A selection of exciting research from our partners

Swiss researchers used X-ray scanning technology to unlock the mysteries of an extremely rare chainmail shirt dating from Roman times.

Small underwater drone to help fishermen

A Danish researcher contributes to the development of a small new autonomous underwater vehicle which is to help fishermen identify shoals of fish.

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.

Melanin as a new diagnosis and treatment tool for tumors

German scientists created melanin-loaded cell membrane derived nanoparticles, which improved tumor imaging in an animal model while also slowing the growth of the tumor.

Smarter drug release thanks to control over encapsulation

Dutch researchers have discovered the parameters that govern the encapsulation of drugs.

Copenhagen’s biowaste may become steaks

A new project will develop technology for extracting protein from organic waste, which can be used as a protein supplement for humans or in animal feed.

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.

Hearing like a dinosaur

Alligators use neural maps to localize the source of a sound the same way birds do. A new study suggests that dinosaurs also used this strategy.

How digitalization drives new water technologies

Research, innovation, education and entrepreneurship contributes to the development of new technologies in the water sector according to a new report.

New method makes the experience of sleeplessness more visible

A Dutch study shows that it is the period after falling asleep that determines whether or not people experience sleep.

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.

Organic farming has lower yield stability

A team of researchers has investigated how organic and conventional agriculture differ in terms of yield stability over several years.

Sustainable beer made from surplus sushi rice

Research from Denmark allows excess rice intended for use in sushi to be converted into beer.

New quantum sensor to improve cancer treatment

A new technology promises significant advancements in long-range 3D imaging and monitoring the success of cancer treatments.

A self-healing composite

Swiss researchers have developed a material that can easily heal after being damaged.

How power-to-gas technology can be green and profitable

Flexible production facilities could make hydrogen production based on wind power a key component in the transition of the energy system.

Cars to report on road condition

Leveraging modern car technology to continuously collect road data may help produce real-time digital images of road maintenance needs.

Data as material for product design

Data often find their way in the evaluation of new products, once the design process has been concluded.

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.

New record data transfer speed in fiber optic network

For the first time ever, data has been transmitted through a fiber optic network at a speed of 500 gigabits per second over a single wavelength channel.

How climate change is impacting the ocean’s ability to fix carbon dioxide

Climate change is influencing the distribution of zooplankton in the sea, thereby affecting the contribution made by plankton to removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Targeting epilepsy with electrodes on the head

Dutch researchers have developed a method to stimulate the brain using electrodes that are placed on the head rather than inside it.

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 rapeseed could be used as a protein source for human nutrition

A German team of researchers develops rapeseed for the human protein supply.

Greenland ice melt accelerating dramatically

A new study shows that the melt process reacts surprisingly quickly to changes in the atmosphere and the waters around Greenland.

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.

Communication between cells

German scientists have for the first time created artificial cell assemblies that can communicate with each other.

Violent stellar explosion provides new knowledge about the universe

Danish researchers have helped identify a phenomenon rarely observed, originating from a giant stellar explosion far out in the universe.

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.

Communication training with artificial intelligence

German scientists have developed an online training tool that uses artificial intelligence to evaluate users’ speaking skills and personal characteristics.

Metal power: iron powder as an alternative to coal

A Dutch project develops a system for energy storage via metal.

Dental implants soon to be completely white

New technology will soon make the surface of titanium used for dental implants completely white.

Tumors backfire on chemotherapy

Swiss researchers have discovered that chemotherapy-treated mammary tumors produce small vesicles that may help them spread to other organs.

Electric heating could save CO2 emissions

A German study proposes a way to even out the peaks and troughs of renewable energy production: Surplus output could be used for heating and cooling purposes.

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.

A new type of biomedical innovation program

The new program from l’X will help develop collaborations between researchers and doctors, with a view to improving future healthcare services.

236 million for promising integrated photonics technology

The Dutch state, a number of provinces and regions, companies and knowledge institutions are together investing in accelerating the development of integrated photonics.

