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Dorota Badowska

8 May 2025 In the foreground, DNA strand. In the background, outline of the European continent, interconnected dots, and rows of bands representing genetic data.

In the foreground, DNA strand. In the background, outline of the European continent, interconnected dots, and rows of bands representing genetic data.

The future of European life sciences

EMBL’s position paper outlines its key recommendations for European Commission’s upcoming ‘Strategy for European Life Sciences’.

EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS

2025

embl-announcements

23 April 2025 Group photo of the conference participants taken in front of the EMBL Imagine Centre in Heidelberg.

Group photo of the conference participants taken in front of the EMBL Imagine Centre in Heidelberg.

EMBL Partnership Conference explores AI in One Health

Fifth EMBL Partnership Conference brings together participants from EMBL and partner institutions to explore how AI can drive innovation in One Health. Conference participants discussed opportunities and challenges in advancing AI in life sciences and the role collaboration.

CONNECTIONS

2025

connections

24 February 2025 Photo of Yehudi wearing a Christmas jumper and lab goggles, standing next to snowboard. The snowboard features an overlaid illustration of the snow flea antifreeze protein structure, which resembles a flat sheet made of a folded wavy string.

Photo of Yehudi wearing a Christmas jumper and lab goggles, standing next to snowboard. The snowboard features an overlaid illustration of the snow flea antifreeze protein structure, which resembles a flat sheet made of a folded wavy string.

Cute molecules and the scientists who adore them: Yehudi Bloch

Yehudi Bloch, ARISE Fellow at EMBL Hamburg, talks about the snow flea antifreeze protein. This is part of a series of stories about EMBL scientists and quirky, charming proteins that make them smile.

PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2025

people-perspectives

3 February 2025 A cup of yerba mate on a wooden surface and some dried yerba mate next to it.

A cup of yerba mate on a wooden surface and some dried yerba mate next to it.

Scientists map yerba mate genome

Yerba mate is a popular caffeinated beverage. Scientists mapped its genome, revealing surprising facts about its biochemistry and the evolution of caffeine biosynthesis. The findings might pave the way for new varieties of yerba mate.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2025

science-technology

29 January 2025 Several curvy strings, representing protein chains, have glowing balls, representing the labels, attached to each other their ends. The distance between the glowing balls is measured by rulers. A ray of light representing X-rays shines at them from the top left.

Several curvy strings, representing protein chains, have glowing balls, representing the labels, attached to each other their ends. The distance between the glowing balls is measured by rulers. A ray of light representing X-rays shines at them from the top left.

Novel analysis of intrinsically disordered proteins

Researchers from Mainz University and EMBL Hamburg have presented a new approach for assessing the form of disordered proteins by using anomalous X-ray scattering method for structural analysis.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2025

science-technology

7 January 2025 On the left, the molecular structure of the YAP protein overlaid with a drawing of the human heart. On the right, a photo of Maria Costanzo shaping a heart with her palms.

On the left, the molecular structure of the YAP protein overlaid with a drawing of the human heart. On the right, a photo of Maria Costanzo shaping a heart with her palms.

Cute molecules and the scientists who adore them: Maria Costanzo

Maria Costanzo, former predoc at EMBL Barcelona, talks about YAP, her favourite protein in the shape of a heart. This is part of a series of stories about EMBL scientists and quirky, charming proteins that make them smile.

PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2025

people-perspectives

27 November 2024 Photo of Sofia who is stretching her hands towards an illustrated elephant, which is offering her sweets. On the head of the elephant, is overlaid with a molecular model of the protein OGT, which has a similar shape.

Photo of Sofia who is stretching her hands towards an illustrated elephant, which is offering her sweets. On the head of the elephant, is overlaid with a molecular model of the protein OGT, which has a similar shape.

Cute molecules and the scientists who adore them: Sofia Rucli

Sofia Rucli, postdoc at EMBL Rome, talks about her relationship with the protein OGT, a molecular ‘candy man’ of the cell.

PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2024

people-perspectives

11 November 2024 Portrait photo of Jan Bláha.

Portrait photo of Jan Bláha.

We are EMBL: Jan Bláha on protein crystallisation inside cells

Jan Bláha, postdoc at EMBL Hamburg, talks about the utility of in cellulo protein crystallisation in structural biology research, his sources of inspiration, and the values of collaboration, curiosity, and resilience.

PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2024

people-perspectives

15 October 2024 Visual metaphor showing the transport of vitamin B1 in the body.

Visual metaphor showing the transport of vitamin B1 in the body.

Vitamin B1’s journey in your body, and why it matters

EMBL Hamburg scientists have gained molecular insights into how we absorb vitamin B1 – a mechanism with implications for disease and drug development.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

science-technology

8 October 2024 Illustration showing a mitochondrion covered with many ribosomes on the left, and a zoom in to the molecular structure of a ribosome facing a membrane with its smaller subunit on the right.

