News from the Faculty of Medicine in Bochum
Here you will find the latest news and press releases from the Faculty of Medicine at Ruhr University Bochum.
For older press releases, please take a look at our archive. Do you have questions about our faculty or would you like to report on us? Here you will find our press contact.
News
Using a tablet before bed not as harmful as previously thought
It is often said that the blue light emitted by tablets and smartphones makes falling asleep more difficult, as it affects the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Three researchers—Prof. Dr. Sabine Seehagen, Neele Hermesch, and Dr. Carolin Konrad from the Chair of Developmental Psychology at Ruhr University Bochum—investigated this effect in toddlers in a home setting as part of an extensively designed study. This was reported by Rubin, the science magazine of Ruhr University.
Extension of the Collaborative Research Center on Extinction Learning
How do we unlearn what we have learned? Since 2017, the team of Collaborative Research Center 1280 “Extinction Learning” at Ruhr University Bochum has been investigating the complex mechanisms of forgetting. The German Research Foundation has now fully approved the third funding period, allowing this internationally recognized research to continue.
Stay Healthy – Prevent Actively – Act Together
On November 20, 2025, the Ruhr University Bochum campus will be all about health: At the Prevention Day 2025, experts from university medicine will offer practical tips on how to prevent diseases. From heart health and nutrition to mental well-being, students and staff are invited to learn, engage, and take proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
Practical Year in the St. Elisabeth Group – Medical students explored their opportunities
On Tuesday, 18 November 2025, this year’s information event on the Practical Year (PJ) for medical students took place. The departments of Marien Hospital Herne – University Hospital of Ruhr University Bochum, St. Anna Hospital Herne, Marien Hospital Witten, St. Marien Hospital Eickel, and the Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet presented their extensive training opportunities.
Current developments in geriatric medicine – experts from Marien Hospital Herne highlight new research approaches and therapies
At the “Geriatrics Update 2025 – News from Clinical Practice and Research”, hosted by the Department of Geriatric Medicine and Early Rehabilitation at Marien Hospital Herne – University Hospital of Ruhr University Bochum – on Saturday, 15 November 2025, the focus was on practical insights into the latest developments in geriatrics. Specialists from hospitals and private practices gathered to learn about advances in the diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases and to discuss the newest scientific findings.
[Translate to English:] Michael Nauck, Head of Clinical Diabetes Research at St. Josef-Hospital, is among the world’s most highly cited researchers
Prof. Dr. Michael Nauck, Head of Clinical Diabetes Research at St. Josef-Hospital and part of the Ruhr University Bochum, has been named one of the world’s most highly cited researchers in 2025. His groundbreaking work places him among the top five Bochum-based scientists recognized for shaping their fields through influential publications. This prestigious recognition underscores his significant contribution to diabetes research and the global scientific community.
Focus on Research Funding – FoRUM Conference at Marien Hospital Herne
On November 12, 2025, Marien Hospital Herne hosted the prestigious FoRUM Conference of the Medical Faculty at Ruhr University Bochum. With inspiring talks on neurology, diversity medicine, and translational research—including a keynote by Dr. Evelyna Derhovanessian from BioNTech—the event offered groundbreaking insights into the future of medicine. A highlight: the presentation of innovative research findings and award ceremonies.
Citizenship: Individual Responsibility for Democracy. Lecture Series by the Faculties of the G-Group at Ruhr University Bochum
How is our democracy doing – and what responsibility does each individual bear for it? From November 2025 to January 2026, the Faculties of the G-Group at Ruhr University Bochum invite you to an interdisciplinary lecture series that places current questions of democratic education, participation, and responsibility at its center.
Newly Discovered Host Mechanism in Coronaviruses
A research team at Ruhr University Bochum has uncovered a previously unknown mechanism crucial for coronavirus replication. During infection, the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is activated and regulates the phosphorylation of a key viral protein. These findings provide promising new avenues for the development of antiviral strategies.
Secrets Between Light and the Liver
When life falls out of rhythm: Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum reveal how artificial light and irregular sleep patterns disrupt our internal clock — increasing the risk of fatty liver disease. Particularly at risk: shift workers, night owls, and those who can’t escape the glow of modern lighting. A dedicated research team is uncovering the intricate connections between light, melatonin, and liver health.
Goodbye, Glasses
A future without glasses? Researchers and industry partners are working on a breakthrough laser treatment that corrects vision without cutting into the eye. By subtly altering the cornea’s refractive properties using low-energy laser pulses, the innovative method could one day replace invasive procedures — offering clearer sight and greater comfort for millions, from young adults to aging eyes.
New Genetic Cause of Microcephaly Discovered
How small can a brain be? Researchers uncover how mutations in a key RNA-degrading enzyme, EXOSC10, disrupt brain development, leading to microcephaly — a condition marked by severely reduced brain size. Their discovery sheds new light on the genetic roots of this rare disorder and opens doors to understanding how brain structure is controlled at the molecular level.