Medicine

A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including strawberries and blueberries, next to an illustration of the digestive system and gut microbiome.

A mathematical model shows how ingested microorganisms can influence gut microbiome diversity more

Illustration depicting the impact of NAD+ on circadian rhythm in aging hearts, highlighting NR supplementation's role in restoring healthy gene expression and preventing cardiac enlargement.

Declining NAD+ levels in the aging heart weaken circadian rhythm and cardiac health more

Molecular structure of Pol II with two strands (RNA in red and DNA in purple) behind red curtains presented by a person wearing white gloves

Understanding the distinct roles of BET proteins could unlock a more targeted approach to cancer therapy more

Neuronal structure under a microscope, showing blue-stained nuclei surrounded by red and green fibers, labeled as DAPI, b3TUB, and SYN1.

For the first time, researchers have found evidence of a biological cause for the cognitive impairments caused by the disease more

In a greenhouse, three scientists in lab coats focus on a molecular model, surrounded by various potted plants and greenery.

Newly discovered enzymes found in the cinchona tree play a crucial role in the production of the malaria drug quinine and other important alkaloids more

A glass filled with white sugar cubes and a striped straw stands on a light-coloured wooden table against a plain blue background.

Sugar affects the brain’s chemistry and increases our craving for sweet things more

The image shows a brain scan of a patient with multiple sclerosis on the left. On the right is an illustration of a hand wearing a red laboratory glove. The hand is holding three test tubes containing blue liquid in a rack.

Proteomics can also be used to identify proteins for the diagnosis of other neurological diseases more

A group of three individuals in dark, professional clothing poses in front of a concrete wall.

The Max Planck start-up aims to significantly improve IVF success rates more

A protective shield against cancer cells

Degrader of cancer protein IDO1 prevents cancer immune suppression by cancer and offers promising strategy to support existing immunotherapies more

Four elderly people are sitting on a park bench.

The data of the Berlin Aging Study (BASE) are now available to researchers worldwide at the Research Data Center of the Leibniz Institute for Psychology (ZPID) more

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A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including strawberries and blueberries, next to an illustration of the digestive system and gut microbiome.

A mathematical model shows how ingested microorganisms can influence gut microbiome diversity more

Neuronal structure under a microscope, showing blue-stained nuclei surrounded by red and green fibers, labeled as DAPI, b3TUB, and SYN1.

For the first time, researchers have found evidence of a biological cause for the cognitive impairments caused by the disease more

A glass filled with white sugar cubes and a striped straw stands on a light-coloured wooden table against a plain blue background.

Sugar affects the brain’s chemistry and increases our craving for sweet things more

The image shows a brain scan of a patient with multiple sclerosis on the left. On the right is an illustration of a hand wearing a red laboratory glove. The hand is holding three test tubes containing blue liquid in a rack.

Proteomics can also be used to identify proteins for the diagnosis of other neurological diseases more

A group of three individuals in dark, professional clothing poses in front of a concrete wall.

The Max Planck start-up aims to significantly improve IVF success rates more

A protective shield against cancer cells

Degrader of cancer protein IDO1 prevents cancer immune suppression by cancer and offers promising strategy to support existing immunotherapies more

Microscopic image depicting cells with prominent blue nuclei, scattered green and pink regions, encased in intricate white structures.

Dresden research team develops human modular model to study liver diseases more

A white pill bottle featuring a green recycling symbol stands beside a blue DNA model, surrounded by various pills in multiple colors.

Large-scale drug atlas uncovers new genome editing modulators and potential therapeutic strategies for DNA repair-deficient cancers more

If mice smell fatty foods during pregnancy, this can increase the risk of overweight and obesity in their offspring.

The brains of the offspring show similarities to those of obese adult mice more

Anatomical depiction of a human brain model, featuring multiple electrodes strategically positioned on the brain surface, highlighting the intricate brain structure and its connection points.

So‑called “noise” represents a previously overlooked signature that reflects Parkinson’s disease symptoms. more

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A detailed view of a clock face with the hour and minute hands precisely pointing to 2:00, bathed in a warm, ambient light.

On Sunday, March 30, 2025, the clocks in Germany will spring forward for daylight saving time. As we all adjust our watches, phones, and computers, what does this shift really do to our bodies? Experts from three different Max Planck Institutes shed light on this question. more

bright yellow-orange glowing spot with oval outline

The year 2024 saw Max Planck scientists publishing exceptional research across disciplines. We have selected twelve highlights to share more

In this picture, you see four children in mid-jump in a gym environment. The children are wearing t-shirts and gym shorts or trouser. Only their legs and torsos are visible in the picture, and you can tell that the children are slightly overweight.

According to the WHO, over 64 million adults and 300,000 children and adolescents in Europe are currently living with diabetes. In 90 percent of cases, excess weight is the primary trigger. At the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Cologne, Jens Brüning is investigating the mechanisms through which obesity leads to insulin resistance. more

Research highlights 2023

Research highlights 2023

December 19, 2023

Many publications by Max Planck scientists in 2023 were of great social relevance or met with a great media response. We have selected 12 articles to present you with an overview of some noteworthy research of the year more

Silhouette of a person with a hood over their head and a smartphone in their hand.

Interview with Johanna Rinceanu and Randall Stephenson, senior researchers at the Department of Criminal Law at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg, on what medical diagnosis and modern-day internet regulation have in common more

Scientific highlights 2022

Scientific highlights 2022

December 14, 2022

Many publications by Max Planck scientists in 2022 were of great social relevance or met with a great media response. We have selected 12 articles to present you with an overview of some noteworthy research of the year more

Julia Zimmermann

Julia Zimmermann talks about the foundation of the company terraplasma GmbH more

Leonhard Schilbach heads the Day Clinic for Disorders of Social Interaction at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich.

People with autism often have outstanding skills, which can be enriching for businesses more

Perilous Puddles

Admittedly, the research subject isn’t particularly appetizing: Strongyloides stercoralis – small parasitic worms that live in their host’s intestines and have the potential to cause severe problems. Nevertheless, Adrian Streit from the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in Tübingen is fascinated by this threadworm. It has a unique life cycle, and to this day, no one really understands why more

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