A democratic system is an ever-shifting constellation of actors, practices and institutions. Currently the elite-driven model of representative democracy is challenged by declining attachment to political parties and citizens’ demands for more...

Archaea represent a major prokaryotic domain of life besides Bacteria but were recognized as such only about 40 years ago. Cultivation-independent approaches have recently  allowed the reconstruction of genomes of uncultivated microorganisms and...

Cultural icons refer to a larger cultural context, be it a nation, highbrow culture, or subculture. They provide a symbol of identification and are the distinguishing mark for (fan) communities. Even if this purpose is more secular today, those who...