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Fungal spores hijack lung cells

The pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus escapes elimination from surface cells of the human lung by binding to a human protein. In doing so, it is able to nest in so called phagosomes, confined areas in the lung cells, and thus prevents cell processes that would kill the fungus from being set in motion. Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) have thus discovered a possible new target against the fungal infection. Aspergillus fumigatus is an environmentally prevalent mould found worldwide. For people with a weakened immune system, it can become a serious threat: according to estimates, yearly more than 300,000 people worldwide…

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A photo of the poster first author holding her award certificate, next to secretary of the German Society for Plant Sciences (Phycology Section)

Trang Vuong and co-workers awarded best poster prize at phycology conference

The 20th Scientific Conference of the Phycology Section of the German Society for Plant Sciences too…

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ERC Grant for new Microverse scientist Ioachim Pupeza

The Cluster of Excellence welcomes Ioachim Pupeza, new working group leader at the Leibniz Institute…

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Scientific image analysis for everyone

The software JIPipe was developed by scientists at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Researc…

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Tiny organisms, huge amounts of data

Newly appointed Prof. Gianni Panagiotou researches microbiomes with bioinformatics methods Gianni Pa…

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Holes in T cells

Certain T cells can secrete cytokines that are normally part of the innate immune system, as researc…

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Tail required for toxicity: Jena researchers discover the mode of action of a bacterial toxin

Bacterial toxin renders algae motionless Biologists and chemists at the University of Jena decipher …

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RNA sponge controls bacterial communication

Researchers from the "Balance of the Microverse" Cluster of Excellence and the University of…

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FSU President Rosenthal voted University Leader of the Year

For the first time ever, this Germany-wide recognition goes to a university leader in the state of T…

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Upcoming Events

Online

Internal Microverse Seminar

Nia Verdon, Theoretical Microbial Ecology, FSU Jena
Measuring the response of bacteria to antibiotic in microfluidic droplets

Vijay Srinivasan, Theoretical Microbial Ecology, FSU Jena
Regulation of Mycobaterium rifampicin susceptibility by potassium

Lecture hall Hodgkin, Leibniz HKI

The Interplay of Genome, Proteome, and Environment: Insights into Fungal Drug Susceptibility

Dr. Johannes Hartl, Charité Berlin
Leibniz HKI Colloquium

Online

Internal Microverse Seminar

Andrea Marfil Sánchez, Microbiome Dynamics, Leibniz HKI and FSU Jena
Discovery of robust and highly specific microbiome signatures of non.alcoholic fatty liver disease

Mahnoor Zulfiqar, Cheminformatics and Chemometrics, FSU Jena
Extending FAIR metabolome annotation workflow to elucidate microbial metabolites

Online

Internal Microverse Seminar

Anna Czapka, Microbial Immunology, Leibniz HKI
TBD

Parastoo Akbarimoghaddam, Applied System Microbiology, Leibniz HKI
Image-based analysis of Candida albicans infection in a gut-on-chip model

Koch/Pasteur lecture hall, Leibniz HKI

Talk by Janet Quinn

Janet Quinn, Prof. of Eukaryotic Microbiology from Newcastle University, UK

Rosensäle, University of Jena

Symposium: The Plant Microverse

Join us on 25 April 2023 for a one-day symposium on plant-microbial research, bringing together experts from doctoral researchers to esteemed professors. A unique opportunity to share novel ideas and findings, we have assembled a prestigious panel of guest speakers with expertise in various facets of plant-microbe interactions. From exploring the phyllosphere to analyzing the rhizosphere, from investigating crop plants to delving into model plants, from ecological to molecular methods, our guest speakers cover it all.

The symposium will kick off with the guest speakers sharing their pioneering research, offering invaluable insights into their areas of expertise. This will be followed by a stimulating roundtable discussion, giving both the speakers and the audience a platform to exchange ideas and perspectives on plant-microbial research.

Join us in this dynamic and intellectually stimulating symposium, where we seek to broaden our understanding of plant-microbial research and the impact it has on our world.

Symposium website

Haus auf der Mauer, Großer Saal, Johannisplatz 26

Book Club "Science meets Society"

Readings tbd, topic: climate change

Podcast

Microbial balance is crucial for a healthy life - whether in humans, animals or plants. Even waters and soils, and thus entire ecosystems, depend on it. If this dynamic balance of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms falters, the consequences can be severe.

Research into the Microverse is all about the communication and interaction of these tiny organisms with each other and with their environment. This is because they have often been living together for millions of years and are rarely found in isolation.

Prof. Brakhage explains that the next antibiotic agent may be waiting to be discovered in our front yard. And from this, in the best case, a drug can be developed that specifically attacks undesirable microorganisms and does not affect the beneficial ones.

Mikrobiome - Mikroorganismen im (Un-)Gleichgewicht

Microbial Kitchen

Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi have a big influence on our lives. Often they appear to us as threats to our health but that is only a very narrow view on the functions and abilities of microorganisms. In fact, life would not be possible without them: a balanced microbiome keeps humans, animals, plants and ecosystems healthy. Moreover they are significant for our nutrition – humans have been using microorganisms such as yeast or lactic acid bacteria to produce food for thousands of years.

Members and friends of the Microverse Cluster and the Jena School for Microbial Communication have revealed their favourite delicious recipes which involve the activity of microorganisms. You will also find information on typical microorganisms used for food production.

Discover the Microverse and enjoy the microbial kitchen!