Researchers from EPFL have created an optofluidic device that allows them to observe cells in real-time without disrupting their environment. This technology enables the monitoring of chemical secretions and offers a powerful tool for studying individual cell behavior, which can inform new treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at EPFL have developed ultra-sensitive sensors using elastic fibers filled with electrodes, capable of detecting pressure and strain. The fibers can be used in smart clothing, prostheses, and artificial nerves for robots, with potential applications including touch keyboards and compression detection.
Researchers at EPFL have invented a new method to examine protein assembly mechanisms in real time using atomic force microscopy. The technique, which uses pulsed laser light, allows for the observation of dynamic processes that were previously impossible to study.
Scientists have discovered two antioxidant enzymes that work together to prevent telomeric DNA oxidation, leading to telomere shortening and eventual cell death. Disrupting these enzymes in cancer cells has shown promising results in preventing the enzyme telomerase from extending telomeres.
Researchers at EPFL identify a protein, Spaid, produced by the bacterium Spiroplasma poulsonii, which induces male-killing in fruit flies. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon and has significant implications for fields of symbiosis, sex determination, and evolution.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a new peptide format called double-bridged peptides that can bind to any disease target with high affinity and stability. By creating an enormous diversity of peptide architectures, they were able to isolate high-affinity binders to important protein targets, including kallikrein and interleukin-17.
EPFL scientists have joined the Human Cell Atlas initiative, a global project mapping every type of cell in the human body. The team developed an automated single-cell analysis pipeline, enabling non-expert labs to engage in high-level genomic research.
Scientists have engineered an extremely low loss nanostring that vibrates for minutes with a period of a microsecond, allowing them to 'hear' the sound of photons in a laser beam. The researchers hope to use this technology to detect weak light forces and potentially cool mechanical objects to absolute zero.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that macrophages suppress the activity of CD8 T cells, a type of immune cell that recognizes and kills melanoma cells. By disrupting macrophages, researchers found improved efficacy for immunotherapy in experimental models of melanoma.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to track electrical activity in lipid membranes by analyzing the position of surrounding water molecules. This approach reveals unexpected charge fluctuations and complex chemical behavior previously unknown.
Researchers at EPFL discovered that the circadian clock orchestrates gene expression by regulating chromatin structure, affecting protein synthesis and physiological processes. The study found that promoter-enhancer looping oscillates along the 24-hour cycle, controlled by the circadian clock.
Scientists identified a mechanism of resistance to ibrutinib, a current treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and discovered a promising therapeutic target in three enzymes. Blocking these enzymes with masitinib completely ablated the B-cell receptor pro-tumorigenic signals.
Researchers at EPFL have discovered that the brain reroutes task-specific motor commands through alternative pathways originating in the brainstem and projecting to the spinal cord. This rewiring leads to new connections between the brain and spinal cord, enabling rats to regain control over their paralyzed limbs.
Researchers developed a straightforward method to synthesize high-quality, ultrathin metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for efficient propylene-propane separation. The new MOF membranes showed one of the best separation performances recorded to date, reducing energy consumption in petrochemical industries.
Researchers have developed a new method for removing heavy metals like lead and mercury from water using metal organic frameworks (MOFs). The MOF composite can quickly and selectively remove high amounts of toxic materials from real-world water samples, down to levels deemed drinkable by health organizations.
A team from EPFL and NCCR Marvel has identified more than 1,000 materials with a particularly interesting 2D structure, paving the way for groundbreaking technological applications. The researchers developed an algorithm to analyze 100,000 materials, creating a database of promising 2D materials.
Researchers have found that chaperones actively maintain proteins in a non-equilibrium but transiently stable state, even when thermodynamically unstable. This discovery challenges the long-held view that evolution has optimized protein function for thermodynamic stability.
A team of researchers has developed a technique that can perform both 3D super-resolution microscopy and fast 3D phase imaging in a single instrument, enabling high-time resolution visualization of living cells. This new platform, called PRISM, allows for direct visualization and analysis of subcellular structures without labeling.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a new desymmetrization strategy to access chiral building blocks containing urea sub-structures. The method uses a non-chiral cyclopropane precursor and an engineered copper catalyst to selectively form the desired enantiomer.
Scientists at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne have created a method for tracking specific enzymes in cell compartments, helping identify their roles in various cancers. The biosensors reveal compartment-specific distributions of bioactive enzymes, which may aid the development of targeted cancer treatments.
A new method has been developed for synthesizing alkyl amines using photocatalysis alongside copper catalysis, overcoming the challenge of alkyl group synthesis. The approach allows for high selectivity and compatibility with functional groups, and can be carried out at ambient temperatures.
Researchers have discovered a way to harness vanadium dioxide's unique properties for ultra-low-power electronic devices. By adding germanium to the material, they can lift its phase change temperature to over 100°C, enabling new technologies in space communication, neuromorphic computing, and autonomous vehicles.
Scientists successfully detected holes and identified their trapping sites after photoexcitation, revealing that photo-excited holes become trapped in substrate at singly charged oxygen vacancies. The detection opens up new insights for the development of devices and nanodevices based on transition metal oxides.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a systematic understanding of sequential deposition reaction for metal halide perovskite formation. The study used X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and cross-sectional photo-luminescence mapping to investigate the crystallization of lead iodide and perovskite film formation.
Researchers have used novel infrared laser techniques to study methane scattering on a nickel surface with full quantum-state resolution. This breakthrough allows for the observation of vibrational energy redistribution during surface scattering, which can be tested by state-of-the-art quantum theories.
