Too much fertilizer in the fields, too much nitrate in the water: Researchers at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research in Leipzig, together with partners, have now comprehensively explained for the first time why heavy rainfall and drought can dramatically exacerbate the problem. Their study was published in the renowned journal Science and provides new insights and a clear warning for Europe. | more
Leipzig’s Grünau district is celebrating its 50th anniversary. But how do people there actually feel today? A long-term study by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) shows that many residents feel comfortable in their own homes, while litter, safety concerns and a growing sense of neglect are shaping perceptions of the neighborhood. | more
Am 14. und 15. September 2026 wird Dresden erneut zum Treffpunkt für angewandte Künstliche Intelligenz. Bei der Brains on Silicon 2026 im ICD Dresden sprechen Expertinnen und Experten von Unternehmen wie SAP, GitHub und You.com darüber, wie KI aus Pilotprojekten in echte Geschäftsprozesse kommt. | more
An invisible ecosystem has formed on ocean plastic. Researchers from UFZ Leipzig and GEOMAR Kiel reveal how microbes survive there – and what it means for the oceans. | more
Water is becoming scarce in many cities. A new study shows that poor people in particular suffer from this and often pay the most. Researchers from the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research were involved in the study. | more
The two-degree target is widely seen as a safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change. But researchers from Leipzig and Dresden warn this confidence may be misplaced. Their study shows that extreme impacts – from droughts and wildfires to urban flooding – are possible even at moderate warming. | more
Medizin, die man anfassen kann – die interaktive Ausstellung „Medizin der Zukunft“ macht im TGZ Bautzen Station und lädt alle Neugierigen ein. Von Organzüchtung bis zur Blicksteuerung: Hier wird Zukunft nicht nur erklärt, sondern hautnah erlebbar. | more
Wastewater as a source of energy? Researchers from Leipzig and Greifswald show that the energy contained in our daily wastewater is equivalent to the annual output of around 100 nuclear power plants – and explain how tiny bacteria can turn it into electricity. | more
Which crop rotation protects the soil? What uses less fertilizer? A new, free online tool from the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research in Leipzig helps farmers to answer such questions - before they make mistakes that cost them years. | more
Manchmal kommt einfach alles auf einmal. Das Auto muss plötzlich in die Werkstatt. Die Stromrechnung fällt höher aus als gedacht. Einschulung und Klassenfahrt stehen gleichzeitig an. Der Familienurlaub war wunderschön – aber auf dem Konto sieht es danach eher weniger schön aus. | more
The green on Earth is increasing, but it is migrating. Researchers from Leipzig University, iDiv and the UFZ have calculated the Earth's "green center of gravity" for the first time. Their findings are surprising: the vegetation is shifting northwards in all seasons. What is behind this? | more
Vacation photos of colorful butterflies are not just beautiful memories - they can advance real science. Researchers from Leipzig and Jena have shown how images from social networks can help us understand the decline in biodiversity. Their result: surprisingly good. | more
Schon wieder zu viel gegessen oder eine wichtige Aufgabe aufgeschoben? Oft reagieren wir auf solche Verhaltensweisen mit Selbstkritik. Doch damit bekämpfen wir meist nur das sichtbare Symptom – und übersehen, was wir in diesem Moment wirklich brauchen. | more
