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University of Würzburg


New strategy against osteoporosis

Researchers identified a small protein that mobilizes bone resorbing cells under osteoporotic conditions. Chemical inhibitors targeting this protein show promise in blocking bone resorption without disrupting normal bone turnover.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2020

Chlamydia: Greedy for glutamine

Chlamydia bacteria reprogram human host cell metabolism to increase glutamine import, essential for proliferation. The discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic infections and severe diseases like cervical and ovarian cancer.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 3, 2020

Limitations of super-resolution microscopy overcome

Researchers have overcome the limitation of super-resolution microscopy by combining dSTORM and expansion microscopy, achieving a distance error reduction to just five nanometers. This enables fluorescence imaging with molecular resolution for the first time, allowing detailed insights into molecular function and architecture.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2020

High-end microscopy refined

Researchers used structured illumination microscopy and expansion microscopy to visualize the three-dimensional ultrastructure of the synaptonemal complex in mouse cells. The study revealed a far more complex structure than previously assumed, with details of molecular organization that were previously hidden.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2020

How volcanoes explode in the deep sea

An international research group has demonstrated a mechanism for explosive disintegration of magma under water pressure. The team used a diving robot to examine ash deposits on the seabed and conducted experiments in a laboratory setting, revealing processes similar to those that occurred at a depth of 1,000 meters on the sea floor.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Tracking down cryptic peptides

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have identified thousands of cryptic HLA peptides in tumor immunopeptidomes using a novel bioinformatics method. These peptides may serve as effective targets for cancer immunotherapies and vaccines against virus-infected cells.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateJun 23, 2020

Small protein, big impact

The RNA-binding protein ProQ plays a crucial role in the activation of over 250 bacterial genes, enabling meningococci to repair DNA and resist oxidative stress. Understanding its function is key to developing new antibacterial agents.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2020

Herpes virus decoded

Researchers have identified 284 open reading frames in the herpes simplex virus 1 genome, allowing for more precise study of individual genes. This breakthrough has implications for immunological therapies, such as oncolytic viruses used to treat certain tumor diseases.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2020

Insight into the synapses

A recent study published in Science Advances has shed light on the molecular organization of synapses, revealing that glutamate receptors are directly connected to calcium channels and Munc-18-1. This new understanding could lead to a better comprehension of brain function and signal transmission.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 16, 2020

Impulse for research on fungi

Researchers have developed a new method to visualize fungi using expansion microscopy, allowing for detailed studies of fungal biology and potential applications in medicine. The technique has been successfully applied to three fungal species, including the clinically relevant Aspergillus fumigatus.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateApr 8, 2020

Innovative technologies for satellites

Researchers at the University of Würzburg and Technical University of Braunschweig have developed two innovative technologies, Skith and Wall#E, to simplify satellite construction. Skith enables wireless control and reduces satellite mass, while Wall#E is a fiber-reinforced structure that stores electrical energy.

Sturgeon genome sequenced

Scientists from University of Würzburg successfully sequenced sturgeon genome, showing genetic material has changed little over 250 million years. The study sheds light on the ancestry of vertebrates and provides important insights for protecting species.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 30, 2020

A funnel of light

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered a new quantum state of matter that enables light to be accumulated at a specific point in an optical fiber. This effect, known as a 'light funnel', has the potential to improve the sensitivity of optical detectors and unlock new technological applications.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience·DateMar 27, 2020

New molecular probes for opioid receptors

Researchers have developed highly selective ligands to label opioid receptors, shedding light on their behavior in living cells. The study reveals that most opioid receptors exist as individual entities, but a small proportion forms pairs, which may contribute to the receptor's function.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 25, 2020

Digital tools for agriculture

The AgriSens research network is developing digital tools to assist farmers in crop production, including planning irrigation and making harvest forecasts. The project aims to create low-threshold services for farmers to utilize remote sensing data and satellite information.

Tracking down false parkers in cancer cells

A research team led by University of Würzburg scientists has found a way to inactivate the cancer protein NP63, which is crucial for squamous cell carcinoma growth. By using a preclinical inhibitor, they were able to switch off NP63's parking ticket remover and stop tumor cells from growing.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 10, 2020

Atomic vacancy as quantum bit

Researchers from JMU have successfully demonstrated the existence of spin centers in boron nitride crystals, exhibiting magnetic dipole moments and optical properties. This discovery paves the way for developing artificial two-dimensional crystals with tailored properties.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 2, 2020

Life in dead wood

Research project in Ebrach Forest investigates optimal dead wood placement to promote biodiversity, with sun-exposed trunks showing rare species but also numerous shaded species. The study was funded by €500,000 and will run until 2023.

What makes fear decrease

A study by Professor Grit Hein found that the presence of an unknown person can reduce anxiety and physiological tension in individuals. The effect was strongest when the test subject perceived the other person as less similar to themselves.

