01 21 The Eppendorf – LifeScienceStyle Magazine

THE SCIENCE OF MATHEMATICS Simulated and modeled: the need for mathematical models in science OUR OWN FAULT? Zoonoses are gaining in significance. The roles of humans in the process

Dossier Created for the Community

presented by ISSN 2625-1116 CONTENTS EDITORIAL i Dear Reader, SUBSCRIPTION AND FEEDBACK You want to make sure that you will continue 33 to receive future issues? Please visit the Were you among those who held 42 website www.eppendorf.com/abo_OTB the first issue of “Off the Bench” and subscribe to “Off the Bench“ for free. in your hands back in 2016 – and therefore belong to our group We look forward to your feedback, which will of original readers? That first tell us whether we have indeed achieved our edition comprised 28 pages; it goal with this issue. We invite you to submit your suggestions for improvement: was published in English, and it featured malaria researcher Tim Gilberger on its cover. Now, in [email protected] the early summer of 2021, we are launching the 10th issue of “Off the Bench“, reporting once again on exciting topics from the vast field of the life sciences. Since 2018, the magazine has also been published in the Ger- man language – and it now comprises 52 pages. We are delighted with the continued growth of our publication. In the same way that Eppendorf continues to support global laboratories in their battle against the COVID-19 44 pandemic with its products, the virus is once again rep- resented in the topics of this current issue. One reader from the Netherlands, however, wrote to us: “It is good to read articles from time to time that have nothing to do with COVID. I have subscribed to ‘Off the Bench‘, and I hope it will not be all about the pandemic.” Indeed, we gather our topics from the vast realm of 26 science with plenty of foresight and care. We introduce the extremely talented researcher Neri Oxman who allows silkworms to spin environmentally friendly material for 10 the building industry. Mathematics professor Gerta Köster 20 How does Sense of Togetherness Work? 36 To the Moon and Back illustrates why science cannot function without modeling A lot of commitment is needed to turn lone warriors Claudia Kessler promotes the careers of women and simulation. And Claudia Kessler supports female spe- cialists within the aerospace industry with all her might. into a team. What helps – an overview in aerospace and aerospace technology You can see that we are invested in increasing the INSPIRING SCIENCE 24 Reading Material 38 How Satisfied Are You? visibility of women in science. Supporting women is a Selected reading: about a sense of community matter of the heart to UNESCO as well as to UN Women New research results that will amaze 4 News who in 2015 originated the annual “International Day of New insights from science INSIDE EPPENDORF Women and Girls in Science”. It is a topic which we would EXPLORING LIFE like to pursue in more depth in the coming issue of “Off 6 Greetings from Space 26 Complexity Made Easy the Bench”. Probes, satellites and telescopes are delivering exciting The VisioNize® pipette manager heralds the 40 Research and Talk about It! insights and images about our universe digitization in manual pipetting Good symbiosis: science and social media We hope you will enjoy the read 10 Material with Potential 28 Area for Special Tasks 42 Boundaries Crossed Ecological sustainability is increasingly finding its way Insights into the OEM world of Eppendorf Many dangerous viruses have their origin in the in the construction industry. Research is actively helping 29 One Tool, Many Options animal kingdom, into which we are penetrating further 13 Step by Step VisioNize® Lab Suite: effectively managing laboratories Lots of exercise is healthy – for body and mind 44 London 30 Lab Lifestyle Green oases in the middle of a metropolis of millions Eva van Pelt 14 Nothing Works without Math! Get inspired – and win! Co-CEO Since the pandemic, at the latest, it has become clear 48 S uddenly the Boss that science is dependent on clever calculation models 32 News from Eppendorf Guest article from the magazine “Science” PS: You would like to experience “Off the Bench” in Innovative products and news at a glance digital format? Simply visit our website! DOSSIER 50 Icebreaker at Sea BRIGHT MINDS About the Antarctic mission of the “Polarstern” 16 Strong through Cohesion Our existence has always been based on the values 33 T hirst Begins in the Belly of community. Why things only work together A portrait of researcher Christopher Zimmerman 51 Masthead www.eppendorf.com/otb

ISSN 2625-1116 2 3 INSPIRING SCIENCE INSPIRING SCIENCE Create Knowledge !

A Question of Genetics Whether, and to what degree, we are mathe- matically gifted, is at least partially a matter of genetics. In a study involving children, First “Kid of the Year” by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for US magazine “Time” The US-American young Cognitive Neuroscience in Leipzig discovered scientist Gitanjali Rao the ROBO1 gene. It influences the volumes of those regions of the brain that are consid- ered to be the centers for the processing of numbers. In those children who carried the ROBO1 gene, a larger volume was ascribed to the right parietal cortex, and these chil- 1 Dollar dren scored higher on mathematical tests. The researchers concluded that one fifth of Is to be the price of a novel test de- mathematical abilities could be explained by differences in brain volume – but not to veloped by researchers from Nigeria, worry: the remainder is determined by the support and encouragement from parents Sierra Leone and the US for the and schools. purpose of fighting Ebola and the Lassa virus. These infectious diseases continue to be a major problem in Africa. The test is quick, accurate and cheap, and it can be applied without the need for sophisticated equipment. Test Wound-up World results are read via app. Earth rotates ever faster. The year 2021 is on track to become the shortest year in decades; the average length of a day could decrease A Teenager in the Fast Lane by approximately 0.05 milliseconds. Ac- cording to the International Earth Ro- Since 1927, “Time Magazine” has been honoring the device. In addition, the American from Colorado de- tation and Reference Systems Service Course Record! “Person of the Year” – starting with Charles Lindber- veloped the app “Kindly”. This app, which relies on (IERS), the hitherto shortest time peri- gh who was chosen for his solo flight across the At- artificial intelligence, recognizes bullying in social od measured for one day was undercut Approximately 12,200 kilometers – last September, a bar- lantic. In 2020, almost 100 years later, Gitanjali Rao media networks. during 28 days in 2020. Exact reasons for tailed godwit flew this distance, from Alaska to New Zea- made it to the cover of the magazine – as the first “All we have to do is tackle the one issue that we this trend, which has been observed since land – without a break, in a little over nine days. The “Kid of the Year”. care about and solve it – however small it may be. 2016, have not yet been identified. In addition bird broke the record of the longest consecutive Among other issues, the only-15-year-old science Everything makes a difference”, said Gitanjali Rao in to geodynamic processes, an indirect climate distance flown by 700 kilometers. The bird carried prodigy tackles the problem of drinking water con- an interview with Angelina Jolie on the occasion of effect, possibly caused by melting ice, could a transmitter on its back which allowed researchers tamination. To this end, the teenager is currently in her “Time Magazine” honor. Rao aims to be a role play a role. If this trend were to continue, a at the University of Groningen to accurately track its the process of developing an instrument that is ca- model and ignite other children’s enthusiasm for sci- negative leap second would be required on flight path: during their marathon flights, these mas- pable of detecting contaminating substances. Poor ence. Her recipe for success: “Observe, brainstorm, New Year’s Eve in order to make up for the ters of long-distance travel, which weigh only a few hun- countries, in particular, are meant to benefit from the research, develop, share.” accelerated rotation. This would be a first. dred grams, reach a speed of up to 90 kilometers per hour.

4 5 INSPIRING SCIENCE INSPIRING SCIENCE Understanding Our Cosmos Curiosity about our universe is as boundless as the universe itself. Space explorers study it with probes, satellites and telescopes – continually revealing new knowledge and spectacular images.

! Eye in the Sky

What we cannot capture with the na- ked eye is “observed” more accurate- ly by the space telescope “Hubble”, developed through collaboration be- tween NASA and ESA. Since 1990, it has been orbiting Earth at an alti- tude of 500 kilometers and a speed of eight kilometers per second, in only 97 minutes, delivering new knowl- edge about galaxies, the expansion of the universe, or even the mass of the Milky Way. In 2021, it will be replaced by the James Webb space telescope. The successor performs its measure- ments using infrared rays and, thanks to its enormous main mirror measur- ing 25 square kilometer in size, it can collect up to ten times more light. ! Hot Encounters Equipped with instruments such as an infrared camera, spectrograph What do we know about our Sun? It of 77 million kilometers – approximately and a sensor, the James Webb space continues to be a scientific enigma, sim- half the distance between the Sun and telescope is capable of performing ilar to the depths of our oceans. In the Earth. The new images are meant to even more precise measurements summer of 2020, however, the space provide insight into how the magnetic than the legendary Hubble. With the mission “Solar Orbiter”, on behalf of the field of the dwarf star functions and how help of the telescope which will be European Space Agency (ESA), was able solar winds are initiated. Researchers are placed roughly 1.5 million kilometers to collect images of hitherto unknown hopeful that the images will allow predic- from Earth, scientists aim to study regions of the Sun, mere months after its tions about future solar activity. Over the the early existence of the universe, launch. Even though it appeared that the next two years, the orbiter will explore among other topics. space probe had come extremely close to even closer to the Sun, at a distance of the star, it had still kept a safe distance 42 million kilometers.

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! Back to the Future

“The first images that our telescope astronomers operate on the premise that sent us showed the true beauty of the with the help of “eROSITA” they will find hidden universe”, said Peter Predehl approximately 100,000 galaxy clusters as of the Max Planck Institute for Extra- well as several million active black holes terrestrial Physics (MPE) on the occasion in the centers of these galaxies. Since of the first publication of photographs light from far away galaxies travels for a taken in late 2019 by the X-ray telescope long time, the telescope can look back in with the melodious name of “eROSITA”. time up to six billion years. Every six months, it screens the entire sky and transmits data for the purpose of constructing maps of the sky which depict the universe and its evolution. The

! Unexpected Capabilities It was only recently that researchers at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center learned about the secret tal- ents of their satellite “ICESat2”: with the help of its instrument “Atlas”, it is capable of scanning coral reefs 40 meters below the ocean surface. This came as a surprise as this satellite, or- biting at 470 kilometers above Earth, is mainly employed for the observation of climate change. The scan of a coral reef was first discovered in images of the Bikini Atoll in the western Pacif- ic Ocean. The satellite scanned not only the atoll, but also the giant deep reef system. The field of oceanogra- phy considers this discovery a major success since the study of coral reefs which are situated at greater depths is extremely difficult. The research- ers assume that, based on the ATLAS laser,the structures, as well as the changes of coral reefs, may be un- derstood to an even greater extent.

