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University of Würzburg


Four Würzburg researchers are “Highly Cited”

University of Würzburg researchers Hermann Einsele, José Pedro Friedmann Angeli, Ronny Thomale, and Christoph Wanner have been named Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate Analytics. Their work in medicine and cell biology has garnered significant attention, with Einsele's research on cancer immunotherapy and Angeli's studies on ferropt...

New study: Digital helpers create more trust

A new study found that interacting with virtual agents designed to resemble people with a migration background can increase trust in the police. The study showed that virtual agents are an effective tool for positive personal interaction with authorities, and their use could be a cost-effective solution for police forces.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2024

Plants save energy when absorbing potassium

Researchers at the University of Würzburg discovered that plants use an energy-saving mechanism to adapt their potassium uptake based on soil conditions. By building a pH gradient across cell membranes, plants can transport potassium into cells without expending energy.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2024

Light pollution disturbs moths even in the dark

Researchers found that light pollution disturbs moth behavior outside the illuminated area, causing them to fly in curvy paths. The study also revealed an interaction between artificial light and the moon's phase, affecting moths' orientation and flight patterns.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2024

Autobiographical memory in the digital age: Our lives in the mirror of our data

Researchers explore the influence of digital resources on autobiographical memory, highlighting its potential benefits, such as supporting people with memory difficulties, and risks, like manipulation through deepfakes. The study aims to better understand the interplay between recorded data and memories stored in our minds.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPsychological Inquiry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 7, 2024

How cells recognize and repair DNA damage

A new mechanism of DNA damage response has been identified, involving an RNA transcript that regulates genome stability. The study found that NEAT1, a long non-coding RNA transcript, plays a crucial role in recognizing and repairing DNA double-strand breaks.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalGenes & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

Honeybees: Combinations of pesticides can be dangerous

Research found that combining neonicotinoids with fungicides significantly increased mortality of bee larvae, while also affecting adult honeybee survival rates and lifespan. The study suggests that solitary wild bees may be more vulnerable to pesticide effects due to their smaller colony size.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

When the heat makes you disoriented

Researchers find that heatwaves significantly impair bumblebees' ability to detect floral scents, leading to up to 80% deterioration in female workers. The study highlights the importance of considering climate change's impact on insect-plant interactions for future species conservation initiatives.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateAug 30, 2024

New chemical tool for infection research: Visualizing the sphingomyelin metabolism

Scientists have created a new chemical probe to visualize the distribution of sphingomyelin and its degradation by sphingomyelinase during infections. The researchers observed increased metabolization of sphingomyelin molecules during Chlamydia infection, paving the way for targeted strategies against infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Plant signaling pathways decoded

The study reveals that light-sensitive channels can be used to target specific ion signals in plants, allowing for the comparison of different signaling pathways. This breakthrough enables researchers to investigate plant stress responses in greater detail.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

Chlamydia can settle in the intestine

Researchers found that Chlamydia bacteria can persist in the intestines of humans, where they form a permanent reservoir and evade antibiotic treatment. The bacteria preferentially infect the inner cell layer of intestinal organoids, but not the outer epithelial layer.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2024

Little trust in Dr. ChatGPT

A new study published in Nature Medicine found that people rate medical advice as less reliable and empathetic when an AI is believed to be involved. Despite this, respondents were still less willing to follow AI-supported recommendations compared to advice from human doctors.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

New study reveals the costs of sanctions

A new study examines the economic effects of sanctions on Iran and Russia, finding significant declines in GDP and prosperity. The researchers propose transferring funds to mitigate welfare losses among participating countries, suggesting a more effective approach to sanctioning.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEconomic Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2024

Vitamin B6: New compound delays degradation

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered a natural substance that can inhibit vitamin B6 degradation, increasing its levels in nerve cells involved in learning and memory processes. This compound, 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone, has been linked to improved spatial learning and memory capacity in mice.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2024

Warning from the scientific community: Beware of AI-based deception detection

Researchers caution that current AI-based deception detection methods are plagued by a lack of explainability, risk of biased results, and deficits in theoretical foundation. They emphasize the need for controlled laboratory experiments, large and diverse data sets, and validation on independent datasets to ensure accurate results.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 2, 2024

Quantum precision: A new kind of resistor

Researchers developed a new measurement method that significantly improves the accuracy of electrical resistance measurements, leveraging the Quantum Anomalous Hall Effect. The method allows for precise measurements at high currents and without an external magnetic field, making it suitable for advanced applications.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024

Finding new answers with the nuclear clock

Researchers aim to create a nuclear clock using thorium isotopes, which could increase measurement accuracy by a factor of 3. The project uses light with orbital angular momentum to excite the nucleus, emitting photons that can be detected. This technology has the potential to answer fundamental questions in physics and astronomy.

Desert ants: the magnetic field calibrates the navigation system

Desert ants of the Cataglyphis genus possess abilities that distinguish them from other creatures: they can orient themselves to the Earth's magnetic field. Researchers discovered this and found it is primarily processed in the ant's internal compass and mushroom bodies. The study shows that information about the magnetic field serves ...

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Acid sensor and calcium store discovered in plants

Researchers have identified a previously unknown endogenous acid sensor in plant cells that responds to changes in pH levels. The acid sensor triggers the release of calcium ions from an endoplasmic reticulum, which activates cellular responses to external stimuli such as infections or drought.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

How immune cells recognize their enemies

Researchers discovered how Vγ9Vδ2 T cells recognize pathogens and cancer cells by their altered cell metabolism. The study found that phosphoantigens bind to special molecules inside the cell, triggering a signal to kill. This finding can improve the clinical use of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in tumor treatment.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023

PicoRuler: molecular rulers for high-resolution microscopy

Researchers have developed PicoRulers, biocompatible molecular rulers for high-resolution microscopy. Using genetic code expansion and click chemistry, the team constructed customized molecular rulers based on the protein PCNA, enabling precise testing of super-resolution microscopy methods on cellular biomolecules.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2023