—A group of innate immune cells known as group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are essential for maintaining a healthy metabolic balance in adipose tissue. Obesity significantly impairs the number and function of ILC2s. How ILC2s are disrupted by obesity has so far remained unclear. Researchers from the UKB and the University of Bonn have now shown in obese mice that acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, a key enzyme in fatty acid biosynthesis, is a crucial regulator of the maintenance and function of ILC2 immune cells in adipose tissue. The results have now been published in the journal Cell Metabolism.
How Far Do Signalling Molecules Act Beyond the Boundaries of a Synapse?
—The German Research Foundation (DFG) is establishing a new Research Unit entitled “Inside and Outside the Synapse: Challenging Dogmas of Synaptic Signalling and Neuromodulation.” The research consortium is headed by Prof. Christian Henneberger from Bonn University Hospital (UKB) and the University of Bonn, with Prof. Susanne Schoch McGovern, also from the UKB and the University of Bonn. Together with researchers from the UKB, the University of Bonn, the DZNE and the University of Göttingen, they will investigate how signalling molecules transmit information in the brain.
University of Bonn’s StadtLandMitmachBus stops in Linz am Rhein
—What will the medicine of the future look like? The Science Year 2026, launched by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), is exploring this question. With funding from the Science Year, the University of Bonn is currently taking its StadtLandMitmachBus to rural communities across the Rhineland. On Friday, October 2, 2026, from 6 to 10 pm, the science bus will stop at the “First Friday” event at the market square in Linz am Rhein.
Cancer Network Bonn Workshop Brings Basic and Clinical Oncology Together
—The first Cancer Network Bonn Workshop on June 29, 2026, united around 60 researchers from across the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), LIMES, DZNE and several faculties for a day dedicated to basic, translational and clinical cancer research. The event was organized by Laura Surace and Aleksandra Pandyra and supported by TRA Life and Health, the University of Bonn's Transdisciplinary Research Area.
As Temperatures Fall, so does the Risk of Malaria Transmission
—The good news comes with autumn: As temperatures fall, the risk of further malaria transmission in Germany also decreases significantly. However, the current cases reported in the vicinity of Frankfurt Airport show that, in very rare cases, malaria can occur in Germany even without previous travel abroad. In such cases, early diagnosis is crucial.
One Million Euros for Restoring Vision in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
—The Tyczka family of entrepreneurs is supporting research into restoring vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with a donation of one million euros. The funding will support the research project “AI-supported optimisation of vision restoration using retinal implants” at the Department of Ophthalmology at Bonn University Hospital (UKB). The aim of the project is to further develop and optimise the application of innovative retinal implant technology, which recently received European CE marking as a medical device.
New Findings on Information Processing in the Brain
—Neurons receive thousands of signals via tree-like extensions called dendrites. Until now, these dendrites were thought to be relatively smooth cables that conduct electrical signals to the cell body. Using various advanced microscopy techniques, an international research team has identified tiny, previously overlooked constrictions along the dendrites. The study results have now been published in the journal Science Advances.
—From quantum computing to gut health: Researchers from five Clusters of Excellence at the University of Bonn explain fascinating topics and surprising connections in an engaging way as part of the new event series “Science in the Theater.” Tickets for this collaboration with Theater Bonn are now available.
—There has been a rapid increase in cardiovascular and metabolic conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. What is the link between sustainable diets that are nutritious, environmentally friendly, economically affordable, and socioculturally acceptable, and cardiometabolic conditions? An international research team led by Prof. Dr. Ina Danquah, Hertz Chair for Innovation for Planetary Health and Director at Center for Development Research (ZEF) at University of Bonn, investigated this question among Ghanaian adults who live in various locations.
