Loneliness changes activity patterns in the human brain

Chronic social isolation manifests itself in a change in human brain activity and ensures a more lonely self-representation.

Loneliness and the feeling of social isolation are particularly widespread among young adults, people in their mid-50s and the elderly, according to a study published by the University of California in the journal International Psychogeriatrics. In the past few months, the Corona pandemic, which has forced many people to work in their home offices and social distancing, has also caused more loneliness in other age groups, which in severe cases can trigger mental suffering and health problems.

Scientists at Stanford University and Dartmouth College have therefore investigated whether the feeling of loneliness causes changes in the brain. According to their publication in the Journal of Neuroscience, they used functional magnetic resonance tomography (fMRI) to analyze the brain activity of 43 test subjects while they were thinking about their own characteristics and those of celebrities and close friends.

Different patterns of brain activity:

It was shown that the pattern of brain activity varies greatly depending on the caregiver of the thoughts. When thinking about yourself, different circuits are active than when thinking about friends or celebrities. The patterns of thinking about another person become more similar to the patterns of thinking about yourself, the stronger the perceived connection with that person. According to the study authors, "our subjective relationship with these people is crucial for neural representation."

Medial prefrontal cortex:

In all subjects, the medial prefrontal cortex, which is also responsible for a person's self-image, was the central circuit when thinking about himself or other people. However, there were differences between lonely and socially well-integrated subjects. As the researchers report, "the lone participants seemed to have a 'lone' self-representation in the prefrontal cortex." This was reflected in the fact that their activation pattern is more decoupled from other circuits than in socially well integrated people.

In addition, in lonely people, the neural patterns for close friends and oneself differ more. As Andrea Courtney explains, "most of us activate a very similar constellation when thinking about ourselves or our friends." However, this is not the case with lonely people.

According to Meghan Meyer, "it seems that the representation of oneself in the brain of lonely people is more decoupled from that of other people - this is in line with what lonely people feel." The researchers therefore state that "our brain is both information about social Categories as well as about the connection with ourselves. ”According to the study results, chronic social isolation leads to a more lonely self-representation. However, it is unclear whether these neuronal differences are effects or causes of loneliness in humans.

International Psychogeriatrics, doi: doi.org/10.1017/S1041610218002120

Journal of Neuroscience, doi: 10.1523 / JNEUROSCI.2826-19.2020

Organic electrolytes are intended to advance the energy transition

Organic instead of inorganic electrolytes could make the temporary storage of electricity more environmentally friendly. Lignin is a suitable raw material, electrically active plastics and salt as well.

The town of Alzenau in the far northwest of Bavaria is preparing to make a significant contribution to the success of the energy transition. A 200 kilowatt battery will start operating there in mid-2019. It is intended to store excess electricity so that it can be released without delay in times of lull.

If the powerful turbo-generators of nuclear and coal-fired power plants gradually cease to exist in the coming years, there will be no ready-to-use compensations for supply gaps in the power grid. The generators simply balance them out with their inertia - they run a tiny bit slower for a short time. However, when they are no longer available, other energy storage systems have to step in at lightning speed and supply energy. Batteries have the best cards so far to take this place.

200 KW battery with liquid electrolytes from lignin:

The size of the new electricity storage facility in Alzenau is by no means impressive. The power plant operator Steag in Essen, for example, operates six lithium-ion battery blocks with an output of 15 megawatts each. The fact that a redox flow battery is installed in Alzenau is also not a premiere. But this power storage works with liquid electrolytes that are made from lignin - a natural product that is in the order of millions of tons that is left over every year in paper production. To a certain extent, lignin is the glue that binds the cellulose fibers in the wood together so that massive logs are created. The lignin must be removed before the fibers can be finished into paper. It is usually burned.

Goal: Detach vanadium in electrolytes:

The company CMBlu in Alzenau has developed batteries and electrolytes. The latter are modified quinones, an important group of organic compounds made from lignin sulfonates. They are generated as waste in the manufacture of pulp.

Redox flow batteries typically use electrolytes that contain the relatively rare metal vanadium. A more environmentally friendly solution, where there are also no limitations due to a lack of raw materials, is the use of organic materials such as quinones or conductive plastics in a salt solution, such as Kemiwatt from Rennes in France or JenaBatteries, a spin-off from the University of Jena. While these companies are already selling energy storage, CMBlu is still at the beginning.

