The study by the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) shows that light pollution, known as skyglow, promotes the growth of cyanobacteria and stimulates matter cycling in lakes. The research used a unique lake laboratory in Stechlinsee, where 24 experimental cylinders were used to study the effects of light pollution on the water ecosystem. The results indicate that low light intensities, such as typical skyglow, can significantly increase the abundance of cyanobacteria and stimulate the carbon cycle in the lake.

The use of graphene in lithium-ion batteries has shown promising potential to significantly improve battery performance. Although technological advancements have been made, the widespread application of graphene-based battery components remains challenging. The article 'Graphene Roadmap Briefs No. 4' published in the journal 2D-Materials highlights the central trends since 2017 and future prospects for the commercialization of graphene in battery technology.

Graphene, due to its unique electronic, mechanical, and chemical properties, is considered a promising material for the further development of lithium-ion batteries (LIB). The publication 'Graphene Roadmap Briefs (No. 4): innovation prospects for Li-ion batteries' summarizes the key progress and challenges in the development and commercialization of graphene-based lithium-ion batteries, focusing on graphene-based silicon anodes.

Graphene can improve the energy density of batteries, offer advantages in fast-charging capabilities, and enhance the stability and lifespan of batteries through its integration into silicon anodes. However, the stability of silicon anodes currently does not match that of conventional graphite anodes. The cost-effective production methods for graphene-based batteries are still lacking, and the prices of graphene and related materials have remained unexpectedly high in the past.

➀ Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a cost-effective method to test lithium-ion batteries for overheating, aiding in the design of safer batteries.

➁ The new method involves creating a miniature battery that is more prone to thermal runaway, allowing easier study in laboratory settings.

➂ By using a thermal runaway factor (TRF), the method evaluates the likelihood of a battery overheating based on its energy storage, volume-to-surface ratio, and material properties.

Chinese researchers have built a 32-bit RISC-V processor using molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) on a sapphire substrate. The processor, RV32-WUJI, has 6000 transistors and operates at KHz speeds, executing the full RISC-V 32-bit instruction set. The researchers used machine learning to optimize the wiring and materials for the transistors. The overall yield was over 99.9 percent, with a chip-level yield of 99.8 percent.

➀ The article discusses the challenges and opportunities for Europe in the global AI competition.

➁ It mentions the large-scale investment in AI infrastructure in the US and the emergence of cost-effective language models from China.

➂ The EU's response with the 'InvestAI' initiative and the 200 billion Euro investment package is highlighted, along with the EU Commission's plan to invest 1.3 billion euros in AI by 2027.

Fraunhofer IIS has developed a split method to integrate satellites of different classes into the 5G network. This method divides a 5G base station into two parts, with only part of the signal processing happening in space, while the other remains on the ground. This approach allows satellites to contribute to communication while minimizing computational, energy, and resource use.

The method is part of the TRANTOR project, which aims to prepare for the transition from 5G to 6G satellite communication. It is expected to lead to a dense and universally available communication network with high resilience in emergency situations.

The LIAG-Institut für Angewandte Geophysik has published its latest research report, reflecting a highly successful year in 2024 with 47 third-party funded projects and a revenue of around three million euros. The report highlights a patent for innovative measurement technology, emphasizing the importance of SIP measurements for determining rock properties and applications such as groundwater exploration and environmental pollution characterization. The research focuses on groundwater systems, geological hazards, and georeserves as energy sources and storage (geothermal and hydrogen). The report also details the Institute's comprehensive geophysical methods and the modernization of the renowned geochronology laboratory. The LIAG is involved in several international projects, demonstrating its expertise and role as a reliable partner in research collaborations.

➀ The University of Glasgow has developed a compostable pH sensor for soil testing;

➁ The sensor uses a bio-degradable polymer and can monitor soil pH levels reliably;

➂ It can detect plant growth regulators and degrade into nutrients at the end of its lifecycle.

FMD has launched the Chiplet Application Hub, a central platform for chiplet technology development and application. The hub aims to bridge the gap between research and industry, accelerate the development of German-made chiplets, and reinforce Germany's technological resilience. It complements FMD's role in the Chips for Europe Initiative and builds on the APECS pilot line infrastructure.

The hub is designed to foster collaboration with industry partners, develop new chiplet solutions, and drive innovation in chiplet technologies. It is expected to enhance energy efficiency, performance, and the reusability of high-cost design components, particularly in the automotive and high-performance computing sectors.

➀ Researchers at the Chemnitz University of Technology are studying the efficiency of organic solar cells;

➁ The slow current flow in organic solar cells is due to the disordered structure of the light-absorbing layers;

➂ Transport resistance, caused by slow charge carriers, reduces the fill factor and power output of the solar cells.

