One Million Euros for Restoring Vision in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
—The Tyczka family of entrepreneurs is supporting research into restoring vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with a donation of one million euros. The funding will support the research project “AI-supported optimisation of vision restoration using retinal implants” at the Department of Ophthalmology at Bonn University Hospital (UKB). The aim of the project is to further develop and optimise the application of innovative retinal implant technology, which recently received European CE marking as a medical device.
New Findings on Information Processing in the Brain
—Neurons receive thousands of signals via tree-like extensions called dendrites. Until now, these dendrites were thought to be relatively smooth cables that conduct electrical signals to the cell body. Using various advanced microscopy techniques, an international research team has identified tiny, previously overlooked constrictions along the dendrites. The study results have now been published in the journal Science Advances.
—From quantum computing to gut health: Researchers from five Clusters of Excellence at the University of Bonn explain fascinating topics and surprising connections in an engaging way as part of the new event series “Science in the Theater.” Tickets for this collaboration with Theater Bonn are now available.
—There has been a rapid increase in cardiovascular and metabolic conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. What is the link between sustainable diets that are nutritious, environmentally friendly, economically affordable, and socioculturally acceptable, and cardiometabolic conditions? An international research team led by Prof. Dr. Ina Danquah, Hertz Chair for Innovation for Planetary Health and Director at Center for Development Research (ZEF) at University of Bonn, investigated this question among Ghanaian adults who live in various locations.
University of Bonn’s StadtLandMitmachbus Stops in Königswinter-Oberpleis
—What will the medicine of the future look like? The 2026 Year of Science, launched by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), is exploring answers to this question. With funding from the initiative, the University of Bonn is currently touring rural areas of the Rhineland with its “StadtLandMitmachbus” science outreach bus. On Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 2 to 6 p.m., the science mobile will stop at the town hall square in Königswinter-Oberpleis.
€25 Million for AI-Powered Cancer Research in Bonn
—University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn and the Lamarr Institute for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are using funding from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia to establish a joint research infrastructure. The aim is to use AI to design and optimize potential cancer therapeutics and subsequently test them in the laboratory. Minister-President Hendrik Wüst and Minister of Science Ina Brandes presented the funding commitment today at the State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Weight-Loss Pill Instead of Injection: Finally, an Easy Way to Lose Weight?
—As of September 1, semaglutide will be available in Germany for the treatment of overweight and obesity in tablet form for the first time. The therapy, previously known primarily as a “weight-loss injection,” can now also be taken orally. The market launch is likely to attract considerable interest – but anyone considering treatment should be aware of one thing first: the tablet is not a way to lose a few kilos, but a prescription medication for the treatment of a chronic disease.
—Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Germany. In the search for new therapeutic approaches that target the uncontrolled growth of tumor cells, a class of enzymes known as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) has come into focus. This is because this family of enzymes plays a fundamental role in gene expression and cell division. An overview of the current state of research on the transcriptional regulation of CDKs and the prospects for cancer treatment was compiled by Prof. Matthias Geyer of the UKB in collaboration with Prof. Robert P. Fisher and has now been published.
University of Bonn’s StadtLandMitmachbus makes a stop in Adenau
—What will the medicine of the future look like? The Science Year 2026, launched by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), is exploring answers to this question. With funding from the Science Year, the University of Bonn is currently touring rural regions in the Rhineland with its “StadtLandMitmachbus” science bus. On Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 12 noon to 5 p.m., the mobile science centre will stop at the Heimatfest in Adenau, as part of the town’s open Sunday shopping event. The bus will be located at Marktplatz, Hauptstraße, 53518 Adenau.
