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University of Vienna


Smart blood: How AI reads your body's aging signals

Researchers linked physical fitness to blood biomarkers using AI and machine learning. Aspartate emerged as a key player in predicting activity level and healthy aging. The study mapped dynamic interactions between metabolites and revealed a molecular bridge between muscle-liver health and brain resilience.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·Journalnpj Systems Biology and Applications·DateSep 23, 2025

Bacteria that "breathe" rocks and Sulfur

A team of scientists has discovered a new microbial metabolism that removes toxic sulfide and uses iron minerals for growth, coupling the reduction of iron with the oxidation of sulfide. This process, known as MISO, could play a crucial role in regulating nutrient availability and mitigating pollution in aquatic environments.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateAug 28, 2025

Measuring how molecules communicate

A new method enables direct measurement of partial charges in molecules, providing insights into molecular interactions. The technique uses electron diffraction and ionic scattering factor modelling to quantify atomic charges, opening possibilities for designing pharmaceuticals with greater specificity.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2025

What geese teach us about leadership and followers

Research shows that bold and curious individuals dominate goose flocks, leading with protection and exploration while followers identify new opportunities. The study shifts focus to the cognitive abilities of followers, opening new pathways for understanding collective decision-making in geese and beyond.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournaliScience·DateAug 18, 2025

Quantum computers boost machine learning algorithms

A recent study by researchers at the University of Vienna demonstrates that small-scale quantum computers can significantly boost the performance of machine learning algorithms. The experiment showed that photonic quantum processors can classify data points with fewer errors than classical algorithms.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 5, 2025

Exotic vibrations in new materials

Carbyne, a linear chain of carbon atoms, exhibits unexpected quantum mechanical interactions with surrounding nanotubes. This phenomenon is due to the intrinsic electronic properties and structural instability of the chain, making it strongly react to external influences.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2025

Silk sponges instead of animal testing: How a 3D cell culture system could revolutionize cancer diagnostics

Researchers have developed a bioanalytical test system using human cells on a silk matrix to test active ingredients under realistic conditions. The new method enables efficient evaluation of future cancer diagnostics and has the potential to significantly reduce animal testing, accelerating the development of radiopharmaceuticals.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 20, 2025

Yawn! Many people are bored by spiritual practice

A recent study by researchers at the University of Vienna found that spiritual boredom is a common phenomenon, negatively impacting motivation and mindfulness during practice. The study suggests that personalizing spiritual practices and addressing individual needs can help reduce boredom and maximize their transformative value.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCommunications Psychology·DateMar 6, 2025

The galactic journey of our solar system

The Solar System passed through the Radcliffe Wave galactic structure approximately 14 million years ago, compressing its heliosphere and increasing interstellar dust influx. This journey may have impacted Earth's climate and left geological traces.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateFeb 25, 2025

Thawing permafrost threatens up to three million people in Arctic regions

A comprehensive study reveals five key hazards associated with thawing permafrost soils: infrastructure failure, disrupted mobility and supply, decreased water quality, challenges for food security, and exposure to diseases and contaminants. The researchers found that these risks have significant implications for the health and well-be...

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJan 16, 2025

Cleopatra's sister remains missing

The University of Vienna's Department of Evolutionary Anthropology has used modern CSI methods to determine the identity of a 1929 skull found in Ephesos, Turkey. The analysis revealed that the remains belonged to a boy between 11-14 years old suffering from pathological developmental disorders.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2025

How marine worms regenerate lost body parts

Researchers from the University of Vienna have discovered that marine worms regenerate lost body parts by dedifferentiation, where cells return to a stem cell-like state. This process allows them to form new segments quickly, with specific gene expression and transcription factors involved.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2024

Searching old stem cells that stay young forever

Researchers have identified multipotent stem cells in sea anemones that are regulated by highly conserved genes, which could provide insights into human aging. These stem cells express genes like nanos and piwi, essential for germ cell formation, and may hold the key to understanding the potential immortality of sea anemones.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 19, 2024