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University of Göttingen


Rock 'n' control

Researchers at University of Göttingen use femtochemistry to film and control chemical reactions on solid surfaces. They successfully transfer principle from molecules to a solid, controlling its crystal structure with high efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·DateJul 8, 2020

Feeds of the future

A University of Göttingen research team found that black soldier fly larvae meal and spirulina can be included in poultry feed without negatively impacting quality. Microalgae are also a potential alternative to soybean meal, but remain more expensive due to production costs.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateJul 1, 2020

Wild bees depend on the landscape structure

Research by the University of Göttingen found that wild bees depend on landscape structure, with small fields and organic areas providing benefits for bumblebee colonies. Flower strips in conventional cereal fields also attract pollinators, highlighting the importance of agri-environmental schemes that consider landscape structure.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 30, 2020

Protecting scientific diversity

The COVID-19 pandemic poses major challenges to scientists from underrepresented groups, including women and minority communities. The international appeal emphasizes the importance of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in science to overcome these challenges. The authors recommend improved gender equality measures, targeted fun...

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 12, 2020

Should tomatoes go in the fridge?

A study by the University of Göttingen found that the variety of tomato is more important than storage conditions on its flavor. The research team analyzed flavour-related attributes in new tomato strains and discovered no significant differences between refrigerated and room temperature storage options.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMay 20, 2020

Sustainable palm oil? How environmental protection and poverty reduction can be reconciled

The expansion of oil palm cultivation has contributed significantly to economic growth and poverty reduction in local communities, particularly in Asia. However, large-scale deforestation and biodiversity loss are concerns due to the increased demand for palm oil, primarily used in food, fuel, and cosmetics industries.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAnnual Review of Resource Economics·DateMay 19, 2020

Sugar tax has more public support than expected

A survey of over 1,000 German consumers found broad support for nutritional policy action, despite initial concerns about social acceptance. Key findings indicate that people's opinions on food policies are not tied to individual dietary struggles, with those who eat a healthy diet also being in favor of regulation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNutrients·DateMar 11, 2020

What women really want

Researchers at the University of Göttingen investigated whether changes in a woman's menstrual cycle affect her preferences for men's behavior. The study found that women find all men slightly more attractive when fertile and perceive flirtier men as more attractive for short-term relationships, but less attractive for long-term ones. ...

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 6, 2020

Eco-friendly biodiesel from palm oil?

Researchers from the University of Göttingen found that using palm oil from first rotation plantations leads to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. However, there is potential for carbon savings in plantations established on degraded land or by introducing longer rotation cycles or new oil palm varieties.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2020

Sustainability claims about rubber don't stick

A new study led by the University of Göttingen calls into question the sustainability claims made by large corporations like Michelin regarding rubber production. The researchers found that local villagers' reports indicated land-ownership, ecosystems, and biodiversity suffered due to deforestation and poor pay conditions.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Land Use Science·DateJan 22, 2020

Knowledge-sharing: a how-to guide

The study identified two fundamental patterns of knowledge exchange: theory-method and technical interdisciplinary collaborations. The researchers developed recommendations for effective working in interdisciplinary teams, including agreeing on goals, communication rules, and research tools, to save time and money.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2019

Harnessing nature's defenses against tsunamis

A hybrid approach combining mangroves, coral reefs and man-made solutions can protect coastal communities from disaster while preserving biodiversity. The study suggests ecosystem-based protection should be the basis for a coastal protection strategy, making it more cost-efficient and better protecting valuable ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 12, 2019

Natural ecosystems protect against climate change

Researchers at University of Göttingen found mangroves absorb carbon efficiently, prioritizing conservation and restoration. The study analyzed a five-meter-deep core of sediment in Segara Anakan Lagoon, revealing the interaction between climate fluctuations and human activity affected carbon accumulation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 10, 2019

How much will we eat in the future?

Researchers at Göttingen University predict a significant increase in global calorie requirements by 2100, driven by rising Body Mass Index (BMI) and body height. This could lead to food shortages and exacerbate malnutrition among the poor if not addressed.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 5, 2019

How plants handle stress

An international research team investigated how evolutionary changes in receptor proteins led to the development of sensing mechanisms that aid plant stress responses. They found that the closest living algae relatives of land plants have a complete set of genes that strongly resemble the genetic framework used by land plants.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2019

Gender quotas in business -- how do Europeans feel?

A recent study published in Comparative European Politics found that EU attitudes on gender quotas in management boards are divided, with stronger support in countries like Cyprus and Portugal. The study revealed a paradoxical relationship between support for the quota and actual gender equality in each country.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalComparative European Politics·DateNov 12, 2019

Palm oil: Less fertilizer and no herbicide but same yield?

A large-scale experiment by the University of Göttingen has shown that reducing fertilizer input and eliminating herbicides in palm oil plantations can maintain profits while promoting biodiversity and soil health. The study's preliminary results are encouraging, suggesting a potential environmentally sustainable approach to the industry.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·DateNov 5, 2019

Nerve cell protection free from side effects

Scientists at the University of Göttingen have identified an alternative erythropoietin receptor, CRLF3, which triggers protective effects in humans without stimulating red blood cell production. This discovery offers new hope for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·DateOct 25, 2019

Lost in combat?

Researchers uncovered a collection of 31 unusual objects, believed to be the personal belongings of a Bronze Age warrior who died on the battlefield 3,300 years ago. The discovery provides insights into the equipment and origins of the warriors, with evidence suggesting at least some were from southern Central Europe.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAntiquity·DateOct 15, 2019

Tracing the evolution of vision

Researchers find that opsin proteins and retinal enzymes have independent biological functions beyond vision, including hearing. This discovery challenges current understanding of eye evolution and highlights the importance of molecular components in multiple sensory pathways.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 22, 2019

Decades-old puzzle of the ecology of soil animals solved

An international research team deciphered the defence mechanism of filamentous fungi, discovering that certain fungal pigments like aurofusarin protect fungi from predation. These pigments were found to repel small soil animals such as worms and springtails, and may have evolved due to extremely high concentrations of defence chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 20, 2019

How plants synthesize salicylic acid

An international research team led by the University of Göttingen has unraveled the mechanism for the biosynthesis of salicylic acid in plants. The study reveals that isochorismate-derived compounds accumulate when a specific gene is removed, leading to the formation of salicylic acid.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2019