Illustration showing a mitochondrion covered with many ribosomes on the left, and a zoom in to the molecular structure of a ribosome facing a membrane with its smaller subunit on the right.

What we can learn from hungry yeast cells

Scientists at EMBL Heidelberg and University of Virginia revealed a new cellular response to starvation: ribosomes attach to the mitochondrial outer membrane in a very unusual way, via their small subunit. The finding made in yeast might provide insights into how cancer cells survive the harsh…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

science-technology

25 July 2024 Colourful arts and craft projects on a table

Colourful arts and craft projects on a table

Science City Day at EMBL Hamburg

A major public engagement event at EMBL Hamburg attracted thousands. A video captures the spirit of the day from participants.

LAB MATTERS

2024

lab-matters

2 July 2024

Bulgaria becomes EMBL prospect member state

Bulgaria has become the latest EMBL prospect member state, starting a three-year process toward full membership. The prospect membership opens up new opportunities for mutual exchange and collaboration. Including Bulgaria, EMBL is now supported by 29 full member states, one associate member state,…

EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS

2024

embl-announcements

19 June 2024 In the centre: green angular origami-like shapes stacked on top of each other. Small orange rectangles akin to adhesive tape are placed where the green shapes connect with each other. In the background: a circle in the middle and cancer cells on the left and right.

In the centre: green angular origami-like shapes stacked on top of each other. Small orange rectangles akin to adhesive tape are placed where the green shapes connect with each other. In the background: a circle in the middle and cancer cells on the left and right.

‘Invisible’ protein keeps cancer at bay

EMBL Hamburg scientists and collaborators discovered a new molecular mechanism in which an unstructured protein disables one of the main cancer-promoting proteins by gluing them into an elongated stack. Data from human patient samples support the role of this mechanism in prostate cancer…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

science-technology

25 January 2024 An oval light blue shape. In the central part, there is a smaller a red object, from which stem many highly branched smaller canals that cover a significant part of the blue surface. The whole sponge image is in placed in a circle. The background around the circle is blue-green.

An oval light blue shape. In the central part, there is a smaller a red object, from which stem many highly branched smaller canals that cover a significant part of the blue surface. The whole sponge image is in placed in a circle. The background around the circle is blue-green.

Ancient ‘relaxant-inflammatory’ response gets sponges moving

Sponges lack muscles and neurons. Yet, they make coordinated movements. Scientists at EMBL Heidelberg have discovered that sponge movement is controlled by an ancient ‘relaxant-inflammatory’ response that is also present in vertebrate blood vessels. The findings shed light on sponge physiology…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2024

sciencescience-technology

19 December 2023 Cartoon showing nanoparticles on a conveyer belt passing through a machine. They are ordered by size and the smallest one pass through the machine before the bigger ones. A ray of light enters the machine, where a nanoparticle is being scanned, and leaves it on the other side. A monitor on top of the scanning machine shows an X-ray of a nanoparticle.

Cartoon showing nanoparticles on a conveyer belt passing through a machine. They are ordered by size and the smallest one pass through the machine before the bigger ones. A ray of light enters the machine, where a nanoparticle is being scanned, and leaves it on the other side. A monitor on top of the scanning machine shows an X-ray of a nanoparticle.

‘X-ray vision’ for investigation of mRNA nanomedicines

EMBL Hamburg, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Postnova Analytics GmbH, and BioNTech SE have developed a new method to quantitatively investigate sizes of nanoparticles containing mRNA. It may become an important part of regular characterisation of mRNA nanomedicines in the future.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

14 December 2023 Photo of Selina Storm standing in front of the PETRA III synchrotron storage ring.

Photo of Selina Storm standing in front of the PETRA III synchrotron storage ring.

We are EMBL: Selina Storm on PETRA IV and new perspectives for EMBL Hamburg

EMBL Hamburg is located at the PETRA III synchrotron, which in the future, will be upgraded to PETRA IV. Selina Storm is theEMBL@PETRA IV Programme Manager. Here, she speaks about her role and the benefits of PETRA IV for EMBL.

LAB MATTERS PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2023

lab-matterspeople-perspectives

27 November 2023 Photo of two people brainstorming at the table covered with several papers and images related to the research project, such as the structure of the molecule, a map with the Solar Lake marked, photo of EMBL Hamburg, photo of Garo Antranikian looking into a microscope, pages of the manuscript, data graphs, and more.

Photo of two people brainstorming at the table covered with several papers and images related to the research project, such as the structure of the molecule, a map with the Solar Lake marked, photo of EMBL Hamburg, photo of Garo Antranikian looking into a microscope, pages of the manuscript, data graphs, and more.

