Research

It could be difficult for the NSA to hack encrypted messages in the future – at least if a technology being investigated by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light in Erlangen and the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg will be successful: quantum cryptography.

FAU has scored highly in the internationally renowned Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University. In particular in chemistry and in engineering, FAU is part of the global elite.

For several years, researchers have been experimenting with developing their own nanoparticles. However, the effects these artificial particles have if they enter the human body are still largely unknown. An interdisciplinary team of researchers at FAU recently began studying these effects.

Carbon nanotubes are light yet stronger than steel, as a semiconductor they are more efficient than silicon, and they conduct electricity better than copper. For the first time, a team of international researchers, some of whom are based at FAU, have grown single-walled carbon nanotubes in a targeted way.

Gram-negative bacteria belong to a group of bacteria that include many types of hospital-acquired infections. Researchers at FAU have now shown that the toxins produced by these bacteria are a direct cause of severe pain and inflammation.

Electric cars could bring Germany one step closer to achieving the planned energy reform, but so far they have not managed to penetrate the market. Computer scientists at FAU are carrying out research into how to make the changeover on the roads successful.

Researchers at FAU investigated the silicon used in breast implants: A team of researchers led by Prof. Dr. Dirk. W. Schubert at the Institute of Polymer Materials in Erlangen developed a procedure in order to compare their quality.

One World Cup ends and another begins: shortly after this year's World Champions have been crowned, a special group of players will take to the pitch in Brazil. At the RoboCup 2014, which is taking place from 19 to 25 July, the players competing against one another will be robots.

Exercise using a ball, memory training, cooking, painting or doing craft work – all of these can slow down the progression of dementia in patients, as long as these activities are done regularly and in a group. These are the results of several studies carried out by Prof. Dr. Elmar Gräßel at FAU.