Sciences

Bird communities in forests change significantly over the course of the year. Nevertheless, the differences between various forest types remain clearly discernible across the seasons.

Researchers at Leipzig University have achieved a success in microrobotics. They were able to show for the first time that tiny, synthetic microswimmers perceive their environment directly via their own body shape and adapt autonomously in strongly changing fluid currents.

Kitchen sponges are among the most frequently used household items - and may also represent a previously underestimated source of microplastics. Researchers led by the University of Bonn investigated how many plastic particles are released from sponges during dishwashing and their environmental impacts. The findings show that while measurable amounts of microplastics enter the environment each year, the largest share of environmental impact from manual dishwashing is caused by water consumption. 

Researchers at Leipzig University have achieved a breakthrough in microrobotics. For the first time, they have shown that tiny synthetic microswimmers can perceive their surroundings directly through their own body shape and autonomously adapt to rapidly changing fluid flows.