Ever wonder how cells communicate? Right here stands BIOSS. It is the Centre for Biological Signalling Studies. BIOSS explores how cells talk to each other. Biological signalling regulates all cellular processes. This happens in all types of cells.
BIOSS uses modern methods. It also uses strategies of synthetic and chemical biology. They study biological signalling processes. Their maxim is: From analysis to synthesis, spanning all domains of life. This means they look at everything from basic parts to complex systems. They cover all areas of life.
BIOSS started as a cluster of Excellence in 2007. The German Research Foundation funded it. In 2012, they got more funding for six years. Since 2019, BIOSS continues its work. It is now a Centre of the University of Freiburg. The University and the Ministry of Science and Education fund it sustainably.
The University of Freiburg is a strong life science hub. It includes places like the Max Planck Institute. Also, the Bernstein Center Freiburg. The Center for Applied Biosciences is here too. As is, the Center for Biological Systems Analysis. This center began in 2008. It came from the Freiburg Initiative for Systems Biology. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research funded that.
The University of Freiburg’s Faculty of Biology is linked to BIOSS. The faculty was ranked in the Excellence Group for biology. This also included chemistry and mathematics. It is among Germany’s top research universities.
BIOSS is involved in the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition. This is a synthetic biology competition. It is held at MIT. The University of Freiburg team participates. BIOSS supports their participation.
Golden rice was developed by a University of Freiburg professor. His name is Peter Beyer. He worked with Ingo Potrykus from ETH Zurich. They created it from 1992 to 2000. Golden rice helps provide Vitamin A. This is for people who lack it in their diet.
The faculty also has the International Moss Stock Center. It collects and distributes mosses for research. BIOSS contributes to many fields. It studies how cells communicate. It also supports education and innovation. It helps improve health and well-being.
So, next time you think about how life works, remember BIOSS. It is here in Freiburg. It is unlocking the secrets of cell communication. Its research impacts many areas of science and medicine.