International – Pagina 3
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InternationalThe matchmaking concierge
Creating a stimulating, mutually beneficial interaction between science and industry is the priority of the ICMS Industrial Consortium. ‘We try to meet the needs of all participants: ICMS, university faculty, industry and start-ups.’
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InternationalWealth
While pondering the wonders of the material world, Editor-in-chief Esther Thole is immediately thrown back to an 80s classic featuring a superstar in a pink gown.
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InternationalOpen doors and shared labs
Research at the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems requires input from multiple disciplines. Therefore, knowledge exchange and collaboration are a top priority. Connecting people and multidisciplinary projects are essentials. Daily practice teaches that meetings at the central coffee machine are as important for science, as is a warm ‘we culture’.
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InternationalFestive fibers
To really appreciate the beauty of materials, you need to descend all the way down to the microscopic level. But once you’re there, a whole new world emerges filled with wonderous structures like these stunning fibers.
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InternationalThere’s business in sweat harvesting
Sweat can be easily perceived as a nuisance, but start-up DXcrete is developing a device to collect as much sweat from the skin as possible. Analysis of this essential body fluid offers a non-invasive way to monitor vital organs as sweat contains many relevant biomarkers. This could result in tools ...
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InternationalPutting the ‘Super’ into advanced microscopy
Super Resolution Microscopy opened our eyes to biological processes on scales previously hidden from view. At ICMS, researchers keep pushing the limits of SRM and expanding the technique’s possibilities. For those who think this is just another lab tool, think again. The ICMS infrastructure for research and innovation makes sure it’s finding its way into real life applications.
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InternationalInjecting biology into computing
When it comes the bio-inspired materials for computing, the possibilities are endless. ICMS members Tom de Greef and Yoeri van de Burgt are on the forefront of developing new materials for data storage and processing.
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InternationalAdaptive materials keep you guessing
With their research into adaptive materials, ICMS-researchers want to bring science fiction-like materials to life. ‘We cannot yet grasp every possibility.’
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InternationalFrom sugar to safety: a new era in flame retardants
While many current flame retardants are effective, they contain halogens such as chlorine or bromine, which are not ideal in terms of safety. In ChemCatChem, researchers from KU Leuven, Oleon and Devan present the synthesis approach of a new phosphorous, biobased flame retardant.
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InternationalHormone-free plant regeneration
Researchers at Wageningen University & Research and KeyGene have developed a method that enables plant cells to regenerate into new plants without the need for externally administered hormones. The researchers report their findings in The Plant Cell.
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InternationalMysterious dimer unravelled
For decades, researchers labelling cysteines with methanethiosulfonate groups have observed the formation of a mysterious dimer. Martina Huber set to work with a team from Leiden to unravel the hitherto unknown structure. The answer to the puzzle can be found in ChemistryOpen.
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InternationalProtecting your focus time in academia
Between endless emails, meetings, and administrative tasks, finding time for deep work has become increasingly difficult in academic life. In her final column of the year, Isabelle Kohler shares the strategies she’s developed to protect time for the work that truly fulfills her: writing, reading, and thinking.
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InternationalSensor visualises DNA damage without interference
Biochemists at Utrecht University have developed a fluorescent sensor that makes DNA damage and repair visible in living cells and animals for the first time. In an article published in Nature Communications, the researchers demonstrate how the sensor binds to damaged DNA without interfering with the repair process.
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InternationalDutch researchers receive M grants for innovative research projects
Research that is both innovative and fundamental, and which is of a high quality and/or scientific urgency. This is the goal of the 21 successfully funded projects. Some of the projects also involve members of our associations.
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InternationalYSF2026: Meet the speakers
The Young Scientist Forum (YSF2026) offers a combination of scientific presentations and career talks covering all those other topics that are crucial to researchers. We can already introduce the speakers. Not yet registered? Don’t wait too long, the deadline is 10 December 2025.
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InternationalChemistry set
A chemistry set for children seems like a perfect gift. But when Sjoerd Rijpkema got one himself, he was met with an unpleasant surprise.
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InternationalProtecting crops with sugar molecules
How can we ensure that pesticides used in agriculture are both effective and safe? Ghent-based start-up B-COS hopes to provide part of the solution with chitooligosaccharides, which are produced by bacteria. These carbohydrate-like substances act as a vaccine, boosting the plant’s immune system.
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InternationalShould you quit your PhD?
‘Should I quit my PhD?’ is a question many doctoral students face but few dare to voice. In her column, Isabelle Kohler explores why this decision feels so taboo, reflects on her own moments of doubts as a PhD student, and offers practical support for anyone wrestling with this question.
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InternationalEnvironmentally Friendly Additives in Cement and Plasterboard
Additives in cement and plaster ensure strong, water-resistant materials, but they are often expensive and harmful to the environment. PhD candidate Annet Baken discovered how such substances influence the nanoscale crystal formation of building minerals, thereby slowing down the hardening process.
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InternationalThe Antwerp renaissance of the plastics sector
Newcomer Vioneo plans to produce plastics from green methanol on a large scale in Antwerp. The strict environmental regulations in Europe are actually an advantage. ‘It supports our business case.’