What is the significance of rhythm for poetics? Literary studies research has not yet answered this question exhaustively. Professor Achim Geisenhanslüke wants to change this. He will work on the poetics of rhythm within a Reinhart Koselleck Project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

The MEMELAND project, funded by a €13 million ERC Synergy grant, is a multidisciplinary endeavour involving researchers from Norway, Austria, Switzerland, and the UK, aimed at enhancing our understanding of medieval Europe by examining the interplay between culture and nature. This project will explore how medieval farming practices have influenced today's landscapes and biodiversity by analysing sedimentary DNA from lake beds and soil across Europe. These sediments, largely undisturbed over centuries, hold clues about past climates, ecologies, and human activities, which can be revealed through various methods, including lipid biomarkers, archeobotanical remains, and Carbon14-dating.

The insights gained will not only deepen our understanding of historical landscapes but also guide current efforts to restore European landscapes to their historical or "natural" states. By determining the ecological conditions of the past, MEMELAND aims to inform and enhance landscape restoration projects across Europe. The project will also investigate broader questions about the role of different social strata in agricultural developments and the impacts of climate and disease. This ambitious project seeks to provide comprehensive answers that transcend the capabilities of individual disciplines alone.

Kidney disease is a global health concern, but conventional tests that check creatinine levels often overlook early signs of damage. To solve this, researchers developed an innovative biosensor that detects symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), a byproduct of protein breakdown.  The sensor uses special peptides to measure SDMA in urine with high accuracy and does not need additional diagnostic equipment. This simple, cost-effective tool enables early detection of kidney issues, supporting timely interventions and improved patient outcomes.