Scientists at PSI discovered chiral phonons, which exhibit handedness, and now show that an electric field can control their handedness. The researchers created a tiny device using ferroelectric barium titanate and demonstrated the ability to switch the handedness of phonons at room temperature and low voltage.
Giacomo Sala's Q-GEOMSPIN project aims to combine spintronics and quantum geometry to unlock new possibilities for spintronic data storage and energy harvesting. The team will investigate topological materials and nonlinear effects using PSI's infrastructure.
Researchers demonstrate optical Magnus effect in trapped calcium ion, affecting laser control in quantum computers, with potential for complex computations and precise qubit coupling. The effect's magnitude depends solely on the wavelength of the light, not the laser's focus.
Researchers at Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have successfully generated first positrons for the Future Circular Collider, a proposed 91-km particle accelerator. The positron source, developed to meet the collider's demanding requirements, uses a compact high-temperature superconducting magnet to capture positrons and create a tight beam.
Researchers used tensor tomography to visualize the nanometre-scale building blocks of narwhal tusks, finding two opposing helices that form an extremely stable structure. The findings challenge previous understanding of composite materials and provide new insights into the function and structure of narwhal tusks.
A team of researchers used neutron and X-ray tomography to examine a Martian meteorite sample, revealing tiny hydrated minerals and larger macroscopic hydrogen deposits. This provides crucial information about the early environment of Mars and its potential for supporting life.
A new experiment by PSI researchers eliminates the possibility of transformation into mirror particles, ruling out a mirror world. This finding is crucial for particle physics, as it restricts speculations and encourages exploration of new avenues.
Researchers have discovered a new form of BRAF dimer that could serve as a potential target for cancer drugs. The discovery sheds light on the complex regulation of cell division and provides valuable insights into the development of targeted therapeutic agents.
Researchers investigated potential locations for small-scale ammonia plants using electrolysis, which could reduce emissions and dependence on global supply chains. Hybrid plants combining local renewable energy with grid electricity perform best, offering a more economical solution.
A recent study reveals a significant increase in desert dust pollution in southern Europe, with concentrations more than twice as high as in central and northern regions. The study also highlights the potential health risks of elevated desert dust levels, particularly for respiratory problems.
A world-first lens has been developed to focus neutrons into a single focal point, overcoming the challenge of defocusing weakly interacting particles. This allows for high-resolution imaging with a resolution below twenty micrometers, opening up new possibilities for materials science and device analysis.
The study found that collagen fibers and mineral platelets are arranged differently on the upper side of the femoral neck, making them less flexible and more prone to fractures. The researchers hope their work will contribute to a deeper understanding of bone structure and analysis methods.
Researchers have characterized a quantum material that becomes superconducting when subjected to high pressure, leading to new insights into the behavior of electrons. The discovery could pave the way for more technologically usable superconductors in the future.
Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of human cone opsins in their dark state, shedding light on how they rapidly activate with light. This breakthrough provides new insights into human vision and its evolution, potentially offering new avenues for treating eye diseases.
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute developed a new method to create virtual stains of tissue samples using micro-computed tomography and artificial intelligence. The technique allows for three-dimensional visualization of fine anatomical structures and can deliver results similar to conventional laboratory histology.
A scientific team has developed an AI-powered approach to solve a practical problem in materials science by locating missing atomic positions in otherwise known structures. By using an adapted open-source model called XtalPaint, researchers can reconstruct accurate crystal representations with a success rate of 97%.
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute measured air quality near Zurich Airport, detecting high concentrations of ultrafine particles and lubricating oil emissions. The study confirms findings from other European airports and highlights the need for countermeasures to reduce emissions.
AiiDAlab simplifies material research and simulations by automating workflow management, analysis, and visualization. Researchers can now focus on gaining new insights without requiring advanced computing skills.
Researchers at Paul Scherrer Institute used high-speed cameras to document the physical processes inside a system on the scale of a nuclear power plant. They found that gases separate in the lower section, and condensation is determined by diffusion, not larger currents. The cooling process is highly dependent on local conditions.
Researchers found that older cells' inability to react properly to external stimuli is caused by changes in the packaged form of DNA, called chromatin. This alteration leads to incorrect gene expression and production of unwanted proteins.
Researchers have discovered how a light-switchable beta blocker interacts with its biological receptor, allowing for targeted treatment of high blood pressure. The new compound's shape changes in response to light, reducing its potency and minimizing side effects.
A comprehensive techno-economic assessment of low-carbon fuel production technologies reveals that no single technology will dominate globally. Costs vary significantly between regions, depending on local resources and financing conditions. The analysis provides guidance on where investment may be most effective in making these technol...
