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ETH Zurich


Ozone depletion over North Pole produces weather anomalies

Researchers found a correlation between Arctic ozone depletion and extreme weather events in the Northern Hemisphere. Simulations suggest that reduced ozone levels contribute to warmer temperatures and droughts in central Europe, while wet conditions prevail in polar regions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 7, 2022

Opioid poisoning on the rise

A study by ETH Zurich researchers shows a sharp increase in opioid poisoning cases and sales in Switzerland between 2000 and 2019, with oxycodone being the second most common cause. The rise is similar to that seen in other European countries, but per capita sales are higher in Switzerland.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateJun 28, 2022

Tapping the ocean as a source of natural products

Researchers discovered 40,000 biosynthetic gene clusters in ocean microorganisms, including a new species with giant genome size. These clusters may hold key to new natural products with antibiotic properties. Collaboration between ETH Zurich and Jörn Piel's group validated the structure and function of two promising molecules.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022

Breast cancer spreads at night

Researchers found that circulating cancer cells form metastases mainly during sleep phases, with higher cell division rates at night, suggesting a link between hormone regulation and tumor growth. This discovery highlights the need for healthcare professionals to record the time of biopsies to ensure comparable data.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022

The chaotic early phase of the solar system

Researchers analyzed iron samples from asteroid cores to determine the timing of asteroid core cooling and collisions. The study suggests that violent collisions occurred within a 7.8-11.7 million year window after solar system formation, indicating a chaotic early phase.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 24, 2022

Component for brain-inspired computing

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel memristor design that can switch between two operation modes, enabling greater efficiency in machine learning applications. This breakthrough component is made of halide perovskite nanocrystals and simulates complex neural networks with high accuracy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2022

Automated analysis of animal behaviour

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed an automated way to analyze animal behavior from video footage using computer vision and machine learning. The new algorithm can distinguish individual animals and identify specific behaviors, such as curiosity or fear responses, with high accuracy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022

Environmental DNA reveals secret reef inhabitants

A new study using environmental DNA reveals a 16% higher fish diversity on coral reefs than traditional visual observations. The approach detects pelagic, reef-bound, and cryptobenthic species that are difficult to spot by divers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Ubiquitous nutrients suppress appetite and promote movement

A study published in Current Biology found that consuming non-essential amino acids can curb appetite and encourage physical activity in mice. This mechanism is thought to be rooted in evolutionary history, where eating these amino acids promoted the urge to seek out more nutrient-rich food sources.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 20, 2022

Enhancing deep sleep

A mobile system developed by ETH Zurich researchers aims to promote deep sleep through auditory brain stimulation, showing promise in enhancing slow waves during deep sleep in older adults. The system involves a headband that continuously measures brain activity and triggers short auditory signals to synchronize neuronal cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 8, 2022

Breaking down plastic into its constituent parts

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to break down certain polymers into their basic building blocks, enabling full recycling. The breakthrough involves creating 'radicals' at the end of a polymer chain, triggering depolymerisation and recovering up to 92% of the monomers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022

Traces of life in the Earth's deep mantle

Researchers found variations in carbon isotopes in younger kimberlites, suggesting the Cambrian Explosion affected the Earth's lower mantle. The study suggests that changes in marine sediments leave profound traces on the Earth's interior.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 8, 2022

Like bacteria firing spearguns

Researchers discovered two novel contractile injection systems (CISs) in cyanobacteria and a marine bacterium, revealing unique features and anchoring mechanisms. These systems provide insights into the evolutionary differences between various injection system classes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2022

Predicting complex dynamics from data

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new approach to modeling nonlinear dynamical systems using experimental data. By identifying key structures rather than detailed dynamics, the algorithm reduces calculation time from hours to just minutes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateFeb 15, 2022

Applying the butterfly principle

Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully replicated the surface structures of the Cynandra opis butterfly using nano-3D printing, enabling the production of structures that generate all visible spectrum colours. This breakthrough could lead to applications in security features, optical technologies, and high-resolution colour displays.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

The Congo tropical forest is simply different

The Congo Basin's tropical forest is a unique greenhouse gas emitter, with low nitrous oxide emissions but high methane releases, particularly in swamp forests. Soils play a crucial role in converting nitrous oxide to harmless nitrogen, affecting the forest's overall climate gas balance.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2022

How robots learn to hike

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new control technology that enables ANYmal, a quadrupedal robot, to combine visual perception of its environment with proprioception-based sensing. This allows the robot to tackle rough terrain faster and more efficiently.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2022

Is Vesuvius taking an extended siesta?

