The unusual enzyme HDCR produces formic acid from gaseous hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), thus removing CO 2 from the environment and storing it in the cell. In this process, HDCR transfers electrons from hydrogen…

In nature, bacteria usually live in communities. They collectively colonize our gut, also known as the gut microbiome, or form biofilms such as dental plaque. Living in communities provides many advantages to the individual…

Ribosomes produce all the body’s proteins and are therefore also referred to as "protein factories". Their architecture and function have largely remained unchanged over millions of years, highlighting their importance for…

The ability to turn experiences into memories allows us to learn from the past and use what we learned as a model to respond appropriately to new situations. For this reason, as the world around us changes, this memory model…

An increasing number of bacterial pathogens are resistant to antibiotics. And the most dangerous pathogens share a common feature: a double membrane that is difficult to penetrate. Even when antibiotic agents are able to…

Cells proliferate by dividing repeatedly. Each cell division produces two daughter cells, which must first grow to a certain size before they can divide, too. This requires an increased production of cell components,…

In all mammals, the reward system is a fundamental brain circuit that reinforces certain behaviours by providing the motivation necessary for their achievement. Search for food, learning or emotional behaviours are for…

Many bacteria adopt a fascinating defense strategy by forming communities on surfaces, known as biofilms. We encounter such biofilms in our daily lives, for example, as dental plaque in the mouth, slimy films on stones in…

Antibody-based therapies are used to treat numerous diseases, from cancer to rheumatic disorders and multiple sclerosis. Antibodies recognize and bind to very specific structures. This allows them to direct active substances…

Researchers led by Prof. Erik van Nimwegen at the Biozentrum, University of Basel have discovered a new mechanism in bacteria that controls their response to prevailing environmental conditions. They derived their theory…