The Young Academy of the Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Sciences represents the young voices in science. Scientists accepted to take part in The Young Academy have proven themselves internationally within their field at an early age. The Young Academy focuses on providing interdisciplinary opportunities for research and on popularizing science, the future of science and science policy.
The theory of everything does not exist yet, but it does embody physicists’ efforts to link the different fundamental theories in physics. Such a theory would bring together all elementary particles and fundamental forces of nature into one model. Einstein was one of the first to attempt to reconcile his theory of general relativity with quantum mechanics within a single theoretical field. Until now, string theory comes closest to being a theory of everything. The problem is that there is no comprehensive version of string theory that actually corresponds to our reality.
We share over 98% of our genes with the little worm C. elegans, one of the super models of genetic scientific research. Meanwhile we look completely different from this transparent distant cousin. The few genes we don't have in common must have a lot of impact.
Genetics is booming business. Scientists are searching for the genetic interactions that make a difference: differences between one species and another, differences between individuals of one species and even differences between copies within a species. How important are these genetic differences? What are the consequences of genetic mutations? And can we implement these genetic insights into new gene therapies? In the series ‘Genetics’, Fast Facts collects scientists who perform research in this field.
Since the climate summit in Copenhagen in 2009, we find ourselves in a state of climate confusion. Alarm about global warming is confronted with climate skepticism. The feeling arises that there is no consensus on the state of the climate, even within science. Who should we believe? Green Facts wants to provide a platform for excellent Dutch scientific research on climate and sustainability.
Why do we do what we do? What is a thought? How does our brain work? Over the past decennia, the research field of neurosciences has grown enormously. Technological developments such as fMRI scans have opened doors, leading to new knowledge and new questions. Some call neurosciences the most dynamic corner of science. The Brain series is an assembly of neuroscientific research.
Research at the Hubrecht Institute is aimed at Developmental Biology and stem cells. Here, various biological processes are studied with a specific focus on the embryonic development of animals and the development of organs in mature animals/species. Developmental biologists are interested in the mechanism underlying an organism’s growth from one fertilized egg to an animal of full maturity. Stem cell research is strongly intertwined with developmental biology. Gaining insight into the developments in stem cells can teach us more about (human) diseases such as cancer.