Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses never act alone. They form communities, interact and thus have a significant influence on humans and nature. One example of this is the microbial community in the human gut, the so-called microbiome. It is only through the interaction of microorganisms that nutrients are metabolised and made usable for the body. However, if the microbiome is composed incorrectly, this can lead to health problems.

Supplying a growing world population with affordable food is becoming increasingly difficult due to climate-related extremes such as heat, drought or heavy rainfall. But climate change is not the only factor jeopardising food security. According to studies, agricultural fertilisation practices are partly responsible for the fact that ecosystems such as the soil are over-fertilised and under pressure. New solutions are therefore needed for sustainable, resource-efficient and adaptable agricultural production.

Microorganisms can produce a variety of substances. Their talents have been utilised for centuries - for example in the production of beer, wine and cheese. Microbes are also important tools for biotechnology, for example to produce new products such as bio-based chemicals for the bioeconomy from CO₂.

Where streets and houses dominate instead of green spaces and water, it can sometimes become unbearably hot in summer. Solutions are needed because researchers are predicting an increase in heat waves as a result of climate change. Sponge cities can provide effective heat protection. Researchers at the Technische Universität (TU) Berlin want to design such a sponge city neighbourhood on the former site of Tegel Airport. In August, work began on planting a total of six so-called evaporation beds.

In many places, the consequences of climate change are already being felt in agriculture. Crop losses due to extreme weather conditions and pest infestations have increased in recent years. At the same time, agriculture is under pressure to reduce the use of fertilisers and pesticides and cut CO₂ emissions. But how can the environment and climate be protected without jeopardising yields?

In order to be able to feed the growing population in 20 years' time, researchers have long been looking for alternatives. One promising option could be lab-grown meat. There is great interest in so-called cell-based meat. Numerous start-ups and research institutions around the world are now working on producing meat without animals having to suffer or be killed. To produce cell-based meat, muscle stem cells are usually taken from an animal and cultivated in a petri dish.

Whether chipboard, furniture or paper: since June last year, anyone wishing to place a wood product on the market in the European Union (EU) has had to prove that the types of wood used come from legal trade. Traders must document the type of wood and country of origin. With the ‘European Deforestation Regulation’, the EU aims to minimise the risk that the extraction of timber contributes to deforestation, damages the ecosystem through deforestation or even displaces people.