New insights into the enzymatic conversion of hydrogen
A research team including Dr Seigo Shima used a chemical peculiarity of hydrogen to amplify the magnetic resonance spectroscopy signals. This made it possible to visualise previously unknown intermediary steps of hydrogen conversion.
Katharina Höfer and Johannes Rebelein selected as "EMBO Young Investigators”
The European Molecular Biology Organisation has appointed the Max Planck scientists to its network of top young European researchers
An Enzyme in Training Camp
How do you train a slow enzyme – and turn it into something innovative? A team led by Tobias Erb recognized untapped potential and developed a new-to-nature enzyme for efficient CO2 fixation via a central metabolite, acetyl CoA.
Molecular Time Travel
The ability to produce stem cells was previously thought to be an invention of animal cells. Now, as part of an international study, Dr Georg Hochberg's team has resurrected ancient proteins from single-celled organisms and made a surprising discovery: proteins that regulate stem cells already exist in microbes and are much older than the animal kingdom itself.
Hidden Talent
Adaptive evolution in the laboratory revealed the hidden capabilities of a well-known enzyme. This unexpected flexibility could prove to be a valuable resource for biotechnological innovation.
