News of SFB
2023
06.12.2023 Comparable memory strategies
Jackdaws improve their memory performance by classifying continuous stimuli into categories.
Read more14.11.2023 When we feel things that are not there
The discovery of the "phantom touch illusion" provides new insights into human perception.
Read more16.06.2023 Tracing the evolutionary origin of cognitive flexibility
Research team has discovered new neuronal network mechanisms.
Read more11.05.2023 Our thoughts alter our tactile perception
Do we always perceive the world in the same way? A hypnosis experiment proves that we certainly don’t.
Read more24.03.2023 Important stress questionnaire now available in German
Bochum research team has developed a German version of the "Stress Overload Scale".
Read more02.02.2023 A new tool for studying processes in the cerebellum
Light-activated protein helps trace signalling pathways in nerve cells.
Read more2022
21.12.2022 SFB 874 supports research training at EPFL in Switzerland
Scientific insights and appreciation for the RUB-cafeteria.
Read more16.12.2022 Serotonin enters, light exits
Researchers develop 'sDarken' sensors to measure neuromodulator dynamics in the brain.
Read more14.12.2022 Twelve years of successful work on “Integration and Representation of Sensory Processes”
Collaborative Research Centre 874 says goodbye.
Read more17.11.2022 Bochum primary school pupils paint the brain of the future
IGSN and SFB 874 honour winners of the 2022 painting competition.
Read more14.11.2022 Communication as part of research
Junior researchers explore the world of media and social media.
Read more04.10.2022 Mouse-human comparison reveals unexpected functions of the thalamus
Researchers have recreated the brain functions of mice and humans using computers.
Read more30.08.2022 A better understanding of the brain
A day with focus on neuroscience with lectures, information stands and activities: 14.09.2022, 1pm to 5pm, RUB.
Read more18.08.2022 Denise Manahan-Vaughan new at Leopoldina
The speaker of SFB 874 is now a member of the Neuroscience Section.
Read more10.08.2022 Today, tomorrow, beyond tomorrow – The brain of the future
All pupils in the 3th and 4th grades of Bochum primary schools can take part.
Read more18.07.2022 Excursion into the world of the brain
18-year-old Emelie had the chance to look over the shoulders of the SFB 874 scientists for a week.
Read more28.04.2022 Sensory encoding and the emergence of memory
Neuroscientists discuss current research topics at the SFB 874/IGSN Conference at Ruhr-Universität Bochum.
Read more22.03.2022 How a mood hormone regulates memories
Bochum research team studies spatial memory. Dopamine significantly involved in recall performance.
Read more20.03.2022 Professor Patrik Krieger
We mourn the loss of our colleague, Professor Patrik Krieger, who passed away on March 14th 2022.
Read more03.02.2022 Exploring the strategies of categorization
Using a novel research method, Bochum-based research team identifies universal principles in categorisation learning.
Read more01.02.2022 Nobody can do nothing, nobody can do everything!
Winners of 2021 writing competition selected.
Read more2021
22.12.2021 Disenchanted curves
Bochum-based research duo uncovers weaknesses in the interpretation of ROC curves.
Read more17.12.2021 Limited brain capacity
Birds and humans have different networks of neurons in their brains. Yet their working memory is limited by similar mechanisms.
Read more13.12.2021 RUBubbles simplify researchers’ lives
New open-source software facilitates stimulus generation and enables customisation.
Read more22.11.2021 Where touch is as good as sight
Visual and tactile sensory systems use the same features to recognise a novel object.
Read more15.10.2021 Why do we remember stressful experiences better?
Bochum research team: Stress alters memory traces in the brain.
Read more30.09.2021 Technical “brain hacks”, pain mechanisms and tumour therapies
BRAIN DAY 2021 offered exciting insights into the work of SFB 874.
Read more26.08.2021 Nobody can do nothing, nobody can do everything!
Writing competition 2021 for pupils of the 6th, 7th and 8th grades of all schools in Bochum.
Read more25.08.2021 How scents take on meaning
A Bochum-based research team triggered artificial odour sensations in rats – and looked at what happens in the brain as a result.
Read more18.08.2021 When the head gets out of balance
Scientists search for possible causes of posttraumatic headache.
Read more18.08.2021 When odours inspire memory
In stressful learning situations, odours can strengthen the focus on central contents.
Read more11.08.2021 BRAIN DAY 2021 on 29. September as online event
A day dedicated to the neurosciences in Bochum with lectures, information and hands-on activities. The BRAIN DAY is taking off for a new run on 29 September 2021!
