Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology discovered that enclosed water can influence its surroundings and favor binding between molecules. This finding could lead to the design of more effective drugs and new materials by leveraging the binding force of highly energetic water molecules.
A new drive system with individual gearbox control on each wheel improves wheel grip and enables exact speed compensation when cornering. This allows vehicles to move safely in challenging terrains, such as steep slopes and uneven ground. The technology is suitable for emission-free drives and preserves the conventional drivetrain.
New WiFi technology can create images of individuals and surroundings by passively recording communication in radio networks, raising concerns about privacy. Researchers call for protective measures and privacy safeguards in the forthcoming IEEE 802.11bf WiFi standard.
Researchers have developed a new metal alloy that can withstand extremely high temperatures, making it suitable for use in energy-efficient aircraft turbines and other high-temperature applications. The alloy, composed of chromium, molybdenum, and silicon, exhibits great potential for reducing fuel consumption by up to five percent.
KIT was founded in 1825 as a three-class school with the goal of serving the public good through technology. Today, it's a University of Excellence focusing on energy, mobility, and climate research, and is recognized for its groundbreaking contributions to science and innovation.
Dr. Jingyuan Xu, a researcher at KIT's Institute of Microstructure Technology, has made groundbreaking contributions to the development of eco-friendly heating and cooling technologies. Her work focuses on the elastocaloric effect, which enables materials to heat up and cool down without using climate-damaging refrigerants.
Researchers have discovered a molecular switch in Yersinia enterocolitica that regulates its disease-causing mechanisms at high cell density. This allows the bacteria to evade the immune system and continue reproducing.
Researchers use biomolecular condensates to control gene expression, mimicking the cell nucleus's efficient information processing. They aim to develop DNA-based computer systems and biotechnologies like cancer therapies.
Researcher Manuel Krannich has been awarded a five-year ERC starting grant to investigate the connections between symmetries of high-dimensional manifolds and laws of algebra. His project, 'Manifolds and Functor Calculus' (MaFC), combines manifold theory with higher-level algebra.
A new deep-learning model calculates urban heat stress per square meter in the future, considering geodata and weather forecasts. The model simulates a range of climate scenarios, including increased heat stress due to rising greenhouse gas emissions.
A team of scientists at KIT has developed an integrated nanodroplet array platform that enables the simultaneous synthesis, testing, and analysis of thousands of therapeutic agents. This approach accelerates the drug discovery process by reducing time and resources, making it more accessible to academic labs and smaller biotech companies.
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) are conducting joint research on nuclear safety and security. The partnership aims to train young researchers and develop innovative tools for nuclear applications, with a focus on medical research, space travel, and decommissioning nuclear facilities.
Researchers found high acceptance and interest in autonomous shuttles among all population groups. The vehicles successfully completed over 430 trips with more than 1,600 passengers, traveling safely and reliably in automated mode.
Researchers at KIT have developed a new AI method that generates high-resolution precipitation maps from low-resolution data, offering improved assessments of regional climate risks and disaster control. The model provides physically plausible precipitation maps with statistical uncertainty, applicable to diverse climatic conditions.
Scientists at KIT have produced an MOF in thin-film form that exhibits metallic conductivity, enabling new possibilities for electronic components and applications. The breakthrough was achieved using a self-driving laboratory and precise control over crystallinity and domain size.
The COSMOS-H research facility at KIT allows for detailed investigation of complex heat transfer processes and flow phenomena under realistic high-pressure conditions. Researchers can recreate exact conditions found in real thermal power plants, enabling the development of safer and more efficient energy systems.
The EPICUR Hubs provide a network of skills for young scientists, pooling knowledge and expertise to develop solutions to complex problems. Three themed Hubs will focus on sustainable transformation, global health, and future intelligence.
The KATRIN experiment has achieved a precision measurement of the neutrino mass, setting an upper limit of 0.45 electron volts per square centimeter. This result is a significant reduction from previous measurements and demonstrates the experiment's ability to detect the elusive neutrino particles.
Researchers have developed a new type of metamaterial that stores large amounts of energy through twisting rods, with enthalpy levels 2-160 times higher than other materials. The material has potential applications in various fields such as spring-based energy storage, shock absorption, and flexible structures.
A new facility in Mannheim produces carbon-neutral methanol from biogas extracted from wastewater, a potential solution for reducing shipping emissions. The process uses green hydrogen to convert the biogas into methanol, a versatile raw material that can be used in the chemical industry or as fuel for ships.
RAZO Energy's intelligent charging management enables noticeable cost savings for electric vehicle users, reducing costs per hundred kilometers from six euros to two. The system helps keep the power grid stable by balancing consumption and generation of energy in an optimum way.
Researchers at KIT develop a meta-grating that allows for four times more efficient light control than conventional systems. This technology enables targeted control of light waves, reducing the size and weight of optical systems.
A new project aims to analyze the hidden mechanisms of energy transition models, determining which narrative patterns are included and finding ways to make them more transparent and inclusive. By simulating future energy systems in real-world labs, researchers hope to remove uncertainties and mistrust surrounding the energy transition.
The High Power Grid Lab will test new grid components and technologies under realistic conditions, focusing on low- and medium-voltage grids for regional power distribution. The lab aims to investigate system properties of innovative grid components in a grid environment that accurately replicates the real world.
Researchers at KIT successfully integrate co-electrolysis into synthetic fuel production, achieving up to 85% efficient energy recovery. The Kopernikus P2X project aims to produce one tonne of kerosene per day using this technology.
