Researchers at the University of Vienna have developed fluorescent peptide tracers that can simultaneously visualise and activate the oxytocin receptor. This receptor–also known as the love/bonding hormone receptor–plays a key role in processes related to social behaviour, health and disease. These tracers create new possibilities for imaging and functional analysis in various biological systems–with far-reaching implications for fundamental research as well as for breast cancer diagnostics and therapy. The development of the tracers is described in the current issue of the renowned journal Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, and the tracers have recently been patented.

Changing habits like quitting smoking or managing stress is hard – but crucial. Motivational interviewing (MI), a proven counseling method that sparks internal motivation, works well but isn’t widely used due to time and training demands. Now, AI tools like ChatGPT are stepping in, simulating MI conversations anytime, anywhere. A new review shows these tools are promising and well-received, but questions remain: Do they truly reflect MI’s core principles? Can they drive real, lasting change? The answer could reshape digital health interventions.

Agricultural innovations made the food supply in the Rhineland more resilient and flexible / Publication in the ‘Journal of Archaeological Science’

Research conducted at West Virginia University suggests consuming alcohol with fentanyl and other drugs may explain, in part, why more men than women die from unintentional overdoses.

Two-part international conference on the first ecumenical council 1,700 years ago to resume in Münster on 15 October – What does the Council of Nicaea mean for ecumenism and relations with Judaism and Islam? – Invited by Professor of Dogmatics Michael Seewald, researchers from nine countries will focus on the Council and its varied reception over the centuries – Involved are the disciplines of theology, philosophy, history, Jewish studies and Islamic studies – University of Münster in cooperation with Pontifical Gregorian University