Hamburg collaboration paves the way to cleaner technologies for industry

An interdisciplinary collaboration between Hamburg scientists has yielded new insights into the structure and function of a heat-resistant enzyme from an exotic microbe. In this interview, EMBL Hamburg’s Matthias Wilmanns and TUHH’s Garo Antranikian discuss how their collaboration developed and…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

15 November 2023 Illustration showing a doorknob with a lock and many protein-marked keys floating towards it.

Illustration showing a doorknob with a lock and many protein-marked keys floating towards it.

The secret of molecular promiscuity

Promiscuity is critical for nourishment. How? This question lies at the focus of research by the Löw Group at EMBL Hamburg. Using structural biology methods, they explore how specialised molecules located in the cell membrane allow cells absorb nutrients from their environment.

EMBLetc

2023

1 November 2023 Sihyun Sung is standing next to experimental equipment for time-resolved serial X-ray crystallography. The light in the room is pink.

Sihyun Sung is standing next to experimental equipment for time-resolved serial X-ray crystallography. The light in the room is pink.

We are EMBL: Sihyun Sung on time-resolved structural biology

In this interview, Sihyun Sung, Postdoctoral Fellow at EMBL Hamburg, talks about making molecular movies with time-resolved serial X-ray crystallography, his sources of inspiration, and the value of forging deeper connections with friends and colleagues.

LAB MATTERS PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2023

lab-matterspeople-perspectives

2 October 2023 Outline of a human, purple against red background. Red RNA strand in the background, electrocardiogram across the image. On the right, outline of a Nobel prize medal.

Outline of a human, purple against red background. Red RNA strand in the background, electrocardiogram across the image. On the right, outline of a Nobel prize medal.

mRNA nanomedicines scoop Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Pioneers of the mRNA nanomedicines technology receive 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or medicine. EMBL is pleased to have supported the development of the application of the mRNA nanomedicine technology through our long-standing collaboration with BioNTech, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

6 September 2023 A drawing of swordfish and a bubble containing a drawing of a molecular model. Both on blue background representing water.

A drawing of swordfish and a bubble containing a drawing of a molecular model. Both on blue background representing water.

Swordfish sword under X-rays: SAXS explained

Learn how scientists use bio-SAXS, an experimental X-ray technique, to study the shape and dynamics of proteins and other biomolecules. SAXS can be even used to analyse the structure of mineral particles in the swordfish sword bone, which can help scientists better understand bone ageing.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

8 August 2023 Clément Blanchet at the EMBL Hamburg’s P12 beamline’s experimental hutch.

Clément Blanchet at the EMBL Hamburg’s P12 beamline’s experimental hutch.

Welcome: Clément Blanchet

Clément Blanchet has been appointed to lead the team working on small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) at EMBL Hamburg. In this interview, he talks his ambitions for the future work of the SAXS Team, his passion for science, and a memorable ‘aha’ moment he had in his early career.

LAB MATTERS PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2023

lab-matterspeople-perspectives

3 July 2023 In the foreground: an intrinsically disordered protein, which has a form of a tangled, unstructured string. In the background: a set of parallel curved lines.

In the foreground: an intrinsically disordered protein, which has a form of a tangled, unstructured string. In the background: a set of parallel curved lines.

Bringing research on disordered proteins to order

A third of all known proteins are either completely or partially unstructured. EMBL scientists contributed to a new set of guidelines – Minimum Information About a Disorder Experiment (MIADE) – that will help researchers share data on unstructured proteins in a more useful way and will enable…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

10 May 2023 Illustration showing a cute humanoid-shaped robot that spits pink droplets at a sheet.

Illustration showing a cute humanoid-shaped robot that spits pink droplets at a sheet.

Time-resolved crystallography for the masses

EMBL Hamburg scientists have contributed to the development of the Spitrobot, a ground-breaking experimental setup that will simplify creating molecular movies. The Spitrobot automates the sample preparation for time-resolved crystallography, which is used to create 3D snapshots of protein…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

sciencescience-technology

20 April 2023 Photo of a human hand introducing a small element into a machine at the SPC Facility.

Photo of a human hand introducing a small element into a machine at the SPC Facility.

EMBL Hamburg joins northern European life science consortium

EMBL Hamburg partners with the Hanseatic Life Science Research Infrastructure Consortium (HALRIC) to enhance life sciences research in Scandinavia and northern Germany. The consortium builds on the HALOS project to foster collaborations between industry, hospitals, and universities, leveraging…

CONNECTIONS LAB MATTERS

2023

connectionslab-matters

12 April 2023 Photo of Eduard Avetisyan smiling and standing next to the servers at EMBL Hamburg.

Photo of Eduard Avetisyan smiling and standing next to the servers at EMBL Hamburg.