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MORE SUSTAINABILITY In Harmony ! with Nature

Bacteria as concrete New building materials may open up a future in which buildings and A Dutch marine biologist invented a bio-concrete with self-healing properties. Bacteria that normal- their environments can interact with one another. Whether organic or ly live in alkaline lakes can survive up to 200 years inorganic – materials will no longer be able to be assigned to distinct in concrete – without oxygen or nutrients. In case of damage and the resulting contact with water, categories. the bacteria “awaken”, utilizing calcium lactate as Put in the right light Neri Oxman's installation at a source of nutrition. The ensuing waste product, MoMA In 2020 limestone, then seals the cracks.

Masterpiece A Bombyx mori silkworm lays silk fibers on a digitally produced scaffold structure

he building industry is considered to be one of the most resource-intensive sectors overall. Globally, it Windows as energy generators consumesT roughly 36 percent of all available energy, and is Transparent solar cells have been a topic of conver-

responsible for 40 percent of all CO2 emissions. Innovations sation for a number of years. Until now, they had a can contribute significantly – to the buildings themselves as color cast and were not particularly efficient when well as in entirely new ways to the economy, to life and to compared with traditional solar cells. South Korean the work which are all directly connected to these buildings. researchers have now developed color-neutral, The central question: how can we meet the challenges of transparent solar cells made from silicon circuit boards dwindling resources in times of a growing world population, which are also flexible. This opens up new possibilities climate change and a decline in biodiversity? Changes are for application – for example, as windows. necessary – we need to move away from fossil fuel-based View through an opening resources and instead move towards sustainable, bio-based of the ”Silk Pavilion II“ Q&A format. With the help of a metal scaffold, she merely The silk worms work live building strategies. New connections between the economy, on the structure provided the framework – the remainder of the work was technology and art offer reasons for hope. carried out by self-motivated larvae. The thus constructed building made from silk fibers is breathable and extremely The environment as a role model robust, as well as tearproof and long-lived, despite its del- American-Israeli professor Neri Oxman, for example, com- icate appearance. bines technology and biology in the Media Lab at the Massa- For Oxman, the project also illuminates different dimen- chusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Together with an inter- bring the designed objects and their environment as closely sions: “Our relationships with other species are just as much disciplinary team, she researches novel combination options together as possible.” a topic as our love for silk. We should ask ourselves the basic for computer designs, digital manufacturing and materials question of whether designers must always determine form”, Astronomical insulation science. Her goals: designs that comply with the principles Silkworm colleagues says Oxman in her MoMA interview. In this context, she com- Aerogels are highly porous solid bodies consisting of ecological sustainability to the maximum extent possible. The results of a possible interaction and collaboration be- pares her role to the collaboration with an orchestra: “We of amorphous silicon dioxide. 90 percent of their For this purpose, she observes natural systems and processes tween humans and their environment are groundbreaking. begin as composers, and then we become conductors.” Ad- volume is made up of tiny air-filled pores which in detail, allowing her to draw conclusions which will inform Like a supernatural being, the several meter high, fine white ditional advantages: for the construction of the pavilion, not ensure that energy-conductivity, which depends the development of new materials and styles. In 2020, the fabric, which had previously been on display at the MoMA, a single larva needed to be scalded or otherwise killed, as is on the movements of air molecules, is extremely Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York dedicated an oscillates from the ceiling. For the project “Silk Pavilion II”, common practice in traditional silk production. diminished – the perfect insulator. Originally entire exhibit to Oxman’s idea of “Material Ecology”. In a Oxman left construction management to 17,532 silkworms. developed by the US Space Agency NASA for the MoMA YouTube post on the occasion of the opening of the “We had observed that silkworms will spin their cocoons in Buildings out of a 3D printer Space Shuttle, they are now also used in the exhibit, Oxman explains the term as a “unique combination a flat shape if they are unable to find tree branches by which Oxman also experiments with 3D printers that she developed construction sector. of research approach and designer philosophy, intended to to orient themselves”, explained Oxman in the streamed herself. In 2017, using a digital construction platform and

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an automated building system that analyzes environmen- Accepting change tal data which thus guides production, she and her team Oxman and her team understand change as a natural pro- Brain Good for succeeded in building – i.e., printing – an open cupola 14.6 cess that humans should not resist. After all, most natural 1 meters in diameter and 3.7 meters high in roughly 13.5 hours. units such as glaciers, plankton or dandelions adapt to and Walking influences the hippocampus and A laser-equipped robot arm controlled the material-foam co-evolve with new conditions. increases the production of the brain- nozzle. Empty spaces between the walls, which were built “Humans do not behave in this way; most resist change derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) – a protein which influences brain function. the Brain in layers, were filled with cement. The team had previously and stand in its way. By doing so, they create consequenc- tested a number of different fast-curing polyurethane foams. es for all species”, clarified MoMa curator Paula Antonelli While we walk, the brain utilizes BDNF in “Aquahoja” – this is what Oxman calls the resin-bound in her contribution on YouTube. Oxman: “Nature does it order to create cognitive maps that help us cellulose fibers and polymer variants she developed as alter- best”. Why not copy as much as possible from it? explore the world around us. It also Shane OMara studies how natives to traditional plastic. These compounds, which con- strengthens the connections between those sist of organic, water-based materials, degrade over time and areas of the brain that help us learn and leisurely walks affect our may therefore be utilized in a continuous cycle. remember. In addition, the protein ensures resistance against aging, muscles, our immune trauma and infections. Muscles systems and our brains. 2 Read here how 5,000 When we walk, we are engaged in an aero- bic activity that improves the health of the steps a day can make a brain tissue, and molecules called myokines difference. are produced inside our muscles. Increased physical activity during the action of walk- ing allows more myokines to reach the brain. Myokines enhance brain perfor- mance by creating more connections 3 among brain cells. Additionally, Cardiovascular ! they support the circulatory and immune system system and thus enhance the BOOK TIP Interview resilience of the brain and ! Regular exercise – especially regular the body as a whole. walks spaced throughout the day – im- At HafenCity University proves cardiovascular health. Exercise increases the aerobic capacity of the Hamburg, Professor Antje heart and reduces circulating inflammatory Stokman combines archi- factors and risk factors linked to heart disease. Moreover, physical activity tecture, ecology, technology supports the immune system through an increase in white blood cells which and urban planning. circulate through the body, and which help fight infection. You are currently collaborating nificantly to the shading and cooling their ideas and their knowledge – will with 35 international cities and in- of the building without consuming not lead to the best outcome. stitutions on a five-year EU project energy or warming ambient air, as is with the name “CLEVER Cities”. commonly the case with air condi- It sounds as though sustainable Last year, Irish brain re- What is it that makes a city and its tioners. building will definitely incur in- searcher Shane O’Mara pub- buildings clever? creased costs? lished his book “In praise of Antje Stokman: In this case, it How strongly is this approach tak- It depends on how you make up walking”. In his work, he in- means utilizing the materials and en into consideration? the balance. Initial investments may troduces a number of differ- mechanisms of nature and working Over the past few years, the topic be higher. If, however, you consider ent studies on walking, and with nature instead of against it with has gathered momentum, impacting the costs of the entire life cycle he emphasizes that walking, concrete and technology. Real estate the classic professions. Truly sustain- which, in the case of buildings, en- as a kind of self-repair mecha- and cities can be planned from the able building is an interdisciplinary compasses the long term, sustain- nism, makes us healthier, ground up in such a way that they endeavor of architects, construction able models are more cost-effective. happier and smarter. will provide ecosystem-services; in engineers, materials scientists, tech- Green roofs for example, which pro- other words, they will not only use nicians and urban planners. At the tect buildings and retain rainwater, “In praise of walking” – their environment but that they will same time, more participation is es- recover their cost after approximate- Professor Shane O'Mara; also be of service to it. A façade, for sential. The top-down approach – ly 20 to 40 years while generating 224 pages; $25.95; example, can be constructed so that something is planned from above additional value appreciation through W. W. Norton & Company plants will be able to contribute sig- without involving the local people, their livable green environment.

12 13 Bottleneck INSPIRING SCIENCE This simulation from Munich University of Applied Sciences illustrates how people move in bottlenecks, such as narrow From Patterns passageways and Models

Our daily lives are steeped in mathematics. According to Gerta Köster, professor at the University of Munich, there is hardly an area that is not influenced by modeling and simulation.

During this pandemic, the world is often following a bomb attack in London in 2005. explained using simulations. For these purposes, we collaborate with Gerta Köster: Mathematics has been psychologists who alerted us to the fact experiencing an upward trend for some that people do not flee alone but instead time. Its triumph started about ten years identify as victims and help each other. ago, with the advent of AI. Mathematics could do quite well on its own, but would You take empirical observations and anyone really care about it? Not I! The ad- describe patterns in order to derive vancement of mathematics is strongly driv- models? en by problems that arise in practice – now, It is crucial to find out the defining char- that’s a happy marriage. acteristics about the observation, or else you will never finish. It is probably not hair Aristotle called mathematics “the art of color! In pandemic models, age plays a Does every question require a new and which can therefore simulate different what do we mean by “breach”? One second? SHORT PROFILE learning”. major role; in pedestrian simulations, it is model? scenarios. It is a macroscopic model that One hour? Verbal communication does not In previous times, it was still possible group membership. The art of “leaving out” It often helps to see if there are related works well for considering the entire pop- require a strict definition – a computer ! to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in the field is the most challenging task of the mod- phenomena; if there are, the borrowing ulation, but it cannot explain how a local- does. Everything must be closed; there of mathematics. Today, most first-year eler who always assembles their model in begins. Pedestrian simulations were heav- ized infection from one person to another are only zeros and ones – no approximates. university programs introduce structures three steps: description of the real world ily influenced by models originating in inside a supermarket will play out. This is An algorithm closes these gaps; it is not that are ideally suited for learning and – for example, capturing observations us- physics; we now know that people do not the type of model on which we are work- in itself a computer program, but it trans- practicing logical thinking. One learns to ing a mathematical equation; translation quite move like grains of sand. For the ing right now. lates facts into numbers. discipline one’s thought processes – but into unequivocal rules of computation, pandemic, 100-year-old models are being practical application is still best. Today, also known as algorithms, and program- used which were published in 1927 by How long will it take? Which part is the most labor- even the social sciences rely on mathe- ming. It is imperative to continuously ver- Kermack and McKendrick. Probably until the end of the year. We intensive? matical models. ify that the assumptions are still correct must first conduct a literature search – During two of the three phases, you – on every level. They still work? roughly 200 scientific articles on must never allow yourself to be rushed: Gerta Köster, 52, teaches This is your area of expertise – you build There have always been pandemics, and COVID-19 are published every day. We if there is a mistake in the beginning, mathematics at the University of models and simulate the movement of How do I know whether my model is the principles remain identical. McKend- must filter the information and think during the interdisciplinary collabora- Munich. A professor of scientific pedestrians. valid? rick was a British doctor; when modeling about how to simplify, which type of al- tion phase, you may pursue the wrong computing since 2010, she prefers The beauty of it is that one never works You never know – that’s the tragic part the Bombay (present-day Mumbai) plague gorithm to create and how to construct lead for a long time. Actual program- to work in interdisciplinary teams alone. Mathematics is located somewhere of modeling! I like citing British statistician epidemic of 1905/06, he assumed three the software architecture. ming is relatively quick, but a good tool with a focus on application. Her between the discipline of its application George Box who, in the 1970s, said the groups: the non-immune healthy person – often tens of thousands of lines of areas of expertise are model and informatics. Together with my stu- following: “All models are wrong, but some (susceptible); those who are infected and The algorithm is defined as a solution to code – will be continually tested. If you building and pedestrian dynamics. dents, I look at how people move through are useful.” One is bound to make mistakes contagious (infectious); and those people a mathematical problem which instructs change one line of code, everything has Her latest research project (local urban areas. With “Vadere”, for example, during simplification and abstraction. The who have either recovered or died (re- the computer. to be tested to ensure that this one line occurrence of infection) is funded we simulated the evacuation of a Wies‘nzelt question is: are the assumptions wrong to moved). This marked the birth of the SIR An example of a simple model: I will did not introduce an error that will by the BMBF (German Federal (Octoberfest beer tent) and recreated a the extent that their predictions are no lon- model, which places these three groups become infected if I breach the distance wreak havoc in a different area. All of Ministry of Education and Research). model of how a subway car was vacated ger useful? in relation to the population as a whole of 1.5 meters to an infected person. But this takes time.

