Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Bonn


Fat crystals trigger chronic inflammation

Researchers at the University of Bonn identify a disease mechanism where fat crystals cause immune system hyperreaction, leading to chronic inflammation. The study reveals that deoxysphingolipid crystals disrupt mitochondrial function and activate an inflammatory response in immune cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAutophagy·DateAug 24, 2020

How dinosaur research can help medicine

A team of researchers led by Dr. Tanja Wintrich discovered that even Tyrannosaurus rex could have suffered a slipped disc, as ancient reptiles had intervertebral discs similar to those in humans. This finding provides new insights into human spine mobility and medicine.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 24, 2020

Protein influences regeneration of vascular cells

Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered a protein that influences cell communication in vascular cells. The study found that an RNA-binding protein acts as a gatekeeper, controlling the release of microRNAs that promote regeneration. This breakthrough offers new hope for treating diseases like arteriosclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateAug 19, 2020

Study clarifies kinship of important plant group

A new study has provided the world's most detailed phylogenetic analysis of asterids, a group of flowering plants that include coffee, heather, and tomatoes. The research, conducted by the University of Bonn and international partners, sheds light on the evolutionary history of these species and their relationships.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateAug 5, 2020

How tumor cells evade the immune defense

Researchers have developed a method to investigate how cancer cells evade the immune system, revealing that some genes can be downregulated over time to avoid detection. The study suggests that targeting these genes could lead to more effective immune therapies.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateAug 5, 2020

Wrong number of fingers leads down wrong track

Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Opole have discovered a fossilized hand with five metacarpal bones in a Late Triassic temnospondyl, Metoposaurus krasiejowensis. This finding is significant because it challenges the long-held assumption that early ancestors of modern frogs and salamanders had only four fingers. The discove...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateJul 24, 2020

Receptor makes mice strong and slim

Researchers at the University of Bonn identified a receptor that regulates two side effects of aging: increased abdominal girth and shrinking muscles. The A2B receptor is found in mice and human cell cultures, and its activation increases heat generation and muscle growth.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 25, 2020

Mysterious climate change

A recent study found that seasonal sea ice growth and destruction increased biological productivity in the Southern Ocean, extracting carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the deep ocean. This process helps explain a long-standing question about a 1,900-year pause in CO2 growth during the Antarctic Cold Reversal.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 22, 2020

Tuberculosis vaccine strengthens immune system

A study by universities of Bonn and Nijmegen found that BCG vaccination enhances immune response to multiple infections, including TB and Covid-19. The vaccine's effect is attributed to trained immunity, which allows innate immune cells to become more efficient independently of reinfection.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 15, 2020

Inexpensive retinal diagnostics via smartphone

A study by the University of Bonn shows that smartphone-based fundus imaging can detect diabetic retinopathy with high accuracy, even in early stages. The method allows for efficient screening and diagnosis, enabling trained laypersons to examine patients, reducing hospital visits.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalOphthalmology·DateMay 25, 2020

Platelets exacerbate immune response

A new study by the University of Bonn reveals that platelets exacerbate immune responses by activating inflammasomes and increasing IL-1 production. This finding has significant implications for treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 12, 2020

Global trade in soy has major implications for the climate

A recent study by the University of Bonn found that Brazilian soy exports have a significant impact on the climate, with varying levels of CO2 emissions depending on the location where soybeans are grown. The researchers used Life Cycle Assessment methodology to estimate the carbon footprint of Brazil's soy exports and found that some ...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMay 7, 2020

Dramatic loss of food plants for insects

Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Zurich have found a significant decline in food plants for insects in the canton of Zurich over the past 100 years. This has resulted in a decrease in the abundance of species visited by bees, bumblebees, wasps, butterflies, hoverflies, flies, and beetles.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 24, 2020

A 'corset' for the enzyme structure

Enzyme structure varies depending on whether it's measured in a test tube or a living cell, according to researchers at the University of Bonn. This fundamental principle has implications for drug research and studies involving biomolecules.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 24, 2020

Catalyst enables reactions with the help of green light

Chemists have developed a titanium catalyst that makes light usable for selective chemical reactions, producing highly selective products that can be used for antiviral drugs or luminescent dyes. The new catalyst uses green light to trigger reactions without destroying organic compounds.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 20, 2020

How cells recognize uninvited guests

A research team at the University of Bonn has discovered that the TLR8 immune sensor plays a crucial role in defending human cells against bacteria and other pathogens. The enzymes RNaseT2 and RNase2 break down bacterial RNA into characteristic fragments, allowing TLR8 to recognize and respond to the invasion.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateApr 14, 2020

Too much salt weakens the immune system

A high-salt diet can significantly weaken the immune system by reducing the function of granulocytes, a type of immune cell that attacks bacteria. This is according to a new study published in Science Translational Medicine, which found that mice fed a high-salt diet suffered from more severe bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 25, 2020

'Toxic,' but still successful professionally?

