A recent study reveals that fish ingest progesterone through microplastics, releasing the hormone into their digestive tract. Researchers found that microplastics act as vectors for exposing fish to micropollutants like progesterone, which can have significant environmental and health impacts.
A team of researchers at EPFL and Purdue University has developed a magnetic-free optical isolator using integrated photonics and micro-electromechanical systems. This device can couple to and deflect light propagating in a waveguide, mimicking the effects of magnet-driven isolators without requiring magnetic fields.
Researchers have demonstrated ultrafast optical circuit switching for datacenters using integrated soliton microcombs, which can handle increasing bursty datacenter applications while reducing overheads. The proposed architecture employs a central comb system to improve power efficiency and reduce complexity.
Researchers have discovered that each person has a unique brain fingerprint that can be identified in just over a minute using functional connectomics. The study's findings have significant implications for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, autism, and stroke.
Researchers at EPFL have created a topological insulator that allows microwave photons to survive unprecedented levels of disorder and obstacles. This discovery holds great promise for advances in science and technology, particularly in the development of next-generation communication systems and photonic processors.
Researchers have identified a highly potent antibody that effectively blocks the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, halting viral replication and enabling the immune system to eliminate the virus. This breakthrough discovery offers a potential preventive-treatment option for unvaccinated individuals or those with weakened immune systems.
Researchers create protein switches that can be activated and deactivated using a clinically approved drug, enabling controlled cell activity. This method could be used to monitor the safety and efficacy of modified cells.
Researchers have developed a federated analytics system, FAMHE, that enables healthcare providers to collaborate on statistical analyses and machine learning models without exchanging underlying datasets. The system has been proven mathematically secure and accurately reproduced published studies in multi-centric settings.
Research found that human gut bacteria resist Vibrio cholerae attacks using various strategies, including polysaccharide capsules and self-killing mechanisms. The study suggests a potential for designing T6SS-shielded probiotic strains to restore defective colonization barriers.
A team of scientists developed a new method to study the effects of reactive electrophiles in the body. By targeting specific proteins with electrophilic compounds, they discovered novel mediators involved in immune-cell apoptosis triggered by Tecfidera, a multiple sclerosis treatment.
Researchers develop new theory for attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy of polyatomic molecules, revealing electron-nuclear dynamics. The technique provides sufficient resolution to study decoherence of electron motion caused by nuclear rearrangement.
A study of 80 children aged 6-10 found that young children struggle with torso control in virtual reality environments, whereas adults can easily navigate using simple body movements. The results contradict the current understanding of motor control development, suggesting that VR can disrupt traditional coordination strategies.
Researchers have developed a revolutionary wireless photoelectric implant that can control the activity of spinal neurons, enabling the study of neural function and the development of new treatments for neurological disorders. The breakthrough technology uses pulses of light to stimulate or inhibit specific spinal-cord neurons, potenti...
The EPFL team proposes a nature-inspired approach to recycling plastics by mimicking protein assembly. This method could break down synthetic polymers into different color-coded components, similar to proteins in nature. By applying this concept, the researchers aim to develop a sustainable circular economy for plastic recycling.
A next-generation camera can accurately identify tumor shape and location in human tissue by measuring time-differential signals from photons. This allows surgeons to ensure complete removal of cancerous tissue while preserving surrounding healthy tissue, revolutionizing surgical procedures.
Scientists investigated a method to enhance immunotherapy for lung cancer and found that combining it with certain chemotherapy drugs could eliminate harmful immune cells. This approach showed promising results in preclinical studies, inducing the regression of about 70% of tumors.
EPFL scientists developed LiftPose3D, a deep learning-based method that can reconstruct 3D animal poses using only 2D poses from one camera. This tool allows for the study of brain mechanisms controlling body movements in freely moving animals.
EPFL professor Giuseppe Carleo and graduate student Matija Medvidović have developed a method to simulate the behavior of variational quantum algorithms on classical computers. This approach uses machine-learning tools to emulate the inner workings of a quantum computer, setting a new benchmark for future development of quantum hardware.
Researchers developed two bladder models to study UTIs in a controlled way. Organoid bladders recreated the 3D architecture of the bladder epithelium, while a bladder-on-a-chip model incorporated physiological stimuli and an interface with the vasculature.
Researchers used AI tool to analyze thousands of scientific papers and found that elevated blood glucose levels are linked to COVID-19 severity. Glucose metabolism is the most frequently mentioned biological variable in these papers, revealing its potential role in the disease.
EPFL researchers have mapped the genetic and developmental trajectories of embryonic cells towards their fate in the maturing brain. They analyzed gene expression profiles from mouse embryos every day from day 7 to birth, revealing diversity in neuronal progenitors and organizer radial glial cells that guide cell development.
Researchers found that Pseudomonas bacteria use a network of proteins to regulate twitching and respond to mechanical forces, allowing them to navigate based on what they feel in front of them. This 'sense of touch' helps the microbes move forward in the same direction when moving as a group.
Researchers at EPFL Brain Mind Institute discovered that minis, miniature release events of neurotransmitters, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy synapses. Increasing the frequency of minis kept synapses intact and preserved motor ability in middle-aged fruit flies.
Researchers have developed a new method to capture and recycle lead from perovskite solar cells, addressing the environmental and health hazards associated with their use. The transparent phosphate salt solution prevents lead ions from leaching into the soil, rendering perovskite devices safer for large-scale commercialization.
Researchers developed a predictive tool using machine learning and connectome analysis to identify neuronal network patterns and predict individual recovery outcomes. The study analyzed 92 patients' brain structural connectomes, tracking changes in connection patterns during recovery.