The KIT-led ASCCI measurement campaign is analyzing the effects of ozone and water vapor in the Arctic troposphere and stratosphere on climate change. The research focuses on understanding the causes and consequences of Arctic warming, including ozone depletion and air pollutant transport.
KIT will present innovative technologies such as optical meta surfaces, smart earphones, and sustainable cooling solutions at Hannover Messe 2025. The showcase highlights the institution's commitment to addressing global challenges like climate change and energy transition.
Researchers used deep learning to predict perovskite solar cell material characteristics and efficiency levels. Machine learning helped identify process errors before finishing, improving data analysis speed and effectiveness.
Researchers used a special measurement technique called M4 resonant inelastic X-ray scattering to analyze the electronic structure and bonding properties of actinide atoms. They found that careful measurement enables a better understanding of actinide atoms' electronic structure and bonding properties.
Validaitor offers a unique platform for AI governance, risk management, and automated testing, reducing certification costs by up to 80%. KIT's investment supports the development of trustworthy AI solutions, combining expertise in cybersecurity and energy sectors.
Researchers have synthesized a Bi5−ring, a molecule with five bismuth atoms, and stabilized it in a metal complex. The discovery fills a gap in chemical knowledge and enables future applications in materials research, catalysis, and electronics.
Using machine learning and AI, researchers have discovered a way to quickly and economically find high-performance materials for perovskite solar cells. By training an AI model on 101 synthesized molecules, they were able to identify 48 new molecules with potential for above-average efficiency.
Researchers from KIT developed AI algorithms that can detect tumors efficiently and precisely. The algorithms are based on deep learning methods and have been shown to excel in the autoPET competition. Further research is needed to improve the algorithms and make them more resistant to external influences.
Researchers at KIT developed a new water treatment method using carbon nanotube membranes in electrochemical membrane reactors. The study found that pre-adsorption of steroid hormones does not limit their degradation, thanks to rapid adsorption and effective mass transfer. This approach has the potential to improve the removal of micro...
Jan S. Hesthaven, KIT's fourth president, emphasizes the need for boldness in addressing demographic change, digital transformation, and sustainable development. He aims to increase internationalization, attract top talent, and drive innovation at the university.
Researchers developed novel materials with superhydrophobic properties by grafting hydrocarbon chains to thin MOF films, achieving water contact angles of over 160 degrees. The unique arrangement of the grafted chains creates a high-entropy state essential for their hydrophobic behavior.
Professor Gerhard Neumann at KIT has received a EUR 2.4 million ERC Consolidator Grant to improve robots' ability to perform complex tasks in real environments. His SMARTI³ project aims to develop intuitive interfaces and scalable capabilities for complex manipulation tasks.
Researchers at KIT have designed tailored space-time crystals for optimal light modulation and amplification, paving the way for new optical materials. The study's breakthrough involves combining photonic time crystals with an additional spatial structure to extend bandgaps across nearly the entire momentum space.
Macromolecular chemistry expert Christopher Barner-Kowollik receives Germany's best-funded research prize for his groundbreaking discoveries in photochemistry. His work challenges traditional assumptions and opens new avenues for applications in phototherapy, light-driven synthesis, and materials development.
Researchers develop hybrid materials to enhance optical signal conversion in transceivers, increasing data transmission rates while reducing energy consumption. The ATHENS project combines silicon with other materials to overcome limitations in pure silicon components.
The material exhibits unusual stretching characteristics, including compression in some areas and local stretching reactions at distant points. This sensitivity to loads makes it potentially valuable for engineering applications, such as monitoring building deformations or characterizing forces in cells.
Researchers found that incineration of household waste containing fluoropolymers at temperatures typical for municipal waste incineration resulted in nearly complete mineralization, with over 99.99% reduction rate. This finding suggests that standard combustion conditions are sufficient to remove fluoropolymers from the environment.
Researchers at KIT have controlled tin-vacancy center qubits in diamonds using microwaves, achieving coherence times of up to ten milliseconds. This is a major improvement for the development of diamond-based quantum computers and secure fiber-based quantum communication.
Researchers at KIT develop new NMR spectroscopy method to directly measure chiral molecular structure. This enables accelerated drug screening and simplifies the search for active ingredients in pharmaceuticals. The breakthrough could lead to significant improvements in drug development.
Researchers used realistic numerical models to solve mysteries about Earth vibrations of unknown origin and discovered a 'seiche' phenomenon caused by a massive rockslide in the fjord. The event generated seismic waves detectable globally for nine days, highlighting the interrelations between climate change and geological processes.
Researchers at KIT's Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry developed a novel concept to improve the stability of supported catalysts by utilizing different support materials. The concept involves confining Pd clusters on CeO2 nano-islands, which leads to highly active oxidation catalysts.
A study by KIT researchers provides urban planners with a template for designing microgrids that integrate socio-economic factors and societal participation. The model aims to create equitable access to energy and services for all population groups, particularly vulnerable ones, in the face of power outages and crises.
Researchers developed an emotion analysis model that can identify affective states with high accuracy using convolutional neural networks. The study shows that AI algorithms may be better at recognizing negative emotions than humans, but raises ethical concerns about data privacy and misuse.
A new study projects that global groundwater temperatures will rise by 2.1-3.5°C by 2100, impacting 77-588 million people's access to safe drinking water. Rising temperatures can also lead to increased concentrations of harmful substances and affect ecosystems.
Researchers at KIT have developed a novel polymer-based metamaterial that combines properties of light diffusion, self-cleaning, and radiative cooling while maintaining transparency. The material can optimize indoor lighting, provide passive cooling, and reduce reliance on air conditioning.