Max-Planck-Gesellschaft

Structural Biology

3D animation of a ribosome attached to SND3 on the ER surface. The backgroud of the illustration shows heat marks, referencing the hot environment in which Chaeomium thermofilum thrives.

SNDing proteins into the membrane

October 29, 2025

Proteins Structural Biology

Recent structural study reveals a new route for membrane protein insertion in fungi. more

A group of ballet dancers in classic white tutus, captured mid-performance, reflects on the polished floor. The image is creatively enhanced with swirling purple patterns overlaying the dancers' feet and reflections.

Dancing proteins keep cells moving

October 10, 2025

Proteins Structural Biology

Function and role of key factors in actin filament disassembly redefined by Max Planck researchers
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“Pushers” push passengers into a train.

High-speed pumps in the cell

September 17, 2025

Proteins Structural Biology

The first comprehensive transport model of a plasma membrane calcium pump explains its high speed more

Protein structure with binding area highlighted in blue and red molecule in the center.

Protein pocketome mapped

September 17, 2025

Proteins Structural Biology

Researchers have identified protein binding sites in eleven species from different kingdoms of life more

Promising Parkinson's drug decoded

Promising Parkinson's drug decoded

May 05, 2025

Medicine Structural Biology

Elucidation of its mode of action lays the foundation for the development of targeted therapies for Parkinson's disease and chronic kidney disease more

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Max Planck Research

Cover Max Planck Research Magazine 3/2025

MaxPlanckResearch 3/2025 Science Magazine - Focus: What is beauty?

Few topics are as controversial as the question, what is beauty. Researchers from various disciplines have found surprisingly objective answers to it. Research from the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics and the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics explains when and why music moves us. Findings from the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz show how our concept of beauty is also politically influenced and exploited. In zebra finches and ruffs, magnificent plumage does not play the role that has long been attributed to it: females choose their partners based on completely different criteria, such as song or behavior.

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