The History of the Helmholtz Association

How the virus uses proteins of the cell

How do somatic cells and their proteins interact with SARS-CoV-2 when they are infected by the virus? Young scientists have now published the world's first publication on this subject. Mathias Munschauer, one of the lead authors, explains how this could lead to new treatment approaches.

"The next ten years are crucial"

Since October 2020, Katja Matthes has been head of the Kiel Research Center GEOMAR. The sports enthusiast and climate scientist is convinced that the oceans can contribute much more to climate protection. In a pinch, they need a little help.

The next big step

Modern science is almost inconceivable without supercomputers. Two new computers in Jülich and Karlsruhe are now setting new standards - and are already prepared for technologies that do not even exist yet.

"Creativity and new ideas get us through the crisis"

Stress, anxiety and depression are on the rise in the Corona pandemic. To protect the mental health of people, families and sufferers, we need social exchange, creative ideas and more courage.

"The pressure of suffering is enormous"

Experts estimate that up to 70 percent of COVID-19 patients suffer from smell and taste disorders. We spoke with Kathrin Ohla from the Jülich Research Center about an underestimated symptom.

How effective are room air filters?

Whether at school, kindergarten, the cinema, restaurant or at the doctor's office: Wherever many people gather inside, the risk of infection is particularly high. Researchers are therefore developing ventilation systems to reduce the uncontrolled spread of aerosols contaminated with viruses and bacteria.

The persistent one

At DLR in Cologne, Robert Pitz-Paal is researching a technology that is highly efficient but widely unknown: He is improving solar thermal power plants that can play a crucial role in the energy transition. Central to this is international cooperation.

How does the lockdown affect mental health?

The lockdown in spring changed the well-being of the Germans: Stress, fear and depressive symptoms increased. This is shown by the results of the NAKO health study. A conversation with the head of the study, Annette Peters from Helmholtz Zentrum München.

With two more short lockdowns through the winter?

What will happen with the coronavirus pandemic in the coming months? Forschungszentrum Jülich, together with the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, has calculated various scenarios. In an interview, Jan Fuhrmann explains what the prospects are and what is important.

Polar bear guard and corona quarantine

Behind the success of MOSAiC is a perfectly coordinated planning team. Curious polar bears were the least of the problems during the expedition - it was the Corona pandemic that caused the planners sleepless nights.