Researchers found that as planet mass increases, water tends to integrate with the iron core, leading to a reevaluation of astronomical observation data and planetary habitability. This discovery has significant implications for the study of Super-Earths and the search for life beyond Earth.
Researchers have discovered a new type of beige fat cells that consume energy and produce heat through a futile-cycle mechanism, known as the 'Sisyphus mechanism'. These cells are found in adults and help break down excess fat, leading to improved metabolic health and reduced risk of obesity.
A study by ETH Zurich scientists found that global warming's effects on plant recovery can last for thousands to millions of years. The research team discovered that the severity of climate shifts and the speed at which carbon is sequestered affect the duration of climate warming.
Studies in mice reveal that orexin plays a key role in deciding between physical activity and consuming food, particularly when both options are available. By understanding this process, scientists aim to develop strategies to overcome exercise barriers and address the global obesity epidemic.
Researchers developed an approach to boost cellulose production in bacteria by inducing mutations through UV-C light. This method produced bacterial variants that generate up to 70% more cellulose than the original form, paving the way for industrial-scale production of sustainable materials.
Cancer cells can attach themselves to liver cells when specific proteins are present, allowing them to colonize and form new tumors. This discovery provides insights into the metastatic process and may lead to potential treatments that prevent cancer from establishing new tumors.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a hydrogel implant to treat endometriosis by preventing retrograde menstruation and acting as a barrier to sperm. The implant can be easily destroyed and is compatible with native tissue, offering a promising non-surgical solution for women suffering from the condition.
Research finds climate change is slowing down Earth's rotation by a few milliseconds, with implications for navigation in space. The study also reveals polar motion changes caused by melting ice sheets and internal movements of the Earth's core.
A team of researchers has developed a simple and efficient method to separate and recover rare earth metals from complex mixtures, including Europium. This approach uses tetrathiometallates to reduce the need for chemical- and energy-intensive separation processes, making it a more environmentally friendly and economically viable option.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to reduce fluorine in lithium metal batteries, increasing their stability and efficiency. The new design requires only 0.1% by weight of fluorine, reducing the environmental footprint of these high-energy batteries.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully manipulated quantum states of single electron spins using spin-polarized currents. This method, which bypasses traditional electromagnetic fields, has the potential to control quantum states with unprecedented precision and localizability.
Researchers estimate that between 280 to 360 meteorites strike Mars each year, forming impact craters greater than 8 meters across. The study uses seismic data from the NASA InSight Mission to make this estimate, which is five times higher than previously thought.
A new dataset reveals that lynchings in Latin America are often triggered by alleged theft or murder, with groups of 20-99 individuals involved. Close-knit community ties and peer pressure play a significant role in ordinary civilians taking part in acts of violence against alleged wrongdoers.
Researchers developed a thin gold membrane with pores to selectively amplify Raman signals from surfaces, enabling the study of surfaces for the first time. This breakthrough improves the efficiency and degradation behavior of batteries, catalysts, and solar cells.
Researchers at ETH Zurich create a 3D in vitro model to study brittle bone disease, using healthy cells initially and planning to use cells from patients with the condition. The model successfully emulates bone development, allowing for the discovery of malfunctioning processes and potential treatments.
A team of researchers identified two functionally distinct populations of T cells with different cellular architectures that influence their fate. Cells with nuclear invaginations rapidly proliferate and kill pathogens, while those without undergo a more leisurely activation process. These findings have significant implications for und...
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a recipe for cocoa-fruit chocolate that boosts fibre content by 20% while reducing saturated fat by 30%. The new chocolate variant uses powdered sugar substitute made from the fruit's pulp, offering a healthier indulgence with improved nutritional profile.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a protein gel that quickly and efficiently breaks down alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract. The gel converts alcohol into acetic acid, reducing its harmful effects on the body.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have engineered a thermal trap that can deliver heat at temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius using solar radiation. This technology has the potential to decarbonize energy-intensive industries on a large scale, making it an important step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have engineered a thermal trap to deliver heat at high temperatures needed for industrial processes, overcoming the challenge of fossil fuels. The device, which uses solar radiation, absorbs sunlight and converts it into heat, minimizing radiative heat losses and increasing efficiency.
Researchers found that extensive, unfertilized grasslands promote biodiversity and soil protection, while pastures and meadows provide cultural services. The study suggests a combination of different grassland types is necessary to sustain all ecosystem services.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a protein gel that breaks down alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing blood alcohol levels and acetaldehyde production. The gel shows promising results in mice studies, demonstrating a lower alcohol level and therapeutic effect on liver damage and weight loss.
Researchers at ETH Zurich directly detected electron vortices in graphene using a high-resolution magnetic field sensor. The vortices formed in small circular disks with different diameters and were observed to reverse the flow direction.
Researchers at ETH Zurich and Harvard/Princeton used quantum pointillism to study complex quantum systems made of interacting particles. They observed the formation of spin polarons, which are crucial for understanding magnetic behavior in materials.