We are EMBL: Eduard Avetisyan on the role of IT in structural biology

Eduard Avetisyan leads the EMBL Hamburg IT team. He joined EMBL after transitioning from particle physics research to IT. Besides providing standard IT user support, his team also enables smooth processing and computational analysis of structural biology data. Here, he talks about the joys and…

LAB MATTERS PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2023

lab-matterspeople-perspectives

17 March 2023 Liz Duke standing on the left side of the photo, with EMBL Hamburg's P14 beamline and a big screen on the right.

Liz Duke standing on the left side of the photo, with EMBL Hamburg's P14 beamline and a big screen on the right.

Molecules to Ecosystems: Liz Duke on X-ray imaging

Biological X-ray imaging is an emerging technology that uses X-rays to image tissues or even entire organisms. It will play an important role in EMBL Hamburg’s future service portfolio, and will allow studying life on multiple scales. Team Leader Liz Duke discusses her plans to establish X-ray…

LAB MATTERS PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2023

lab-matterspeople-perspectives

1 March 2023 Moisés Bueno is standing next to the transfer robot. The robot has a form of a yellow robotic arm on a stand. Behind is the CrystalDirect™ Harvester, which is a white cuboid with two transparent dimmed windows for laser protection.

Moisés Bueno is standing next to the transfer robot. The robot has a form of a yellow robotic arm on a stand. Behind is the CrystalDirect™ Harvester, which is a white cuboid with two transparent dimmed windows for laser protection.

Biology meets engineering

Physicists, engineers and robotics experts work together in EMBL Hamburg’s Instrumentation Team to design instruments that support structural biology research. The team has finished a transfer robot that facilitates automated handling of protein crystals with care and precision. This will help…

LAB MATTERS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

lab-mattersscience-technology

15 February 2023 A photo of a scientist operating one of the instruments at the EMBL SPC Facility.

A photo of a scientist operating one of the instruments at the EMBL SPC Facility.

Supporting scientists across Europe: the SPC Facility at EMBL Hamburg

EMBL Hamburg’s Sample Preparation and Characterisation (SPC) Facility offers scientists access to almost all available biophysics technologies. The facility’s staff provides advice and support with experiments and data analysis. The facility is conveniently located just next to the EMBL…

LAB MATTERS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2023

lab-mattersscience-technology

18 November 2022 Group photo of speakers and organisers standing in front of a slide saying “Welcome to the DANEMO Symposium”.

Group photo of speakers and organisers standing in front of a slide saying “Welcome to the DANEMO Symposium”.

Promoting EMBL opportunities for the Danish scientific community

DANEMO is a communication platform and research support initiative launched by DANDRITE at Aarhus University. It aims to encourage scientists in Denmark to engage with EMBL and EMBO. The DANEMO symposium from 3-4 November in Aarhus focused on raising awareness of the new EMBL programme ‘Molecules…

CONNECTIONS

2022

connectionsevents

16 November 2022 Photo of Kirill Kovalev adjusting the sample injector at EMBL Hamburg’s P14 beamline.

Photo of Kirill Kovalev adjusting the sample injector at EMBL Hamburg’s P14 beamline.

Molecular solar panels can help scientists control brain cells

Kirill Kovalev, an EMBL Hamburg researcher, is studying the structure of an ancient bacterial molecule to help scientists control brain cell activity

EMBLetc

2022

21 September 2022 Photo of the speakers during the panel discussion. Edith Heard is talking. In front of the panel, there is the audience seen from the back, and behind the panel there are banners with the DESY PETAR IV logos and a slide displaying the names of the panellists.

Photo of the speakers during the panel discussion. Edith Heard is talking. In front of the panel, there is the audience seen from the back, and behind the panel there are banners with the DESY PETAR IV logos and a slide displaying the names of the panellists.

PETRA IV and future opportunities at EMBL Hamburg beamlines

EMBL joined a kick-off event focusing on the developments related to the upgrade of the PETRA III synchrotron storage ring to PETRA IV at the DESY campus, where EMBL Hamburg is located. PETRA IV could open new possibilities at EMBL Hamburg, contributing to the goals of the EMBL Programme…

LAB MATTERS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2022

lab-mattersscience-technology

22 July 2022 Jan Kosiński in his office in the Centre for Structural Systems Biology Hamburg. The computer screen is displaying the model of the structure of the nuclear pore complex.

Jan Kosiński in his office in the Centre for Structural Systems Biology Hamburg. The computer screen is displaying the model of the structure of the nuclear pore complex.

