A study published in Immunity found that the gut bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum produces excessive lactic acid when its receptor protein PGRP-SD is disrupted, leading to oxidative stress and accelerated aging. Increasing PGRP-SD levels prevents this effect and extends lifespan.
Researchers at EPFL have successfully converted molecular nitrogen into ammonia using mild low-energy conditions. The development of a uranium-oxo bridge allows for easy cleavage of the bound dinitrogen complex to produce cyanamide, a widely used compound in agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
Scientists at EPFL have found that half of luminal epithelial breast cells express estrogen receptor at low levels, affecting cell function and cancer development. The estrogen receptor plays a biphasic role in breast cell growth and inhibition during pregnancy.
A new MOF-based photocatalytic system has been developed to simultaneously produce hydrogen and degrade organic pollutants in water. The system utilizes nickel phosphide and demonstrates efficient photocatalysis under visible light.
A new rehabilitation protocol combining targeted electrical stimulation and weight-assisted therapy enables paraplegics to walk again, even without stimulation. All three study participants regained voluntary control of leg muscles after just one week and maintained improvements for five months.
Researchers developed a machine-learning program that can predict atomic responses to magnetic fields in record time, combining with NMR spectroscopy to identify complex compound structures. This breakthrough accelerates drug discovery and makes larger molecules accessible.
Scientists have discovered a way to increase NAD+ levels in the kidney and liver by blocking an enzyme, ACMSD, which limits its production. This breakthrough has shown promise for treating liver and kidney diseases, with enhanced mitochondrial function and improved health outcomes.
The EPFL-developed nerve-on-a-chip platform enables rapid recording of hundreds of nerve responses with a high signal-to-noise ratio. The platform can also record individual nerve cell activity, enabling the development of more effective neuroprosthetics for treating chronic pain and regenerating peripheral nerves.
Scientists developed a new method to record limb control neural circuits in fruit flies using two-photon microscopy. The study found different patterns of activity across neurons during movement and behavior, including walking and grooming.
A new ultra-light haptic glove enables users to interact with virtual objects in a highly realistic way, generating forces of up to 40 Newtons. The device has potential applications in gaming, healthcare and augmented reality.
Researchers at EPFL have successfully controlled a chemical reaction just above absolute zero by manipulating atomic orientation and energies. The study has significant implications for understanding fundamental chemistry models.
EPFL scientist Claudio Grimaldi has developed a statistical model to calculate the probability of detecting extraterrestrial signals, increasing the chances of finding intelligent life. The model employs Bayes' theorem to interpret success and failure rates at varying distances from Earth.
Researchers developed a simpler method to generate multiple frequency combs using small devices called optical microresonators. The technology generates up to three frequency combs simultaneously, reducing the need for complex synchronization electronics and enabling faster acquisition times.
Scientists developed a new method to analyze and reconstruct super-resolution images into a 3D volume with multiple colors. This technique enables the observation of complex molecular structures in cells, resolving protein complexes previously invisible.
A new chemical method developed by Jeremy Luterbacher's lab at EPFL stabilizes simple sugars, preventing degradation and increasing yield. This breakthrough could accelerate the emergence of renewable consumer products.
Researchers identified six main combinations of five Hoxd genes involved in digit development in mice, providing a higher resolution and clarity in understanding how architect genes orchestrate the rhythm of development. This study offers a new perspective on limb patterning motifs and could pave the way for future genetic work.
Researchers have discovered a three-pronged recipe to regenerate severed nerve fibers across complete spinal cord injuries, replicating conditions that promote growth during development. The treatment involves delivering growth factors and proteins to reanimate the genetic program for axon growth and create a permissive environment.
The project aims to build accurate digital reconstructions and simulations of the rodent brain. The latest version of RTNeuron provides real-time rendering capabilities for visualizing neurons, synapses, and simulation data.
The Vibrio cholerae bacterium has evolved skills to survive in aquatic environments by 'hitchhiking' on predatory amoebas and establishing a replication niche within their osmoregulatory organelle. This adaptation may have contributed to the emergence of V. cholerae as a major human pathogen.
Researchers developed a software program that uses an avatar to predict energy expenditure during walking, considering parameters like stride length and foot lift. The tool has potential applications in designing custom exoskeletons and prosthetics to reduce user effort and optimize calorie burn.
Researchers developed a new method to distinguish changes in protein synthesis from degradation in single living cells. They found that protein synthesis and degradation rates change significantly during the cell cycle, with nearly half of proteins stopping to be degraded during mitosis.
A large behavioral study shows a correlation between higher social dominance and faster decision-making in non-competitive situations. EEG measurements also reveal distinct neural signals for promptness in high-dominance men compared to low-dominance individuals.
Researchers at EPFL developed a computational method to grow 2D carbon surfaces inside zeolite pores. The resulting structures resemble negatively curved surfaces called Schwarzites, which have unique properties and potential applications in supercapacitors, catalysis, and gas storage.
Amputees can be tricked into feeling their prosthetic limb belongs to their own body by combining visual and tactile sensations. The study used virtual reality goggles and artificial tactile sensations to induce embodiment, reducing phantom limb issues.
Scientists discovered a link between polysialic acid and aggressive behavior in mice with psychiatric disorders. The absence of the enzyme ST8SIA2 reduced fear processing and anxiety, leading to abnormal aggression.
