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A new mathematical model shows how the costs for farmers change when their plants develop fungicide resistance. It was developed by an international research team. Fungicides are plant protection products that kill fungi or their spores. In agriculture, these products are used to combat fungal diseases and ensure crop yields.

The human intestine is home to a dense network of microorganisms, known collectively as the gut microbiome, which actively helps to shape our health.

This is what the structure of a bacterial flagellum looks like: the long thread, called the filament (pink); the cap (orange), which helps assemble the thread; other components include the hook (blue) and the junction between hook and filament (yellow and green). Photo: Prof. Marc Erhardt An international research team led by scientists at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) has resolved the complete structure of the bacterial flagellum.

Researchers at the Carl Ludwig Institute at Leipzig University have discovered that synaptic signal transmission between brain cells within the cerebral cortex functions very reliably even with small amounts of calcium ions, unlike in the posterior region of the brain. The findings are a further building block for understanding the healthy brain, but could also prove useful for the computer industry when it comes to developing neuronal networks, for example.

Osteoblasts are specialized bone cells that are responsible for the formation and regeneration of bone. In a high-ranking published study, researchers at Leipzig University have shown that a specific receptor is responsible for the strength of bone cells and how it can be specifically activated. The findings may help to develop new drugs with fewer side effects in the future to strengthen bones and muscles in ageing patients.

Life Published: 10:20 The elucidation of the structure and origin of the so-called "Yellow Affinity Substance" (YAS) provides new insights into cellulose degradation by the bacterium Clostridium thermocellum (new name: Acetivibrio thermocellus). It is assumed that the yellow pigment plays a decisive role in the conversion of plant biomass into usable sugar, which opens up new perspectives for biofuel production.

A new study has reconstructed two 4000-year-old genomes from the rare pathogen Mycobacterium lepromatosis To the point Hansen-s Disease (leprosy) is thought to have originated in Eurasia : previous studies on Mycobacterium leprae , the dominant form of leprosy, suggest the disease originated in Eurasia.

Life Published: 11:00 Adolescent overweight is not only a risk factor for physical health issues, but also for cognitive impairments. A new international study has now demonstrated that a specially developed virtual reality sports program called REVERIE not only supports weight loss, but also significantly enhances mental performance - and does so by specifically influencing microbial and molecular processes in the body.

An study uncovers how benign borderline ovarian tumors develop into invasive low-grade serous carcinoma To the point Low-grade serous ovarian cancer: a form of ovarian cancer that occurs mainly in younger women and is largely resistant to standard chemotherapy Interdisciplinary study: shows how benign borderline ovarian tumors develop into invasive low-grade serous carcinomas Methods: Combination of the recently developed, groundbreaking Deep Vi

The endothelium lining the valve plays a critical role. It's very important whether the valve consists of two or three leaflets There is currently no way to stop calcification of the aortic valve. If all'else fails, the valve must be replaced. To better understand the development of this common disease, researchers from Bochum and Bonn have taken a close look at defective valves.

Life Published: 10:00 A research team led by Christian Hertweck at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) has discovered a new group of bioactive natural products in pathogenic bacteria of the genus Pandoraea : pandorabactins. They enable the bacteria to extract vital iron from other microorganisms and can thus influence the microbial balance in the human lung.

Study reveals why children of obese mothers are more likely to develop metabolic disorders Children born to obese mothers are at higher risk of developing metabolic disorders, even if they follow a healthy diet themselves. A new study from the University of Bonn offers an explanation for this phenomenon.

Researchers have adapted an existing coding system for human facial expressions so that the facial expressions of bonobos can also be systematically analyzed. Their research results, which have just been published in the journal PeerJ, confirm that these apes have a repertoire of 28 different facial movements, which are caused by 22 specific muscle movements.

To the point Nose-brain connection: researchers have identified a direkt link between the nose and nerve cells in the brain that trigger a feeling of fullness when food is smelled. Mechanism of action: the nerve cells activate upon smelling food, leading to a reduced appetite, but are inhibited once eating begins.

A research team at the University of Würzburg has gained new insights into the development of kidney tumors in young children. These enable a better risk assessment and could form the basis for targeted screening and improved early detection. A research team at the Biocenter of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), together with cooperation partners at the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge (UK), has taken a significant step towards understanding Wilms' tumors, malignant kidney tumors in young children.

To the point In combination: Together, Rapamycin and Trametinib extend the lifespan of mice by around 30 percent and work better than either of the drugs alone. Effects on inflammation and cancer: The therapy reduces chronic inflammation and delays cancer development New mechanisms: The combination influences gene expression differently than the individual drugs, without additional side effects.

Researchers identify group of nerve cells in the brain that influence eating behavior and weight gain To the point Nerve cells in the hypothalamus: These neurons influence eating behavior and weight gain. Hormone-controlled: These nerve cells are controlled by the hormone leptin, which suppresses appetite.

A new study uses metabolic profiling to uncover ancient knowledge systems behind therapeutic and psychoactive plant use in ancient Arabia. To the point Earliest Traces: A new study shows that Peganum harmala , also known as Syrian rue or harmal, was used as a burning substance in Arabia as early as 2,700 years ago.

Life Published: 21 May 2025, 13:40 An invisible intruder puts the delicate balance in our lungs to the test: the mold Aspergillus fumigatus, harmless in nature, can become a serious danger if the immune system is weakened - and change the entire bacterial world in the lungs. But that's not all: the intestines and metabolism also appear to be affected by a lung infection.

Life Published: 21 May 2025, 8:00 Fatty acids and the substances formed from them play an important role in inflammation in the human body-and therefore also in health and disease progression. However, the quantitative analysis of such compounds poses considerable technical challenges for research. An international team of around 100 scientists has now developed comprehensive guidelines for the standardised quantification of oxidised fatty acids using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).