Read more23.07.2021 Reverse optogenetic tool developed
A newly characterized light-controllable protein can be switched off, not switched on, by light. It could be suitable for investigating the basic principles of epilepsy.
Read more20.05.2021 Thoughts bring prostheses to life
The more natural the position of an arm prosthesis, the more precise the control – this is the result of a Bochum study on brain-computer interfaces.
Read more23.04.2021 From individual receptors towards whole-brain function
Researchers regard the overall distribution of receptors in the brain – the receptome – as a new approach for computer models and for diagnostics and therapy of mental disorders.
Read more31.03.2021 SFB 874 / IGSN Conference
Welcome to Our international Conference on April 27th and 28th 2021. Online registration is now open.
Read more2020
20.12.2020 How one pain suppresses the other
The body knows various mechanisms that dampen painful sensations. They can be examined with new methods.
Read more10.12.2020 Children’s pictures on advertisement pillars in Bochum
From December 18 to December 31, 2020, the results of the IGSN / SFB 874 painting competition will be exhibited in the city centre of Bochum.
Read more09.12.2020 Visual short-term memory is more complex than previously assumed
Scientists study short-term memory - using the example of a banana.
Read more18.09.2020 How researchers look at the bird brain in action
A research team examined pigeon brains using fMRI while the birds were actively involved in a discrimination task.
Read more31.08.2020 People with increased risk of Alzheimer’s have deficits in navigating
To unmask their impairments, researchers had to come up with a unique experimental design.
Read more27.08.2020 Painting competition for pupils from Bochum
The IGSN and the SFB 874 have announced a joint painting competition on the subject of learning.
Read more22.07.2020 Scientists observe learning processes online in the brain
Tactile stimulation repeatedly administered changes neuronal processing in the hand area of the brain.
Read more12.05.2020 Why visual perception is a decision process
Visual illusion uncovers processing strategies of the brain.
Read more23.04.2020 How hearing loss in old age affects the brain
The brain doesn’t cope well with age-related deafness and memory suffers.
Read more15.04.2020 How expectations influence learning
Researchers from Bochum have identified two brain regions that are important for decision making during learning.
Read more07.04.2020 How serotonin balances communication within the brain
The neurotransmitter fine-tunes weights of sensory stimulation and internal ongoing processes.
Read more07.02.2020 How memory sharpens perception
Computer model provides new insight into the function of this brain region.
Read more2019
12.12.2019 How playing the drums changes the brain
Many years of playing the instrument leave clear traces.
Read more27.11.2019 Feeling the way towards an understanding of the perception of touch in the brain
Larger parts of the cerebral cortex than thought process tactile stimuli.
Read more15.08.2019 Manufacture of light-activated proteins
So far, development has been mainly based on a trial-and-error approach.
Read more15.08.2019 Do humans and rats react similarly to unexpected situations?
Neuroscientists compare event-related potentials in humans and rats.
Read more15.08.2019 Researchers are looking for the origin of schizophrenia in the brain
Alterations are apparent directly after the first psychotic episode.
Read more18.07.2019 How the brain remembers where you’re heading to
Researchers have made new discoveries about how certain brainwaves aid navigation.
Read more03.07.2019 Researchers of the SFB 874 meet for the annual retreat
Researchers of the SFB 874 meet for the annual retreat.
Read more07.06.2019 Role of Tamalin in synaptic plasticity described
The protein is involved in the development of long-term synaptic depression.
Read more25.04.2019 How the olfactory brain affects memory
Nothing immediately evokes memories like odours. Two neuroscientists have examined why olfaction plays a special role in memory.
Read more11.04.2019 Career platform for female neuroscientists launched at the RUB
Network will tackle barriers faced by women in science
Read more04.04.2019 Bevacizumab for brain tumours can lead to cognitive deficits
The drug may affect the function of the hippocampus.
Read more26.02.2019 Handbook of in Vivo Neural Plasticity Techniques
Prof. Dr Denise Manahan-Vaughan is editor of the latest volume in the "Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience" series.
Read more18.02.2019 Controlling and visualising receptor signals in neural cells
This new tool is a true two-in-one solution. In future, it might help to study a number of diseases.
Read more16.01.2019 Neurofeedback controls learning success
Self-regulation of brain rhythms frees resources facilitating learning.
Read more2018
10.12.2018 How visual stimulation trains the brain
Does passive stimulation change brains just as well as active training?