Researchers at ETH Zurich analyzed garnet crystals from volcanic deposits to infer magma chamber residence times. They found that phonolitic magma stored in the upper crust for several thousand years before triggering an eruption, and a reservoir of this magma has existed beneath Vesuvius for the last 10'000 years.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

Earth’s interior is cooling faster than expected

Researchers have discovered that Earth's interior is cooling at a faster rate than expected, with implications for plate tectonics and the planet's overall activity. The study suggests that this increased heat flow will accelerate mantle convection, leading to a faster cooling of the Earth.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2022

Why we feel confident about decisions we make

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has developed a computer model that can predict how individuals will choose between options and feel confident in their decisions. The model uses patterns of eye movements to determine the level of attentional effort invested in evaluating options, revealing that introspection is key to self-control ...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2022

It all comes down to the first electron

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a single relationship explaining the massive efficiency differences in extracellular electron shuttles. The study found that the transfer of the first electron from the shuttle to iron oxide determines the iron reduction rate, shedding light on a critical step in microbial respiration.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

The secret drivers of tree growth

Researchers found that fungal communities play a key role in tree growth, with some species increasing tree growth rates up to a tree-fold. The study suggests that using specific fungal communities can help improve forestry and potentially absorb more carbon from the atmosphere.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJan 11, 2022

Swaying mountains

The Matterhorn oscillates at two frequencies, with movements up to 14 times stronger at the summit than at the foot. Researchers detected these subtle vibrations using seismometers, which are also found in bridges and high-rise buildings, revealing a broader phenomenon.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateDec 22, 2021

Climate change is intensifying extremes also in the oceans

Researchers found that climate change is causing a compound effect of extreme events in the oceans, including heatwaves, acidity, and low oxygen levels. This combination can be fatal to marine species, especially those already living at the upper end of their optimal temperature range.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 16, 2021

Growing carbon footprint for plastics

The global plastics supply chain has a significant impact on the climate, with production accounting for 96% of total greenhouse gas emissions. The use of coal-based energy in plastic production is driving this growth, with emissions quadrupling since 1995 and causing health issues like air pollution and asthma.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 2, 2021

Harnessing the organization of the cell surface

Scientists have developed a technology called LUX-MS to study the organisation of cell surface molecules, revealing that proteins work together to fulfil cellular functions. The method can detect the proximity of molecules on the cell surface with nanometer-scale precision.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2021

Crushed resistance

Researchers propose that crushing large olivine crystals reduces plate resistance, allowing it to bend into segments. Simulations support observations from nature, including fault patterns and seismic velocity structure.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2021

Plankton head polewards

Research finds that plankton diversity will increase in warmer waters, but this may lead to a reduction in zooplankton diversity in the tropics. As climate changes, plankton species from tropical regions will shift polewards, potentially disrupting marine ecosystems and fisheries.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 15, 2021

How to better identify dangerous volcanoes

Researchers found that high water content in magma can reduce the risk of an explosive eruption. The study suggests combining different metrics to predict gas bubbles and crystallization, potentially leading to better forecasts for dangerous explosions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 12, 2021

How geology and climate shape biodiversity

Tropical rainforests have uneven biodiversity due to geological history and climate. Researchers used a new model to simulate species diversification, finding that historical dynamics of mountain building and climate change drove biodiversity distribution rather than current climate factors.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 27, 2021

Acoustic illusions

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a system that can manipulate the acoustic field in real time, creating illusions of objects disappearing or being simulated. The technology uses field-programmable gate arrays to control the augmentation of sound waves, enabling potential applications in sensor technology, architecture, and commu...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