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that toxic personalities who are socially adept can still succeed professionally due to their ability to deceive others. The study suggests that balancing personal traits with social skills is crucial for career advancement.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMar 16, 2020

Antibiotics: City dwellers and children take the most

Researchers analyzed 73 studies on antibiotic use in outpatient sectors worldwide, finding city dwellers, children, and seniors take more antibiotics. Higher education and richer countries reduce antibiotic use, while urban areas and doctor concentrations increase it.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateMar 11, 2020

Less advertising for high-calorie snacks on children's TV

A study by the University of Bonn found that commercials aimed at children decreased in Germany after EU-level voluntary commitment was put in place. However, companies exploited loopholes and the initiative showed partial success. The researchers also highlighted the need for stricter guidelines to regulate food advertising.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFood Policy·DateFeb 5, 2020

Unlocking the secret of cell regulation

Scientists at the University of Bonn have developed a new method to study the structure of long ribonucleic acids, which are crucial for cellular regulation. The technique involves marking specific locations on the RNA with artificial flags and measuring their distances using a molecular ruler.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 4, 2020

New method for removing oil from water

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed an environmentally friendly technology to remove oil from water. Textiles with special surface properties passively skim off the oil and move it into a floating container without using chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateFeb 3, 2020

Neutron source enables a look inside dino eggs

Scientists investigate three 67 million year old oviraptorid egg fossils, determining that the embryos were at different developmental stages and likely hatched at different times. The findings suggest a unique nesting biology similar to modern birds, challenging previous assumptions about oviraptorids.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·DateJan 22, 2020

How immune cells switch to attack mode

Macrophages change their metabolism drastically after coming into contact with bacteria, triggering an inflammatory response. This process involves the activation of Toll-like receptors, which leads to histone acetylation and changes in gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateDec 17, 2019

Focus on food security and sustainability

The researchers highlight the urgent need for investment in research infrastructure to provide reliable data on population health, nutrition, and agricultural practices. An international body is proposed to address pressing nutritional and agricultural issues and prepare policy decisions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 11, 2019

Activation of opioid receptor uncovered

Scientists have discovered the binding mechanism of an important pain receptor, which could lead to the development of new active substances. The current study aimed to find alternatives to opioids used today, as they can be addictive and have life-threatening side effects.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2019

Huge tsunami hit Oman 1,000 years ago

A recent study by University of Bonn researchers suggests that a massive tsunami struck the coast of Oman around 1,000 years ago, with waves reaching up to 15 meters high. The findings emphasize the importance of developing an effective early warning system for the region to mitigate devastating consequences.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMarine Geology·DateNov 19, 2019

A one-way street for light

Researchers have successfully created a new one-way street for light by cooling photons to a Bose-Einstein condensate. This process causes the light to collect in optical valleys from which it can no longer return, effectively irreversibly dividing the light beam. The findings could be of interest for future quantum communication.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 2019

Why beta-blockers cause skin inflammation

Researchers found that beta-blockers can cause psoriasis by interfering with the breakdown of defective cell components and disrupting autophagy. This leads to the release of inflammatory messengers, resulting in skin problems. The study suggests that fat-soluble beta-blockers are more likely to cause inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAutophagy·DateNov 7, 2019

New method identifies aggressive breast cancer

A new method has been developed to identify aggressive breast cancer by analyzing tumor tissue signatures, showing a correlation with poor outcome in patients. The study used mouse models and bioinformatics expert to isolate macrophages from mice affected by breast cancer and compared them with those from healthy breast tissue.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 29, 2019

Teaching cars to drive with foresight

Scientists at the University of Bonn develop an algorithm that completes and interprets LiDAR scans to enable self-driving cars to anticipate potential hazards. The system uses a dataset of superimposed point clouds to improve scene understanding, which can lead to significant improvements in autonomous driving safety.

Shipment tracking for 'fat parcels' in the body

Scientists develop a new method to track lipid metabolism in the body, allowing for clearer distinction between marked and unmarked lipids. This breakthrough enables researchers to examine both normal and pathological deviations in detail, with potential applications for investigating drug side effects on fat metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 14, 2019

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread by washing machine

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that conventional washing machines in hospitals and potentially households can transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria to newborns through clothing. The study highlights the need for higher temperatures during laundry to prevent transmission of dangerous pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 30, 2019

How worms snare their hosts

A study by the University of Bonn found that parasitic worms, such as Pomphorhynchus laevis, use bright orange coloring to attract specific host fish like barbels and sticklebacks. This strategy increases infection rates in these species, which are suitable for the parasite's reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBehaviour·DateAug 27, 2019

Blue light for RNA control

Scientists at the Universities of Bayreuth and Bonn have found a way to regulate RNA molecule activity using blue light, enabling on/off control of gene expression. This breakthrough discovery is the basis for optoribogenetics, a new field of research.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 26, 2019