Read more09.11.2018 The reasons for hemispheric dominance in the brain
The mechanisms are much more complex than hitherto assumed.
Read more11.10.2018 How the brain learns during sleep
Sleep helps to consolidate memories. Researchers have investigated how exactly this works.
Read more14.09.2018 This is how the brain forgets on purpose
Two brain regions apparently play a pivotal role in forgetting
Read more02.08.2018 Between Computational Models and Salsa-Dancing
Exchange students explore the Ruhr-University.
Read more12.06.2018 Virtual brain gives insights into memory deficits in depression
The consequences of long-lasting depressive episodes could be more far reaching than previously thought.
Read more05.06.2018 What effect does transcranial magnetic stimulation have on the brain?
The procedure facilitates reorganisation of connections between neurones which could be useful for therapies.
Read more18.05.2018 The SFB 874 has been awarded funding for a third research period by the DFG
The SFB 874 examines how cognition and complex memories arise through sensory information
Read more03.05.2018 How come whiskers are so sensitive?
The decisive factors are not the whiskers themselves but something else.
Read more26.04.2018 How chronic psychosis develops
A glutamate receptor may play an important role.
Read more19.04.2018 How spatial learning works
RUB-scientists examine the role of the hippocampus in orientation.
Read more09.03.2018 When Zebra finches hear love songs
What happens in the brain of zebra finches when they choose their mating partner.
Read more01.03.2018 Good performance despite stress
Scientist from the Ruhr-Universität Bochum investigated how the brain manages categorization tasks under pressure.
Read more21.02.2018 Memories are like snapshots in the brain
New computer model unites two rivaling theories.
Read more2017
21.12.2017 How odours are turned into long-term memories
The scent of grandma's Christmas biscuits or the cologne of your first love – some odours are like keys to a door into the past.
Read more09.12.2017 Graduation Day 2017
On its Graduation Day the International Graduate School of Neuroscience celebrated its graduates.
Read more30.11.2017 The Enigma of Human Behaviour
A team of neuroscientists is thinking beyond the box of everyday research routine and argues for more interdisciplinary cooperation.
Read more05.11.2017 Pigeons better at multitasking than humans
Unlike hitherto assumed, cognitive ability does not necessary require a complex mammalian cerebral cortex. A small bird brain is fully sufficient.
Read more04.10.2017 Gamers have an advantage in learning
Videogames are better than their reputation.
Read more18.09.2017 Standard methods may lead to distorted results
Brain neurons are sensitive. They only respond normally to natural signals. Therefore it might be time for neuroscientists to reconsider their knowledge.
Read more24.08.2017 How the emotions of others influence our olfactory sense
Whether something smells good or bad, does not solely depend on one´s own nose.
Read more28.07.2017 A breath of fresh air from Philadelphia
Neuroscientific research internship at the RUB.
Read more11.05.2017 Ontogenesis of Lateralization
In a review , published in the journal Neuron, researchers from the RUB described why the brain's split design is useful.
Read more25.04.2017 SFB 874/IGSN Conference 2017
On 25th/26th of April the annual conference organised by SFB 874 and IGSN took place.
Read more12.04.2017 As Clever as a Monkey
What Does the Neuron Number Tell Us About Cognitive Abilities?
Read more07.04.2017 New asset for the Collaborative Research Centre 874
PD Dr. Burkhard Pleger studies tactile learning.
Read more30.03.2017 How Stress Influences Our Visual Perception
An eye tracking study on visual perception in stressful situations.
Read more05.01.2017 Our senses can’t learn under stress
Stress is part of our everyday lives – while some thrive on it, it makes others sick. But what does stress do to our senses?
Read more2016
22.12.2016 Electro stimulation improves sight
Researchers show how electro stimulation can improve the sense of sight.
Read more21.11.2016 Picture book and short film help children understand
What is happening in the brain, when it's not working right? Pip and Milli explain it to children.
Read more29.09.2016 How our brain’s resting state changes
Scientists in Bochum have investigated changes in the brain's resting state – with the help of Morse code.
Read more20.09.2016 Serotonin receptor plays important role in learning
Chemical messenger 5-HT4 is a marker for neurological diseases
Read more13.09.2016 How our brain slows down the effects of aging
The older we get, the more difficult it becomes to put the world around us in order. Yet, our brain develops remarkable strategies to slow down the effects of aging.
