Search

Anzahl der Suchergebnisse: 1425

Agriculture and forestry Plants Agriculture sciences

Detecting plant invasions via infrared sensors

German researchers are developing a warning system for ecosystem changes. Infrared sensors show how imported plants change the landscape of dunes in Portugal.

The Leibniz Institute DSMZ in Braunschweig is the first collection of microorganisms in Europe that meets the requirements of the Nagoya Protocol. It therefore eases the bureaucratic effort for researchers.

unspecific Microorganisms unspecific

Europe’s first registered microbe-collection

The Leibniz Institute DSMZ is the first collection of microorganisms in Europe that meets the requirements of the Nagoya Protocol. It eases the bureaucratic effort for researchers.

Korallenriffe sind der Lebensraum vieler Meeresbewohner. Doch das marine Ökosystem ist gefährdet.
Coral reefs are the habitat of many marine creatures. But the marine ecosystem is severely threatened by global warming.

unspecific unspecific unspecific

Urgent call for action

In its latest report, the IPCC has called for a drastic reduction in CO2 emissions in order to limit the risks posed by global warming to humans and nature.

The European Commission has put forward an action plan to develop a sustainable and circular bioeconomy that serves Europe's society, environment and economy.

unspecific unspecific unspecific

New Bioeconomy Strategy for Europe

The European Commission has announced an updated Bioeconomy Strategy containing an action plan to develop a sustainable and circular bioeconomy for all of Europe. 

Für Pflanzenzüchter ist es wichtig zu wissen, ob Pflanzen anfälliger für Hitze oder Dürre sind.
For plant breeders it is essential to know whether plants are more vulnerable to heat or drought.

Agriculture and forestry Plants Agriculture sciences

Drought worse than heat for plants

According to plant researcher at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), drought stresses arable crops more than heat and leads to higher crop losses.

The consumption of and contamination with plastic packaging material is increasingly threatening the environment.

unspecific unspecific Chemistry

Bioplastic degrades very slowly

An assessment by the Federal Environment Agency with the participation of Fraunhofer researchers states: Even biodegradable plastics remain in the environment for months.

An Tabakpflanzen in der Klimakammer messen Forscher deren Lachgasausstoß.
Researchers measure laughing gas emissions from tobacco plants in individual climate chambers.

Agriculture and forestry Plants Agriculture sciences

Plants emit more greenhouse gas than presumed

Nitrous oxide emissions by plants are larger than previously thought. Though a natural process, it should be included in climate change models, say researchers from Heidelberg and Bingen.

Throughout the high-level Bioeconomy conference in Brussels that discussed the adjusted EU bioeconomy strategy, a bioeconomy corner showcased tangible bio-based products and applications for everyday life.

unspecific unspecific unspecific

The European way of bioeconomy

More than 500 bioeconomy experts from policy, industry and research joined a conference in Brussels organised by the European Commission to discuss the new European bioeconomy strategy.

During a panel debate the the authors of the fourth gene technology report discussed its key messages.

Food unspecific unspecific

CRISPR-Cas: the future of genetic engineering

The fourth gene technology report by the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities has been published. The authors urge to rethink the regulation of CRISPR-Cas products.

The touring exhibition Ocean Plastics Lab stopped in Berlin and illustrated the environmental pollution caused by plastic waste.

unspecific Microorganisms Biotechnology/Systems biology

New bioplastics to combat pollution

Environmental contamination due to plastic waste is enormous. Nuremberg researchers are developing bio-based and biodegradable plastics to put an end to this.

ct-energiepark: In dieser Elektrolyseanlage wird Wasserstoff erzeugt, damit dieser mit Kohlendioxid als Substrat für die Mikroorganismen genutzt werden kann.
ct-energiepark: Hydrogen is produced in this electrolysis plant so that it can be used with carbon dioxide as a substrate for the microorganisms.

Chemistry Microorganisms Chemistry

Chemical feedstock from exhaust gases

Partners from research and industry are in the process of biotechnologically producing the basic chemical 3-hydroxypropanoic acid from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Conventional carbon sources, however, still appear to be more economical.

The consumption of and contamination with plastic packaging material is increasingly threatening the environment.

unspecific unspecific unspecific

Bioplastic degrades very slowly

An assessment by the Federal Environment Agency with the participation of Fraunhofer researchers states: Even biodegradable plastics remain in the environment for months.

Typical for the popular cod fish: protruding upper jaw, chin barb and light contrasting side line

Food Animals Biodiversity

Calculating the cod stock

Coastal researchers at the Helmholtz Centre Geesthacht have developed a statistical method with which cod stocks in the Barents Sea can be predicted more accurately.