Premiere for lignin solution with 50 kilowatt hours:

Redox flow batteries consist of the central reaction chamber, two tanks for the electrolytes and two pumps that carry the liquids. When charging, electrons are transported from one electrolyte to the other. This happens in the reaction chamber, the heart of this battery. When discharging, the process is reversed so that electricity flows - in this case into the grid. The storage capacity of such a system, i.e. the amount of electricity that is buffered, largely depends on the size of the external tanks. CMBlu starts with small containers, so the arrangement can only deliver 50 kilowatt hours. The company claims that it is enough to optimize the system.

The automotive supplier Schaeffler, to which Continental also belongs, has been a partner of CMBlu since the end of 2018. His boss Peter Geigle sees three areas of application for his redox flow battery, also known as a river battery. First of all, there is the intermediate storage of wind and solar power, which is produced more and more frequently and in larger quantities at times when there are no customers. Large batteries can jump in at lightning speed if needed.

With Redox-Flow, e-cars are quickly charged:

This type of battery is also interesting for industry. It can cover peak loads, i.e. the short-term consumption of a particularly large amount of electricity. Obtained from the network, it is extremely expensive. And electric mobility will also benefit from this. The batteries should not be installed in cars, although electric cars with redox flow batteries can drive. Instead, they are used in quick-charging stations that easily deliver 350 kilowatts and charge vehicles quickly. The public power grid rarely offers such high performance. A redox flow battery collects electricity at times when no customer is docked, so that it can start at full power when needed. It is even possible to replace the used electrolyte liquid by tank truck - it can be charged externally.

Search for producing partners

“We don't want to produce anything ourselves. We are a research company that develops the technology to such an extent that it can be passed on to industrial companies, ”says Geigle. He has already signed contracts with customers who want to implement pilot projects over the next two years - including Schaeffler.

Diabetes - New sensor measures blood sugar levels without taking blood

A new glove with electromagnetic sensors measures blood sugar levels as accurately as conventional blood draw tests. In the future, the results should be permanently transferred to a smartphone in order to warn diabetics of changes at an early stage.

 Diabetics currently have to stick their fingers several times a day to check their blood sugar levels in order to get blood . The medicine already examined therefore for some time for new methods to eliminate the need for this unpleasant and repetitive procedure. Among other things, a contact lens was developed to measure the blood sugar concentration. However, none of the possible solutions is ready for the market.

Scientists American University of Beirut have now presented another non-invasive approach to determining blood sugar in the journal Science Advances . The team led by biomedical technician Jessica Hanna uses a combination of bendable sensors that can be integrated into clothing to permanently monitor changes in blood sugar. According to Hanna, "the sensors are more accurate and faster than previous devices."

Glove with a bracelet measures the blood sugar level:

To present their development, the researchers built a glove with a forearm bandage that contains flexible antennas as a prototype . These send out electromagnetic waves that penetrate the skin, muscles and fat layer to scan the underlying veins and arteries. The blood sugar level is determined by the fact that its concentration influences the electrical properties of the blood. Depending on the level of blood sugar, the electromagnetic waves reflected by the body differ in strength.

Blood sugar analysis possible in real time:

This measuring method is not new. So far, however, electromagnetic sensors have not been used to measure blood sugar because the results were too imprecise. The scientists have therefore changed the course of the antennas so that they run directly like the veins in the forearm and the palm of the hand. Compared to previous experiments, the accuracy of the results could be significantly increased.

In a clinical study with 21 healthy volunteers, the new system was able to analyze the blood sugar level in real time. This was proven by conventional sugar exposure tests, which were carried out in parallel to the electromagnetic blood sugar measurement.

Further studies are now to investigate whether the sensors in socks, necklaces or other items of clothing also provide accurate results. In practice, it should be used in conjunction with a smartphone that notifies the user of changes in blood sugar levels and records them for doctors. When the system will be launched is still unclear.

The DRL examines the physical distribution of droplets contaminated with viruses in trains and airplanes. The study thus provides the basis for further research, but does not provide any information about the contagion risk of mass mobility.

according to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), can release up to 100,000 tiny liquid droplets with the new corona virus (SARS-COV-2) into the air , which remain there for up to 14 minutes. However , the study did not investigate the influence of different temperatures and air movements on the aerosol particles by an air conditioning system or a ventilation system.

