Research

Interdisciplinary research team uses DNA microbeads to control the development of cultivated tissue A new molecular engineering technique can precisely influence the development of organoids. Microbeads made of specifically folded DNA are used to release growth factors or other signal molecules inside the tissue structures. This gives rise to considerably more complex organoids that imitate […]

In recognition of his outstanding scientific achievements, Joachim Spatz, Managing Director of the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg, honored Hendrik Dietz from the Technical University of Munich with the Institute’s Otto Meyerhof Medal. In a festive ceremony at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research (MPImF) in Heidelberg, Joachim Spatz awarded the […]

Every year, millions of people worldwide are infected with malaria, and several hundred thousand die as a result of the infection. Due to widespread resistance, neither the disease can be reliably treated nor can its vectors be effectively combated. A vaccine is also still a long way off. Dr Franziska Hentzschel holds a position as […]

Connecting structure to function in five decades of research By Julia Mahamid, Kristina Djinovic-Carugo, Janet Thornton Structural biology investigates the three-dimensional structure of biological molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, and tries to understand their function through this lens. The journey of structural biology in the last five decades has been one of continuous […]

Funding from the European Research Council (ERC) is regarded as an accolade for scientists at all career stages. With its “Starting Grants”, the ERC aims to pave the way to an independent career for excellent young researchers. This year, Jens Puschhof from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) has been awarded the prestigious grant. The […]

The German Cystic Fibrosis Association (Bundesverband Mukoviszidose e.V.) is providing 148,330 euros to fund a project by Dr. Andrew Tony-Odigie’s working group (Heidelberg University Hospital) on the use of commensal (beneficial) bacteria and their metabolic products to improve therapy with CFTR modulators. The scientists are investigating previously unknown interactions between modulator therapy and commensals and […]