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University of Bonn


Cascade exacerbates storage diseases

A defective degradation enzyme leads to the accumulation of gangliosides, causing deterioration in patients with storage diseases. Researchers have discovered that genetic disorders can trigger a cascade of consequential damages.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJun 26, 2019

Thai dinosaur is a cousin of T. rex

Scientists at the University of Bonn have identified two new dinosaur species in Thailand, both distant relatives of T. rex. The creatures were efficient predators with a more primitive structure than their tyrannosaur cousin.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalActa Palaeontologica Polonica·DateMay 28, 2019

Chemical juggling with three particles

Chemists from Bonn University and Columbia University have discovered a novel catalytic method that can produce Markovnikov alcohols, previously thought to be impossible. The new mechanism uses two catalysts and strictly coordinated reactions to achieve the desired outcome without by-products.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2019

Stellar waltz with dramatic ending

Astronomers have discovered an unusual celestial object, likely the result of two white dwarfs merging and fusing heavier elements. The star's strong stellar wind and magnetic field accelerate its collapse into a neutron star, culminating in a massive supernova explosion.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateMay 21, 2019

New method enables 'photographing' of enzymes

Scientists at the University of Bonn have developed a new method to study enzymes in action, allowing for the measurement of spatial positions and conformational changes. This breakthrough enables better understanding of biomolecules and potential insights into enzyme disorders.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMay 14, 2019

A nerve cell serves as a 'single' for studies

Scientists at the University of Bonn and Amsterdam created a novel human nerve cell model consisting of a single nerve cell from pluripotent stem cells, providing highly standardized conditions for investigating nerve cell functions. The model was tested with various stimulation experiments and demonstrated highly reproducible data.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 14, 2019

Researchers find gene for urethral obstruction

A team of researchers has identified the first gene associated with LUTO, a rare condition causing urinary tract obstruction in boys. The study found that variants of the BNC2 gene are linked to the disease, which can lead to kidney damage and other complications.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 2, 2019

Bionics: Electric view in murky waters

A team of scientists from the University of Bonn has created a camera that uses electrical pulses to capture images in murky or dark water, mimicking the sensing abilities of the African elephantnose fish. The 'electric camera' can identify objects, determine distances and shapes, and even distinguish between living and dead prey.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateApr 9, 2019

Rainforest conservation in Peru must become more effective

A study by the University of Bonn finds that Peru's National Forest Conservation Program has a small effect on curbing deforestation in the Amazon region. Three key recommendations are proposed: full territorial enrollment, stricter compliance enforcement, and targeted funding for ecologically endangered areas.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 5, 2019

The brain's auto-complete function

A new study reveals that hippocampal neurons provide pointers to complete memories by firing strongly during recall. This process, called reinstatement, helps the brain reconstruct associated objects from memory, similar to initial learning. The discovery has implications for understanding memory deficits and potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2019

Cell editors correct genetic errors

Scientists have successfully transferred a key part of the plant's RNA editing mechanism into a bacterium, confirming a long-held theory about its functioning. This breakthrough improves our understanding of this widespread mechanism and opens up new avenues for research.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 1, 2019

In-depth insights into glass corrosion

Scientists use confocal Raman spectroscopy to study silicate glass corrosion in real time, discovering that silica molecules form aggregates near the surface, forming an opal-like layer. This layer does not provide perfect protection against water, allowing the corrosion process to continue.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 28, 2019

Surprising findings on forest fires

Fires increased during phases of lush steppe oak forest growth in relatively humid and warm climates. This contradicts the assumption that dry brushwood was decisive for early fires, suggesting fire risk is linked to plant biomass.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateFeb 21, 2019

How private households can stall economic growth

A study by the University of Bonn shows that growing income uncertainty among private households can lead to an economic downturn. This is because households may hoard money, reducing demand and negatively impacting the economy. Government investments can stabilize the economy by making it more attractive for households to spend.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEconometrica·DateFeb 4, 2019

Lubricant for oil tankers

Scientists propose using high-tech coatings that can retain air for weeks to reduce drag and fuel consumption of ships. This technology has the potential to save up to 20% of fuel and reduce global CO2 emissions by almost one percent.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateJan 24, 2019

