Researchers at EPFL's Emerging Complexity in Physical Systems Laboratory identified the mechanism behind a phenomenon where chaotic turbulence transitions to perfectly parallel patterns. Their findings could help better control flows and understand turbulent-laminar interactions.
Using light to optimize osmosis for electricity generation at estuaries has shown promise. The system produces twice as much power in the dark as it does with light, offering a potential solution to weather-dependent renewable energy sources.
Researchers at EPFL have successfully synthesized a manganese-hydrogenase by incorporating a manganese complex into an iron-hydrogenase. The resulting semi-synthetic enzyme is active for the native reaction of iron-hydrogenase, marking a significant breakthrough in metalloenzyme design.
Researchers have developed a new technique called BiGluc, which enables the visualization of glucose metabolism in real-time in cancerous tumors. This non-invasive imaging method could lead to more effective cancer treatments by identifying the metabolic requirements of different tumors.
Scientists have improved gas separation in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by making the lattice structure rigid through a novel heat treatment method. This results in enhanced carbon capture performance, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The insular cortex sends warnings to brain areas involved in threat learning, enabling animals and humans to avoid future harm. This process is crucial for survival and involves the encoding of pain in the brain.
Scientists at EPFL demonstrate for the first time that it is possible to use light to dynamically twist an individual electron's wave function. This enables the creation of an ultrafast vortex electron beam that can be used to encode and manipulate quantum information, as well as control magnetic materials.
Researchers found that activin B and ALK7 expressed by cancer cells form a barrier that prevents tumor formation and metastasis. The 'barrier' triggers apoptosis in cancer cells, but can be evaded by downregulating activin B or ALK7.
Researchers from EPFL developed a new holographic technique that can encode quantum information in a nanostructure, enabling high-resolution imaging of electromagnetic fields and manipulating the quantum properties of free electrons. This breakthrough has significant implications for quantum computing applications.
Researchers at EPFL's LRESE have developed an enhanced photo-electrochemical system that can efficiently produce hydrogen using concentrated solar irradiation. The device has achieved a 17% conversion rate and is stable, with the ability to handle stochastic dynamics of daily solar irradiation.
A study by EPFL researchers found that the KRAB domain-containing zinc finger protein Zfp30 initially repressed a retrotransposon, but later evolved to activate genes involved in fat-cell formation instead, surprising scientists
Researchers found that KZFP proteins domesticate regulatory sequences in transposable elements, minimizing their impact on early embryonic development. This process allows for the incorporation of transposable element-based controlling sequences into transcriptional networks.
BRB-seq, a novel approach to RNA sequencing, preserves strand-specificity and detects the same number of genes as gold standard methods. The technique is 25 times less expensive than commercial RNA sequencing technologies, enabling bulk RNA sequencing of large sets of samples.
Researchers have developed a novel method to functionalize peptides using light-activated catalysis, allowing for the creation of new therapeutic agents. The method enables selective modification of the C-terminal position in peptides, opening up new possibilities for drug development.
Scientists have synthesized a new MOF that mimics DNA's hydrogen-bonding interactions between adenine and thymine. The MOF successfully traps thymine molecules, allowing researchers to catalyze a chemical reaction and isolate di-thymine, related to skin cancer.
Researchers from EPFL have solved the puzzle of negative capacitance in perovskite solar cells by identifying a slow modification of current passing through contact, regulated by mobile ionic charge. This discovery sheds light on interaction between photovoltaic effect and ionic conductivity.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a new compact laser source that can detect greenhouse gases and molecules in a person's breath. The system uses a fiber laser combined with a micrometer waveguide chip to generate light waves in the mid-infrared spectrum, retaining 30% of the original signal strength.
Researchers developed a behavior recognition model using biomechanical principles to accurately determine an animal's activity, such as resting or searching for food. The model uses wearable accelerometer signals to provide detailed information about specific behaviors, which can inform conservation efforts.
Researchers developed an ultra-thin optical chip that detects biomolecules in a sample and determines their location using metasurfaces. The technology uses image analysis to count biomolecules one by one and identify trends, demonstrating its potential for personalized medicine.
Researchers developed BridgIT, a tool that annotates proteins for 93% of enzymatic reactions, filling gaps in metabolic networks. The tool correctly predicts enzymes for 211 out of 234 non-orphan reactions and 334 out of 379 hypothetical reactions.
Researchers at EPFL's LBNC have developed a quantitative, replicable method for studying gene expression using a cell-free system in combination with high-throughput microfluidic devices. This approach allows them to build synthetic biological logic gates that can be used to modify cellular functions and introduce new therapeutic purpo...
The Blue Brain Project has developed an algorithm to objectively classify the shapes of neurons in the brain, enabling the creation of a standardized taxonomy of all brain cells. This breakthrough resolves a century-old neuroscience problem and provides a reliable comparative method for researchers.
Physicists have created a quantum simulator that mimics the behavior of magnets at very low temperatures using photons instead of magnetic dipoles. This breakthrough enables researchers to study complex quantum phenomena without requiring expensive experimental setups.
A new study by Chiara Cornelio finds that fluid viscosity directly impacts an earthquake's force. Laboratory tests and simulations show a clear correlation between fluid viscosity and earthquake intensity.
EPFL researchers found that gas exchange velocity in mountain streams is on average 100 times higher than predicted using lowland stream data. This discovery has major implications for biogeochemical models and highlights the importance of accurate modeling of alpine ecosystems.