Molecules to Ecosystems: Jan Kosinski on the Infection Biology transversal theme

Jan Kosinski, Group Leader at EMBL Hamburg and one of the co-chairs of the Infection Biology theme in EMBL’s new programme, chats about how this theme will support his work and help establish new collaborations.

LAB MATTERS PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2022

lab-matterspeople-perspectives

10 June 2022 A colourful structural model of the doughnut-shaped human nuclear pore complex seen from above.

A colourful structural model of the doughnut-shaped human nuclear pore complex seen from above.

Puzzling out the structure of a molecular giant

Scientists have solved several mysteries around the structure and function of a true molecular giant: the human nuclear pore complex. They created the most complete model of the complex thanks to combining the program AlphaFold2 with cryo-electron tomography, integrative modelling, molecular…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2022

sciencescience-technology

21 May 2022 Portrait photo of Edith Heard

Portrait photo of Edith Heard

Edith Heard elected as a member of The Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters

EMBL Director General Edith Heard has been elected as a foreign member of The Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters in recognition of her academic excellence. Heard is among 15 new members of the Academy, which has been advancing basic research and interdisciplinarity for nearly 280 years.

EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS LAB MATTERS

2022

embl-announcementslab-matters

18 May 2022 The visiting group from the Business Academy Aarhus during lunch at the EMBL Hamburg’s terrace

The visiting group from the Business Academy Aarhus during lunch at the EMBL Hamburg’s terrace

EMBL Hamburg is helping train lab techs of the future

Students from the Business Academy Aarhus visit EMBL Hamburg annually. Many of them return later as trainees to gain experience as lab technicians. EMBL Hamburg offers great opportunities to learn diverse techniques and work with various equipment. This experience helps them in their future jobs in…

LAB MATTERS

2022

lab-matters

20 March 2022 Portrait photo of EMBL Group Leader Judith Zaugg against a green background.

Portrait photo of EMBL Group Leader Judith Zaugg against a green background.

Judith Zaugg from EMBL Heidelberg receives ERC Consolidator Grant

Judith Zaugg, Group Leader at EMBL Heidelberg, has been awarded an ERC Consolidator Grant of €2 million funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. Over the next five years, the grant will enable her group to study cellular interactions in the human bone…

EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS LAB MATTERS

2022

embl-announcementslab-matters

23 February 2022 A photo of the campus of the Aarhus University buildings and green lawn.

A photo of the campus of the Aarhus University buildings and green lawn.

Molecular medicine across borders

The 11th annual Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine meeting was hosted in virtual format by DANDRITE, the Danish node of the Partnership, from 31 January–2 February 2022. The programme included updates from all partnership nodes, discussions about opportunities for new collaborations,…

CONNECTIONS LAB MATTERS

2022

connectionslab-matters

1 February 2022 A photograph of the Amazonian lancehead snake Bothrops atrox

A photograph of the Amazonian lancehead snake Bothrops atrox

Decoding the secrets of snake venom

EMBL Hamburg’s Grzegorz Chojnowski from the Wilmanns Group developed software called findMySequence, which identifies proteins’ amino-acid sequences based on electron cryo-microscopy and X-ray crystallography data. It’s useful for identifying unknown proteins in samples from natural sources.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2022

sciencescience-technology

27 January 2022 A headshot of Mark Daly with dark background behind him.

Fostering excellence, diversity, and mobility in the Nordic EMBL Partnership

Ahead of the annual meeting of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, we spoke with its new Speaker, Mark Daly. Mark Daly, FIMM Director, recently accepted the post of Speaker of the Nordic EMBL Partnership. He explains his vision of the future cooperation between EMBL and the Nordics.

CONNECTIONS LAB MATTERS

2022

connectionseventslab-matters

21 December 2021 A model of the doughnut-shaped nuclear pore complex. Individual molecules are marked in various colours.

A model of the doughnut-shaped nuclear pore complex. Individual molecules are marked in various colours.

Observing the secret life of molecules inside the cell

EMBL Hamburg’s Kosinski Group, the Beck Laboratory at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, and colleagues at EMBL Heidelberg recorded the nuclear pore complex contracting in living cells. They visualised the movement with an unprecedented level of detail with help of new software called…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

sciencescience-technology

15 December 2021 An outline of Earth, covered with depictions of bacteria. The image of Earth is within a the frame of a computer window. There is an “Upload file” button on the bottom left, and a mouse cursor on the right.

An outline of Earth, covered with depictions of bacteria. The image of Earth is within a the frame of a computer window. There is an “Upload file” button on the bottom left, and a mouse cursor on the right.

