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ETH Zurich


Teleported by electronic circuit

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateAug 14, 2013

Ice ages only thanks to feedback

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 2013

Haste and waste on neuronal pathways

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2013

First atlas on oceanic plankton

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateJul 18, 2013

Political options tested in virtual wind tunnel

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateJul 11, 2013

Mesoscale ocean eddies impact weather

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 7, 2013

New marker substance for cancer cells

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalBioconjugate Chemistry·DateJul 4, 2013

Long distance calls by sugar molecules

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 18, 2013

Spooky action put to order

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 2013

Pollination merely 1 production factor

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2013

A quantum simulator for magnetic materials

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2013

Proteome atlas for the tuberculosis pathogen

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 15, 2013

Quantum optics with microwaves

Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully demonstrate the Hong-Ou-Mandel effect using microwave photons, showcasing a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics. The experiment offers new possibilities for characterizing radiation sources and may lead to practical applications in quantum communication and information processing.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 8, 2013

Global networks must be redesigned

Helbing's research reveals that global networks can amplify vulnerability to disasters, making it difficult to predict and control complex systems. By redesigning these networks with real-time data, we can enhance transparency, adaptive control, and mitigate catastrophic failures.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMay 1, 2013

Conversion from bad fat to good fat

Scientists at ETH Zurich demonstrated that white and brown fat cells can convert into each other, challenging current beliefs. This interconversion process is likely to occur in humans as well, offering a novel strategy for treating obesity by promoting brown fat formation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 28, 2013

Germanium made laser compatible

Researchers develop method to make germanium laser-compatible through high tensile strain, enabling faster data transfer via light. The new technique could increase computer performance and revolutionize computing chip design.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 22, 2013

A new twist for quantum systems

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new control method for quantum systems, enabling precise steering through Hilbert spaces. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of practical quantum computers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2013

New material gets itself into shape

Scientists have created a composite material that can bend and twist in response to external stimuli like temperature or moisture. This programmable plasticity enables the material to take on various shapes, making it suitable for applications such as self-shaping ceramic parts and biodegradable implants.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2013

Tin nanocrystals for the battery of the future

Researchers from ETH Zurich have created tin nanocrystals that can absorb and release lithium ions more effectively, leading to improved energy storage capacity. The smaller crystals are able to store more energy than larger ones, making them ideal for future lithium ion batteries.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 8, 2013

Tortuous paths hamper ion transport

Scientists have created a three-dimensional map of electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries, revealing their unique structures and impact on charging speeds. The study's findings suggest that using round particles instead of plate-like ones can significantly improve the battery's performance.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateApr 8, 2013

A fingerprint of exhaled breath

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to analyze the chemical composition of exhaled breath, revealing an individual's unique 'breathprint' that stays constant over time. This non-invasive approach holds promise for early disease detection and monitoring, and could potentially replace traditional blood and urine analysis.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2013

An Internet for robots

Researchers developed a cloud-computing platform called RoboEarth Cloud Engine to accelerate robot learning and adaptation in complex tasks. The platform allows robots to access enterprise-scale computing infrastructure, paving the way for lighter, cheaper, and more intelligent robots.

Subordinate animals as guinea pigs

Researchers observed wild meerkat groups in the Kalahari Desert, where dominant females yield to lower-ranked individuals to cross roads, revealing a complex adaptation mechanism. This phenomenon may be an innate response, allowing animals to cope with novel threats and minimizing group risk.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 18, 2013