Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) have developed a new microscope for high spatial resolution X-ray spectroscopic studies. While conventional X-ray spectroscopy has so far fallen short of resolving single nanoparticles, the X-ray microscope at HZB’s synchrotron source BESSY II succeeds by using high-brilliancy X-rays.

Breakthrough in X-Ray Nanospectroscopy

The Israeli Nobel Laureate Aaron Ciechanover has been named one of the recipients of the Humboldt Research Award of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH). His host institution in Germany shall be the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch, a member of the Helmholtz Association. Professor Ciechanover is a physician and biologist and conducts research at the Faculty of Medicine of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. The Humboldt Research Award is awarded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany to internationally renowned scientists and scholars in recognition of their entire achievements to date, and whose fundamental discoveries, theories, or insights have had a significant impact on their discipline. The award is valued at 60,000 euros.

Humboldt Research Award for Nobel Laureate Aaron Ciechanover

The Israeli Nobel Laureate Aaron Ciechanover has been named one of the recipients of the Humboldt Research Award of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH). His host institution in Germany shall be the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch, a member of the Helmholtz Association. Professor Ciechanover is a physician and biologist and conducts research at the Faculty of Medicine of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. The Humboldt Research Award is awarded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany to internationally renowned scientists and scholars in recognition of their entire achievements to date, and whose fundamental discoveries, theories, or insights have had a significant impact on their discipline. The award is valued at 60,000 euros.

Humboldt Research Award for Nobel Laureate Aaron Ciechanover Host Institution is the MDC

Two DKFZ researchers at a time are awarded a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant this year. One of the grants is awarded to a project of Prof. Michael Boutros, who endeavors to show, for the first time, the interaction of all genes in cells of a higher organism. Prof. Bruno Kyewski is awarded an ERC grant for his studies of how immune cells learn tolerance of the body’s own structures.

Two ERC grants go to the German Cancer Research Center

Leipzig. Europe''s streams will in future be more heavily polluted with insecticides than before. This is the conclusion of a study by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) for which scientists compared the situation of 1990 with climate and land use change scenarios in 2090. The risks for streams caused by the use of insecticides in agriculture will increase significantly in many regions of Europe, and particularly in Scandinavia, the Baltic countries and in Central Europe, according to scientists in the journal "Ecological Applications".

Insecticides an increasing problem in future for streams in Europe

Our life expectancy has increased considerably in recent centuries. However, which factors play a role in giving us longer mental and physical health? Professor Monique Breteler, new Director of Population Health Sciences at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), will undertake a large-scale study to answer this very question. Besides her affiliation with DZNE, Breteler is a professor of population health sciences at the University of Bonn. “We are proud that Professor Breteler, one of the world’s leading scientists in the field of population studies, has joined the institute,” says Professor Pierluigi Nicotera, scientific director and chairman of the executive board of DZNE.

Methuselah’s Descendants – What Keeps Us Healthy in Old Age?

Oxidative stress is considered to be involved in a multitude of pathogenic processes and is also implicated in the proces of aging. For the first time, scientists of the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) have been able to directly observe oxidative changes in a living organism. Their findings in fruit flies raise doubts about the validity of some widely held hypotheses: The research team has found no evidence that the life span is limited by the production of harmful oxidants.

Oxidative stress: Less harmful than suspected?

How natural polyketides are produced “in assembly lines”: HZI researchers decode the molecular structure of synthesizing enzymes. From deadly toxins to curative antibiotics: The polyketides, a class of biologically active compounds, comprise a multitude of metabolites from plants, fungi, bacteria and other organisms.& How does nature produce this remarkably broad spectrum? Researchers of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) and ...

Understanding the molecular production line

Precise measurements of the atmosphere are indispensable for predictions of climate change and its impacts, as is currently being discussed at the climate change conference in Durban. A group of researchers from Jülich and Karlsruhe will therefore be starting a unique experiment in December in Northern Sweden: For the first time, the GLORIA instrument will fly on board of the Russian research aircraft “Geophysica” and observe climate-relevant gases and atmospheric movements with unprecedented accuracy. These measurements will contribute essentially to improved climate models.

GLORIA: Unique Climate Research Experiment Worldwide

On Monday, 28th of November, the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) held its first “Industry Day.” The event aimed to showcase the work of the recently founded DZNE and discuss potential areas of cooperation with industry representatives. “We must work together to develop effective therapies and better diagnosis procedures. The discussions showed that beyond maintaining our existing partnerships, we need to collaborate with industry in new ways,” said Professor Pierluigi Nicotera, the Scientific Director and Chairman of the executive board of DZNE.

DZNE hosts industry conference - First "DZNE Industry Day" highlights opportunities for cooperation