantnose fish uses its electric sense to detect the capacitative properties of objects, allowing it to distinguish between living and dead organisms. It can also measure distances with a precision of several millimeters and perceive complex images of its surroundings.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 21, 2007

MRI finds breast cancer before it becomes dangerous

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that MRI is substantially more accurate than mammography in detecting very early stages of breast cancer, including preinvasive DCIS. The study detected 167 cases of early breast cancer, with MRI identifying 152 cases and mammography detecting only 93 cases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 10, 2007

Research team discovers gallstone gene

A recent study discovered a gene variant that significantly increases the risk of developing gallstones, with affected individuals being two to three times more likely to develop the condition. The relevant gene contains instructions for building a molecular pump that transports cholesterol into bile ducts.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalHepatology·DateJul 11, 2007

'Wurst' ensures that the respiratory system works

A newly discovered transmembrane protein called 'Wurst' appears to play a decisive role in breathing, ensuring proper lung maturation and gas exchange in both insects and mammals. The protein's defect is linked to respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants, and researchers aim to develop new treatments for this condition.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 13, 2007

Depression: New therapy gives reason for hope

A study at the University of Bonn found that two men and a woman with severe depression experienced significant improvements in their symptoms after receiving deep brain stimulation. The therapy, which targets the nucleus accumbens area of the brain, showed promising results despite the small patient group.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateApr 18, 2007

Learning visual prosthesis at the Hanover Fair

Researchers at Bonn University have developed a software system called the Retina Encoder, which helps the brain interpret signals from retinal implants. The system learns to translate camera signals into a language that the brain understands, allowing blind subjects to perceive contours and orientation.

Magnetic resonance imaging improves breast cancer diagnosis

An international study by the University of Bonn found that MRI can detect up to 30 cancers in the opposite breast of women with recent unilateral breast cancer diagnoses. The study's results show a 99.6% confidence level that no breast cancer is present if an MRI scan is normal, making preventive mastectomy unnecessary.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 28, 2007

Spiders: Chastity belts stop cuckoos in the nest

Researchers discovered that male wasp spiders use a 'chastity belt' mechanism to block their female partner's sexual orifice during copulation, preventing offspring from other males. The detached genital tip plugs the orifice securely, impeding further copulation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 5, 2007

Fighting influenza and co. with 40,000 blood samples

An international EU project led by the University of Bonn aims to shed light on why the immune system weakens with age, particularly in elderly people. The researchers will analyze up to 40,000 blood samples to develop new medicines that can largely inactivate viruses and enable the immune system to deal with residual viruses.

New approach to BSE successful in lab

Researchers successfully tested a new method of treatment for fatal brain diseases like scrapie and Creutzfeld-Jakob, slowing disease progression by up to 97% in mice. The approach uses RNA interference to reduce production of the pathogenic prion protein.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2006

Funnel in the eye: Signal focusing increases photosensitivity

Researchers from the University of Bonn have discovered how the eye adapts to darkness by forming a network that combines signals from multiple light-sensitive rods, boosting sensitivity. The study found that dopamine triggers the closure of a channel in amacrine II cells, inhibiting communication and allowing for signal focusing.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 2, 2006

Laser tweezers sort atoms

Researchers at the University of Bonn have successfully sorted atoms using laser tweezers, a crucial step towards creating a quantum computer. By precisely controlling the position of individual atoms, they can perform simple quantum calculations and pave the way for more complex computations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2006

New weapon in battle against osteoporosis

Researchers have discovered that cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB2, play a crucial role in regulating bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. The study found that mice with a specific gene defect exhibit lower bone density, while patients carrying a variant of the CB2 gene have a three-fold higher risk of osteoporosis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2006

Dyslexia: risk gene is identified

A German-Swedish team has identified a single gene, DCDC2, as an important factor in the emergence of dyslexia. The gene appears to affect the migration of nerve cells in the developing brain, with frequent changes found among dyslexics.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 3, 2005

Research casts doubt on circulating stem cells

A recent study at the University of Bonn found that bone marrow-derived adult stem cells do not take on tissue-specific functions, meaning they cannot replace defective muscle cells. The researchers discovered that the cells migrate into muscle fibers but are unable to produce functioning dystrophin, a key muscle protein.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2005

Strong magnetic fields aid severe depression

Researchers found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is as effective as electro-shock therapy in alleviating severe depression. However, TMS has fewer side effects, particularly memory impairment. Patients treated with TMS showed significant improvement in mood without affecting the hippocampus.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 12, 2005

Tendency to hair loss inherited from the mother

A genetic variant of the androgen receptor gene has been found to be associated with premature balding in men, leading to more androgen receptors in the scalp. The findings suggest that this genetic defect can be inherited from the mother and may also involve other genes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 20, 2005

At least part of climate change is man-made

A Bonn study calculates that greenhouse gases are responsible for just under half of global warming since 1880, with natural factors accounting for the remaining half. The researchers used 30 different climate models to reach this conclusion, which they believe will continue to worsen even after the Kyoto Protocol is implemented.

Next step to the quantum computer

Researchers at the University of Bonn have successfully built a quantum register using neutral atoms, enabling the storage and manipulation of quantum information. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the development of quantum computing, which could potentially solve complex problems beyond current computer capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 6, 2004

Possible new cure for psoriasis

Researchers at the University of Bonn have found a new effective therapy for psoriasis by blocking the division of epidermis cells. The treatment, which uses metalloproteinase inhibitors, has shown no toxic side effects and may provide a promising solution for the condition.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 16, 2004