Technology Offers

Our scientists have identified a conserved defense mechanism covering a new metabolite in tobacco that protects against leafhoppers. They have discovered how to reconstitute it in vitro and engineer the compound in crop plants, demonstrating that it confers resistance to herbivores.

File no.: MI-1012-5677-LI-ZE
(liked to MI-1012-4430-LI-ZE describing the generation of neuro- epithelial stem cells as precursors for microtissue generation)

A robust method for producing and analyzing highly homogenous human neural organoids.

Recently, many efforts have been made to improve growth and yield of crop plants. CO₂ fixation in plants is primarily catalyzed by the enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco). The inherent inefficiency of Rubisco necessitates an additional metabolic process termed photorespiration, which results in the loss of carbon and energy. In fact, it has been estimated that plants lose approximately 25% of the fixed carbon due to photorespiration. Despite several attempts to improve ...

With approximately 600,000 deaths annually colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer types worldwide. Early cancer and pre-cancer (polyps) detection by colonoscopy over the age of 50 until now is the best strategy for disease control and the chance of the cancer to be curable. Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation has been shown to occur already at early stages of tumor development making such differentially methylated regions (DMRs) highly attractive for biomarker development ...

Cancer remains a major health burden and is the second leading cause of death globally (WHO). The microenvironment of cancer cells plays an important role in disease progression. In particular, the composition of the extracellular matrix regulates angiogenesis, cell proliferation, differentiation, cell survival and apoptosis. Dysregulation and accumulation of the extracellular matrix promotes cellular transformation and metastasis leading to cancer progression. A better understanding of the role ...

For sieving and separation purposes porous materials with adjustable sizes and shapes of the pores as well as tunable mechanical properties are required. The existing materials such as sintered materials, open-cell foams or cemented aggregates can be made porous but they are either fragile or can collapse for large deformation. Therefore, chemically inert and damage resistant porous materials with adjustable permeability as well as mechanical and geometrical properties that can sustain large deformation ...

This invention includes two alternative advanced methods to achieve a homogenous collector power distribution, which improves the collector capability of high power vacuum-tubes by a factor of two as compared to conventional methods. Furthermore the applied method has a high flexibility to vary the power distribution over a wide range of profiles and match the deposition profiles to different designs of collectors in existing or future electron tubes.

The dynamics of complex flows and turbulences are dominated by vortices of many different scales. In general, the vortex describes the group motion of fluid elements in a circular fashion, whereas the vorticity quantizes this spinning moment of a fluid element confined to a small neighborhood.

For diagnosis of flows, conventional techniques track the movements of small particles added into the flow (e.g., Lagrangian particle tracking, LPT, and particle image velocimetry, PIV). However, ...

In addition to causing trillion-dollar economic losses every year, counterfeiting threatens human health, social equity and national security. Current materials for anti-counterfeiting labelling typically contain toxic inorganic quantum dots and the techniques to produce unclonable patterns require tedious fabrication or complex readout methods. Carbon dots (CDs) stand out because of their stability, low toxicity, widely available precursors and bio-/ecofriendly preparation. However, most reported ...

Anti-IgG secondary antibodies are major tools for the detection or immobilization of primary antibodies in approaches such as western blotting, ELISA, Co-IP and immunofluorescence. Polyclonal anti-IgG secondary antibodies are produced in animals, such as mouse, rabbit, rat, and goat and are directed against the IgG classes of these animals. Thus, the generation of such secondary antibodies requires the keeping and use of a large number of animals, which is not only costly but also a major ethical ...

The invention relates to an apparatus for generating random numbers, using an optical parametric oscillator.

The generation of random numbers is important in information science as well as in modelling and simulation. In cryptography, for instance, random numbers are needed for encryption algorithms. Preferably, the generated numbers are true (i.e. non-predictable) and have an equal distribution.

The apparatus according to the invention is based on the bi-stable outcome of an optical ...

To monitor crystallization processes a special camera setup to measure the crystal size and 3D shape distribution was developed.
The setup consists of two high-speed cameras that are positioned orthogonally to one another such that a precise overlap of both fields of view can be achieved. The setup further contains a specially designed flow-through cell that allows to observe the crystal suspension from both camera directions and given the opportunity to temperate the solution within the cell. ...

Since 2000 bioinspired fibrillar dry adhesives have been studied intensively culminating in commercial products already available on the market. Currently known fibrillar adhesives are fully wetted by oils, leading to significantly decreased adhesion and friction performance. Therefore, a high demand exists for reversible dry fibrillar adhesives that can repel oil-like liquids and adhere strongly to surfaces wetted by them.