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Community cohesion is considered to be the “glue” of our society. In times of crisis, it ensures that people will collaborate, close ranks – Things and surpass themselves. We Cannot

e were born to work together like feet, hands and eyes, like the two rows of Wteeth, upper and lower.” This observation, delivered Manage Alone so poetically by Roman Emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius in the 2nd century BCE, is true to this day: humans are social beings. From the mo- ment of his birth, Marcus Aurelius preferred to be social. Whether starting a family, working in teams, going to the pub, singing in a choir, or playing team sports, “Social relationships lay the foundation for personal identity and our sense of connectedness with others. This gives rise to positive emotions in an upward spiral relationship“, explains psychologist Andrew Kemp of Swansea University. The principle of a community of solidarity with common values is considered the foundation of a successful society. Community cohesion has been proven to be the “glue” of our society – not only in times of crisis. From communal, cross-border gar- bage cleanup on the banks of the Rhine to the fight against a global pandemic: many things can only be accomplished if we work together. This knowledge had been a trend since long before the COVID-19 pandemic. After individualism and self-actualization determined peoples’ attitude to- wards life for many years, we now share cars and scooters; vegetable gardens are cultivated together, and little free libraries are erected where favorite books are shared. The variations of community

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reach from the rational, pragmatic exchange with A crisis forges bonds All over the world, stories are told in which peo- Cohesion is threatened by external circumstances little sense of community, as in the sharing economy, The COVID-19 crisis, too, has moved people closer ple will offer their help to complete strangers. In Social cohesion is also vulnerable to external forc- all the way to value-driven projects such as parent together and forged solidarities among people who Brazil, for example, volunteers delivered food to es – be it a crisis, poverty or polarization. Climate initiatives for childcare that demand a high level of had not previously known each other, and many the slums; in many European countries, volunteer change, economic upheaval, migration or the col- engagement. countries have even witnessed an increase in social organizations and neighborhood networks offered lapse of democracy endanger the trust of many in cohesion. According to the “Social cohesion radar help with shopping, and in London, neighbors took their fellow humans and in the state, as exemplified A sense of community is good for you 2020” by the Bertelsmann Foundation, the propor- dogs out for a walk for those who were quarantined. in certain segments of the population even through- The rewards that members of a community reap tion of people in Germany who worried about co- “Yet something quite profound is also happening out the COVID crisis. “As if through a magnifying will far exceed the success of their actual projects. hesion declined steadily throughout the pandemic. in terms of our relationships with people we don’t glass, COVID-19 amplifies preexisting social up- Studies show that a successful community life has This is hardly surprising: the willingness to show know”, says cultural historian Fay Bound Alberti of heavals. Those who were previously disadvantaged positive effects on overall health – even stronger ef- consideration in everyday interactions is enormous. the University of York. “Despite negativity about will face an even more difficult situation in a crisis”, fects than not smoking, weight control and exercise. Most people wear masks and pay attention to hy- the societal impacts of COVID-19 – from increased reports Kai Unzicker of the Bertelsmann Founda- A meta-analysis published in “The Journal of Clinical giene and distancing without complaint, and “Social levels of loneliness to the limitations of social me- tion, where he is referring specifically to people and Experimental Neuropsychology” by Australian Distancing” has become a synonym for solidarity dia – we are seeing some positive and unexpected with little formal education, low economic status psychologists Alexander Haslam and Jolanda Jet- and social responsibility towards each other. results, including widespread outpourings of charity, or a migrational background, and also single people ten of the University of Queensland points out that as well as togetherness and empathy for complete and single parents. hobbies experienced as part of a community such strangers. We might even be seeing a grassroots Whether the COVID crisis will in the long run unite as hiking, soccer or cooking foster the sense of be- redefinition of what 'community' means in the 21st or separate people is already a topic of heated sci- longing to a group and support mental performance century“, says Alberti. entific debate. When it comes to this question, cul- and overall wellness. tural historian Alberti of the University of York is Community cohesion also appears to strengthen Cohesion as a “social curse” convinced of the principle of a “blessing in disguise”: society when it comes to mastering all kinds of cri- Despite its overwhelmingly positive effects, social “The coronavirus is changing what is possible. Amid ses. “The stronger the cohesion of any community, cohesion also has the potential to turn into a curse: emotional devastation and uncertainty, it is provid- the more robust will be its coping mechanisms when scientists from Vienna and Giessen discovered that ing the potential for more connectedness, as well faced with crises, catastrophes and social upheaval“, people were more prone to “infection” by anoth- as less, and for radically changing the meanings of were the results of the research project “Resilience er person’s stress if those affected are connected community itself. This pandemic might, paradoxi- through solidarity – the role of organizations” under through feelings of cohesion, community and to- cally, bring people closer together.“ the leadership of the University of Wuppertal in getherness. The scientists named this contagious Germany. Social cohesion is found mostly in places stress a “social curse”. “It is reasonable to expect where people know each other, trust each other and that people will be even more likely to contract the share common norms and values. feelings of stress if they witness people in difficult situations with whom they share a strong, long- term connection, for example, family and friends”, explains Professor Jan Häusser, lead scientist of the group. The situation becomes even more problematic if members of a community separate themselves from outsiders in an extreme fashion. Various economic and political scandals, but also xenophobia within We might even be police forces and acts of violence within the military illustrate where an exaggerated sense of cohesion, seeing a grassroots which targets outsiders, can lead. redefinition of what “community” means in the 21st century.” Fay Bound Alberti, University of York

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The Emergence of a Sense of Us

A good community is not created from nothing. Small groups, more togetherness instead of solitary struggle, and a sense of humor foster a strong sense of unity.

Common experiences, common results What are the other factors that influence a sense of unity – in scientific terms also known as “cohe- sion” – the force which binds the individual to a community? This question is the focus of the work by scientists in various disciplines – from sports science and business psychology to military sci- ence. Group cohesion benefits if membership in the group is highly attractive, if members interact hose who observe primates at play will often and if there is competition with other groups. discover interesting facts: for more than Other important factors of group cohesion include T120 hours, biologists Giada Cordoni and Elisabet- passion for a common goal, group experiences and ta Palagi of the University of Pisa observed adult results – and even individual benefit calculations. gorillas and chimpanzees at play inside a zoo. They Israeli scientists discovered that synchronous noticed that in captivity, the social chimpanzees actions will also strengthen group cohesion. They spent more time playing than the lowland gorillas observed that the chants of a group of fans arouse whose groups are for the most part dominated by positive emotions (with a simultaneous increase in a single male. Their explanation: “In many adult aggression towards the opposing group of fans). animals, play is thought to reflect a species‘ degree Even just a walk seems to bring people closer to- of social cohesion and is usually more frequent in gether if they walk in step. “People who walk in species with low levels of competition and high step with one another are more likely to cooperate”, levels of social affiliation.” says psychologist Liam Cross of Edge Hill Univer- Animal behavior allows only limited conclusions sity in England. He observed that synchronized to be drawn with respect to humans. At the same walking broke down prejudices against the com- time, our group cohesion, too, benefits both from panion. “As our research shows, moving in time our urge to play and our sense of humor, found together gives people a greater sense of belonging anthropologist Jeffrey Johnson of the University of and connection to each other. These feelings, in Florida. On behalf of NASA, he studied the behav- turn, set the stage for greater cohesion between iors of teams which depend on each other for ex- different groups”, says Cross. tended periods of time – similar to a future mission to Mars or a research station in Antarctica. His Successes forge a cohesive team conclusions: the storyteller and the person with Shared successes especially appear to weld teams the sense of humor play the most important roles together, found Canadian sports scientist Albert More togetherness Cohesion in a social group in these groups. According to Johnson, the sense Carron and his group at the University of Western can be shaped of humor significantly enhances team cohesion. Ontario. The same is true for the reverse: a strong

20 21 DOSSIER DOSSIER

team spirit increases the success of a community. Smaller teams produce more An impressive experiment by social psychologist Lee Ross of Stanford University corroborates the innovative results. Large theory. He played the same game with different groups of equal composition. To one group, he teams score more highly introduced the game as a “community game” – a in developing existing game with the purpose of enhancing community benefit. In this team, around 70 percent of partic- knowledge.” ipants later collaborated closely with one another. The other group was instead presented with a “Wall James Evans, University of Chicago Street Game”, which would reward selfishness. As a result, approximately 70 percent of players subsequently played against each other. The name of the game alone influenced the behavior of the participants. The experiment also shows that those who bet on individual competition may miss a good opportunity. better at enhancing existing knowledge. “Bigger teams are always searching the immediate past, Small teams – increased innovation always building on yesterday‘s hits. Whereas the Welded together The trend towards teamwork is also firmly estab- small teams, they do weird stuff – they‘re reaching Shared experiences and lished in science; the phenomenon of cohesion has further into the past, and it takes longer for others memories strengthen the sense of togetherness been a subject of study by the international work- to understand and appreciate the potential of what and make teams more ing group “Social Cohesion Hub” since the fall of they are doing”, says Evans. resilient 2020. Whether large, interdisciplinary teams really Those who want to encourage team spirit within deliver better results than small teams is subject a company should therefore not follow every new to reasonable doubt. Sociologist James Evans and trend: latest sociological research has discovered his team at the University of Chicago analyzed that the flattening of hierarchical structures will more than 65 million published studies, patents promote structural egoism. Therefore: the good and software products launched between 1954 old hierarchy is absolutely capable of enhancing and 2014. His conclusion: smaller teams produce the sense of unity within a team – and this includes more innovative results whereas larger teams are gossiping about the boss.

