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University of Bonn


Seeing better by looking away

Researchers at University of Bonn found that fixing objects slightly away from the center of cone density improves overall vision. The observed image shift is due to the varying resolution across the human retina, with sharper areas in the fovea and less sharp areas in the periphery.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 2, 2021

Thawing permafrost releases greenhouse gas from depth

A new study suggests that thawing permafrost in Siberia may release large amounts of methane gas from limestone formations, posing a significant threat to global warming. Elevated methane concentrations were detected in two areas with limestone bedrock, indicating that fracture systems in these formations became permeable upon warming.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2021

Psychological consequences of Covid-19 in health care

A recent study by the University of Bonn highlights the psychological consequences of Covid-19 in healthcare workers, with over 20% experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. The researchers found that a strong sense of coherence and social support were key protective factors against mental strain, emphasizing the importance of ti...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2021

Novel method for fast 3D microscopy

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a novel method for fast 3D microscopy, allowing for precise tracking of non-labeled biological structures. This breakthrough enables new insights into cellular dynamics and has potential applications in fields such as bionics and understanding causes of infertility.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2021

Study shows why beer mats do not fly in a straight line

Physicists investigated why beer mats behave strangely when thrown. The study found that the mat tips backwards due to gravity, creating an angle of attack that generates lift in the airflow. When rotated like a frisbee, the lifting force causes the mat to drift off to the side, rather than flying straight.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021

Comprehensive genetic study of cleft lip and palate

A comprehensive genetic study led by the University of Bonn has identified 45 new regions in the human genome associated with an increased risk of cleft lip and palate. These regions are linked to variations in DNA sequences that regulate gene activity, disrupting normal facial development.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·DateJul 5, 2021

Flash mob in the nucleus

Researchers clarify the role of SMN complexes in splicing and Cajal body formation, which is crucial for protein translation. The study reveals kinases play a key role in regulating these processes, potentially leading to new therapies for spinal muscular atrophy.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 22, 2021

Bacteria help plants grow better

A new study found that bacteria in the soil enhance plant growth by promoting lateral root formation and improving nitrogen absorption. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable agriculture practices by reducing fertilizer use and environmental pollution.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 8, 2021

A new state of light

Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered a new phase transition in an optical Bose-Einstein condensate of light particles. The overdamped phase exhibits unique properties that could be used to transmit quantum-encrypted messages between multiple participants.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateApr 1, 2021

Paleontology: Microscope helps with dinosaur puzzle

Researchers from the University of Bonn have developed a new method to identify and separate individual dinosaur fossils by analyzing bone tissue. By examining the growth patterns, vascularization, and annual rings in fossilized bones, scientists can now determine whether a particular bone belongs to a specific animal or skeleton.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateMar 11, 2021

Researchers discover SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors

A research team has discovered two families of active substances that can block the replication of SARS-CoV-2 by targeting its main protease enzyme. The drug candidates show promise for therapeutic development, but extensive clinical trials are still required.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 3, 2021

Dinosaur species: 'Everyone's unique'

The study reveals that Plateosaurus trossingensis had a unique combination of features, with differences in characteristics attributed to natural variation between individuals and bone deformation during fossilization. The researchers found that there is no evidence for multiple species within the same genus.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalActa Palaeontologica Polonica·DateFeb 26, 2021

A speed limit also applies in the quantum world

Researchers at the University of Bonn have determined a minimum time for transporting cesium atoms using quantum mechanics. The study reveals that complex operations are limited by both energy uncertainty and the number of intermediate states, with implications for quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review X·DateFeb 19, 2021

Innovations through hair-thin optical fibres

Researchers at the University of Bonn have created miniaturized optical fiber filters that are color-tunable and extremely compact. These filters have promising applications in quantum technology and sensor development, enabling efficient storage and manipulation of light energy.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 20, 2021

A trap for nematodes

Scientists at the University of Bonn have identified a mechanism by which the immune system attacks filarial larvae, releasing DNA that forms a web around the larvae and traps them. The Dectin-1 receptor plays a key role in triggering this process, known as ETosis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 18, 2021

New promising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed four nanobodies that effectively target the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, offering a promising therapeutic option. These nanobodies can be produced in large quantities and are less likely to cause unwanted complications, making them an attractive alternative to traditional antibodies.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateJan 12, 2021

Intelligence deficit: Conclusion from the mouse to the human being

A new mouse model created by researchers at the University of Bonn reveals that GPI anchor deficiencies, a group of rare diseases, are caused by impaired transmission of stimuli at brain synapses. The mice exhibited cognitive deficits, altered social behavior, and increased susceptibility to epilepsy, mirroring human symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2021