To meet the aforementioned challenges, an extraordinary fibrillar ...

BiQ Analyzer is a software tool for easy visualization and quality control of DNA methylation data. With more than a thousand users worldwide, BiQ Analyzer has become a standard tool for processing DNA methylation data from bisulfite sequencing. BiQ Analyzer has been selected by ABI to be part of the Applied Biosystems Software Community Program.

Our scientists developed a vector-based high tolerable and efficient antiviral (plasmid-derived defective interfering particles) to support IAV pandemic preparedness. The DIP also shows a broad-spectrum antiviral activity against other respiratory viruses, e.g. RSV and SARS-CoV-2 and is Intended for intranasal administration (droplet spray) for human use. A state-of-the-art, high-yield production process in a GMP-ready controlled and sterile environment in animal cell culture.

Carbon fixation is arguably the most important biochemical processes on earth, supporting our biosphere by transforming inorganic carbon into organic matter and literally feeding all life forms. The reductive pentose phosphate cycle (rPP, also known as the Calvin–Benson–Bassham Cycle) is responsible for ≥95% of the carbon fixed in the biosphere. Although under a strong selective pressure for eons, this process displays major inefficiencies, some are due to the low catalytic rate and the ...

The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is both an invaluable model organism for plant biology and an attractive biotechnological production system for biofuels and biopharmaceuticals. Despite the availability of efficient methods for introduction of foreign genes into the nuclear genome of the alga, transgene expression levels are usually very poor. This is a serious limitation that has severely hampered both post-genomics research in Chlamydomonas and use of the ...

Applying high voltages in vacuum applications requires feedthroughs, which electrically insulate the conductor from the vacuum chamber whilst being vacuum-tight. In high- and ultrahigh vacuum environments, the materials used need to be low in outgassing rates. The current technology for feedthroughs withstanding tens to hundreds of kilovolts relies on vacuum-tight ceramic to metal connections, which are heavy, fragile and prone to contamination. Commercially available feedthroughs are stand-alone ...

Prof. Kai Sundmacher and co-workers at the MPI for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems developed a novel core-shell catalyst design with a highly active catalyst core surrounded by an inert, low-permeability shell. The new catalyst design leads to an intrinsic heat management that avoids hotspots in strongly exothermic reactions. This allows faster reactor start-up and shut-down and makes the catalysts suitable for rapid load changes in discontinuous processes.

Light microscopy enables fascinating insights into the microcosm of life. It is one of the key techniques in life science and provides access to a better understanding of biology across many orders of magnitude in time and space. The use of visible light allows for minimally invasive imaging - even of living cells - and direct observation with the human eye. However, the use of visible light limits the resolution of the image obtained to about half the wavelength of the used light. The limiting ...

A novel molecular target of the semaphorin-plexin system to develop treatment options for cancer and for osteoporosis.

The invention relates to a new method to reduce acquisition time in MR imaging. It is based on the variation of the sensitivity profile of the RF coils and allows an easy access to an additional source of spatial information to further improve imaging.
MR imaging is among the most important tools for modern medical diagnostics with a unique range of applications. The imaging duration however limits the applicability for situations with movements within the volume of interest. Therefore, many ...

The invention relates to an innovative detector concept for the identification of analytes in a gas that is extremely versatile and yet easy to construct and to operate. The superior properties were reached by an optical readout system for electrical signal of multiple detector cells.

Detecting and quantifying concentrations of analytes of interest is usually achieved using materials that change their electrical properties upon exposure. As different materials combined in one sensor need ...

The invention relates to a new method for imaging setting optimization for electron microscopy
based on deep learning. The AI is a robust and simple to implement optimization possibility for
direct operation with various types of electron microscopes.

For a wide spectrum of applications automated precision electron microscopy is a powerful
method. Existing auto focusing routines are often based on physical models of the microscope
and are hence lacking general applicability ...

The invention relates to a new and durable system, which brings the possibility of accurate size measuring and simultaneous counting of airborne particles with an aerodynamic diameter of up to 2.5 microns.

Measuring the particulate matter contamination in a gas in the range of PM_2.5 is advantageous or crucial for various applications. Monitoring the concentration of the corresponding particles, for example in air, reveals information about pollution. The possibility of aerosol ...

