press releases
2018
- 2018-09-28 Top level research on machine learning: The Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien as member of the new Tübingen Cluster of Excellence read article
The funding decisions on the new Clusters of Excellence in Germany’s Excellence Strategy have now been made: The expert committee and the research ministers of the federal and state governments selected 57 Clusters of Excellence to be funded from among 88 initial project submissions on September 27, 2018. Among them is the cluster “Machine Learning in Science” of the University of Tübingen and its partners, the Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien (IWM) and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. The IWM supports the top level research of the cluster with its expertise on the influence of digital media on knowledge and communication processes.
- 2018-07-02 The plastic brain: Better connectivity of brain regions with training read article
Researchers at the Leibniz-Institutes für Wissensmedien (IWM) and of the Graduate School and Research Network LEAD at the University of Tübingen now found out: Short and intensive arithmetic training strengthens the neuronal connections between brain regions in adults. This neuronal plasticity through numerical learning was already detectable after only five training sessions.
- 2018-03-16 Responsibility as a burden: Responsible power-holders experience the highest stress levels read article
People in high-power positions experience more stress if they are aware of their responsibility than if they recognize the freedom their position provides. Research of the Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien (IWM) in Tübingen has shown this. If power-holders think about their responsibility (rather than their personal freedom) they do act more fairly towards others – but at the same time, their own stress level rises.
- 2018-03-06 Facebook and Co. – How social networks can help us receive useful information and emotional support read article
Logging in Facebook or other social networks is nowadays part of our daily routine. While constant checking of status messages is often associated with stress, envy and reduced wellbeing, researchers of the Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien (IWM) found out: Stress is influenced by external factors and not by Facebook usage. Concerns that Facebook has a negative impact on the wellbeing are therefore exaggerated. The platform even offers possibilities of social support. The professional use of social media pays off as well: Anyone who uses LinkedIn has professional information advantages.
- 2018-02-08 When fear is googling too, the motivation for cancer screening rises read article
Scientists of the Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien found out: The fear of cancer influences whether people after searching medical information online go to cancer check-ups or not. People who look up information on cancer screening on the internet, plan to go to their screenings more often – but only if they are afraid of getting cancer.