An insulator made of two conductors

A team of scientists at ETH Zurich has discovered a new correlated state in twisted double layers of graphene, where negatively charged electrons and positively charged holes pair up to form an electrically neutral state. This state can transmit information or conduct heat without conducting electric current.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

Embryonic development in slow motion

Roe deer's embryonic diapause phenomenon is controlled by a unique combination of amino acids and the mTORC1 pathway. The study reveals that amino acids activate mTORC1 to release embryos from decelerated proliferation, allowing them to develop normally after four and a half months.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2021

Getting oxygenated blood to exercising muscles

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that exercise promotes the formation of thin blood capillaries in muscles by stimulating cell division of endothelial cells with high levels of ATF4. These 'metabolically primed' cells are activated to form new vessels, leading to improved blood supply to exercising muscles.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeNews article·DateAug 11, 2021

Illuminating tissue formation

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a multi-component molecule that interacts with collagen, allowing for the visualization of new tissue growth in the body. This breakthrough could have applications in oncology and wound healing, enabling surgeons to more accurately remove tumors and investigate tissue formation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 4, 2021

High-precision frequency measurement

Researchers at ETH Zurich and partners have demonstrated a method to send precise reference frequencies via conventional telecommunications infrastructure, enabling chemical spectroscopy analyses that are 100 times more accurate than before. The approach uses the L band frequency, which is less congested by data traffic, allowing for h...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

On eternal imbalance

Researchers have discovered a new theory that explains the behavior of quantum systems with long-range interactions. The theory predicts that these systems will settle into meta-stable states rather than reaching equilibrium, leading to unique effects such as spiral arms in galaxies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Water resources: Defusing conflict, promoting cooperation

A strategic toolkit has been developed to help manage the nexus between water, energy, food and ecosystems, reducing disputes in catchment areas. The DAFNE methodology uses state-of-the-art modeling techniques to enable participatory planning and engage stakeholders, finding compromises and synergies that benefit everyone.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2021

The anatomy of a planet

Researchers from ETH Zurich analyzed data from NASA's InSight mission, revealing that Mars' crust, mantle, and core have distinct structures. The findings suggest that Mars was once completely molten, but now has a thinner crust with a relatively high proportion of radioactive elements.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021

Toxicity testing on the placenta and embryo

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new chip-based test that incorporates the placenta into embryotoxicity assessments. The test detects indirect damage to embryos by analyzing stress responses of human placental cells to toxic substances.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Biology·DateJul 21, 2021

Harnessing AI to discover new drugs

Researchers at ETH Zurich used AI to identify target molecules of natural substances, paving the way for a new class of pharmaceutical agents. The algorithm successfully predicted human receptors and enzymes that interact with natural compounds, leading to the discovery of simpler, cheaper alternatives.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 7, 2021

A crystal made of electrons

Researchers at ETH Zurich have produced a crystal consisting exclusively of electrons, overcoming previous obstacles due to the low mass and high motional energy of electrons. The team used light to excite excitons in the semiconductor layer, allowing them to visualize the periodic arrangement of electrons.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 2021

Mixed cultures for a greater yield

A study published in Nature Plants found that mixed cultures of crops can produce higher yields than monocultures due to the biodiversity effect. This approach involves sowing multiple species or varieties alongside each other, resulting in increased plant productivity and effective natural pest control without pesticides.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Plants·DateJun 24, 2021

Early endeavors on the path to reliable quantum machine learning

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new approach to prove the robustness conditions of certain quantum-based machine learning models, guaranteeing reliable results. The team's work explores protection against errors and hackers, paving the way for more accurate and trustworthy quantum machine learning applications.

SourceETH Zurich·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateJun 8, 2021

Controlling insulin production with a smartwatch

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a molecular switch that can be activated by green light from a smartwatch, producing insulin or other substances. The system uses HEK 293 cells and is linked to a gene network, which can be configured to produce specific substances.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021