A novel green chemistry process to prepare nanocellulose in efficient, safe and sustainable manner based on the use of eutectic, highly concentrated ionic media is offered.

LEL technology stands out for its precision in fabricating 3D metal microarchitectures with intricate geometries and the ability to seamlessly integrate liquids. It utilizes a voxel-by-voxel deposition method, which allows for the creation of complex shapes with submicron resolution. The process involves optimizing variables like deposition voltage, air pressure, and orifice diameter. A significant advantage of LEL is its capacity to alter the pH and composition of the supporting electrolyte solution, ...

Fusion Tags Comprising Ubiquitin-like Modifiers and Corresponding Proteases For Protein Purification From Selected Eukaryotic Expression Hosts

The invention relates to a new method for processing magnetic resonance (MR) data based on a neural network (NN). After training, the NN quickly delivers high quality CEST images with low computational effort. Additionally, it provides uncertainty data aiding to judge the images appropriately.

Typically, sophisticated MR contrasts are calculated based on complex mathematical models, which is computationally expensive, and it requires long processing durations. Besides that, the results ...

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is nowadays a leading mo¬dality for diagnostic imaging with about 100 million examinations per year worldwide. However, when invented by Paul Christian Lauterbur in 1973, MRI was too slow to allow for routine medical applications. A breakthrough was achieved in 1985 by the FLASH (Fast Low Angle Shot) technique developed by Jens Frahm and his team at the Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen, Germany. With FLASH the measuring time for a cross-sectional ...

An accurate dispensing device for powders and irregularly shaped particles

The cellular identity of mature cells that are confined in a specialized genetic expression profile can be overcome by introducing just a few genes that encode for so-called reprogramming factors [1]. By means of this intervention, also known as reprogramming, the cells then become pluripotent and represent induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) [1]. Nowadays, numerous new cell culture models have been established based on reprogramming protocols that yield iPS cells. Such cell culture models ...

The RNA-programmable DNA-endonuclease Cas9 is widely used for genome engineering, where a high degree of specificity is required. Though this is a mechanism well controlled by canonical base-pairing, there is evidence that Cas9 does accept mismatches under certain circumstances.
This might be seen as a threat to precision needed in genome engineering at least in environments where such high precision is ultimately needed and acceptance of mismatches needs to be avoided, e.g.: cellular gene ...

Connectase is an enzyme that fuses target proteins or synthetic compounds via a small recognition tag, using a different reaction mechanism compared to known protein ligases. It prevents side reactions entirely and has absolute specificity, even in highly in complex solutions with minimum concentrations of target molecules.

We offer a new simple and low cost technology to fabricate graphene-encapsulated metal or metal compound nanoparticles. The resulting hybrid nanoparticles are protected by granted substance claims in US, CN, TW and EP (DE, FR, GB, BE). Currently the patent protected graphene coated nano particles are discussed as high performance electrode materials in the lithium ion battery business (for example Samsung's "Graphene Balls").

The invention relates to a new method of producing SnTiO3 for the use as a ferroelectric element. Tin titanates are known to be a class with various properties making it promising for many applications. The preparation of this material beyond thin films remained challenging.

Tin(II) oxide has a low disproportionation temperature of 350°C but the preparation of new materials is usually conducted at higher temperatures. Therefore, bulk SnTiO3 is not possible to be produced using existing ...

A novel concept for an efficient source of terahertz radiation was developed that is simple, powerful, and easy to use. It improves the possibilities to use THz radiation in science, medicine, security, communications, and other specialized applications.

THz radiation is expected to have high potential in various fields of science and technology. However, respective sources typically require highly specialized and complicated components like single crystals or cryogenics. Furthermore, a ...

The Differential Temperature Anemometry (DTA) is a cutting-edge technique that enhances the temporal resolution of flow velocity measurements in thermal anemometry. By leveraging the in-stantaneous temperature gradient of the sensor, DTA provides rapid and continuous data without the need for thermal equilibrium. This innovation represents a significant leap forward, offering high-speed, accurate flow detection for dynamic applications.

The invention relates to a new and easy to use device for real-time monitoring of the thermal power of a nuclear reactor. It is based on the easy to access ¹⁶N decay rate in the cooling water. The robust and easy to implement method significantly improves the safety of nuclear facilities.

Nuclear reactors require high standards of safety and detailed information about changes are needed in order to control them in a safe manner. Besides detailed real-time simulations, direct ...

