News

A chameleon in a knight´s armor
27.05.2020 · Research Museum Alexander Koenig

Spiny bones in the skin of a Malagasy leaf chameleonare are assumed to spoil the appetite of predators. It also seems very likely that they play an important role in the animal´s metabolism.

The genome of jojoba
25.05.2020 · Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research

Jojoba is the only plant to store liquid wax in its seeds. A 3D view shows how the oil is distributed within the various tissues of seed.

Preserving crop diversity
25.05.2020 · Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research

Today, there are more than 1,750 gene banks worldwide. In order to unlock their potential, a project aims to integrate the seed depots into an activated digital network.

Cultural tourism as a strategy for structural change
25.05.2020 · The Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development

Rural areas in Europe could particularly benefit from cultural tourism. But how can developments be initiated? A project investigates potentials in Lusatia.

What we will eat in the future
25.05.2020 · Potsdam Institut for Climate Impact Research

Which innovations have the potential to transform the food system sustainably? A study evaluates past successes and future technologies.

Fighting hospital germs with LEDS
25.05.2020 · Ferdinand-Braun-Institut – Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik

A novel LED irradiation system is developed to kill hospital germs with UVC light without damaging the skin. The device might also be interesting for corona viruses.

Vegetables meet fish
25.05.2020 · Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries

Aquaponics may have both environmental and cost benefits – if produced according to good agricultural practice and under suitable conditions.

When the Atlantic met the Alps
19.05.2020 · Senckenberg Society for Nature Research

The westerly-dominated wind system has determined Central European climate for 14.5 million years – and therefore longer than previously thought.

Immune response against corona infection
19.05.2020 · Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors

How well can certain antibodies indicate immunity against the virus? A specific measuring technique makes it possible to determine their quality.

Keeping up with the electorate
19.05.2020 · Berlin Social Science Center

Surveys directly affect the rhetoric of the German federal government – particularly when society deems topics to be important. This is shown by a new study.

Medicinal plants thrive in biodiversity hotspots
14.05.2020 · Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry

Not all plant species produce anti-infective substances in the same way. A new approach aims to facilitate the search for bioactive natural compounds and their hotspots.

A vegetarian carnivore
12.05.2020 · Senckenberg Society for Nature Research

Previous research suggested that the extinct European cave bear partly subsisted on meat and fish as well. In their study, researchers were able to refute this assumption.

When every particle counts
12.05.2020 · Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research

Microplastics can be detected in almost every ecosystem. But how can even the smallest particles be extracted? A new overview of methods provides an orientational aid.

To the rhythm of the environment
11.05.2020 · German Primate Center – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research

By contracting and dilating, the pupil regulates how much light enters the eye. But its movement can also be controlled unconsciously by our mind.

Drastic loss of water insects
11.05.2020 · Senckenberg Society for Nature Research

Even in areas that are mostly unaffected by anthropogenic factors, climate change has a significant impact on ecosystems, as a new long-term study reveals.

Households do not like to admit to stockpiling
11.05.2020 · Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE

Households that are stockpiling do not admit to do so in surveys. Survey findings and purchasing behavior differ particularly when it comes to toilet paper.

Global sea levels could rise faster than expected
08.05.2020 · Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

Global mean sea-level rise could exceed 1 metres by 2100 with unchecked emissions, a survey among 100 leading international experts finds.

Controlling your home by the power of thought
06.05.2020 · German Primate Center – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research

Neuroscientists developed a new experimental environment to study action plans during walking. These findings could be harnessed to develop brain-machine interfaces that control smart homes.

Activation of the SARS coronavirus 2 revealed
04.05.2020 · German Primate Center – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research

Infection researchers identify starting points for vaccine development and therapy.

Multidrug-resistant pathogen analyzed
28.04.2020 · Research Center Borstel – Leibniz Lung Center

A genome analysis reveals insights into the global spread of S. maltophilia strains – multidrug-resistant pathogens causing hospital-acquired infections.