Experiments by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), which will investigate how virus particles are distributed in airplanes and trains , could soon provide answers to these open questions . In this way, the scientists at DLR want to develop solutions for mobility during the corona pandemic and investigate whether mass mobility, as assumed, actually promotes the spread of the corona virus.

Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology:

The study is being carried out by scientists from the Göttingen DLR Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology, which has been one of the world's leading research centers in the field of cabin air conditioning for aircraft and trains for years.

According to Prof. Andreas Dillmann, director of the institute, "the focus has so far been on passenger comfort and energy consumption for air conditioning." As Dillmann explains, "we can now use the scientific tools we have developed to research the spread of viruses in passenger cabins."

Open-plan compartment of a full train:

In the first part of the study, the researchers simulate a Covid-19-infected passenger who is in the open-plan compartment of a full train with six rows of seats. The computer simulation calculates the exhalation and possible cough to determine the distribution of viruses. A simulation of the cabin air flow is used, which the DLR had already created for other research purposes. The simulation also includes aerosol particles that atomize and evaporate in the air. According to the scientists, this process, in which strong shear forces cause the droplets to disintegrate, is comparable to the fuel injection in the engine.

The parameters of the different scenarios were taken from studies by the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). Lung volumes between 1 and 1.5 liters and particle sizes between one and a few hundred micrometers are thus considered, which the simulation uses to calculate the distribution and range.

Train laboratory with 24 dummies:

In addition, the scientists simulate a similar scenario in an experiment in the generic train laboratory in Göttingen, for which 24 dolls with measuring devices were distributed as passenger dummies. The distribution is tested using a dummy that emits air with added droplets and a trace gas into its surroundings. The recording is carried out by both gas sensors and high-speed cameras, which document the distribution in the cabin air. In addition, a number of sensors record the particles and their concentration at different positions in the compartment.

Aircraft cabins are closed systems:

Another computer simulation also examines the distribution of particles in aircraft. As part of the EU project ADVENT, an experiment will soon follow in a new aircraft laboratory in Göttingen.

Prof. Rolf Henke, Director of Aviation at DLR: “Aircraft cabins are self-contained systems and already have a high level of air pollution control. Our research into the spread of viruses in cabins should help protect passengers from infections and find answers to the question: How can flying be safe in the future? ”

No statement about the risk of infection:

The scientists note that their study will only provide information about the physical distribution of droplets contaminated with viruses. However, the study cannot answer how high the infectivity of these droplets and thus the risk of infection in trains and planes is. The possible influence of air filters, which are usually used in airplanes, cannot be determined from the study data.

According to the DLR researchers from Göttingen, the first results will follow in the coming weeks. However, according to the DRL, the implementation and evaluation of some experiments will take several months.

Artical reference:https://www.forschung-und-wissen.de/nachrichten/medizin/dlr-analysiert-sars-cov-2-verbreitung-in-flugzeugen-und-zuegen-13373876

A camera was developed in the USA that can shoot 70 trillion frames per second. The new technology is to be used primarily in biochemistry and in basic physics.

Pasadena (USA). If you were to be photographed and blinked by the new camera , the camera would take over a trillion pictures in this incredibly short moment. This example illustrates very well how fast the camera developed at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) really is.

Lihong Wang, professor of electrical and medical technology, and his team have developed an ultra-fast camera that can take up to 70 trillion images per second. This is so fast that it can even record light waves as they travel or molecules decay.

Laser pulses for one femtosecond

Wang describes the technology he and his team developed behind the camera as compressed ultra-fast spectral photography (CUSP). In the detailed description in the journal Nature Communications you can quickly see that the new camera is in many ways similar to older cameras developed by him. This includes, for example, a phase-sensitive device for compressed ultra-fast photography (pCUP), which can take a trillion pictures per second of transparent objects.

In the new CUSP process, a laser that emits ultrashort light pulses with a duration of only one billionth of a second (one femtosecond) is combined with an optical system and a very special type of camera. The optics break down the ultrashort laser pulses into even shorter pulses, whereby each of these even shorter pulses can generate an image in the camera.

