Researchers from Jena show: Million-year-old insect symbioses are more fragile than expected

Symbolbild: Forscher aus Jena zeigen: Millionen Jahre alte Insekten-Symbiosen sind zerbrechlicher als gedacht

A recent study by the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena illustrates that even firmly established insect symbioses can be broken up in a very short time. In experimental observations, a newly introduced bacterium displaced the original partner of a grain beetle within just a few generations.

Verdicts in the “Knockout 51” Trial: OLG Jena Imposes Prison and Probationary Sentences

Symbolbild: Urteile im „Knockout 51“-Prozess: OLG Jena verhängt Haft- und Bewährungsstrafen

Jena, 02.04.2026 – In the second trial involving the right-wing extremist martial arts group “Knockout 51,” the Higher Regional Court (OLG) Jena has delivered its verdicts. Three men received prison and probationary sentences for membership in and support of a criminal organization.

Criticism of the School Act: Jena fights to preserve its diverse school landscape

Symbolbild: Kritik am Schulgesetz: Jena kämpft für den Erhalt seiner vielfältigen Schullandschaft

Jena, April 02, 2026 – Resistance is forming in Jena against the current requirements of the Thüringer Schulgesetz. Parent representatives, the city administration, and local politicians are demanding a quick and reliable solution from the state for the allocation of school places for the upcoming first and fifth grades.

International Conference in Jena: Sensors of the Future and Biophotonics in Focus

Symbolbild: Internationale Konferenz in Jena: Sensoren der Zukunft und Biophotonik im Fokus

Jena, 02.04.2026 – The Lichtstadt Jena is currently the venue for an international conference on optical sensing and biophotonics. Leading research figures are discussing how modern sensor technology from the laboratory can be applied in medicine and everyday life in the future.

Construction Start for JenErgieReal: 40-Million-Euro Project Networks Jena’s Energy Supply

Symbolbild: Baustart für JenErgieReal: 40-Millionen-Projekt vernetzt Jenas Energieversorgung

Jena, 02.04.2026 – The forward-looking real-world laboratory JenErgieReal is entering the structural implementation phase. By 2027, networked systems for the intelligent control of electricity, heat, and electromobility will be established in various districts of Jena.

Threatening Vacancies in Wenigenjena: Traditional Businesses Close, Clubs Fear for Their Future

Symbolbild: Drohender Leerstand in Wenigenjena: Traditionsgeschäfte schließen, Vereine bangen um ihre Zukunft

Jena, 02.04.2026. In the Jena district of Wenigenjena, vacant commercial premises are increasing. In addition to current closures of commercial spaces, two local sports clubs are now also threatened with the loss of their long-standing clubrooms due to expiring leases.