Press releases

Researchers from INM and the University of California, San Diego found that the length of the humerus bone varies in a characteristic way with the body weight of the bird to optimize lift. By contrast, the elements of the feather attachments (barbules) are spaced equally for all bird species to optimally control airflow.

Scientists at INM developed a highly improved microscopy method to study proteins in hydrated state: The usage of a graphene liquid cell for transmission electron microscopy of proteins resulted in an order of magnitude higher radiation tolerance of a protein sample compared to samples in amorphous ice.

The internationally renowned materials scientist Robert M. McMeeking is appointed Leibniz Chair for his collaboration with the INM. With this award, the INM and the Leibniz Association honor the long-standing and successful cooperation between the professor of the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Leibniz Institute.

Earthworms are always clean, even if they come from moist, sticky soil. They owe this to a dirt-repellent, lubricating layer, which forms itself again and again on its skin. Researchers at INM have now artificially recreated this system of nature.

How to visualize proteins in cells? How to investigate catalytic processes and dynamic behavior of nanomaterials at around 300,000x magnification? Some 100 experts from all over the world will address these questions at this year’s CISCEM .

A transparent material can “answer” temperature changes or, in the future, the presence of chemical substances and toxins with a color change.

Scientists developed a new adhesive structure so that adhesion, even to types of rough surfaces, can be reliably provided.

The Postdoctoral scientist Malgorzata Wlodarczyk-Biegun from the program division Dynamic Biomaterials at the INM has been distinguished with the L’Oréal-Unesco „For Women in Science“ Award.

The Humboldt Award winner at the INM, Professor Robert McMeeking, is to receive the newly-created Humboldt Alumni Award. Together with the INM, he intends to use the award money of €25,000 to bring about the international networking initiative MePAG (Virtual Humboldt Cluster on the Mechanics and Physics of Adhesion and Grip).

Research scientists at INM developed a special type of flake-type-shaped metal-phosphate particles: They show improved passivation ability and improved diffusion barrier against corrosive substances. Besides zinc phosphate also newly developed manganese phosphate flakes are available.

To allow typing and swiping even on curved smartphones, touchscreens and electric conductor paths have also to be curved. Therefore INM has developed a technique which allows fabrication of such conductor lines on flexible foils and even on stretchable silicone. INM will be presenting the so called photochemical metallization on this year’s Hannover Messe.