News

For some researchers, a career in industry would never be an option. Others appreciate the practical relevancy of working at a company. Postdocs at the Max Delbrück Center can find out which path is right for them through the “Academy meets Industry” program.

The Max Delbrück Center, Berlin, and the biotech company AlgenScribe from Nice have agreed to cooperate to further develop their gene-editing tools. The aim is to utilize synergies, accelerate research, and ultimately develop cell therapies for genetically determined diseases.

In a commentary, Dr. Sofia Forslund of the Max Delbrück Center and her colleagues outlined challenges faced by transgender scientists and presented ideas on how to tackle them. To commemorate Pride Month in Berlin, Forslund discussed the commentary’s genesis and future efforts at greater inclusion.

Deep metagenomic sequencing of wastewater in Berlin over 17 months shows this technique could help forecast disease outbreaks and monitor the spread of human pathogens. It can also reveal thousands of novel viruses, according to a study by the Landthaler lab published in “Environment International.”

The Max Delbrück Center welcomed a delegation from the Lisbon based NOVA Institute for Medical Systems Biology (NIMSB) for the first time to Berlin. The aim: to solidify the connection between the two institutes and to create a lasting platform for exchanging ideas and expertise.

This year’s Alumni Day saw former employees return to the Max Delbrück Center to reunite with colleagues, forge new connections and support the development of others.

The Max Delbrück Center hosted a graduation ceremony to honor 20 young researchers who have successfully defended their PhD theses this year. They were awarded their diplomas in front of proud colleagues, friends and family.

Simon Haas receives a Proof-of-Concept Grant from the European Research Council in the amount of €150,000. Immunotherapies use the immune system to fight against cancer. Haas' team from the joint single-cell focus of Max Delbrück Center, BIH, and Charité is developing methods to predict the efficacy of immunotherapies.

Are there measurable biological changes that occur over time that can predict the development of chronic disease? The German National Cohort Study aims to find out. The study has just started its third round of testing. All participants are encouraged to return for their re-examinations.

Researchers in Gary Lewin’s lab at the Max Delbrück Center have identified an ion channel that contributes to chronic pain, suggesting a new target for pain medication. The study was published in “Brain.”