A laser device (100), configured for generating laser pulses, has a laser resonator (10) with a gain disk medium (11) and a Kerr medium (12). The laser resonator (10) includes a first mode shaping section (13) which is adapted for shaping a circulating electric field coupled into the gain disk medium (11), and a second mode shaping section (14), which is adapted for shaping the circulating electric field coupled into the Kerr medium (12) independently of the electric field shaping in the first ...

The LITESEC-T3SS (Light-induced translocation of effectors through sequestration of endogenous components of the T3SS) system represents a novel, fast, specific, and reversible method to control protein secretion into eukaryotic cells, enabling various medicinal and biotechnological applications, such as targeted drug delivery for tumor therapy.

The efficiency of solar cells is strongly affected by local inhomogeneities. Especially inhomogeneities of the dark-current voltage (I-V) characteristic are of interest: The local dark current-voltage characteristic is a measure for the local recombination properties of the solar cell. Lock-in thermography performed in the dark (DLIT) can be used to detect and evaluate locally increased dark current densities.

MARS is a powerful program for robust automatic backbone assignment of proteins. MARS is applicable to proteins with extreme chemical shift degeneracy such as high molecular weight proteins and partially disordered or fully intrinsically disordered proteins. MARS is successfully used in many labs world-wide as evidenced by a huge number of citations.

The present invention relates to a method of generating pulsed coherent radiation in the UV and XUV wavelength ranges. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a radiation source for generating pulsed coherent radiation based on a high harmonic generation (HHG).

The invention relates to a new method for an improved production of random numbers and verification of their randomness. In order to do so, it uses the quantum mechanical properties of microscopic particles and structures. A number sequence is generated by means of a repetitive quantum mechanical random process. The measurement of this process is performed by a homodyndetection of an optical input signal, where the signal interferes with a local oscillator, e.g. a laser, at a central beam splitter ...

Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) today is revolutionizing biological research by revealing the structure of cells and proteins with atomic resolution and steadily improving contrast. However, the quality of the results depends critically on the sample preparation. High Pressure Freezing (HPF) and plunge freezing, both pioneered in the 1960s, still represent the state-of-the-art in sample preparation for cryo-EM. Both methods have poor timing precision, disrupt the natural environment of the ...

The invention relates to a new method for a plasmon emitting transistor that operates in the single quantum regime. It is a major step towards future data processing technology that is no longer based on electric currents but on the transition of light.

Developments over past decades have gradually increased the performance of computer chips, but new technologies are needed to overcome the sizing limit of classical transistors. Replacing the role of electrical currents by the use of light ...

A scalable and easy to handle method for the creation of larger (up to square meters) low light level detectors is disclosed. While the fast read-out times of a single detector is kept, the area covered by the detector ensemble (dramatically) increases. The large area is enabled by transversal connection of hybrid “base cells”. These “base cells” consist of vertically stacked tiers of (i) a detector array, (ii) a first level electronic read-out, and (iii) and a second level read-out which ...

A novel tool to detect and quantify NETs using a molecular feature of NET formation that has never been proposed as a marker for NETs before

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes and microvesicles participate in the intercellular communication by transferring bioactive molecules between various cells and tissues. Such EVs cross-talk was shown to play important roles in cell–cell communication, cell maintenance, disease progression and therapy. By containing disease specific markers, EVs can also act as diagnostic biomarkers. In addition, synthetic EVs are used as carriers to deliver drugs or mRNA-based vaccines to specific ...

An efficient system to monitor and control animal behavior in wildlife as well as in laboratory settings

A group of scientists at the MPI for Polymer Research in Mainz developed nano-graphene structures that can be used as a new class of fluorophores for super-resolution microscopy (SMLM and STED).

They perform like hybrids of organic dyes and QDs: they have excellent environment-independent blinking properties, emit high photon numbers, display high photo-stability, possess low toxicity, have a molecular size below 2 nm, and have narrow excitation and emission spectra.

These nanographene ...

File no.: MI-1012-4430-LI-ZE
(liked to MI-1012-5677-LI-ZE describing the generation of human neural microtissues from NECS cells)

A novel precursor population that forms electrophysiologically functional neurons more quickly than protocols starting with hPSCs.

We present an extremely sensitive, reliable and fast novel Lysine deacetylase (KDAC) assay, which can be performed in a continuous format. This novel KDAC assay is based on Firefly luciferase harboring an acetylation on an essential active site lysine, incorporated by genetic code expansion.

