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Kiel University


Switchable nano magnets

Researchers at Kiel University have successfully switched the magnetism of individual molecules using electrons, paving the way for molecular data storage. The study, published in Angewandte Chemie, demonstrates the technical feasibility of storing information in a single molecule.

SourceKiel University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 14, 2012

Exotic quantum crystal discovered

Researchers at Kiel University have discovered a novel state of crystal matter with both compressible and incompressible properties. The discovery was made using extensive computer simulations and sheds light on the behavior of excitons, hydrogen atom-like bound states of electrons and holes.

SourceKiel University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 10, 2011

Lattice of magnetic vortices

Physicists at Hamburg and Kiel University have found a regular lattice of magnetic skyrmions on a surface, consisting of cycloidal vortex spin structures with exceptional stability. The discovery was made using spin-polarized scanning tunnelling microscopy and confirmed by quantum mechanical calculations.

SourceKiel University·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 1, 2011

Rapid etching X-rayed

Researchers at Kiel University developed a method to track atomic-scale changes during etching and coating, revealing uniform metal removal. The technique enabled detection of reactions within milliseconds, providing insights into industrially employed processes.

SourceKiel University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 23, 2011

Ultra high speed film

Researchers from Kiel University have developed a new technique to record films of extremely fast processes, capturing phase transitions and catalytic reactions in solids. The technique uses ultra short flashes of light to make snapshots of electronic states, enabling new insights into relevant properties of solids.

SourceKiel University·JournalNature·DateMar 10, 2011

Disappearing glaciers enhanced biodiversity

A team of researchers found that retreating glaciers created a mosaic landscape with numerous islands, bays, and fiords, allowing new species to develop rapidly. The ancestors of these species survived the ice age in warmer regions, resulting in an exceptional biodiversity in southern Chile.

SourceKiel University·JournalGeology·DateOct 4, 2010

Protecting embryos against microbes

Researchers at Kiel University found a unique antibacterial peptide in Hydra embryo that prevents benign bacteria from colonizing. This mechanism helps protect the embryo and potentially other organisms, altering the composition of bacterial colonization in adults as well.

SourceKiel University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2010

Bone-eating worms 30 million years old

Researchers at Kiel University discovered fossil whale bones with 0.5mm circular boreholes matching those of living Osedax worms, dating to 30 million years ago. The findings confirm that boneworms are at least 30 million years old and were feeding on whale bones during this period.

SourceKiel University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2010

In touch with molecules

A team of European researchers has achieved the first experiment to study the electrical behavior of only two C60 molecules touching each other. The investigation revealed that the conductance between the two molecules is significantly lower than expected, with a controlable leakage current between neighboring circuits.

SourceKiel University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 12, 2009

Living longer thanks to the 'longevity gene'

A study by Kiel University confirms a special sequence variation of the FOXO3A gene is more frequent in centenarians globally, supporting its role in longevity. The research team analyzed DNA samples from 388 German centenarians and 731 younger individuals, finding consistent results worldwide.

SourceKiel University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2009

The green Sahara, a desert in bloom

Researchers discovered three periods of high vegetation cover in the Sahara Desert over the past 120,000 years, tied to changes in Earth's rotation axis and increased precipitation. Computer model simulations support these findings, suggesting a potential expansion of vegetation in the region under human-driven climate change.

SourceKiel University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 30, 2008