TIPS FOR MORE COMMUNITY !

How a sense of community can be strengthened – particularly in times of crisis. Recommendations by the “European Federation of Psychologists‘ Associations‘ Support Hub” – a brief summary.

• Communities can strengthen the sense of unity by • Active participation in a social support network conveying the following emotions to their members: during or following a crisis may bring psychological “What I do seems important to others. I have some- benefits, particularly to young people. It strength- one with whom I can exchange thoughts, experiences ens self-esteem as well as the sense of individual and emotions. They seem to know me and will care and collective effectiveness. about me when needed. I am not alone.” These senti- • The promotion of a collective memory will reinforce ments convey to the group member a feeling of be- both the power and the resilience of a community. longing to something larger and also of being needed. To this end, community psychologists in Europe • C ommunal engagement helps strengthen connections and the USA are collecting ideas, creative moments between people and helps foster a sense of belonging. and individual and collective experiences in order People should feel that their involvement is in fact to compile a “New Bank of Community Ideas and useful and that it contributes to solving a problem. Solutions“. With these common memories of our • P eople must be allowed to retain a certain level of newly developed sense of community, our future control over themselves and their environment and communities can be rebuilt in order to become be recognized for their efforts. more resilient and more inclusive.

Broad field of research What constitutes good teamwork is something that scientific studies deal with time and again 22 23 DOSSIER INSIDE EPPENDORF INSIDE

Together is Better Eppendorf

A short story of inspiration

Community carries meaning – at work as well as in Digitalization, and the associated connectivity of our private lives. The stronger our connections, the stronger our mutual trust and sense of cohesion. In Eppendorf products, continues to advance. Also: ideas for playful this illustrated book, three children venture to a new diversion from the laboratory routine – including a prize contest. playground. Together, they are about to face life.

Simon Sinek, 160 pages, Portfolio, approximately $20.00 (Hardcover)

Learning PIPETTING MADE EASY Meeting challenges digitally about Ourselves with the VisioNize® Basically Good pipette manager Why we need each other and why we are better than we often think: A new history of humanity SPECIALIZED IN different views on us humans as a Humans are often dismissed as a horrible and AUTOMATION TIPS loathsome species. A closer look, however, The Eppendorf OEM-division society. reveals quite a different side. Rutger Bregman reflects on the history of humanity, and he offers tailor-made solutions formulates a new, encouraging perspective. for special requirements A plea for community spirit and cooperation.

Rutger Bregman, 480 pages, Bloomsbury publishers, approximately €24.00

The Empathic Civilization

Ways to a global conscience

Cooperation triumphs over competition. Building on a new history of civilization, Jeremy Rifkin defines a nov- el human image. He calls for a global community in or- der to avert a possible collapse of civilization. This book covers a subject that continues to be of great relevance.

Jeremy Rifkin, 468 pages, TarcherPerigee publishers, approximately €26.90

24 25 INSIDE EPPENDORF INSIDE EPPENDORF

Step forward Routine manual pipetting is simplified and digitized by the VisioNize pipette Routine and manager Highly Professional

Mastering the basics of pipetting is one thing. Knowing the properties of liquids is another. The VisioNize® pipette manager from Eppendorf simplifies the processes – and digitalizes them at the same time.

ertainly, many routine tasks high workload and require many intricate occur in daily laboratory work, pipetting steps. In the info box on the right Ccommonly including pipetting. But even you can see some of its many advantages! with repetitive workflows, users face dif- ferent challenges every day: Correct pipetting has to be learned Back to pipetting, which, as mentioned at • Time-consuming volume/parameter set- the beginning, is one of the routine tasks ting for each step, in the laboratory. Nevertheless, there are • Restrictions in programming protocols, many things that can go wrong here. It Normally, I am using • High manual documentation effort and is therefore not only important to learn manual pipettes but FULLY NETWORKED lack of traceability and transparency in pipetting from scratch – which is some- ! the experiment execution, times neglected in practice – but also to testing the VisioNize • Proper documentation for compliance think about the fundamentals. About the The VisioNize pipette manager with regulations and regulatory require- pipetting tool itself and above all about the pipette manager with and its many advantages: ments (often manual/paper), liquid used. As is well known, the devil is the electronic pipettes • Inaccuracy due to underestimated influ- in the details. • High manual documentation ence of fluid type, Liquids can be divided into five main has convinced me. effort and lack of traceability • Quality issues due to transfers between categories: aqueous, viscous (incl. clean- pre-wetting of the pipette tip, i.e. repeat- usage of a different pipetting tool, a positive and transparency in the different systems and manual steps. ing agents), volatile, dense and infectious Easy to use and helpful ed aspiration and dispensing cycles to displacement device with a syringe-like tip experiment execution, or toxic. Improper handling of these liquid humidify the air in the tip, is mandatory working without an air cushion between • Support in handling difficult These are just a few of the hurdles that categories has an enormous impact on modes for my pipetting to increase accuracy. the sample and the piston inside the tip. liquids thanks to preset need to be overcome in addition to routine pipetting results. While pipetting aqueous steps during qPCR.” Liquid can be aspirated faster and easier Eppendorf liquid types (e.g. tasks such as pipetting in the lab. Technol- solutions (such as most buffers) is rela- When a change of pipetting tools is nec- with these tools. When dispensing a vis- acetone), ogy solutions are here to help scientists tively easy and is mainly performed with Petra Bakker, essary cous liquid, the complete volume can be • More effective management improve speed, accuracy and efficiency classic air cushion pipettes, difficulties Leading Lab Technician, University A completely different liquid category in- dispensed without residues in the tip. of pipettes and better and collaboration. This is where connec- may well arise when pipetting volatile liq- Medical Center Groningen cludes viscous liquids such as glycerol. collaboration within the tivity and the Internet-of-Things approach uids, which include acetone, for example. These have a very slow flow behavior due Work & result optimization workgroup (e.g. through come in. The reason: volatile liquids have a high to a high inner friction of molecules lead- So if you think about the liquid before reservation option). With the introduction of the VisioNize vapor pressure, which leads to evaporation ing to air bubble aspiration, residues in the starting an experiment, you can simpli- pipette manager, we are redefining pipet- into the air cushion and thus to droplet tip and sample or reagent loss. A special fy and improve your workflow and thus Discover more now at: ting routines and taking a first step towards formation. Without the proper technique, pipetting technique called reverse pipet- your work results. It is practical that the eppendorf.com/visionize- digitalization in manual pipetting. The sys- this ultimately means sample or reagent ting is recommended when using classic VisioNize pipette manager has various pipette-manager tem is ideal for scientists who manage a loss. When pipetting volatile liquids, air-cushion pipettes. But even better is liquid types preset or adjustable.

26 27 INSIDE EPPENDORF INSIDE EPPENDORF According to Your Needs

With more than 150 parts per second, the production volume of automation tips at Eppendorf is enormous. Many of these tips are produced for the company‘s OEM division. Time to introduce the area.

ppendorf offers a broad port- Excellence from head to toe folio of products for the labo- The OEM segment is characterized by long- Eratory sector, covering a wide range of term partnerships with customers. Eppen- More productive and connected application areas. Nevertheless, there dorf supports its partners throughout the The VisioNize Lab Suite platform lets you manage the lab smartly are industries such as diagnostics that entire product life cycle. From conception There are few place special requirements on products. and design of the product according to These requirements range from detailed customer requirements, provision of in- consumables suppli- documentation and special packaging and frastructure, protoyping and performance ers on the market that sizes to specific surfaces or materials for testing and production, to packaging and consumables. The OEM department of delivery. The experts at Eppendorf OEM can produce on such a New Standards for the Digital Eppendorf is responsible for such inqui- know how to do it. But even after delivery ries and solutions that cannot be found in of the product, our colleagues take care of large scale as Eppen- the Eppendorf catalog. their customers, for example in the area of Laboratory of the Future change management. In this way, Eppen- dorf. Our fully auto- 24/7 and fully automated dorf supports its partners in keeping the mated manufacturing OEM product quality also plays a major total cost of ownership of their product as role for Eppendorf. Production in our own low as possible over its entire life. produces billions of The corona pandemic is having a massive impact on laboratory processes and plants means that every consumable is ® manufactured to the highest quality stan- More info about OEM online parts annually with workflows. Eppendorf has a digital answer with the VisioNize Lab Suite. dards. A large part of the ISO 9001 cer- This is just a small insight into the OEM the highest quality tified production takes place in Germany world of Eppendorf, which deals with and the USA. Production here runs 24/7 special customer requests for Eppendorf and reproducibility.” and is fully automated. This prevents con- products that are not included in the stan- tamination through human intervention. dard portfolio. Would you like more infor- Jon Smith, he SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has a Lab Suite, that increase productivity for all FEATURES & BENEFITS In addition, the in-house production of mation or do you have a specific request? OEM Key Accounts Americas wide range of effects on labora- routine tasks in the lab. injection molds of Eppendorf makes it Just go to: Ttories around the world. And this does not VisioNize Lab Suite is your solution for ! independent of external manufacturers, (only) mean the current high number of effective lab management. With one tool which increases the ability to deliver. eppendorf.global/oem requests for PCR tests for the new corona only, you gain access to a modular range • Connect devices and data: From virus. It has challenged laboratories world- of services and can flexibly choose what freezers to pipettes. All relevant wide to quickly adopt digital technologies works for your lab. These services integrate documents available at your to cope with the new norms of social dis- to support you and your lab along your fingertips such as SOPs and tancing, remote work and restricted access digital transformation. operating manuals. to their lab benches. These past months VisioNize Lab Suite is designed as a • R emote monitoring: Status have proven that digitalization is central vendor-independent solution and works checks of laboratory devices DID YOU KNOW THAT … to every interaction – whether on an in- with different levels of connectivity with from anywhere at any time ! dividual or organizational level – and has Eppendorf and third-party devices. The • A lert notifications: Utilize fast-tracked the acceptance of digital solu- service suite is constantly being expanded, escalation schemes and ... unlike in the laboratory sector, in tions. In fact, laboratory work will change making it a sustainable investment. acknowledgement for advanced the automotive industry the car manu- significantly and permanently in the future. In one platform you as a lab manager or documentation facturer is referred to as the “Original scientist will find everything you need to start • P lan maintenance tasks: one- Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)”? He Clever software solution from Eppendorf digitally managing your lab for increased time or recurring tasks for all lab sells the finished end product “motor There are numerous starting points for sample security, to be audit ready and to assets incl. notifications when

vehicle”, which he assembles from in- Consumables according to optimizing laboratories and for improving maintain smooth lab operations. Interested? due. dividual parts from his own produc- customer requirements the use of existing assets through digital Start your free trial* of three months tion and parts from supplier compa- In intensive discussions, applications. To meet new needs and over- now: www.eppendorf.com/visionize- Learn more: our OEM experts identify nies, under his own brand. the needs of our customers come challenges in laboratories worldwide, subscription Eppendorf offers smart lab management *VisioNize Lab Suite and services is not available worldwide. www.eppendorf.com/visionize software solutions, such as the VisioNize Check the website for more information.

