Kohleveredlung an der Schwelle der 80er Jahre

Coal as fuel and chemical feedstock is featuring a bright come-back. A number of coal gasification plants is already operating, mainly in developing countries. Recent events have prompted additional and extensive research efforts. In West Germany eleven large-scale projects for coal gasification and three coal liquification units are discussed, involving investments of 13·10⁹ DM, which could go on stream in the second half of the eighties.     

KTB-Vorbohrung brachte Überraschungen aus der Tiefe der Erde

Naturwissenschaften Aktuell

KTB-Vorbohrung brachte Überraschungen aus der Tiefe der Erde     

Zum Ursprung der Hominidae

A fundamental problem of hominisation is the branching of the human lineage leading to the genusHomo from other hominoids. At present discussed hypotheses of a Miocene separation of the pongid and hominid lineage are described under consideration of numerous new fossils from Europe, Asia and Africa. Of special interest is the possibility of an adhominisation of the genusAustralopithecus (includingA. afarensis).     

Anwendungsfelder der neuen Supraleiter

Naturwissenschaften Aktuell

Anwendungsfelder der neuen Supraleiter     

Die molekulare Basis der Heterogenität der Phenylketonurie

The heterogeneity of phenylketonuria can be explained on the molecular basis. Because the phenylalanine-hydroxylating system consists of more than one enzyme, each enzyme can be mutated. Different mutations of the phenylalanine hydroxylase molecule resulting in a lack or reduction of enzyme activity can be anticipated. Enzyme activity lower than 1 % compared to normals is correlated to the severe form; enzyme activity higher than 5% is correlated to the mild form of the disease. Phenylketonuria can also be caused by a defective synthesis or defective reduction of the cofactor. Patients suffer severe neurological symptoms, because of an impaired synthesis of dopamine and serotonin.     

Photobiologische Umwandlung der Sonnenenergie

Photosynthesis converts sunlight into chemical energy. The photosynthetic buildup of biomass is the biggest global production process although its average efficiency is only about 0.13% with respect to the radiation energy reaching the earth's surface. This is primarily due to limiting physiological factors such as CO₂, water, and fertilizer. By turning off biomass production from the photosynthetic mechanism these restraints are excluded, and the photolytic system of the photosynthetic apparatus can be used for reduction of protons. This leads to free hydrogen gas with a comparatively high theoretical efficiency.     

Neuere Ergebnisse der Mathematik

A short glance over recent progress in mathematical research. A more detailed account of the state of arts in the following domains of research: arithmetical progression (“Szemerédi-Furstenberg-Weiss-Saga”), Arrow's dictator theorem, classification of knots, inversion of the 2-sphere.     

Teilchenspuren in der Mikrotechnik

Wir danken M. Chlupka-Spohr, R. Handel, Chr. Trautmann und J. Vetter für wertvolle Anregungen zu diesem Bericht.     

Zur Geschichte der Geophysik

Alfred Wegener's most important work, the theory of continental drift, has a key position in the history of geophysics and has crucially advanced the discussion of this central problem of geodynamics amongst supporters and adversaries. The aim of this paper is to paint a portrait of Wegener's personality, of his stations of life, and of his interests and research work. The conceptions of the origin of continents and oceans prior to Wegener, and the further development of his ideas after his death on the ice cup of Greenland 50 years ago are discussed.     

Umbenennung der KFA jetzt beschlossen

Naturwissenschaften Aktuell

Umbenennung der KFA jetzt beschlossen     

Umbenennung der KFA jetzt beschlossen

Naturwissenschaften Aktuell

40 Jahre Forschung in Bundesrepublik: Rechenschaft und Zukunftsaspekte