Camera is to be used in biochemistry and basic physics:

According to his own statements, Wang can imagine using the new ultra-fast camera in areas such as basic physics, which he would like to miniaturize in the life sciences. "We envision applications in a variety of extremely fast phenomena, such as ultra-short light propagation, wave propagation, nuclear fusion, photon transport in clouds and biological tissues, and fluorescent decay of biomolecules," added Wang.

Artical reference:https://www.forschung-und-wissen.de/nachrichten/technik/kamera-macht-70-billionen-bilder-pro-sekunde-13373848

A new bio hybrid battery uses exolectrogenic microbes of the type Shewanella oneidensis to produce electricity.

Karlsruhe (Germany). A few years ago, science discovered so-called exolectrogenic microbes that generate electricity. Some of these bacteria even live in the human gut. Due to their anaerobic living conditions used exolektrogene microbes rather than oxygen metals to the released their metabolic reactions electrons received at. According to a study published by the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the journal Nature Nanotechnology , some microbes form bacterial threads whose conductivity is comparable to that of metals.

Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have now presented a practical way in the scientific journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces to use these electro-microbes as biological electricity producers. For this purpose, the team around Yong Hu has developed a material in which the bacteria can grow and that the current they generate is effectively dissipated via electrodes.

Bacteria of the species Shewanella oneidensis

The bio-battery uses anaerobic bacteria of the species Shewanella oneidensis, which the scientists isolated in Lake Oneida in New York. Shewanella oneidensis can produce various elemental metals from heavy metal compounds, including uranium ,silver ,mercury,lead and iron. The bacteria release electrons to the metals via filamentous cell sites.

The new biohybrid construction consists of a liquid nutrient solution, which is a combination of nanostructures and biomolecules. Christof Niemeyer, co-author, explains that the scientists “have created a porous hydrogel that consists of carbon nanotubes and silica nanoparticles that are interwoven with each other through the DNA strands of the bacteria.”

Bacteria multiply in bio batteries

According to Johannes Gescher, co-author of the study, observations of the cultivation of the material show that "exoelectrogenic bacteria such as Shewanella oneidensis colonize the conductive scaffold, while other bacteria such as Escherichia coli only remain on the surface of the matrix." In the biohybrid According to the scientists, the battery has an electrochemical activity, which suggests that in the composite containing Shewanella, the bacteria extract metabolic electrons and transport them to the anode. The electron flow increases depending on the amount of bacteria present in the synthetic matrix.

Niemeyer states that this is the first description of such a complex and functional biohybrid material. According to him, the results indicate that possible applications of such materials could even go beyond microbial biosensors, bioreactors and fuel cell systems .

Artical reference: 

https://www.forschung-und-wissen.de/nachrichten/chemie/bakterien-erzeugen-strom-in-bio-batterie-13373853

Everyone has heard of them before, but you can find out which attraction is the most popular here. Read what sensation you must have seen on your European trip and where it is particularly advisable to book a tour in advance. We have researched for you which attraction attracts the most visitors. 

1st place: "Tour Eiffel" (Eiffel Tower) in Paris, France 

Paris, the city of love, has a lot to offer. In addition to the Louvre, where Leonardo da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa hangs and the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, there are numerous addresses that you must have seen during your stay in Paris. First and foremost is the Eiffel Tower. Around 7 million people take the elevator up the 273 meters to the viewing platform every year. It is particularly important here that you reserve tickets in advance, as you have to wait a few hours, especially when the weather is nice. 

2nd place: Colosseum in Rome, Italy 

Anyone who is in Rome should also take a look at the location of the spectacular gladiatorial fights. Around 6 million visitors are thrilled every year by the atmosphere of the stadium. With a German speaking tour guide in Rome you have the possibility to avoid snakes and even to look at other premises! 

Did you know that the Colosseum serves as a memorial to the death penalty? Every time the death penalty is abolished or execution is not carried out in any country in the world, the Colosseum is lit with colored lights for 48 hours to celebrate. 

