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University of Freiburg


How emotions influence our internal clock

A study by Dr. Roland Thomaschke and colleagues found that emotions impact our mental time-processing system, causing faster processing of positive concepts and slower processing of negative ones. This suggests that emotional states can influence human perception, potentially affecting how we respond to advertisements or online content.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEmotion·DateNov 14, 2017

Ions in the spotlight

Researchers from the University of Freiburg have developed a method to trap ions in optical traps, preventing driven motion and allowing for longer lifetimes. This breakthrough enables the creation of ultra-cold temperatures and observation of quantum effects in chemical processes.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 2, 2017

Rhythm of memory

A study by Prof. Dr. Marlene Bartos and her team found that inhibiting circuits in the hippocampus create high-frequency brainwaves that support parallel processing and storage of information, a key mechanism for laying initial traces of memory.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2017

Cleaning up? Not without helpers

Researchers from the University of Freiburg successfully identified the molecular composition of calcium-ATPases, crucial for controlling various Ca2+-dependent processes in cells. The discovery highlights the essential role of novel subunits Neuroplastin and Basigin in regulating Ca2+ clearance.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNeuron·DateOct 19, 2017

Lightning-fast trappers

Researchers discovered that bladderwort traps suck in prey like water fleas at incredible speeds, decelerating them before trapping. Comparative analyses of different species revealed unique trap entrance structures and movement patterns adapted to various habitats.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 21, 2017

Gender-open science

The University of Freiburg is leading a three-year project to strengthen gender skills in MINT disciplines and promote equal opportunities. The initiative will develop online teaching modules highlighting the impact of diversity on medical diagnoses and combating gender stereotypes in technology.

New inhibitor brings new hope

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have developed a new model to isolate and study cancer stem cells from breast cancer patients. The team found that inhibiting the epigenetic regulator KDM4 can block proliferation of cancer stem cells, induce changes in their molecular make-up, and reduce tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 14, 2017

A holodeck for flies, fish and mice

Researchers develop a virtual reality system that decouples movement from perception in animals, allowing for the study of spatial cognition. The system is used to test various behaviors, including navigation, fear response and collective behavior.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 21, 2017

Smart computers

A team of scientists from the University of Freiburg has created a self-learning algorithm that decodes human brain signals measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG) with high accuracy. The algorithm, based on brain-inspired models, can recognize and differentiate between various behavioral patterns from different movements, making it ...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateAug 18, 2017

A map of the cell's power station

Scientists from the University of Freiburg successfully mapped the mitochondrial protein landscape, revealing over 200 new proteins not previously attributed to this organelle. This study provides a basis for studying the potential new functions of mitochondria and understanding various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 18, 2017

On the path to vitamin A in rice

Scientists from the University of Freiburg successfully elucidated the three-dimensional structure of phytoene desaturase, a crucial enzyme in carotene production. This breakthrough offers insights into herbicide binding and reaction mechanisms, which may lead to new agents for crop protection and Golden Rice development.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalStructure·DateJul 21, 2017

On the way to a biological alternative

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have made a significant step towards understanding nitrogenase's function by analyzing its spatial structure. The team discovered that a vanadium ion replaces molybdenum in the enzyme, leading to distinct effects on its geometric and electronic structure.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 13, 2017

No pain, no gain?

A recent study by University of Freiburg researchers found that an individual's expectations and self-perception play a significant role in determining the level of strenuousness experienced during physical exercise. The study, which involved 78 test subjects, showed that those who believed they were more athletic or had faith in sport...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 2017

The Black Forest and climate change

Scientists discovered silver fir and Douglas fir are more tolerant to extreme droughts than Norway spruce in the Black Forest. Replacing spruce forests with mixed-species forests of these conifers could have a greater positive effect on biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 30, 2017

Discovering, counting, cataloguing proteins

Researchers from the University of Freiburg have discovered over 900 mitochondrial proteins in baker's yeast using quantitative mass spectrometry and bioinformatics methods. This extensive dataset provides a foundation for understanding the biology of mitochondria in various organisms, from yeast to humans.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 28, 2017

Dune ecosystem modelling

Researchers developed a concept to model the physical surroundings' influence on Acacia longifolia's interaction with other plants, considering factors like soil type, nutrients, light intensity, wind, and soil moisture. Isoscapes reveal the distribution of nitrogen introduced by the invasive species across the landscape.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 23, 2017

From the somatic cell to the germ cell

Researchers identified multiple genes that enable somatic cells to switch to germline fate in plants. The discovery provides molecular evidence for the evolution of reproductive systems in ancient plants, showing how plants limit switching to create a single germ cell.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience·DateJun 8, 2017

Tumor induction from a distance

A study by researchers at the University of Freiburg found that activation of FOXO can induce tumors in stem cells without initial DNA damage. The team discovered that signals inducing this cancer come from surrounding tissues, including epidermis.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 2, 2017

How enzymes communicate

Researchers have discovered that enzymes can be activated by electrical stimulation, leading to ultrafast signal transfer within cells. This process allows for locally restricted signaling, preventing unwanted cellular processes such as cell death.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2017

Who swims where?

