On these pages you will find a selection of research news from the Leibniz Institutes.
Treasure trove of biodiversity
01.07.2020 · Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research
New surveys in Vietnamese Bidoup Nui Ba National Park have revealed surprising mammal biodiversity. Seven of them are threatened with extinction worldwide.
Germ-free with LEDs
01.07.2020 · Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik
A newly developed LED irradiation system eliminates germs on critical surfaces such as mobile phones. The device could also be used in the healthcare sector.
Weather affects air pollution
01.07.2020 · Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research
The traffic density is most significantly responsible for nitrogen oxide concentrations. However, two weather parameters also have a significant impact on air pollution.
Climate scenarios for central banks
29.06.2020 · Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Climate-related risks can heavily impact economies across the globe. Scenarios are intended to illustrate how exactly and under what conditions these can occur.
Why coffee tastes bitter
26.06.2020 · Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology
Caffeine is surely the best-known bitter coffee constituent. However, this stimulating substance is not solely responsible for the bitter taste of the beverage.
Populist governments hedge power
25.06.2020 · Kiel Institute for the World Economy
Populist governments record significantly lower increases in popularity during the pandemic than non-populist ones. Nevertheless, they hedge power – with the help of emergency laws.
From land to water
25.06.2020 · Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research
During the Mesozoic era, the now extinct crocodile relatives thalattosuchians ventured into the ocean after a long semiaquatic phase. This is shown by high-tech CT images.
Ray of hope for endangered species
18.06.2020 · Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research
Researchers have managed to create four embryos of the southern white rhinoceros using assisted reproduction. This was the team's most successful procedure of its kind.
A spider named Greta
15.06.2020 · Senckenberg Society for Nature Research
A new genus of spiders from Madagascar is named in honour of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. 'Thunberga' comprises five species of huntsman spiders.
Economic stimulus package for the climate
11.06.2020 · ifo Institute – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research
Economic policy must be examined in terms of its impact on the climate. Otherwise, economic stimulus packages will greatly impede the future achievement of climate targets.
Making sense of climate scenarios
04.06.2020 · Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
An interactive online platform is designed to help policy makers and businesses understand climate scenarios and better assess the threat of global warming.
DNA elimination in plants unveiled
03.06.2020 · Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics und Crop Plant Research
By eliminating chromosomes some plants ensure that the DNA content between some of their organs differs. Researchers have now finally been able to explain the underlying mechanisms.
"Dead Urchin Walking" on the Ocean Floor
03.06.2020 · Senckenberg Society for Nature Research
In order to survive as prey, sea urchins have developed a high regenerative capacity. This is shown by photographs of a severely damaged echinoderm on the ocean floor off Spitsbergen.
The long way back into freedom
29.05.2020 · Senckenberg Society for Nature Research
Contrary to expectations, the population of Przewalski’s Horse is not threatened by inbreeding. Reintroduced into the wild since 1992, the animals are the last surviving species of wild horse.
Same father, same face
28.05.2020 · German Primate Center – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research
Mandrills with the same father look more alike than half-siblings who share the same mother – a result of selection that makes it easier to recognize each other as relatives.