Connecting the dots between bacterial genes around the world

Bork Group at EMBL Heidelberg analysed a new global gene database to study how genes emerge and spread across various habitats on our planet. In the future, the group will expand the database and use it for studying microbial gene evolution and dispersal at a finer-grained scale.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

sciencescience-technology

7 December 2021

A cartoon image showing a person's arm and a needle with a vaccine being injected into it. The text on the left reads: "EMBL research: How structural biologists at EMBL Hamburg help to develop and improve RNA vaccines"

How structural biology helps to make RNA vaccines

RNA vaccines, such as the ones for COVID-19, represent a new approach in vaccine technology. Cy Jeffries, faculty staff scientist at EMBL Hamburg, explains the clever technology behind RNA vaccines, and how structural biology contributes to its development. EMBL Hamburg collaborated on several…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

sciencescience-technology

8 November 2021 A scientist is carefully handling capilars at the P12 beamline at EMBL Hamburg.

A scientist is carefully handling capilars at the P12 beamline at EMBL Hamburg.

EMBL Hamburg trains future generations of life scientists in using SAXS

Each year, EMBL Hamburg’s Svergun Group offers practical EMBO courses and lecture courses on biological small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The courses provide young scientists an opportunity to gain hands-on experience by measuring their own samples, and by exploring different aspects of SAXS…

LAB MATTERS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

lab-mattersscience-technology

3 November 2021

In the left, a sketch of the human digestive tract, with pills in the stomach. On the right, a magnifying glass shows a model of the peptide transporter 1 in the cell membrane in the intestine wall. The pills from the left part of the image form a path made of smaller particles, and individual molecules represented by structural formulas. The path connects the intestine on the left to the opening of PepT1 and continues on the other side of the intestine wall. Individual drug molecules enter PepT1 and are transported to the other side of the cell membrane.

Structure of a promiscuous protein will help scientists design better drugs

Scientists at EMBL Hamburg determined the molecular structure of Peptide Transporters 1 and 2. The findings will enable developing drugs that more efficiently pass from the gut to target tissues.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

sciencescience-technology

25 October 2021 A collage of the visuals representing each of the three modules of the eSPC platform.

A collage of the visuals representing each of the three modules of the eSPC platform.

Biophysics analysis made easy with an online tool

EMBL Hamburg’s Sample Preparation and Characterisation (SPC) Facility has released eSPC, an online platform for analysing data from biophysical experiments. The platform enables the scientific community to analyse data from different experiments without the need to travel.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

sciencescience-technology

15 October 2021 In the middle, there are two molecules of pUL21. One is blurred, to represent the molecule’s flexibility. In the background are two neuronal scenes. The one on the left is healthy and has a smooth surface. The one on the right is infected, which is represented by several green viral particles.

In the middle, there are two molecules of pUL21. One is blurred, to represent the molecule’s flexibility. In the background are two neuronal scenes. The one on the left is healthy and has a smooth surface. The one on the right is infected, which is represented by several green viral particles.

How herpes seizes proteins’ means of production

The Graham and Crump groups at the University of Cambridge and the Svergun Group at EMBL Hamburg have discovered a mechanism by which the herpes simplex virus takes control of the molecular machinery of human cells. Their work reveals how a dedicated viral protein hijacks key host proteins, forcing…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

sciencescience-technology

6 October 2021 Three ribbon-shaped fibres are coming out of a bacterium visible in the middle. The strong perspective of the fibres gives a dramatic feel to the illustration.

Three ribbon-shaped fibres are coming out of a bacterium visible in the middle. The strong perspective of the fibres gives a dramatic feel to the illustration.

From creating new antimicrobials to combating Alzheimer’s disease

Structural biology provides insights into the diverse functions of fibrous protein in humans, amphibians, and bacteria.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

sciencescience-technology

22 September 2021 Logos of EMBL and Helmholtz Association on white background, over a green-and-blue pattern in the background.

Logos of EMBL and Helmholtz Association on white background, over a green-and-blue pattern in the background.

EMBL and Helmholtz Health join forces

EMBL and Helmholtz Association have signed a memorandum of understanding. The expanded collaboration of both institutions will focus on research related to health.

CONNECTIONS LAB MATTERS

2021

connectionslab-matters

20 August 2021 Liz Duke in front of the PETRA III synchrotron.

Liz Duke in front of the PETRA III synchrotron.

Welcome: Liz Duke

The new team leader at EMBL Hamburg talks about her plans to establish biological X-ray imaging and high-throughput tomography.

LAB MATTERS PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2021

lab-matterspeople-perspectives

27 July 2021 Dots of various colour arranged in rectangles. Concentric rings of different colour indicate different distances from the centre of the image.

Dots of various colour arranged in rectangles. Concentric rings of different colour indicate different distances from the centre of the image.

