friedrich

Whether it’s in the contact between similar or varying cell types, in cooperation or competition, information is transferred between cells extremely quickly and usually very precisely. Understanding such conversations between cells makes it possible to take action when incorrect information or troublemakers cause problems and also to exploit this type of natural communication in technical communication systems.

Models, organisms, minerals: Universities have always been an important place for collecting and cataloguing objects for safekeeping. Over time, these treasures were forgotten and left to live a lonely life in the storeroom. In recent years, curators have started preparing the collections for research and teaching again. At FAU they are now being made ready for the digital age.

Our skeleton, organs and every individual atom in our body are hidden beneath our skin. They only become visible using medical imaging, and this, also thanks to scientists at FAU, is becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Microscopes are highly-developed, universal tools. FAU researchers are now testing how microscopes can accelerate the decision-making process when treating bowel disease.

There are any number of causes for pain in the knee. FAU researchers have now developed a method which can be used to scan patients whilst they are standing. They hope that the measuring technique will drastically reduce the number of unnecessary operations by providing results which reflect how the joint behaves under realistic conditions.

The amount of blood which flows through our bones becomes clear when a bone breaks. FAU researchers have now succeeded in measuring even the smallest blood vessels in skeletons. It is hoped that their findings will lead to improvements in treating diseases such as osteoporosis.

Using special microscopes, FAU researchers have succeeded in depicting tissue cells in 3D and directly in the living body, without administering dyes. The new imaging techniques raise hopes that in future a diagnosis will be able to be made directly whilst carrying out an endoscopy, for example during a colonoscopy, significantly reducing the number of biopsies required.

FAU researchers have developed a procedure for locating and measuring quantities of the red blood pigment haemoglobin in intestinal tissue. It is hoped that this will make it easier to check the progress of treatment for chronic diseases, and boost chances of recovery.

Science is free. Free to explore any research question posed. Nonetheless, some answers to research questions never see the light of day. Why? A search for clues.

Intelligent algorithms can assess files, analyse images, automate production processes and help make medical diagnoses. However, they will not replace human beings.