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2019
Using X-ray technology to clear up an archeological secret
Swiss researchers used X-ray scanning technology to unlock the mysteries of an extremely rare chainmail shirt dating from Roman times.
Examining the highly organized lives of long-distance commuters
A Swiss scientist took a look at the strategies commuting parents use for managing their time wisely and dealing with unexpected challenges.
How alpine streams work
A Swiss study shows that until now, scientists have been substantially underestimating how quickly gases are exchanged between mountain streams and the atmosphere.
Robots enable bees and fish to talk to each other
Swiss researchers were able to get two extremely different animal species located far apart to interact with each other and reach a shared decision with the help of robots.
A self-healing composite
Swiss researchers have developed a material that can easily heal after being damaged.
Solar panels deliver record-breaking efficiency
The solar panels developed by Swiss startup Insolight boast an impressive 29% yield – a record for the retail market.
Determining how safe buildings are after an earthquake
Swiss scientists have developed a method for evaluating building safety after an earthquake, helping residents return to their homes more quickly.
How to create more energy-efficient cruise ships
A Swiss researcher has developed a system based on fuel cells to reduce the carbon footprint and energy consumption of cruise ships.
Recreating the walk of a 300-million-year-old animal
A study of animal biomechanics using robots can help researchers better understand how vertebrate locomotion evolved over time.
Tumors backfire on chemotherapy
Swiss researchers have discovered that chemotherapy-treated mammary tumors produce small vesicles that may help them spread to other organs.
2018
New foldable drone flies through narrow holes in rescue missions
A Swiss research team has developed a new drone that can retract its propeller arms in flight and make itself small to fit through narrow gaps and holes.
Connected urban planners can better serve city residents
By comparing the cities of Geneva and Singapore, a Swiss study thesis found that urban planners can reap multiple benefits by better leveraging digital technology.
Science is keeping pace with marathoners
Thanks to sensors attached to their shoes, long-distance runners can harness the power of algorithms to analyze their stride.
Breakthrough neurotechnology for treating paralysis
Three patients with chronic paraplegia were able to walk over ground thanks to precise electrical stimulation of their spinal cords via a wireless implant.
Calculating Switzerland’s energy carbon footprint more accurately
Swiss researchers have developed a method for calculating the carbon footprint of energy used in Switzerland on an hourly basis rather than as a yearly average.
Ultra-light gloves let users “touch” virtual objects
Swiss scientists have developed an ultra-light glove – weighing less than 8 grams per finger– that enables users to feel and manipulate virtual objects.
The gene code of growing limbs
A “code” of architect genes expressed itself in specific combinations during the development of hands and fingers.
Two spin-offs among Switzerland’s top three most promising start-ups
EPFL spin-offs Bestmile and Lunaphore took home second and third place in this year’s ranking of Switzerland’s 100 most promising startups.
Blurring the lines between virtual and reality
A Swiss student has developed a virtual reality game that can be used in any environment.
Amputees feel as though their prosthetic limb belongs to their body
In an approach that combines virtual reality and artificial tactile sensations, two amputees feel as though their prosthetic hand belongs to their own body.
An underwater tunnel connecting Geneva and Lausanne
A civil engineering Master’s student has looked into the possibility of building an underwater high-speed train route through Lake Geneva.
An insect-inspired drone deforms upon impact
Inspired by insect wings, a new type of drones draws on the advantages of both stiff and flexible structures.
Artificial intelligence helps design an ultra-aerodynamic bike
Thanks to a software developed by an EPFL spin-off, bicycle engineers can quickly calculate the most aerodynamic shape for a bike.
EPFL uses blockchain technology to secure e-voting systems
An e-voting system based on blockchain technology has just been tested. The system serves as a digital guarantee, ensuring that competing sides have faith in the voting process.
Striking the right balance between wind energy and biodiversity
EPFL researchers have developed a simulator that can calculate the performance of wind farms over 30 years.
A nanotech sensor turns molecular fingerprints into bar codes
A new system can detect and analyze molecules with very high precision and without needing bulky equipment. It opens the door to large-scale, image-based detection of materials aided by artificial intelligence.
Humans and machines together to win
People using brain-computer interface are more efficient when both human and machine are allowed to learn. Two tetraplegic users obtained the best performances at the international Cybathlon BCI.
A fold-up joystick for portable devices
The joystick by Foldaway Haptics brings the touchability to mobile devices, drones and to virtual reality controls.
Meteorite diamonds tell of a lost planet
A slice from a meteorite containing large diamonds comes frome a planetary embryo of a size between Mercury to Mars.