Press Releases

Neurobiologists have identified a neural pathway for processing magnetic information that originates in the inner ear. more

Scientists trace dynamic color-change circuit in zebrafish larvae more

The next steps will determine who will implement the new Max Planck Campus more

European cuckoos lay very different eggs depending on the host species. Genetic analyses have revealed how this adaptation is inherited without leading to speciation. more

Study of female canaries provides fascinating insights into how brain plasticity works and how it can maintain core abilities throughout life more

A German-Canadian cooperation study led by Emilie Macé, former group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, shows that looking at objects helps the brain’s navigation system become more accurate. The results of the study have been published in the journal Science.
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First evidence of imitation from a third-party perspective outside of humans  more

Study reveals how changes in cell behavior and numbers can drive the formation of distinctive grooves and ridges in the brain. more

By uncovering the blinking communication of river birds, scientists have shed new light on the mechanisms and evolution of animal interactions. more

A comparison of hunting behaviours in five fish species reveals that larval prey-capture strategies differ dramatically across evolution. more

New insights into the emergence of brain cells that keep neural activity in balance more

Tabitha Hees receives the Otto Hahn Medal for pioneering mitochondria research more

Evolution has provided birds with a clever strategy to eat extremely acidic fruit  more

Annual award presented for outstanding publications by early-career researchers more

Study of twins detects bacteria in the small intestine that play a role in the development of MS more

Bird species that do well in urban areas are more colourful and less brown more

Sleep-deprived European jackdaws trade vigilance for deep sleep – a strategy that could carry risks in the wild. more

New research shines light on how the brain interprets nutritional and hydration needs and turns them into action. more

As in larger brains, mouse visual cortex neurons with the same function cluster in columns more

The share of women in leadership positions at the Max Planck Society continues to grow more

Twelve Max Planck researchers were appointed between January 2024 and 2025. Their research areas are as diverse as their scientific backgrounds more

A super enzyme helps male ruffs break down sex hormones more

3D-printed snail shells provide insights into the brood care of cichlids more

Is the idea of free will an illusion created by our brain? more

Parrots display automatic imitation of goal-less actions more

With twelve Synergy Grants, the Max Planck Society claims top spot in the ERC ranking more

New work on sleep in a reptile reveals surprising similarities between networks that control motor rhythms and those controlling sleep more

10 million euros awarded to zebrafish researchers  more

Chickens provide important insights into its complex mode of action more

New study reveals surprising female influence on song learning in zebra finches more

Researchers give adult zebra finches back their ability to learn new songs more

Zebra Finches Defy Age-Related Learning Limits  more

This year's Young Scientist Award goes to Gianina Ungurean and Giacomo Costalunga more

Susanne Hoffmann receives ERC Consolidator Grant for her research on alarm calls in birds more

Otto Hahn Medal honors Johannes Kappel for outstanding research   more

First Max Planck Center in Africa will study how interactions between species lead to coevolution and influence biodiversity
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Ancient color variants are encoded specifically in the female DNA more

Their first vocalizations help young zebra finch males to memorize the songs of adults more

Young blue tit males can sire offspring with additional females, but only if they do not have to compete with older males more

Lisa Fenk receives ERC Consolidator Grant for her research on retinal movements in fruit flies  more

Specialized nerve cells in the brain inhibit food intake during nausea more

Eighth department at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence will investigate the evolution of sensory and physiological systems  more

Study reveals how proteins direct nerve cell precursors to turn into specialized neurons more

In nerve cells, the hormone regulates whether mitochondria are shut down or kept running more

A novel chemical labeling method allows transient events in cells to be recorded for later analysis more

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Wickler, former director of the Max Planck Institute for Behavioural Physiology, Seewiesen (1973–1999) passed away on 12 January more

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Indicator molecules make changes in calcium levels outside of cells visible for the first time more

To distinguish motion patterns, a neuronal computation is performed three times in a row more

Brain circuits for vision develop without any kind of input from the retina in zebrafish more