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University of Freiburg


Divide and enlarge

A research team led by Prof. Dr. Robert Grosse has found that bundled fibers of actin play a crucial role in the expansion of cell nuclei after division. This process is essential for reorganizing genetic information and processing chromatin.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEMBO Reports·DateSep 22, 2020

Underground connection

Researchers developed the Effective Catchment Index (ECI) to analyze global data sets and determine how topographic and actual catchment areas differ. The study found that every third catchment has an effective area greater than twice or less than half its topographical area, influenced by water management activities.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 22, 2020

More than just genetic code

A team of scientists has made a breakthrough in understanding the complex process of photosynthesis by discovering that mRNAs transport proteins to thylakoid membranes. This finding opens up new avenues for research into photobiotechnology.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Plants·DateSep 8, 2020

Quantum simulation of quantum crystals

Researchers from the University of Freiburg and their collaborators have developed a new method to simulate the formation of quantum crystals using dipolar atoms. This allows for unprecedented precision in measuring structures that have not been observed before, providing insights into the quantum properties underlying crystal formation.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 27, 2020

Loop, resonate, and accelerate!

Researchers identified a new role for bi-directional connections in accelerating communication between brain regions. By creating loops, these connections can establish resonance and amplify signals, reducing the need for synchronization and increasing network efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 21, 2020

Breaking the limit

Scientists have synthesized brand-new transition metal carbonyl complexes, including Ta2(CO)12 and M(CO)7+, which transcend new chemical frontiers. These substances go beyond current compound limits, offering new possibilities for practical use and basic science research.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 23, 2020

Virtually captured

Researchers analyzed the Venus flytrap's biomechanical properties using digital 3D image correlation methods and finite element simulations. They found that the trap snaps shut when under prestress, and only traps with three tissue layers can close correctly.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2020

How the giant sequoia protects itself

The giant sequoia's bark has a three-dimensional network of fibers and air-filled cavities that distribute energy and insulate against heat. This unique structure helps protect the tree from wild fires and rock falls, with the bark returning to its original state after damage.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateJun 17, 2020

Innocent and highly oxidizing

Researchers at University of Freiburg developed a novel, stable oxidizing agent that overcomes common disadvantages of existing oxidants. The new reagent allows for the synthesis of reactive species in standard laboratory solvents and has broad applicability in inorganic, organic chemistry, electrochemical research.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 3, 2020

A storage battery for the entire world

Researchers at the University of Freiburg are developing a new storage concept that balances power density with affordability, recyclability and ease of use. The 'Plug-In' project aims to create a scalable and intelligent battery system for decentralized electrification in rural areas.

Programming with the light switch

A research team has created a system that uses light-reactive photo switches to control the formation and degradation of DNA building blocks. This allows for the creation of self-assembling structures with adaptable properties, opening up new possibilities for developing synthetic materials inspired by living organisms.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 6, 2020

Cancer mutation in dual role

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered that cancer-causing mutations in the KRAS gene lead to inflammation and slow down tumor growth. The study, led by Prof. Dr. Robert Zeiser, shows that K-Ras plays a dual role in both cancer development and immune response.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2020

Sensitivity to low flow

A new method helps scientists determine how vulnerable rivers are to drought conditions by analyzing streamflow data, identifying faster and slower components of runoff and their impact on river sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateMar 4, 2020

Global database for Karst spring discharges

The World Karst Spring hydrograph dataset (WoKaS) offers a comprehensive collection of over 400 karst spring discharge data, providing valuable insights into the world's fastest-flowing groundwater. This database supports trend analyses, impact studies, and model evaluations for sustainable water management.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScientific Data·DateFeb 21, 2020

Helpful oxygen carriers

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered a novel flavin N5-peroxide that reacts differently than previously known flavin C4a-peroxide, enabling the breakdown of stable chemical compounds and environmental pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 18, 2020

The origins of roughness

Scientists discovered that all materials develop identical statistical properties when exposed to mechanical deformation, leading to self-affine surface roughness. This finding explains the observed universality of surface roughness across different scales and materials.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 17, 2020

Brief bursts, big insights

Researchers developed a new method to analyze short beta wave bursts in real-time, associated with rats' movements and behavior. The study shows that increasing the recurrence of these bursts can improve motion control and neuroprosthetics.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 14, 2020

Electrons in rapid motion

Scientists successfully track oscillations with a period of about 150 attoseconds, revealing the temporal decay of quantum interference. This experiment paves the way for new applications in studying atomic and molecular processes triggered by high-energy radiation.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2020

Shaping waveforms

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have developed a method to control electronic dynamics in real time by shaping attosecond pulses. This breakthrough allows for the study of molecular or crystal responses and has potential applications in optimizing processes like photosynthesis and charge separation.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature·DateFeb 13, 2020

Sweet nanoparticles trick kidney

Scientists at the University of Freiburg created nanoparticles with polysaccharides, which allow them to pass through the kidneys and be excreted in urine. This breakthrough enables the combination of tumor accumulation and kidney clearance in a single nanoparticle, paving the way for safer nanomedicine administration.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 4, 2020

