Add BrightSurf on Google Email

ETH Zurich


One small leap for a muscle, one giant step for robotics

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed bioactuators that combine living skeletal muscle tissue with a soft hydrogel scaffold, achieving greater movement range and strength. The actuators can flex, jump, swim, and grasp objects, showcasing the potential of living organisms in robotics.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2026

When bacteria become masons

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to use bacteria to bond grains of sand together into solid architectural elements, creating a sustainable alternative to traditional cement manufacturing. The process, called biocementation, uses bacteria to produce a mineral glue that bonds particles together into a solid structure.

How cells make their command center accessible

Research teams at ETH Zurich have solved the puzzle of nuclear envelope assembly, showing that Torsin-1A and CLCC1 complexes work together to enable membrane fusion. This finding offers a new therapeutic approach for primary dystonia, a rare movement disorder affecting about six in 100,000 people worldwide.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 13, 2026

Devastating year for Switzerland’s glaciers

Switzerland's glaciers experienced their greatest melt on record in 2026, with average glacier thickness decreasing by 2.5-4m, and several smaller glaciers disappearing completely. The findings, presented in the Swiss Academy of Sciences annual report, highlight the rapid change in Switzerland's glacier landscape.

SourceETH Zurich·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2026

Making X-ray movies for ultrafast dynamics in nanomatter

Scientists at ETH Zurich develop method to disentangle X-ray diffraction patterns from two snapshots captured by a single detector exposure, enabling ultrafast structural changes in nanoscale objects to be observed. This breakthrough opens the door to studying rapid changes in nanoparticles.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2026

Mystery surrounding the formation of asteroid Bennu solved

ETH Zurich researchers analyzed asteroid Bennu's samples, revealing a Jupiter-led scenario and insights into the Solar System's early formation. The findings suggest that Bennu and other asteroids formed in a specific zone where material from the inner and outer regions mixed, with Jupiter playing a key role in this process.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 23, 2026

Robotic help in high-risk twin pregnancies

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a flexible foetoscope with magnets to navigate and seal blood vessels in the placenta, reducing the risk of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. The new robotic platform combines panoramic imaging and magnetic navigation for improved precision and control.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 16, 2026

Forest fire smoke reduces bird diversity

A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that forest fire smoke negatively impacts bird diversity in the US, with a 3% decline in species numbers. The effect is evident across the country, even after accounting for other factors, and can have significant ecosystem implications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateSep 14, 2026

3D-printed rock avalanche

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a 3D-printed model of a rock avalanche to study the movement of mixtures of water, ice, and rock. The model, which is 1:577 in scale, was used to test various scenarios and measure parameters such as depth of runoff and impact dynamics.

SourceETH Zurich·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 8, 2026

Low-carbon concrete put to the climate test

Researchers investigated three concrete mixes in four locations with varying climatic conditions. Their study shows that climate plays a significant role in how quickly steel in the concrete rusts. Key findings include that low-carbon concrete can last for 50 years or more in some locations, but may suffer damage sooner under different...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 7, 2026

How chromosomes find their partners

Researchers discovered that unique satellite DNA patterns on each pair of chromosomes, like barcodes, help matching chromosomes find each other. These patterns ensure correct distribution of chromosomes during meiosis, preventing errors in fertilization.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2026

Cities are getting hotter: 'Thermal Justice' offers a fairer way to adapt

Researchers propose 'Thermal Justice' framework to address heat-related inequalities, combining emergency measures with structural changes. The framework prioritizes exposed residents, accessible cooling, and worker protection during heatwaves, while retrofitting housing and expanding green infrastructure between heatwaves.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 19, 2026

Venus: Dead? Far from it

Recent research suggests Venus is geologically active, with evidence of recent rifting and volcanic activity. Computer models indicate that rift flanks can form along the edges of rift valleys, widening rapidly over time.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 24, 2026

Phytoplankton apply the onion skin principle

Researchers have discovered a complex layering system around phytoplankton cells, with water-repellent substances concentrated near the surface. This finding has significant implications for models of interactions between phytoplankton and bacteria, and could improve our understanding of the oceans' carbon cycle.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2026

Inside this computer chip, the memory vibrates

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new approach for quantum computing that separates computation from working memory, using mechanical vibrations to store information. This method has the potential to improve the efficiency of quantum computers and enable them to tackle complex problems more efficiently than classical computers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2026

