Researchers discover protein toxic to nematodes, protecting fungus and plant roots from parasites. The toxin docks on modified sugar structures, paving the way for novel vaccines against parasites and pathogenic germs.
Researchers have developed a new X-ray phase-contrast mammography technique that provides high-contrast images of breast tissue. This technique helps distinguish between different types of microcalcifications and can aid in assigning them to malignant lesions, enabling non-invasive detection of premalignant lesions.
Researchers found that lava flows, not water, carved the massive Noctis Labyrinthus and Valles Marineris canyons on Mars. The study suggests that there was less water on Mars than previously thought, making life on the planet less likely.
A new DNA-based label has been developed to detect counterfeit olive oil, allowing for the identification of producers and authentication of products. The label uses nanotechnology and natural DNA, offering a cheap and safe way to detect adulteration.
A study found that Twitter conversations among men feature fewer mentions of women compared to female-female conversations. The Bechdel test was applied to analyze the gender bias in social media platforms, revealing a male-biased environment on Twitter.
The team of researchers produced a stable porous membrane that is thinner than a nanometre, consisting of two layers of graphene on which tiny pores were etched. The membrane can permeate tiny molecules and may be used for waterproof clothing, water filtration, or gas separation.
Scientists have discovered a link between hereditary trauma and short RNA molecules, which can be passed down from one generation to the next. The research found that traumatic stress alters the expression of microRNAs in mice, leading to behavioral symptoms such as depression and altered metabolism.
Researchers developed a self-defending surface that releases hot foam to deter attackers, protecting cash boxes in ATMs. The film is made of plastic layers filled with chemicals that mix when damaged, producing a violent reaction.
A recent study found that glucosamine supplementation extended the lifespan of nematode worms by 5% and ageing mice by almost 10%, promoting glucose metabolism and protection against diabetes. This effect is comparable to a low-carb diet, suggesting a potential health benefit for humans.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed hot nanoparticles that can kill tumour tissue with heat by absorbing near-infrared light. The particles are coated with a silicon dioxide layer and aggregate in a way that allows them to absorb light and generate heat.
Scientists from ETH Zurich have synthesized uniform antimony nanocrystals, which can store both lithium and sodium ions, making them prime candidates for anode materials in both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. The researchers found that the optimal size-performance relationship of these nanocrystals is between 20-100 nanometres.
Researchers confirm D-Wave uses quantum effects but are critical of its classification as a computer. The system solves optimization problems but is slower than traditional computers for most tests.
A new simulation module developed at ETH Zurich uses an ant algorithm to predict the interaction of molecules with human proteins, identifying potential side effects and optimizing molecular design. The module can now design new active agents in minutes, suggesting necessary chemical synthesis steps.
A study published in Physical Review Letters reveals that exchange rate fluctuations can be modeled using the principles of statistical physics. The research demonstrates that market orders and transactions influence price movements in a manner similar to the impact of thermal agitation on particles in a fluid.
Researchers discovered that peat soils can act like gigantic batteries, using humic substances to accept electrons under anoxic conditions. When oxygen enters, these substances release electrons to oxygen, thereby regenerating their capacity to accept electrons and suppressing methane formation.
A team of researchers has found a link between chloracne and a molecular switch called Nrf2, which causes skin changes similar to those in dioxin victims. The study suggests that therapeutic targeting of Nrf2 may be problematic due to its role in detoxification.
Researchers have discovered a new type of bacterium in sponges that produces bioactive substances, including polyketides and peptides. The discovery, published in Nature, sheds light on the complex symbiotic relationships between sponges and bacteria, and could lead to breakthroughs in medical treatment.
Researchers at ETH Zurich deciphered the structure of the large subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome, a complex enzyme that deciphers genetic code and assembles amino acids into proteins. The study's success relies on a combination of high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy and chemical cross-linking combined with mass spectrometry.
A new study by ETH Zurich researchers shows that robotic therapy outperforms conventional physiotherapy in improving sensory-motor function and arm mobility. Robot-assisted therapy enables patients to carry out exercises independently and motivates them via computer game elements, leading to better results in terms of mobility.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have created a new form of thin-film technology, enabling the fabrication of extremely flexible and functional electronics. These components can be applied to textiles or worn on the skin to create 'smart' objects, monitoring various bodily functions.
Researchers at ETH Zurich and ESRF have identified a trigger for supereruptions, finding that the overpressure generated by density differences in the magma chamber alone can trigger an eruption. The study suggests that supervolcanos are not triggered solely by overpressure due to magma recharge.
Researchers discovered that Salmonella Typhimurium obtains energy for its attack by stealing hydrogen from the microbiota. This 'theft-based hydrogen economy' allows the pathogen to find an energy source in any new animal host.
The buff-tailed bumblebee, introduced to Chile in 1998, has spread rapidly throughout South America, outcompeting native species and potentially disrupting the ecosystem. The parasite Crithidia bombi is a key factor in the decline of native bumblebees.
ETH Zurich researchers discovered a mechanism that enables yeast cells to memorise 'bad experiences' during reproduction by forming protein aggregates. These aggregates make future mating attempts more difficult, conserving energy and preventing unproductive reproduction. The system appears to be universal and relatively old in evolution.
