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Science and Research News

We are pleased to inform you about the latest significant developments in scientific research conducted at Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic (UP)

Magnets Without Metals: Czech Scientists Develop Magnetic Carbon

A dream of many generations of researchers has been fulfilled by a discovery made by scientists at the Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials (RCPTM) at Palacký University Olomouc. By using graphene, an ultra-thin form of carbon, these scientists prepared the first non-metallic magnet that retains its magnetic properties up to room temperature. In doing so, they disproved the old belief that all materials with room temperature magnetism are based on metals or their compounds. Chemically modified magnetic graphene has a vast range of potential applications, particularly in the fields of biomedicine and electronics. The work of the Czech scientists has recently been published in the prestigious Nature Communications journal.

RCPTM Investigates New Materials Yielding Energy by Water Splitting

A new project recently launched by the Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials (RCPTM) at Palacký University promises an important advancement in the development of technologies that will allow effective splitting of water molecules into hydrogen as a major sustainable source of energy. The development of hybrid nanomaterials using sunlight to split water is now in the hands of a new team led by a world-recognised scientist in the fields of material chemistry, photoelectrochemistry, and renewable energy, Patrik Schmuki. The contribution of almost 5 million euro by the Operational Programme “Research, Development, Education” will allow them to bring together scientists from several countries and acquire state-of-the-art equipment.

Unique Surgical Technique Developed by UP Urologists

Surgeons from the Department of Urology, UP Faculty of Medicine, have achieved an outstanding success. They have developed a new technique which significantly reduces incontinence in patients who have undergone robotic surgery for prostate cancer. Their results were published in a prestigious journal of the European Association of Urology, European Urology, which features the most prominent studies in the field.

Researchers Described What Happens Inside the Carnivorous Sundew Plant

Scientists from Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research in Olomouc have brought a new view on plants and their ability to sense their environment. For the past two years, they have been looking inside the carnivorous sundew plant (Drosera capensis) and compared its electrical activity and physiological response after both prey capture and physical wounding. They found that the response is very similar, and that botanical carnivory has probably evolved from plant defence mechanisms. The paper was published in the respected journal New Phytologist.

The University Analysed the Computer Game Minecraft and Its Impacts on the Child Population

The Centre for Prevention of Risky Virtual Communication at Palacký University Olomouc investigated the popular computer game Minecraft and its influence in the child population. In the Czech environment, the research called The Minecraft Phenomenon took place in cooperation with Google and Vodafone. More than 2,300 active, mostly child players from all regions of the Czech Republic, participated.

Scientists from Olomouc Help to Save Endangered Medicinal Plants in South Africa

Scientists from the Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research (CRH) in Olomouc are contributing to the conservation of endangered species of medicinal plants in South Africa. In long-term cooperation with University of KwaZulu-Natal in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Czech scientists have developed special derivatives of plant hormones that stimulate plant growth in sterile environments and support plant acclimatization, significantly contributing to the rescue of at least ten species of endangered plants. A study which maps the latest result of the partnership was recently published in the journal Plant Growth Regulation.

UP Faculty of Physical Culture Among Top 150 Sport Science Schools in the World

The Faculty of Physical Culture placed within 101st–150th position in the Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2016. The ranking is based on performance in science and research, and Physical Culture at Palacký University Olomouc has been evaluated in the same league as the University of Edinburgh, Florida State University or Murdoch University in Australia.

Palacký University Olomouc
Křížkovského 8
779 00 Olomouc
www.upol.cz

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