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The simple mechanism of ON & OFF accompanies us every day from morning until night, as we turn lights on and off, along with devices, programs and motors. Behind this lies a fundamental principle of our world: processes begin and end, states are activated or deactivated, and transitions mark change. In research, switching on and switching off are used as an essential tool – and are therefore often key to new insights, for example when genes are switched on or immune responses switched off. The latest issue of RUPERTO CAROLA, the research magazine published by Heidelberg University, shows the many different ways in which these “switching points” contribute to gaining new insights.
Press Release
Heidelberg, 8 May 2026
ON & OFF: A Simple Mechanism as the Key to New Insights
The new issue of the research magazine RUPERTO CAROLA is devoted to a fundamental principle of our world that is used in many ways in science
The simple mechanism of ON & OFF accompanies us every day from morning until night, as we turn lights on and off, along with devices, programs and motors. Behind this lies a fundamental principle of our world: processes begin and end, states are activated or deactivated, and transitions mark change. In research, switching on and switching off are used as an essential tool – and are therefore often key to new insights, for example when genes are switched on or immune responses switched off. The latest issue of RUPERTO CAROLA, the research magazine published by Heidelberg University, shows the many different ways in which these “switching points” contribute to gaining new insights. In 16 articles, 21 researchers invite readers to take a fresh look at this seemingly everyday phenomenon from the perspective of their respective disciplines.
Whether in cardiology, social geography or environmental physics, the principle of ON & OFF can trigger targeted control or conscious decisions everywhere. In psychology, researchers are investigating measures that enable children and young people to use the internet in a healthy way, with regular time out. In physical chemistry, ultrashort light pulses that can be switched on and off in a targeted manner are helping researchers develop novel functional materials for sustainable energy applications. Legal scholars examine how statutory limitation periods and expiry periods work, and why the on-off switch suddenly flips and a claim ceases to exist. Neurobiologist Prof. Dr Hilmar Bading and Indologist Prof. Dr Ute Hüsken discuss the mechanism of “on” and “off” in research. In the expert conversation with the two Heidelberg academics, they explore the significance of rites of passage for the beginning of new phases of life, as well as the possibility of “switching off” neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or ALS in the future.
The research magazine RUPERTO CAROLA appears twice a year, mainly in German with English abstracts, and addresses all members of the university, its partners in academia, politics, business and society, and, in particular, alumni, friends and an interested public in Germany and abroad. The magazine is available from the Communications and Marketing department of Heidelberg University (Old University, Grabengasse 1, phone +49 6221 / 54-2311). All editions are also accessible online via the open-access publisher Heidelberg University Publishing (heiUP).
Contact:
Communications and Marketing
Press Office
Grabengasse 1
presse@rektorat.uni-heidelberg.de
https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/press-media/publications/research-magazine
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