28 29 INSIDE EPPENDORF INSIDE EPPENDORF 1 Lab Lifestyle Science Rapped 1 Communicating science in the most understandable way possible and thus reaching more 2 people has become all the more popular since the advent of social media. The ideas are be- coming more and more creative: the University of Michigan Press, for example, has become the first scientific publisher to issue a scientific publication in the form of a hip-hop album. In “I Used to Love to Dream”, the author, A.D. Carson, assistant professor of Hip-Hop and the Global South at the University of Virginia, addresses the issues of racism and violence against people of color that he himself has experienced. Available via open access: 2 https://bit.ly/39y5ugp Virtual Events & Online Seminare from Eppendorf

Crises are the mother of invention: due to Film Star Eppendorf Corona, personal contact with our custom- 3 ers is hardly possible. And so we have inten- Whether thriller or science fiction, hit “Avatar”. Or how about the Netflix sified our virtual formats. We look forward film scenes set in a scientific labora- series “Biohackers”? The plot: the 3 to presenting these to you in bundled form tory have become quite typical, and young medical student Mia enters a soon! Stay up to date with our Eppendorf not only for this genre. As a rule, dangerous world full of illegal genetic Newsletter and never miss an event again: they are recreated on the film set, experiments to solve the mysterious www.eppendorf.com/newsletter. as Eppendorf knows from first-hand death of her brother. Naturally, she To expand your knowledge, we recommend experience, since its numerous de- encounters adversaries along the that you get an overview of our diverse web- vices regularly play the leading role way ... inars: www.eppendorf.com/webinars. in film laboratories. Current broadcasts and film releas- In addition, we look forward to meeting Pipettes & Co. from Eppendorf can es in which Eppendorf products are you virtually at ACHEMA Pulse from June be seen not only in “Tatort” or “Poli- the secret star are always worth a 15–16: www.achema.de/en/the-achema/ zeiruf 110”, but also in international note on our social media channels. achema-pulse. series such as “CSI” or the cinema It pays to check in regularly!

! Playfully Win!

When Caezar Al-Jassar and Kuly Heer developed “Lab What is the name of the Eppendorf innovation Wars” (lab-wars.com), they thought of a game spe- that heralds digitalization in manual pipetting? cifically for scientists: You run a lab and try to be the Hint: You will find the answer on pages 26/27. best by sabotaging others. In the process, the action cards are based on real situations from everyday life The deadline for entries is October 15, 2021. Send us as a researcher. an email at [email protected] or register as a subscriber and leave a message with the keyword Do you want to play “Lab Wars”? “Lab Wars”. You can find the conditions of partici- LOTTERY Win one of 20 “Lab Wars” games and try your luck pation here: in the lab. All you have to do is answer the following question correctly: www.eppendorf.com/otb

30 31 INSIDE EPPENDORF BRIGHT MINDS

Careers at Eppendorf

What connects all Eppendorfers with each other, and what distinguishes us as a community? We have always lived News at the mission of making a contribution to Thirsty – improving human´s living conditions. On the other hand, our working culture “Collaborate on new ideas" shapes our actions: innovations only come about through synergies between all areas a Glance of the company. We use individual Lights On! strengths to shape the future together. Interdisciplinary collaboration on a global Whether from an employer’s point scale enables Eppendorf to constantly reinvent and develop itself. Would you of view, with regard to innovative like to become part of the Eppendorf products or in terms of sustainability, community? Then find out more about our diverse areas of work at: a lot is happening at Eppendorf. career.eppendorf.com A news overview.

Spin the Smart Way The new Eppendorf Centrifuge 5910 Ri features outstanding ease of use and high versatility: the large touchscreen with an intuitive user interface enables fast and error-free operation, ensuring efficient, reproducible runs. All runs and events are documented by the instrument and can subsequently be exported via USB or VisioNize® Lab Suite. In addition, the large selection of fixed-angle and swing-bucket rotors covers a particularly wide range of applications, so that your laboratory is well equipped for all requirements. www.eppendorf.com/accelerate- your-research

Green Lab Products

Eppendorf cooperates with My Green Lab, an international organization that validates and certifies lab products with the “ACT - The Environmental Impact Factor Label”. After a couple of CryoCube® ULTfreezers in 2020, we now received these independent certifications for the 25 mL tubes. Some more Eppendorf products are in progress of For his PhD, American scientist Christopher Zimmerman ACT certification. This is a further significant step towards a studied how neuronal structures influence the behavior of green future. More info: drinking. His findings have since made their way into www.act.mygreenlab.org and www.eppendorf.com/sustainability scientific textbooks.

32 33 BRIGHTS MINDS

Down to the last detail Christopher Zimmerman is tenacious about his topic: exploring the complex relationships between thirst and drinking

also where he began to address the drink”, says Zimmerman, ex- the behavior of drinking. plaining his thought process Zimmerman discovered that His team followed a hunch and neurons within the cerebral thirst also prepared the abdomens of center do not act alone – they the mice with catheters for infu- Today, we are able to work as a team, and they are sup- sions into the stomach. Lo and ported by cells from within the behold – they were right: the sec- observe nerve cells deep in he human body con- body. The scientist identified ond signal receives its information sists of 70 percent wa- these cells in various regions of from the intestines; it is able to the brain. Neurobiologists Tter, carefully calibrated: cells are the body, including the oral cavi- discern whether the mouse had had tried this for years, only able to carry out their tasks ty, the throat and the abdomen. indeed been given water to drink if they are surrounded by the right How did he do it? The young grad- and, if in doubt, also override the but they were lacking the volume and the correct concen- uate student “illuminated” the first signal (from the oral cavity) tration of water molecules. If our mice – in particular, their brains. – in case the drink had been oil necessar y tools.” fine-tuned fluid equilibrium is To this end, he employed small after all. Moreover, Zimmerman under threat, we will experience fluorescent proteins that he chan- discovered that these two newly Christopher Zimmerman an unmistakable warning signal neled into the thirst center using deciphered signals, which are – thirst! conducting experiments on mice. viruses, also known as vectors. transmitted from within the body, Until recently, researchers It is a good thing that when it This approach allowed him to in fact act in an anticipatory man- worked under the assumption that comes to drinking, the behavior monitor when these neurons ner, i.e., they predict the hydration a thirst center, located inside the of mice is analogous to that of would become active. He was ex- level of the blood and are thus brain, gave the order to “drink” humans and that the brain struc- cited: “It felt as though all of a capable of prophylactically regu- and that, along the lines of a feed- tures are also comparable. His sudden, I was given permission lating thirst. This explains the fact to further his career despite the back system, neurons inside the research not only earned him his to peek directly inside the brain.” that thirst is quenched after only lockdown. He loves reading his- brain would receive information PhD, but it was also recognized a few gulps, even though it is not torical research literature as well from the circulatory system – for through multiple awards. In 2020, Knowledge as the reward yet possible for the liquid to have as retracing the scientific ques- instance “the blood is too salty the 31-year-old American scien- The mice, with antennae on their reached the body’s metabolism. tions of the time. He also acquired and too thick!” and that these tist was awarded the prestigious heads, acted as amateur radio new skills which include the man- neurons would subsequently “Eppendorf & Science Prize for operators. When they became Visible scientific pride agement of large datasets. sound the alarms in our brain. Neurobiology” for young scien- thirsty, a light came on. The light By now, Zimmerman’s discover- The American researcher con- tists, worth $25,000. also signaled to the scientist which ies have been incorporated into siders his scientific life to be “ex- Questions upon questions neurons were communicating, scientific textbooks. Put on the tremely challenging mentally.” The exact location of this area has On the right track and when. “These are the most spot, he himself describes them as Taking a break from time to time been known for a long time: the Zimmerman reached his goal after rewarding moments”, recalls “groundbreaking”, his scientific and relaxing is practically a must. subfornical organ of the third ven- navigating an academic detour: “I Zimmerman, visibly enthusiastic, pride audible. It is also visible – For him, this is best achieved in tricle. However – inconsistencies wanted to be an engineer, and I “when, looking at the monitor, one even though he must wear a mask nature while hiking and climbing remained. These were not limit- liked biology” – so he enrolled in suddenly understands something throughout our Zoom interview. mountains with his wife, a fellow ed to the physiological questions, the bioengineering program at that one had been thinking about The mask does not bother him; scientist. “She is an astronomer such as: why can a cold drink the University of Pittsburgh in for a long time.” handling pathogens in the labo- – that’s much cooler”, laughs Zim- quench thirst as soon as it enters Pennsylvania. During one class- Achieving a lot early on Thanks to the work by Zimmer- ratory on a daily basis, he is used merman. the mouth – long before the liquid room course, when tasked with The researcher received the man’s team, it is now clear that to it. What is worse, though, is the reaches the bloodstream? Or: why understanding the machines and “Eppendorf & Science Prize these neurons inside the hypothal- fact that as soon as Christopher for Neurobiology” for young does thirst appear to be quenched techniques that allow doctors to were finally allowing scientists to scientists in 2020 amus are flanked by two addition- Zimmerman arrived at his new after a few gulps of water, even peer into the brains of human study these processes.” Zimmer- al rapid sensory signals. The first place of work at the Ivy League LEARN MORE? though this amount cannot pos- patients, he discovered: “It was man’s scientific instinct had been signal encodes messages about Princeton University in New Jer- sibly be sufficient? Simple behav- the brain itself, rather than the awakened, and as a natural conse- the amount of drink – irrespective sey, so did the coronavirus: all lab- iors, too, remained unexplained: engineering aspect, that I was quence, he switched to the neu- of whether it consisted of silicone oratories were closed, and most of Click here for why do humans (and animals) like interested in.” ”For centuries”, rosciences. He joined the team of oil or salt water. “This finding re- the the mice had to be euthanized. the website: to drink with meals? so Zimmerman, „it has been a Zachary Knight in San Francisco: sulted in the question of where Scientist through and through Christopher Zimmerman spent mystery what happens deep in- “This was where I learned to ask inside the body the nervous sys- – ambitious, meticulous and ex- five years solving this mystery by side the brain, but modern tools the right questions” – and this was tem identifies the actual nature of tremely organized – he continued https://cazimmerman.github.io

34 35 BRIGHT MINDS BRIGHT MINDS

Claudia Kessler, a German aerospace engineer, was denied the dream of flying to the moon. Today, the 56-year-old heads the private foundation “Die Astronautin” (The Female Astronaut), which makes women fit for one of the most important industries of the future.

