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University of Göttingen


Decades-old museum specimens reveal ten extraordinary new worms

Scientists have discovered 10 new species of branching marine worms, shedding light on their evolution and diversity. The study, published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, used DNA sequencing and anatomical analyses to solve a long-standing puzzle and provide new insights into the evolution of complex body forms.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2026

Bats as a form of biological pest control

A study found that bats, not bird numbers, contribute to pest control in macadamia nut production. Higher bat activity reduces insect damage and increases yields, with natural habitats playing a crucial role in supporting beneficial organisms.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2026

Zooming in: Electron orbitals photographed in 3D

Physicists have developed a method to visualize three-dimensional wavefunctions of molecules, enabling the study of molecular interactions. The technique, which uses a table-top soft-X-ray laser and powerful computer algorithms, allows for the imaging of features smaller than atomic scales.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2026

Making biomolecules glow: new dye solves problem

Researchers at the University of Göttingen have developed a new method to make biomolecules glow in real-time, eliminating unwanted signals in microscopy. This approach ensures only labelled biological molecules emit fluorescence, making experiments clearer and easier to interpret.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2026

Revealing hidden diversity of algae in farmland

A pilot study discovered over 100 different algae species in German farmland, with blue-green and green algae prevalent during summer, and yellow-green algae during spring and autumn. The research highlights the importance of soil algae in maintaining soil health and fertility.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2026

Rethinking Europe’s nature reserves

Researchers propose incorporating local knowledge into nature conservation through a biocultural approach. This involves collaborating with local people, considering traditional land-use practices and their impact on protected areas.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalConservation Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 31, 2026

Forest soils increasingly extract methane from atmosphere

Researchers at the University of Göttingen found that forest soils in south-western Germany absorb more methane as climate conditions become drier and warmer. This contradicts current international meta-analyses, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring for assessing the effects of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 4, 2026

Restoring the web of life in farmland

The METAGROLAND project aims to improve environmental farming schemes by studying plant-pollinator interactions and land manager networks. Key findings include the development of practical guidance for agri-environmental schemes that align ecological processes with real-world management.

Farmers’ voices in European protests

A study of European farmers' protests reveals a wide range of concerns including environmental regulations, which differ between countries. Farmers in Germany criticized bureaucracy, while French farmers focused on financial pressures, Belgian farmers expressed a broad mix of concerns, and Dutch farmers voiced dissatisfaction with policy.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFood Policy·TypeSurvey·DateJan 19, 2026

Holding back laughter

A research team at the University of Göttingen investigated how laughter can be regulated and found that social cues can strongly interfere with these efforts. The results showed that suppression and distraction were effective strategies to hold back laughter, while cognitive reappraisal could reduce how funny the jokes felt.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2025

Connections with nature in protected areas

A study by the University of Göttingen explores how people experience nature in protected landscapes, finding that these areas foster local identity, support learning about nature, and provide spaces for recreation. The research identified five central narratives: learning, regional heritage, care, multifunctional use, and collaboration.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2025

Sudden complexity just 65 million years ago

A study led by Göttingen University found that a group of algae, Coleochaetophyceae, gained complex body structures around 65 million years ago. The team analyzed genetic evolution and fossil evidence, revealing that plant-like complexity is an ancient potential that emerged multiple times.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeNews article·DateNov 1, 2025

Sedimentary rocks reveal ocean floor cooling

Researchers from the University of Göttingen have identified oxygen isotopes in 'cherts' as indicators of heat flow on early Earth. The study reveals that cherts record paleo-heat flow on the Shatsky Rise oceanic plateau, providing insights into the conditions on the Earth's surface up to 3.5 billion years ago.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalGeology·TypeNews article·DateOct 17, 2025

More milk, less methane in mixed pastures?

A meta-analysis of 16 studies found that diverse pasturelands have no effect on milk production or methane emissions, but a higher proportion of legumes can promote milk yield. The study suggests that farms should consider the benefits of diverse grassland areas for overall productivity and ecosystem benefits.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFood and Energy Security·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 13, 2025

Diversity in forest management promotes biodiversity

Researchers found that species diversity is highest in landscapes with 60% unmanaged forests and 40% intensively managed forests. Extensively managed forests contribute little to support species richness, but improving their ecological performance can help maintain forest biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2025

Wolves return: How to keep livestock safe?

A study by the University of Göttingen found that social pressure is the primary driver behind farmers' willingness to protect their livestock from wolves. Financial support, such as subsidies for electric fences, also encourages farmers to take action. However, guard dogs are not a preferred option.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeSurvey·DateSep 29, 2025

Biodiversity needs more than just flower strips

Researchers at the University of Göttingen argue that creating diverse landscapes with various habitats is necessary for biodiversity preservation. Habitat diversity can include arable land, natural areas, and structures like nesting sites, promoting species movement and reduced extinction risk.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 18, 2025

Dinosaur teeth give glimpse of early Earth’s climate

A new method reconstructs carbon dioxide levels and photosynthesis from fossilized tooth enamel, shedding light on the climate of the Mesozoic era. The analysis found that atmospheric CO2 levels were four times higher in the late Jurassic period and three times higher in the late Cretaceous period than they are today.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2025

More than just larks and owls!

Researchers used AI to analyze bird songs and calls of 53 European forest bird species, revealing far more activity types than previously thought. The study showed that some species are active around dawn and twilight, and their song patterns need adjustment for breeding bird surveys.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Ornithology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2025

Listening to each other

A research team at the University of Göttingen has discovered that embryonic cells coordinate their behavior through molecular mechanisms previously known from hearing processes. The study reveals how neighboring cells synchronize their movements to pull together with greater force, ensuring rapid development and tissue protection.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2025

Do red squirrels and dormice get along?

A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that mixed deciduous-conifer forests promote coexistence between red squirrels and dormice. The team observed both species living side by side in these forests, suggesting a potential role for mixed forest management in supporting biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEuropean Journal of Wildlife Research·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2025

Same ecosystem, different fix

A new study by the University of Göttingen and Freie Universität Berlin found that Mediterranean-type regions require tailored restoration methods due to varying soil and climate conditions. The research suggests that compromises are often needed, and what works best depends on local goals and conditions.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEcography·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2025

When, where and how wet is the forest?

A study by Göttingen University researchers combined satellite data with manual measurements to better understand forest soil moisture. The findings show that soil moisture is strongly influenced by weather and season, not exact location, and highlight the importance of monitoring soil moisture over time for effective forest management.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Hydrology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2025

Tapping into the World’s largest gold reserves

Scientists from the University of Göttingen have made a groundbreaking discovery, finding ruthenium in volcanic rocks on the islands of Hawaii. The finding suggests that material from the Earth's core is leaking into the mantle above, challenging previous assumptions about the planet's internal dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2025