Research and Development News | August 2023

Hepatitis treatment

Scientists from the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) in Heidelberg and Hamburg have successfully concluded a preclinical study on a monoclonal antibody, VIR-3434, to combat hepatitis B and D. The antibody was discovered by American company Vir Biotechnology. Some 300 million people world-wide suffer from hepatitis B. Clinical testing is underway.

Viruses versus bacteria

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön are exploring how to genetically engineer so-called phages to combat bacteria resistance. Phages are viruses that can only infect bacteria. By understanding more about how bacteria evolve, it is hoped that time and money can be saved in the development of phage therapeutics.

AI autonomous driving

The Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration (IZM) – together with a trio of German companies and the University of Bielefeld – has developed improved integrated sensor systems to aid autonomous driving. The concept uses AI algorithms to allow cars to detect fine details at expanded ranges. That would allow for fewer autonomous driving radar stations on highways.

Recovering raw materials

A team from the technical university TU Bergakademie Freiburg has come up with an improved process for recovering the precious metals used in electrolyzers. Employing a hydrometallurgic method and a newly developed process for separating individual metal ions, the scientists achieved a recovery rate of 90 percent. Electrolyzers are central to Germany’s ongoing build-up of an economy for hydrogen as an energy carrier.

Dodging danger

Scientists from the Technical University of Darmstadt and the European Space Agency have devised efficient algorithms allowing satellites and space craft to avoid collisions. The novel system can track up to one million objects, compared with the 30,000 currently followed. It mathematically derives objects’ position one to two weeks in advance.

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