More goals in quantum soccer

Researchers at the University of Bonn have successfully applied the Purcell effect to improve the transmission of quantum information. By forcing photons onto a specific path using the Purcell effect, they achieved a significant increase in efficiency, enabling faster communication between quantum dots and transmitters.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 24, 2018

Typical mutations in children of radar soldiers

Researchers found that children of radar soldiers who were exposed to high doses of radiation had a higher rate of multisite de novo mutations and chromosomal alterations compared to offspring of non-radiation exposed parents. The results support the idea that accumulation of genotype damage by radiation can occur in the next generation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 5, 2018

Observations challenge cosmological theories

A study from the University of Bonn confirms that galaxy clusters formed too slowly than expected, potentially requiring a rework of current theories. The researchers will analyze their data in greater detail to confirm whether the standard model needs to be revised.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateOct 4, 2018

Nerve cells in the human brain can 'count'

Researchers at Universities of Bonn and Tübingen demonstrate that human neurons fire mainly for specific quantities, such as three or four points. The study also shows how we learn to handle number symbols in comparison to quantities, with digit neurons responding differently from quantity neurons.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuron·DateSep 20, 2018

The irresistible CCL17

Researchers at the University of Bonn have found that CCL17 influences signal transmission in the brain and may be linked to autism. The chemokine is mainly produced by neurons in the hippocampus, a structure involved in tasks such as orientation and memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGlia·DateSep 13, 2018

Better assessments for early AMD

The European MACUSTAR consortium is conducting a multi-country clinical study on early AMD, focusing on intermediate-stage disease progression. Novel tests will be developed to assess earlier stages of the disease, improving diagnosis and treatment methods.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalOphthalmologica·DateAug 29, 2018

Fields Medal for Peter Scholze

Peter Scholze's discovery of perfectoid spaces has fundamentally expanded the range of methods used at the intersection of number theory and geometry. This award is a milestone in the long tradition of mathematics in Bonn, one of the biggest centers for mathematical teaching and research in Germany and worldwide.

Heartbeat out of sync

Researchers developed a method to improve electrical transmission in the heart by introducing the Connexin 43 gene into cells forming the infarct scar. Mice with overexpressed Cx43 showed reduced cardiac arrhythmias compared to control animals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2018

Ultrashort laser pulses make greenhouse gas reactive

Researchers at the University of Bonn used ultrashort laser pulses to create a highly reactive variant of carbon dioxide, which can form new bonds with other molecules. This breakthrough has the potential to change ideas about extracting and using greenhouse gases for chemical industry.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 15, 2018

Rare find from the deep sea

Scientists from the University of Bonn and the US study a newly hatched dumbo octopus for the first time, revealing surprising similarities with adult animals. The rare find provides valuable insights into the extraordinary habitat of deep-sea dumbo octopuses.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 20, 2018

Australian fire beetle avoids the heat

The Australian fire beetle uses its heat sensors to detect hot spots and avoid them when approaching a freshly burnt branch. The IR organs are relatively insensitive, and the beetles seem to rely on their sense of smell to detect forest fires.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateFeb 15, 2018

New mouse model makes stem cells light up green

Researchers have developed a method to selectively mark multipotent stromal cells in mice using the CD73 gene, allowing for the analysis of their distribution pattern and function in living organisms. This breakthrough enables the study of these stem cells in their original state, providing insights into their role in regenerative medi...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 1, 2018

Enzyme with surprising dual function

Scientists at the University of Bonn have found that ceramide synthase not only produces vital lipids but also regulates gene activity, particularly in response to nutritional status. The enzyme's homeodomain plays a crucial role in adapting gene expression to energy requirements.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 23, 2018

Computer-aided facial analysis helps diagnosis

Researchers used AI-powered image analysis to help diagnose GPI anchor deficiencies, a group of rare diseases affecting mental retardation and distinctive facial features. The study suggests that computer-aided evaluation of patient portraits can facilitate improved diagnosis and potentially be applied to other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGenome Medicine·DateJan 16, 2018

Researchers show high-performance breathing in bones

A team of researchers from the University of Bonn has discovered a unique type of bony tissue called pneumosteum, which is found in birds and some dinosaurs. This discovery provides new insights into the evolution of their respiratory systems and opens up possibilities for studying extinct species.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 3, 2018