Island life causes animals to slow down

Birds and mammals that live on islands often have a much slower metabolism than their closest relatives on the mainland. They also produce offspring later. This slow way of life makes it difficult for them to adapt to rapid changes, such as those caused by humans. This was the finding of a new study led by an international team from MLU. The team analysed data from around 2,800 animal species living on islands and the mainland. The results were published in the journal "Science Advances".

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Improved safety and performance: researchers develop gel filling for lithium-ion batteries

A new type of gel, developed by chemists at the MLU, could help to make lithium-ion batteries safer and more powerful. The gel is designed to prevent the highly flammable electrolyte fluid from leaking. Initial lab studies show that it also improves the performance and service life of the batteries.

Brain research: Study shows what your favourite film genres reveal about your brain

Crime films, action films, comedies, or documentaries? A person's favourite film genre reveals a lot about how their brain works. This is the finding of a new study led by the MLU that compared data on film preferences with recordings of the brain activity of around 260 people. Fans of action films and comedies reacted very strongly to negative emotional stimuli, while participants who favoured documentaries or crime films and thrillers had a significantly weaker reaction.

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How does organic farming benefit honeybees?

Organic farming and flower strips promote the health of honey bees. In their vicinity, colonies grow stronger and are generally healthier. This is most likely because the insects have a diverse and continuous food supply there and are less exposed to pesticides. These are the findings of a new study by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the University of Göttingen, published in the "Journal of Applied Ecology". The team analysed data from 32 bee colonies at 16 locations in Germany with different proportions of organic fields, flower strips and semi-natural habitats.

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