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University of Münster


Study on battery recycling shows China is in 1st place

A study by researchers from the University of Münster found that China will be able to meet its demand for primary lithium for electric vehicles through recycling as early as 2059, while Europe and the US will not achieve this until after 2070. Recycling is also expected to ensure China's need for cobalt by 2045 and nickel by 2046.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 8, 2023

Unexpected behaviour discovered in active particles

Physicists investigate systems of self-propelled particles whose speed depends on orientation, discovering a series of new effects, including spontaneous cluster formation with permanent flow and programmable shapes. The findings have practical importance for technical applications, such as realising programmable matter.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 23, 2023

Demonstrating the significance of individual molecules during mechanical stress in cells

Researchers at the University of Münster have developed a new method to study the function of individual molecules during mechanical stress in cells. They used a light-sensitive molecule to alter proteins and apply short light pulses to control their movement, allowing them to investigate the mechanical significance of these proteins.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

Traumas in children and adolescents can be treated effectively

A meta-analysis by researchers at the University of Münster confirms that trauma-focused therapy is highly effective for treating PTSD in children and adolescents. The study found that this form of therapy can change patients' thought patterns and behaviors, enabling them to confront their trauma under therapist supervision.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

New study takes close look at energy storage

Researchers analyze current state of solid-state battery technology, identifying key challenges such as developing solid electrolytes and anode materials. The study concludes that new approaches in material research are necessary to overcome these hurdles and achieve commercialization.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Energy·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 23, 2023

Mechanical forces in the nervous system play a corrective role

In a breakthrough study, researchers at Münster University revealed that mechanical tearing is the primary mechanism behind neurite pruning in sensory nerve cells of fruit flies. This process, which occurs during development, involves strong body contractions causing stress on fragile neurites, leading to their severance and removal.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

New study on the circadian clock of the fruit fly

Researchers discovered a point mutation in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster that leads to a temperature-dependent lengthening of circadian clock periods. The mutation affects the nuclear export signal of the PERIOD protein, resulting in its retention in the cell nucleus at higher temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 29, 2022

Researchers control individual light quanta at very high speed

A team of researchers has successfully controlled individual photons on a chip with unprecedented precision, enabling the development of hybrid quantum technologies. By harnessing nanoscale soundwaves, they can switch photons between two outputs at gigahertz frequencies, paving the way for secure quantum communication networks.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2022

Plants can measure the intensity of salt stress

Researchers at the University of Münster have identified a specific group of cells in plant roots that react to salt stress, forming a 'sodium-sensing niche' and triggering a calcium signal. This signal is controlled by a calcium-binding protein (CBL8) that helps pump out salt from the plant under severe stress conditions.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

On the way to cell-type materials

Physicists at University of Münster successfully reveal dynamic interaction of molecular shuttles using molecular-dynamic simulations. The study provides detailed insight into how embedded machines function and interact, enabling targeted control of transport properties and catalytic processes.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 4, 2022

Chemists develop new multi-component reaction

Chemists have successfully developed a new multi-component reaction involving ketyl radicals and palladium catalysis, enabling the rapid production of complex structures in a single step. This approach is considered environmentally friendly and has potential for further unforeseen synthetic transformations.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

Fruit flies adapt activity to “white nights”

Research team at University of Münster finds that a specific gene variant allows fruit flies to synchronize their circadian rhythm with temperature cycles under constant light. This adaptation enables better mating opportunities and increases the allele's evolutionary success.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

New findings on the internal clock of the fruit fly

A team of researchers from the University of Münster has made new findings on the internal clock of the fruit fly, demonstrating the role of transport proteins in regulating circadian rhythms. The study found that ions transported by KCC play a crucial role in synchronising the internal clock with external day-night rhythms.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2022

Large majority of citizens trust science

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that the majority of citizens trust science, with a significant increase in trust since the pandemic began. The study also revealed that educational level is a key factor in shaping trust judgment, and that scientists' intentions and expertise are crucial in maintaining public trust.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 10, 2022

First 3D structure of regulator protein revealed

Scientists at the University of Münster and Max Planck Institute have clarified the molecular basis for cellular degradation processes by elucidating the 3D structure of Mon1/Ccz1. The complex determines which vesicles deliver their content to the lysosome, a key step in protein regulation.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Help for stressed-out cells in a crisis

Researchers found that mitochondria can respire away harmful substances to protect protein folding, revealing an unexpected 'patron saint' role. This mechanism is triggered by reductive stress and protects proteins destined for export, showcasing the flexibility of plant mitochondria.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJan 26, 2022

Swinging on the quantum level

Researchers from Münster, Bayreuth, and Berlin have proposed a new way of preparing quantum systems to generate single photon states. The proposed method uses a swing-up process in the quantum system to separate generated photons from exciting laser pulses, which is promising for applications.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalPRX Quantum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 21, 2021

Surviving ‘butterfly disease’: long-term success of a new gene and stem-cell therapy for EB verified

A new gene and stem-cell therapy has been proven to be effective in treating Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a genetic skin disorder, without any side effects. The treatment, which involves transplanting genetically modified skin cells, has resulted in stable results after five years, with the patient now 13 years old.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 2021