New tool ensures sustainable water supply for refugee camps

Danish researchers have created a new tool that can be useful when making decisions on sustainable water supply in refugee camps.

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.

TUM satellite launched into space

German students have developed a fully functional mini-satellite. A Falcon 9 rocket launched in California carried the satellite into orbit, where it will among other things collect research data.

“Lego”-box for water locks simplifies large renovation

A new algorithm from the Netherlands allows the creation of lego-like modules for lock construction.

Inexpensive technology for conducting measurements in water

New technology is significantly reducing the cost of measuring temperature, currents and pressure in waters near the coast, for example in fish farms or small harbours.

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.

L’X sets up chair with Arkema to invent the materials of the future

École Polytechnique and Arkema have joined forces to create an international education and research chair for innovative materials.

Radical changes through virtual reality

A study by German economists shows that drastic disruption lies ahead for seven different sectors, impacting existing products, business models and production processes.

Olive oil and fungus protect wood from wood rot

Black fungi colors the wood and protects it from wood rot and degradation by sunlight.

Quality of recycled plastic too poor

Efforts on multiple fronts are required if we are to increase the quality in the future so more of our plastic waste can be reused.

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.

Comprehensive assessment of the Sun’s fusion processes

Researchers have published the hitherto most comprehensive analysis of neutrinos from the Sun’s core processes.

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.

New epilepsy warning device could save thousands of lives

A new high-tech bracelet developed by scientists from the Netherlands detects 85 percent of all severe night-time epilepsy seizures.

Scientists develop new quantum circuit

Researchers have demonstrated for the first time that quantum computers do indeed offer advantages over conventional computers.

Robot tracks environmental DNA from fish on seabed

Researchers from DTU Aqua are currently testing the world’s first underwater eDNA laboratory.

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.

Oil spills could harm the Arctic more than expected

Plankton are affected by concentrations of oil pollution much lower than previously assumed.

“eRay” – the new aircraft that uses less fuel

With a new aircraft design, students from Munich managed to radically reduce energy consumption.

Glow-in-the-dark paper as a rapid test for infectious diseases

Dutch researchers have developed a practicable and reliable way to test for infectious diseases.

Gérard Mourou, 2018 Nobel Prize Winner in Physics

He shares this award with Donna Strickland for developing a method for generating high-intensity, ultra-short optical pulses.

The gene code of growing limbs

A “code” of architect genes expressed itself in specific combinations during the development of hands and fingers.

More careful use of antibiotics thanks to biosensor

Biosensors can help to reduce the incorrect use of antibiotics by establishing the appropriate dosage for each patient.

Long wind turbine blades require new composite materials

In the future wind turbine blades are going to be up to 107 meters long. Wind turbine blades of this size require new composite materials.

What even Einstein didn’t know

A team of researchers determines absolute duration of photoelectric effect for the first time.

L’X and the Institut Pasteur form a joint bioengineering research team

École Polytechnique and the Institut Pasteur have set up a shared team for the research of physical microfluidics and bioengineering.

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.

Industrial processes to be electrified

An ambitious research project wants to find electric solutions to replace heat treatment in for instance the food industry and in laundries.

A thinner bridge with enormous strength

The first railroad bridge in Germany made of ultra-high performance concrete has gone into operation on Bavaria’s Tegernsee-Bahn railroad route.

Random fraction of specialized immune cells leads the charge in battling invaders

Researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology and Radboud University Nijmegen have developed a groundbreaking, high-throughput lab device to speed up the research.

Food activates brown fat

German researchers were able to demonstrate that food also increases the thermogenesis of brown fat, and not just cold as previously assumed.

Unborn children better protected against endocrine disruptors

Danish researchers have helped improve on international testing of chemicals to enable better detection of endocrine disrupting substances.

Blurring the lines between virtual and reality

A Swiss student has developed a virtual reality game that can be used in any environment.

