Press Releases

No year has been as hot and dry as 2018 since climate records began. Central European forests showed severe signs of drought stress. Mortality of trees triggered in 2018 will continue for several years.

Using a newly developed method, Würzburg researchers were able to identify thousands of cryptic peptides on the surface of cells for the first time. These findings could provide a new starting point for cancer immunotherapy.

The Quantum Alliance, in which the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat (Würzburg-Dresden) is represented, welcomes the German government’s initiative to promote quantum technologies. It includes two billion euros for quantum technologies.

The Nature Index 2020 is an indicator of the University of Würzburg's strong research performance in natural sciences and life sciences, ranking 104th in the world and 5th in Germany in the recently published ranking.

Some galaxies may have two black holes at their centers. This is shown by the analysis of the gamma rays emitted by them. Würzburg astrophysicist Sara Buson was involved in the study.

A standard drug for the treatment of depression might also be effective against Covid-19, a new study by Würzburg scientists shows which has been published on a preprint server.

Physicists in Würzburg have experimentally demonstrated a novel effect for the first time by exploiting topological metamaterials. They published their results in the journal Nature Physics.

In meningococci, the RNA-binding protein ProQ plays a major role. Together with RNA molecules, it regulates processes that are important for pathogenic properties of the bacteria.

Using a new approach, scientists are applying the techniques of physics to investigate the relationships between parasites and their hosts. The programme is led by the Würzburg cell biologist Markus Engstler.

Four nano-satellites from Würzburg are facing launch. They will fly demonstrate formation control in a three-dimensional configuration first time worldwide.

Environmental pollution is responsible for matings between two fish species that usually don't mix. In their offspring, scientists have now identified genes relevant for the development of skin cancer.

The genomes of three carnivorous plants – the Venus flytrap, spoon-leaved sundew and the waterwheel plant – have been decoded. The result has caused some surprises.

The genome of the herpes simplex virus 1 was decoded using new methods. Hundreds of previously unknown gene products were found. The virus causes lip herpes, but can also be life-threatening.

Dr. Andrea Thorn, a structural biologist from Würzburg, is leading an international coronavirus research network. The results of her work are important for developing vaccines and drugs.

"Distance keeping" is not exactly the motto of the glutamate receptors: Using high-resolution microscopy, it now was discovered that the receptors usually appear in small groups at the synapses and are in contact with other proteins.