➀ Researchers are developing nuclear batteries that could last for decades or even millennia without recharging, offering a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

➁ The technology uses carbon-14, a radioactive isotope of carbon, which emits beta particles that can be safely shielded with thin materials.

➂ By enhancing the energy conversion efficiency through a titanium dioxide-based semiconductor sensitized with a ruthenium-based dye, the researchers achieved a significant increase in efficiency from 0.48% to 2.86%.

➀ The University of Stuttgart will showcase its groundbreaking research and innovative projects at Hannover Messe 2025;

➁ The Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology (IQST) is focusing on photonic chips for quantum computers and networks;

➂ The Cluster of Excellence IntCDC is researching sustainable, resource-conserving construction methods.

➀ Researchers at JILA and the Technical University of Vienna have discovered a resonant mode in thorium atom nuclei with a low temperature coefficient, which could be a replacement for atomic oscillators in national-level frequency standards.

➁ The preferred isotope is 229mTh, which has nuclear resonances in the ultraviolet, accessible by lasers.

➂ The team found a transition with almost cancelled effects, shifting only 62kHz across the measurement range, showing great promise for precision timekeeping.

➀ The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is establishing a unique research environment at the High Power Grid Lab (HPGL) to study the behavior of innovative power grid components under realistic conditions.

➁ The test platform is designed to mimic real power grids and will focus on low and medium voltage networks for regional electricity distribution.

➂ The HPGL is scheduled to be operational by 2030 and is being funded with 32.8 million euros from the Helmholtz Association's strategic expansion investment fund.

➀ Researchers from the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) have developed a thin solid electrolyte membrane using a dry process. This membrane is significantly thinner than traditional solid electrolyte membranes, enhancing energy density while reducing battery size.

➁ The new membrane is achieved by fibrillating binder materials under mechanical shear force, resulting in a thickness of just 18µm. This compares favorably to the 1 mm thick membranes commonly used today.

➂ ETRI plans to further optimize ion conductivity and electrode interface stability. Preliminary tests using a pouch-type cell show promising results, indicating potential for commercial application.

➀ The University of Saarland's research team, led by Professors Stefan Seelecke and Paul Motzki, has developed a new climate technology that is more energy-efficient and sustainable than current methods.

➁ The technology, called Elastocaloric, uses thin wires and sheets made of nickel-titanium to transport heat through deformation.

➂ The team is working on prototypes for vehicles and aims to have the technology ready for practical use within five years.

The IDA Institute strengthens its further development in the research and development sector.

The research institute, as a successful part of the regional innovation system, achieves this through various cooperations.

The IDA ends its fiscal year 2024 with record third-party funding, patents, and invention notifications. The institute has raised more than 5.7 million euros in third-party funding since 2019 and currently employs thirteen staff. The IDA cooperates closely with universities, universities, and industry. These collaborations enable mutual exchange of ideas between IDA, business, and society. The Institute achieves a regional reputation with its expertise and provides effective research and development support for large companies as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Research partners benefit from well-equipped laboratories, participation in in-house training, and the opportunity to obtain a guest researcher status, as well as the granting and supervision of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral theses. There is also the possibility of completing a doctorate in collaboration with universities. Doctoral students can remain in the IDA or in the regional industry. "This has the advantage that the region is supplied with scientifically trained personnel and this personnel does not have to migrate to urban areas," says Professor Jürgen Ulm, director of the IDA Institute.

➀ The Hochschule Heilbronn (HHN) and OPTIMA pharma GmbH have entered into a comprehensive cooperation agreement.

➁ The partnership aims to advance the connection between science and medium-sized industry in the region and address the skilled labor shortage.

➂ A new degree program in 'Artificial Intelligence and Industrial Digitalization' is to meet the specific needs of the industry.

Dr. Kathrin Goldammer has been appointed as a Honorary Professor at HTW Berlin, starting from the summer semester of 2025. She brings extensive practical experience in the energy sector and expertise in applied energy research to the Bachelor and Master programs in Renewable Energies.

Goldammer has been teaching at HTW Berlin as a lecturer since 2023, focusing on the economic aspects of renewable energy utilization.

Her teaching focuses on energy and electricity economics, energy policy, and social frameworks for the use of renewable energies. Goldammer emphasizes problem-based learning, using practical cases and specific questions related to energy economics to teach her students.

➀ Students from the University of Stuttgart are launching a ferrofluid experiment aboard the REXUS sounding rocket from the European spaceport in Sweden between March 10 and 15, 2025.

➁ The mission aims to explore the performance of ferrofluid-based technologies in weightless conditions and under extreme forces and temperatures.

➂ The use of magnetic fluid is intended to improve technologies for space travel, focusing on durability and sustainability.