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University of Bonn


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

Monocytes have many faces

An international research team has discovered that monocyte-derived cells are a diverse mixture, differing from dendritic cells. This diversity affects the immune system's response to tumor cells, impacting cancer immunotherapy success rates.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateDec 19, 2017

'Antelope perfume' keeps flies away from cows

A team of scientists developed an innovative way to prevent sleeping sickness in cattle using the smell of antelopes. By mimicking the waterbuck's repellent scent, more than 80 percent of cows were spared from infection. The method is cheaper and more popular among Maasai herders than traditional treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 20, 2017

'Find the Lady' in the quantum world

Researchers propose swapping atoms to demonstrate exotic properties. The process involves swapping two identical atoms without distinguishing them, leading to questions about individuality and connection in the quantum realm. This phenomenon has philosophical implications, as it challenges traditional notions of identity and connection.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 17, 2017

Stimuli fading away en route to consciousness

A recent study by the University of Bonn investigates how some signals dissipate along the processing path to conscious perception. The researchers found that the distinction between conscious and unconscious processing follows significantly further down the processing stream than many researchers have been suspecting.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 22, 2017

Asthma drug from the garden center

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a new compound extracted from coralberry leaves that effectively relieves bronchial spasms and may be more effective than common asthma medication salbutamol. The study was conducted in mice, but further human trials are needed before its application.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 13, 2017

The USA threatened by more frequent flooding

Researchers warn that US East Coast cities are under threat from more frequent and severe flooding due to the region's slow subsidence into the Atlantic Ocean. Human activities such as groundwater extraction and reservoir creation have accelerated this process, with some areas sinking at a rate of up to three millimeters per year.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 11, 2017

Oxytocin and social norms reduce xenophobia

Researchers found that oxytocin increased generosity towards refugees, but only when combined with social norms. Donations from individuals with a defensive attitude towards migrants nearly doubled when presented with the average donation of their peers.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

Exotic quantum states made from light

Researchers at the University of Bonn have created exotic quantum states made from light by creating an optical 'well' that traps a super-photon. This achievement marks a significant step towards developing quantum circuits and improving quantum communication and computing capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 14, 2017

Why expensive wine appears to taste better

A study found that the brain's reward center is tricked into thinking expensive wine tastes better due to its higher price. The 'marketing placebo effect' plays a role in this phenomenon, where identical products are perceived differently based on their prices.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 14, 2017

Combatting weeds with lasers

Scientists at the University of Bonn have created a robotic system that uses short laser pulses to weaken weed vitality, eliminating the need for herbicides. The innovative technology has the potential to transform the field of sustainable agriculture.

How do fishes perceive their environment?

Scientists at the University of Bonn have created a realistic 3D model of a fish's lateral line system, allowing them to simulate precise current conditions. The results show that anatomical adaptations minimize background noise, enabling fishes to navigate and identify prey with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 3, 2017

Mini brains from the petri dish

Researchers developed organoids that resemble human brain structure, investigating rare congenital brain defect Miller-Dieker syndrome. The study reveals disrupted stem cell division leading to poor organization and early differentiation of nerve cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 4, 2017

Zebrafish without stripes

Dowling-Degos disease patients with PSENEN gene mutations display unusual pigment cell behavior in zebrafish, leading to similar skin patterns. The discovery provides new insights into the causes of acne inversa and its link to the genetic disorder.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 2017

Social phobia: Indication of a genetic cause

Researchers at the University of Bonn have found evidence for a genetic link to social phobia, with a specific focus on the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4. This gene plays a crucial role in suppressing feelings of anxiety and depressive moods, which are common symptoms of social phobia.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPsychiatric Genetics·DateMar 9, 2017

Why do shorter men go bald more often?

A study by the University of Bonn found that shorter men have an increased risk of becoming bald prematurely, linked to genetic alterations in the human genome. The research identified 63 genes that increase the risk of premature hair loss, often accompanied by other characteristics and illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2017

Top professional performance through psychopathy

A recent study suggests that people with psychopathic traits, particularly fearless dominance, can exhibit exceptional work performance when educated and socialized properly. This challenges the common perception of psychopathy as solely negative, highlighting its paradoxical nature.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateFeb 23, 2017

Infection defense: Call for support by the killer cells

A recent study published in Immunity reveals how killer cells coordinate with dendritic cells to create an army of immune cells. The research, conducted by the University of Bonn, found that killer cells form a team and trigger chemical signals to recruit other cell types, leading to a coordinated and strong immune response.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 9, 2017

Sorting machine for atoms

Physicists at University of Bonn create method to quickly and precisely sort large numbers of atoms, pushing development of future quantum computers forward. The technique allows atoms to interact with each other in targeted manner to exploit quantum-mechanical effects for calculations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 9, 2017

Rabies viruses reveal wiring in transparent brains

Researchers used rabies viruses to visualize neural transplant integration in mouse brains, revealing region-specific connections between transplanted cells and host neurons. The approach opens new prospects for predicting and optimizing the ability of neural transplants to functionally integrate into a host nervous system.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2017

India was by no means as isolated as we thought

Scientists have discovered fossils of biting midges encased in amber from the Indian subcontinent, showing a strong similarity with examples from Europe and China. The findings indicate that the Indian subcontinent was not isolated during its migration towards Eurasia and Asia around 54 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 12, 2017

Bacterial Pac Man molecule snaps at sugar

Researchers discovered a bacterial protein that uses a Pac Man-like chewing motion to grab and hold onto sugar molecules, allowing pathogens to evade the immune system. This understanding could lead to the development of new therapeutics targeting this protein.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 10, 2017

Inflammation halts fat-burning

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that inflammation in abdominal fat blocks fat-burning by inhibiting cGMP signaling. Administering cGMP-stimulating active ingredients may be a possible starting point for treating obesity and preventing related complications.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 3, 2017

Researchers watch biomolecules at work

Scientists at the University of Bonn have successfully observed an important cell protein in action using a novel method that measures structural changes within complex molecules. This breakthrough allows researchers to elucidate cellular processes in their natural environment.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 9, 2016

Diaphragm much older than expected

Researchers found evidence of a diaphragm-like structure in early pelycosaurs, dating back over 300 million years. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the evolution of respiratory systems and warm-bloodedness.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2016

Uncombable hair gene discovered

Researchers found mutations in three genes involved in forming the hair shaft, which causes uncombable hair syndrome, a rare condition affecting around 100 documented cases worldwide. The discovery provides insights into mechanisms of healthy hair formation and secures clinical diagnosis with molecular genetic methods.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 17, 2016

'Blind dates' in the amber world

Scientists have discovered a 54 million-year-old fossilized biting midge in amber, revealing an unusual vesicular structure at the front edge of its wings. This structure was likely used by the female midge to collect and spray pheromones for attraction, unlike modern biting midges that use simpler methods.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 5, 2016

Termination of lethal arrhythmia with light

Researchers at the University of Bonn and Johns Hopkins University have developed a new method to stop life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia using light stimuli. The technique shows promise as an alternative to painful electric defibrillation, with potential for implantable optical defibrillators in the future.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 12, 2016