Press Releases

A new magnetic resonance method can make specific areas of molecules visible while suppressing disturbing background signals during the measurement. The method, developed by Stefan Glöggler and his team, shall in future also be used for medical diagnostics using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). more

The International Max Planck Research School for Physics of Biological and Complex Systems in Göttingen will be extended: For another six years, it will provide a structured doctoral training focussing on physics and chemistry. Since 2008, 200 young researchers have been awarded doctorates within this program. (in German) more

The number is gigantic: In medical diagnostics, about 100 million examinations are carried out with magnetic resonance imaging every year – and every scanner worldwide uses the technology developed by Jens Frahm and his team at the MPI for Biophysical Chemistry. For his achievements, the physicist has now been awarded the Werner von Siemens Ring, one of the most important German technology prizes. more

Three years ago, Göttingen Nobel Laureate Stefan Hell and his team introduced MINFLUX nanoscopy. With this technique it was possible for the first time to separate fluorescing molecules with light that were only a few nanometers apart - this is as sharp as it can get. Now, the Max Planck researchers present the technique's latest development: MINFLUX now reaches this resolution in cells, with multicolor imaging and in 3D. Thus, MINFLUX nanoscopy can now be boradly applied in biological research. (in German) more

For the first time in 3D and atomic resolution: Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, in cooperation with colleagues from Würzburg, have succeeded in presenting the propagation strategy of Vaccinia viruses. These viruses also serve as vaccines against human smallpox diseases and as the basis for new cancer therapies. more

Researchers at the MPI for Biophysical Chemistry and the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases have, for the first time, analyzed the fine structure of clumped alpha-synuclein proteins amplified from tissue samples from patients. Up to now, only artificially aggregated proteins had been investigated. The results show that the protein structures of clinical samples differ from artificial ones and are surprisingly diverse in Parkinson's patients. This shows how important supplementary studies with tissue samples are more

For women, the biological clock starts ticking by their mid-30s at the latest: Fertility decreases, the risk of miscarriages increases. One of the main reasons behind both are eggs with altered chromosome numbers. It has remained largely unclear, however, why eggs from older women more frequently possess too many or too few chromosomes. A German-English research team has now discovered that certain structures on the egg’s chromosomes age and fall apart, possibly promoting incorrect chromosome distribution. 
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A research team involving Dirk Görlich of the MPI for Biophysical Chemistry has been awarded one of highly competetive Synergy Grants from the European Research Council. Funds of 11 million Euros during the next six years will enable the scientists to elucidate the molecular details of muscle formation and function. more

In the exhibition series Kunst am Fassberg, the Institute presents paintings by Christine Reinckens. The exhibition Rhythms and Rows will be obend on Saturday, October 26 at 4 pm in the foyer. The exhibition will run until November 19. (in German) more

The Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Elsevier/Biochimica et Biophysica Acta honor the director for her innovative research research which has not only revealed central principles of the function of ribosomes, but has also revolutionized ribosome research as a whole. (in German) more

Launch of the new "Matter to Life" programme in Göttingen. Students with an excellent bachelor's degree will receive special support at the three Max Planck Schools "Matter to Life", "Photonics" and "Cognition". (in German) more

The Max Planck director receives the award of the Schering Stiftung for his pioneering research on an elemantary process of life - the copying of genes, called transcription. (in German) more