Research highlights 2024

A look back at a year of research with many highlights

December 20, 2024

Max Planck scientists published many high-quality articles in 2024. We have selected twelve highlights to present to you here.

Figure dressed in a fur garment, exhibiting dark, curly hair. The backdrop features a textured, earthy palette with muted colors, suggesting an ancient or historical setting.

Oldest genomes of modern humans decoded

December 12, 2024

These early Europeans belonged to a small, isolated group that existed shortly after interbreeding with Neanderthals, but is now extinct.

Glowing orange light in a black background, resembling a blurred abstract pattern.

The first close-up image of a star outside our galaxy

November 21, 2024

Located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, at a staggering distance of over 160 000 light-years from us, WOH G64 is a dying star roughly 2000 times the size of the Sun more

The picture shows a hand filling out an application for a German organ donor card.

Organ donation: Opt-out solution does not increase donation rates

November 14, 2024

Countries that have introduced the opt-out solution do not show a higher willingness to donate. more

Histological section of skin tissue showing layers in purple and white.

New technology saves the lives of patients with fatal skin reactions

October 16, 2024

Spatial proteomics provides therapeutic approach for patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis more

Digital illustration of human anatomy showing brain, digestive system, and viruses around the body.

How the psyche influences gut health

September 19, 2024

A circuit between the brain and the gut influences the gut flora and thus regulates the immune system. more

Two people stand to the left of an experimental setup, a rod attached to a carousel-like device

A robot leg runs and jumps thanks to artificial muscles

September 10, 2024

The newly developed robot leg is inspired by living creatures and jumps more agilely and energy-efficiently over various surfaces than previous robots. more

The image shows two hands wearing blue gloves, positioned at the bottom left and top right. The top hand holds a pen-like tool, which is gripping a sample tube with an orange cap containing blood plasma. The bottom hand holds a tray with additional sample tubes.

Simple diagnostics for common diseases

August 01, 2024

Metabolic disorders and high blood pressure can be detected using a single infrared light measurement and machine learning. more

A line of cars stuck in traffic, with visible exhaust fumes obscuring the view, highlighting air pollution issues.

Nitrogen mitigates global warming

July 24, 2024

A summary of the climate effects of nitrogen emissions from fertilisers and fossil fuels more

This picture, taken from a bridge over a motorway, shows heavy traffic with many lorries jammed on the two lanes in the direction of the camera. In the opposite direction, a few lorries and cars can be seen driving. A road bridge crosses the motorway a short distance away.

Fuel for climate-neutral trucks

July 15, 2024

HyFiT fuels can reduce the carbon footprint of heavy-duty transport more

A sumatran orangutan with a wound on his face

Orangutan treats wound with medicinal plant

May 02, 2024

Researchers demonstrate medical wound treatment in a wild animal for the first time more

Beethoven with a DNA strand in the background

Was Beethoven unmusical?

April 10, 2024

An analysis of the famous composer's genetic material has revealed that DNA data is currently too inaccurate to accurately determine a person's abilities. more