3rd place: St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy 

Our neighbors, the Italians, occupy two places in a row. St. Peter's Basilica is not only a popular destination for pilgrims. In total, 6 million enthusiastic people visit him every year. This largest basilica of World Christianity offers a lot of artistic sights: among others the Michelangelo Buonarottis Pietà, the venerable statue of St. Peter in the main nave, the masterpieces of Bernini, as well as the magnificent papal altar above the tomb of Peter. The conclave also takes place here every time. If white smoke rises, it means that a new Pope has been elected. 

rent-a-guide tip: a tour of St. Peter's Basilica is particularly worthwhile in the morning (around 7 a.m.). In summer it is pleasantly cool, the employees clean the cathedral and in the transept there are masses for few believers. 

4th place: Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, ​​Spain 

Everyone knows the famous architect Antoni Gaudí and thus probably his greatest work in Barcelona. Alongside Park Güell, this is a major tourist attraction that is visited by 2.3 million people annually. Despite its incompleteness, it is truly worth a visit. If the church is to be completed in the first third of this century, it will have 18 towers. Twelve for the apostles, four for the evangelists, one for Jesus and one for Saint Mary. 

5th place: Acropolis in Athens, Greece 

It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 and is in 5th place with almost two million visitors a year. Translated, Acropolis means "Upper Town" and the meaning can be seen at the latest when you are there, because the Acropolis lies above the city of Athens. But be careful: the Acropolis is a sacred area and therefore the consumption of food, nicotine and alcohol is prohibited. It is best to visit the Acropolis Museum, which opened in 2009 and is already one of the most important and most beautiful museums in the world. 

6th place: London Eye 

A ride on the Coca-Cola London Eye is really captivating. 

It may look like a giant ferris wheel, but the London Eye is officially called the world's tallest "cantilever observation wheel " and you can see the city from all sides. Apart from fancy descriptions, the view from the top is really quite breathtaking. Forget the flimsy open-air carriages full of kissing couples in the usual amusement parks: chic, spacious capsules that can carry up to 25 people at the same time await you . 

7th place: Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany 

The favorite sight in our beautiful country has just been chosen. Neuschwanstein is one of the most visited palaces and castles in Europe. Around 1.4 million people visit the castle of the fairytale king Ludwig II every year. It is possible to drive the way to the castle with a carriage. Unfortunately, the castle is fighting for its limestone facades, as this is affected by the harsh climate. This always requires costly renovation measures. 

8 th place: The Golden Ring 

Experience the best of Southwest Iceland on an 8-hour tour of the Golden Ring. 

The Golden Ring describes the route in southern Iceland , which covers the country's beautiful landscapes and attractions over a length of around 300 kilometers. It leads past beautiful waterfalls, active volcanoes (Strokkur should erupt every 5-10 minutes) and a large national park. It is the most direct and easiest way to enjoy the breathtaking Icelandic landscape while traveling through this Nordic country. Also, just think about the pictures you are going to take. 

9th place: Buckingham Palace in London, England 

Ever since Princess Kate's wedding dress was exhibited there, tourists have been crowding into Buckingham Palace, which is only open to the public in August and September. Then the royal family is usually at Windsor Castle. Half a million people do this annually. The “Changing of guards”, which takes place several times a day, is worth a visit to the official residence of the monarchs. Do not miss a visit there, because it is an absolute highlight. If you are interested in further sights of London, we recommend you take a city tour of London's main sights. 

10th place: Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany 

The popularity of this attraction cannot be measured in terms of visitor numbers, but it is a well-known landmark and a national symbol with which many important events in Berlin are associated. It is said to attract about 20 million people a year. And if you haven't been there yet, you've already had it with you. It is minted on every German 10, 20 and 50 cent coin. 

Saving money or investing - what makes more sense?

Many people would like to invest money - in stocks or maybe even fixed-rate bonds and alternative investments . However, they often have too much respect for investing on the stock exchange and other asset classes that go beyond saving money in the checking account or savings book.

This way they miss out on great profit opportunities. This is because, above all, equity investments in particular have achieved significantly higher long-term returns compared to the interest on savings deposits, even with a low-risk investment strategy. It is wrong to think that only professionals or rich people can invest money on the stock exchange. Of course, the decision and implementation of these investments takes time and initiative - but anyone can muster that.

This article deals with the basic knowledge for investing capital on the stock exchange. General information on finance can be found here: Investing money for beginners.

What is the difference between the bank's investment products and those of the stock exchange?

Banks often offer overnight money and time deposits as ways to invest money. The advantage of these security-oriented investments is that their risk is low : Money in the overnight deposit account or fixed-term deposit account, for example, is covered by the European deposit insurance fund up to an amount of € 100,000.

