Prof. Silvia Arber explains how neurons control our movements

All motor behaviors of the human body are controlled by neurons in the brain. Silvia Arber's team investigates how neurons build networks, how they control our movements, and why defects can lead to disruptions in movement processes. More

Prof. Markus Affolter about CRISPR/Cas9

Only a few years ago, the gene scissors CRISPR/Cas9 were discovered. It has revolutionized the scientific world, as it has never been so easy to change the genome of organisms. CRISPR has become a widely used tool in basic research. But what about applications outside basic research? More

Prof. Maria Hondele on cell organelles of a special kind

Tiny droplets found within the cell have long fascinated Maria Hondele. These structures, known as membraneless organelles, have been well known for a long time, but they are still full of surprises. How they are formed and what their significance is for the cell and for life itself are the questions Maria Hondele is pursuing with her research. More

Prof. Médéric Diard on social interactions in bacterial communities

To live at the expense of others is harmful to the common welfare. This is also true for the simplest of organisms − bacteria. Therefore, strategies have been developed to keep those who cheat under control. More

Prof. Anissa Kempf on sleep

We do it every night and from time to time during the day, too. We sleep. But why actually? And what makes us fall asleep, how does the brain control our sleep? Prof. Anissa Kempf investigates sleep behavior using fruit flies as a model organism, since not only humans, but also animals such as worms, jellyfishes or insects, sleep. More

Prof. Urs Jenal on the human microbiome

Bacteria, fungi and viruses are usually discreet residents of our bodies, but they influence us throughout our lives. When the harmony in this community – known as the microbiome – is disturbed, allergies, diabetes, bowel inflammation and obesity can ensue. More

Prof. Anne Spang on the relocation and recycling competence of cells 

Sorting out, packing, moving... All this kept Biozentrum employees busy from morning to night in the summer of 2021 and it also plays a key role in Prof. Anne Spang's research. Spang's team is investigating the innermost parts of cells and how they sort, transport and recycle their belongings. And it seems that humans could learn a lot from the cell. More

Prof. Richard Neher talks about influenza

Every year we are plagued by a new flu epidemic. Richard Neher and his team are investigating the spread and evolution of the flu virus. They also predict which virus is in the starting blocks for the following year. More

Prof. Markus Rüegg on neuromuscular diseases

Simply taking a breath – impossible without muscles. People who suffer from neuromuscular diseases are very aware of this fact. Markus Rüegg investigates these diseases; their causes and how genetic defects affect the muscle cells. More