Heart conditions often have grave consequences. The dangerous process of pathological cardiac remodeling following a heart attack, e.g. is often irreversible. But scientists at MHH have been developing a new treatment option that may slow down or even reverse this process. Sponsored by the REBIRTH excellence cluster, said researchers have discovered a large amount of hitherto unknown ribonucleic acids (RNA) in the pathologically growing myocardial cells. Modulating the production of these RNAs could stop abnormal heart growth.  Professor Dr. Dr. Thomas Thum, Head of the Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies can tell us more.

The Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD (Photonics, Optics, and Engineering - Innovation Across Disciplines) with its interdisciplinary network supports young scientists in their doctoral studies in one of the key technologies of the 21st century: optical technologies. During the structured doctoral training at PhoenixD Research School, researchers acquire not only specialized knowledge but also job-related soft skills, thus qualifying for a career in science or industry.

Why do bacteria and viruses harm some people seriously and hardly affect others? How can infections be better prevented, diagnosed and treated in an individually tailored manner? The scientists and clinicians of the new Cluster of Excellence RESIST want to answer these questions – and thus help people with a weakened immune system. Particularly affected are, for example, newborns and seniors, people with an inborn immunodeficiency and patients whose immune system is suppressed for therapeutic reasons or who are carriers of implants.

Making optical precision instruments quickly and inexpensively using additive production methods such as 3D printing: what sounds like a vision is the aim of the research partnership Phoenix-D. Scientists in mechanical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, computer science and chemistry are working together on the simulation, fabrication and application of optical systems. Up to now, optical glass lenses and the surrounding frames have been made in several stages - often by hand. In the research partnership, experts from a wide range of disciplines are working on a digitalised manufacturing system that can produce individualised products.