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Elias Sabri, in a laboratory environment, contemplating over differences between oil and water.

New imaging-based approach reveals that dielectric contrast, not absolute hydrophobicity, governs condensate wetting more

A sea snail with blue, black, white and yellow stripes (running from the centre outwards) and red protrusions resembling horns.

Nudibranchs create their colourful patterns using structural colours, which they arrange in microscopic dots similar to Impressionist paintings more

Two scientists working at a microscope

Thanks to the Max Planck Society’s Minerva Fast-Track Program, Dr. Vera Titze launches her independent research group “Ecophotonics”. The group will explore how living systems process light and how living materials based on bacteria or microalgae can carry out light-based functionalities.The long-term goal is the to develop new bio-hybrid photonic materials and optical devices, including bio-derived lasers and self-powered environmental sensors. more

Scientist operates electron microscope, analyzing images on multiple screens in laboratory setting

We still don’t understand how nature spins simple sugar chains into the ultra-strong cellulose fibers that hold plants together – and we can’t yet copy this architecture ourselves. With an ERC Consolidator Grant, Yu Ogawa aims to decode this process and build a miniature lab “factory” to make cellulose from scratch and tailor it for a bio-based, circular economy. more

Latest Videos and Podcasts

Science Highlights 2025

Bild der Wissenschaft· 19 Dec. 2025
(ext. audio content from Wissenschaft.de) (German)


Looking back on 2025 and ahead to 2026: Which advances in technology, chemistry, and medicine  made a difference—and what can we expect from science and research in the year ahead? Peter Seeberger on projects, challenges, and real-world impact.

https://bildderwissenschaft.podigee.io/23-neue-episode
 

EXPs by Silvia Vignolini

September 16, 2025
A Journey into Nature’s Structural Colors
In video interviews, Silvia Vignolini shows how nature’s hidden architecture creates colours that never fade – and how her department is harnessing them for sustainable new materials. [video interviews]

Batteries tweaked with lavender

September 04, 2025
Interview with Paolo Giusto (German)
The energy transition can only succeed if we learn how to store green electricity. Paolo Giusto and his team are developing a technology based on a plant we all know: lavender. [ZDF-MoMa future]

Charlett Wenig - The Natural Materials Designer

Biopioniere: Der Podcast · 15.07.2025
(ext. audio content at Bioökonomie.de)  (in German)
What do pine bark and fen sedge have in common?
Both are natural, grown structures that have received little attention so far. But Charlett Wenig finds them particularly fascinating.
As a material and industrial designer, she focuses on local biomaterials. At the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, she explores and invents new processing methods that bring together science and design in exciting ways.

External SRC: Bioökonomie.de
(https://biooekonomie.de/service/mediathek/ biopioniere-der-podcast/charlett-wenig-die-naturstoffdesignerin)

How can snail slime be used in medicine and industry?

rbb24 · Wissenswerte · 21.09.2025 · Interview with Franziska Jehle  

(ext. audio content,  in German) 
Nature is a remarkable source of inspiration for developing innovative materials. Biochemist Franziska Jehle (MPICI) is researching snail slime.
Interview by Anna Corves.

https://www.ardaudiothek.de/episode/urn:ard:episode:61a963dade984ecc/
Plastic waste is one of the biggest threats to our planet. Chemist Manuel Häußler has developed an alternative material to polyethylene, a widely used plastic, which can be completely recycled. s this a first step towards stopping pollution? (German)

Forscher fragen: Die Plastikwende. Interview with Manuel Häussler

Plastic waste is one of the biggest threats to our planet. Chemist Manuel Häußler has developed an alternative material to polyethylene, a widely used plastic, which can be completely recycled. s this a first step towards stopping pollution? (German)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1wjiyO3lV0
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