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An alloy of aluminum, magnesium and scandium is strong and does not become brittle even when exposed to relatively large amounts of hydrogen Aluminum alloys are known for their light weight and corrosion resistance - properties that make them ideal materials for a CO2-free economy. Whether in the lightweight construction of vehicles or as storage tanks for green hydrogen, the demand for aluminum will continue to increase with the transition to sustainable technologies.

To the point The researchers used the video game Minecraft to study social learning processes in a dynamic, realistic environment. The study shows that adaptability-i.e., the flexible shift between individual and social learning-is crucial for success. Using new computer-based methods to track gaze data and model decision-making, the researchers were able to precisely describe and predict individual and social learning strategies.

Study challenges long-held assumptions about the Mediterranean Phoenician-Punic civilization, one of the most influential maritime cultures in history To the point Secret of the Phoenician-Punic civilization's success: Their culture spread across the Mediterranean not through large-scale mass migration, but through a dynamic process of cultural transmission and assimilation.

Bonobos refuse to participate when faced with unequal rewards, reinforcing the highly contentious debate about inequity aversion in animals To the point Bonobos show signs of inequity aversion : In two experiments, bonobos were less willing to participate when they received a worse reward than a partner, suggesting they dislike unequal treatment.

Researchers at the MPI of Biochemistry have used spatial Deep Visual Proteomics workflow to reveal why some patients with the hereditary disease alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency remain healthy despite the genetic defect.

To the point A new replication study reviews and confirms previous research findings on the influence of digital media on democracy. Digital media such as social media, messenger groups or comment columns in online media have a predominantly negative influenc e on political processes. They can encourage populist movements, increase polarization and undermine trust in institutions.

The detection of peripheral neural stem cells could transform the treatment of Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries To the point Peripheral neural stem cells: Researchers have discovered a new type of neural stem cell in the lungs of mice. These cells have similar properties to the known neural stem cells in the brain, including self-rejuvenation and differentiation ability.

To the point Induction of Multicellularity : When mechanically compressed, the salt-loving archaeon Haloferax volcanii can shift from being single-celled to forming tissue-like clusters, displaying new mechanical and biological properties. Insights into Evolution : This study challenges current thinking about evolution by showing that physical forces and genetic changes can work together to promote the development of complex life forms, suggesting that multicellularity might arise more easily than we previously imagined.

Mediterranean hunter gatherers navigated long-distance sea journeys well before the first farmers To the point Malta reached earlier than previously thought: Researchers have found evidence that hunter-gatherers arrived on the island by boat as early as 8,500 years ago - around 1,000 years before the first farmers.

Isotope analyses of limestone cave deposits reveal recurrent humid intervals in the Saharo-Arabian Desert over the last eight million years. Dripstones reveal: The Saharo-Arabian Desert experienced repeated wetter periods over the past eight million years. Life-friendly desert: Wetter conditions favoured the exchange of mammals between Africa and Eurasia.

Iceberg armadas and altered river courses caused parts of the northern hemisphere to cool rapidly on several occasions Abrupt climate changes: From the peak of the last ice age to the Holocene, the North Atlantic and neighboring regions cooled rapidly again and again, temporarily. Revealing model simulations: Between 20,000 and 13,000 years ago, ice masses breaking off from the ice sheets of the northern hemisphere enriched the North Atlantic with fresh water and weakened the Atlantic overturning circulation (Amoc), which transports heat from the tropics to the north.

To the point Successful: Birds in the city are less likely to have brown plumage, and those with colorful plumage are more common. Differences between city and countryside: It is usually warmer in cities, there are fewer predators, but there is more artificial light and other background colors Advantages: Camouflage is not as important in the city because there are fewer predators than in nature.

In a study, it wasn't the bravest mice, but rather the shy ones, that proved to be the most persistent tinkerers To the point More successful: Shy mice visited problem-solving tasks more often than their bold counterparts, giving them more chances to succeed. Testing conditions matter: mice performed differently in natural environments compared to laboratory settings - and not always in predictable ways.

A study examines the relationship between gender roles and the desire to have children in Scandinavia To the point Low Birth Rates: Researchers examined the link between gender roles and the desire to have children in Denmark, Finland, and Norway. Structural barriers are only a factor: In highly gender-equal societies, declining birth rates cannot automatically be attributed to everyday structural challenges faced by parents.

Max Planck researcher Isabel Thielmann finds that dishonest behavior is consistent In brief New study shows: People who have lied once are likely to lie again in similar situations. It used to be assumed that lying is primarily situation-dependent. There is a connection between dishonest behavior and certain personality traits.

A new study reveals a long-isolated North African human lineage in the Central Sahara during the African humid period more than 7,000 years ago To the point DNA analysis from two naturally mummified individuals from Libya: More than 7,000 years ago, during the so-called African Humid Period (Green Sahara), a long isolated human lineage existed in North Africa.

Alcohol in their food increases the production of sex pheromones in male fruit flies, making them more attractive to females A team of researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology has investigated why the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster drinks alcohol and has shown that alcohol has a direct and positive effect on the mating success of male flies.

New research shines light on how the brain interprets nutritional and hydration needs and turns them into action. To ensure we get the calories and hydration we need, the brain relies on a complex network of cells, signals, and pathways to guide us when to eat, drink, or stop. Yet, much about how the brain deciphers the body-s needs and translates them into action remains unknown.

In brief When sleep-deprived: European jackdaws tend to sleep with both halves of their brains deeply asleep rather than staying alert with one half - especially at the beginning of the night when the need for rest is greatest. Differences in the brain: Some brain regions sleep more deeply than others.

To the point A neuroimaging study examined the processing of pain signals in the brain as participantswatched virtual nature videos. Participants reported less pain and showed lower activity in brain regions associated with specific pain processing. The findings underscore the importance of nature-based therapeutic approaches in pain management.