NUCLEAR PHYSICSWhat holds matter together?
Subatomic particles, muons, quarks, gluons, and their cousins: Physicists working with the MAMI electron accelerator at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) are also playing an important role in the BESIII Experiment in Beijing in China. They are on the trail of the basic building blocks of matter and are thus hoping to pave the way for a New Physics.
NEURODERMATITISBlue light therapy can allay inflammation
There is hope for people suffering from neurodermatitis: PD Dr. Detlef Becker, senior physician at the Department of Dermatology at the Mainz University Medical Center, has achieved fantastic results with photodynamic therapy, a treatment with blue light. But it is expensive and the statutory health insurance does not cover it. A new clinical study shall provide reliable data on the efficacy of the method.
COMPUTER SCIENCEResearch at the interface of disciplines
Thirty years ago the first Professor of Computer Science was appointed at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). A lot has since changed in this relatively recent field. This special anniversary is a good reason to take a quick look back, despite the fact that the professors at the Institute of Computer Science prefer to talk about their current work and projects. After all, the present and future are far more interesting to them than a brief history of their discipline.
BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY COLLECTIONThe Tower of Babel in the basement
Hardly any other collection of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) can boast as many unique pieces. Models represent life in Biblical times, ten thousand photos and valuable maps document the early history of Israel while seven ossuaries evidence a turning point in burial practices at the time of Christ. The Biblical Archaeology Collection may be relatively new but it goes way back into ancient history.
JGU INTERNATIONALAn advocate of German in Scotland
She founded the Society for Scottish Studies in Europe and is the head of the largest Sir Walter Scott research program. She acts as an advisor to the Scottish Parliament and set up an internship program that brings students of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) to Scottish schools. It is remarkable what Dr. Sigrid Rieuwerts has already achieved in terms of promoting the relationship between Germany and Scotland.
SIMULATING INTERPRETING SITUATIONSAspects of interpreting
Simulations of interpreting situations have introduced a whole new dimension to interpreter training at Faculty 06: Translation Studies, Linguistics, and Cultural Studies at the Germersheim campus of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). Here students assume various roles and experience aspects of interpreting that can otherwise be given only little attention. The idea is to enable them to develop empathy, understand body language, and much more.
INDOLOGY COLLECTIONSBuddha’s nose and good fortune
The collection is small but impressive: the bequest of Ursula Walter has found a home at the Institute of India Studies at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). Indian gods and Buddhas, various everyday objects, and fine votive offerings for the temple can be found here. Part of the collection is on display in the Philosophicum building, but most of it languishes in a nondescript gray metal cabinet at the institute.
IRÈNE JOLIOT-CURIE PROGRAMWe need more women at the top
She is a high-ranking executive of a large concern: Marianne Heiß visited Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) to talk about her career and what has to change so that more women are appointed to management posts. She was invited to speak as part of the new Irène Joliot-Curie Program that has been established in order to promote the careers of women working in the PRISMA Cluster of Excellence.
BESSEL RESEARCH AWARDNew neurons for the brain
Dr. Alejandro F. Schinder of the Inst ituto Leloir in Buenos Aires has received a Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award granted by the Humboldt Foundation for fundamental research that has provided important insight into how new nerve cells are incorporated in the adult brain. The presentation of the award has set in motion a joint international project and Professor Benedikt Berninger of the Research Center Translational Neurosciences at the Mainz University Medical Center intends to cooperate closely with his Argentinian colleague over the next years.
CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY / FOLKLOREMobile app looks behind the Iron Curtain
Nineteen students from the Cultural Anthropology / Folklore division at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) have compiled experiences and stories of contemporary witnesses to the Cold War between East and West for theinternational "Iron Curtain Stories" project. Their interviews and much more have just been made available on the "Memory of Nations" website and a smartphone app.