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University of Oldenburg


Towards the goal of controlling individual electrons

A German research team has successfully generated stable laser pulses in the femtosecond range, allowing for the manipulation of individual electrons. The team's achievement enables the stability of the electric field oscillations across a wide range of timescales, from microseconds to hours.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalApplied Physics B·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Unexpected feedback in the climate system

Researchers found a surprising correlation between West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreat and marine algae growth over the past 500,000 years. The study suggests that global warming may lead to reduced CO2 uptake if the ice sheet continues to shrink.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2026

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework advances protection of marine biodiversity

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets robust targets for protecting marine biodiversity, addressing its complexity and variability. By focusing on key indicators such as species distribution, genetic diversity, and ecosystem structure, policymakers can track changes and implement effective conservation measures.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 11, 2025

Why so many microbes fail to grow in the lab

A new study from researchers at the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity offers fresh insights into why many microorganisms fail to grow in the lab. The study suggests that the survival of microbes depends on a hidden web of relationships between species, which can collapse with small structural changes.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2025

Discrepancies between national climate targets and citizens' willingness to contribute to climate action

A study by Prof. Dr. Heinz Welsch found that countries with higher per-capita income and emissions levels pursue more ambitious climate targets, but their populations are less willing to contribute to climate change mitigation. The study also found a correlation between the discrepancy and lower satisfaction with democracy.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalEcological Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2025

Watching electron motion in solids

A German-Italian team has discovered a way to simplify the experimental implementation of two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy, allowing for real-time study of electron motion in solids. By adding an optical component to Cerullo's interferometer, researchers were able to control laser pulses more precisely, enabling the investigatio...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

What happens in the ocean when two cyclones collide

When two tropical cyclones collide in the Indian Ocean, they can intensify considerably, leading to extreme interactions between the ocean and atmosphere. The study found that effects occurred that have only been observed with much stronger cyclones, including a cooling effect of three degrees Celsius and upwelling of deep water masses.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalTellus A Dynamic Meteorology and Oceanography·TypeCase study·DateDec 10, 2024

Novel quantum materials in the spotlight

German physicist Christian Schneider has been awarded a European Research Council Consolidator Grant to study the optical properties of two-dimensional materials. His team plans to develop experimental set-ups to investigate the unique properties of these materials, which could lead to new applications in quantum technologies.

Climate change can cause stress in herring larvae

Exposure to multiple environmental stressors simultaneously impairs the ability of herring larvae to react at a molecular level, reducing their capacity for acclimatization. This can lead to increased protein damage and cell injury, potentially affecting growth and survival.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2024

Deep-sea corals are home to previously unknown bacteria with extremely small genomes

Researchers have discovered two previously unknown bacterial species in deep-sea corals from the Gulf of Mexico. These bacteria have extremely reduced genomes and lack the ability to break down carbohydrates, surviving on amino acids instead. The discovery provides insights into the unique adaptations of deep-sea organisms.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2024

Marine bacteria team up to produce a vital vitamin

Researchers discovered that two species of marine bacteria work together to produce vitamin B12, essential for metabolism and survival of many marine organisms. The bacteria release building blocks into the water, which are then combined to form the vitamin through a complex process involving viral infection.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2024

Microalgae with unusual cell biology

Researchers studied Prorocentrum cordatum to understand its molecular processes, revealing a unique photosynthetic machinery that may help it adapt to changing light conditions. The findings could lead to improved understanding of harmful algal blooms and their role in climate change.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 5, 2024

Progress in the investigation of ultrafast electron dynamics using short light pulses

Scientists have made significant progress in understanding ultrafast electron dynamics by tracking the motion of electrons released from zinc oxide crystals using laser pulses. The research team combined photoemission electron microscopy and attosecond physics technology to achieve temporal accuracy, enabling them to study the interact...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalAdvanced Physics Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

How wind turbines react to turbulence

Researchers from the University of Oldenburg developed a new stochastic method to mitigate sudden swings in wind turbine power output. The study found that control systems are mainly responsible for short-term fluctuations and can be optimized to ensure more consistent energy output.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPRX Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

Oceans release microplastics into the atmosphere

A team of researchers has determined that microplastic particles are present in the marine atmosphere, even in remote parts of the world. The study found that different types of plastics, including polyester and polyethylene terephthalate, were detected in air samples collected from various sites along the Norwegian coast.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2023

Local loss of species may often be underestimated

A new biodiversity study shows that even seemingly healthy ecosystems with increasing species numbers may already be on the path to decline and loss of species. The study's findings suggest that species richness is not a reliable metric for monitoring ecosystems, as it can mask negative trends in species extinction.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2023

Significant citizen participation: Study examines the fate of plastic particles

A multidisciplinary team of scientists conducted a comprehensive study to understand the sources and sinks of plastic debris in the Southern North Sea. Local citizen scientists played a crucial role in tracking the distribution pathways of plastic particles, revealing that two-thirds were washed ashore within 25km of their release site.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

New concept for lithium-air batteries

Researchers are working on a new concept for lithium-air batteries that could lead to significant improvements in energy storage capacity. A collaborative project in Germany aims to test new materials and components to enhance the stability of these battery cells. The goal is to overcome technical challenges such as unstable electrolyt...

Climate change disrupts core habitats of marine species

A modelling study by an international team of researchers found that climate change will likely disrupt core habitats of marine species, reducing suitable ranges by the end of this century. The results highlight the need for effective conservation management to protect marine biodiversity and resources.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2023

Dust transport in the upper levels of the atmosphere

A new study by researchers from the University of Oldenburg found that particles from central South America were the primary source of iron in the South Pacific during the last two glacial periods. The team's theory suggests that jet stream circulation picked up fine mineral particles on the east side of the Andes and transported them ...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

New wind field models accurately describe wind gusts

Researchers at the University of Oldenburg have developed a new statistical model that accurately describes wind turbulence and generates fully three-dimensional wind fields using limited measurement points. This breakthrough enables precise wind turbine load estimation and improves wind farm planning, with applications in various fiel...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPRX Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2022

Optimizing wind flow simulations

Researchers at the University of Oldenburg and Fraunhofer IWES collaborate on a new project to develop more accurate wind flow simulations using artificial intelligence. The goal is to reduce computing times and enhance precision, ultimately accelerating innovation in wind turbine design.