Researchers from EPFL and ENS Paris have discovered that highly pressurized water in the vicinity of an earthquake can reduce its intensity. This finding contradicts previous theories and highlights the importance of considering fluid pressure in geothermal models to accurately predict earthquake behavior.
Research reveals that genetic factors and age are the strongest predictors of humoral immune responses to common pathogens and vaccines. The study also found that older individuals and women exhibit stronger antibody responses against most antigens.
A young researcher at EPFL and SLF created a highly accurate digital simulation of an avalanche, offering insight into its complex mechanics. The simulation takes into account the snow's behavior as both a solid and fluid, allowing for more effective risk management in the mountains.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a new method to identify the material surrounding an optical fiber by generating a sound wave within the fiber. This technique allows for non-invasive detection of changes in temperature and pressure, with potential applications in structures such as bridges and gas pipelines.
A team of EPFL researchers has created a new type of transistor using excitons, enabling effective operation at room temperature. The breakthrough uses two 2D materials to manipulate exciton lifespans and control their movement, paving the way for optoelectronic devices with reduced energy consumption and increased efficiency.
Researchers have developed a hybrid origami drone that can switch between stiff and flexible structures depending on the situation. The drone's unique structure allows it to absorb shock upon impact, reducing damage and increasing safety.
Researchers at EPFL designed a new method of drone piloting using only torso movements, which was found to be more immersive and effective than traditional joystick control. The study, published in PNAS, reveals that only four markers on the torso are needed to pilot drones through obstacles effectively.
Researchers have developed a theory to create electron flashes within zeptosecond timeframes, potentially increasing nuclear reaction energy yield. This breakthrough could advance fields like spectroscopy and quantum information processing.
EPFL researchers use Scanning Tunneling Microscopy to demonstrate the stability of a holmium single-atom magnet in extreme conditions. They achieve record-breaking coercivity and show that these atoms can withstand high temperatures without demagnetizing.
Scientists have identified two small-molecule compounds that specifically target the STING protein, which plays a key role in triggering an immune response. These compounds effectively blocked STING-mediated cellular activation and demonstrated therapeutic potential in mouse models of autoinflammatory disease.
Scientists at EPFL have developed a system that allows sound waves to travel across opaque materials without distortion. The tiny speakers can be controlled to amplify or attenuate the sound waves, offsetting the diffusion caused by obstacles and reproducing the original sound exactly on the other side. This technology has potential ap...
Scientists have successfully transferred vibrational coherence between electronic states of a molecule, overcoming a major hurdle in the study of ultrafast chemical reactions. The research builds upon earlier studies and demonstrates the importance of solvents in driving energy flow in polyatomic molecules.
Researchers at EPFL Sion found that adding specific functional groups, known as chemical caryatids, can enhance the mechanical stability of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). This is crucial for MOF applications in carbon capture and water filtering.
Researchers used single-cell transcriptomics to characterize stromal cells in fat tissue and discovered a subpopulation called Aregs that suppresses adipogenesis. These findings provide potential new avenues for treating metabolic diseases like type-2 diabetes.
Researchers have developed a dual-therapy approach that combines brain-computer interface and functional electrical stimulation to boost motor recovery in stroke victims. The study found significant improvements in arm mobility among patients who received the treatment, with some scores exceeding twice those of control group patients.
A recent study found that palm oil plantations release more carbon than previously thought, with a loss of 174 tons per hectare, compared to 159 and 116 tons for intensive and extensive rubber farming. The soil also loses fertility, requiring fertilizers to maintain productivity.
Researchers at EPFL demonstrated electric field control of spin in germanium telluride and multiferroic semiconductors using SARPES technique. This breakthrough enables programmable semiconductor-based spintronics with reduced energy consumption.
Scientists have developed a powerful method to create synthetic orthogonal receptor-ligand pairs that bind with high selectivity, triggering intended functions without interfering with natural activities. This design approach can be used to reprogram cellular functions in cell-engineering applications.
Researchers discovered that rewriting long-term traumatic memories involves the activity of specific neurons in the brain's dentate gyrus. This finding supports the use of exposure-based therapy as a effective treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.
Researchers identified plasma lipid species as signatures of healthy or unhealthy metabolic states, including fatty liver disease. They also pinpointed genetic regulators of lipid species and their physiological functions using systems genetics approaches.
Researchers have successfully detected conical intersections in polyatomic molecules, a crucial step towards understanding energy flow in large molecules. The breakthrough uses ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy and offers new insights into the behavior of critical biological processes.
Research teams have developed an economically competitive solution to create solar cells that combine the benefits of silicon and perovskite materials. The new technology achieves a record efficiency of 25.2% while maintaining compatibility with existing industrial expertise.
Researchers have developed a compact and sensitive nanophotonic system that can identify molecules without conventional spectrometry. The system uses metapixels to generate a unique bar code for each molecule, enabling massive analysis and classification using artificial neural networks.
Researchers create method to detect individual phonons, enabling study of phonon decay and its implications for quantum technologies. The technique uses ultra-short laser pulses to excite and probe phonons in diamond crystals.
Researchers developed a mid-infrared biosensor that distinguishes multiple biomolecules in heterogeneous biological samples without labeling. The sensor can resolve protein-lipid interactions and monitor dynamics of vesicular cargo release, inaccessible to standard label-free techniques.