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University of Bonn


Sperm are masters of Tetris packing

Researchers discovered that the process of hypercondensation, where DNA is compressed, relies on a second type of protamine, PRM2, which may be crucial for fertility. The study sheds light on the complex mechanism behind sperm development and could lead to new treatments for male infertility.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 11, 2022

Molecule boosts fat burning

A new molecule, inosine, has been identified as a key booster of fat burning through activation of brown fat cells. Studies have shown that inosine can increase energy consumption and protect against diabetes in mice fed high-energy diets.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2022

Research with a bite

Researchers at the University of Bonn present a mobile sensor system called forceX to measure insect bite forces, allowing them to understand how these forces evolved. The system achieves high accuracy, with a deviation of only 2.2 percent between measurements.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022

Early urbanism found in the Amazon

Archaeologists have discovered two remarkably large sites of 147 hectares and 315 hectares in a dense four-tiered settlement system using LIDAR technology. The largest site is as large as Bonn was in the 17th century, with modifications indicating a reasonable increase in population.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2022

"Growing end" of inflammation discovered

Researchers find NLRP3 protein forms filament that grows in one direction, allowing for targeted treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. The discovery could potentially stop inflammation at the 'growing end', bringing relief to those suffering from conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

What benefits nutrition in Africa the most

A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that improving market access has a positive impact on nutritional status in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile, increasing crop diversity had little effect on children's growth and nutrition. Diversifying animal production, however, showed positive effects.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2022

Meat consumption must fall by at least 75 percent

A new study by the University of Bonn recommends significantly reducing meat consumption to mitigate climate change and environmental damage. While mass vegetarianism is not a viable solution due to limited food availability in some regions, moderate meat consumption can be sustainable if implemented carefully.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAnnual Review of Resource Economics·DateApr 25, 2022

New approach against chronic inflammation

Researchers have developed a new treatment for chronic inflammation by targeting the ASC protein with nanobodies, which can dissolve harmful molecular complexes and counteract inflammation. The treatment has shown promising results in mouse models, alleviating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 19, 2022

Study shows: Fish can calculate

Researchers found that cichlids and stingrays can perform simple arithmetic operations, such as adding or subtracting one, in the number range of one to five. The fish were trained using a color-based system and showed impressive learning abilities.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2022

Stress damages the movement centers in the brain

A study at the University of Bonn found that stressed mice develop motor deficits and lose synapses, which may be useful for earlier diagnosis and therapy. The results also suggest that psychological stress can leave permanent traces on the brain.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2022

New strategy for COVID-19 prophylaxis

Stimulating the RNA receptor RIG-I improves protection against lethal SARS-CoV-2 infections, reducing disease progression and severe cases. The study's findings suggest a promising approach for treating COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2022

Milk may exacerbate MS symptoms

A new study by University of Bonn researchers found that cow's milk protein casein triggers an autoimmune response in mice, damaging neurons and myelin sheath. This cross-reactivity can occur when the immune system mistakes similar molecules for each other.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2022

Pollination by birds can be advantageous

A recent study discovered that hummingbird-pollinated plant species exhibit significantly higher seed set and germination rates than their bee-pollinated counterparts. This finding suggests that hummingbirds can pollinate plants more effectively due to their larger activity range and frequent movement between different plant individuals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022

Sucking millipedes

Researchers discovered a sucking pump in millipedes that is similar to those of insects, enabling them to ingest more liquid food. The study found that the functional tools for liquid-based diets have evolved independently in all major subgroups of arthropods.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2022

'Math neurons' identified in the brain

Researchers at the University of Bonn and Tübingen discovered specific brain cells that fire during mathematical operations. The study found unique neurons for addition and subtraction tasks, suggesting a complex coding system in the human brain.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Facial analysis improves diagnosis

Researchers developed an AI system called GestaltMatcher that uses facial characteristics to detect rare diseases with high accuracy. The system considers similarities between patients and can even suggest diagnoses for previously unknown diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 10, 2022

Too many disk galaxies than theory allows

Researchers found that the number of flat disk galaxies in our universe exceeds predictions from the Standard Model of Cosmology. The discrepancy suggests that dark matter may not be as prevalent as thought, forcing scientists to reevaluate their understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 4, 2022

Protons are probably actually smaller than long thought

A team of physicists from the University of Bonn and TU Darmstadt has developed a method to analyze proton radius data from older and more recent experiments, revealing no difference between the values. This suggests protons are about 5% smaller than previously assumed.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 4, 2022