Climate change caused mangrove collapse in Oman

A University of Bonn study finds that climate change caused the sudden disappearance of mangroves on Oman's coastlines 6,000 years ago. The researchers suggest that a shift in the Intertropical Convergence Zone led to extreme stress on mangrove ecosystems due to increased salinization and drought.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalQuaternary Research·DateJan 5, 2021

Early mammal with remarkably precise bite

Paleontologists reconstructed the chewing motion of a 150-million-year-old early mammal, revealing teeth that worked extremely precisely and efficiently. This unique dentition made it easy for the animal to cut flesh, but also may have limited its ability to adapt to changing food conditions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 24, 2020

Chemists synthesize 'flat' silicon compounds

The molecules generated at the University of Bonn have a trapezoidal arrangement of bonding partners around the silicon atom, which is energetically unfavorable. Despite this, they are found to be extremely stable and can be stored for weeks without degradation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 22, 2020

Baby dinosaurs were 'little adults'

Researchers discovered a nearly complete skeleton of a juvenile Plateosaurus, nicknamed 'Fabian', which showed a largely fully developed morphology at an early age. The young dinosaur was estimated to be around 7.5 feet long and weigh 40-60 kilograms.

Saving the climate from the ground up

Researchers from the University of Bonn and around the world propose a strategy to use soils to bind large quantities of carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a third. By increasing plant growth and crop yields through simple measures like mulching and fertilizing, farmers can effectively sequester carbon in the soil.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2020

Scientists reconstruct beetles from the Cretaceous

A research team led by the University of Bonn has reconstructed four newly found beetle species using computer tomography, providing insights into their morphology and evolutionary history. The study suggests that beetles suffered a decrease in diversity during the Cretaceous period as plants transitioned from gymnosperms to angiosperms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 8, 2020

Lack of support prolongs unemployment

A study by economist Amelie Schiprowski found that regular caseworker interaction is crucial for reintegration, reducing unemployment spells by an average of five percent. The quality of support also plays a significant role, with less productive caseworkers having no negative impact on unemployment duration.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Labor Economics·DateOct 8, 2020

"Immortal" in tree resin

An international team detected DNA from ambrosia beetles trapped in recent tree resin for less than seven years. The study challenges previous fails in finding DNA in older samples and opens up new possibilities for genetic research.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 30, 2020

New method allows precise gene control by light

A novel optical switch enables precise control over the lifespan of genetic copies by attaching aptamers to molecular markers. This method can be used to specifically switch off practically every mRNA molecule in a cell in a controlled manner, opening up new avenues for investigating dynamic processes in living cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2020

Nerve cells let others "listen in"

A recent study published in Neuron reveals that the brain's signal transmission is regulated by the environment, with certain processes allowing for more open communication between neurons. The researchers found that astrocytes, specialized cells in the brain, play a crucial role in shielding communication to some extent.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuron·DateSep 25, 2020

Flood risks: More accurate data due to COVID-19

The study found that during the pandemic, locked-down areas experienced improved GPS data quality due to reduced vehicle noise, enabling more precise elevation changes and better flood risk assessments. The researchers recommend installing GPS sensors in less noisy environments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 23, 2020

Fossil growth reveals insights into the climate

Researchers analyzed fossil bones of Panthasaurus maleriensis, an ancestor of modern amphibians, and found phases of rapid and slow growth depending on the climate. The study provides valuable insight into the prehistoric past, with the Indian site showing evidence of both young and adult animals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 8, 2020

Blood breakdown product commandeers important enzyme

The study found that heme can be commandeered by activated protein C (APC), which can reduce the toxic effect of heme while also reducing the risk of clot formation in the bloodstream. This interaction may provide new insights into blood coagulation disorders and hemolytic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAntioxidants and Redox Signaling·DateSep 4, 2020

The "gold" in breast milk

The discovery reveals alarmins play a crucial role in developing optimal intestinal bacteria diversity, protecting against diseases. Supplementing with these proteins could support newborns with low alarmin levels or limited breast milk exposure.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 28, 2020

Duchenne: "Crosstalk" between muscle and spleen

The study found a connection between dystrophic muscles and the lymphatic system in mice with Duchenne disease. The researchers identified changes in protein expression in the spleen, which suggests that the disease causes secondary effects on the immune response and inflammatory processes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournaliScience·DateAug 27, 2020