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University of Liège


A compost in the sea that produces oxygen

A study on Posidonia seagrass meadows in the Mediterranean Sea reveals surprising results: dead leaves break down like compost, producing oxygen through photosynthetic organisms. The researchers also found a two-way exchange between macroalgae on rocks and seagrass, with organic molecules diffusing between them.

Transfer RNAs at the heart of therapeutic resistance

A research team from the University of Liège has discovered that inhibition of VARS enzyme can prevent therapeutic resistance in melanoma by resensitising tumours. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients with resistant melanoma, paving the way for treatment combinations and enhancing targeted therapy efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 7, 2024

A new spiking neuron narrows the gap between biological and artificial neurons

Researchers at the University of Liège created a new type of spiking neuron, the Spiking Recurrent Cell (SRC), which combines simplicity with the ability to reproduce biological neuron dynamics. This innovation offers exciting prospects for neuro-inspired artificial intelligence, particularly in energy-efficient applications.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNeuromorphic Computing and Engineering·DateMay 27, 2024

The rapid production of isocyanate-free, biobased polyurethane foams at ambient temperature is now a reality!

Researchers at University of Liège have developed an innovative process for producing isocyanate-free, recyclable and biobased polyurethane (PU) foams by using rapid foaming technology from room-temperature formulations. This innovation offers a cutting-edge alternative to traditional toxic isocyanates-based processes.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 24, 2024

The evolution of photosynthesis better documented thanks to the discovery of the oldest thylakoids in fossil cyanobacteria

Researchers have identified the oldest thylakoid membranes, 1.2 billion years older than previously known, in 1.75 billion-year-old fossil cyanobacteria. This discovery provides a new approach to understand the early diversification of life and the role of cyanobacteria in the Great Oxygenation Event.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 5, 2024

Multiple evolutionary trajectories in aquatic crocodiles

Researchers at the University of Liège used 3D modeling to analyze the evolutionary trajectories of thalattosuchians and dyrosaurs, two species that colonized marine environments independently. The study reveals significant differences in adaptations and functional capacities between these groups and present-day crocodiles.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalPalaeontology·DateNov 15, 2023

The race of water droplets

A team of researchers from the University of Liège has studied the mechanisms governing water droplet speed along fibers. They found that thicker fibers result in lower speeds, but unexpected behavior occurs when two fibers are bundled together, leading to faster droplet movement.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateOct 27, 2023

Convalescent plasma reduces mortality by 10% in COVID-19 patients in acute respiratory distress and on artificial respiratory assistance

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that convalescent plasma administration reduced mortality by 10% in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress requiring artificial mechanical ventilation. The reduction was most pronounced when plasma was administered within the first 48 hours after initiation of ve...

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 25, 2023

Will you take ruthenium with your tea or coffee?

The study by Lionel Delaude and François Mazars has shown that combining a para-cymene ligand with an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand derived from caffeine or theophylline produces highly effective catalysts. These eco-friendly catalysts reduce the carbon footprint of chemical processes, making them more sustainable.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalOrganometallics·DateJul 11, 2023

Muscle fibers: An unexpected organization revealed

Researchers at the University of Liège have made a groundbreaking discovery of a novel organisation of muscle fibres in Parophidion vassali, a fish that produces sounds using specialized muscles. This new arrangement of myofibrils forms an enormous network within the muscle fibre, potentially allowing for rapid contraction while retain...

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalCell and Tissue Research·DateJun 5, 2023

The University of Liège and Mithra pharmaceuticals are intensifying their collaboration for the production of biosourced estetrol

The collaboration between CiTOS Lab at ULiège and Mithra Pharmaceuticals enables the development of an efficient biosourced estetrol production process. The thermolysis reaction yields a key intermediate with unprecedented productivity, allowing for several million doses to be achieved with minimal global footprint.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalReaction Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 20, 2023

Merons and antimerons

Bilayer hBN exhibits moiré polar domains that form networks of topological polar merons and antimerons. This symmetry breaking enables control over the topological properties in two-dimensional layered materials. The polarization field's winding is topologically non-trivial, resulting from a previously overlooked in-plane component.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2023

Discovery of an unexpected function of blood immune cells : Their ability to proliferate !

A new study by researchers at the University of Liège reveals that monocytes, blood immune cells, have the ability to proliferate and generate macrophages to replace damaged or missing immune cells. This discovery challenges current knowledge of cell proliferation and has implications for understanding various diseases, including cancer.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 17, 2023

Space travel influences the way the brain works

A study by the University of Antwerp and University of Liège found that prolonged microgravity affects human cerebral connectivity, with some changes persisting even after returning to Earth. The research used MRI data from 14 astronaut brains before and after their space missions.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 17, 2023

The effects of tightening a molecular knot

A study by University of Liège researchers decodes the mechanical response of synthetic small-molecule overhand knots to tightening, revealing a high resisting force and relative rigidity. The results have relevance for designing extended knotted and molecularly woven materials.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalChem·DateJan 16, 2023

Smilodon's sabre teeth

A study by University of Liège researchers provides insight into the mechanisms of Smilodon's biting efficiency, using high-precision 3D scans and simulation methods. The results show that sabre-toothed predators can effectively hunt despite their long canine teeth.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateDec 8, 2022

Metastable states of floating crystals

Scientists at the University of Liège have successfully manipulated the shape and symmetry of floating crystals by navigating between metastable states. The researchers used two experimental techniques: applying a horizontal magnetic field to induce deformation or controlling the growth of an assembly using thermocapillary fluxes.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 30, 2022