We furthermore offer a bacterial selection system that can help engineer KDACs. The selection system uses a reporter enzyme inactivated by lysine modifications at an essential active site residue, thereby ...

A classical spin valve (SV) is a device in which the electrical resistance depends on the relative position of the magnetic moments of two ferromagnetic (FM) layers: with parallel (P) and antiparallel (AP) ordering, the SV resistance is minimum and maximum, respectively. Nowadays SVs are actively used in magnetic sensors, hard disk read heads and magnetic random-access memory. Thus, the SV, analogous to a transistor in conventional electronics, is a binary (digital) device. Here we offer a new ...

New biomarker candidates for diagnostic sub-classification of AML patients with elevated expression of mitochondrial proteins and subsequent targeted therapy with BCL-2 inhibitors like venetoclax and/or agents targeting mitochondrial complex I

Rust and smut fungi are plant pathogens which cause diseases of considerable relevance in agriculture. Both fungi are biotrophic and require living plant tissue for proliferation. Instead of killing their host plants, they manipulate host cells to assure that these sustain fungal growth. During the infection, the fungi release an entire cocktail of so-called effectors which function either in the interaction zone between fungus and host or are delivered to plant cells. Effector proteins suppress ...

Chiral amines are crucial building blocks for the synthesis of bioactive compounds in the pharmaceutical, and agrochemical industry. Chiral amines are also important for chemical synthesis as chiral auxiliaries or resolving agents for diastereometric salt crystallizations. In recent years, biocatalysts, particularly imine reductases (IREDs) and reductive aminases capable of reducing imines to chiral amines were discovered and developed for industrial application. However, the portfolio of current ...

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requires optimal radio-frequency (RF) coil performance that ensures the highest RF magnetic field per unit power delivered to the coil, while maintaining the highest achievable RF field homogeneity. For MRI at high magnetic field level, it is important to use a multi-channel transmit coil for producing the desired RF field. However, it is impossible to design a multi-channel coil without considerable coupling between its coil elements. The major challenge in multi-channel ...

NMR spectroscopy is a unique technique for the assignment of the constitution, configuration and conformation of small molecules, natural products, proteins, nucleic acid and oligosaccharides. NMR-derived residual dipolar couplings overcome limitations associated with traditional NMR data, avoid data misinterpretation and provide novel insights into structure-activity relationships. In order to leverage the full potential of residual dipolar couplings, however, powerful dedicated software and ...

The state of an electron is completely defined by its momentum and spin. In processes like electron diffraction or photoemission electron ensembles are generated which have a characteristic 3D distribution of momentum and spin. To examine such events the three components of the momentum vector have to be measured. Up to now, the momentum distribution of an ensemble of charged particles was typically measured using energy-dispersive spectrometers based on sequential approaches (sequentially changing ...

Playful is a scripting language for orchestration of Python modules. Playful allows developers to both organize the logic of activation in reactive behaviour tree and setup sensory-motor couplings, making it especially useful for robotics

The invention relates to a new device for precise large-angle beam steering at an extended wavelength range. It is based on an electrically-controlled metasurface and allows for the implementation in advanced LIDAR systems.

Metasurfaces are used to change properties of light and can therefore be used to steer an incoming beam. However, common devices are lacking spatial resolution and are thus limited to small angles. Furthermore, state-of-the-art metasurfaces for respective applications ...

A computer-implemented method that allows calculating concentration ranges of components within complex networks of biochemical reactions.

X-ray Detector Software for processing single-crystal monochromatic diffraction data recorded by the rotation method.

Driven by the favourable operational effectiveness of neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets, there has been a considerably rising demand for neodymium in permanent magnet manufacturing. According to Spherical Insights & Consulting the global neodymium magnet market size was valued at 2.3 Billion US$ in 2022 and is expected to reach 3.83 Billion US$ by 2032. As the market for rare earth materials is heavily influenced by Chinese supplies, which causes supply and price uncertainties, end users ...

The invention relates to a method for wavefront correction in adaptive optics compatible with laser scanning microscopy based on reflected light and deep neural networks. For network training sample aberrations are generated in the excitation and detection path by means of spatial light modulators, and the corresponding reflected focus images are recorded by CMOS cameras. After training, the network can disentangle and independently correct excitation and detection aberrations. The predicted aberration ...

