Innovations in research at Bayer

New edition of research, the Bayer scientific magazine

New treatments in the battle against cancer / Biotechnology for more robust, higher-yielding plants / Organic light-emitting diodes for more energy-efficient light


Leverkusen, – The battle against cancer, a secure food supply and more energy efficiency in daily life – these are the main topics covered by the 22nd edition of research, the Bayer scientific magazine. The recently published magazine gives a fascinating insight into Bayer’s interesting development projects in the fields of medicine, crop protection and plant breeding, and high-quality materials. Lavishly illustrated graphics, attractive photo sequences and interviews with Bayer researchers and external scientists from renowned research institutions provide an overview of contemporary scientific issues and solutions.

State-of-the-art plant breeding to safeguard the food supply

Modern agriculture is facing a major challenge: while each year some 80 million more people populate the earth, the proportion of arable land remains at best the same. Climate change is likewise causing problems for crops. Tomorrow’s world needs modified plants with improved characteristics. The cover story “Plant breeding: On track to a greener future” shows how scientists at Bayer CropScience are using state-of-the-art technologies and breeding methods to increase harvest yields, thus helping to safeguard the supply of food for a growing world population now and in the future. Combining molecular methods and genetic engineering with plant breeders’ years of experience in cross-breeding and selection considerably shortens the time needed to develop new breeds. In this way, crops such as rice, oilseed rape, cucumbers, tomatoes and melons can be prepared for the requirements of sustainable agriculture even more quickly.

New active ingredients and therapeutic approaches in health care

Population growth and demographic change are major challenges not only for agriculture: there is also a rising demand for therapeutic and diagnostic options for diseases. Cancer, for example, is still one of the most common causes of death, particularly in old age. The causes of this disease are many and varied, and standard treatments are not always successful and are often associated with major side effects. Scientists around the world are therefore searching for new ways to more selectively combat tumors. Researchers at Bayer HealthCare are working on methods to transport highly effective substances directly to the cancer cells. Their goal is targeted treatment of metastases, for example bone metastasis. The scientists are currently developing a new drug product that directly attacks tumor cells in the skeleton while minimizing the destruction of healthy cells.

The magazine’s special feature on “Women’s health” reports on various development projects such as new approaches to treat endometriosis and uterine fibroids and a new generation of intrauterine contraceptive systems.

High-quality materials: enhanced energy efficiency and innovative medical technology

Another challenge facing society is how to use resources – in particular energy – efficiently. One approach to this problem is the gradual ban on conventional light-bulbs being introduced by many countries such as the EU and Australia. Many energy-saving lamps and LEDs are already in use today. But the light of the future is called the OLED: “organic light-emitting diodes” make possible a completely new kind of lighting. A wafer-thin polycarbonate film opens the door to innovative lighting concepts. Scientists at Bayer MaterialScience are working to ensure that the lamps of the future will provide energy-efficient light and also have a long lifespan.

And in medical technology, novel material coatings are helping catheters for cardiology tests, for example, slide more easily through the arteries.

For more information go to www.bayer.com