Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research


Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research launches new international visiting student program with Virginia Tech

The Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research has launched a new international visiting student program with Virginia Tech, providing six graduate and undergraduate students from the US with three-month research opportunities in Mainz. The Poly-ABROAD Program aims to strengthen international scientific exchange in polymer and materials...

Using science for more animal welfare

Using science for more animal welfare: Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research have developed an alternative to foie gras by mimicking the structure of real foie gras. The new pâté closely mimics the mouthfeel and melt of traditional foie gras, thanks to a treatment process that restructures fat using goose lipases.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025

Suffocating cancer cells

Researchers have developed a synthetic drug that stops cancer cells from producing energy by blocking oxygen conversion. The tiny hairs formed by the drug's molecules can kill even aggressive and untreatable cancer cells within four hours.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2022

Ice-free in icy worlds

The Antarctic scallop's microscopic ridges create a regular structure that prevents water from freezing on its surface, allowing it to resist icing. This unique feature provides an advantage for the species, with researchers suggesting potential technological applications for non-icing surfaces in polar shipping.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2022

A question of affinity

Scientists have discovered that ionization energy is more crucial than electron affinity in determining the efficiency of organic solar cells. This finding allows for precise design rules to be derived, aiming to maximize solar cell efficiency and potentially leading to transparent solar cells with high efficiency.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 27, 2020

The web of death

Scientists have developed a new method to combat cancer by using molecular fibers that target the acidic and reactive environment of cancer cells. The approach has shown promising results in laboratory tests, with cancer cells dying within four hours.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 10, 2020

The slipperiness of ice explained

A team of researchers has discovered that the friction on ice is driven by the high mobility of water molecules at the surface, not by a thin layer of liquid water. The study found that as temperature increases, the mobility of these molecules also rises, resulting in lower friction.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 9, 2018