If, on the other hand, you invest the money in a company on the stock exchange, you run the risk that these companies will become insolvent at a later date and you will lose money.

Bank deposits such as call money accounts and time deposit accounts are therefore something for investors who are more concerned about security. In contrast, thanks to dividends or profits from price increases, they can achieve much higher interest rates and returns on their money on the stock exchange.

What are the best ways to invest money?

There are many different investment products on the stock exchange in which you can invest money. They can be divided into:

1. ETF (Exchange Traded Funds):

Beginners are often recommended ETF , also called index funds. These are equity funds that are not actively managed by a manager, but instead passively invest in an equity index - such as the DAX - and thus replicate a market as a whole. With an ETF, the investor benefits from a positive overall development of the market - and does not work “against” the market like a fund manager.

2. Funds:

On the other hand, if you want to try to beat the average return on the market, you can invest money in an (actively managed) fund . This represents a basket of selected investment forms, so to speak, and is managed by a fund manager.

Depending on which financial investments are bundled in the respective investment fund, it is referred to as an equity fund, mixed fund, real estate fund etc.

3. Shares:

If you prefer to choose your own shares , it makes sense to invest money in individual stocks. Here you have to be careful, however, that you spread the risk on securities of several different companies and achieve a sufficient spread of the risks within the investment.

4. Bonds:

In addition to stocks, money can also be invested in individual bonds. These are not listed company shares, but rather fixed-interest bonds from companies or countries (e.g. federal bonds ). Profits are not generated with dividends or exchange rate fluctuations, but are paid on the borrowed money like a loan.

5. Leverage products:

For speculators who are willing to take higher risks when investing and play more intensely with their luck, leverage products such as derivatives , certificates or futures can be interesting.

This type of investment is particularly risky and many a trader has already lost a fortune with complex financial products. Therefore, when investing, you should deal very intensively with the trading strategies and test them in demo accounts or sample portfolios before investing real money.

How and where can you invest money on the stock exchange?

You cannot simply “shop” for shares or investment funds directly on the stock exchange. Trading these investments is only possible with a share deposit and an associated clearing account. This is, so to speak, an account for money to be invested, while the custody account is a depository for the purchased securities.

Such a depository can be opened in the classic way at a bank in a branch or online. Alternatively, there are online brokers . Before you decide on a provider, you should definitely compare the costs. You can save a lot of money here . Generally, online brokerage fees are generally cheaper.

What about the investment duration on the stock exchange?

Before each investment, you have to ask yourself how long you can invest or lack the money. Based on this, an investment with the appropriate investment duration can be determined.

For example, investors invest between three and seven years in bonds. The rule applies: the more years, the higher the interest.

However, many investments do not have a maximum term, for example shares or most funds. In this case, the investment is terminated by the resale of the securities. If stocks or shares in a fund are worth more at the time of sale than at the time of acquisition, the investor benefits from price increases.

How much money should I invest on the stock exchange?

There are basically no upper limits for shares - if you have a lot of money available and want to invest, the principle applies: the more the better . However, certain minimum investments should be made. There are reasons for this:

1. Costs reduce returns:

High investment amounts reduce the proportionate costs of investing capital, which may arise from order fees.

Because of these costs, investors should not invest less than € 1,000 in a share. Otherwise, the costs are disproportionately high compared to the investment amount and can only be recovered through a high return . So there are usually no mandatory, but logically reasonable, minimum investments in shares.

2.Unilateral investments increase the risks:

If you invest money in individual stocks, you shouldn't put everything on one horse: invest your money in different companies and industries and diversify your capital investment in order to achieve sufficient risk diversification with a well-designed portfolio .

In addition, you should not only invest your money on the stock exchange. With a well thought-out asset allocation , you not only spread the risk across various securities, but across asset classes such as savings accounts , real estate or commodities. Such a balanced portfolio with sufficient diversification naturally requires a lot of money.

3.The more time, the better:

Only invest as much money as you really have at your disposal . Bear in mind that short investment periods often do not compensate for price falls “in time”, making a loss on sale more likely. The situation is different for longer investment periods . So if you want to invest money in a particular purchase, property, or children's education over the next few years, you shouldn't invest the money in stocks.