Researchers have developed a machine-learning algorithm to categorize metal-organic frameworks by oxidation state, providing a solution to the long-standing problem in chemistry. The collective knowledge of the chemistry community was used to train the model, which captured the errors and inconsistencies in existing methods.
Researchers at EPFL and UCSB successfully integrate ultralow-loss Si3N4 photonic integrated circuits with semiconductor lasers, enabling chip-scale frequency combs for high-capacity transceivers, data centers, and sensing applications. This breakthrough paves the way for large-volume, low-cost manufacturing of soliton microcombs.
The EPFL engineers have successfully implanted their first artificial tubular muscle in a pig, achieving 24,000 pulsations with the cardiac assist device. The device maintains blood flow while minimizing invasive procedures.
A new model has been developed to simulate the correlation between iceberg size and tsunami amplitude, providing insight into glacial rupture mechanisms. The study's results can refine sea-level rise predictions and provide detailed information about icebergs' mass loss.
Researchers design new stimulation protocol for optic nerve stimulation to produce consistent and meaningful visual sensations. They use machine learning approaches to optimize protocols, which have shown promising results in artificial neural networks and psychophysical tests.
Researchers achieved giant nonlinearity of UV hybrid light-matter states up to room temperature in a wide bandgap semiconductor material. This breakthrough enables the development of new on-chip ultrafast spectroscopy devices with unprecedented sensitivity.
Romain van Wassenhove has created a sustainable bamboo connector that can be used to make modular structures out of sustainable materials. His invention is EU patent-protected and has been published in Composite Structures, a leading journal for composite materials and their applications.
Researchers at EPFL's Integrated Systems Laboratory have developed a system that can measure propofol concentration in patients as they're being operated on, adjusting doses accordingly. The device uses machine learning to provide accurate measurements, overcoming the challenge of propofol sticking to needles
Researchers at EPFL found that certain progestins in hormonal contraceptives can stimulate cell proliferation in the breast, while others do not. This suggests that informed choices about contraceptive composition may help prevent breast cancer risk.
Researchers at EPFL discovered that bile acids can trigger satiety in the brain by activating specific receptors. Bile acids reach the brain shortly after a meal and suppress food intake by blocking appetite-stimulating signals. This study suggests a new role for bile acids in regulating eating behavior.
Gold nano-antennas concentrate light to enhance signal from nanoscale region, creating orange and red flashes of fluorescence. The phenomenon allows for observation of atomic scale dynamics without sophisticated microscopes.
Researchers have identified a specific brain region that facilitates recovery from long-term traumatic memories, known as the nucleus reuniens. By enhancing its activity, they found that long-lasting traumatic memories can be facilitated towards safety.
Scientists have developed a new method to read out superconducting circuits using light, enabling the engineering of large-scale quantum systems without requiring enormous cryogenic cooling power. This breakthrough overcomes scaling challenges and facilitates long-range transfer and networking between quantum systems.
Researchers discover how cancer cells reorganize DNA in 3D structure to ramp up activity of cancer-promoting genes. Epigenetic marks alter chromosome structures, leading to novel local interactions and over-expression of oncogenes.
Researchers investigated mitochondrial fission and discovered two types of division: midzone and peripheral. Midzone divisions have textbook machinery, while peripheral divisions are associated with stress and dysfunction. The study sheds light on regulation mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for human diseases.
Northern Red Sea corals have been found to be resistant to higher temperatures due to their symbiotic algae and bacteria. The study reveals that these corals can withstand average temperatures up to 5°C higher than usual, offering hope for saving coral reef ecosystems.
Researchers develop a robotic-medical device and procedure to safely induce presence hallucinations in Parkinson's patients, providing a new diagnostic tool for the disease. The study findings suggest that the test may help predict the severity of the disease's progression.
Researchers successfully employ hard X-ray transient grating spectroscopy to study phonon response and material properties at the nanoscale. The technique, which uses subnanometer wavelength pulses, reveals insights into bulk and nanostructured materials.
The Tomographer algorithm transforms gene-sequencing data into spatially resolved images, mapping gene expression patterns across tissues. By analyzing tissue strips and mRNA measurements, the algorithm reconstructs spatial gene-expression patterns in tissues like the brain of the Australian Bearded Dragon.
Scientists have developed a new technology for building silicon nitride integrated photonic circuits with record low optical losses, significantly reducing power budgets for chip-scale optical frequency combs. The technology enables high-quality-factor microresonators and meter-long waveguides on small chips.
A team of researchers from EPFL's Audiovisual Communications Laboratory used historic photographic plates to study the original light and colors of century-old scenes. They found that Lippmann's method captured 26-64 spectral samples, far more than modern techniques, and were able to recreate the original light using an algorithm.
Physicists discovered a discontinuous phase transition in a quantum magnet, mirroring the behavior of water, allowing for precise control over its quantum properties. The study reveals critical-point physics, which is essential for understanding topological phases and protected qubits in these materials.
Researchers have found that Urolithin A can delay the progression of Duchenne Muscle Dystrophy in mice by restoring mitochondrial activity and increasing mitophagy. This natural compound has shown promise in improving muscle health and performance, with significant increases in grip strength and running performance.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a new transistor design that reduces resistance and heat dissipation in high-power systems. The innovative technology uses multi-channel designs and gallium nitride nanowires to improve conversion efficiencies.
Researchers discovered that glucose metabolism in tumor-associated neutrophils determines their tumor-supportive behavior in lung cancer development. Removing Glut1 from these cells reduces tumor growth rate but increases radiotherapy efficacy.