Is the machine smarter?

Cell division as a Rubik's Cube: how a viable organism emerges from random disorder

Whether fly, mouse or human: the development of an organism from a single cell is one of the most astonishing phenomena in nature. Many different processes overlap, some of which are chaotic. A research team led by scientists from the Hubrecht Institute in the Netherlands, the Institute of Science and Technology Austria and the University of Graz investigated the early stages of cell division in mammals. They were able to show that – like a Rubik's cube – a precisely assembled complex emerges from random disorder. The results of their work were published in Science.

Excellent and climate-friendly: University of Graz presents Green Academia Award 2024

How can outstanding academic achievements and sustainable mobility be successfully combined when travelling on business? The philosophers of the University of Graz show how. For achieving these combined goals, the discipline received the first prize in the Green Academia Award 2024, endowed with 50,000 euros. Earth Sciences came in second place, with a prize of 20,000 euros. Third place, with 10,000 euros, went to Environmental Systems Sciences. The award ceremony took place as part of the Sustainability Day.

Does democracy belong in a museum? University of Graz initiates forum for citizens and research

Keeping an ear to the ground, identifying needs and tailoring educational programmes: That is the aim of the Democracy Research Forum. To kick things off, there will be a conference for everyone at the Chamber of Labour on October 16 and 17.

New climate records

Whether in terms of greenhouse gas concentrations, temperatures across the globe, ocean heat and global sea level, total land area in extreme drought or the melting of Antarctica sea ice– the highest values since records began were measured in 2023. The latest international annual report on the state of the climate, published by the National Center for Environmental Information of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, documents the rapid warming of the Earth and its consequences. In 2023, El Niño acted as an additional booster. Researchers from the University of Graz also contributed to the report.