Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology

When the hospital germ Pseudomonas aeruginosa infects the body, it uses the sugar-binding protein LecA to attach itself to human cells, invade them, and form so-called biofilms. LecA thus plays a central role in the development and progression of infections with this particularly critical pathogen. Researchers at the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) have now discovered that the approved Parkinson's drug tolcapone is able to specifically inhibit the activity of LecA [...]

Bei rund 5.000 Stahlsorten kommt es im Herstellungsprozess auf Nuancen an. Um neue Eigenschaften zu kreieren oder die konstante Qualität zu sichern, werden die Stähle mit verschiedenen Bildgebungsverfahren analysiert. Professor Frank Mücklich und sein Forschungsteam haben dazu über viele Jahre eine umfassende Expertise aufgebaut. Mit ihren mikroskopischen Analysedaten konnten sie eine KI so trainieren, dass sie kleinste Veränderungen im Stahl aufspürt. [...]

Die Universität des Saarlandes bietet am 5. Mai Unternehmen die Gelegenheit, sich den Studierenden und Nachwuchsforschern aller Fachrichtungen zu präsentieren und frühzeitig Kontakte zu potenziellen Fachkräften zu knüpfen. Ab sofort können sich interessierte Unternehmen für die Campus-Messe „next“ anmelden. [...]

Researchers at the University of Stuttgart have teleported quanta between photons from two distant light sources, achieving a decisive breakthrough in the development of quantum repeaters. Instrumental for the success of the experiment were “quantum frequency converters”, which compensate residual frequency differences between the photons. These were developed by a team led by Christoph Becher, Professor of Quantum Optics at Saarland University. Researchers from Dresden were also involved. [...]

Outstanding research performance in academia is often measured by how frequently a scholar’s work is cited by others. Each year, the ‘Highly Cited Researchers’ list recognizes leading experts in specific fields whose publications are among the most frequently cited worldwide. This year, three researchers from Saarland University have once again earned a place on the prestigious list, reflecting their exceptional academic reputation. [...]

Three days to launch a startup! That is the goal of Techstars Startup Weekend, which is held in cities around the world, including San Francisco, Tokyo and Shanghai. The Saarbrücken event will take place from 14 to 16 November at the Innovation Center on the Saarbrücken University Campus in partnership with Techstars, the host of the event series. [...]

3D-printed objects that can change colour like a chameleon. Promising new treatment options in the fight against multi-resistant germs. Prediction models that forecast which cancer drug will work best for a patient. The effect social media influencers on consumers. These are examples of the topics researched by the young scientists who were awarded Eduard Martin Prizes by the Universitätsgesellschaft des Saarlandes e.V. (University Society). [...]

Artificial intelligence is not only a topic in computer science, but also indispensable in engineering. An upcoming lecture series in the winter semester 2025/26 will highlight how engineers use AI, especially machine learning and data-based methods in general for industry, using basic lectures and examples from research. [...]