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Abuse at Top German Science Institution

Abuse at Top German Science Institution

The Max Planck Society is Germany's preeminent research organization, boasting 31 Nobel laureates. But insufficient oversight leaves international scientists exposed to abuse and the whims of the institutes' directors.

The Abuse of Power in German Academia

The Abuse of Power in German Academia

German researchers studying power abuse in academia in Germany have come to some interesting conclusions about how common the problem is. Not enough checks are in place to prevent professors from exploiting doctoral candidates and other students.

Why CERN Wants to Build a Giant Particle Collider

Why CERN Wants to Build a Giant Particle Collider

Scientists want to build a 90km Future Circular Collider to study the Higgs boson particle. At an estimated cost $17 billion, is it worth it?

China's Quantum Leap - Made in Germany

China's Quantum Leap - Made in Germany

Germany's oldest university hosts many scientists conducting groundbreaking work. Little did they know how they would become entangled in China's quantum military strategy. 

The Science of Passion: Why Do We Kiss?

The Science of Passion: Why Do We Kiss?

Humans exchange millions of disease-spreading bacteria when we kiss. Scientists believe that kissing tests the compatibility of mates ― that it all comes down to swapping spit. But where does the behavior come from?

What ChatGPT Can't Do Yet

What ChatGPT Can't Do Yet

Have you heard people talking about how amazing these new AI chat bots are? About how much immaculate text they can generate in a split second? It's time to talk about what they can't do.

ChatGPT is Changing Education, AI Experts Say - but How?

ChatGPT is Changing Education, AI Experts Say - but How?

Experts say artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT are changing the way students are taught and study. These "language model" AIs can write flawless-looking academic essays. Is it a threat or opportunity, or both?

The Best Science, Innovation and Health Stories of 2022

The Best Science, Innovation and Health Stories of 2022

2022 was great for science, from historic space missions to archeological discoveries and plenty to learn in medicine.

Weather Forecasting: Will It Rain Today? No One Really Knows

Weather Forecasting: Will It Rain Today? No One Really Knows

The English say so much depends on the weather, from battles in war to aid work. But our predictions are seldom perfect.

Energy Breakthrough: Can Nuclear Fusion Help Fuel the World?

Energy Breakthrough: Can Nuclear Fusion Help Fuel the World?

On Tuesday, the US Department of Energy announced a breakthrough in the generation of energy using nuclear fusion. Here's what you need to know about how it works.

Who Owns the Moon?

Who Owns the Moon?

Nations agree that no one should own territories in space, but legal debates about owning and selling materials extracted from the moon, planets and asteroids are quickly becoming points of tension

The Psychology of Epiphanies

The Psychology of Epiphanies

You might have been told off for staring out the window at school, but psychology shows us it's one of the best ways to spark new ideas and have epiphanies.

The Outer Space Treaty is 55 and out of Date

The Outer Space Treaty is 55 and out of Date

Back in the 60s, the Outer Space Treaty provided us with an assurance of peace and security in the Cold War space race. So much has changed since then - so why hasn't the treaty, asks DW's Zulfikar Abbany.

Commander Cristoforetti: International Space Station is a 'beacon of Hope'

Commander Cristoforetti: International Space Station is a 'beacon of Hope'

Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti is the fifth European to take command of the ISS. She says the space station gives her hope for peace on Earth.

The Ozone Layer is Slowly Getting Healthier

The Ozone Layer is Slowly Getting Healthier

Ozone-killing materials in Earth's stratosphere fell over 50% to levels seen before the ozone hole became a problem, scientists say. But there's still a way to go. Here's why we need a healthy ozone layer.

Researcher Transforming Our Knowledge of Dementia Wins $1 Million Science Prize

Researcher Transforming Our Knowledge of Dementia Wins $1 Million Science Prize

The Körber European Science Prize has been awarded to cell biologist Anthony Hyman. Hyman discovered a new state of biological matter that may hold the keys to some of the biggest questions in biology.

Archaeological Mystery: Ancient Elamite Script from Iran Deciphered?

Archaeological Mystery: Ancient Elamite Script from Iran Deciphered?

For almost 120 years, the writing system known as "Linear Elamite" was considered illegible. Now a team of archaeologists claims to have partially deciphered the writing system. But other researchers are more hesitant.

Dark Matter: An Invisible Glue That May Not Even Exist

Dark Matter: An Invisible Glue That May Not Even Exist

There's something in the universe that seems to hold everything together, a dark matter like glue. We can't see it, and yet it's got to be out there, right?

Out LGBTQ Scientists: Between Success and Discrimination

Out LGBTQ Scientists: Between Success and Discrimination

Scientists who are out and part of LGBTQ communities have more emotional energy for their work, giving them a chance to thrive. But they still get prejudice.

The Need for Diversity in Genome Sequencing

The Need for Diversity in Genome Sequencing

A majority of the DNA that has been sequenced for research comes from donors of European ancestry. That causes a knowledge gap about the genome of people from the rest of the world.

The Psychology Behind Why We Believe in Horoscopes

The Psychology Behind Why We Believe in Horoscopes

Ever wondered why so many people believe in horoscopes? Have you ever believed them yourself? Turns out, the better we understand our attraction to quack science, the better we can avoid falling victim to it.

Dutch Researchers Uncover Roman Temple Complex

Dutch Researchers Uncover Roman Temple Complex

In a "highly unusual find," archaeologists in the Netherlands uncovered the remains of temples where Roman soldiers once paid tribute to their gods and goddesses.

Plastic Packaging Might Be Biodegradable After All

Plastic Packaging Might Be Biodegradable After All

Leipzig researchers have found an enzyme that rapidly breaks down PET, the most widely produced plastic in the world. It might just eat your old tote bags.

Mars Probe Discovers 'shocking' New Aurora

Mars Probe Discovers 'shocking' New Aurora

The Emirates Mars Mission says it's a first: They have spotted a worm-like aurora that stretches halfway round Mars. It looks like our northern lights.

Food Security in Space: Farming Salad in Moon Soil

Food Security in Space: Farming Salad in Moon Soil

Scientists have grown plants in soil taken from the lunar surface. It's a sign that people could one day live on the moon, grow food and produce water.

Do Octopuses Have Emotions?

Do Octopuses Have Emotions?

They look so "alien," but octopuses feel and remember pain like we do. We can track their emotional reactions. But their deeper feelings are a mystery.

Fact Check: How Bad is a Glass of Wine at Dinner, Really?

Fact Check: How Bad is a Glass of Wine at Dinner, Really?

Although we know binge drinking is harmful for our health, the science behind moderate drinking still needs some fleshing out.