Researchers found that male rock hyraxes with more precise courtship songs had higher reproductive success, while those who sang less frequently also performed better in terms of rhythm and song quality. This study suggests that high rhythmic stability may serve as an indicator of male quality for females.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz developed a novel MRI contrast agent using prenucleation clusters of calcium carbonate, achieving three to four times higher contrast than commercial agents. The agent is produced easily, cheaply, and has no toxic properties.
A research team led by Miriam Unterlass successfully produced a hybrid material that combines organic and inorganic substances in a single process. The method uses hot water instead of toxic solvents, creating a reusable catalyst with potential applications in pharmaceuticals.
Researchers observe fruit bat migration patterns mirroring seasonal landscapes in sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting a unique role in plant pollination. The study reveals the ecologically underestimated fruit bats transport plant seeds along the 'green wave', potentially affecting local ecosystems.
A research team investigated the microscopic scale of furniture movement, finding moiré patterns reduce static friction when objects rotate simultaneously. This discovery could lead to ultra-low friction micro-machines.
A study by Dr. Anja Weidenmüller reveals that glyphosate affects the collective thermoregulatory capacity of bumblebee colonies, impacting brood development and colony growth. This effect is particularly pronounced in times of resource scarcity, highlighting the need to reassess pesticide approval procedures.
A survey of hospital staff in two Swiss hospitals found that those who were hesitant or refused vaccination displayed higher impatience and lower expectations for public vaccination rates. This has implications for future health campaigns, as medical staff serve as role models for the general public.
Hannah Williams, a movement ecologist, will conduct her research at the University of Konstanz's CASCB with a 1.6 million Euro grant. Her project aims to decipher animal movement patterns and develop an Optimal Movement Theory.
Researchers found that social learning can counteract risk aversion by promoting riskier options with higher rewards. By observing others' choices, participants made smarter decisions and became more explorative in trying out risky options. This process perpetuated itself as individual risk aversion was reduced.
Researchers from Konstanz University have developed a new class of water-soluble catalysts that allow for the direct manufacturing of polyethylene dispersions in water. This breakthrough enables environmentally-friendly and emission-free production of plastic coatings, reducing energy consumption and pollution.
A novel inhibitor has been discovered that stalls a critical enzyme inside tumour cells, locking them in place and preventing invasion into healthy tissue. The findings hold promise for the development of metastasis-blocking agents.
A study by Alisa Auer and Petra Wirtz found that men with essential hypertension are more likely to recognize angry expressions when looking at others' faces. This 'anger recognition bias' contributes to increased blood pressure over time if someone experiences high levels of anger.
A new study by University of Konstanz researchers found that women are 50% more likely to be considered for top executive positions in companies facing financial crises. The 'glass cliff' theory suggests that these appointments serve as a signal to investors, conveying a sense of change and readiness for big changes.
A study by Dr. Fuhimiro Kano and colleagues found that humans can distinguish gaze directions from each other more accurately than chimpanzees, particularly in challenging conditions. The researchers used computerized tasks to present images of human and chimpanzee eyes to both species, with white sclera in the chimpanzee eye improving...
Researchers used microrobots to demonstrate how a swarm of animals can complete an optimum flight response even if individual animals do not notice the threat or they react incorrectly. The study suggests that missing information from individual members can be compensated by other members, which may explain why animals organize themsel...
An international research team found that the protein complex NAC acts as a 'gatekeeper' controlling protein transport to the endoplasmic reticulum. NAC prevents non-specific binding of SRP to ribosomes, ensuring only proteins with ER destination are transported. This sorting mechanism ensures cellular function and viability.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown gene, goldentouch, responsible for the golden coloration in Midas cichlids. The gene, found on chromosome 11, is present in two variants: one associated with dark coloration and the other with orange/yellow coloration.
Researchers develop technique to study singlet/triplet ratio of electron pairs in charge-separated states, which could lead to advancements in organic solar cells and qubits. The 'pump-push-pulse' method allows for snapshots of spin state at different times.
Researchers found that global databases revealed a net loss of regional floristic uniqueness due to the spread of alien plants. The study highlighted biogeographic factors like climate distance and anthropogenic factors such as shared administrative history contributing to homogenization of regional floras.
A team of researchers at the University of Konstanz has developed a new method for producing polyethylene with added polar groups, which enhances its degradability while maintaining its durability. The new plastic exhibits slow chain degradation in simulated sunlight, unlike conventional polyethylenes.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 technique to edit genes in zebrafish larvae, altering individual behavioral responses and group behavior. The study suggests two simple visuomotor reflexes explain the collective behavior of zebrafish.
Researchers have unveiled a new form of magnetism in Sr2RuO4, which can coexist with superconductivity and exists independently. The discovery was made using muons to detect tiny magnetic fields and is expected to provide new insights for basic and applied research.
Comparative survey data from over 25,000 respondents highlights workers' concerns about technology-related job risks and expectations for funding for training and continuing education. Governments are advised to take a balanced policy approach, investing in social investment and social transfer measures.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have discovered that MXenes can be switched repeatedly between a flat and a rippled shape by applying femtosecond laser pulses. This discovery could lead to improved energy storage capacity, enhanced catalytic or antibiotic activity, and new applications in sensing and active plasmonic devices.
Despite EU's cosmetics regulation ban on animal testing, scientists found that 15% of cosmetic ingredient dossiers in the REACH database used results of 'new' animal tests. CAAT-Europe calls for more transparency and resolution to the conflict between Cosmetics Regulation and REACH.
