Press Releases

Researchers have developed mini-antibodies that efficiently block SARS-CoV-2 and its dangerous new variants. These so-called nanobodies bind and neutralize the virus up to 1000 times better than previously developed mini-antibodies. In addition, the scientists optimized their mini-antibodies for stability and resistance to extreme heat. This unique combination makes them promising agents to treat COVID-19. more

The union has named three Honorary Fellows this year, including two scientists at the MPI for Biophysical Chemistry: Nobel laureates Stefan Hell and Erwin Neher. Both were honored for their groundbreaking research of great importance to the field of physiology. more

The campaign initiated by the German Research Foundation and Tierversuche verstehen advocates for transparent information and open communication about animal experiments in research. The MPI for Biophysical Chemistry is one of the first 53 research institutions to sign the campaign. more

The MPI for Biophysical Chemistry and for Experimental Medicine will merge. On March 12, the decision-making bodies of the Max Planck Society approved this plan. Formally, both institutions will be closed and a new MPI will be founded. The future institute will bring together natural science and basic medical research. more

The Max Planck Society awards the postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for her outstanding achievements in her PhD thesis. Schmidt examined how cells mark and dispose of defective components. The award ceremony will take place at the MPS Annual General Meeting on June 22. more

Researchers at the institute in collaboration with the Institute of Farm Animal Genetics in Mariensee and other international colleagues, developed a new model system for studying early embryonic development. With the help of this system, they discovered that the process when genetic material from each parent combines immediately after fertilization is remarkably inefficient. more

With Jäckle’s election, the Academy recognizes the outstanding scientific achievements of the emeritus director. His basic research on the fruit fly model brought new insights on the general understanding of genes and molecular mechanisms that control organ formation and energy metabolism. more

The research group leader receives 2.4 million euros of funding from the European Research Council for the next five years. The physical chemist and her team want to use the money to combine two methods: nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and electron spin resonance spectroscopy.   more

The biophysicist at the institute receives about 1.1 million euros funding for the next three years, together with two colleagues. With the grant’s help, the researchers will investigate the physiological effects of ultrasound waves on ion channel signaling. more

A team of researchers, including Ashwin Chari's group from the MPI for Biophysical Chemistry, has identified several candidates for drugs against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Among them are two promising compounds that are currently being investigated in preclinical studies. This drug screening – probably the largest of its kind – also revealed a new binding site on the virus. more

The German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology honored Patrick Cramer, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, with the Otto Warburg Medal. Virologist Christian Drosten of the Berlin Charité received the Eduard Buchner Award. At the virtual event, both scientists presented their latest results from corona research. more

The BioDiversum will be built in the coming months. It will provide a habitat for endangered animal and plant species. Today, earthworks for the pond began, the biotope’s central measure. With this project on its premises near Nikolausberg, the institute wants to contribute its share to stopping the massive loss of biodiversity. more