Research

Illuminating the tiniest details of living cells just got a major boost: Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research have developed new markers that glow in the far-red range and are activated by light. They are stable, easy to control, and compatible with several super-resolution microscopy techniques, as outlined in a paper published […]

Insights from theoretical physics are helping scientists understand how living cells process information and use it to self-organise A flock of birds, an ant colony, heavy traffic on a highway – what do they all have in common? In addition to being things you wouldn’t want to suddenly find yourself in the middle of, they […]

In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is drawing attention to the findings of a new study: Both regular stool-based tests and screening colonoscopies can significantly reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer and related mortality. When individuals participate consistently, the two prevention strategies are similarly effective. Colorectal […]

New study shows benefits in all stages of dementia New findings indicate that a shingles vaccination could not only reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, but also have a positive effect on the course of the disease in patients who are already ill. Scientists from Heidelberg University’s Medical Faculty, the University of Mainz, […]

Chemotherapy is often a central component of treatment for advanced colorectal cancer. However, not every therapy is equally effective for every patient. Researchers from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the HI-STEM* stem cell institute, and the biotech company Xilis in Utrecht, Netherlands, have now developed a new method for selecting the most effective drug […]

A severe side effect of radiation therapy can be debilitating fibrotic skin damage. Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have now identified a key factor in the development of this radiation damage. Modulating this factor could potentially prevent this severe adverse effect. Radiation therapy is one of the most important “pillars” of cancer […]

In a recently published scientific study, researchers have succeeded in accurately diagnosing common types of brain tumors in children and adolescents based on tumor-derived genetic material in cerebrospinal fluid. Until now, these so-called liquid biopsies were not capable enough for such reliable diagnostics. The international research team, involving the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg (MFHD) at […]

Smoking significantly increases the risk of depression. An evaluation of the NAKO study shows dose-dependent effects and proves that quitting smoking can improve mental health in the long term. A research group led by the Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH) in Mannheim has confirmed for the first time within the German National Cohort (NAKO) […]

Heidelberg and Freiburg researchers study interaction with AI chatbots Humans can build emotional closeness to artificial intelligence (AI) – under certain conditions even more strongly than to another human being. This has been shown by studies conducted by Prof. Dr Bastian Schiller from Heidelberg University’s Institute of Psychology in cooperation with colleagues from the University […]