Science on the Christmas tree

Here we see the shimmering silver and gold “footprint” of water molecules in the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sheds light on their movements along the nerve fibres in mice and humans, allowing us to examine nerve structures. The MRI generates a powerful magnetic field and creates an image showing how the hydrogen atoms in the body react to it. Diffusion-weighted MRI showing nerve fibres in the brain of a mouse.
© Bastian Maus, Cornelius Faber / CiM

Every year, our glittery Christmas ball sheds light onto an example of recent research. In our network, scientists investigate how cells behave in organisms. To this end, they employ and develop innovative imaging methods.

We wish you lots of fun with our decorations. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for 2024!

All Christmas balls of the past years for printing and crafting (PDF)

Text: Doris Niederhoff
Graphic design: Nina Knubel