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University of Würzburg


Cloud services without servers: what's behind it

Serverless computing is a paradigm shift in cloud computing where cloud providers take over responsibility for complete server management. Two key principles define it: 'NoOps' and 'utilisation-based billing'. Research team from University of Würzburg explores the history, status and potential of serverless computing.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCommunications of the ACM·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 20, 2023

Adrenocortical carcinoma: No mitotane for low risk of recurrence

A new clinical study found that adjuvant treatment with Mitotane is not necessary for patients with low risk of recurrence if they have a complete R0 resection, low tumour stage and Ki-67 levels below 10%. This approach has shown no significant improvement in relapse rate but is associated with side effects.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 25, 2023

A quick look inside a human being

A team of physicists and medical doctors developed a portable Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) scanner that can visualize dynamic processes in the human body, such as blood flow, without using radiation. The scanner is designed for real-time endovascular interventions and has the potential to change the field of intervention.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023

#BodyPositivity: More diversity in body shapes

Exposure to body-positive content on social media broadens women's concept of ideal body weight, increasing the number of body shapes considered ideal. Body-positive content also leads to increased sense of well-being in one's body and reduces weight perception.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Immune cells in single file

Dendritic cells form three-dimensional networks that regulate their migration and development. The new concept reveals how cytokines keep the cells together and close gaps in their network. This discovery has prognostic value for tumour diseases, particularly after immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2023

3D glasses for topological materials

Scientists have successfully visualized the topology of electrons in topological quantum materials using '3D glasses,' a technique that uses circularly polarized X-ray light. This breakthrough enables the characterization of quantum materials topologically, paving the way for energy-saving electronics and high-tech advancements.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

Which state is the best in the world?

The Stateness Index, developed by Theresa Paola Stawski, assesses a country's functionality based on factors like law enforcement, administration, and provision of essential services. According to the index, Germany ranks as one of the world's best-performing states, with Singapore taking the top spot.

New methods for ancient texts

MagEIA, a new Centre for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, will research magical text traditions of the ancient Near East, Egypt, and neighbouring regions. The project aims to develop new methods of textual analysis and models of cross-cultural comparison.

The Situation of the Uyghurs

The EU project Remote XUAR uses remote research methods to analyze the situation in Xinjiang. Researchers use internet-based document analyses, discourse analysis on social media, and satellite-based remote sensing to study everyday changes in the region.

Small differences with a big effect

Researchers identified at least 745 reQTLs in monocytes, influencing the activation of cells upon contact with bacteria or fungi. The findings provide basic knowledge for personalized medicine in treating infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

ToCoTronics extended

Physicists from Würzburg's ToCoTronics CRC have made groundbreaking discoveries in topological materials, including indene and bismuthene. The renewed funding will focus on shaping these materials into nanostructures using lithographic methods.

Deficiency causes appetite for meat

Researchers at the University of Würzburg discovered that Triphyophyllum peltatum can transform into a carnivorous plant under phosphorus deficiency. The plant captures small insects using adhesive traps to access essential nutrients.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2023

Resistant fungal species spreads

A significant increase in Candida auris infections has been observed worldwide, including in the USA and Europe, with resistance development and potential for hospital outbreaks. The fungus can be efficiently transmitted from patient to patient via direct contact, making control difficult.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalDeutsches Ärzteblatt Online·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2023

How spheres become worms

Scientists have identified a novel mechanism of gel formation in synthetic polymers, which leads to the creation of worm-like structures. This breakthrough has significant implications for biofabrication and could lead to the development of new medical implants, contact lenses, and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

How bee-friendly is the forest?

Researchers found that honeybees use forests less than expected, with colonies traveling long distances to find food due to limited tree species diversity. A more diverse forest with insect-pollinated trees and shrubs can provide a balanced food supply throughout the season.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 20, 2023

Separated at last

A team of physicists and physical chemists from the University of Würzburg and the University of Ottawa has developed a new method to separate single and multiple excitations in laser spectroscopy. This breakthrough resolves a decades-old problem, enabling accurate analysis of materials and fundamental physical phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Attack from the gut

A new study published in Cell Reports shows that gut bacteria from the patient's own intestine can cause post-operative infections, which are often fatal. The liver plays a key role in controlling these spreading bacteria through special immune cells called innate lymphoid cells.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023

Mutant with counting disability

A Venus flytrap mutant with a genetic defect has lost its ability to count prey touch numbers. Researchers analyzed gene expression patterns and calcium signaling pathways to understand the cause of the numerical disability.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2023

Milestone for light-driven electronics

An international team of scientists has achieved a breakthrough in quantum research by detecting excitons in a topological insulator. This discovery paves the way for a new generation of light-driven computer chips and quantum technologies, with potential applications in computing units for quantum chips.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2023

How evolution works

Scientists have developed a novel metric to analyze the rate of convergent evolution in protein-coding DNA sequences. This approach can reveal which genetic changes are associated with phenotypic traits, shedding light on how species diversify over time.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2023

Exercise curbs insulin production

Researchers discovered that physical activity suppresses insulin-producing cells in fruit flies, allowing for efficient energy replenishment. This finding has implications for human health, as reduced insulin activity is linked to healthy ageing and longevity.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023

COMPASS for highly sensitive rapid tests

A new rapid test developed by the University of Würzburg uses magnetic nanoparticles to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 with high sensitivity. The test takes only a few seconds to produce reliable results, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Preventing collisions of small satellites

Students from the WüSpace association are working on a project to develop intelligent sensors and algorithms for small satellites, aiming to detect dangerous approaches and prevent collisions. The project is funded by the German Space Agency and allows students to gain hands-on experience in space technology development.

Attack via byways

Researchers at University of Würzburg discovered a novel phosphatase inhibitor that selectively blocks the proliferation of tumor cells. This breakthrough targets increased energy demands in diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders, offering potential new therapies for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2022

A difficult key factor

Researchers used excess mortality data to calculate a significantly lower R0 value of 1.34 for SARS-CoV-2 infections in March 2020, contrary to earlier estimates which ranged from 1.95 to 6.49.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2022

Gene activity in a test tube

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed a new method called INRI-seq, which allows for detailed analysis of gene activity in individual cells. This technique can help identify new targets for targeted therapies and improve our understanding of protein synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022

Commander in the cell's production room

A research team from Würzburg has discovered a crucial mechanism in cellular growth, showing how cells regulate protein production and keep a reserve of ribosomal proteins to quickly respond to changing conditions. This finding may also shed light on the deregulation of signaling networks in different types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022

Artificial enzyme splits water

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed an artificial enzyme that can split water into oxygen and hydrogen with high efficiency. The enzyme-like catalyst was designed to mimic the natural process of photosynthesis, and its development is a significant step towards sustainable hydrogen production.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022