Binary neutron star mergers emit gravitational waves followed by light. To fully exploit these observations and avoid missing key signals, speed is crucial. In a study to be published in Nature on March 5, 2025, an interdisciplinary team of researchers presents a novel machine learning method that can analyze gravitational waves emitted by neutron star collisions almost instantaneously – even before the merger is fully observed. A neural network processes the data and enables a fast search for visible light and other electromagnetic signals emitted during the collisions. This new method could be instrumental in preparing the field for the next generation of observatories.

Creative thinking uses specific patterns to store information

The "Signatures of criticality in efficient coding networks" study provides new insights into the fundamental mechanisms of brain function. An international research team from Dresden, Tübingen, Paris and Shanghai developed a mathematical model to simulate a neural network that mimics the functioning of real brain cells. Unlike in previous studies, the network was not tuned directly towards a critical state, but optimized to process information as efficiently as possible – similar to our brain in everyday life.

Bonn researchers clarify how energy regulates the spatial arrangement and quantity of molecules in nerve cells

Nerve cells have amazing strategies to save energy and still perform the most important of their tasks. Researchers from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn as well as the University Medical Center Göttingen found that the neuronal energy conservation program determines the location and number of messenger RNA (mRNA) and proteins, and differs depending on the length, longevity and other properties of the respective molecule. The work has now been published in the journal "Nature Communications".

Mathematical model shows how the brain processes sensory stimuli

Important stage in the competition for millions in funding as part of the Excellence Strategy: From November 2024 to the end of January 2025, the three existing Clusters of Excellence at TU Dresden and the three new Cluster of Excellence initiatives went through the highly competitive review process of the The German Science and Humanities Council (Wissenschaftsrat, WR) and the German Research Foundation (DFG).

A clear vision of learning - international research team highlights brain's adaptability

The Autonomous Province of South Tyrol continues to endow the Valentin Braitenberg Award – honouring researchers in computer-assisted neuroscience

University of Bonn study opens the door to neural networks that require much less energy

The Foresight Institute in San Francisco, USA, has awarded Prof. Dr. Klaus-Robert Müller, Co-Director of BIFOLD and Head of the Machine Learning Group at the TU Berlin, the Foresight Feynman Prize 2024 in the category ‘Theory’. The renowned Feynman Prizes, named in honour of physicist Richard Feynman, recognise current and outstanding achievements that have contributed significantly to the advancement of nanotechnology.