News

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.

Is the machine smarter?

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.

Strong research impetus: 16 million euros for Circular Bioengineering Excellence Cluster

The Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering has today received a grant of 16 million euros from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF). This funding will support research into environmentally friendly bioprocesses and sustainable materials based on renewable raw materials over the next five years. This will provide significant impetus for the transition to a circular bioeconomy. Around 100 researchers from the University of Graz, Graz University of Technology, the University of Vienna and Vienna University of Technology are working together on an interdisciplinary basis under the leadership of BOKU University in the project, which has a total volume of 27 million euros.

Beached whales: researchers at the University of Graz find arsenic in the brain

The chemist Jörg Feldmann from the University of Graz has discovered toxic arsenic compounds in the brains of pilot whales. The concentration increases with age. The reason: arsenic in the food. This could also have consequences for humans.

Eating well: an inclusive look at sustainability and nutrition

How do I eat sustainably? By buying local, seasonal food, preferably organic, and by eating less meat. This answer emerges from my situated knowledge, and it might work for me. Because it facilitates me to eat dishes that I like, and that I am familiar with. And because, due to my socio-economic privilege, I don't necessarily have to buy the cheapest products. But what do “our” ideas of sustainable eating mean for people with less financial resources? Or for people who have grown up with different food cultures and traditions? Are definitions of sustainability too narrow and exclusive? An innovative course at the University of Graz engages intercultural learning on critical approaches to sustainable eating in theory and practice. The project is funded by the Green Academia Award.