The British start-up OPTIfarm aims to boost the productivity of poultry farms by digitally monitoring feed, water, and temperature. Essen-based Evonik now holds shares in OPTIfarm.

Food Animals Agriculture sciences

Evonik invests in digital poultry farm

Essen-based specialty chemicals company Evonik invests in British start-up OPTIfarm, which aims to improve poultry production via digitalisation.

During the panel discussion, policy officials and climate experts from Ghana, Colombia and Germany shared the stage to discuss the progress regarding the SDGs.

unspecific unspecific unspecific

Successful sustainable development

In early November, international experts from Ghana, Colombia and Germany gathered in Berlin to discuss the state of the implementation of the sustainable development goals.

Innovation made easy

Ideas contest "New Products for the Bioeconomy"Published by: Federal Ministry of Education and ResearchBerlin; October 2018Produktion: bioökonomie.de / BIOCOM AGThe brochure illustrates how creative ideas can be turned into innovative, biobased products for the bioeconomy – with support of the BMBF as part of the "New products for the bioeconomy" ideas competion.Download PDF

The taste of fermented foods such as cheese, yoghurt, beer or soy sauce is very popular with consumers. Munich-based biochemists have now developed a process that identifies the respective flavour molecules.

Chemistry Microorganisms Biotechnology/Systems biology

New method identifies taste molecules

Certain protein fragments give cheese, beer, soy and the likes their characteristic taste. Munich biochemists have developed a new method to identify these fragments.

Differing domestic regulations regarding products derived from precision biotechnology will affect international trade relations and put the EU at a disadvantage.

Food Plants Agriculture sciences

Restricting GMOs affects global trading

Scientific advisors and a WTO-committee are urging European legislators to revise their verdict regarding GMOs to reflect current scientific knowledge and protect EU trade relations.

Researchers introduced the metabolic pathway of astaxanthin into the model plant tobacco. Subsequently they used horizontal gene transfer between the model plant and the tree tobacco, resulting in an orange-colored tree tobacco plant (left)

Chemistry Microorganisms Agriculture sciences

Transforming plants into bio-factories

Molecular plant physiologists in Golm managed to engineer the chloroplast DNA of the tobacco plant. Via horizontal gene transfer they were able to produce the carotenoid astaxanthin.

Researcher at the University Mannheim and BRAIN AG develop new 3D skin models in order to provide better tests for cosmetics. Picture: 3D spheroids aged 7 days; red: basal cell layer; green: differentiated epidermal layer.

Chemistry unspecific Biotechnology/Systems biology

3D skin models to reduce allergens

Researchers at the Mannheim University of Applied Sciences and BRAIN AG develop new three-dimensional skin models. These allow for more realistic screenings for health care and cosmetics.

Project partners from all over Germany have developed new, more efficient rapeseed lines.

Food Plants Agriculture sciences

More variety for rapeseed fields

Rapeseed is an important oilseed, however, it is genetically impoverished. Thus, 14 project partners from industry and science have developed rapeseed lines with additional features.

Kunst-und Designstudenten sind aufgerufen, ihre Visionen der Bioökonomie von Morgen zu entwerfen.
Students are invited to submit their artistic visions of the future of bioeconomy in an art competition for the global bioeconomy summit taking place in April in Berlin.

unspecific unspecific unspecific

Visions in bioeconomy

Students from all over the globe are invited to present new ideas for a biobased economy as part of an art competition. The winners will be exhibited at the global summit in Berlin.

Potentilla reptans (Kriechendes Fingerkraut) in der Simulation mit dichtwachsenden Nachbarn.
Plants can choose the best strategy to receive sufficient light – depending on the surrounding growth. Here: The plant Potentilla reptans is growing under simulated sparse vegetation.

Agriculture and forestry Plants Agriculture sciences

Knowing when and where to grow

Plants have several strategies to receive sufficient light. Now, Biologists from Tübingen University demonstrate that plants can choose between alternative responses to competition.

Fraunhofer researchers develop paintings and varnishes based on potato starch.

Construction Plants Biotechnology/Systems biology

More than mash: paints from potatoes

Fraunhofer researcher from Potsdam and Stuttgart develop new paints and varnishes based on potato starch. A special chemical process is optimising the starch for this application.

The thal cress protects itself against small insects with sharp and hardened hairs. The very tips of these trichomes are incrusted with calcium phosphate for increased stability and strength.

Agriculture and forestry Plants Agriculture sciences

Teething plants

According to Bonner botanists many more plants than previously thought use calcium phosphate, a component of teeth and bones, to strengthen their defensive hairs and thorns.

