Innovative science in the spotlight

The ERC grantees: f.l. Amelie Heuer-Jungemann, Benjamin Vernot,, Tristan Wagner and Matthias Fischer © MPG The Max Planck Institutes in Bremen, Heidelberg, Leipzig and Martinsried are delighted to receive the prestigious Consolidator Grants, each worth around two million euros. They are awarded to researchers who completed their doctorate a few years ago and are looking forward to a promising scientific career. They are investigating giant viruses, using origami DNA to optimise vital enzyme functions, researching microbes as potent sources of biofuels or reconstructing neighbourhood structures in prehistoric times with the help of ancient DNA from sediments. These are the four grantees and their projects: Human Sciences Section. UNEARTH - traces ancient social structures with sediment DNA Benjamin Vernot - Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig Humans and other living beings are constantly shedding DNA, and this DNA can be preserved in archaeological sediments. In contrast to fossil skeletal remains like bones and teeth, these sediments are abundant at nearly every archaeological site. This ancient human DNA from sediments may function as forensic -breadcrumbs- to trace the spaces inhabited by past humans, their life histories and socioeconomical structures.