"Heavy" hydrogen stabilizes drugs

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a new method to introduce heavy hydrogen isotopes into drugs, potentially making them more effective. The technique involves the use of epoxides and a titanium-based catalyst, allowing for precise control over the placement of deuterium atoms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 23, 2021

Quantum marbles in a bowl of light

Researchers investigate Mandelstam-Tamm limit, finding minimum time for quantum information change depends on energy uncertainty, and second speed limit emerges when energy uncertainty exceeds average energy of atom. This discovery proves fundamental limits to quantum computers' processing power.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021

Stem cells organize themselves into embryoid

Scientists at the University of Bonn have developed a method to generate embryo-like cell complexes from mouse stem cells. The resulting embryoids exhibit coordinated development similar to natural embryos, offering a promising alternative to animal testing for toxicology studies.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Reduced meat diet has many advantages

A recent study found that adopting a reduced meat diet can significantly improve human health, animal welfare, and the environment. The researchers compared different diets, including a Mediterranean diet with more fish and seafood, and a vegan diet, to a reference diet based on German Nutrition Society recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateNov 30, 2021

Chemists design "molecular sea of flags"

Researchers create large molecular rings that self-assemble into a sheet-like structure on surfaces, allowing for adjustable mesh size and attachment of bulky molecules. This technology has the potential to enable novel catalysts and measure nanomechanical properties of proteins.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 26, 2021

Antarctic ice-sheet destabilized within a decade

A new data-model study suggests that the Antarctic Ice Sheet's tipping point was reached within a decade, leading to centuries of ice mass loss and potential irreversible ice retreat. The research team analyzed sediment cores and computer models to identify evidence of post-glacial tipping points in the past.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2021

Africa's "Green Wall" also makes economic sense

A study by the University of Bonn shows that building Africa's 'Green Wall' is economically worthwhile due to its long-term provisioning services, such as food and water production. However, the project faces challenges in regions plagued by conflicts, which limit its potential.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Sustainability·DateNov 15, 2021

Researchers film fundamental life process

Researchers at the University of Bonn have successfully filmed the nuclear export of protein-building machines, or ribosomes, from the nucleus to the rest of the cell. The study provides new insights into this complex process, which is crucial for understanding how cells produce proteins.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2021

Epigenetics: Immunization is passed on to offspring

An international research team has demonstrated that adaptations to infections are passed on to offspring in mice, with improved immune responses and resistance to subsequent infections observed. This study provides new insights into the role of epigenetics in shaping the immune system across generations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Pruning the dendritic tree

Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered that the enzyme SLK plays a vital role in maintaining inhibitory synapses, which help regulate neuronal excitability. Without SLK, neurons become increasingly excitable and less responsive to inhibitory signals, potentially leading to increased seizure frequency.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Lack of trust exacerbates loneliness spiral

A team of researchers found that individuals with severe loneliness have reduced trust in others, which can lead to decreased positive interactions and worsen loneliness. The study used brain scans and conversations to measure changes in brain activity and mood, providing clues for therapeutic options.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2021

Artificial intelligence helps diagnose leukemia

Researchers at the University of Bonn used artificial intelligence to analyze flow cytometry data from patients with B-cell lymphoma, increasing speed and objectivity in diagnoses. The AI can now be easily accessible to smaller laboratories without bioinformatics expertise, enhancing the quality of diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPatterns·DateSep 17, 2021

How plants sense phosphate

Scientists at the University of Bonn and IPK discover that plants use signaling molecule InsP8 as a proxy for overall phosphate status. ITPK1 enzyme plays a key role in this process, regulating phosphate sensing and mobilization. The findings have far-reaching consequences for sustainable crop production.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

BCL11A: Evidence for neuroprotective effect

Researchers investigated BCL11A's role in dopamine-producing neurons and found that its absence makes them more susceptible to death. The transcription factor may play a protective role for neurons, which could help prevent Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Rare barley mutation with potential

Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Bologna discovered a mutant in barley with roots growing straight downwards, potentially providing a starting point for breeding more drought-resistant varieties. The study found that the gene responsible for this trait is evolutionarily conserved across different cereals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2021

Physicists make laser beams visible in vacuum

Researchers at the University of Bonn developed a method to visualize laser beams in a vacuum, allowing for precise alignment of individual atoms. This breakthrough enables faster and more accurate quantum optics experiments, potentially leading to advancements in computing and materials science.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateAug 25, 2021

Transformation in the particle zoo

A team led by the University of Bonn has detected a triangle singularity mimicking a new particle in CERN data. The discovery provides insights into the strong interaction and its contribution to particle mass.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021