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University of Bonn


Researchers design a pulsing nanomotor

The novel nanomotor performs pulsing movements using a clever mechanism, fueled by nucleotide triphosphates, and can be easily combined with other structures. The researchers plan to install the motor as a drive in complex machines and optimize its performance.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Agriculture study delivers unexpected results

A recent study at the University of Bonn found that mixed cover crops grow thinner roots than single-type cover crops, contradicting previous assumptions. The researchers tested oil radish, winter rye, and crimson clover in different combinations and observed varying root growth patterns.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPlant and Soil·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2023

Researchers decode new antibiotic

Researchers from the University of Bonn and international partners have discovered a new antibiotic called clovibactin that effectively attacks the cell wall of bacteria, including multi-resistant 'superbugs'. The compound has been shown to target bacterial cell wall components with high specificity, minimizing resistance development.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

Researchers “film” novel catalyst at work

Researchers have developed a novel catalysis scheme that enables previously impossible chemical reactions without the use of rare and precious metals. The method uses light to activate the catalyst, allowing for the optimization of the process.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

Measuring the extent of global droughts in unprecedented detail

Researchers from the University of Bonn have developed a new method to calculate global water distribution, combining satellite data with hydrological models. The study reveals that droughts are significantly more common across the world than previously thought, with localized droughts often missing from satellite data.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Geodesy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 9, 2023

When electrons slowly vanish during cooling

In certain metals, phase transitions occur gradually due to exotic laws of quantum mechanics, allowing new insights into the quantum world. Researchers at the University of Bonn and ETH Zurich have directly observed this effect, enabling a better understanding of critical slowing down in fermions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Simulation provides images from the carbon nucleus

Researchers simulated all known energy states of the carbon nucleus, providing insights into the puzzling Hoyle state and its configuration. The study reveals that protons and neutrons are clustered into groups, creating spatial formations with distinct shapes and energies.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 15, 2023

Paper-based packaging has a good eco-image

A study by the University of Bonn found that paper-based packaging received significantly better environmental scores than bioplastics, but respondents were skeptical about its practicality. Meanwhile, conventional plastic packaging scored worst on eco-friendliness.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeSurvey·DateMay 15, 2023

Cells refine palm fat into olive oil

Scientists have found that cells break down and reassemble fatty acids to create more beneficial variants, such as oleic acid. This process, called triglyceride cycling, refines poorly usable fatty acids into higher-quality forms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Metabolism·DateApr 3, 2023

How plants adapt to nitrogen deficiency

Scientists have identified specific genetic variants in wheat and barley that enable plants to adapt to nitrogen deficiency by increasing root growth and improving nitrogen content. These findings offer promising opportunities for plant breeding to develop varieties with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 30, 2023

Many genes are involved in “resurrection”

Researchers have discovered a complex network of genes in the resurrection plant Craterostigma plantagineum that enables it to tolerate extreme drought conditions. The study found that this ability is not due to a single 'miracle gene' but rather the result of a whole genome, with many genes present in higher copy numbers than in more ...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

New intracellular "smoke detector" discovered

Researchers have identified a molecule called NLRP10 as an intracellular 'smoke detector' that warns of mitochondrial damage. This detection triggers a process that eliminates damaged cells, preventing chronic inflammation and tissue damage. The discovery could lead to new therapies for skin and intestinal diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2023

Cellular waste removal differs according to cell type

Researchers at the University of Bonn identified unique features and novel lysosomal proteins in six different cell types, including liver cells and cancer cells. The study provides new insights into cellular waste removal machinery and its role in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2023

Mindsets can influence the course of childbirth

A study by the University of Bonn found that women who view childbirth as a natural process are less likely to need pain medication or a caesarean section. The mindset can also impact postpartum depression and mother-child bonding. The research highlights the importance of psychological factors in childbirth.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

Immune cells have a backup mechanism

Researchers at University of Bonn discover a backup mechanism in immune cells that ensures efficient antiviral responses despite TBK1 enzyme mutations or complete loss. This mechanism relies on the stability of IKKepsilon protein, which compensates for TBK1 deficiency.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

Additive to make slurry more climate-friendly

A study by the University of Bonn has confirmed a significant reduction of methane emissions in slurry by 99% using calcium cyanamide, a long-standing fertilizer. This additive suppresses microbial degradation processes, resulting in lower greenhouse gas production during long-term storage.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalWaste Management·DateMar 3, 2023

Researchers solve a 150-year-old mystery

A team from the University of Bonn has solved a 150-year-old mystery surrounding Aetosaurs' age. Bone examination reveals that two specimens were juvenile, not small adults as previously thought. The discovery attributes this to social behavior among juvenile Aetosaur species.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023

New compound inhibits influenza virus replication

Researchers have identified a compound that inhibits the body's own methyltransferase MTr1, thereby limiting influenza virus replication. The compound proved effective in lung tissue preparations and mouse studies, showing synergistic effects with already approved influenza drugs.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Meat import ban in Africa hurts local population

