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University of Vienna


Quantum diffraction at a breath of nothing

Researchers successfully fabricated stable and large gratings in single layer graphene, enabling the study of massive objects' quantum mechanical nature. The team's achievement reduces material thickness to the ultimate limit, increasing interaction time between molecules and masks.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 25, 2015

Einstein saves the quantum cat

Researchers have discovered that time dilation caused by gravity can explain the suppression of quantum behavior in larger objects, such as molecules and dust particles. This effect destroys quantum superposition and forces these objects to behave classically.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 16, 2015

For a good gut feeling

Researchers found that type II interferon signals cause the release of CXCL10, an attractant for cells promoting inflammation. This study provides a new impetus for treating colitis with antibodies or direct administration of type III interferons.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateJun 2, 2015

Changing intelligence test performance

Researchers analyzed data from almost four million participants across 31 countries, finding that IQ gains were largely driven by improvements in knowledge and reasoning. Despite increases in global IQ, findings suggest that the strength of gains has been decreasing in recent decades.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJun 1, 2015

Studying dynamics of ion channels

Scientists have developed a powerful tool to investigate ion channel selectivity using infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamic-based simulations. This approach allows for the detection of subtle conformational changes in large membrane proteins, such as potassium channels, at atomic resolution.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateMay 18, 2015

Surprise from the deep ocean

A new study has uncovered Lokiarchaeota, a missing link in the evolution of eukaryotes, revealing unexpected complexity in its genome. The discovery provides insights into the emergence of organelles and cellular structure in early eukaryotic cells.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateMay 7, 2015

Evolution of the back-to-belly axis

Researchers found that sea anemones use BMP signaling molecules to establish a second body axis, regulating mesenteries and Hox gene activation. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of animal body axes over hundreds of millions of years.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 18, 2015

Even animals compose

Researchers from the University of Vienna found cross-species parallels in song production and perception among animals. Some species, such as songbirds and parrots, can learn to produce new sounds and even identify beats, similar to human music abilities.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateFeb 17, 2015

Fossil skull connects continents

A fossil skull discovered in Israel's Manot Cave provides strong evidence of the first modern human migration to Europe, dating back 55,000 years. The analysis reveals a close genetic relationship between ancient Europeans and modern humans from Africa, challenging previous theories about the origins of European modern humans.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJan 28, 2015

Carrot or stick?

Researchers found that a sequential use of reward and punishment can promote cooperation in collaborative endeavors. The study suggests that initially rewarding minor cooperators and then punishing free riders can lead to better outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateDec 3, 2014

How do our muscles work?

Scientists at Max F. Perutz Laboratories have elucidated the molecular structure and regulation of α-actinin, a crucial muscle protein. The findings provide unprecedented insights into the protein's mode of action and its role in muscle disorders, paving the way for improved treatments.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCell·DateNov 26, 2014

Hermit thrush or humans: Who sets the tone?

Researchers analyzed hermit thrush songs and found notes related by simple integer proportions, similar to human musical scales. The study suggests that hermit thrushes actively select pitches following the harmonic series, possibly due to easier memory or evaluation by females.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2014

'Divide and rule' -- raven politics

Researchers found that ravens with established alliances target those trying to form new ones, using a sophisticated 'divide and rule' strategy. This behavior was observed in approximately 300 wild ravens in the Northern Austrian Alps, demonstrating a high level of social complexity.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2014

Meiotic cell division 'the other way round'

Researchers discovered an inversion of the standard meiotic phases in plant species with holocentric chromosomes, enabling them to distribute chromosomes correctly. This unique strategy involves an association between homologous non-sister chromatids and thin chromatin threads prior to the second meiotic division.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2014

Moving silicon atoms in graphene with atomic precision

Researchers at the University of Vienna successfully manipulated individual silicon atoms in graphene, revealing a previously unknown phenomenon where the silicon-carbon bond is inverted. This discovery opens promising possibilities for atomic-scale engineering and could lead to the creation of unique quantum structures.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 12, 2014

Why do mushrooms turn brown?