Studying coronavirus proteins using small-angle X-ray scattering at European XFEL

A collaboration led by EMBL Hamburg’s Svergun Group used small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) at the European XFEL to obtain data on samples containing coronavirus spike proteins and antibodies that bind them.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

sciencescience-technology

25 June 2021 A close up into the inner membrane of a mycobacterium shows a 3D model of the molecular structure of the mycobacterial secretion system ESX-5, which is located in the inner membrane and consists of multiple proteins shown in different colours.

A close up into the inner membrane of a mycobacterium shows a 3D model of the molecular structure of the mycobacterial secretion system ESX-5, which is located in the inner membrane and consists of multiple proteins shown in different colours.

Structural biology reveals new opportunities to combat tuberculosis

EMBL Hamburg’s Wilmanns and Kosinski groups have determined the detailed structure of a bacterial protein complex critical for tuberculosis infection.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

sciencescience-technology

17 May 2021 Several clothes pegs are attached to a washing line, which is bent into a curve.

Several clothes pegs are attached to a washing line, which is bent into a curve.

Reshaping the cell membrane with molecular pegs

Researchers at EMBL Hamburg reveal how peg-like proteins clasp and reshape the cell membrane

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

sciencescience-technology

12 May 2021 The logo of EMBL at PETRA IV is located on the right side of the image. It is a green circle with a curved line in the middle, which symbolises the curve of the synchrotron. The background behind the logo consists of abstract green shapes and multiple 0 and 1 digits.

Shaping the future of structural biology and X-ray imaging at EMBL Hamburg

A workshop run by EMBL Hamburg explored opportunities for structural biology at the future, upgraded PETRA IV synchrotron.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

eventsscience-technology

6 April 2021 A model of Glycine Transporter 1, which is located in the cell membrane. In its lower-middle part, it is bound by its inhibitor, which is a much smaller molecule. At its top, Glycine Transporter 1 is bound by a synthetic mini-antibody, called a sybody.

A model of Glycine Transporter 1, which is located in the cell membrane. In its lower-middle part, it is bound by its inhibitor, which is a much smaller molecule. At its top, Glycine Transporter 1 is bound by a synthetic mini-antibody, called a sybody.

New perspectives for treating psychiatric disorders

Scientists have determined the structure of Glycine Transporter 1. The finding could open new avenues for developing therapeutics for psychiatric disorders

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

sciencescience-technology

30 March 2021 A close-up photo of a shiny droplet of liquid that has been placed into one of the wells of a crystallisation plate.

A close-up photo of a shiny droplet of liquid that has been placed into one of the wells of a crystallisation plate.

Droplet beauty

Scientists at EMBL Hamburg use droplets of protein solution to grow protein crystals. By exposing the crystals to X-rays, they are able to determine the protein’s molecular structure.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

picture-of-the-weekscience-technology

22 February 2021 A scientist (only their hand is visible) inserting a 96-well plate into a sample dispensing device in the Sample Preparation and Characterisation Facility in Hamburg.

A scientist (only their hand is visible) inserting a 96-well plate into a sample dispensing device in the Sample Preparation and Characterisation Facility in Hamburg.

SPC Facility in Hamburg supports a new pan-European consortium

The Sample Preparation and Characterisation (SPC) Facility at EMBL Hamburg is one of the founding members of the Molecular-Scale Biophysics Research Infrastructure (MOSBRI). Within this new European initiative, the SPC Facility will offer services related to membrane proteins, protein complexes,…

CONNECTIONS LAB MATTERS

2021

connectionslab-matters

9 February 2021 An artistic representation of how bioinformatics allows study of the SARS-CoV-2 infection process. On the left, coronaviruses are approaching a human face contour. On the right, protein structures and a network of connections represent bioinformatic analysis.

An artistic representation of how bioinformatics allows study of the SARS-CoV-2 infection process. On the left, coronaviruses are approaching a human face contour. On the right, protein structures and a network of connections represent bioinformatic analysis.

Protein sequences provide clues to how SARS-CoV-2 infects cells

Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg have identified sequences in human proteins that might be used by SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells. They have discovered that the virus might hijack certain cellular processes, and they discuss potentially relevant drugs for treating COVID-19.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

sciencescience-technology

26 January 2021 Two X-ray mirrors installed in the macromolecular crystallography beamline P14 at EMBL Hamburg. The mirrors are visible in the photo as dark rectangular crystal blocks, with two metal holders supporting the crystals in a stress-free position. The mirrors are inserted into a vacuum-compatible stainless steel vessel.

Two X-ray mirrors installed in the macromolecular crystallography beamline P14 at EMBL Hamburg. The mirrors are visible in the photo as dark rectangular crystal blocks, with two metal holders supporting the crystals in a stress-free position. The mirrors are inserted into a vacuum-compatible stainless steel vessel.

