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University of Würzburg


No mid-day nap for Finnish flies

Scientists studied the circadian clocks of two fruit fly species from Finland and Tanzania. Finnish flies adapted their activity pattern to longer days, while Tanzanian flies were influenced by the equator's long daylight hours. The study reveals tiny differences in the flies' brains that affect their behavior.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 15, 2017

3-D scans for the automotive industry

The automotive industry is shifting towards more frequent model changes and smaller volumes, requiring increased flexibility in production. Researchers are using 3D scans to generate virtual three-dimensional images of production facilities, simulating how to convert lines for new models.

Temperature drives biodiversity

A new study reveals that temperature is the primary driver of biodiversity, with warmer climates hosting more diverse ecosystems. The research, conducted at Mount Kilimanjaro, examined eight plant groups and 17 animal groups, finding a strong correlation between temperature and species diversity.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2016

Going green with nanotechnology

Researchers have developed environmentally friendly organic solar cells using nanomaterials, increasing efficiency and reducing toxic substances. Additionally, hybrid capacitors with enhanced storage capacity and faster charging capabilities have been created using nano-diamond composites, paving the way for more efficient energy stores.

Electron highway inside crystal

Physicists at the University of Würzburg have discovered a new electronic state in topological crystalline insulators, creating conductive channels for electrical currents. The channels are narrow and robust, making the materials suitable for ultra-fast and energy-efficient computers.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2016

Why the flounder is flat

A team of researchers has identified the genetic mechanisms driving the metamorphosis that transforms flounders from symmetrical larvae to asymmetrical adults. The discovery sheds new light on an evolutionary puzzle, but also has practical implications for the fishing industry, which faces significant losses in flounder aquaculture.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 5, 2016

Novel light sources made of 2-D materials

Researchers have developed novel light sources using 2-D materials, which can be used to transfer information securely. The light sources emit photons in pairs, making them ideal for quantum communication. Additionally, the novel lasers exhibit self-sustaining properties, opening up new possibilities for studying quantum effects.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 28, 2016

ABA: Evolution of a plant hormone

Researchers found that the plant hormone ABA did not yet regulate water balance in early land plants like ferns. Instead, it played a key role in sex determination. The study suggests that the evolution of ABA's function changed as plants transitioned to flowering plants.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2016

Bacteria: Third RNA binding protein identified

Scientists at University of Würzburg have discovered a third RNA binding protein, ProQ, which controls gene activity and allows bacteria to quickly adapt to changing conditions. ProQ binds to nearly 100 regulatory RNAs in Salmonella enterica, influencing their activities.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2016

Ribosomal quality control

Researchers found that ribosomes hold newly synthesized proteins back until specific helpers, called chaperones, deliver the matching counterparts. This ensures only the intended structure is formed, adopting the role of a quality inspector in addition to production.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 6, 2016

Fast energy transport between unlike partners

Scientists have found that dye molecules can transfer energy quickly to each other, even when they are different types, which could lead to more efficient ways of harnessing sunlight. This discovery was made using special aggregates of four chromophores and was confirmed by X-ray structural analysis.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2016

Genome: It's all about architecture

Scientists are exploring the relationship between genome architecture and antigen variation in pathogens like Trypanosoma brucei. By analyzing the parasite's genomic structure, researchers aim to better understand how these pathogens evade the immune system and develop more effective vaccines.

Osteoporosis: Antibody crystallized

Scientists at University of Würzburg have crystallized an antibody effective against Sclerostin, a protein involved in bone metabolism. The findings offer a promising treatment option for osteoporosis, a condition that affects elderly women and increases the risk of fractures.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalOpen Biology·DateSep 2, 2016

Thyroid tumor: It takes 2 to tango

Researchers found a significant number of thyroid tumors carry a mutation in the EZH1 gene, leading to increased cell proliferation. The 'two-hit model' suggests that the first mutation increases tumor disposition and the second triggers disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 8, 2016

Three new India projects to be launched

The University of Würzburg has launched three new projects in India, aiming to analyze European and Indian political thinking and develop literature in a globalized world. The projects also focus on adult education and lifelong learning, providing opportunities for students to study abroad and write their master theses.

Shedding light on an assistant protein

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed a new fluorescence probe to visualize the motions of Hsp90, an essential chaperone that assists numerous proteins. The technique reveals synchronized structural changes within the protein, shedding light on its healing powers and potential connection to diseases.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 20, 2016

Islands and their ecosystems

Biologist Juliano Sarmento Cabral's research focuses on understanding island ecosystems' diversity and its connection to the past. He simulates nature in virtual worlds to study how environmental factors affect plants and animals, including the impact of climate change on epiphytes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2016

Trojan horses for hospital bugs

Researchers have identified a specific gene mutation in Staphylococcus aureus that reduces the bacterium's ability to destroy human immune cells, making it more likely to cause life-threatening diseases. This discovery provides new insights into the complex relationships between bacteria and their hosts.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2016

Psychology: The power of expectations

Researchers investigate how expectations influence pain perception, with results showing men's pain tolerance altered by sex-based expectations. The study highlights the importance of considering non-explicit expectation processes in psychology and therapy.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateMay 13, 2016

The world's first wireless satellite

The University of Würzburg researchers developed Skith, a technology for the world's first wireless satellite, allowing for reduced design effort and costs. The system uses miniaturized high-speed real-time radio modules with short ranges, boosting technical reliability and flexibility.

Hermits in American culture

A research project by Dr. Ina Bergmann explores solitude in US culture through literature and history, focusing on the experiences of Robert, a former slave who became a hermit. Her work will be published in book projects and essays collected from conferences.

Mimicking the ingenuity of nature

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have developed a supramolecular ruthenium macrocycle that mimics photosystem II, improving water oxidation efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The new catalyst enables the production of high-energy-density fuels like hydrogen, methane, or methanol.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 3, 2016

How we understand others

A recent study examined the relationship between empathy and understanding others' mental states. The findings suggest that people who tend to be empathic do not necessarily understand other people well at a cognitive level. Social skills seem to be based on multiple abilities that are independent of each other.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateApr 28, 2016