Ms. Kessler, when did you first wish you skills, we collaborate with experienced What kind of remarks are you talking could fly into outer space? female trainers, and we combine elements about in particular? Claudia Kessler: I was four years old of space travel with classic leadership These are the classic excuses that men when I watched the moon landing on TV. training. put forth in order to justify why a woman After this event, I knew that that was was not a good fit. For example: “You where I wanted to go, and the desire to So – have you already identified prom- know, she is not ready.” Or: “She will get see Earth from space at least once is still ising candidates? pregnant anyway, and then she will with me today. I had also developed a pas- Yes, with Dr. Insa Thiele-Eich and Dr. leave.” Another remark that I hear often sion for machines and technology. My Suzanna Randall, we have selected two is “We would love to hire a woman, but father was a car mechanic, and even as a female astronauts and trained them in we just can’t find one.” It is also not well child, I enjoyed tinkering with cars in the such a way that they are ready for a mis- received when we appear confident and garage. sion of this kind. But we must also con- make demands: “I can do this”, or “I want vince the German government to send the a raise.” We are immediately deemed to After many years in industry, you are first woman into space using taxpayers’ be aggressive and demanding. These ste- now investing all your energy in your money and cover the ensuing government reotypes are deeply rooted in the human private foundation “Die Astronautin“. expenses of 50 million euros. I wrote a lot conscience. What goals do you pursue? of letters – among them three letters to From within the foundation, we have Angela Merkel, of which two were an- Until recently, there were no suits for founded a start-up. Space travel is strong- swered. In the past year, I have personal- female astronauts. How will the sector ly commercialized, and it generates lots ly approached seven ministers. Everyone benefit if women partake in the deci- of jobs for which we recruit and train fe- loves our idea and says that we must ab- sion-making process? male professionals. It is our most coveted solutely proceed. But it also takes budget As all other industries, this one will also goal to fly the first woman to the Moon. approval. benefit from a more diverse approach to At the same time, we want to open the problems. More perspectives are re- sector up to the public. There is still a vealed, and as a result, more approaches Space substantial gap between the ivory tower to solutions will be available. The more of space exploration and the things one viewpoints are engaged in a problem, the can experience during private journeys better the solution. into space. Which trends will move the industry During the 1980s, you were the only The more diversly I into the future? Girls woman in the university program for look at a problem, the The topic of networks will increase in aerospace technology. Are there even scope. Communication from space will enough female professionals who are better the solution is become faster because data exchange interested? will function better. Gigantic data centers Yes – the proportion of women in the in the end.” will be built which will be based on new relevant university programs is currently Claudia Kessler technologies such as blockchain. Re- 20 percent and increasing. There is defi- search will focus increasingly on under- nitely an interest, which we see at events standing how space works, i.e., how and also through the feedback we receive. planets and comets came into existence, So far, your childhood dream of traveling or which resources may be utilized – for How are women becoming more suc- into space has not been fulfilled. Why example, through asteroid mining. cessful in this industry? has it never happened? In the application process for “Die As- In my case, it turned out that I was per- Looking at all the visions of space – tronautin”, we notice that many women petually at the wrong age at the wrong which one fascinates you the most? call and ask if they are even good enough time. After 30 years’ experience in the This year, three probes will land on to be considered by us. This is a classic aerospace industry, I say just like the USA, Mars. I hope I will be around to see the women’s issue – the lack of confidence, France and Italy, we need a quota – oth- first woman land on Mars 20, 30 or 40 paired with self-doubt. It takes significant erwise nothing is ever going to happen. I years from now. Pioneer perseverance, resilience, courage, stami- often ask myself how many more remarks Claudia Kessler brings 30 na and curiosity to pursue such a major women in Germany will have to continue years of experience in the www.dieastronautin.de aerospace industry to the goal. In order to develop the necessary to contend with. table. Her biggest goal? That the first woman finally 36 flies to the moon! 37 BRIGHT MINDS BRIGHT MINDS

What Makes Women and Men Be Content?

“The pure data indicate that people are quite happy in what we might consider rather traditional couple patterns”, says Martin Schröder. Women, for example, are less satisfied if they earn more than their male Everything to partner, or if the partner looks after all the housework. And fathers are more content the longer hours they work – which, in turn, will lead to higher levels of satisfaction in the mothers. How is this possible if every- one talks about and strives for equality? Martin Schröder: “We must not Our Satisfaction? forget that the data represent the past. For this reason, I advise caution when it comes to making recommendations for political action based on these findings.”

Sociologist Martin Schröder studies what makes us feel content: he analyzed a huge What Do the Data Tell Us – database, compiled over 34 years. Five and What Do They not Tell Us? findings that resulted from his work will Martin Schröder’s research is based on the socio-economic panel (SOEP) – the largest longitudinal study in Germany. Since 1984, the surprise, explain and potentially even same roughly 30,000 people have been asked about their contentment; induce contentment. the dataset shows what has made Germans happy over the course of 34 years. At the same time, it does not imply hard-and-fast conclusions; the factors which correlate with our contentment do not necessarily cause it. According to Schröder, it is therefore also not a good idea to make assumptions about one’s own life – and the things that need to change in Recognize – order to attain a higher level of contentment – based on published data and change! alone. Whether you are satisfied or not is partly in your What Increases our Sense of Contentment? own hands The factors which are most closely linked to contentment include sleep, How Can We Work on Our Own a healthy diet, gratitude and relationships. But we cannot influence everything. “One can consciously choose gratitude”, explains Martin Contentment? Schröder; “however, it will not work with sleep. We simply wake up.” Whereas happiness is more of a chance event, contentment lends itself The sociologist was surprised to find that children do not significantly well to evaluation – a brief glance inside us will suffice. We can identify increase contentment. One possible explanation: “Children make one what bothers us and then do something about it. According to Schröder, feel contented, but so do all the other things that are possible without striving for contentment is more helpful than striving for happiness. We them.” Even money does not always increase contentment – as long as need to know: one-third of our contentment is linked to things we cannot there is enough to live. The threshold is approximately 2,000 euros per control; one-third is linked to long-term developments such as career, month. Unemployment is a striking exception. It affects us tremendous- and one-third is derived from short-term goals such as getting more ex- ly – men even more than women. ercise. There are, however, tried-and-tested ways which help us become more contented, and they include two variables that we can control: gratitude and building and maintaining social connections. Why are There Limits to Contentment? Irrespective of whether we experience something negative such as a car accident or something positive like a promotion – according to the “set BOOK TIP point theory”, our level of contentment will eventually revert back to the ! level which is predetermined by our genetics. For most people, this level reaches roughly seven out of ten points. If we were to be highly satisfied For those who want to delve deeper: at all times, we would, according to Schröder, not feel the necessity to Professor Martin Schröder, who teaches at change our lives even a little bit – we may stop having children or mak- the Philipps-University in Marburg, Germany, ing any kind of progress. On the other hand, dissatisfaction is equally has compiled his findings in a book. important: it serves as a signal that something must change before our well-being will suffer even more. Martin Schröder: “When do we reach a state of contentment? Surprising findings about work, love, children and money” (in German, Martin Schröder, 20 €, C. Bertelsmann publishers

38 39 EXPLORING LIFE EXPLORING LIFE

3 TOP PROFILES A Broader Scope ! • Stina Börchers can be found on They are the ones who make science accessible – researchers who blog she contributes to making science acces- they did, in fact, tend to utilize more tra- Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn sible to other people – science which to ditional formats. Presentations and tours as Stina.biologista. Topics: and who are active on social networks are becoming the digital voices of her when she started out seemed like an of institutions still beat social media. Most neurosciences, eating habits, “impenetrable jungle”. “I often receive interviewees, however, share the opinion emotions. the future. Digital science communication, however, is no longer a sideline. messages from high school students who that science communication is fun. Why, • Re alScientists on Twitter opens Those who want to be noticed will have to depend on Twitter and Co. feel inspired by my work and who consid- then, don’t more young scientists join the the stage each week for a er entering the field of science – this makes conversation online? scientist. Topics include all areas me especially happy”, says the PhD of science. student. Reaching new target audiences • R hiannon Morris blogs as “The overall picture shows that commu- Scientist_rhi on Instagram and Function of scientists within social media nication competencies are hardly ever Twitter. Topics: biochemistry, “For the longest time, the realm of social anchored in the curricula of university hematology, cancer research. media has been left to the opposing side – programs”, Beatrice Lugger of NaWik to the conspiracy theorists and skeptics“, identifies the underlying problem. “We judges Beatrice Lugger. Ms. Lugger is the need more educational opportunities on managing director of the National Institute this topic – at least at the doctoral level.” for Science Communication (NaWik) in After all, social media open up entirely new Karlsruhe, where she teaches the use of opportunities for scientists to generate social media, among other topics. “This is attention. Digital media, particularly so- why it is even more important to present cial media, allow science to reach a target reached twelve – even though all four a consistent position within these media.” audience that would ordinarily not have articles were available in the same loca- Researchers on social media thus act as access to its contents. For the first time tion. A 2018 study led by Clayton Lamb gatekeepers between the media and the it is possible to make research transpar- at the University of Alberta confirmed general public. ent. In this way, appreciation of its efforts this trend. and achievements will only increase, along The researchers working with Lamb with its impact. uncovered a further development: “Our In addition, Stina Börchers uses social results indicate diminishing returns: it media for an exchange with colleagues now takes more effort to achieve an ad- and for research. “My social media activ- equate citation rate than five or ten years ities have provided me with additional ago.” The researchers explain this decline I often receive opportunities such as participating in im- with the increasing number of people who messages from high portant events, giving presentations, writ- communicate online. ing guest contributions and collaborating “Twitter is a very fast medium that al- Dice with effect school students who on YouTube videos”, recounts the scientist. lows users to participate easily without The social media In the digital era, effectiveness is mea- any major barriers”, agrees Beatrice Lug- building blocks are feel inspired by my colorful – many sured in accordance with the SEO princi- ger. But what does intelligent use of social scientists use them for work and who consider ple: those who want themselves and their media look like? Many research institu- their communication work to be visible will have to depend on tions and universities have established entering the field of social networks. Academic selection com- their own guidelines that also apply to mittees, graduates and journalists use social media communication. Coordina- science.” Google, Twitter and other services for their tion with the in-house communication Stina Börchers research. department may also be helpful. “The first thing to consider is my intended tar- Social media contributions work! get audience and the medium which will Apparently, young scientists in particu- In 2012, Melissa Terras, a Professor at best reach this target audience”, advises isten to the scientists”, the Fridays clearly to a lay audience. lar, even digital natives, are interested in University College London, embarked on the director of NaWik. for Future movement has been The same is true for Stina Börchers. The entering into a digital dialog with a lay self-experimentation. Even before, Terras Twitter, Instagram or YouTube: all plat- Lpreaching for years. The COVID pandemic, neuroscientist is completing her PhD at audience. In 2018, Carsten Könneker, had begun using Twitter to advertise her forms have unique features. After all, too, has shown us that the public expects the University of Göteborg in Sweden, Philipp Niemann and Christoph Böhmert work. She was surprised by its effective- communication via social media should a clear position, as well as transparent where she studies communication be- interviewed high-ranking junior scien- ness. She wanted to know how exactly be enjoyable, and communicator and communication, from scientists. German tween the gut and the brain and its effect tists from 89 countries with respect to advertisement via Twitter would affect the platform should be a good match. “And scientists who have recently risen to fame, on our emotions and eating habits. Since their attitudes towards science commu- number of downloads. Out of four arti- finally: networking, sharing, liking, build- such as virologist Christian Drosten and 2016, the 26-year-old has been allowing nication. Whereas the majority offered a cles, she shared three via this platform. ing community, posting at a reliable fre- chemist Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim, represent her more than 10,000 followers to share positive opinion about exchange beyond The latter achieved between 142 and quency and a really smart profile are what a new trend in science: communicating her work on Instagram. With her profile, their immediate research communities, 297 downloads; the non-tweeted article counts.”