Modified plants to curb climate change

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered modified plants capable of absorbing excess carbon dioxide more effectively. The plants' metabolic networks can be modulated to increase CO2 absorption by five times, which could help mitigate global warming.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateJan 21, 2020

Cancer surgery: It depends on experience

A study published in BJS Open found that mortality rates from colorectal cancer surgery are significantly higher in smaller hospitals with lower annual case numbers. Hospitals performing more operations per year have better patient survival rates, likely due to increased access to specialized care and equipment.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalBJS Open·DateJan 14, 2020

Nano antennas for data transfer

Researchers at University of Würzburg developed nano antennas that can emit light in a specific direction, enabling efficient data transfer. The antennas use quantum tunnelling to generate vibrations with optical frequencies and are capable of emitting light in a particular direction.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2020

Virus multiplication in 3D

Researchers have successfully determined the three-dimensional structure of a vaccinia virus RNA polymerase at atomic resolution, providing key findings on virus multiplication. The complex is composed of various subunits and relies on host tRNA molecules to function, enabling an essential step in the pathogen's life cycle.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell·DateDec 12, 2019

Tree cavities for wild honeybees

Researchers identified hotspots for wild honeybee nesting sites, including unmanaged forests and coniferous forests in Sweden and Finland. The study suggests that conserving trees with cavities should be included in forest management to support pollinator populations.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalConservation Letters·DateDec 11, 2019

Walking changes vision

Research reveals that walking changes how we perceive our environment, especially in the peripheral visual field, which enhances processing for navigation. This shift in visual preference makes sense due to the role of peripheral input in tracking movement and direction.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 20, 2019

Complex organ models grown in the lab

Researchers develop a new technique to grow miniature organs with functional blood vessels and immune cells, simulating human embryonic tissues. This breakthrough allows for more efficient disease research and potential transplantation of transplanted tissue.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 19, 2019

Achilles heel of tumor cells

A team of scientists has identified a specific gene, eIF2B5, that is essential for the survival of colon cancer cells with APC mutations. Inhibiting this gene causes programmed cell death in mutated cells but not in healthy cells, providing a promising new target for antitumor therapies.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 5, 2019

News about drug delivery

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered how increasing amounts of active ingredients in polymeric micelles reduce their dissolution and solubility. The study aims to improve drug delivery systems by understanding molecular interactions and potential structural changes to enhance absorption and dissolving capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 30, 2019

Topological nanoelectronics

Physicists at JMU have successfully constructed a Quantum Point Contact (QPC) in topological HgTe quantum wells, allowing them to investigate potential interactions between the edge states. This breakthrough could lead to fundamental discoveries in topological nanostructures and innovative applications for information technology.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 28, 2019

Forests on the radar

Researchers found that coarser radar data provide comparable and sometimes superior results to high-resolution laser scanning data in monitoring forest biodiversity. Better, standardized ground-based biodiversity data are needed nationwide for more effective monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 2019

Energy flow in the nano range

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed two new spectroscopic methods to study energy transport on the nanoscale. By deciphering the behavior of double-walled nanotubes, they aim to improve artificial light-harvesting antennas and photovoltaics.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2019

A timekeeper for siesta

The study reveals that the compound eyes of fruit flies play a crucial role in synchronizing their circadian clocks with light exposure. As daylight periods increase, the evening activity peak is delayed and the 'siesta' period is extended, highlighting the flexibility of the circadian clock mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 7, 2019

Avatars against obesity

Researchers at the University of Würzburg are developing a new therapy approach using virtual reality avatars to combat obesity. The avatars aim to provide a realistic body image, promoting acceptance and self-reflection in patients struggling with the condition.

Making more plastics recyclable

A new digital platform aims to increase recyclable plastics by reducing material components and weighing functionality against resource efficiency. The DIMOP project creates a tool for product developers to make better material choices, increasing plastic recyclability.

How bees live with bacteria

A research group at University of Würzburg is focusing on the role of bacteria in bee health, finding that environmental factors have a stronger influence on solitary bees than previously thought. The study highlights the need for further research to combat bee mortality.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateAug 27, 2019

How plants measure their carbon dioxide uptake

In a balancing act between drying out and starving in dry conditions, plants use an elaborate network of sensors to regulate their carbon dioxide uptake. The study reveals that guard cells have sensors for CO2 and ABA, allowing them to measure photosynthesis and water supply, and adjust the stomata accordingly.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 26, 2019

Rare antelopes and black cats

Researchers from the University of Würzburg captured rare footage of Abbott's duiker antelopes on Mt. Kilimanjaro, a species classified as endangered. The study found that protected areas are crucial for maintaining biodiversity in large mammal species.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateAug 14, 2019

Poisonous grasses: new study provides reassurance

A new study by University of Würzburg researchers found that five out of 13 German grass species contain poisonous toxins produced by fungal endophytes. The risk of mass poisoning for grazing animals is low, but farmers are advised to increase pasture diversity and avoid monocultures, especially of perennial ryegrass.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 31, 2019

Learning in virtual spaces

Researchers at the University of Würzburg are developing a social-VR platform called ViLeArn to explore the potential of virtual reality in education. The platform allows students to engage in fully equipped virtual teaching environments, fostering collaboration and creativity.