Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

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Thermal energy storage and the energy transition: MLU coordinates Europe-wide research project

An international research project led by the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) delves into the next generation of seasonal thermal energy storage systems. The "INTERSTORES" project is investigating optimal ways to construct new types of storage systems and integrate them into energy systems. The collaboration between science and industry will receive nearly eleven million euros as part of "Horizon Europe", with around 1.5 million euros going to MLU. The aim is to improve the utilisation and performance of heat storage systems, reduce production costs, and help the technology reach market maturity.

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Couples: Caring for oneself can lead to happier relationships – on both sides

Being more forgiving of your own shortcomings in a romantic relationship can lead to happier couples. This is the result of a new study by the Otto Friedrich University Bamberg and the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), which was published in the journal "Personal Relationships". A total of 209 heterosexual couples were surveyed. The results show that men in particular benefit if their partner is self-compassionate. The results provide important information for couples' therapies, as self-compassion can be trained.

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Wolves and elk are (mostly) welcome back in Poland and Germany’s Oder Delta region, survey shows

An online survey conducted in Germany and Poland shows that large parts of the participants support the return of large carnivores and herbivores, such as wolves and elk, to the Oder Delta region. This is the finding of a new study lead by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), that was published in "People and Nature". Presented with different rewilding scenarios, the majority of survey participants showed a preference for land management that leads to the comeback of nature to the most natural state possible. Locals, on the other hand, showed some reservations.

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Common insect species are suffering the biggest losses

Insect decline is being driven by losses among the locally more common species, according to a new study published in Nature. Led by researchers at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and the MLU, the meta-analysis of 923 locations around the world notes two significant trends: Species with the most individuals are disproportionately decreasing in number, and no other species have increased to the high numbers previously seen. This likely explains the frequent observation that there are fewer insects around now than ten, twenty, or thirty years ago.

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