Read more08.08.2016 Olfactory receptors discovered in bronchi
The muscle cells of bronchi detect scents, for example a specific banana and apricot scent. This might be good news for asthma sufferers.
Read more25.07.2016 DAAD RISE programme brings young scientists to Bochum
RUB PhD students host American undergraduates.
Read more20.07.2016 Thinking inside the box – How our brain puts the world in order
Neuroscientists find sorting centre in the brain.
Read more16.06.2016 How older people learn
Learning at an advanced age makes the brain fit. Older people even learn more than younger ones. Still, age-related brain changes cannot be undone.
Read more02.06.2016 Olivia Masseck accepts Junior Professorship for Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy
New research group investigates anxiety and depression.
Read more12.05.2016 Study investigates electrostimulation of the brain
Possible therapy approach for pain patients.
Read more12.04.2016 Sensory Processes: From Molecules To Cognition
On April 12th and 13th the annual IGSN/SFB 874 conference took place. Guests from eight neuroscientific SFB's from Germany were welcomed in Bochum.
Read more08.04.2016 Switching specific G-protein-coupled signalling pathways on and off
Blue on, yellow off: using different-coloured light, researchers are able to switch signalling pathways in the brain on and off.
Read more06.04.2016 Please touch! The power of the tactile sense
TV documentary "Quarks & Co" reports on RUB research.
Read more15.03.2016 Neuroscientists follow the trace of memory
Molecular imaging shows how we remember.
Read more04.03.2016 The visual system of the pigeon
Biopsychologist publish report in "Behavioural Brain Research" on how pigeons process visual information.
Read more03.03.2016
At first glance, the brains of birds and mammals show many significant differences. In spite of that, the cognitive skills of some groups of birds match those of apes.
Read more23.02.2016 Serotonin-receptor drives learning in the hippocampus
Neuroscientists explore memory at cellular level.
Read more11.02.2016 Luminance change creates “motion” through activity waves in the brain
RUB scientists publish in The Journal of Neuroscience.
Read more02.02.2016 Protein supports synaptic plasticity
Study investigates chemical basis for learning
Read more26.01.2016 Researchers investigate effects of stress on the brain
Stress inhibits spatial perception.
Read more19.01.2016 Neural network is responsible for retrieval of fear-memory
Insight for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorders.
Read more2015
10.12.2015 Neurotransmitter GABA predicts learning
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy shows levels of chemical messenger in the brain
Read more07.12.2015 International Graduate School of Neuroscience honors its graduates
First medical student completes MD-programme and Prizes for winners of school competition were given.
Read more17.11.2015 High frequency stimulation in pain medicine
Stimulation of fingertips improves sense of touch.
Read more17.11.2015 RUB scientists investigate anatomy of the pigeon brain
New insights into connections between brain hemispheres.
Read more02.11.2015 Whisker system of rodents in focus
Professor Patrik Krieger publishes book on sensorimotor integration.
Read more14.10.2015 Much ado about a dress – optical illusion is responsible
Bochum study provides explanation
Read more29.09.2015 Morse code is key to learning mechanisms in the brain
Researchers at Bergmannsheil University Hospital find "adaptive neuroplasticity".
Read more16.09.2015 New asset for neuroscience research group
Grant approved for additional project in Collaborative Research Centre 874.
Read more10.09.2015 New findings on the lifelong learning brain
Neuroscientists investigate plasticity in the hippocampus.
Read more28.08.2015 Zen meditation improves sense of touch
Scientists show: mental states induce neuroplasticity and learning.
Read more28.07.2015 New findings in a long-standing debate
Researchers study the function of the hippocampus at a cellular level
Read more21.07.2015 Neuroscientists analyse the principles of self-organisation of nerve cells
Slow Feature Analysis explains many experimental results
Read more09.07.2015 Search for fundamental working principles of the brain
Researchers simulate navigational scenarios.
Read more25.06.2015 Scientists in “Retreat”
Collaborative Research Centre 874 looks back on current projects and plans new research.
Read more17.06.2015 RUB-Scientists develop ataxia mouse model
Investigating the origins of spinocerebellar ataxia 6.
Read more19.05.2015 Searching for the place of memory storage
RUB neuroscientists present new model for memory formation in the hippocampus
Read more28.04.2015 7th International IGSN / SFB 874 Conference:
Cortical and subcortical representation of sensory and cognitive memory
Read more30.03.2015 Building block for memory and learning identified
A specific neurotransmitter receptor supports optimal information processing in the brain.
Read more