Researchers from the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the University of Bonn have examined the way in which SARS-CoV-2 reprograms the metabolism of the host cell in order to gain an overall advantage. According to their report in Nature Communications, the researchers were able to identify four substances which inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in the host cell: spermine and spermidine, substances naturally found in the body; MK-2206, an experimental cancer drug; and niclosamide, a tapeworm drug. Charité is currently conducting a trial to determine whether niclosamide is also effective against COVID-19 in humans.
The University of Bonn is inviting the graduating class of 2020/21 to a "Unifest" again this year - in a new format due to the pandemic. The University of Excellence is breaking new ground with its Unifest, which holds digital offerings as well as a "Graduation Walk" around the Hofgartenwiese park for the future alumni.
The Magna Charta Observatory in Bologna has accepted the University of Bonn as a new signatory of the Magna Charta Universitatum. Due to the ongoing pandemic, a digital launch ceremony for the release of the new Magna Charta has now taken place.
Following its recent successes, the ranking by the Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) of Leiden University (Netherlands) also confirms the scientific excellence of the University of Bonn and the international importance of its research.
In the majority of insects, metamorphosis fosters completely different looking larval and adult stages. For example, adult butterflies are completely different from their larval counterparts, termed caterpillars. This “decoupling” of life stages is thought to allow for adaptation to different environments. Researchers of the University of Bonn now falsified this text book knowledge of evolutionary theory for stoneflies. They found that the ecology of the larvae largely determines the morphology of the adults by investigating 219 earwig and stonefly species at high-resolution particle accelerators. The study has now been published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
An international team of researchers led by the University of Bonn has identified the cause of a rare, severe muscle disease. According to these findings, a single spontaneously occurring mutation results in the muscle cells no longer being able to correctly break down defective proteins. As a result, the cells perish. The condition causes severe heart failure in children, accompanied by skeletal and respiratory muscle damage. Those affected rarely live beyond the age of 20. The study also highlights experimental approaches for potential treatment. Whether this hope will be fulfilled, however, will only become clear in a few years. The results are published in the journal Nature Communications.
Gruenderspot.de is the new internet platform for founders in Bonn-Rhein-Sieg an part of a joint start-up project by the University of Bonn, University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg and DIGITALHUB.DE. The information and communication platform provides expertise on offers for those interested in founding and serves as a virtual exchange and meeting place for the regional startup scene. "Gruenderspot.de establishes uncomplicated access to our network with the goal of bringing together the region's bright minds and making their startup ideas known," says Benita Schuba, deputy department head of the Transfer Center enaCom, whose startup consultants manage the platform for the university.
How do elites emerge? Do they exercise power independently or only 'by order'? How is domination transmitted and perpetuated? These and many other questions will be transculturally addressed by researchers from June 17 to 19 during the digital conference "Rulers and Elites between Symbiosis and Antagonism. Communicating in Premodern Hegemonic Structures". All those interested are invited to attend. The free event will be held via the Zoom conference system.