ETH-scientists develop software to scan 3D models using smartphone technology, allowing users to capture objects easily and efficiently. The app uses inertial sensors and graphics processing power to enable faster reconstruction and increased interactivity.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed an implantable genetic circuit that monitors and regulates blood fat levels, reducing hunger and promoting weight loss in obese mice. The innovative device exploits the natural human satiety mechanism, providing a potential alternative to surgical interventions.
Researchers found that giving an iodine capsule to breastfeeding mothers is more effective in providing their babies with the essential trace element than administering it directly to the infant. However, both methods have limitations and do not guarantee sufficient iodine intake for both mother and child.
A new study by Thomas Frölicher suggests that the Earth's atmosphere could continue to warm for hundreds of years after a complete stop of CO2 emissions, leading to a 25% increase in global temperature. The ESM2M climate model reveals that regional ocean heat uptake is crucial in understanding the effects of climate change.
The study reveals that natural fluctuations in the climate system are the primary cause of differences in short and medium-term projections. Despite this, researchers have found ways to make predictions about local climate extremes for certain regions and large areas, highlighting the importance of considering regional variability.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel approach to study thermoelectric materials by simulating the behavior of complex systems using ultra-cold atoms. The 'thermoelectric material emulator' allows for precise comparison between theory and experiments, shedding light on fundamental processes underlying thermoelectricity.
A team of Swiss researchers has developed a method to extract DNA from cultured pearls, allowing for the identification of species and authentication of luxury jewelry. This technique, which is non-destructive and non-invasive, uses genetic fingerprinting to differentiate between pearls from various oyster species.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have created a genetic module that can be controlled via dopamine, which activates the production of an antihypertensive agent. The researchers found that contact with a female mouse triggered feelings of happiness in male mice, correcting hypertension and lowering blood pressure to normal levels.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a new antiviral response in mammals, utilizing the RNA interference pathway to combat viral infections. This discovery sheds light on a previously overlooked aspect of innate immunity and highlights the simplicity and universality of this system.
Researchers from ETH Zurich found that vitamin niacin and its metabolite nicotinamide increase lifespan by promoting the formation of free radicals in roundworms. This contradicts common textbook opinion on antioxidants' role in health.
Researchers develop new technique to find coherent ocean eddies, equivalent to black holes, which can moderate the negative impact of melting sea ice. These 'eddy-black holes' can also transport warm and salty water, influencing climate change and ocean currents.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed an internal combustion engine that achieves fuel efficiency of less than 2.4l per 100km while emitting less than half the CO2 compared to traditional engines. The natural gas-diesel hybrid engine uses sophisticated control engineering and innovative electronic combustion control.
Scientists developed a new SERS sensor with high sensitivity and reproducibility, detecting a specific organic species in low concentrations. The sensor uses vertically arranged carbon nanotubes to amplify Raman-scattered light signals.
Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that IL-7 enhances lymphatic vessel drainage, a crucial function that could improve lymphedema treatment outcomes. This finding may help prevent or alleviate fluid accumulation and tissue swelling in patients with compromised lymphatic systems.
Physicists at ETH Zurich have successfully teleported information across a distance of six millimeters using a solid state system. This achievement demonstrates the potential for quantum communication and may lead to faster and more efficient quantum computing in the future.
Researchers used computer simulations to demonstrate that ice-age/warm-period interchange depends on the alternating influence of continental ice sheets and climate. The team found that large-scale glaciation alters sea levels and ocean currents, affecting the climate.
A team of researchers at ETH Zurich used high-resolution microelectrode arrays to measure axonal signal speed, finding significant variations within the same neuron. The study challenges the long-held assumption that axonal signal conduction is purely digital.
The global atlas, MAREDAT, provides unprecedented insights into oceanic plankton diversity and biomass across 500,000 locations worldwide. It reveals surprising findings, such as zooplankton having more biomass than phytoplankton in some regions.
A computer model was developed to assess how different levels of segregation would affect violence in Jerusalem. The study found that social distance is a key mechanism explaining violence, with higher levels increasing the likelihood of violent encounters.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that ocean eddies have a significant impact on weather patterns, particularly in the Southern hemisphere. Warm eddies increase near-surface wind speed, cloud cover, and rain probability, while cold eddies have the opposite effect.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new PET tracer that targets the folic acid receptor on cancer cells, enabling precise diagnosis and predicting patient response to therapy. The tracer also has potential for displaying inflammatory diseases and medication development.
Researchers discovered that glycans can order the random network of water molecules above them, creating clusters or layers. This effect may help synovial fluid lubricate joints and influence how receptors recognize glycan coats on cells.
Researchers develop method to classify quantum entanglement states into geometric objects called polytopes, allowing for efficient prediction and characterization of entangled states. This breakthrough enables the development of novel quantum technologies with practical applications.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that coffee farmers in southern India can increase yields independently of bees, through irrigation, liming, and agroforestry practices. The study's findings challenge the idea that pollinators are essential for coffee production, highlighting the importance of alternative factors.
Physicists at ETH Zurich have developed a new device that uses laser beams and atoms to emulate magnetic materials, enabling the study of exotic forms of magnetism. The approach promises groundbreaking insights into the properties of magnetic materials.
Researchers have created a comprehensive map of the tuberculosis protein, allowing scientists to pinpoint specific proteins and discover new ones. This resource may aid in the development of new therapies and early detection methods, targeting the main target for medication: pathogen proteins.