in2science #10
2020 - what a year! The corona pandemic turned our lives upside down in one fell swoop. Many HZG scientists also carried out their work from home office. They evaluated data, wrote publications, reviewed literature, drew up proposals. Luckily, some of our colleagues could at times work in the laboratory and at sea by following the applicable health regulations (distancing, hygiene, daily mask wearing) and safety precautions. In this tenth issue of in2science, we’re again taking you on a journey through the world of materials, coastal, biomaterials and polymer research.
Coastal research
What colour is the sea? “Blue,” is certainly what comes to mind. In our Photo Feature, the coastal researchers show that sea’s palette possesses so many more colours and how this is used to address exciting research questions. We also report on the detective work the researchers undertake when they’re on the hunt for the smallest plastic particles.
Hydrogen strategy
In June of this year, the federal government finalised the National Hydrogen Strategy. Hamburg Economics Senator Michael Westhagemann and HZG Institute Director Thomas Klassen discuss how well the northern German states are positioned with the technology of the future: hydrogen. Hydrogen will play a huge role in the industrial, transport and energy sectors in the future. Scientists at the HZG are researching climate neutral hydrogen generation and its safe storage in specialised tanks. The new HZG research ship will also be powered by a fuel cell and has now been approved. It’s a good time to look back on the forty years of coastal research with the LUDWIG PRANDTL.
Beamlines
When it comes to HZG materials research at the Deutsches Elektronensynchrotron, we often say: “making the invisible visible”. But how is this actually done? The infographic at the centre of the issue explores this area. In conjunction with this topic, we present new systems with which the most varying types of samples can be examined.
Portraits
We also introduce two outstanding individuals in the Portrait sections of the issue: Burkard Baschek, oceanographer and “secret agent” amongst researchers, and Nan Ma, leading scientist in biomaterials research.
Biomaterial research
We also bring you more exciting topics from Teltow. Polymer materials that can be used as muscles for soft robots; the chance to predict the lifespan of plastics; and individual 3D models of patients’ hearts with which minimally invasive procedures can be practiced before surgery. You can experience these biomaterials topics online in 360 degrees and watch video interviews with the researchers.
Membranes in use
Our polymer research work has been installed for years now in the “Algae House” in Hamburg: with the help of membranes, carbon dioxide is separated from the gas heating and is used as food for the living façade.
Enjoy reading and diving into our research!
Further Information
Editorial
Communication and media
Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht
Phone: +49 (0) 41 52 / 87 - 1784
Communication and media
Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht
Phone: +49 (0) 41 52 / 87 - 1648