Few things are as complex as the human organism. Animals and plants are also far from sufficiently researched – both in terms of their tiniest constituent parts and the interplay between larger systems. Numerous scientists in Germany are searching for answers to the major questions of life in a joint field of research: the life sciences.

Nobody wants to become infected with a dangerous pathogen. Two scientists from Konstanz are therefore developing a tiny weapon that is designed to protect surfaces – of hospital instruments for example – against germs. 

At Forschungszentrum Jülich, Katherine MacArthur from the UK is studying nanoparticles that are used in fuel cells. She explains what is special about her workplace and what prompted her to move to Germany.

Two wheels, a saddle, handlebars and pedals – it all sounds straightforward enough, but actually this is a combination that took quite some time to perfect. Nowadays it is hard to imagine life in Germany without bicycles, the world’s most widespread means of transport. We take a look at the history of this German invention and at current bike research.