Magnetism: Breaking the law
Using neutron beams and extreme temperatures, research scientists are delving deep into the secrets of magnets. Their findings have enabled them to challenge a previously undisputed certainty.
Portrait: The Student-Whisperer
Don’t just lecture: Matthias Streller investigates why it is that teenagers in school labs are suddenly becoming interested in natural sciences.
Interview: “We are often times left empty-handed”
Research scientists have discovered a new antibiotic that is effective against numerous resistant germs. Tanja Schneider from the German Centre for Infection Research explains how the scientists were able to track down the active ingredient, and why success stories are so rare when combating bacteria.
HELMHOLTZ extreme: The most-sensitive scale in the world
In order to measure small things, sometimes huge instruments are required. In certain cases, in fact – the smaller the objects to be analysed, the larger the measuring devices. In this manner research scientists determine, for example, the mass of atoms in laboratories with special mass-spectrometers.
Fokus@Helmholtz: Citizen Science
What are the advantages of citizen participation in scientific projects? Where are the limitations? And why is it that not all scientists are enthusiastic about this trend? Advocates as well as pundits come together for a discussion in Berlin concerning “Citizen Science”.
Research: The Plastic Plague
There are millions upon millions of tonnes of plastic waste floating in the sea. A problem with global dimensions has been developing out of this for many years now. Scientists are investigating the consequences for marine fauna - and are searching for approaches to getting the waste under control.
ERC Grant: "Nothing else in Europe can compete with it"
His research took him to Alaska, but the prestigious ERC grant brought Guido Grosse back to Europe. In this interview, the geologist explains how research into permafrost can even be conducted from Potsdam.
