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Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization


A testing paradox for sexually transmitted infections

A new modeling study suggests that regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can successfully reduce their spread, even if individuals on PrEP engage in riskier behavior. The paradoxical findings highlight the importance of careful surveillance data interpretation when evaluating public health interventions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2025

Spirals and waves

Researchers Navdeep Rana and Ramin Golestanian investigated non-reciprocal interaction and defect formation in active systems, finding well-ordered wave patterns emerge when non-reciprocity exceeds a certain level. This property opens avenues for applications of non-reciprocal active matter systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalNew Journal of Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2024

Escaping from traps

Researchers from MPI-DS investigated how non-reciprocal interactions can help overcome static equilibrium states in complex systems. They found that these interactions can counteract energy barriers, allowing trapped systems to escape and potentially leading to more efficient molecular systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 2024

Shape matters: How microplastic travels that far

A new study reveals that microplastic fibers settle substantially slower than spherical particles in the atmosphere, allowing them to reach remote regions such as Arctic glaciers. The research suggests that these fibers could even reach the stratosphere, with potential implications for cloud processes and ozone depletion.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

Order from a border

Cilia synchronize their beating pattern by leveraging the fluid surrounding them and the border region. This observation reveals that border regions play a critical role in self-organization of living matter, similar to macroscopic mechanisms.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 2023

A better understanding of turbulence

Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization have challenged long-held assumptions about turbulent flows, finding deviations from established scaling laws in highly idealized environments. This discovery has implications for understanding turbulence in engineered flows, weather forecasts, and climate models.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2023

More than a gut feeling

Research reveals that gut flow velocity directly affects nutrient absorption and bacterial levels, with optimal conditions for each. The study suggests the gut adjusts its flow speed to regulate these processes in response to meal intake or fasting, potentially preventing diseases such as chronic fatigue and poor nutrient absorption.

Evolutionary model predicts partitioning of molecules within cells

Researchers developed a computer model to investigate complex fluids and droplet formation in living cells. The study reveals that even weak interactions can lead to robust emergence of complex behavior, such as droplet formation, which has significant implications for understanding cellular mechanisms.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 26, 2022

Recurrent lockdowns are not necessary for pandemic control

A stable regime can be achieved at low case numbers through non-pharmaceutical interventions, but a fast and efficient 'test-trace-and-isolate' system is crucial for maintaining freedom without lockdowns. This approach has been proven effective in containing disease spread during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 8, 2021