Researchers have discovered a way to control double-dome superconductivity in twisted trilayer graphene by tuning the material's band structure. The study sheds light on how unconventional superconductivity emerges and can be tuned, opening up possibilities for designing quantum devices.
Researchers from EPFL and MIT discovered that amino acids have a fundamental stabilizing effect on colloids in solution, not related to biology but rather a general property of small molecules. This finding has implications for controlling molecular interactions and may lead to more precise predictions of protein stability.
A team of researchers has developed a mathematical model that integrates sensory feedback to enable eel-like robots to swim and crawl on land. The study shows how multisensory feedback enables eels to adapt their movement patterns after spinal cord injury, providing insights into the evolutionary transition of vertebrates from water to...
Scientists have developed a new computational method to build the first 4D lipid map of a vertebrate embryo, capturing how lipid distributions change over time. The atlas reveals organized patterns of lipids that match anatomical structures, suggesting key roles in shaping organ function and identity.
Researchers at EPFL developed BindCraft, an open-source AI platform that uses AlphaFold2 to generate novel binders with desired functional properties. The platform reduces the need for high-throughput screening and makes protein design more democratized.
A new algorithm, bimodularity, breaks the code in network theory by detecting not only which nodes belong together but also how information flows between them. This allows for the identification of bicommunities, where one community sends and another receives information, revealing new organizational structures.
A team of astronomers has combined cluster and variable star data from the Gaia mission to create a new map of stellar life cycles. The study shows that at least one in five stars in clusters changes brightness over time, with young clusters hosting more variety of variable stars.
Scientists have engineered a chip that converts between terahertz and optical signals, enabling bi-directional communication and sensing. The device generates THz electric fields up to 100 times stronger than previous chips, with increased bandwidth and minimal energy loss.
Scientists have found that nucleosomes act as gatekeepers for p53's molecular partners, controlling its access to the genetic code. This discovery reveals a new layer of regulation over p53's activity and opens possibilities for developing cancer therapies that restore or control p53 function.
EPFL researchers have developed a 'self-driving' imaging system that can track and analyze protein aggregation in real-time and even anticipate its onset. The approach minimizes the use of fluorescent labels, allowing for accurate analysis. The new technology has important implications for drug discovery and precision medicine.
Researchers engineer optical metasurface to yield simple technique for secure data encryption, biosensing, and quantum technologies. The team encodes images on a metasurface optimized for mid-infrared range of electromagnetic spectrum.
Scientists have developed a molecular uranium catalyst that can bind nitrogen gas in a 'side-on' way and convert it into ammonia. This breakthrough reveals a new catalytic pathway, bridging biological efficiency and industrial feasibility.
Scientists create programmable lattice structure with infinite geometric variations, enabling the fabrication of lightweight, adaptable robots inspired by biological tissues. The technology offers scalable solutions for designing unprecedentedly flexible and rigid robots.
Researchers at EPFL's Bionanophotonic Systems Laboratory developed a biosensor that detects biomolecules using inelastic electron tunneling, enabling ultra-sensitive and real-time detection without bulky equipment. The sensor can detect amino acids and polymers at picogram concentrations, rivaling advanced sensors.
Researchers mapped human cell cycle gene activity and found recently evolved transcription factors play a crucial role in regulating the process. Disabling these genes caused cells to struggle with DNA copying and division timing.
The Digits framework uses compressed air to produce shape changes, vibrations, and haptic feedback, offering a versatile platform for virtual reality and physical therapy. The device's modular design and pneumatic actuation enable adaptable and scalable control methods.
Researchers at EPFL have created ultra-selective aptamers that target specific binding sites on viral spike proteins with unprecedented precision. These multivalent binders show stronger and more selective binding affinities than traditional monovalent binders, making them promising for biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics.
Researchers found that cholera bacteria acquired multiple distinct immune systems protecting them from diverse types of phages. These defense systems, including WonAB, GrwAB, and Vc SduA, contribute to the bacterial population's resistance spectrum.
Researchers have developed an innovative catalyst made from cobalt-nickel alloy encapsulated within ceramic material Sm2O3-doped CeO2 (SDC), achieving 90% energy efficiency and sustaining performance over 2,000 hours. The breakthrough could significantly reduce operating costs by 60-80% compared to existing technologies.
A robotic hand developed at EPFL can pick up 24 different objects with human-like movements that emerge spontaneously due to compliant materials and structures. The device uses 'self-organized' grasps that mimic natural human grips with a high success rate, making it suitable for highly unpredictable environments.
The robot leverages the Marangoni effect to propel itself forward, utilizing citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and propylene glycol as non-toxic and biodegradable components. The device can act as a source of nourishment for aquatic wildlife, promoting sustainability in environmental monitoring.
The study found that biological particles like pollen and plant matter are effective at forming ice in clouds, leading to precipitation. The researchers suggest that weather models should consider these particles, which are expected to increase in the atmosphere as temperatures rise.
Researchers at EPFL discovered that iron-rich hematite exhibits new spin physics, enabling signal processing at ultrahigh frequencies and allowing repeated encoding and storage of digital data. This breakthrough paves the way for a more efficient and sustainable approach to spintronics.
Scientists at EPFL create a flexible auditory brainstem implant that closely conforms to the curved surface of the brainstem, enabling better tissue contact and reducing side effects. The device has been successfully demonstrated in macaques, showing promising results for high-resolution prosthetic hearing.