40 41 EXPLORING LIFE EXPLORING LIFE

SARS-CoV-2 carrier? Presumably, the virus passed from a bat to INTERPLAY OF INFECTIONS humans via ! Dangerous another animal The word zoonosis is derived from the Greek words zoon (living Zooanthroponoses creature) and nosos (disease). It Encounters describes infectious diseases that can be transmitted in a natural manner from a human to an animal (anthropozoonoses), from an animal Borreliosis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Ebola, Anthropozoonoses to humans (zooanthroponoses), or in both directions (amphixenoses). Malaria or Covid-19 – many dangerous infectious At this time, a total of roughly 200 diseases are transmitted from animals to humans. pathogens are known which are transmitted in such ways. Close to Amphixenoses The ever-increasing risk of infection is partly two-thirds of all pathogens that are capable of causing disease in humans caused by humans themselves. can be transmitted from animals.

ooking back upon history, July global and systematic levels”, explain sci- those of reptiles. The novel coronavirus transformation include those generalists 6, 1885 was a significant day for entists from University College London SARS-CoV-2 was most likely transmitted that make few demands on their environ- Lhumankind: French microbiologist Louis and Imperial College London, Oxford Uni- through a bat. ment or their food. Rodents, in particular, Pasteur conducted the first successful vac- versity and the “Zoological Society of tend to benefit from the human influence. cination against rabies. With this remark- London” in a study published in the re- In contact with the hosts But these animals especially, as well as able feat, he saved the life of a nine-year- nowned scientific journal “Nature”. Prin- German researchers of the joint project bugs and ticks, are ideal hosts for zoonot- old boy who had been infected through cipal investigator of the study Rory Gibb “Ecology and Pathogenesis of SARS“ re- ic pathogens. a dog bite – and millions of human lives explains the background: “Over the past cently discovered that every tenth domes- thereafter. To this day, his work stands as few years, there has been a lot of discus- tic bat already carries coronaviruses that What helps combat zoonoses? one of the most significant contributions sion about increasing land use by humans, are distantly related to the causative agent As a conclusion of their study, the re- to the principle of successful vaccination and whether it increases the risk of trans- of the lung disease SARS. These results searchers in the group led by Rory Gibb against many diseases that can be trans- mission of zoonotic diseases. We wanted correlate well with the above-mentioned demand sustainable management of hab- mitted from animals to humans. However, to find out whether there was a verifiable study: ecosystems which are influenced itats and access to high-quality health the risk of contracting a zoonotic disease is global connection.” by humans harbor more species and a care, particularly in poorer countries that on the rise – and it is largely due to human Over a number of years, the team ana- larger number of known disease trans- are increasingly affected by clearcutting interference in natural ecosystems. lyzed 6,831 ecosystems and 376 species mitters than undisturbed habitats do – not, of forests and the rapid expansion of ag- Zoonoses are diseases that are trans- of potential host animals. In 2019, they as commonly assumed, habitats undis- riculture. “Improved monitoring of these missible from animals to humans (zooan- presented their results to the scientific turbed by humans. “The global change of ecosystems could help recognize disease throponoses) as well as the other way journal for the obligatory peer review. ecosystems allows more and more contact outbreaks such as Ebola or coronavirus around (anthropozoonoses). Most patho- Their findings were published in the sum- between humans and potential hosts of quickly in order to take immediate action”, gens are either bacteria or viruses, but mer of 2020 – after the world had already human diseases”, explains study director the scientists explain. also parasites, fungi and prions (proteins been hit by the first wave of COVID-19. Gibb, while he qualifies: “the actual source After all, many zoonoses that are caused which are present in forms that are dele- of COVID-19, that is, the initial transmis- by viruses can today be prevented by vac- terious to health) can cause disease. In Coronaviruses are advancing sion from animal to human, has yet to be cines – even the coronavirus. The hope: particular, those areas with increased The coronavirus is a zoonotic disease that identified. It is not clear at this time wheth- as in the case of the Ebolavirus in Africa, contact between animals and humans will is transmissible from animals to humans as er human interference in ecosystems was vaccination is ideally expected to provide favor the development of zoonoses. well as the other way around. SARS-CoV-2 indeed a deciding factor.” herd immunity. On July 6, at the latest, it probably originated from a wholesale mar- One thing is certain: the study con- will once again be time to remember Lou- Zoonoses are man-made ket for fish and seafood in Wuhan in central firmed that through the expansion of land is Pasteur and his first successful rabies “Utilization of habitats by humans impacts China. This market also offers wild animals development, humans also alter the fauna vaccination – July 6, is official World Zoo- local zoonotic host communities on both and organs of other animals, including of global ecosystems. The winners of this noses Day.

42 43 EXPLORING LIFE EXPLORING LIFE Green Greater

n the southern bank of the London Thames, only a few minutes’ walkO from the Millennium Wheel, the highest Ferris wheel in Europe, we come across the small Jubilee Gardens. Winding sand paths lead through carefully mani- cured lawns; children play in the adven- ture playground, and street performers send massive colorful, shimmering soap bubbles on their way. The scent of roasted almonds completes the experience. The atmosphere resembles that of a country fair. As one of altogether 1,700 parks in Greater London, Jubilee Gardens is the perfect starting point for a walk along the Thames.

Sightseeing from the riverbank Those who do not suffer from a fear of heights might start their tour on the Ferris wheel called the London Eye. The glass gondolas that wind their way to the top at double the pace of a turtle, however, are often overcrowded, and tickets are expen- sive. The banks themselves offer a beau- tiful view of the characteristic landmarks of the city. Diagonally opposite, beside Westminster Bridge, rise the stone walls of the Houses of Parliament. Behind its point- ed windows, kings of the country resided in chambers below the steep turrets until the middle of the 16th century. Today, the two Parliaments of Great Britain are based here: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Elizabeth Tower rises over Westminster Palace – its bell, Big Ben, which weighs as much as two elephants, announces the full hour. Welcome to Lon- don, the capital of Great Britain and the Royal parks with lawns trimmed to perfection; former empire! Jubilee Gardens are located along the rose tendrils in front of ornate townhouses and Thames Path, which follows the full length parks offering rest in the shade by the Thames: of the more than 300-kilometer-long river, from its spring to the Thames flood bar- green, green everywhere in London. rier in London. The water meanders gen- tly to the southeast; depending on the time of day and the inflection of the light, it is reminiscent of liquid lead or honey. Twelve London‘s green facet From the Millennium Wheel, bridges cross the river Thames inside the take in the view of the metropolis of metropolis, and between Waterloo almost nine million people – with its multitude of parks, 44 waterways and picturesque gardens 45 Time to chill EXPLORING LIFE Festival Gardens at St. Paul’s Cathedral

Bridge, London’s longest bridge, and the ests in the Russian tundra and its vast drake, the love tree, medlar and henbane. Venetian style Blackfriars Bridge, we come expanse. The theme continues inside the From the Globe Theatre and the Tate Mod- across the picturesque Bernie Spain Gar- museum, which awaits garden afficiona- ern, the Millennium Bridge leads like a dens. They are named after Bernadette dos with the impressionist water lilies by catwalk to the North Side of the city, into Spain, a psychologist who, until the mid- Claude Monet. Since the permanent ex- the City of London, with a view of the 1980s, considered the question of how her hibits at the Tate are free of charge, even stone-gray dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, own neighborhood could be designed so a brief visit is absolutely worth it. haunted by pigeons and blanketed in that it might become a better place to live clouds. This classic church, too, is sur- and work. The park in South Bank that Shakespeare was a plant lover rounded by parks; as an extension of the was dedicated to her intends to achieve Close to the museum rises a round Eliza- bridge, the footpath leads through Carter exactly that: offer people a space for lei- bethan-style house which might have Lane Garden, and Festival Gardens stretch sure and recreation, right here in the city. been transplanted from a small village. It out to the southeast of the cathedral. Harmonious Change of perspective “There is nothing more lovely than to sit is a replica of the Globe Theatre which Both parks were established as places A touch of nature 135 meters high is the on the grass with a glass of juice in the William Shakespeare, together with the of hope following the Second World War, surrounds the Tate “London Eye” - with a view Gallery of Modern Art of the Jubilee Gardens summer and watch people passing by – acting troupe “The King's Men”, had con- which is what they are to this day: in the perfect”, says resident Claire. structed in 1599 not far from today’s lo- summer of 2020, members of the initiative cation. In the original building, the audi- OurCityTogether planted flowers in the Where art meets nature ence stood in the open air, surrounding colors of a rainbow in Festival Gardens. In the same neighborhood, we find the the stage, enduring storm and snow, and With this gesture, they honor those who, Tate Gallery of Modern Art. The collection cheered on “Romeo and Juliet“, “Hamlet” through their professions, continue to of modern and contemporary art resides or “MacBeth”. contribute significantly to society through- in a former turbine hall with a sky-high Today, this Elizabethan theatre is usu- out the COVID pandemic. “Let’s hope that brick chimney, and even the space be- ally open for guided tours, and perfor- our next project in Festival Gardens will tween the river and the museum entrance mances take place in the evenings. The convey more than a mere message of op- has been decorated in an artful manner: plays by the famous playwright concern timism”, states ourcitytogether.com, “but birch trees planted by Swiss landscape themselves with love, betrayal and power. that we will celebrate a complete recov- Shakespeare‘s legacy architect Günther Vogt. Strolling among And plants. Shakespeare mentions 120 ery.” Surrounded by green, it is bound to The replica Globe Theatre on the the trees, they are reminiscent of the for- varieties of plants, among them man- be a success. banks of the Thames