Researchers analyzed Ghana's chicken market, finding that EU imports depress local prices, harming poor and smallholder households. Higher tariffs would increase domestic prices, but benefits few, while cheap imports improve nutrition for low-income groups.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFood Security·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2023

Physical effect also valid in the quantum world

Physicists at the University of Bonn have experimentally proven the applicability of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem to Bose-Einstein condensates made of photons. The study reveals a direct relationship between fluctuation and sensitivity, enabling precise temperature determination in complex photonic systems.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

Glial cells help memory along

A new study reveals that astroglial cells, a type of glial cell, are essential for the integration of sensory information from a location, enabling spatial learning and memory. This mechanism involves the release of D-serine, which strengthens dendritic spikes, facilitating the recognition and storage of familiar places.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023

How nerve and vascular cells coordinate their growth

Researchers at the Universities of Bonn and Heidelberg identified a mechanism that ensures nerve cells and blood vessels grow without interfering with each other. By releasing semaphorin 3C, motor neurons signal vascular cells to pause growth, allowing for coordinated development during embryonic stages.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

New findings on memory impairment in epilepsy

Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered that people with chronic epilepsy may have impaired dendritic integration, leading to less specific place cell firing and reduced ability to distinguish familiar from unfamiliar places. Administering a sodium ion channel inhibitor improved memory in animal models.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBrain·DateDec 19, 2022

Cleft lip and palate: News from the genes

Researchers at the University of Bonn have uncovered new correlations between genetic mutations and cleft lip and palate. The study found that new mutations near the SPRY1 gene and transcription factor Musculin may contribute to disease risk, providing new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying the condition.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2022

Low-cost sensor records the level of rivers

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a cost-effective method to measure river levels around the clock using a GNSS antenna and Raspberry Pi microcomputer. The device is capable of transmitting data continuously via mobile communication, making it suitable for area-wide flood warning systems.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalWater Resources Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2022

Unexpected cognitive deteriorations in epilepsy

A study published in Annals of Neurology found that patients with severe epilepsy who undergo surgical tissue analysis are at risk for rare secondary diseases, including inflammation and incipient Alzheimer's dementia-like. These conditions can lead to unexpected cognitive decline months or years after surgery.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022

Control hub for skin inflammation discovered

Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a new signaling pathway that triggers inflammatory responses in the skin after UV damage. This pathway involves the activation of p38 molecularly modifying NLRP1, a critical switch for inflammation, and initiates the assembly of inflammasomes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 2, 2022

Hemophilia: Training the immune system to be tolerant

A study by the University of Bonn elucidated an important immune mechanism crucial for making hemophilia treatment effective. The researchers found that regulatory T cells can activate a self-destruct button on B cells against factor VIII, leading to its tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Astronomy: Observation puzzles researchers

Researchers investigated open star clusters, finding they dissolve faster than predicted by Newton's laws. The team developed a new method to count stars in tidal tails, revealing a significant difference in the number of stars between the front and rear tails.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 26, 2022

To be heavy or not - that is the question

Researchers studied the bones of an extinct amphibian species and found that its shoulder girdle was densely compact, similar to modern manatees. This adaptation allowed the creature to sink and hunt underwater, while its smaller legs and rounded skull suggest it may have only surfaced occasionally.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Anatomy·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 29, 2022

Moss repair team also works in humans

A team of researchers has successfully transplanted the RNA editing machinery from a moss into human cells, including kidney and cancer cells. The corrected mechanism was found to work on over 900 targets in nuclear transcripts, offering a potential basis for inducing specific changes in human cells and treating hereditary diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2022

Fit for work at over 50

A study by researchers from University of Bonn found that a multi-component training programme can improve mental speed, concentration, perception of competence, self-efficacy, and stress management in employees aged 50-plus. The program showed statistically significant improvements after completion and six months.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEuropean Journal of Ageing·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2022

New diagnostic option for rare eye disease

Researchers at the University of Bonn have tested color-coded fundus autofluorescence as a supportive novel diagnostic method for posterior uveitis. The results indicate that this ratio can be very characteristic and helpful in differentiating various posterior uveitis subtypes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2022

DNA guardians out of control

Scientists at the University of Bonn discovered that an overactivated cGAS/STING signaling pathway leads to severe inflammation in ANCA-associated vasculitis. The study involved patients with the disease and a novel mouse model, providing new insights into potential drug targets.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022

Many paths are open to neurons born early

A recent study by the University of Bonn found that neurons born early can develop into all types of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain, with their career paths determined by the time of emergence. This is contrary to other nerve cells, whose order of birth determines their profession.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

No trace of dark matter halos

Researchers from the University of Bonn found that dwarf galaxies in one of Earth's nearest galaxy clusters show signs of disturbance without dark matter halos. The study's results contradict previous models, suggesting an alternative gravity theory might be more accurate.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 5, 2022