Researchers at EPFL developed a scalable technique to create porous graphene membranes selectively filtering CO₂ from gas mixtures. The new approach slashes production costs while improving membrane quality and performance, paving the way for real-world applications.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a method to stabilize wide-bandgap perovskites using lattice strain, reducing energy losses and improving stability. This approach enables the incorporation of rubidium ions into the structure, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced photovoltage loss.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a novel acoustic system that can explore condensed matter and their macroscopic properties, circumventing the limitations of quantum phenomena. The system uses sound waves to model quantum probability waves, allowing for direct observation without perturbation.
Researchers have developed a photonic-chip-based amplifier that achieves ultra-broadband signal amplification in an unprecedentedly compact form. The new amplifier uses optical nonlinearity to boost weak signals while keeping noise low, making it highly adaptable to various applications beyond telecommunications.
A team developed a system integrating implanted spinal cord neuroprosthesis with rehabilitation robotics, delivering well-timed electrical pulses to stimulate muscles. The technology enhances immediate mobility and fosters long-term recovery, presenting a more effective rehabilitation approach than robotics alone.
A team of researchers observed first- and second-order dissipative phase transitions in a two-photon driven Kerr resonator, showcasing the transformative power of quantum systems. The study demonstrates the validity of theoretical predictions and opens new possibilities for engineering stable and responsive quantum systems.
Researchers found that supplementing gut bacteria with Clostridium scindens can improve recovery from colonic injury and enhance regeneration of the gut lining. This approach targets the underlying issue: impaired ability of the gut to heal itself by restoring natural bile acid balance.
Researchers have developed a method to observe quantum interference in surface collisions of methane molecules, revealing clear patterns of wave-like behavior that amplify or cancel out different pathways. This discovery confirms the active role of quantum mechanics in controlling molecular interactions at surfaces.
Researchers discovered a horizontally distributed and modular organization of cortical movement units, with different types of neurons forming functional clusters in distinct regions. The study also found that the brain re-networks and adapts to learn new motor skills.
A bioinspired robot called GOAT can change shape to alter its physical properties in response to the environment, resulting in a robust and efficient autonomous vehicle. The robot's compliance allows it to navigate diverse environments with minimal sensing equipment, enabling it to find the path of least resistance.
Researchers developed a compact swimming robot that can maneuver through tight spaces and transport heavier payloads. The robot uses silently undulating fins to propel itself and achieves impressive speeds of 12 centimeters per second.
Researchers have created a geometric deep learning approach called MARBLE that can infer latent brain activity patterns across experimental subjects. The method uses dynamic motifs to analyze neural population recordings and has been shown to be more interpretable than other machine learning methods.
Researchers identified a new property, interface flexibility, controlling how molecules self-organize into crystalline supramolecular networks. Interface flexibility was found to be more important than chemical bond strength or number in forming stable hexagonal networks.
Researchers have developed a holographic method for volumetric additive manufacturing that significantly reduces energy required and boosts resolution. The technique involves projecting three-dimensional holograms onto spinning resin vials, resulting in high-fidelity 3D-printed objects with exceptional accuracy.
Researchers design flexible, batlike wings that boost lift and improve flight performance. The study found that smooth curvature of the membrane wing generates more lift than a leading-edge vortex.
A recent study by EPFL researchers improved the interpretability of wind power forecasting using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques. The approach helped identify key variables influencing wind turbine power output, leading to more credible and reliable predictions.
Researchers have developed an injectable hydrogel that targets rapid localized increase in bone density. The results show a four- to five-fold increase in bone density in the legs of rats with bone loss. The study combines systemic osteoporosis drugs with local hydrogel injections, offering hope for future fracture prevention therapies.
A team of scientists developed a computational design tool called SPaDES to create new membrane receptors that outperform natural counterparts. The new receptors were designed by optimizing water-mediated interactions, resulting in higher stability and signaling efficiency.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a compact electro-optic frequency comb generator using lithium tantalate, achieving 450nm spectral coverage with over 2000 comb lines. This breakthrough expands the device's bandwidth and reduces microwave power requirements, enabling practical applications in photonics.
The EPFL team has developed a deep-learning pipeline called MaSIF to design new proteins that interact with therapeutic targets. They have successfully designed novel protein binders that can recognize and bind to drug-protein complexes, offering potential applications in cell-based therapies and biosensors.
Scientists used CryoNanoSIMS to visualize how plants protect themselves against sodium overload, revealing a change in strategy under high salt stress. This breakthrough could help develop new strategies to strengthen food security.
Scientists at EPFL and Università San Raffaele have found a way to address muscle spasticity in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury by using high-frequency electrical stimulation. This treatment gives paralyzed patients access to rehabilitation protocols, overcoming muscular stiffness and spasms.
Researchers have developed a novel copper-based catalyst that can selectively convert CO2 into acetaldehyde with an impressive efficiency of 92%. The breakthrough provides a greener and more sustainable way to produce acetaldehyde, potentially replacing the Wacker process and reducing CO2 emissions.
Scientists successfully prepared six mechanical oscillators in a collective state, observing phenomena that emerge when oscillators act as a group. The research demonstrates experimental confirmation of theories about collective quantum behavior, opening new possibilities for quantum sensing and generation of multi-partite entanglement.
The EPFL researchers built a drone with birdlike legs that can walk, hop, and jump into flight, greatly expanding the potential environments for unmanned aerial vehicles. The design allows it to take off autonomously in previously inaccessible environments.
Researchers at EPFL and Lausanne University Hospital have achieved a major milestone in treating spinal cord injuries by applying deep brain stimulation to the lateral hypothalamus. This therapy has improved mobility and independence in two individuals with partial SCI, demonstrating long-term neurological improvements.