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University of Münster


New geological archive discovered: Fossilised wood reveals 300 million years of Earth’s history

Researchers found five stages of silicic acid formation in fossilised wood, spanning 200 million years and documenting temperature, pressure, and composition conditions. The study uses quartz cathodoluminescence, fluid inclusions, and other techniques to reconstruct the geological history of the Saale Basin in central Germany.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 24, 2026

New approaches against fungal infections discovered

Researchers at University of Münster and National and Kapodistrian University of Athens used cryo-electron microscopy to elucidate the structure of UapA transporter, a key fungal transporter. The study reveals a specialized 'elevator-type' transport mechanism that could lead to new antifungal drug strategies.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2026

Lithium and sodium-ion technologies are more closely linked than assumed

A recent study published in Nature Energy found that switching to a new battery technology does not automatically open the door to new market players due to established companies' structural advantages. The researchers analyzed over 15,000 patents and found significant knowledge transfer between lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2026

New method for housane synthesis

Chemists at the University of Münster developed a new method to produce high-grade housane molecules, which are small tri- or quadripartite ring molecules crucial for drug development and materials science. The reaction is triggered by photocatalysis, enabling efficient access to valuable products.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Biologists reveal ancient form of cell adhesion

Biologists have discovered that the talin protein is crucial for successful cell adhesion in animals, a mechanism likely developed from single-celled organisms. The study reveals the evolutionary conservation of this ancient adhesion mechanism, providing new insights into the origins of animal tissues and organs.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2025

Electric vehicle batteries: Prioritize reuse before recycling

A study by researchers at the University of Münster found that deploying end-of-life EV batteries as stationary energy storage devices can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By prioritizing reuse, countries with high renewable energies can save up to 56 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2025

New possibilities for scanning tunnelling microscopy

Scientists have developed a new method for scanning tunnelling microscopy that enables the investigation of buried interfaces and atomic-scale structures. The technique allows for high-spatial resolution analysis of both surface and subsurface layers, revealing local magnetic properties and stacking sequences.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2025

Research team produces low-loss spin waveguide network

A research team from the University of Münster has developed a new way to produce spin waveguides, allowing for large networks capable of processing information efficiently. The team created the largest spin waveguide network to date, with precise control over properties such as wavelength and reflection.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2025

Halogens reveal the secrets of the lunar crust

Researchers have discovered that rocks from the Earth-facing side of the Moon contain a surprisingly high amount of chlorine, suggesting volcanic eruptions may be responsible for its distribution. This finding provides new clues about the Moon's origin and evolution, including the formation and chemical changes of its crust.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2025

New study on the global race for future battery technologies

A study reveals an increasing polarisation between Asia and Western nations in future battery technologies, with Europe and the US focusing on improving existing lithium-ion batteries. Meanwhile, countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are investing in high-energy batteries and low-cost alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2025

New insights into the immune response of plants

A team of researchers has identified a calcium-activated bi-kinase module as the central molecular switch driving plant immune response. This discovery sheds light on how plants transmit immune signals from cell to cell without disrupting other signalling chains, using reactive oxygen species and calcium signals.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025

Research team discovers disruption of visual stability

A study by the University of Münster's research team led by Prof Markus Lappe found that smooth eye movements cannot be performed for all types of visual motion, leading to a disruption of spatial perception. The researchers also discovered that the compensation mechanism for rapid eye movements is overridden when certain non-rigid mov...

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 7, 2024

New method for producing innovative 3D molecules

Researchers at the University of Münster have developed a new method for synthesizing heteroatom-substituted 3D molecules, which are more stable than related flat rings. The innovative structures show promise as substitutes in drug molecules, offering new possibilities for drug development.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Scientists decode black widow spider venom

Researchers at the University of Münster deciphered the structure of α-latrotoxin, a potent neurotoxin that interferes with nervous system transmission. The toxin forms calcium-permeable membrane pores, inducing muscle contractions and spasms.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 7, 2024

Evolutionary algorithm generates tailored “molecular fingerprints”

A team at the University of Münster developed an improved method for explaining machine predictions of chemical reactions, using mechanisms such as reproduction, mutation and selection. The algorithm creates customised molecular fingerprints that predict chemical reactions with surprising accuracy, suitable for predicting quantum chemi...

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalChem·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 8, 2024

Study shows: 2D materials rotate light polarization

A German-Indian research team has achieved a significant breakthrough in developing miniaturized optical isolators by utilizing ultra-thin two-dimensional materials. The researchers successfully rotated the polarization of visible light by several degrees under small magnetic fields, paving the way for on-chip integration of optical co...

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2024

New strategy for assessing the applicability of reactions

Chemists develop new reactions using model systems and substrates to demonstrate versatility. A new computer-aided method reduces subjective bias by analyzing real pharmaceutical compounds' complexity and structural properties. This improves data quality and facilitates machine learning applications.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalACS Central Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2024

Moon rocks with unique dust found

A research team led by Dr. Ottaviano Rüsch from the University of Münster has discovered anomalous meter-sized rocks on the lunar surface covered in dust, exhibiting unique reflective properties. These findings provide insights into the processes that form and change the lunar crust, including potential magnetic anomalies.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·DateJan 18, 2024

Psychotherapy effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder following multiple traumatic events

A meta-analysis of 10,600 patients reveals that psychological interventions are highly effective in treating PTSD following multiple traumatic events. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy is the first line of treatment recommended in national guidelines, offering improved patient and therapist outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 12, 2024

Chemists develop new approach to inserting single carbon atoms

Researchers have developed a precise and efficient tool using 'single atom skeletal editing' to insert single carbon atoms into cyclic compounds, enabling ring size adjustment from five to six-membered rings. This approach opens up the way for designing and modifying complex molecular structures with potential industrial applications i...

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024