A 3D scanner for electromagnetic fields

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a technique to create precise 3D maps of electric and magnetic fields close to the surface of chips. This allows for better optimization and testing of chip materials for quantum applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 2, 2026

A new type of pixel

A research team led by David Norris developed pixels that can both steer light and analyse it, allowing for the creation of camera-displays with combined functions. These so-called bidirectional pixels use surface waves to control light intensity, polarisation, and oscillation phase.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2026

Light switch makes cancer vulnerable to attack

Researchers from ETH Zurich have developed a system that uses light to selectively destroy glucocorticoid receptors on tumour cells, making them vulnerable to attack. This approach could lead to more targeted and effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2026

Turning food waste into carbon captors

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel approach to carbon capture using whey and tofu by-products. The material absorbs CO2 at a high rate, outperforming conventional methods, and can be reused, reducing energy consumption.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2026

New drug could slow the development of Alzheimer’s

A new compound, compound 10, has shown promising effects in slowing the development of Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting GRK2 aggregation. This leads to improved mitochondrial function and reduced amyloid beta deposition, potentially breaking a vicious circle that contributes to dementia progression.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateJun 8, 2026

Microrobots repair spinal cord

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed biohybrid microrobots that combine living neural progenitor cells with magnetoelectric nanoparticles to guide stem cells to injury sites and stimulate repair. The microrobots demonstrate promising results in animal experiments, including improved nerve cell regeneration and recovery of motor function.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 2, 2026

New metamaterial guides vibrations along predefined paths

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel phononic metamaterial that can precisely control mechanical waves, enabling the harvesting of energy from vibrations and processing signals mechanically. The material features a specific pattern with varying unit cell sizes, allowing it to redirect waves along predefined paths.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 28, 2026

Perfect randomness realised for the first time

Scientists have successfully created perfect randomness using quantum physics, a breakthrough that could revolutionize digital security. By amplifying imperfect randomness, they can generate perfectly random numbers for encryption and other applications, rendering existing systems vulnerable to attacks.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMay 27, 2026

Why the Eurovision Song Contest never fails to entertain

Researchers analyzed nearly 1,800 Eurovision songs over 70 years, finding three stages of development: formation, consolidation, and expansion phases. Countries like France rejecting dominant trends by leveraging cultural identity, while organisers adjust voting systems to balance popularity and musical scoring.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 29, 2026

Neutrinos caught on camera

A new detector technology has been developed to track elementary particles in large volumes of unsegmented scintillator material. The system uses a plenoptic camera and single-photon avalanche diode array sensors to achieve high-resolution 3D tracking, even in photon-starved conditions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2026

A new trick brings stability to quantum operations

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has successfully realised a high-quality swap gate using only geometric phases with extremely cold potassium atoms. This breakthrough enables the robust exchange of quantum states between qubits, a crucial step towards building large-scale quantum computers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2026

The Earth formed from local building blocks

Researchers Paolo Sossi and Dan Bower found that the Earth is composed entirely of non-carbonaceous material, originating from the inner Solar System. This conclusion contradicts previous theories suggesting a significant contribution from the outer Solar System.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 30, 2026

Imaging the Moon’s interior with fiber-optics

Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing technology, scientists deployed fibre-optic cables across the lunar surface to detect seismic waves generated by moonquakes, meteorites, and landings. The cables can record signals at a higher spatial resolution than traditional seismic networks.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEarth and Space Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 24, 2026

Why plants fail in dry soil

Researchers found that plants cannot extract water from dry soil due to increased capillary and viscous forces. The plant's own properties are not limited, but rather the soil's ability to release water.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMar 23, 2026

Turning sawdust into fire-resistant materials

A team of ETH Zurich researchers developed a process to convert sawdust into a recyclable and environmentally friendly composite using struvite. The material exhibits excellent fire resistance due to the mineral's non-combustible properties and cooling effect, making it suitable for internal fittings.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalChem Circularity·DateMar 19, 2026

Not every forest cools the Earth

Researchers found that reforestation in tropical regions, such as the Amazon basin and West and South-East Africa, can have a significant cooling effect due to high evapotranspiration rates. This approach can be more efficient than previously thought, especially when combined with other climate protection strategies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMar 16, 2026