A global research team developed a new Web app to compare and align marine species occurrence maps from two extensive databases, improving the basis for ecological studies and policy decisions. The updated maps include 24,586 species, with some discrepancies found in the IUCN and AquaMaps datasets.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 11, 2017

Closing the gate to mitochondria

Researchers create 'ImportOmics' method to identify proteins imported into mitochondria, uncovering new insights into cell function and potential disease causes. The study reveals over 1,120 mitochondrial proteins, including previously unknown associations.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 9, 2017

Maternal and paternal cooperation

A study by Prof. Dr. Thomas Laux and colleagues reveals that plants employ an intracellular signal pathway activated by sperm to activate gene transcription in zygotes. This collaboration between paternal and maternal factors enables the regulation of embryogenesis in plants, challenging the traditional parental conflict theory.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 8, 2017

Improving control of age-related obesity

A team of researchers has discovered that the epigenetic enzyme Lsd1 plays a key role in maintaining beige adipocytes, which burn fat to generate heat. By targeting this gene, they were able to prevent premature transformation of beige to white adipose tissue and reduce metabolic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2017

No sugar coating, but sweet nonetheless

A research team from the University of Freiburg has developed a new method to create microprobes that can grow into neural tissue without causing inflammation. These probes can deliver strong signals even after twelve weeks, opening up new possibilities for diagnoses and treatments for conditions like Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalBiomaterials·DateApr 5, 2017

The protective layer of prehistoric land plants

Researchers discovered a critical biochemical pathway in mosses that protects them from water loss and enables their adaptation to terrestrial environments. This finding suggests the prehistoric moss cuticle may have originated before lignin evolution in seed plants, influencing the development of complex ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2017

Calculating recharge of groundwater more precisely

A team of international researchers has developed a new approach to calculate groundwater recharge rates, significantly improving estimates for 560 million people in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. By accounting for subsurface heterogeneity, their model produces more realistic estimates than existing global models.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2017

In enemy garb

Researchers found that moths in the subfamily Arctiinae mimic wasps to evade birds and other predators. However, their nearly perfect resemblance is not due to learning from experience, as previously thought, but rather to deceive actual wasps into thinking they are part of the same species, thereby avoiding attack.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateFeb 24, 2017

Same behavior outdoors and in the lab

Desert ants have an internal navigation system that allows them to measure distance by recording steps taken and orient themselves using the sun. In a lab experiment, researchers created a spherical treadmill for the ants to navigate on, showing high precision in their navigation skills.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 16, 2017

Traffic light in the brain

A team of researchers has identified five subareas in the prefrontal cortex that play key roles in decision-making processes related to movement. By deactivating specific brain regions using optogenetics, the study found that inhibition and excitation areas work together to regulate movement. These findings have implications for unders...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 10, 2017

The origin of stem cells

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered how shoot stem cells form in plants, a process similar to animals. The transcription factor WOX2 regulates the balance between plant hormones cytokinin and auxin, allowing stem cells to maintain their unlimited potential for development.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 8, 2017

The role of the tunnel

A team of scientists has identified a crucial step in the protein-sorting process, revealing that the signal recognition particle (SRP) recognizes membrane proteins before they are fully synthesized. This discovery highlights the importance of ribosomal tunnels in coordinating protein transport and sorting.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 31, 2017

Toward a better drug against malaria

Researchers from the University of Freiburg have made significant progress in understanding how the antimalarial drug atovaquone works. By analyzing its molecular structure, they have identified key binding sites and revealed the underlying mechanism of resistance to mutations. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more ef...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 6, 2014

Gate for bacterial toxins found

Freiburg researchers identify LRP1 as a key molecule that regulates the intake of toxic bacteria like Clostridium perfringens. This finding opens up new avenues for developing agents against clostridia and may lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases caused by these pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2014

A new postal code for cancer

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have discovered a new paradigm for targeting specific cell types using nanoparticles. They developed particles that can recognize endothelial cells through biophysical principles, allowing for precise delivery to cancer cells without changing biological addresses. This breakthrough has significa...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2014