How star-shaped cells increase flexible learning

Star-shaped glial cells, so-called astrocytes, are more than just a supporting cell of the brain. They are actively involved in learning processes and interact with the nerve cells. But what exactly is it that astrocytes do? Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn are using a biophysical model to clarify how astrocytes interact with nerve cells to regulate rapid adaptation to new information. The results of the study have now been published in the renowned journal "Nature Communications Biology".

Top Grades for International Scientific Collaboration

Two recently published sets of rankings, from CWTS Leiden and QS Europe, highlight the extensive international networks contributing to the University of Bonn’s research.

Jessica Fintzen Awarded EMS Prize

Jessica Fintzen has won yet another highly prestigious accolade, this time the European Mathematical Society’s EMS Prize. The professor in the University of Bonn’s Mathematical Institute and member of the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics (HCM) Cluster of Excellence is to be handed the award on Monday, July 15, during the ninth European Congress of Mathematics (ECM) in the Spanish city of Seville.

Fourteen Teachers Honored

During a ceremony forming part of this year’s Universitätsfest, fourteen teachers have been presented with teaching prizes from the University in recognition of their dedication to the profession. The laureates—six women and eight men—were chosen by the students themselves. They were handed their prize certificates by Professor Klaus Sandmann, Vice Rector for Teaching, Learning and University Development at the event on the Hofgarten lawn that was attended by over 5,000 guests.

Early detection of vision loss in age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

New research by the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) in cooperation with the University of Bonn has shown for the first time that certain early changes in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to a measurable local loss of vision. This discovery could help to improve the treatment and monitoring of this eye disease in older patients, which otherwise slowly leads to central blindness, and to test new therapies.

New pathway in immune defense discovered

Monocytes, a special type of white blood cell, secrete cytokines as inflammatory messengers that are crucial for an appropriate immune response. Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn have now discovered that platelets, also known as thrombocytes, communicate with monocytes and increase their inflammatory capacity. By understanding the platelet-monocyte interaction, they hope to improve the treatment of immune disorders and associated diseases. The results of the study have now been published in the renowned journal "EMBO Molecular Medicine" and will be featured on the cover of August issue.

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