https://phys.org/ en-us Latest news from University of Giessen Cattle ranching is the biggest driver of tropical deforestation, but it is also a key livelihood for nearly 1 billion smallholder farmers. A global study by Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) shows that this tension can be eased by reintroducing trees into pastureland. Planting trees in cattle pastures nearly doubles biodiversity compared to conventional pastures. However, these plantings cannot replace the protection of native forests. The study is published in the journal Ecological Applications. https://phys.org/news/2026-05-trees-cattle-pastures-biodiversity-countries.html Ecology Tue, 26 May 2026 15:00:01 EDT news699019921 Characteristic features of plants, such as their active ingredients or flower color, may have developed through very different evolutionary histories. This is shown by an international study on the orange-flowering California poppy led by researchers at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU). The multidisciplinary research team compared the biosynthesis of alkaloids and carotenoids as well as flower control factors of this plant at the genetic level. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-evolutionary-secret-california-poppy-alkaloids.html Plants & Animals Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:00:16 EDT news693481082 Substances capable of mutating human genetic material—altering and permanently damaging it—are present in many everyday products. Researchers at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) have, for the first time, detected mutagens and concurrently cytotoxic substances in food, meat, smoke flavorings, personal care products, and even water. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-lipstick-flags-hidden-mutagens.html Analytical Chemistry Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:50:01 EDT news692981102 An international research team led by marine biologist Prof. Dr. Maren Ziegler from Justus Liebig University Giessen (JU) has developed an innovative method for reconstructing the past of corals and their symbiosis with algae by drilling into coral skeletons. The results, published in Global Change Biology, offer new insights into changes in symbiotic single-celled algae species that are crucial to the survival of coral reefs. https://phys.org/news/2025-11-tree-sea-environmental-conditions-microalgae.html Plants & Animals Fri, 07 Nov 2025 19:00:01 EST news681739096 Shading brings 3D forms to life, beautifully carving out the shape of objects around us. Despite the importance of shading for perception, scientists have long been puzzled about how the brain actually uses it. Researchers from Justus-Liebig-University Giessen and Yale University recently came out with a surprising answer. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-weird-brain-3d-simple-lines.html Psychology & Psychiatry Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:21:01 EDT news671444448 Four new studies by scientists from Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) have shown that lifestyle products contain hazardous compounds that have not been detected by previous tests and are not currently regulated. The researchers used a new analytical methodology to investigate 140 skincare products and cosmetics from 20 product segments as well as more than 40 perfumes. https://phys.org/news/2025-06-unmasking-hazardous-compounds-cosmetics-skincare.html Analytical Chemistry Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:20:01 EDT news670160771 Lithium and sodium metal anodes play a crucial role in the further development of high-performance solid-state batteries. In order to favorably influence the electrochemical properties of these highly reactive alkali metals, understanding their microstructure is essential. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-electron-backscatter-diffraction-elucidates-microstructure.html Analytical Chemistry Wed, 25 Sep 2024 12:13:29 EDT news646485203 The introduction of animal and plant species into new regions by humans is increasing rapidly worldwide. Some of these alien species, such as the gray squirrel, have a far-reaching impact on nature as they displace native species. https://phys.org/news/2024-05-invasive-alien-species-indigenous-peoples.html Plants & Animals Tue, 28 May 2024 10:52:03 EDT news636112321 Corals feed on plankton that they catch from the seawater. Due to the increasing pollution of the oceans, they also ingest tiny plastic particles. Sometimes, the corals are unable to expel the microplastics from their bodies. Instead, they store it in their calcareous skeleton, which can be bad for some species: they grow more slowly and develop coral bleaching or necrosis. https://phys.org/news/2024-02-synthetic-fibers-abrasion-strongest-impact.html Plants & Animals Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:12:04 EST news627131521 High-performance batteries are required for a wide range of applications, and demand for them is growing rapidly. This is why the research and development of electrochemical energy storage systems, including those for electromobility, is one of the most important areas of work in materials science worldwide. The focus is not only on the charging capacities and charging speeds of the batteries, but also on the life span, safety, availability of raw materials and the CO2 balance. https://techxplore.com/news/2024-01-silicon-solid-state-batteries.html Energy & Green Tech Fri, 26 Jan 2024 09:39:10 EST news625484347