Can Computers Ever Be Conscious? Scientist Weighs In
A new paper explores the necessary conditions for consciousness, highlighting key differences between brains and computers, especially in causal structures, and suggesting that true conscious…
Ruhr-University Bochum News
Ruhr-University Bochum, commonly referred to as RUB, is a prominent research university located in the city of Bochum, Germany. Founded in 1962, it was the first new public university established in Germany after World War II. Positioned in the Ruhr area, an urban region known for its dense population and industrial history, RUB has played a significant role in the region’s transition to a knowledge-based economy. The university offers a broad range of disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and medicine, organized across twenty faculties. Known for its strong research capabilities, Ruhr-University Bochum is particularly distinguished in fields such as neuroscience, biotechnology, and materials science. It also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and has developed a vibrant campus life that fosters a close-knit academic community. RUB is committed to providing a dynamic and inclusive educational environment for its diverse student body.
“This Had Never Been Done Before” – New Dual-Use Catalyst Overcomes the Thermodynamic Canyon
German researchers have created a catalyst that converts ammonia into hydrogen and nitrite, potentially combining hydrogen production and fertilizer creation in one process. A research…
Breakthrough Enzyme Discovery Could Make Widely Used Plastic Polystyrene Biodegradable
Studying the role of a particular bacterial enzyme has paved the way for the biotechnological breakdown of styrene. Polystyrene, composed of styrene units, is the…
Scientists Develop Simple and Cost-Effective Early Diabetes Test
Diabetes frequently goes unnoticed until it has caused organ or nerve damage, partly because early-stage diagnosis is challenging and time-consuming. An international team of researchers…
The Science Behind ASMR: First-of-Its-Kind Research Sheds New Light
Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum have conducted the first systematic review of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR). Millions of individuals tune into YouTube and various…
Scientists Reveal: At Which Age Are We at Our Happiest?
An analysis of more than 400 samples sheds light on the progression of subjective well-being throughout a person’s life. When do people reach their peak…
Protect Yourself This Cold Season: How To Inactivate Common Cold Viruses
There is something we can all do to prevent the common cold virus RSV from spreading: disinfecting hands and surfaces as well as gargling with…
The Dawn of a New Era: A New Type of Quantum Bit Achieved in Semiconductor Nanostructures
A German-Chinese research team has successfully created a quantum superposition state in a semiconductor nanostructure, marking a significant breakthrough for quantum computing. Achieved through the…
Quantum Leap: Scientists Develop Promising Building Blocks for Photonic Quantum Simulators
Scientists at the Niels Bohr Institute, in cooperation with the University of Münster and Ruhr-Universität Bochum, developed new technology capable of processing the enormous amounts…
Flight of Fancy: Unraveling the Mysteries of Pigeon Dreams
Scientists have found that birds may experience dreams, potentially about flying, similar to human dreaming patterns during REM sleep. The study also discovered waste-removal processes…
Picosecond Phenomenon: Observing Proton Release in Photoacids
In specific molecules known as photoacids, light excitation can trigger a local release of a proton. This results in an abrupt shift in the solution’s…
The Best Catalyst Particles: Cubes Outperform Spheres
Making electrolysis competitive. In the fight against climate change, the reduction of CO2 emissions is crucial. Currently, grey hydrogen, produced from oil and natural gas,…
New Research: Fearlessness Can Be Learned
The absence of a specific serotonin receptor has been linked to a reduction in previously acquired fear responses. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role…
Increase Happiness and Reduce Stress – Researchers Recommend Replacing Social Media With This Type of Activity
The study recommends replacing social media with physical activity. Your mental health will be greatly enhanced if you spend 30 minutes less each day on…
New Device Can Detect Alzheimer’s 17 Years in Advance
Biomarkers of misfolded proteins are found in the blood by a sensor. Before the first clinical symptoms appear, Alzheimer’s disease has a 15–20 year symptom-free…
Scientists Find a Key Brain Difference Between Primates and Other Animals
There are differences in the neuronal architecture of primates and non-primates. A multinational research team has now been able to increase their understanding of species-specific…
Scientists Solve a 120-Year-Old Mystery: How Did the Monstrous Plesiosaurs Swim?
A new study reveals how plesiosaurs swam underwater Plesiosaurs, who lived around 210 million years ago, adapted to living underwater in an unusual way: their…
Copper Eliminates the COVID-19 Virus on Surfaces – Silver Does Not
Copper and silver are known for their antibacterial properties. Researchers from Bochum have explored their effectiveness against viruses. Many pathogens are destroyed by silver and…