Researchers from Leipzig have discovered a biological control mechanism that occurs in most modern humans but was absent in Neanderthals. It could have helped to maintain an important vitamin in the body. | more
Dogs were already living alongside humans more than 14,000 years ago. A new international study, involving the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig, shows how advanced genetic methods are reshaping the history of our closest animal companion. | more
Zahnbehandlungen können in Deutschland schnell zur finanziellen Belastung werden. Besonders bei Implantaten, Kronen, Brücken oder umfangreichem Zahnersatz liegen die Kosten häufig im vierstelligen Bereich. Viele Patienten stehen dann vor einer schwierigen Entscheidung: Behandlung durchführen lassen und hohe Eigenanteile zahlen – oder den Eingriff aufschieben, obwohl er medizinisch sinnvoll wäre. | more
How did people in the Bronze Age react to difficult times? What did they eat, how did they bury their dead and where did they come from? A new study led by the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig provides answers for the first time. The study is based on ancient DNA and chemical traces from bones. | more
How do children understand where others are looking? Researchers at the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig have studied 1,377 children from 14 countries. Their findings reveal a universal thought process that works in the same way all over the world. However, the study also reveals surprising differences between individual children. | more
Scientists have found 773,000-year-old bones in a Moroccan quarry - from people who lived at a time when Homo sapiens and Neanderthals were just parting ways. The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig was involved in the investigation. The findings provide rare insights into our common ancestors and confirm that Africa was the cradle of humanity: Africa was the cradle of mankind. | more
Morgens zur Arbeit, am Wochenende über Schotter oder eines Tages mit Gepäck bis ans andere Ende der Welt: Wer viel mit seinem Fahrrad vorhat, braucht eines, das genau zu einem passt. Meißner Raeder baut in Dresden Fahrräder nach Maß, die exakt zu ihrem Besitzer passen und auf seine Bedürfnisse abgestimmt sind. | more
Children or a long life? This question actually arises in nature. Together with international colleagues, researchers in Leipzig have studied 117 mammal species. The result: animals whose reproduction is prevented live on average ten percent longer. The reason lies in evolution. Every living creature has to divide its energy between producing offspring and maintaining its own body. The study shows how this balance works and what it means for humans. | more
