Research
From cell partitions to dams: These barriers are being investigated by ETH researchers
Research
ETH Zurich
Research areas at ETH Zurich span barriers in a wide variety of fields, including cell biology, drug delivery and spatial planning. Below, we look at examples from six different disciplines.
“The way that our cities, houses and flats are built right now makes us feel dependent”
Research
ETH Zurich
For many people, architectural norms create barriers to accessibility. How might we re-imagine our built environment to make it more inclusive?
How Ukraine can rebuild its energy system
Research
ETH Zurich
Researchers at ETH Zurich have been working with researchers from Ukraine and Germany to investigate how to rebuild Ukraine’s destroyed energy infrastructure based on renewable energy. They have determined that solar and wind energy would quickly deliver a distributed power supply system and prevent corruption.
Large Language Models feel the direction of time
Research
EPFL
Researchers have found that AI large language models, like GPT-4, are better at predicting what comes next than what came before in a sentence. This “Arrow of Time” effect could reshape our understanding of the structure of natural language, and the way these models understand it.
Housing could improve our well-being and reach net-zero by 2040
Research
EPFL
EPFL scientist Sascha Nick has outlined a completely new scenario for what housing and neighborhoods might look like in Switzerland in the coming decades. His recommendations would put the country on track to meet its net-zero target while supporting the well-being of residents and communities. 
New method in the fight against forever chemicals
Research
ETH Zurich
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new way to break down a dangerous subgroup of PFAS known as PFOS. With the help of nanoparticles and ultrasound, piezocatalysis could offer an effective alternative to existing processes in the future.
Rock boccia on the slope
Research
WSL
SLF researchers are investigating how artificial stones move on rough ground in order to improve hazard indication maps.
Happy research
Research
WSL
The SLF is researching permafrost and snow in Bhutan at an altitude of over 5000 meters and, together with the local population, is developing measures to reduce climate-related risks in the mountains. The Swiss National Science Foundation is funding the Cryo-Spirit project.
Artificial muscles propel a robotic leg to walk and jump
Research
ETH Zurich
Researchers at ETH Zurich and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems have developed a robotic leg with artificial muscles. Inspired by living creatures, it jumps across different terrains in an agile and energy-efficient manner.
An Unparalleled Map of the Brain-Spinal Cord Connection
Research
EPFL
Researchers at EPFL unlock a detailed understanding of brain and spinal cord interactions. The tool paves the way for future research breakthroughs and innovative therapeutic approaches.
One-way street for sound waves
Research
ETH Zurich
Researchers at ETH Zurich have managed to make sound waves travel only in one direction. In the future, this method could also be used in technical applications with electromagnetic waves.
Tracking behaviour to understand the brain
Research
EPFL
Scientist Mackenzie W. Mathis, a professor at EPFL and winner of the Swiss Science Prize Latsis 2024, has developed pioneering artificial intelligence algorithms in behavioural neuroscience.
Flexible tentacle electrodes precisely record brain activity
Research
ETH Zurich
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed ultra-flexible brain probes that accurately record brain activity without causing tissue damage. This opens up new avenues for the treatment of a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. 
Is air conditioning a threat to the power grid?
Research
EPFL
The elevated temperatures this summer prompted many of us to crank up the air conditioning. In Switzerland, the energy used for cooling is approaching that for heating. What does that mean for power grids?
AI tool maps out cell metabolism with precision
Research
EPFL
Scientists at EPFL have developed an AI tool that creates detailed models of cellular metabolism, making it easier to understand how cells function. 
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