A research team has discovered that bees' complex eyes contain specialized facets that detect polarized light in the sky, producing a less-detailed but more accurate image. This allows bees to tune out unimportant information and focus on the big picture, using the sun's position as a compass.
Scientists have identified a protein called 4E-T that plays a central role in maintaining the dormant state of immature oocytes. The loss of this protein allows for the resumption of maturation, with important regulators and proteins activated to initiate the next steps.
A recent University of Konstanz study found that political parties in twelve democratic OECD countries neglect to address economic inequality in their manifestos. The issue plays a relatively small role in election platforms, with left-wing parties and governments being the exception, as they react only when income levels increase.
Researchers found that pygmy seahorses lose genes responsible for normal nose growth, resulting in short snouts. They also discover a loss of immune genes due to adaptation to coral toxins, allowing them to thrive without their full immune system.
The cichlid fish Perissodus microlepis has an unusual head shape due to bilateral symmetry breakdown, and its genome analysis reveals multiple genes contribute to this asymmetry. Behavioral experiences also influence the preferred direction of hunting behavior, reinforcing both genetic and morphological asymmetries.
A team of scientists from the University of Konstanz has identified the PPM1F enzyme as essential for cell migration in both embryonic development and tumor cell invasion. The study found that increased levels of PPM1F enhance the invasive potential of cancer cells, while its absence impairs cell adhesion and migration.
Researchers have developed a new method to control magnon pairs using laser pulses, enabling non-thermal changes in material properties and paving the way for terahertz data storage and transmission. The method uses naturally grown crystals, such as iron ore haematite, and achieves effects at room temperature without heat development.
Researchers found that individuals affected by infectious disease outbreaks show significantly less trust in the political establishment. The study suggests that policymakers should integrate trust-preservation strategies into their epidemic response plans to maintain democratic norms.
A team of researchers has identified a molecular mechanism regulating the activity of NMTs, enzymes that modify proteins to regulate biological functions. The study reveals a potential new starting point for developing improved drugs targeting certain types of cancer and viral infections.
Researchers studied pigeons' gaze following behavior in groups, finding they do indeed follow collective cues. The experiment revealed that group size plays a role in the effect, but there is no specific minimum number of pigeons required to produce the result.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz and Queen Mary University of London have made a significant breakthrough in artificial blood production by identifying the molecular signal CXCL12 that triggers the expulsion of the nucleus in red blood cells. This finding could lead to more efficient artificial blood production and has far-rea...
The teXirc project aims to create novel, scalable textile materials that are easily recyclable and biodegradable. The researchers will incorporate low-density functional groups into polyethylene-like crystallinity to enable efficient breakdown during recycling processes.
Researchers have created a trampoline that allows phonons to swing sideways and around corners without losing much momentum. The surface contains a pattern of triangular holes, enabling the phonons to move in different directions simultaneously.
The Konstanz Cluster of Excellence 'The Politics of Inequality' will continue to investigate the political causes and consequences of growing inequality in society. Researchers aim to prevent self-reinforcing processes and reduce structural inequalities.
Iain Couzin's research on animal collectives and collective intelligence has made significant breakthroughs, earning him a prestigious Fellowship. His work combines cutting-edge technologies with behavioural research to decipher the rules governing coordinated behaviour in animals.
A study by University of Konstanz researchers finds that most EU citizens support sanctions for member states violating democratic rules, recognizing the importance of upholding shared principles. The high level of support encourages the EU to enact and enforce effective measures to protect democracy.
Researchers developed advanced quantum components using niobium nitride CCAs, which feature high kinetic inductance and are well-suited for superconducting applications. The topology of the CCAs plays a crucial role in their function, enabling new possibilities for quantum simulations and controlled model systems.
Scientists used virtual reality to mimic schooling behavior in zebrafish, discovering a simple and robust control law that enables coordinated motion. This natural algorithm was then applied to swarms of robotic cars, drones, and boats, achieving performance comparable to state-of-the-art autonomous systems.
A study by the University of Konstanz found that individual bees within a colony exhibit different stinging behaviors, with some defending and others remaining calm. Social factors play a role, but personality is a key factor in determining group dynamics.
The study analyzed eight million congressional speeches, finding a significant decline in fact-based language and an increase in intuition-based rhetoric. This shift has been linked to decreased legislative productivity and growing economic inequality.
Researchers have identified a new class of antibiotic that targets Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium causing gonorrhoea. The novel substance uses a unique mechanism to activate a self-destruction program in gonococci, killing the bacteria without harming other microorganisms or human cells.
Researchers from the University of Konstanz challenged long-held hypotheses on collective motion in locust swarms, finding that sensory input and neural representations drive movement decisions. Contrary to previous assumptions, alignment with others is not responsible for coordinating collective motion.
Researchers explore cognitive foundations of cross-species social behavior using octopus and reef fish as examples. These alliances challenge traditional views of intelligence and cooperation in the animal kingdom.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have developed tactile learning materials that allow students to explore mathematical concepts and scientific data using touch. The project, Geo3DTouch, aims to create inclusive access to education for people with sight impairments by providing 3D printed prototypes and detailed instructions.
Researchers discover that disordered solids lose stability at low-frequency vibrations near zero, leading to a 'loose state' where particles slide in clusters. The theory applies to materials with negligible thermal fluctuations, including those found in space.
