The targeted engineering of artificial proteins with unique properties – that is possible with the assistance of a novel method developed by a research team led by Prof. Dr Dominik Niopek at the Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB) of Heidelberg University. It centers around a new AI model. This allows for forecasting how two proteins have to be fitted together at the molecular level from individual parts – subunits – in order to engineer a functional, adjustable new protein. Called ProDomino, this open-source tool opens up many different possible applications in biotechnology and medicine.

Jairo Patiño, José María Fernández-Palacios and colleagues chronicle every known terrestrial extinction in Macaronesia—an area in the Atlantic Ocean comprising the volcanic archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira, Selvagens, the Canaries, and Cabo Verde. 

Short-nosed dog breeds, like French Bulldogs and Pugs, remain immensely popular. But are they truly better companion animals than other breeds? According to a new study by ethologists at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), short noses may indeed influence behavior — but just as important are small body size and owner treatment. These dogs are often spoiled and less frequently trained, which affects their behavior. While short-nosed dogs may be calmer and less reactive, these potential benefits often fail to emerge without proper upbringing.

The precise mechanism of cellular condensation and regeneration is not well-understood in organogenesis. For advances in regenerative medicine, understanding these mechanisms is crucial. In a new study, researchers used single-cell transcriptomics to understand the composition of human dental follicles and dental papillae. They found a PDGFRA⁺ mesenchymal stem cell with odontogenic potential that interacts with endothelial cells via paracrine signaling to stimulate angiogenesis, showing promise for future therapeutics in dental regenerative medicine.

Two researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) were honoured at the 21st International Electromagnetic and Light Scattering Conference in Milazzo, Italy:

Prof. Andreas Macke, Director of TROPOS was honoured with the "Elsevier van de Hulst Prize for Light Scattering" 2025 for his significant contributions to the understanding of scattering properties of atmospheric ice crystals. Prof Macke has developed and applied light scattering models based on geometrical optics for complex irregular ice crystals and thus achieved a breakthrough in the consideration of realistic crystal structures. His models and results are used worldwide in numerous scientific fields such as astrophysics, biology, medicine and, of course, atmospheric physics. The prize honours the life's work of an individual scientist who has made a pioneering contribution to the research field of electromagnetic scattering by particles and its applications.

Dr Moritz Haarig from TROPOS received the AS&T Young Scientist Award for the best presentation at the conference. The AS&T Award has been presented since 2025 for outstanding conference contributions by young scientists.

Joint research between the Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS) at Pompeu Fabra University and the University of Trento (Italy) has, for the first time, ascertained the composition of the intestinal microbiome of the indri, a critically endangered lemur only found in the north-east of Madagascar. In addition to determining up to 47 hitherto unknown species of bacteria, the study has concluded that the indri’s microbiome is transmitted within their social group. This could have implications for the preservation of their habitats.