The first “unicorn” from TUM

Celonis has taken its place among the “unicorns”, as the world’s most successful start-ups are known.

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.

World’s most circular car is made of flax and sugar

A Dutch team has developed an ultra-light, electrically-powered car prototype based on flax fiber and sugar.

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.

Pungent tasting substance in ginger reduces bad breath

A German research team has investigated the effects of food components on the molecules dissolved in saliva.

Antennas for extremely fast wireless internet

A Dutch start-up aims to commercialize new wireless technology to enable extremely fast 5G and 6G.

Growing hemp and mushroom surfboards

Three students are using hemp and mushroom roots to grow the world’s first fully biodegradable surfboard in a mould.

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.

Allergy potential of strawberries and tomatoes depends on the variety

Many people are allergic to strawberries and tomatoes, especially if they have been diagnosed with birch pollen allergy.

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.

Data correlation helps recognize pickpockets

In the fight against mobile banditry, the police, together with Eindhoven University of Technology, are going to do a trial with data correlation.

BaTIO3 – a wonder material decoded

A Danish-developed X-ray microscope reveals novel dynamics in the material barium titanate, which is used in phones, cars, and computers.

CEOs change course when they resemble their predecessors

The greater the similarity of newly appointed CEOs to their predecessors, the more likely they are to change the company’s strategy.

Wood chips as a new sound-absorbent material

The laminated wood from the manufacturer used as acoustic panel. What to do with 9,000 tonnes of wood chips, which is a by-product of a large-scale production of glued laminated wood for furniture, windows, staircases, etc.?

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.

TU/e launches Center for Quantum Materials and Technology

Everything indicates that technology based on ‘quantum’ will change society radically in the near future, for example via ultra-fast computers, a ‘quantum internet’ or by developing new medicines much more quickly.

AI method increases the power of artificial neural networks

A new method could make it possible in one to two years for supercomputers to utilize artificial neural networks that quadratically exceed the possibilities of those used today.

Calculator works out the price of sustainable transition

DTU students have developed a sustainability calculator, which they are now working to make freely available on the web.

The transparent soccer player

A sports data scientist has developed a model that can be used to measure how likely a team is to score a goal during a match.

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.

Fish to be counted using rocket science

A new research project will provide better calculation methods for sustainable fishing.

Five 3D-concrete printed houses

The realisation of the first of five planned 3D-printed concrete houses will start this year in the Meerhoven neighbourhood in Eindhoven, being part of a new way of building homes.

Unexpected efficacy against cancers

A new anti-cancer drug may be effective against a wider range of cancers than previously thought.

Microcapsules transport healthy bacteria to the intestines

Smaller than a grain of sugar, containers can lead benign bacteria safely through the gastric acid for release in the mucous membrane of the intestines.

Creation of “Integrated Urban Mobility” with Uber

Uber’s CEO announced a collaboration with École polytechnique to endow the Chair “Integrated Urban Mobility”.

Metasurfaces will control the colour of your car

Imagine if you could change the colour of your car to match your mood simply by tapping on your phone.

Tipo: the braille keypad for smartphone

A student at TU/e is developing a special braille keyboard named ‘Tipo’, designed to help blind and visually impaired people.

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.

Mixed forests: ecologically and economically superior

Mixed forests are more productive than monocultures. This is true on all five continents, and particularly in regions with high precipitation.

Center for Quantum Engineering

Creation of a new central institute at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) that will link this focus with the engineering sciences and aims to transfer quantum systems into real-world applications more quickly.

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.

Accuracy of robots for skull surgery

Drilling out a hole in the skull base has to be done with great precision and often takes many hours. Researchers have developed a surgery robot to take over the task.

Collaboration with Google to push for AI research

École Polytechnique and Google France announce the creation of an International Academic and Research Chair in the field of artificial intelligence, to make Franfce a global leader.

For a better prediction of solar eruptions