Scientists developed Virtual Frame Technique (VFT) to generate thousands of images of fast phenomena, using conventional photos from any device. VFT performs better than high-speed cameras and has been used for various applications, including droplet impacts and fracture mechanics.
Researchers at EPFL's LSMS digitally simulated how surface roughness changes over time, capturing the entire process from initial geometry to final fractal geometry. Their findings suggest that wear debris is present for surfaces to develop self-affine roughness and could lead to significant reductions in energy consumption and costs.
A team of scientists has found that an analogue of vitamin B3, nicotinamide riboside, can increase the activity of hematopoietic stem cells and boost their ability to produce new blood cells. This breakthrough has significant implications for stem-cell therapy patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Scientists from EPFL used directed evolution to modify DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes, creating nanoparticles that emit stronger optical signals. After only two cycles of evolution, they achieved a 56% increase in signal strength.
Scientists have discovered a new iron-nickel catalyst that surpasses the performance of existing nickel-iron oxide catalysts in oxygen evolution reactions. The unconventional catalyst produces an efficient electrolyzer with reduced voltage requirements.
Scientists have developed a microscopy method that directly observes bacterial filaments, revealing a new mechanism by which bacteria interact with surfaces. The study shows that type IV pili movements are coordinated through sequential control of pilus extension and retraction, enabling efficient movement across surfaces.
Researchers create experimental device to subject bioengineered heart tissue to dynamic strain cycles and measure electrophysiological response. Contrary to previous studies, they found that rapid strains do not disrupt electrical impulses, suggesting alternative explanations for deadly blows to the chest.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a new method to grow nanowires in a highly controlled and reproducible manner. By altering the diameter-to-height ratio of the hole, they can perfectly control how the nanowires grow, enabling applications such as laser generation on silicon chips.
Researchers have developed a prosthetic that restores the sense of where your hand is, allowing amputees to feel tactile sensations and proprioception in real time. The new device uses intraneural stimulation to deliver simultaneous position and tactile feedback, resulting in improved function and prosthesis embodiment.
Researchers at EPFL developed a photoelectrocatalytic arene C-H amination method, producing pharmaceutical molecules like metaxalone and benzethonium chloride. Hematite semiconductor is used as a catalyst under visible light, offering a low-cost and energy-efficient alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers developed the smallest optical frequency comb source, achieving integrated soliton microcomb with ultra-low losses and fast optical feedback. The compact device operates at 88 GHz repetition rate and offers potential for mass-manufacturable applications in LIDAR and data-centers.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a method to create dielectric glass metasurfaces in just a few minutes, using dewetting to produce flexible and ultra-thin photonic circuits. This breakthrough enables the creation of highly sensitive sensors and flexible optics for various applications.
A new device can accurately measure fluoride concentrations in water using a novel material that changes color when exposed to fluoride ions. This simple, on-site testing method is cheaper and more accessible than current methods, enabling virtually anyone to monitor fluoride levels in drinking water.
Researchers have developed micromachines that can mechanically stimulate cells and microtissues, potentially preventing diseases. These gummy-like robots use cell-sized artificial muscles powered by laser beams to carry out complex tasks.
Researchers at EPFL discovered that different TFs vary greatly in their ability to scan the genome, with some being highly efficient while others are less effective. The study found that TFs that associate with mitotic chromosomes are more efficient in finding specific binding sites and regulating gene expression.
Researchers discovered that EZH2 mutations disrupt chromatin organization, leading to increased tumor growth and altered gene expression. Inhibiting mutated EZH2 restores normal gene regulation, highlighting its therapeutic potential for cancer treatment.
Scientists have discovered how COQ9 binds to aromatic isoprene lipids, accessing membranes through an amphipathic helix. This finding presents new insights into the production of CoQ and may inform strategies to treat lipid deficiency disorders.
Researchers have created biocompatible microrobots inspired by bacteria that can swim through fluids and modify their shape as needed. These devices use embodied intelligence to navigate complex systems without compromising speed or maneuverability.
Researchers identified a link between the RNA-binding protein PUM2 and age-related decline in cellular function. Targeting PUM2 restored mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy, leading to improved mitochondrial function and increased lifespan.
Scientists have created a system to probe biomolecules' chiral properties in real-time, providing insights into their biological function. The setup allows for the detection of enantiomers at picosecond resolution, overcoming previous limitations.
Researchers from EPFL's Laboratory of Nanoscale Electronics and Structures have found a way to control some of the properties of excitons, changing their polarization and generating light. This discovery can lead to a new generation of electronic devices with reduced energy loss and heat dissipation.
Researchers found that chemotherapy can induce tumors to release exosomes containing a protein that stimulates immune cells to attract cancerous cells, leading to metastasis. Neutralizing this protein or blocking immune cells may improve the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Scientists have developed a method to monitor changes in membrane potential and observe ion fluxes by studying the behavior of water molecules surrounding neuronal membranes. This breakthrough could provide insight into neural activity, enabling scientists to track neurons without using electrodes or fluorophores.
The EPFL study found that La Buvette combines several of Prouvé's innovations, including steel 'crutches', an unorthodox material combination, and innovative roof design. The researchers suggest renovating the site into a seasonal exhibition space with a focus on its water element.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a biocompatible hydrogel that naturally adheres to cartilage and the meniscus, eliminating the need for special membranes and sutures. The composite double-network hydrogel has shown superior adhesive properties and is poised to revolutionize treatment for soft tissue injuries.