Even in sunny forest gaps, browsing by roe deer prevents the natural regeneration of many tree species. Researchers at the University of Würzburg show just how strongly these ungulates shape forest development.

A tiny neural network is sufficient to control the daily rhythm of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Researchers at the University of Würzburg have shown that only four specialized nerve cells are necessary to drive the animals' endogenous clock.

Carpenter ants are not squeamish when it comes to caring for the wounded. To minimise the risk of infection, the insects immediately amputate injured legs – thereby more than doubling their survival rate.

Healthy growth of wheat, maize and other crops is not possible without the plant's own hormones. Professor Ulrich Hammes is investigating the proteins that help the hormones reach their sites of action.