Diese Computermäuse bestehen aus Polymilchsäure
A new computer mouse developed by Hannover researchers is made of 83% renewable raw materials based on sugar cane.

Consumables unspecific Chemistry

Computer mouse made of sugar cane

Yoghurt cups and water bottles made from polylactic acid are en vogue. Material scientists in Hannover have developed a computer mouse housing material based on sugar cane.

Agriculture and forestry Plants Biodiversity

Genome of European Beech deciphered

Researchers at the Senckenberg research institute decoded the genome of the European Beech. The new genetic information will allow for targeted breeding of stress tolerant trees.

The new EU Novel Food Regulation, in effect since January 2018, now allows insects or insect-based products as food across Europe. Particularly in Germany, however, the public opinion is still very sceptical when it comes to eating insects.

Food Animals Nutritional sciences

EU paves way for insect-derived food

Since January 2018, insect-derived food can be commercialised according to the rules of the new Novel Food Legislation.

Getreide Feld

unspecific Plants Agriculture sciences

FiBL and IFOAM (2018): The World of Organic Agriculture

The ‘Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL‘ and ‘IFOAM - Organics International‘ presented the latest edition of the study ‘The World of Organic Agriculture‘ at BIOFACH, the world's leading trade fair for organic food.

Improving digitalisation could be the solution to improve the efficacy of the German waste management system.

unspecific unspecific Environmental technology

Circular economy: digitalisation could close loops

Circular economy in Germany is not living up to its potential according to an analysis published by the Wuppertal Institute.

Biobased packaging, climate-neutral stand-up bags, and a novel surface structure for sealed bags won for best sustainable package.

Food unspecific Materials sciences

Awards for sustainable packaging

Among the winners of the German Packaging Awards 2017 are three manufacturers that have developed the best packaging in the category of "sustainability".

tabakblatt
Icon Genetics uses plants as factories for biologics such as vaccines or antibodies.

Agriculture and forestry Plants Agriculture sciences

Denka buys pharming pioneer Icon Genetics

Japanese company Denka pays €75 million to acquire German plant biotech Icon Genetics. The Halle-based company produces therapeutic proteins in plants.

Scientists from China and Germany trace the origin of the hexaploid sweet potato genome back to crossbreeding 50,000 years ago.

Agriculture and forestry Plants Agriculture sciences

Sweet potato: complex genome unlocked

Scientists from China and Germany trace the origin of the huge sweet potato genome back to a crossbreeding between two ancestors 50,000 years ago.

The new EFI office in Bonn was oficially opened in late August. The members will focus on the resilience of European forests.

Agriculture and forestry Plants Forestry

European Forest Institute opens its doors in Bonn

The new EFI office in Bonn has become operational. Above all experts will focus on the resiliency of European forests and an international knowledge exchange.

Motorabdeckung

Automobile Plants

Engine cover

In October 1997 Mercedes Benz introduced the A-Class to the market. With this first generation of the A-Class, Mercedes pioneered minivans. Further generations and adaptations followed, since 2013, biobased plastics have also been used.

Burger aus Insektenmehl

Food Animals

Burger

It is well known that insects are rich in protein and vitamins. Compared to conventional livestock farming, rearing insects is much more environmentally friendly and they also have a lot to offer in terms of taste.

Researchers from KIT and ETH present the „MycoTree“ in Seoul. They created a stable structure made of mycelia and bamboo.

Construction Fungi Biotechnology/Systems biology

Building blocks made of fungi

KIT researchers are testing fungi roots as an alternative and sustainable building material. They are presenting a “MycoTree“ made of fungi and bamboo at the Biennale in Seoul.

Food unspecific Nutritional sciences

On the appreciation of food

Vast amounts of food never make it to the dinner plate and instead end up in the bin. In Münster, Guido Ritter is committed to ensuring that food is properly valued. Among other things he is developing of new types of packaging that increase the shelf life of products.

Bayer hat in der Nähe von Berlin die zweite Musterfarm eröffnet.
As part of its sustainability initiative “ForwardFarming”, Bayer CropScience opened its second role model farm - this time in Nauen, just outside of Berlin.

Chemistry Plants Agriculture sciences

Role model farming by Bayer

As part of its sustainability initiative “ForwardFarming”, Bayer CropScience opened its second role model farm - this time in Nauen, just outside of Berlin.

The third international INSECTA conference took place in Berlin. About 250 participants discussed their newest findings.

Food Animals Nutritional sciences

Insects as an alternative protein source

Insects could offer an alternative protein source for food, feed, or cosmetics. International experts discussed recent trends during the INSECTA conference in Berlin.