EPPENDORF ON LOCATION ! The Holland Park is situ- city palace in the Jacobe- LET’S GO! ated in the Royal Borough an style, and the Japanese If Lewis Hamilton, the current of Kensington and Chelsea, Gardens with their water- Formula One world champion, set off Feasting and strolling through only six stops on the tube fall, koi carp pond and bam- from London and drove at his top green London from Oxford Circus, and boo well. Victorian town- speed, he would reach his birth place is less overcrowded than houses and small cafés are of Stevenage in just over 10 minutes. Hyde Park – which makes found close to the park. Located 33 miles (or 53km) North of a sojourn between cherry London, this is the home of Covent Garden is located in the West and plum trees, alpine ros- Ilchester Pl, Kensington, Eppendorf UK and Ireland. Stevenage End, London’s prominent theater and es and ferns particularly London W8 6LU, is a scientific powerhouse: the entertainment district, and is best pleasant. The highlights United Kingdom Eppendorf office is directly next to known for the Royal Opera House. include Holland House, a the Stevenage Science Park, a hub The historic Market Hall, which for GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceutical dates back to 1654, is the heart of 2 development and the Stevenage the district: every Monday, antiques The rooftop terrace of the Culpeper is a mix of garden, bar Bioscience Catalyst centre which are sold here, whereas Tuesdays and restaurant. It is a green oasis of peace in the midst of supports scientific start-up to Fridays, it is mostly household London’s commercial center, and throughout the summer, companies with facilities such as a items and clothes. By the way, Eliza Londoners spend their after-work hour here. Even vegeta- community lab. With its close Doolittle sells her flowers here in the bles are grown are in the garden, which are subsequently proximity to the established scientific marketplace of Covent Garden in the put to good use in the restaurant. Particularly appealing: communities Cambridge, Oxford and musical “My Fair Lady”. desserts such as shortbread with raspberry jam and the London, we are in a great place to chocolate-walnut brownie in salty caramel sauce. support scientists. Covent Garden, www.eppendorf.uk London WC2E 8HH, 40 Commercial St, Spitalfields, London E1 6LP, United Kingdom United Kingdom www.coventgarden.london 1 www.theculpeper.com 3

46 47 EXPLORING LIFE EXPLORING LIFE

Learning THE SOURCE i

This article was reproduced with the kind permis- sion of the journal “Science”, in which this article was first published on September 14, 2018 in the to Lead section “Working Life”.

bout a year ago, I took ing previous decisions – and fre- myself included, could do better. ment where we acknowledged on the best imaginary quently ended in turmoil. As a I thanked them for pushing me. our individual strengths and Ajob out there: CEO of CryoThaw, result, the project started with When I saw that what I had writ- weaknesses, and where I wasn’t the finest company that never ex- frustration and animosity. The ten actually made sense, I decid- expected to have all the answers isted. I had come across a tweet tension between being perceived ed that there was nothing to do but could nevertheless provide announcing the 2017 Young En- as my teammates’ competent but e-mail it to my team as what guidance. We read and watched trepreneurs Scheme competition, CEO and who I actually was – I called an “open letter from your everything we could find about sponsored by the University of their grad school buddy with no CEO.” Maybe it would help us find heart transplantation, learned Nottingham with partners from prior leadership experience or a way forward, because otherwise from webinars about startups, the UK government and industry, training – became intolerable. I we were going nowhere. networked with experienced en- in which teams form hypothet- considered opting out of the For a day, I could hardly bear trepreneurs, contacted national ical startups based on feasible whole thing. to check my e-mail. Then I cut health services for data and ar- scientific ideas. As a graduate After a few weeks, a teammate myself some slack and decided I ranged consultations with med- student unsure of my career confessed to me that he found could feel proud of this apprecia- ical experts. Then, one day, a plans, I was excited to explore our meetings stressful, too. I fi- tive, frank, vulnerable e-mail. It teammate entered the meeting outside academia. I also saw it nally grasped that this culture felt like progress. Soon, my team- with his hands full of papers and as a way to develop my leader- was unsettling for everyone, not mates called and thanked me for his breath shallow with excite- ship skills. So, with the support just me. “Oh boy, I suck!” I what I had written. They were ment. “This cryopreservation of my supervisors and funders, I thought. Something needed to relieved to learn that they were thing is wicked!” he exclaimed. decided to give it a go. I recruit- change. not the only ones struggling. Ul- Soon after, we came up with ed three other students, and we I turned to my go-to tool for timately, the e-mail served as a CryoThaw Heart, a gold nanopar- chose to focus on improving or- working through my thoughts bond. And it taught me that being ticle and laser-based approach gan transplantation. I thought I and seeking clarity: I wrote in my a leader is all about authenticity. to rapidly freeze and thaw had everything under control. I notebook. I reflected on our per- From there, team chemistry hearts. We put together our busi- couldn’t have been more wrong. formance and how each team took off as we spoke our minds, ness plan, pitched it, got select- They say successful teams are member was an asset. I articu- good and bad. I found my voice ed for the finals – and won our part art, part science. Initially, we lated examples where everyone, as a leader, fostering an environ- division as well as the people’s were neither. We were just four choice award. students with remarkably differ- Looking back, it wasn’t just a ent personalities struggling to matter of how successful we work toward a shared goal. I had turned out to be; it was also how allocated tasks based on each far from successful we were at team member’s skills, but I con- first. Our initial failures made me fused delegation with leadership realize how being a leader starts and failed to motivate the team with being your better self. to work together. Our initial Heartbreak doesn’t have to be meetings went in circles – repet- the end of the world. In many itive conversation with no clarity ways, it can be a beginning. and a lot of time wasted rehash-

Lucka Bibic is a PhD candidate at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK

48 49 EXPLORING LIFE EXPLORING LIFE Continued Research

Despite the corona pandemic, the expedition ship “Polarstern” set off for the Southern Ocean in winter. On board: about 50 scientists from all over the world.

n January 31, 2021, the launch of an expedition made headlines: OLufthansa took an international team of researchers aboard an Airbus A350-900 – the world‘s most the world's most environ- mentally friendly long-haul aircraft – on the longest nonstop flight in the company‘s history from Hamburg to Port Stanley on the Falkland Islands. There, two days later, approximately 50 scientists started their two- month expedition to the Antarctic Weddell Sea on the research icebreaker “Polarstern” from the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI).

Seals as research assistants Expedition helper The aim of the expedition, which was com- Weddell seals provide pleted at the end of April, was to decipher researchers with valuable data interactions and changes in the ocean system with their head-mounted sensors that fall off when they during climate change and to better predict shed their fur their consequences. The hard-working help- ers here: Weddell seals. The animals were equipped with sensors that measured salinity, temperature and depth of the water. As soon as the seals surfaced, these sensors transmitted the data to the home institutes via satellite. MASTHEAD On behalf of Animal lovers need not worry about this: The Published by: Eppendorf AG, Barkhausenweg 1, 22339 Hamburg, Germany, E-Mail [email protected] Editorial team: Svenja Sterneberg (Projektleitung), Frank research Thormählen, et al. Proofreading: Editorial team Publisher: TEMPUS CORPORATE GmbH, Helmut Schmidt Haus, Buceriusstraße, Eingang Speersort 1, 20095 Hamburg, next time the seals change their coats, the The expedition Germany Management: Jan Hawerkamp Project lead: Jasmin Reuter Chief Editor: Natasa Ivakovic Authors: Ursula Barth-Modreker, Maren Beck, Ina Brzoska, Cornelia Heim, ship “Polarstern” sensors stuck to their heads will fall off. Carola Hoffmeister, Kristina Kara, Fritz Lüders, Luca Pot d’Or, Carolin Simon, Charlotte SteinbachFinal Editing: Lisa Wicklund Art Director: Karin Mantel Layout: Lisa Natrup – underway even Photo editor: Katrin Dugaro Carrena Printed by: MOD Offset GmbHImage references: Titelbild Getty Images; p. 2–3 Eppendorf AG, Jennifer Altman, iStock p. 4–5 Getty Images, So research is defying the pandemic. Just in times of iStock; p. 6–7 dpa Picture Alliance, ESA/AtgMedialab, p. 8–9 Getty Images, Roscosmos/DLR/SRG/Lavochkin; p. 10–11 Denis Doorly, The Mediated Matter Group, Getty Images, a pandemic last September, a one-year expedition of the alamy, shutterstock; p. 12 private; p. 13 Freepik; p. 14–15 Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften München; p. 16–19 Getty Images, iStock; p. 20–23 Stocksy, Getty Images; “Polarstern” near the North Pole came to p. 24: iStock; p. 25–29: Eppendorf AG; p.30–31: Eppendorf AG, iStock, Freepik, A.D. Carson/American Studies Music, by Netflix; p. 32: Eppendorf AG; p. 33–35: Jennifer Altman; an end. This project also focused on climate p. 36–37: private; p. 38–39 Pressebild, p. 40–41 iStock; p. 42–43 iStock, Freepik; p. 44–45 iStock; p. 46–47 Getty Images, iStock, alamy; p. 48–49 iStock; p. 50–51 Alfred-Wegener-Institut / C. Oosthuizen (MRI), MarioHoppmann Trademark references: Eppendorf®, the Eppendorf Brand Design, VisioNize® and CryoCube® are registered research. trademarks of Eppendorf AG, Germany.

50 51 »I keep cool in tough situations, so do my samples.«

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