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University of Freiburg


Formation of pores in mitochondrial membrane elucidated

Researchers at the University of Freiburg and Kyoto Sangyo University have elucidated the guidance mechanism for mitochondrial pore formation through structural and functional experiments. The study reveals that Sam50 and Sam37 proteins play critical roles in forming barrel pores, essential for cellular function.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 5, 2023

How cells find the right partners

Researchers found that the Eya protein regulates cell contact behavior, allowing for self-organization of epithelial cells with nurse cells. This mechanism enables complex development processes, including egg chamber formation and sperm cell development, in Drosophila.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2022

Using nanopores to detect epigenetic changes faster

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have successfully characterized epigenetic modifications using nanopore analysis. The technique allows for rapid detection of protein fragments with varying levels of acetylation, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 31, 2022

How crops can better survive floods

Researchers have found a signaling molecule that helps plants survive flooding by triggering a molecular emergency power system. Pretreating plants with ethylene improves their chances of survival. The study could lead to the development of resistant plant varieties to combat waterlogging and flooding in agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJun 10, 2022

How cells control mitochondria

Researchers have identified DYRK1A as a critical signaling protein that modifies the molecular machinery of the TOM complex, making it more permeable for enzymes important for cell metabolism. This discovery offers new insights into neurodevelopmental disorders and potential treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2021

Programmable structures from the printer

Scientists have created movable, self-adjusting materials systems with complex shape changes that can be triggered by moisture. These systems mimic the movement mechanisms of the air potato plant and have produced their first prototype: a forearm brace that adapts to the wearer.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 9, 2021

Novel strategy for natural product biosynthesis

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have identified a novel flavoprotein dioxygenase crucial for bacterial tropone biosynthesis. The enzyme activates oxygen in a previously unknown way and incorporates it into a chemical precursor compound, generating the basic structure of tropone.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 2, 2021

Wild bees need deadwood in the forest

A recent study published in Forest Ecology and Management found that creating deadwood in coniferous forests can promote the abundance of aboveground nesting bees. The researchers created artificial structures with standing timber in six sample plots in the Black Forest National Park, leading to an increase in wild bee populations.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateJun 23, 2021

A remote control for gene transfer

A team of researchers from the University of Freiburg has developed a new technology that enables controlled introduction of target genes into individual selected cells. They achieved this by introducing genetic information with an optical remote control, allowing only cells illuminated with red light to take up desired genes.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 17, 2021

The electron merry-go-round

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have detected a previously unknown quantum effect in metal clusters, where electrons exhibit behavior similar to classical particles. The team's findings contradict previous predictions and suggest that decoherence suppresses interferences, leading to almost classical distributions.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 15, 2021

Binding of a second CO molecule observed

Researchers at University of Freiburg discover how vanadium-dependent nitrogenase binds two CO molecules simultaneously, enabling reductive process for industrial applications. This breakthrough sheds new light on the mechanistic principles behind nitrogenase's ability to reduce toxic gas carbon monoxide.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 10, 2021

Plant competition during climate change

Researchers investigated plant competition under dual stressors of extreme drought and invasive species, finding dynamic interactions that amplify or buffer each other. Cork oak trees surprisingly recover better than expected after extreme drought when the invasive gum rockrose is also affected.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJun 4, 2021

Hybrid redox-flow battery with a long cycle life

A team of researchers from the University of Freiburg has developed a non-aqueous All-Manganese Flow battery with a long cycle life, achieving an energy density roughly twice that of previous batteries. The new design uses sustainable manganese as its active material and has shown promising results for stationary energy storage.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 31, 2021

How plants find their symbiotic partners

A team of scientists has identified a protein called SYFO1, which plays a crucial role in the initial contact between legume roots and symbiotic bacteria. The protein causes root hairs to change direction, allowing them to wrap around bacteria and form beneficial relationships.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 3, 2021

Switching to light

A team of scientists at the University of Freiburg has developed a new optogenetic tool called BLADE that allows for controlled expression of genes in Escherichia coli using blue light. This breakthrough simplifies biotechnology methods and enables targeted protein production and signaling process studies.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 27, 2021

Glass injection molding

A team of researchers at the University of Freiburg has developed a process for injecting glass into molds, allowing for high-throughput production of transparent glass components. This new technology combines polymer and glass processing, enabling quick and cost-effective replacement of complex polymer structures with glass.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience·DateApr 9, 2021

Key enzymes for synthesizing natural products

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have discovered three key enzymes that play a crucial role in synthesizing natural products. These enzymes restructure a chemical precursor molecule to create the carbon backbone of these compounds, which are used for various pharmacological effects.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2021

Anti-cancer drug's mode of operation deciphered

Immunologists at the University of Freiburg have solved a mystery about how Rituximab, an anti-cancer drug, targets B tumor cells. The researchers found that CD20 organizes nanostructures on the B cell membrane, and its absence or binding to Rituximab activates resting B cells.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2021

Anti-freeze for cell membranes

Researchers have identified a new protein that regulates fluidity in moss cell membranes, allowing them to withstand cold temperatures. This discovery shows convergence in plant evolution, with mosses and flowering plants using similar mechanisms to protect themselves from cold and pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Plants·DateJan 25, 2021

Turbo boosters for the immune system

Researchers led by Olaf Groß will test the effectiveness of their IMMUNOSTIM compounds in boosting cancer treatment and vaccine efficacy. The team aims to develop a new class of immune-activating drugs that can enhance the body's natural defense against infectious diseases.

New challenges for wolf conservation

The growing wolf population in Germany threatens legally binding nature conservation goals due to increased attacks on livestock. The researchers propose simplifying regulatory measures, actively managing the wolf population, and providing financial support for farmers to implement conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNaturschutz und Landschaftsplanung (NuL)·DateJan 7, 2021

Key source of memories

A team of scientists has identified a region of the thalamus as a key source of top-down information, which is essential for processing sensory signals in the context of past experiences. This discovery sheds light on how the brain encodes and retrieves memories, particularly in cases of brain disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience·DateNov 16, 2020

Performance test for neural interfaces

Neural interface electrodes play a crucial role in studying the nervous system and developing potential treatments for diseases. A new set of guidelines has been established to standardize the testing of these electrodes, enabling transparent reporting and promoting an efficient scientific process.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Protocols·DateOct 28, 2020

Breaking the coupling process

Researchers at University of Freiburg and University of Zurich provide detailed understanding of allostery's dynamics and structure changes. Allostery is crucial for protein signaling, with disruptions potentially leading to diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2020