News

Distant stars: Graz astrophysicists test new PLATOSpec spectrograph in Chile

A few weeks ago, the new, high-resolution PLATOSpec spectrograph was installed on the 1.52-meter telescope at the European Southern Observatory in La Silla, Chile. It is now delivering its first data, the so-called "first light". This will allow researchers, including astrophysicists from the University of Graz, to look even more clearly into the universe. The aim is to observe exoplanets and the stars around which they orbit.

Take a break: psychologist at the University of Graz explains how to manage stress better

Completing the most urgent tasks in the office and quickly getting the last presents, before the Christmas holidays once again sap your energy, despite all the joy. Is it possible to arm yourself against stress? Yes, says Claudia Traunmüller. The psychologist from the University of Graz is researching how we can strengthen our resources and thus cope better with challenges. In addition to periods of relaxation, physical fitness and sufficient sleep are among the most important factors for stress resistance.

Learning better: Can science experiments in group settings help children with autism?

How can pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have positive learning experiences and improve their social skills? Researchers at the University of Graz are investigating how science experiments in group settings can contribute to this. Initial results from the project, which is funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, show that children react differently depending on the kind of neurodiversity, but that experimentation classes with the right setting definitely have potential. "Pupils with ASD can do more than is currently expected of them in many cases," says project leader Uwe Simon.

Sustainability Award 2024 for two projects of the University of Graz

How do major international conferences reduce their carbon footprint? And what can maths lessons contribute to education for sustainable development? Two questions that were answered at the University of Graz. The corresponding projects were awarded the Sustainability Award 2024 in silver on 26 November in Vienna. This award for Austria's universities and colleges is presented by the Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Climate Protection.

Research without borders in the European University Alliance Arqus

International cooperation strengthens cutting-edge research, the results of which benefit us all. As part of the European University Alliance Arqus, researchers from the University of Graz are collaborating with colleagues from eight other universities on current topics and societal challenges. Two new projects have just started. The group led by Sandro Keller, Professor of Biophysics, is studying the mechanisms of cell communication as a prerequisite for the development of new, more effective drugs. Christine Schwanecke, Professor of English Literature and Cultural Studies and Director of the Centre for Cultural Studies, and her colleague Lisa Schantl are investigating the special features of contemporary English-language poetry by authors who grew up speaking another language – as an example of how language can overcome the divisions between different cultures.

Teamwork as a Recipe for Success: 20 years NAWI Graz

TU Graz and the University of Graz have been working together very successfully in natural science research and teaching since 2004. With groundbreaking projects such as the Graz Center of Physics and the proposed NAWI Graz Geo Center, this path will continue to be rigorously pursued.

Bees under observation: University of Graz provides unprecedented insights into the hive

What is going on in the combs? How many eggs is the queen laying? How much honey is there? Autonomous robots and AI algorithms provide important data and high-resolution real-time images from inside a beehive. "As part of an international team, we have developed a game-changer technology for a new type of digitalised behavioural research," reports biologist Thomas Schmickl from the Artifical Life Lab at the University of Graz. The publication, which has just appeared as the cover story in the journal "Science Robotics", describes the wealth of information that can be obtained from this unique research facility.

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.

More news

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Healthy ageing with fasting: Spermidine is the key to success

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Even greener: University of Graz researchers improve the chemical industry

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Invasion: American oak lace bug is spreading in Styria

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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…