“Tierversuche verstehen”, an initiative of German research organisations, aims to actively and transparently inform the public about animal-based research
The hardness, residual stress and other properties of a component's surface layers are crucial to its functionality and durability. To achieve specific improvements to the component's “skin”, engineers need a more detailed understanding of the physical and chemical processes at work during manufacturing processes and how these can be exploited to modify the material properties.
Double flowers are the result of a battle between genes that activate or inhibit the development of different kinds of structures and organs. Molecular biologists are particularly interested in mutants because they provide clues about the mechanisms of flower development and their evolutionary origin. This area of research reveals more about the highly complex “regulatory code” of flowers.
AbstractNeurobiologist Martin Korte studies the basic cellular mechanisms involved in memory processes, combining ambitious research with varied science communication. An interview at the Zoological Institute at TU Braunschweig
german research: Professor Vollmar, can you tell us a little about your institute, the Institute of Experimental Surgery, in the somewhat peripheral locality of Rostock? Vollmar: The institute carries out both basic and applied research. We combine pathophysiology, the science of how disease occurs, with the search for new treatments. In our surgical work, we use various animal models, from small to large animals. As far as Rostock is concerned, there are few other places in Germany that allow studies in experimental surgery to be conducted in such a concentrated, networked way. In spite of your intensive research work, a year ago you accepted an invitation to chair the Senate Commission on Animal Protection and Experimentation. Why? When I was asked, I didn’t need long to think about it. It links in to my clinical surgical background, my knowledge of medicine and healthcare, and the fact that I’ve been conducting my own animal research for 30 years. I’m familiar with all the arguments for and against, all the opportunities and risks of animal experimentation. I have also established a central experimental animal centre in two locations [Homburg/Saar and Rostock], including quality management certification. With this expertise, I feel well equipped for the role. Above all, I can appreciate the rationale for the Senate Commission. It’s a necessary body for all fundamental questions relating to animal experimentation. I’m delighted to be able to contribute to that.
Synthetic membranes are an essential technology for water treatment and purification. Physical models are now also being combined with artificial intelligence, opening up new possibilities for the provision of safe drinking water.
AbstractBeekeeping is growing in popularity in urban areas with more and more city dwellers in Europe and North America keeping bees in their spare time. In Berlin, for example, we can observe new ways of thinking and behaving that straddle ecological concerns, human‐animal interaction and a new perception of the self and the environment.
Combining acoustic signal processing with automated learning: Communications engineers are using microphone arrays and deep neural networks to improve speech recognition under difficult conditions. In the long term, these sensor networks could also help to improve digital virtual assistants.
Founded 100 years ago, the Bauhaus was Germany's most successful cultural export of the 20th century. New research reveals how the communicative links between members of the Bauhaus enabled the institution to continue functioning after its closure in 1933 as an early form of “virtual community”. The study steps away from a more conventional stylistic examination to take a fresh look at the movement.
Abstract“Tierversuche verstehen”, an initiative of German research organisations, aims to actively and transparently inform the public about animal‐based research
Taking to the skies to study the atmosphere, climate and planet: Funded by a consortium of major German research institutes, HALO has quickly become the most advanced research aircraft in Europe. With an array of modern and variable equipment, it can be used for demanding measurement campaigns from aerosol particles to air pollutants and clouds.
The International Ocean Discovery Program, the world's largest research collaboration in the geosciences, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. With significant scientific and financial participation from Germany, the IODP expeditions and their core samples are providing fundamental insights into the Earth's structure and climate history.
Cultural heritage in the cloud: A multimedia portal is bringing together documents and objects relating to life, home and work in the Rhineland in the 20th century. It's a fascinating example of the possibilities and challenges of digitisation.
Organic catalysis: The activation of ubiquitous but unreactive carbon-hydrogen bonds has emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional techniques of molecular synthesis. This strategy can be used to minimise toxic by-products and develop new functional materials, which may also be beneficial in applications such as polymer synthesis and drug development, among others.
How do you research and recount the global history of theatre? A Reinhart Koselleck project in Munich used unusual sources such as passport applications and passenger lists to trace the international story of an ephemeral art form.
Lemurs, macaques and chimpanzees all live in complex societies that influence the health of group members. Close bonds can reduce social stress but they also increase the risk of parasitism and sexually transmitted diseases.
AbstractPlate tectonics, volcanic activity and ocean floor spreading in the Arctic: Following several complex research expeditions and earthquake measurements, the Emmy Noether group MOVE has obtained some surprising findings about the formation and structure of the ocean lithosphere. A look at the results so far
Cross-border cooperation seems essential to good research. But what is it actually founded upon? In a polycentric scientific world, do we need to rethink the concepts of freedom and responsibility? And how can we protect them against current threats? Reflections on the internationality of sciences and the humanities in a global era
Sonja Lorenz studies a system that affects every cell in the body: the ubiquitin system. In the long term, her work could lead to improved therapeutic strategies / An encounter in Würzburg
The discovery of a private Jewish prayer room in Erfurt dating from the 13th century came as a complete surprise to building archaeologists and conservators. The first confirmed ensemble of this kind north of the Alps reveals a fascinating insight into everyday Jewish piety in the Middle Ages.