A new study by the Cluster of Excellence 'The Politics of Inequality' at the University of Konstanz examines how right-wing populist election results impact migrant trainees' perceptions of discrimination and mental health. The research, conducted with around 1,000 trainees, reveals that regions with high levels of support for far-righ...
A new computer vision framework, YOLO-Behavior, automatically identifies animal behaviors from videos, overcoming manual annotation limitations. The method has been applied to various study systems, doubling available data for parental care behavior and enabling rapid analysis of cooperative behavior.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz developed an AI system to speed up nanoparticle measurements, reducing time from hours to minutes. The system, based on Meta's open source AI technology, can accurately count complex particles and measure individual particles with high precision.
Researchers developed a new technology to track the eye movements of free-swimming fish in 3D, without invasive methods. The method analyzes video recordings to reconstruct the fish's 3D body posture, eye position, and retinal view, providing insights into their collective behavior.
Psychologists from the Konstanz Cluster of Excellence use portable EEGs to examine synchronization of brain activity in groups of viewers who watch real video health messages against risky alcohol consumption. The study demonstrates that strong messages lead to increased synchronization of brain waves, a key finding with implications f...
A team led by biologist Thomas Mayer found that a small binding-pocket on cyclin B helps regulate the sequence of cell division events. Without this pocket, malformations occur due to incorrect kinase phosphorylation, leading to potential tumours or infertility.
A new AI-powered software, EmbryoNet, can automatically detect defects in animal embryos and link them to underlying signalling pathways. This technology has the potential to replace lengthy animal studies in drug research, speeding up conventional processes while reducing costs significantly.
An international research team found that gentle touch enhances social connection and trust, stress reduction, and better mental health. Caring touch can also evolve cooperation in animals, as observed in Apostlebirds and Siberian jays.
Physicists from the University of Konstanz have created a solution using microrobots and counterfactual rewards to ensure fair distribution of load in collective tasks. The approach enhances efficiency and provides insights into improving teamwork in various collective systems.
Renowned researcher Iain Couzin has received the 2024 Fyssen International Prize for his groundbreaking work on collective behaviour across species. His research, which explores how coordinated patterns emerge from individual behaviours in diverse animal systems, significantly advances our understanding of group dynamics.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have discovered that different mutations of the tumour suppressor p53 affect pancreatic carcinomas differently. The study found that two variants of p53 selectively control distinct metabolic pathways, providing new insights into cancer development.
A German Research Foundation-funded project led by Stefan Mecking aims to quantify the biodegradation of polyethylene. The team develops methods to distinguish carbon dioxide from plastic and investigate factors influencing biodegradability, such as molecular structure and functional groups.
The German Research Foundation has approved renewed funding for SFB 1432 until 2028, expanding the project's scope to investigate fluctuations in ferroelectric and magnetically nonlinear materials. The team will also develop advanced mathematical analysis methods for complex dynamic systems.
Researchers from 14 scientific journals worldwide are urging governments and industry to collaborate on microbiological research to tackle climate change. They identify six promising fields of action, including binding CO2 and making living organisms more resilient.
Iain Couzin, a pioneer in collective behaviour research, has been honoured on the prestigious Global Highly Cited Researchers list by Clarivate Analytics. His work seeks to uncover core principles behind collective behaviour in nature, using cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality and imaging hangars.
The exhibition 'ÜberLeben erzählen' at the StadtPalais in Stuttgart sheds light on the 1944 massacre in Sant'Anna di Stazzema, Italy, through personal stories and witness accounts. The show is part of an interdisciplinary project that also explores remembrance, silence, and reflection on the past.
A recent study by Sharon Baute found that 95% of German respondents agree climate change is partly man-made, but public approval heavily depends on policy design features. Social components, such as investing in human capital or providing subsidies for low-income households, can significantly increase support for EU climate policy.
The University of Konstanz tops the global rankings for political science research, driven by its Cluster of Excellence in 'The Politics of Inequality'. The institution has earned a top placement alongside international elite universities.
Researchers found that stress responses can spread to unexposed group members, altering their activity levels and social behaviors. This impact on social cohesion could have profound effects on the fitness of individual members and the dynamics of groups.
A study proposes declaring coral protection a human right to save coral reefs from extinction. The measure would speed up coral protection and have dramatic consequences for millions of marine species and humans.
Researchers found that octopus-hunting groups have unique properties, including hierarchical structure and specialized roles. Fish play a crucial role in environmental exploration and prey detection efficiency, while the octopus determines timing and initiation of movement.
Scientists discover a dynamic paxillin-integrin interaction that enables flexible yet stable cell cohesion. This finding may lead to the development of new medical agents targeting cellular adhesion points.
Researchers have sequenced the lungfish genome, which is 90 billion bases long and breaks all records for size. The study reveals that autonomous transposons are responsible for the genomic expansion, but surprisingly, the genome remains stable despite its enormous size.
Researchers at University of Konstanz shape electron matter wave into left- or right-handed coils of mass and charge. This achievement has implications for fundamental physics and potential applications in quantum optics, particle physics, and electron microscopy.
Chemists at the University of Konstanz create novel materials by balancing contrasting conditions using a single reaction vessel. The resulting pigment@TiO2 materials exhibit synergistic properties suitable for battery applications.