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Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg


Adapting to climate change: Researchers find natural gene variant that allows barley to flower earlier

Scientists have identified a natural gene variant in barley that enables plants to flower up to 18 days earlier, allowing for improved adaptation to climate change. This discovery could lead to the development of climate-resilient barley varieties with stable yields.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023

Packaged DNA: MLU researchers develop new method to promote bone growth

Researchers at MLU and partners developed a new process coating implant materials with a gene-activated biomaterial that induces stem cells to produce bone tissue. This method, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, stimulates bone healing in a targeted manner with fewer side effects than existing methods.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Once a terrorist, always a terrorist?

A study examines the UN's terrorist list and its ombudsperson, highlighting problematic processes and potential flaws in the sanctions regime. The researcher argues that the ombudsperson embodies a new trend in international law, offering a compromise between Western standards for the rule of law and state interests.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAmerican Journal of International Law·TypeCase study·DateDec 15, 2022

From cell walls to photosynthesis: How does manganese get to where it needs to go in plants?

A team of researchers from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg has discovered a transport pathway for manganese in plants and the role that BICAT3 plays in this process. The protein is responsible for transporting manganese to where it needs to go in plant cells, leading to improved crop growth.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Ecological imbalance: How plant diversity in Germany has changed in the past century

A study by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research found that 41% more plant species in Germany have decreased in abundance over the past 100 years, while only 19% have increased. This uneven distribution of gains and losses indicates a significant loss of biodiversity.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 19, 2022

Behavioral research: Study reveals that students aren’t ideal test subjects

A new study by Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found that using only students in experiments can lead to biased results, as their decisions differ from those of other population groups. The study compared agricultural science students to farmers and found differences in risk-taking, patience, trust, and generosity.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAustralian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2022

How ultrathin polymer films can be used for storage technology

Scientists from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg discovered that precisely applied mechanical pressure can improve the electronic properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films. The team used atomic force microscopy to control and reorient electrical charges in the material, enabling stable nano-scale structures with high ...

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Impostor Phenomenon: When self-doubt gets the upper hand

Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg found that people with the Impostor Phenomenon devalue their objectively measured performance and attribute positive results to external causes. The study showed no relation between actual intelligence or performance and self-reported degree of Impostor Phenomenon.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2022

Researchers find new approach to treating cardiovascular diseases

A research team discovered that an excessive number of thromboxane A2 receptors in blood vessel cells hinders the formation of new blood vessels, leading to vascular and cardiovascular diseases. The finding offers a promising biomarker for treatment and potential therapeutic benefits from blocking the receptor's action.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

Spintronics: How an atom-thin insulator helps transport spins

Researchers have discovered a way to mitigate significant losses in spin current transport by integrating an atom-thin insulator between materials. This innovation has important implications for energy-efficient and ultra-fast storage technologies, as well as applications in terahertz emitters and other spintronic devices.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Heat storage: Scientists develop material that is stable, efficient and eco-friendly

Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg create a new shape-stabilized phase change material that can absorb significantly more heat and is made of harmless substances. The material, which can be used as large panels integrated into walls, can store up to 24 times more heat than conventional concrete or wallboard.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Green chemistry: Scientists develop new process for more eco-friendly liquid crystals

Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new process for producing liquid crystals that is more efficient and environmentally friendly. The approach uses multi-component reactions to simplify the production process, eliminating the need for harsh solvents and reducing energy consumption.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Molecular Liquids·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2022

Scientists show how artificial intelligence can help to study protein complexes

Researchers have developed an AI-based method to analyze cryo-electron microscopy data, enabling the simultaneous examination of multiple protein complexes in cells. This breakthrough can lead to a better understanding of protein functions and potentially create new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalStructure·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022

Circular economy: Researchers show how synthetic rubber raw material can be degraded

Researchers have successfully degraded synthetic polyisoprene using enzyme LCPK30, a breakthrough that could enable recycling of car tires and production of new plastics. The method involves creating an emulsion with the polymer, allowing the enzyme to break down long molecular chains into smaller fragments.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Turbo boost for materials research: Researchers train AI to predict new compounds

A new machine learning-based algorithm can predict stable material compounds much faster than traditional methods, opening up new avenues for research and discovery. The researchers identified several thousand potential new compounds using the computer, offering a promising breakthrough in materials science.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2021

Chemistry: Researchers develop novel, inexpensive catalysts enabling noble metal chemistry

Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed novel, inexpensive catalysts for alkynes reactions. Alkynes are activated through a soft manner, mimicking gold and platinum-based catalysts, with aluminum oxide being a more accessible alternative.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

The gatekeepers of German business: How companies attain coveted key positions

A study by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg reveals that mid-sized collaborations are crucial for companies to become gatekeepers in Germany's business network. These collaborations lead to improved innovation and profits. Large companies dominate the gatekeeper position, but smaller collaborations can also be beneficial.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalEuropean Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2021

Scientists develop alternative cement with low carbon footprint

Researchers at MLU and Brazilian University of Pará create climate-friendly cement alternative by replacing limestone with Belterra clay, a previously unused overburden from bauxite mining. The new cement is just as stable as traditional Portland cement and reduces CO2 emissions during production.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalSustainable Materials and Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Solar cells: Layer of three crystals produces a thousand times more power

Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg created a new material by combining barium titanate, strontium titanate, and calcium titanate in a lattice. The resulting ferroelectric-paraelectric superlattice significantly enhances the photovoltaic effect, producing up to 1,000 times more power than pure barium titanate.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2021