News

Greenery under the sun: how plants protect themselves from too much UV light

Plants can't grow without sun. But too much of it is not good either. This is why some flowers and trees have developed strategies to protect themselves from too much light. The Botanical Garden of the University of Graz invites you to do some research on site.

Even greener: University of Graz researchers improve the chemical industry

Durable bioplastics, rapidly available medicines or cosmetics without toxic waste materials: chemists have long relied on enzymes, i.e. proteins from nature, as biocatalysts for environmentally friendly production. Researchers from the University of Graz and the Austrian Center of Industrial Biotechnology, together with BASF, have now discovered how they can determine the ideal conditions for production to make it even more sustainable. The results have been published in the journal Nature Communications.

Invasion: American oak lace bug is spreading in Styria

They may be tiny, but there are many, many of them. Oak lace bugs imported from North America are currently flooding Styria by the billions. Some media have already reported on the explosive multiplication of the little creatures, which are only three millimetres in size. Gernot Kunz, an insect researcher at the University of Graz, has been observing and documenting their spread and the damage they cause to native oak trees for four years.

Innovation at the University of Graz revolutionises the analysis of soil samples

A technician at the University of Graz has developed an innovative method for analysing soil samples in an energy-efficient way. This mobile box brings a 100-year-old analysis technique up to the latest state of the art and could revolutionise research in soil biology.

Economic impact: Federal Economic Chamber honors four students from the University of Graz

The Styrian Economic Chamber supports 22 business-related Master's theses, four of them at the University of Graz.

Pretty close to the sun

At 1526 metres above sea level, the Kanzelhöhe observatory is probably the highest workplace at the University of Graz. A team led by astrophysicist Astrid Veronig observes how the sun behaves and how it influences space weather.

Early treatment of gestational diabetes prevents complications

According to an Australian study, the causes of gestational diabetes can be found before the 20th week. If it is recognised early, it can be prevented, say University of Graz sports scientist Mireille van Poppel and biochemist Gernot Desoye from the Medical University Graz.

Arctic adventure: Florina Schalamon on the challenges facing female polar explorers

Field research at the end of the world. On a ship in the Arctic Ocean, in a remote station or in a tent in the far north, at minus 40 degrees. A real adventure. Florina Schalamon, a doctoral student at the University of Graz, has already had some of such experiences. She is currently investigating changes in Greenland's glaciers as a result of climate change. And she has another topic in her sights: the challenges that women in particular face during research stays in polar regions. In a recently published international study, Schalamon and her colleagues show why the adventure often holds extra hurdles for female scientists and how these can be overcome.

More news

Hotspot: the campus is powered by solar energy

Energy from the power of the sun - sustainable and silent: the University of Graz is pursuing the strategy of generating hot water and electricity in…

Climate change and biodiversity: Gesäuse National Park becomes an open-air laboratory

The University of Graz and the Gesäuse National Park enter into a co-operation and create a unique open-air laboratory. Water sources, forests and…

Arqus Teaching Excellence Award for Sabine Bergner

The teaching prize of the European University Alliance Arqus went this year to a psychologist from the University of Graz. Sabine Bergner was honored…

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Generalsanierung und Erweiterung des Universitätsplatzes 4 startet am 15. Juli

Uni Graz software records interviews

A quick survey for the student magazine, interviews with test subjects for a bachelor's thesis or detailed interviews for a research project: putting…

Heatwaves: University of Graz presents Plan for seamless early warning system

An international research team led by the University of Graz is investigating the challenges of a global early warning system for heat. The…

Witty brevity: Maria Löschnigg honored for publication on the Canadian Short Story

Short story expert Maria Löschnigg received the prestigious "Pierre Savard Award" from the International Council for Canadian Studies for her…

Microcredit and moral economy: Tanja Skambraks explores the innovative Middle Ages

Castles, monasteries, knights' games - tourism owes a number of attractions to the Middle Ages. An aura of mystery surrounds this era, which stretches…