The invention relates to the actuation of micro- and nanostructures controlled by external stimuli. Photo-actuation utilizes the conversion of light via phonons into motion through reversible chemical and physical processes and enables remote and spatiotemporal control of the actuation. Here, we report a fast light-to-motion conversion in few-nanometer thick bare polydopamine (PDA) membranes stimulated by (visible) light. Light-induced heating of PDA leads to desorption of water molecules and ...

The invention describes an easy and cheap to produce, compact coupling part, manufactured out of one workpiece. This part, scalable for shaft diameters as low as 1 mm upwards, enables a quick and secure, backlash-free one- or two-sided engagement of shafts without the need for working space or additional tools (like a screwdriver). If requested, torque limited coupling (in one or both rotation directions) is possible. The production methods comprise a variety of materials and manufacturing processes. ...

SIMNRA is a Microsoft Windows program for the simulation of energy spectra for ion beam analysis with incident ions from about 100 keV to many MeV. SIMNRA can be used for the simulation of Rutherford backscattering (RBS), elastic backscattering with non-Rutherford cross-sections (EBS), nuclear reaction analysis (NRA), elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA), and medium energy ion scattering (MEIS). Almost 3000 different non-Rutherford and nuclear reactions cross-sections for incident protons, ...

Fluorescence microscopy is one of the key techniques in the life and materials sciences, with applications ranging from routine diagnostics to state-of-the-art research investigations. Key to this success has been its intrinsic advantages combined with continuous improvement in its fundamental features such as resolution, speed, and sensitivity.

Two key challenges are fast single-fluorophore imaging of multi-color samples. This need arises in a broad range of settings such as very high-resolution ...

The invention relates to a new detection method for small periodic signals in Scanning Near Field Optical Microscopy (s-SNOM). Solving the problem of the rapid sampling rates necessary for lock-in amplification, the method is a powerful new readout system for various other applications as well.

Lock-in detection is a widespread technique, which enables the detection of very small periodic signals. However, it imposes constraints between the lock-in modulation frequency and the sampling ...

This invention relates to means and methods for conjugating/attaching target molecules such as proteins to a label and/or carrier.

Cancer stands as the second-leading cause of human death worldwide, following closely behind cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, with a prevalence that continues to rise. In particular, hepatocellular carcinoma is a significant health concern, ranking as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and with a rising incidence rate due to increasing levels of cirrhosis and NAFLD/NASH.

Despite recent advancements in cancer therapies, ...

Novel gas exchange membranes based on superamphiphobic coatings applied on metal meshes were created and tested in different applications, like gas scrubbing and blood oxygenation.
By using the novel membrans drawbacks of traditional membranes - like insufficient wetting, plugging and depositions chemical incompatibility and temperature instability - can be avoided.

Proteins are the main functional units within cells. Their regulated synthesis and degradation are crucial for controlling biological processes. In all cells, protein synthesis is used to respond to extra- and/or intracellular cues to remodel cellular function. Previous studies probing the role of protein synthesis have used chemical inhibitors, often common antibiotics, which are effective but lack functional and cell-type specificity when applied to a mixture of cells.

The invention relates to a new precise sensing device for gas and vapor that is based on a 2D nanosheet material. A remarkably high sensitivity allows for the application in smart touchless interfaces to operate future digital devices.

Sensors for environmental changes are one of the most promising approaches for touchless interface devices but state-of-the-art technologies are not satisfactory. They typically exhibit too long response times.

With its capability to resolve sub-centimeter ...

The invention relates to a new, ultracompact non-invasive medical ventilation system. The BIPAP (Biphasic Positive Airway Pressure) ventilation unit, of size and weight of a tennis ball, is easy to handle and allows low-budget mass production. It can be powered by a rechargeable battery-pack – a great advantage in case of mobile use or damaged/unstable infrastructure leading to frequent blackouts. These benefits, ...

Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) facilitates efficient production of thin films using a laser ablation technique. Targets are selected according to the coating desired. Multiple targets are either moved mechanically to the incidence area, or they are fixed so that the laser beam is alternatively focused on each of them. Multiple targets are, however, known to cause discontinuities, whereas single multicomponent target usually doesn’t ensure compositional homogeneity. The technology presented here ...

In arid and semiarid regions biological soil crusts (BSC) cover about 1/3 of the soil surface. As far as it is known, these BSC (consisting of cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, bryophytes, and other bacteria living in contact with soil particles) are crucial for the global terrestrial carbon and nitrogen cycle. The water status plays a major role, since their water content directly controls the activity of these poikilohydric organisms.