Empa

Growing cells in the laboratory is an art that humans have mastered decades ago. Recreating entire three-dimensional tissues is much more challenging. Empa researchers are developing a new hydrogel-based material that makes it possible to engineer artificial skin tissues, which can serve as living three-dimensional models of human skin for better understanding and treating skin diseases.

At the end of March, a new type of water pumping system was put into operation in Steffisburg. It ensures that a tributary of the Zulg river continues to be supplied with water despite improved flood protection. This is the second project of this kind in which Empa has been involved – a self-powered water wheel based on historical models.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause life-threatening infections that are almost impossible to treat with existing medication. As a result, common illnesses such as urinary tract infections or skin wounds are becoming a health risk. Empa researchers are therefore working on sensors that quickly identify resistant germs and recommend efficient treatment.

Turning carbon dioxide into valuable substances: That is the goal of Empa researcher Carlota Bozal-Ginesta. In her research project, she wants to combine machine learning and high-throughput experiments to develop better electrodes for CO₂ electrolysis. For this, she has now been awarded the two-year Empa Young Scientist Fellowship.

In order to guarantee the security of supply of our future energy system, we need not only an expansion of renewable energies, but also sophisticated control mechanisms that efficiently manage production, distribution and consumption. Empa researchers have therefore developed a predictive control algorithm that optimizes energy management at building level but without compromising user comfort.

Empa researchers from the nanotech@surfaces laboratory have experimentally recreated another fundamental theoretical model from quantum physics, which goes back to the Nobel Prize laureate Werner Heisenberg. The basis for the successful experiment was a kind of “quantum Lego” made of tiny carbon molecules known as nanographenes. This synthetic bottom-up approach enables versatile experimental research into quantum technologies, which could one day help drive breakthroughs in the field.