Can you invest on the stock exchange with little money?

If you want to get started with a small investment, it makes sense to invest money in equity funds or ETFs. The reason for this is that these financial products are already scattered across different equity stocks. ETFs are also particularly inexpensive.

Investors can also invest smaller amounts in stocks, funds, ETFs, etc. if they regularly deposit money into a savings plan , for example monthly . With small amounts starting at € 10 a month, it is possible for private investors to build up assets on the stock exchange .

Another advantage of savings plans is that you don't have to pay attention to the ideal timing to invest. Since you spread your money over a long period of time, the shares are purchased at an average price. Although this is above the cheapest price within a certain period, it is also below the most expensive ( "cost average effect" ).

All in all, there are various options - also for private investors - to invest money on the stock exchange. A solid basic knowledge of the investor with regard to the individual investment products is the first step to long-term success.

In Germany you will find the right place for every occasion as well as the biggest attractions.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is internationally one of the most famous sights of Germany and one of the most popular sights in Bavaria. Every year over 1.5 million tourists from all over the world come to see the fairy-tale castle. Its location in the foothills of the Alps also makes it a popular travel destination in Germany.

According to Ludwig II's planning, there should be 200 rooms in Neuschwanstein. In the end, only 15 were completed.

It was built from 1869 on behalf of the Bavarian King Ludwig II. For him, Neuschwanstein was the perfect ideal of a medieval knight's castle.

Today these include a neo-Gothic style bedroom, a living room with original furniture and the richly decorated throne room.

Neuschwanstein Castle is suitable for a trip with the family as well as for a vacation as a couple. Up to 6000 people visit the castle every day.

You should definitely book your ticket online beforehand as the number of visitors is limited.

 

2. Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is the top attraction in Berlin. Hardly a postcard of the capital city can do without an image of the photogenic gate.The Brandenburg Gate was built from 1789 to 1793 as the end of the boulevard of the Dorotheenstadt.

The Quadriga on the roof of the Brandenburg Gate was taken to Paris by Napoleon as prey. In 1814 she returned to Berlin.

Today, the classicist building also attracts so many visitors because it is inextricably linked to German history. During the division of Berlin, it stood directly on the border between East and West Berlin. Crossing a couple of decades ago seemed like a dream that could never be fulfilled.

 

3. Imperial Cathedral of Speyer

The Speyer Cathedral is the largest Romanesque church in the world and is one of the most beautiful sights in our country. In 1981 UNESCO declared the cathedral a World Heritage Site. When walking through the old town of Speyer, the sight cannot be overlooked.

 

8 emperors and kings and 4 queens were buried in the crypt of the cathedral. The crypt can be entered.

From the observation deck at a height of around 60 m you have a great view of Speyer and the region. On the way to the church tower, it is worth taking a look at the Kaisersaal. It lies above the entrance portal of the cathedral. In the hall there are nine monumental frescoes by the painter Johann Baptist Schraudolph, which were formerly seen on the walls of the transept.

When the cathedral was renovated, they were dismantled and stored. Since 2012 you can marvel at them in the Kaisersaal. Speyer is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany .

 

4. Marienplatz Munich

The central square in Munich is not only the starting point for the Munich pedestrian zone , you will also find many sights of the Bavarian capital there. The New Town Hall is a sight in itself . It was built from 1867 to 1909 and belongs to the neo-Gothic style.

 

The chimes in the town hall ring every day at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Due to the adjacent buildings and the many events that take place regularly at Marienplatz, the central square is a popular attraction in Munich and all of Germany.If you want to start a shopping day through the metropolis , Marienplatz is also the right starting point.

 

5. Moselle valley

The Moselle Valley is the oldest wine region in Germany and an equally popular travel destination for tourists from Germany and abroad.

The region is particularly known for the varieties Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Elbling, Kerner, Bacchus, Dornfelder, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc.

You can hike through vineyards or bike here. A boat trip on the Moselle is also particularly idyllic. With a view of the vineyards and the romantic villages and towns along the water, your short break will be unique. Numerous grape varieties are grown in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wine-growing region. Countless opportunities for a wine tasting are offered by winegrowers and in wine taverns throughout the Moselle valley.