Fewer scars in the central nervous system

A team of scientists led by Prof. Dr. Christian Schachtrup found that fibrinogen inhibits the neuronal differentiation of NSPCs, leading to increased astrocyte formation and reduced scars. By reducing fibrinogen levels, they were able to block astrocyte formation from NSPCs.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2020

Nanobubbles in nanodroplets

Scientists have observed the ultrafast reaction of nanobubbles in helium droplets after extreme ultraviolet radiation (XUV) excitation. The findings help understand how nanoparticles interact with energetic radiation and decay, essential information for directly imaging individual nanoparticles.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2020

The calm of the deer

A study found that lynx reintroduction in Europe led to changes in deer behavior, with humans influencing their day-night rhythm. Deer reduced daylight movements by 1.37 when faced with human disturbances, while the presence of lynx increased daytime activity.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJan 8, 2020

How cells get moving

A research team has identified essential proteins for archaeal motility and its structure, revealing a complex protein complex that enables archaella to swim. The discovery provides insights into the unique mechanism of archaeal movement, distinct from bacterial flagellum-based locomotion.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateDec 17, 2019

Differentiating amino acids

Researchers from the University of Freiburg and US universities have developed a method to differentiate between individual amino acids in short peptides. They used an aerolysin nanopore to measure the ion current through the pore, enabling the sensitive measurement of peptide size and structure.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 17, 2019

Between arousal and inhibition

Scientists have found that granule cells and interneurons in the brain process incoming signals differently due to their distinct structures and functional characteristics. This discovery sheds light on how malfunctions can arise in information processing, leading to memory impairments and neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2019

Using gene scissors to detect diseases

A team of scientists at the University of Freiburg has created a microfluidic chip that recognizes small RNA fragments, enabling faster and more precise disease diagnosis. The CRISPR biosensor can detect increased levels of miRNA in blood samples from patients with brain tumors.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 25, 2019

Filaments that structure DNA

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered a mechanism by which actin filaments are formed in the nucleus, controlling chromatin dynamics and influencing genome readability. Physiological messengers trigger the assembly and disassembly of actin filaments, regulating the density of chromosomes.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2019

Receptor complexes on the assembly line

Researchers identified a step-by-step assembly process of AMPA receptors on the endoplasmic reticulum, critical for excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. The assembly line involves specific proteins and complexes, and its disturbance leads to severe brain dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNeuron·DateOct 15, 2019

Being attractive helps, but it isn't everything

Research finds that physically attractive candidates can gain up to 11 percentage points in US House of Representatives elections and 3.8 percentage points in German Bundestag elections due to their appearance. However, competent appearance and likeability have a lesser impact on voter decisions.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateOct 15, 2019

Global danger

A recent study published in Nature warns that nearly 20% of global catchments areas are already experiencing low stream and river flows due to groundwater pumping. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 50%, posing a significant threat to global freshwater ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature·DateOct 4, 2019

A Matter of concentration

A team of scientists at the University of Freiburg has found that the concentration of Argonaute proteins plays a central role in regulating the balance between stem cells and differentiated cells in plants. This balance is crucial for plant development, growth, and adaptation to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPlant Communications·DateSep 17, 2019

Diversity increases ecosystem stability

A study published in Global Change Biology found that forests with a diverse range of tree species are more productive and stable than monocultures. The research analyzed data from the Sardinilla experiment and concluded that mixtures of two and three tree species have significantly higher productivity, while those with five species ha...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 5, 2019

It is best not to fly to conferences

A study by Dr. Sebastian Jäckle found that conference attendees emit between 0.5-1.5 tons of CO2 per three-day meeting, with plane travel being the worst option. By choosing central venues and video transmission, emissions can be reduced by up to 85%.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEuropean Political Science·DateSep 4, 2019

Living components

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have developed a system to control the dynamics of energy-consuming DNA structures using an artificial chemical approach. The researchers successfully programmed these dynamic systems, enabling them to adapt to different situations and respond to stimuli faster.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 22, 2019

Holy crocodiles

A study on the cultural status of saltwater crocodiles in East Timor reveals a complex relationship between humans and animals. The research highlights the importance of incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into wildlife management to address severe human-crocodile conflict.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalHuman Dimensions of Wildlife·DateJul 2, 2019

Six fingers per hand

A study found that people with polydactyly, having six fingers per hand, exhibit improved motor skills and ability to perform movements with one hand. The researchers discovered dedicated brain areas controlling the extra finger's movement, allowing for versatile manipulation.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2019

The return of the wolves

The study explores how humans can coexist with wolves in Europe's fragmented landscapes. Scientists recommend protecting farm animals, strengthening ungulate populations, and influencing wolf behavior through deterrence measures. The research aims to provide a balanced view of wolves' ecological value and minimize conflicts.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMay 20, 2019