We are happy to announce our Physics of Parasitism IV meeting! The 4th meeting of the SPP 2332 Physics of Parasitism will be held on the 10th to 12th of March in Würzburg as a Sattelite to the joint Spring Meeting of the BSP, DGP, and SSTMP.

Leon Lettermann, Falko Ziebert, and Ulrich Schwarz from Project 8 have published an insightful, theoretical study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Their research demonstrates that the surface flow of adhesins typically causes cells to rotate around their long axis. This theory helps to explain evolutionary adaptations in the shapes of Plasmodium sporozoites and Toxoplasma tachyzoites and provides design principles for synthetic microgliders.

Check out their recent publication!

13 - 17 May 2024

The Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems Dresden, Germany is hosting a workshop on chemotaxis. A late registration was opened. For anyone interested please visit:

https://www.pks.mpg.de/chemt24.

March 13th – 15th, 2024

The 24th Drug Design & Development Seminar (DDDS) was held successfully in Würzburg this year, organized by the German Society for Parasitology (DGP). The seminar brought together experts and researchers in the field to discuss the latest advancements in drug design and development for combating parasitic diseases. PoP has contributed to this seminar, for example through our involvement in Project 4 of the PoP SPP.

Embracing pioneering research, the groups of Stanislav Gorb and Kristina Lehnert-Sobotta both from Project 9 illuminate the remarkable grip of the seal louse in the ocean. Their collaborative study, featured in Communications Biology, not only sheds light on the intricate world of parasite behavior but also ignites potential for pioneering bio-inspired underwater grippers. Check out their recent Press release.

The Parasite School in Jülich came to an end with gratitude to all the lecturers, attendees, and organizers for their contributions. We want to express our thanks to PHYMOT and FZ Jülich for their great cooperation with us at Physics of Parasitism SPP 2332.

Thank you all for your contributions and participation in our recent meeting. We are excited to build on the positive momentum from this meeting in our research collaboration.

The Retreat of J-Pop provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen our network within the PhD community. Thanks to all contributors!

The second annual meeting will be held at Juliusspital in Würzburg. We are excited for productive discussions!