The intersection of digitalization, biotechnology, neurotechnology, and nanotechnology raises concerns about the blurring of boundaries between physical, biological, and digital worlds. Researchers warn that converging technologies can be used to manipulate people's thoughts, feelings, and decisions without their knowledge or consent.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new device for taking blood samples using the leech principle, reducing invasiveness and increasing reliability. The device is made of silicone and steel microneedles, with plans to create biodegradable versions in the future.
Researchers have found that plants help regulate the planet's atmosphere by trapping carbon and emitting oxygen, acting as a buffer against rapid climate changes. However, when climate shifts too fast for vegetation to adapt, it can lead to mass extinctions and extreme environmental changes.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed an AI algorithm that can design new active pharmaceutical ingredients by analyzing protein structures. The algorithm generates blueprints for potential drug molecules that increase or inhibit protein activity, reducing the need for lengthy discovery processes and minimizing side effects.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to produce chemicals using bacteria that feed on methanol, a renewable resource. The microbes can efficiently convert methanol into desired biochemical substances, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-based chemicals.
Scientists at ETH Zurich create an artificial solid with switched-on interactions using magnetic fields, observing surprising topological effects. The study reveals the ability to transport particles by one lattice site, mimicking a screw's motion, and demonstrates robustness against disorder.
Researchers used fitness trackers and smartphone data from 55 MS patients and 24 controls to identify clinically useful information. Data on physical activity, heart rate variability, and phone usage revealed relationships between disease severity, fatigue levels, and motor function.
A new study reveals that climate change could lead to a significant global GDP loss of up to 10% if the planet warms by +3ºC, highlighting the substantial costs of inaction.
Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered a previously unrecognised mechanism for reduced fertility in polyploids, where twisted pollen tubes fail to reach the egg cells. The study found two genes controlling pollen tube growth, which are highly conserved and could be applied to plant breeding.
Fruit eating birds play a vital role in forest ecosystems by consuming, excreting, and spreading seeds to allow trees to grow and function. The study found that highly fragmented landscapes restrict bird movement, reducing carbon recovery potential by up to 38 percent.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel cryptographic one-way function using DNA sequences, providing a secure method for protecting valuable objects like art and passwords. The system uses true randomness and physical linking to prevent decoding by algorithms or quantum computers.
Climate change causes melting of ice sheet, resulting in loss of about 5,000 meteorites per year. Researchers call for urgent action to preserve the scientific value of meteorites and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new ion trap for larger quantum computers using static magnetic fields, overcoming previous limitations with oscillating fields. The Penning trap design allows for arbitrary transport and control of qubits, enabling future supercomputers.
Researchers developed a computer model that accurately diagnoses pulmonary hypertension in newborn infants using ultrasound images, suggesting correct diagnosis in 80-90% of cases. The model's success relies on highlighting key characteristics, allowing doctors to understand the criteria used for decision-making.
Researchers at ETH Zurich taught ANYmal, a quadrupedal robot, to perform parkour and navigate rubble using machine learning. The robot uses its camera and artificial neural network to determine obstacles and perform movements likely to succeed based on previous training.
A new method developed by ETH researchers suggests that the cost of direct air capture (DAC) technologies will not be as cheap as previously anticipated. The estimated costs range from $230 to $540 per tonne, with some technologies expected to cost between $280 and $580 by 2050.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a novel method to extract gold from electronic waste using a protein matrix sponge. This sustainable approach yields a high percentage of gold recovery with minimal energy consumption, making it commercially viable.
Researchers propose that cosmic dust, rich in essential elements, accumulated on early Earth's surface near melting glaciers, sparking prebiotic chemistry. Simulations suggest these environments could have produced the organic molecules necessary for life.
The study, published in The Astrophysical Journal, tested the future LIFE mission's capabilities on real spectra using data from NASA's Aqua Earth observation satellite. It demonstrated that a space telescope like LIFE could detect signs of a temperate, habitable world on Earth-like exoplanets.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed biomimetic computer-to-brain communication enhancing naturalistic touch sensations via peripheral nerve stimulation. The bio-inspired approach enabled prosthetic legs to evoke natural sensations, allowing amputees to walk faster and with greater confidence.
The Swiss Cat+ project uses a combination of artificial intelligence and automated laboratory infrastructure to find new and better metal catalysts for producing methanol from CO2. The team successfully developed around 150 catalyst compositions in under six weeks, saving time and improving conversion rates.
A team of researchers used biopsies from young bulls to investigate the genes and mechanisms controlling male fertility. They found a large number of genes associated with fertility in bulls, most of which are also relevant to human male fertility.
The commercial space sector has seen significant growth, with over 2,660 satellites launched into orbit in recent years. International collaborations are also expanding, enabling diverse perspectives and new ideas to emerge in science and space exploration.
A team of researchers from ETH Zurich has developed a special coating that prevents limescale formation by using microscopically small ridges to prevent the adhesion of limescale crystals. The coating is biocompatible, environmentally friendly, and more efficient than existing approaches.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure that maps the condition of myelin sheaths in the central nervous system more accurately. This breakthrough technology has the potential to facilitate early MS diagnosis and monitoring, as well as the development of new drugs for the disease.
Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully simulated the protein complex JUNO-IZUMO1, which initiates fertilization. The simulations revealed a network of short-lived contacts between the proteins and showed how zinc ions destabilize the complex, preventing further sperm penetration.