Research in Germany

A new study led by the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin reveals that some evolutionary changes occur repeatedly, but almost never in reverse, shedding light on a fundamental question in biology: how predictable is evolution?

Metabolites are consumed by enzymes to produce other vital molecules as well as to control metabolite levels. But how do cells avoid consuming too much? Researchers from the MPI of Biochemistry, with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the de Duve Institute in Brussels, have deciphered such molecular regulation in tryptophan metabolism. The essential amino acid tryptophan binds to a second site on the enzyme TDO2, distinct from where it is consumed. This sequesters a region needed by two effectors, the kinase CK2 and the ubiquitin ligase CUL1–β-TrCP, which act sequentially to signal TDO2 degradation. The findings are now published in Molecular Cell.

Hannover Medical School (MHH) and Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) have signed a quality agreement to improve the treatment of affected patients. Previously, a study by MHH and the University Hospital of Würzburg had highlighted the gap in care and its negative consequences, making clear the need for action.

The extreme heatwaves we have seen over the last few years may only serve as a preview of what is to come as a result of climate change. A new study led by researcher Philipp Aglas-Leitner from Freie Universität Berlin, published in Nature Communications, finds that future heatwaves could last longer, impact larger areas, and be much more severe.

Cosmic microwave background measurements by Planck satellite show no evidence of stupendously large black holes formed shortly after Big Bang to contain significant amounts of dark matter

For the first time, an international team of researchers from Germany, Thailand, India, China and United States has created a three-component Hubbard system with tunable interactions in the laboratory. In doing so, the team used a quantum gas microscope to make the individual atoms visible. The study, which was published in “Science”, provides an important foundation for future quantum simulations of nuclear physics and materials science.