An international team found the genetic basis for the seadragon's lack of teeth, leaf-like appendages and sex-determination gene. The research also showed that males care for fertilized eggs until they hatch.
Researchers have discovered a way to induce magnetic waves in antiferromagnets using ultrafast laser pulses, potentially leading to faster and more efficient data storage. This technology could endow materials with new functionalities for energy-efficient and ultrafast data storage applications.
Researchers have identified different thermal tolerance mechanisms in corals, with some species exhibiting 'resilient' and 'resistant' responses to heat stress. The findings provide a toolbox for protecting coral reefs worldwide and inform conservation prioritization.
A survey of hospital employees in Switzerland found that self-protection is the main motivation for wearing masks, while younger employees also prioritize protecting others due to their perceived risk aversion, according to researchers.
The study reveals that Chlamydomonas reinhardtii undergoes mutations leading to the emergence of multicellular life. The experiment confirms a theory on the origin of multicellularity, where cell groups are better at reproduction and more likely to survive than single cells.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have identified genetic pathways controlling fin spine development, showing how spines arise during embryonic development and evolve independently in different fish lineages. This study provides insights into the evolution of fin spines, which offer a strong evolutionary advantage to fish.
The Horizon 2020 projects RISK-HUNT3R and TOX-Free aim to develop animal-free strategies and tools for chemical risk assessment, combining in vitro and computational approaches. The projects will improve the accuracy and efficiency of safety assessments, enabling the development of sustainable alternatives.
A field experiment involving 100 students showed that soft smartphone bans can increase efficiency for standard routine tasks, but have no notable impact on more complex tasks. The success of soft bans also depends on employees' perceptions of social norms and freedom of choice.
Researchers found that Siberian jays exclusively trust warning calls from members of their own group, ignoring those from neighboring territories. This social knowledge mechanism may have played a role in the diversification of human languages and dialects.
Researchers study individual bees' decision to sting based on alarm pheromone concentration, revealing a 'stopping effect' at high concentrations. The study suggests environmental factors drove the evolution of pheromone-based communication in honeybees' defensive behaviour.
A recent study assesses the invasiveness of European and native plant species using three dimensions: local abundance, geographic extent, and habitat breadth. High values in these variables characterize successful invaders, with early introduction to Europe and rapid growth contributing to their success.
Researchers developed a microparticle-based cancer vaccine that kickstarts an immune response, increasing the proportion of mice cured of tumors to 75%. Combining the vaccine with immune checkpoint inhibitors greatly improves treatment success, offering a promising approach to improving cancer treatment.
A new type of collective behaviour in ants has been revealed by an international team of scientists. The ants use scaffolds to ensure traffic flow on sloped surfaces, resulting from individual sensing and decision-making without group-level communication. This simple yet effective mechanism may inspire designs for artificial systems.
A study by researchers at the University of Konstanz and Vienna discovered that specialized gut bacteria cooperate to process sulfoquinovose, a sulfonic acid derivative found in green vegetables. The analysis revealed that this process produces hydrogen sulfide, which has disparate effects on human health.
Researchers found that populations of great tits can switch from one behavior to a more efficient alternative when group members are replaced with new birds. Fluid social groups were more likely to adopt the new behavior, allowing them to adapt to changing environments.
Researchers led by Dr. Katrin Vogt found that fly larvae adjust their behavior in response to internal states and context, similar to human brains. The study, funded by the German Research Foundation and NIH, sheds light on how the brain controls sensory processing.
A team led by Professor Malte Drescher successfully observed the membrane binding of α-synuclein in living cells using a new measurement method. The study provides direct evidence that α-synuclein interacts with intracellular membranes, which may play a role in Parkinson's disease development.
The international research network SuperGate is developing a bridging technology that combines superconductor technology with semiconductor technology. The goal is to design high-performance superconducting circuits that can be operated as if they were based on semiconductor technologies.
Members from underrepresented groups in German Bundestag are more active in legislative process but tend to move on after few years due to career-related incentives. They often focus on group interests initially, then shift to broader topics for greater power and appeal.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have created a more energy-efficient chemical recycling method for polyethylene-like plastics, recovering around 96% of the starting material. The new process uses 'breaking-points' to deconstruct molecular chains into smaller building blocks, making it suitable for 3D printing applications.
Seahorses spread globally by riding ocean currents, adapting to new habitats with rapidly evolving genomes. The researchers found that seahorses from Africa cross the southern Atlantic Ocean into South America, introducing genetic material into local populations.
The University of Konstanz and Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior host a virtual TEDxKonstanz event from March 2-5, 2021, featuring talks on animal intelligence, patterns in nature and society. Talks will be available in both English and German.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have discovered a new state of matter called liquid glass, which exhibits complex behavior. The particles in liquid glass are able to move but not rotate, leading to local clusters that obstruct each other and prevent an ordered state from forming.
A study by the University of Konstanz found that voluntary motivation to comply with anti-COVID-19 policies is relatively high in Germany, but can be crowded out by enforcement. Measures like limiting contacts and vaccinations showed higher agreement when implemented voluntarily, while wearing masks and travel restrictions had the same...
Researchers from University of Konstanz and LMU Munich demonstrate ultrafast electron diffraction to uncover nanomaterials' functionality. They observe quantum mechanical phase shift through interaction with light waves, providing a movie-like sequence of images revealing fundamental light-matter interactions.