 

6.Cologne Cathedral

City break Cologne

This German landmark is world-famous and, like many other buildings in Germany, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cologne Cathedral is a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

The construction of the Cologne Cathedral was an incredible 632 years. Work started in 1248 and ended in 1880.

Inside the church impresses with its size as well as from the outside. The main nave is 144 meters long and the vault is over 43 meters high.

You can reach the observation deck on the 157.22 meter high south tower after 533 steps . The Three Kings Shrine in the choir room dates from the 13th century and is the largest medieval goldsmith's work in Europe.

 

7. Mainau Flower Island

One of the most beautiful German sights is the flower island of Mainau. From 1951, Lennart Bernadotte, the son of the Swedish King Wilhelm , transformed Mainau into the flower island known today and opened it to visitors.

wants to reach the island in a special Attention hobby sailor: on the flower island there are landing stages.

He had resigned from the Swedish succession to the throne and devoted himself entirely to the project on the flower island of Mainau. Bernadotte also had the castle on the island of Mainau renovated and made it his home.

Today you can stroll through wonderful park landscapes - flowering beds and shrubs as far as the eye can see. Around a million tulips and other spring flowers bloom on Mainau in spring . In summer you can enjoy over 11,000 dahlias.

 

8. Imperial Castle Nuremberg

Another highlight of the travel destinations in Germany is the Kaiserburg in Nuremberg.

The castle is around 1000 years old and was an imperial residence and burgrave seat of the noble family Hohenzollern.

Beer is stored in the cellar aisles below the castle. The Altstadthof brewery uses parts of the cellar system as ripening rooms.

It was almost completely destroyed in the Second World War, but was then almost completely rebuilt. Today it is a popular tourist destination.

At the castle you will find a museum that illuminates the history of the castle and its inhabitants. The tour of the historical rooms takes you through the knight's hall, double chapel and kemenate, where the Kaiserburg Museum can be found to the castle garden of the Imperial Castle is particularly popular. A garden had been on the castle complex since 1425, but it has changed over the centuries.

 

9. Europa-Park Rust

Europa-Park Rust is a popular attraction for families in the south of Germany. Unlike many other amusement parks, it is open for several weeks even in winter . On 95 hectares you can experience endless fun.

The Europa-Park wins awards without end: best amusement park in the world, hotelier of the year, best attraction and much more. Applause.

You can even stay in 5 themed hotels in the park. Over 100 spectacular rides and breathtaking shows make your vacation to this well-known German attraction a special experience.

The park was originally planned as an exhibition area for the Mack family's products.

10. Heidelberg Castle

The Heidelberg Castle is one of the most famous ruins in Germany and is also popular with international tourists. In the preserved part of the castle you can see exhibitions about the history of the castle or take a walk in the spacious gardens.

The Heidelberg Castle was overrun by soldiers from the Sun King Louis XIV in 1689 and partially blown up by French pioneers in 1693.

A special highlight is the castle lighting that takes place annually in summer with a final firework display. From the so-called Philosophenweg you have a top view of the castle ruins of Heidelberg . This runs on the other side of the Neckar and bears its name because poets and thinkers let their thoughts wander here earlier.

11. Miniature Wonderland Hamburg

In Hamburg's warehouse district you can experience the world in small format. The Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg, founded in 2000, was the top attraction in Germany among foreign tourists in 2017, according to the German National Tourist Board.

Where else can you see so many attractions in the world in such a small space ?

You can take a look at the Harz Mountains or the fictional small town of Knufflingen and its airport.

The fictional city of Knufflingen lives. In the city there are house fires, drug trafficking and numerous other depictions of realistic scenes.

A lot of technology has been installed so that things are not too static in the miniature world . Cars, ships and model trains are in motion. There are also many light and sound effects. The miniature wonderland Hamburg also takes you to America, Scandinavia, Hamburg, the Alps, Switzerland and Italy.

12. Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea of ​​the North Sea is a real highlight for nature lovers. The influence of the tides can be clearly felt on many sections of the coast.

In the area of ​​the Wadden Sea on the North Sea, around 9,000 square kilometers of the sea floor are exposed at low tide.

When the water has returned, you can go for a nice walk there or take a carriage through the mudflats.

The Wadden Sea is also a resting place for migratory birds who take a break here on their way south.

You will also find the famous lugworm in the Wadden Sea.