News archive

Every year, tens of thousands of people in the Czech Republic experience a stroke. A team of scientists from the Institute of Biotechnology of the CAS and the Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, in cooperation with experts from the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM), has made significant strides in understanding how the brain recovers after a stroke. Their findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Light is a key condition for life on Earth. But it’s also a remarkable tool, particularly in fields like microscopy. We now use light to probe previously unreachable depths – such as examining the inner workings of the living brain or observing biomolecules in real time. Light also has applications in laser micro-machining, which enables the creation of bacteria-resistant functional surfaces. Learn more in this special English issue of A / Magazine – the official quarterly magazine published by the Czech Academy of Sciences.

The close relationship between house mice and humans offers scientists a unique opportunity to study historical human migrations. A recent study by researchers from the Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the CAS and the Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the CAS, published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, brings new insights. The extensive research included genetic samples from over 8,000 mice and is reshaping our understanding of the colonization of Europe by mice, providing a fresh perspective on human–animal interactions.

In recent years, scientific knowledge has grown increasingly important as we face more and more societal challenges – and not only in Europe. Key topics such as energy, sustainable agriculture, and the resilience of our society were the focus of a Czech–German symposium of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Saxon Academy of Sciences and Humanities, held at the CAS Conference Center in Liblice on 4–5 November 2024.

Bacteria-resistant shark scales, sticky gecko feet, or lotus leaves that repel water – nature designs ingenious surfaces. But can we replicate them? Read our second feature on light, first published in the 3/2024 (Czech) issue of A / Magazine, below.

Space, fungi, and European languages – nine researchers from the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) were awarded for their contributions across diverse fields of study. At a ceremony held on 25 October 2024, three of these scientists received the Praemium Academiae from CAS President Eva Zažímalová, while six were awarded the Lumina Quaeruntur grant. The awards constitute financial support for their ongoing research.

Candles, lamps, microscopes… These all help shed light on the world around us. Properly “tamed” light, however, can uncover previously unimaginable depths. Read our feature, first published in the 3/2024 (Czech) issue of A / Magazine, on how microscopes, endoscopes, and lasers are used at the service of science, below.

Years ago, he inadvertently made a name for himself by swallowing tapeworm eggs, nurturing the parasite inside his body for years. Julius Lukeš lives and breathes parasitology and is considered one of the world’s leading experts in the field. He is not one to stick to conventions, though, nor is he afraid to stir the pot. Read our interview with the parasitologist, first published in the 2/2024 Czech issue of A / Magazine, below.

The academic startup VDI Technologies has reached a significant milestone, achieving ISO 13485 certification for activities that include developing, manufacturing, and selling medical devices for electrocardiography. The rigorous certification is a prerequisite for commercializing new ultra-high frequency ECG (VDI UHF-ECG) technology.

Since 1993, the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) has been regularly performing internal evaluations of its scientific activities, constantly improving and developing the process. That is why in 2022, the CAS joined hundreds of organizations that signed the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment. By doing so, it pledged to reflect the commitments it has now outlined in its Action Plan, which will be applied when evaluating its 54 institutes and more than 400 teams over the 2020–2024 period.