A recent study published in Nature Scientific Reports suggests that containment measures during epidemics can make a society less resilient and more vulnerable to economic and social disruption. By limiting mobility, authorities may create greater risks than they mitigate. The study's findings highlight the need for policymakers to con...
A new computer model developed by EPFL scientist Edgard Gnansounou can quantify the emissions of each product coming out of biorefineries, providing a more accurate assessment of biofuels' environmental impact. This could help policymakers set clear incentives for biorefineries to become economically viable.
A recent study has shed new light on the biology of M. leprae, revealing genes associated with antibiotic resistance and potentially leading to new treatments. The research also suggests that leprosy originated in the Far East, challenging long-held assumptions about its origins.
A novel hand-exoskeleton has been developed to help physically impaired individuals, and researchers have found that brainwave control can be improved with feedback. The device uses EEG headsets to measure brainwaves and provide motor control through a combination of user-driven brain-machine interface and proprioception-based feedback.
Researchers developed artificial receptors called EVIR that enable dendritic cells to capture antigens from the patient's tumor, amplifying the immune response against cancer. The EVIR technology exploits pro-tumoral exosomes as selective nanocarriers of tumor antigens.
The study observes actual chromatin motions using single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy approaches, revealing the internal structure and rapid dynamics of chromatin fibers. The researchers found that nucleosomes form short stacks that quickly fall apart and reform within milliseconds.
A new study suggests that specific bile acids can turn white fat cells into beige fat cells, which burn energy and help maintain body temperature. The discovery provides a potential new therapeutic intervention for obese individuals, bypassing the need for invasive treatments.
Researchers propose a standardized measurement method for perovskite solar cell stability, addressing the lack of comparable data across laboratories and companies. The study investigates environmental factors affecting perovskite degradation, revealing specific behaviors that distort experimental results.
Researchers at EPFL have developed gold nanoparticles that can attract and destroy a range of viruses, including HIV, dengue, and Ebola, by using pressure to deform them. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.
Studies using mouse models of lung cancer found that neutrophils help tumors hide from T cells and promote their own growth through the production of Snail protein. This 'vicious cycle' between neutrophils and tumor cells hinders immunotherapy's effectiveness in up to two-thirds of patients.
Scientists at EPFL Valais Wallis discovered that guanidinium can improve perovskite stability, delivering an average power conversion efficiency of 19.2% and stabilizing performance for 1000 hours under continuous light illumination. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.
Researchers discovered that enhancing mitochondrial defenses can reduce amyloid plaque formation and improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease. The approach targets the mitochondrial unfolded protein response and mitophagy mechanisms to restore cellular energy production and protect against neurodegeneration.
Researchers at EPFL have measured quantum properties of electrons in 2D semiconductors, paving the way for smaller, more efficient chips. The breakthrough could lead to the development of spintronics-based devices that generate less heat.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a method to prevent AI from learning to circumvent human commands, allowing for safe and controlled operation of autonomous systems. By introducing 'forgetting' mechanisms into the learning algorithms, they can ensure that interruptions do not affect the way machines learn.
Researchers have developed a novel omics tool to explore the interaction between genetics, environment, and disease. By integrating large datasets from the BXD mouse population, scientists can identify gene-phenotype associations and make personalized treatment predictions.
Researchers discovered that Tau protein interacts with and disrupts cell membranes, forming toxic complexes that induce neuronal toxicity. The complexes are made up of Tau proteins and phospholipids from the membrane, and can be taken up by neurons more readily than the fibril form of the protein.
Scientists have identified a plant-specific unfolded protein response (UPRmt) that protects mitochondrial proteins from damage, similar to the UPRmt found in animals. This discovery highlights the conserved nature of mitonuclear stress signaling pathways across species.
Researchers at EPFL used virtual reality to reduce phantom pain in paraplegics by creating an illusion of tactile stimulation on the legs. The study, published in Neurology, found that subjects who experienced this illusion reported decreased pain levels.
Researchers analyzed 560 European peat bog samples to study how they respond to different temperatures, precipitation levels, and air pollution. They found that functional redundancy allows the ecosystem to survive despite changing species due to climatic conditions.
Researchers used ultra-high field fMRI to map brain pathways in patients with amputations who underwent TMSR. The study found that the brain's motor and somatosensory maps were preserved, but connections with higher-level embodiment regions were weak. Future prosthetics should implement systematic somatosensory feedback to enable patie...
A study by EPFL and European researchers found that past ocean temperatures may have remained relatively stable over the past 100 million years. This challenges decades of paleoclimate research and raises concerns about current levels of climate change.
Recent study finds that galaxy clusters' density is smaller than predicted, and brightest cluster galaxies wobble, indicating a shallower central density. This suggests the existence of exotic forms of dark matter.
Research reveals sleepwalkers have improved automation in movement control compared to non-sleepwalkers. They maintain speed and accuracy during tasks requiring conscious attention, indicating potential daytime markers for sleepwalking diagnosis.
A study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology reveals the mechanism by which PHF1 increases PRC2 activity, allowing for efficient gene regulation across different species. The findings suggest that stable PRC2 chromatin interactions mediated by PHF1 are key to increased lysine trimethylation and gene repression.
Researchers have developed a new method to deposit CuSCN layers on perovskite films, resulting in stabilized power-conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%. The introduction of a thin spacer layer of reduced graphene oxide allows the cells to achieve excellent operational stability, retaining over 95% of their initial efficiency.