Scientists from the University of Vienna have identified the enzyme responsible for mushroom browning, which has implications for food spoilage prevention and medical treatment. The study's findings provide a new understanding of the mechanisms behind tyrosinase pigmentation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhytochemistry·DateSep 9, 2014

Computer simulations visualize ion flux

A team of researchers used computer simulations to study how ion flux works in voltage gated sodium ion channels. The results revealed that a specific amino acid, glutamic acid, plays a crucial role in regulating channel flux and enabling selective sodium influx.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 1, 2014

Oetzi's 'non-human' DNA

Researchers found a significant presence of Treponema denticola, an opportunistic pathogen, in Oetzi's DNA mixture, supporting computer tomography-based diagnosis of periodontitis. The analysis also revealed Clostridia-like bacteria in a dormant state, which could impact future conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 15, 2014

Flower development in 3D: Timing is the key

A team of scientists monitored 14 developmental stages of Arabidopsis thaliana flowers using micro-computed tomography and mass spectrometry, revealing distinct metabolic profiles for each stage. These findings provide new insights into the interaction between developmental processes and metabolism in plant development.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 14, 2014

More left-handed men are born during the winter

A study found that more left-handed men are born during November, December, and January, with 10.5% of left-handed men born during this period. The researchers suggest a hormonal cause, possibly related to the relative darkness during these months, which delays the maturation of the left brain hemisphere during embryonic development.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCortex·DateJul 3, 2014

Nano world: Where towers construct themselves

Researchers develop method to control ordering of self-assembling structures, inducing reversible switching and transformation between arrangements. Nano-scale materials with specific properties are crucial for various applications in electronics, photovoltaics and biomimetic material synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 2, 2014

Breakthrough made at Max F. Perutz Laboratories

Researchers at the Max F. Perutz Laboratories have developed a method for generating specific and inheritable mutations in the marine bristle worm Platynereis, enabling detailed in vivo functional analyses and advancing research in neurobiology, chronobiology, evolutionary developmental biology, and marine biology.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalGenetics·DateMay 8, 2014

Yawning to cool the brain

Researchers found that yawning frequencies vary with ambient temperature, with people yawns more in summer and less in winter. The study suggests that yawning functions as a brain cooling mechanism to maintain optimal brain temperature, improving arousal and mental efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateMay 6, 2014

Ravens understand the relations among others

Researchers found that ravens can deduce the rank relations of individuals in their own group as well as neighboring groups. They exhibited stress-related behaviors when encountering unexpected dominance reversals. This cognitive ability is similar to that of primates and suggests a complex social intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2014

How the body fights against viruses

The human immune system uses enzymes like ADAR1 to modify viral genetic information, rendering it useless for new virus particles. The study reveals how the cell protects itself from accidental import of viral RNA into the nucleus.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2014

Never say never in the nano-world

An international team of researchers found that a nanoparticle trapped with laser light temporarily violates the second law of thermodynamics, allowing it to release heat to hotter surroundings. This rare event occurs due to the non-equilibrium state created by cooling the nanoparticle below the surrounding gas temperature.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 31, 2014

How to make the wonder material graphene superconducting

Scientists at the University of Vienna have unveiled the superconducting pairing mechanism in calcium-doped graphene using the Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) method. The findings reveal that calcium is the most promising candidate to induce superconductivity in graphene, with a critical temperature of about 1.5K.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2014

Sometimes the average just isn't good enough

Researchers used computer simulation to analyze X-ray crystallographic data and found that current software programs underestimate the level of dynamics in proteins. This could lead to more accurate pictures of protein structures and improved development of medicines.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2014

How did we get 4 limbs? Because we have a belly

Researchers propose that fins and limbs develop from the area surrounding the belly due to the interaction of ectodermal tissues with mesoderm layers. This model, published in Evolution & Development, suggests that epigenetic factors play a crucial role in shaping embryonic development and ultimately giving rise to paired appendages.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalEvolution & Development·DateJan 27, 2014

Evolution is not a one-way road towards complexity

A new study on cryptic worms reveals that their ancestors had a highly complex muscular body plan, which is lost in the adult stage. The findings suggest that the common ancestor of aplacophorans and polyplacophorans was similar in complexity, implying that the worm-like groups lost these traits over evolutionary time.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 18, 2013

Capturing brain activity with sculpted light

Scientists have developed a high-speed imaging technique with single-neuron resolution that can record the activity of 70% of nerve cells in a worm's head. This breakthrough allows for detailed maps of how neurons are wired up in the brain and information on how networks interact in real time.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 9, 2013