Mirror, mirror

Engineers at EMBL Hamburg installed specially designed mirrors to reflect and focus X-ray beams onto tiny crystals made of proteins or other biological molecules.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

picture-of-the-weekscience-technology

14 January 2021 An electron microscopy photo shows two bacterial cells surrounded by several white fibrils of the amphibian peptide.

An electron microscopy photo shows two bacterial cells surrounded by several white fibrils of the amphibian peptide.

Toadlet peptide transforms into a deadly weapon against bacteria

Researchers at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and EMBL Hamburg, in collaboration with scientists in Israel and Spain, have discovered remarkable molecular properties of an antimicrobial peptide from the skin of the Australian toadlet. The discovery could inspire the development of…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2021

sciencescience-technology

1 December 2020 The image shows the beamline P12 at EMBL Hamburg. In the centre, several cylindrical elements are connected into a pipe-like structure. In the front, it is connected to a white box-shaped device, and several smaller devices and cables visible around. There is also a grid visible around the beamline.

The image shows the beamline P12 at EMBL Hamburg. In the centre, several cylindrical elements are connected into a pipe-like structure. In the front, it is connected to a white box-shaped device, and several smaller devices and cables visible around. There is also a grid visible around the beamline.

EMBL facilities support development of RNA vaccines

Biotechnology company BioNTech and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz conduct collaborative research with EMBL scientists at the beamline P12 in Hamburg

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2020

sciencescience-technology

4 November 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is represented as a sphere with spike proteins poking out of its surface, which give it a corona-like appearance. The spike proteins resemble triangular ‘bushes’ with three tips at the top. In the background, a cell surface is visible with ACE2 proteins poking out of it in many places. The virus is about to attach to the cell surface. The sybodies, represented as tiny V-shaped structures, bind to the viral spike proteins at their tips.

Scientists identify synthetic mini-antibody to combat COVID-19

By screening hundreds of sybodies (synthetic mini-antibodies), scientists have identified one that might stop SARS-CoV-2 from infecting human cells. This work, which holds promise for treating COVID-19, was conducted by EMBL Hamburg and collaborators from the Centre for Structural Systems Biology…

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2020

sciencescience-technology

16 October 2020 Meytal Landau is standing next to a lab bench. On the bench, laboratory equipment is visible, such as pipettes, flasks, bottles with reagents, a calculator, and more.

Meytal Landau is standing next to a lab bench. On the bench, laboratory equipment is visible, such as pipettes, flasks, bottles with reagents, a calculator, and more.

Welcome: Meytal Landau

New associate group leader at EMBL Hamburg investigates the structure of functional amyloids in bacteria and in human disease

LAB MATTERS PEOPLE & PERSPECTIVES

2020

lab-matterspeople-perspectives

13 October 2020

Molecular structure of essential light chain protein in Plasmodium glideosome. The atoms connected by bonds are symbolised by short connected lines. They are surrounded by electrons – the electron density is depicted as shapes resembling clouds. Water molecules are visible in several places as red spots. The data used to create this 3D model were obtained using X-ray crystallography at Petra III beamline, at EMBL Hamburg.

How deadly parasites ‘glide’ into human cells

A group of scientists led by EMBL Hamburg’s Christian Löw provide insights into the molecular structure of proteins involved in the gliding movements through which the parasites causing malaria and toxoplasmosis invade human cells.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

2020

sciencescience-technology

29 September 2020 Oliver Billker, Director of MIMS, is standing at the podium in front of a microphone. Behind him, a projected slide says “Welcome to Umeå University”.

Oliver Billker, Director of MIMS, is standing at the podium in front of a microphone. Behind him, a projected slide says “Welcome to Umeå University”.

The Nordic EMBL Partnership: supporting national research

The partnership between EMBL and four Nordic research institutions aims to stimulate scientific exchange and inspire scientific collaborations. This year’s conference of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine included many talks by EMBL researchers and a presentation by EMBL’s…

CONNECTIONS

2020

connectionsevents

29 July 2020 Screenshot from the online SAXS course. Clement Blanchet, a senior scientist in the Svergun group at EMBL Hamburg, is presenting the P12 SAXS beamline at Petra III to the participants.

Screenshot from the online SAXS course. Clement Blanchet, a senior scientist in the Svergun group at EMBL Hamburg, is presenting the P12 SAXS beamline at Petra III to the participants.

EMBL releases online course on solution scattering from biological macromolecules

The Svergun group at EMBL Hamburg has released the course ‘Solution Scattering from Biological Macromolecules’ in an online format for the first time. The course explores different aspects of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for studying the structure of macromolecules.

EMBL ANNOUNCEMENTS

2020

embl-announcementsevents

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