The scent of science
A team of researchers led by Professor Jörg Degenhardt at the Institute of Pharmacy are attempting to unearth the molecular secrets of thyme plants – including the mystery behind their distinctive scent. Read more
Digital map treasures
The University and State Library Saxony-Anhalt (ULB) is making part of its extensive collection of historical maps available online. The first 1,000 maps are already accessible, including some amazing unique objects. Read more
A researcher, DNA and rye under stress
There was a time when Dr Steven Dreissig would not have chosen to go into research - now, the agricultural scientist heads an Emmy Noether junior research group in which he is tracking down the genetic mechanisms of evolution. Read more
The secrets of ancient coins
Historians are still partly in the dark when it comes to the history of Central Asia. Little is known about the Greek kingdoms that were established in the course of Alexander the Great’s conquests. Gunnar Dumke, an ancient historian and archaeologist, has examined 4,500 coins that provide far more information about the rulers than any written sources. Read more
Sodium on the move
A team of physicists from the MLU are taking part in a collaborative project to investigate which processes lead to interface defects in thin-film solar cells. Read more
Genealogy research for science
Isa Brähler and Joachim Hassel are gathering data from old church records as part of a citizen science project. Their efforts form the basis of the work being done by researchers at MLU to find out more about the marriages of 19th-century families in Halle. Their aim is to better understand social class structure at the time. Read more
Perceptual pitfalls
Data from citizen science projects are of great value for research but can potentially lead to skewed results. This was the finding of a study done in collaboration with the University of Halle. What does this mean for such projects? A conversation with co-author Professor Jonathan Chase and Dr Sabrina Träger, who coordinates the German part of a citizen science project on cowslip. Read more
What is allowed in citizen science?
Citizen science projects enrich science - but a clear legal framework has yet to be established. Therapy-oriented initiatives particularly need a defined ethical and legal research framework. Biologist and lawyer Dr Timo Faltus is currently working to establish this. Read more
Science for everyone
Citizen scientists are playing an ever more pivotal role. They collect data, decipher old manuscripts and more – an invaluable resource. Read more