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Bielefeld University


Breakthrough in understanding ice formation in clouds

Researchers at Bielefeld University have discovered that microcline's most common surface is sufficient for ice to form in an ordered manner, known as epitaxial growth. This finding provides a new perspective on the importance of uncommon ice faces for understanding ice nucleation.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2026

Invisible chemical landscapes shape life

A research team has discovered that complex chemical signals merge in the environment to form dynamic 'chemodiversity landscapes' with emergent properties. These patterns can generate novel ecological effects, shaping entire ecosystems and influencing interactions between organisms.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 16, 2026

Space logistics on the right track

A team of researchers at Bielefeld University has developed a precise mathematical approach to plotting routes through space and time. The new method could help make space missions more efficient and also improve transportation systems on Earth.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalINFORMS Journal on Computing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 4, 2026

Stadium fever measured—why live football raises the pulse

A study from Bielefeld University found that fans experience higher heart rates and stress levels during live football matches, particularly in the stadium. The research recorded vital signs from 229 fans over a twelve-week period, showing an average heart rate of 94 beats per minute for stadium attendees versus 79 for TV viewers.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeCase study·DateFeb 5, 2026

How cities are changing social behavior in urban animals

A comprehensive review by Bielefeld University researchers reveals that urbanisation significantly impacts animal social behaviour, including changes in communication, aggression and group stability. The study found that 92% of reviewed papers report a significant effect of urbanization on social behavior.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 20, 2026

WhatsApp data show: We often deceive ourselves

A study by Bielefeld University used anonymized WhatsApp metadata to show that personalized feedback can help people understand their communication habits. Many participants adjusted their views on response speed and chat participation after seeing data-based visualizations.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2026

What our meadows reveal about the future

A German-Swiss research team found that spatial data can remarkably predict biodiversity changes over time, identifying areas under pressure. The study used unique data from 150 meadows and shows that land use intensification leads to declining biodiversity.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 2025

Our solar system is moving faster than expected

A study from Bielefeld University reveals that the solar system is moving more than three times faster than predicted by current models. This deviation was detected using data from radio galaxies, which emit strong radio waves and can penetrate dust and gas.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2025

Clinical Guidelines as a lever for more equitable healthcare

A study analyzing 325 European clinical guidelines found significant gaps in addressing gender-specific issues, with only 4.7% of recommendations focusing on sex-related aspects. The research team proposes methodological approaches to improve guideline development, including the use of digital tools and stakeholder involvement.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalBMJ·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 10, 2025

Research team explores inclusion at conferences

A Bielefeld study analyzes audience questions and survey responses from over 1,300 participants to identify barriers to inclusion at scientific events. Small measures such as behavioral guidelines and free childcare options can have a significant impact on increasing diversity and equity.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2025

Partnerships boost life satisfaction

A new study by researchers in Germany and the UK found that living in a partnership leads to a sustained increase in life satisfaction, with the greatest gain occurring at the transition from singlehood into a relationship. The positive effect lasts for at least two years, regardless of age, sex, income, or education.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalJournal of Personality·DateSep 19, 2025

Humans and machines learn differently

Researchers from Bielefeld University explore how humans and machines learn differently, highlighting the importance of bridging cognitive science and AI research. The study shows that machines generalize differently than humans, making it crucial for successful human-AI collaboration.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2025

How cells build complex structures as a team

Researchers visualize extracellular matrix in living organism and discover principles of self-organization, indicating large fluctuations in protein production between individual cells. The structure forms rounded or polygonal boundaries that dynamically evolve as the organism grows, making it resemble a foam.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2025

Your morning coffee really does make you happier

A new study by Bielefeld University and the University of Warwick found that morning coffee significantly improves mood and enthusiasm in young adults. The researchers also discovered that caffeine's effects on mood are consistent across individuals with varying levels of anxiety or depressive symptoms.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2025

Why scientific results vary

A study published in BMC Biology found that different scientists working with the same datasets can arrive at vastly different results, emphasizing the importance of transparent analysis methods. The findings raise fundamental questions about reproducibility and reliability in scientific results.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalBMC Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2025

Return of the elephants seals: From a few to thousands

Northern elephant seals nearly went extinct due to overhunting but have since recovered to around 225,000 individuals. The recent study found the species' genetic diversity was reduced during this period, which may impair their ability to cope with future environmental changes.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Covid-19: migrants globally at higher risk

A new study published in eClinicalMedicine reveals that migrants are at an increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, experiencing severe disease courses, and having higher mortality rates. Systemic barriers such as overcrowding, precarious working conditions, and limited access to healthcare contribute to poorer health outcomes.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 11, 2024

Celiac disease: New findings on the effects of gluten

Researchers at Bielefeld University discovered that certain gluten-derived molecules, including the 33-mer deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP), form nanosized structures that accumulate in gut epithelial cells and lead to leaky gut syndrome. This triggers chronic inflammation and autoimmune responses in celiac disease patients.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Action plan for better data on migration and health

A new study reveals gaps in including migrants and refugees in national data collection systems, hindering their human rights and societies' well-being. The authors propose a roadmap for European health systems to improve data quality and promote equity in healthcare.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2023

Predicting outbreak of ALS disease with AI methods

Bielefeld University researchers developed an AI method using Capsule Networks to analyze genotype profiles of 3,000 ALS patients, achieving 87% accuracy in predicting whether or not people will develop ALS. The study reveals over 900 genes that play a role in identifying the disease.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 28, 2023

Seeing through blood with a microscope

Researchers are developing a new SWIR surgical microscope system to detect and remove cholesteatomas, a type of chronic otitis media. The microscope uses short-wave infrared light to illuminate blood, bacterial biofilms, cartilage, and soft tissue, making them distinguishable from each other.

Stigmatization prevents lessons from the HIV pandemic

Researchers at Bielefeld University argue that stigmatization prevented lessons from the HIV pandemic from being adopted by broader parts of society. This has consequences for dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. The study highlights the importance of including marginalized groups' perspectives in research to learn from their experiences.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 29, 2021

How genetic islands form among marine molluscs

A new study explains how genetic islands can occur in marine molluscs by studying the limpet Nacella concinna. The researchers found that an entire generation of offspring descended from a limited number of parents and were carried by ocean currents to one location.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2021

The reproductive advantages of large male fish

Researchers found that larger male mosquitofish are preferred by females and produce more sperm. They also excel at driving off rivals and using forced mating strategies due to their small size and agility. The study analyzed 36 studies and provided new insights into the relationship between body size and reproductive success in fish.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJul 7, 2021

Graphene: Everything under control

A team of scientists from Bielefeld and Berlin successfully controlled graphene's nonlinearity by applying modest electrical voltages, enabling efficient processing of high-frequency signals. This breakthrough paves the way for using graphene in THz frequency converters, mixers, and modulators.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2021

How metal atoms can arrange themselves on an insulator

Researchers at Bielefeld University have successfully arranged individual metal atoms on an insulator surface at room temperature. The ordered structure is created because the molybdenum acetate molecules align precisely with the charge distribution on the calcite surface, firmly anchoring them in place.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2021