Research

Prof. Dr. Peter Hommelhoff, Chair of Laser Physics at FAU, has received an ERC Advanced Grant. The grant provides funding of 2.5 million euros over five years. The funded project aims to develop minute particle accelerators using photon chips. Research in this field will enable innovation in imaging methods and materials analysis, allow new approaches in medical radiation therapies and help to answer fundamental questions in quantum physics.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV has analysed the sensory properties of post-consumer shopping bags made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and originating from different collection systems. More than 60 odorous substances were identified using combined chemo-analytical methods. The information gained provides a targeted strategy for preventing off-odours.

A team including researchers from FAU has succeeded for the first time in taking high-resolution images of an alpha adrenergic receptor. Decoding the structure of receptors such as these can then be taken as the basis for developing special selective medicines.

Researchers at FAU have been recording the vital functions of patients in a study for monitoring heart sounds using radar. The data enables conclusions to be made about heart sounds, pulse and breathing. To facilitate further research, the scientists have now published the data in a database.

Propolis, also known as ‘bee glue’, is a popular natural ingredient that is available as a food supplement and is often found in ‘natural’ cosmetics and skincare products. However, the number of skin allergies to propolis has more than doubled since 2007. This is the result of a study at FAU that has now been published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

Can artificial intelligence (AI) provide useful advice to students for their further academic careers? How can universities introduce AI-based support systems that are easily accepted and that support students’ diversity? The FAU research project ‘Individually recommended? – How AI-based advisory sy...

The German Heart Research Foundation (Deutsche Stiftung für Herzforschung) is providing 58,000 euros of funding to Universitätsklinikum Erlangen for a study started in 2015 for research on adolescents who underwent heart surgery for a ventrical septal defect (VSD) at a very young age. This hole in the wall between the ventricles of the heart is the most common congenital heart defect.

Good news for FAU and partners from science and industry: up to 3.5 million euros in funding from the Bavarian Research Foundation for three collaborative projects and one research network. FAU is the project coordinator in each instance.

There are serious shortfalls in the day-to-day care available for people with dementia. Studies conducted by FAU and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen identified the late diagnosis, the high burden of care of relatives and the lack of care provided at the end of patients’ lives.

At least two different groups of Neanderthals lived in Southern Siberia and an international team of researchers including scientists from FAU have now proven that one of these groups migrated from Eastern Europe.