PSI researchers Mohsen Sadr and Mohammadhossein Montazerian develop AI tools for fusion energy & semiconductor technologies, and microbatteries for medical tech & wearables. They aim to accelerate processes, improve safety & enable ultrafast charging.
The Swiss National Science Foundation has awarded funding to the Paul Scherrer Institute's Muoniverse project, a large-scale collaboration in muon research. The project aims to improve muon beam quality and precision, enabling new research opportunities in materials science, energy, and archaeology.
Researchers found that particulate matter concentrations in Sarajevo exceed WHO recommended daily limits, with wood-burning stoves contributing to organic pollution. Sulphur dioxide emissions from old power plants also impact air quality, with the city's valley experiencing rapid pollutant drop at night.
Scientists at SwissFEL have developed a technique known as X-ray four-wave mixing, allowing them to access coherences in matter for the first time. This breakthrough has the potential to illuminate how quantum information is stored and lost, ultimately aiding the design of more error-tolerant quantum devices.
Scientists have developed a refined X-ray diffraction technique that allows for the simultaneous analysis of materials on scales from nanometres to millimetres, enabling detailed studies of complex tissue and bone diseases. This method has been successfully applied to reveal the alignment of collagen fibres in a human ossicle, providin...
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have achieved a breakthrough in developing all-solid-state batteries with high energy density and durability. They successfully densified the solid electrolyte using gentle sintering and applied a thin passivation layer to prevent lithium dendrite formation.
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have successfully implemented mode-locking to generate coherent trains of X-ray pulses with unprecedented temporal structure. This achievement enables attosecond science and opens up new experimental possibilities, including precise timing of phenomena in gases, liquids, and solids.
Researchers have elucidated the molecular mechanism by which microtubules transmit signals to cells, using the signalling protein GEFH1. The C1 domain of GEFH1 binds specifically to microtubules, activating the RhoA signalling pathway and triggering cellular processes.
Scientists at PSI's cleanroom used the laser to create two-dimensional continuous changes in magnetic properties in materials for various applications. The technique enables local, gradual approach to creating gradients of magnetic properties that can take on arbitrary shapes.
Researchers have developed a new method to image brain tissue using X-rays, achieving unprecedented resolution and resolving the long-standing challenge of studying connectomics. The technique uses a specially designed epoxy resin and cooled stage to stabilize the sample, enabling the study of synapses and neural connections in three d...
Swiss PIC focuses on photonic integration, enabling rapid access to a wider range of applications with industry-standard connectors. The center supports companies in bringing new technologies to market more rapidly and efficiently.
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have discovered how spermine guards against diseases like Alzheimer's by rendering certain proteins harmless. The substance promotes cell mobility and activity, regulating gene expression and biomolecular condensation, which facilitates autophagy and safely degrades damaged proteins.
Scientists at PSI have developed a dynamic database for vanadium, crucial for storing surplus wind and solar power. The database provides reliable data on raw materials, including ore deposits, mining volumes, and prices, to facilitate long-term investment and policy decisions.
The study found that zinc leaches from the needle shield into the drug solution when stored at 40 degrees, contributing to syringe clogging. When stored correctly at 5 degrees, no zinc was detected.
Researchers at PSI developed an AI-based model to simulate and optimize cement formulations with lower CO₂ emissions. The model, trained on existing data, can generate practical recipe suggestions in seconds, accelerating the development cycle.
Scientists from Harvard University and PSI have developed a method to stabilize transient quantum states in materials using tailored optical excitation. This breakthrough enables the study of emergent properties of quantum materials, paving the way for transformative technologies such as lossless electronics and high-capacity batteries.
Researchers at Paul Scherrer Institute propose a new therapy for lymphoma using radioimmunotherapy with terbium-161, which could target smaller tumours and increase survival rates. The isotope's conversion and Auger electrons allow for precise treatment of cancer cells in the bloodstream.
The team measured the radius of the nucleus of muonic helium-3 with a precision of around 15 times more than previous experiments, providing important reference values for modern ab initio theories. The result is an important stress test for theories and future experiments in atomic physics.
Researchers developed an AI system called Image2Reg that can identify genetic perturbations in cell images, potentially leading to new drugs. The system uses machine learning and molecular networks to analyze patterns in chromatin structure, revealing links between genes and their functions.
Researchers at CERN's CLOUD simulation chamber found that anthropogenic organic aerosols form after multiple oxidation steps, with a significant impact on regional air quality. The study suggests that controlling precursor gases, not just direct emissions, is crucial to combatting air pollution and improving public health.
Physicists have built a new type of digital-analogue quantum simulator that can study physical processes with unprecedented precision and flexibility. The simulator combines both digital and analogue operating modes, enabling it to be applied to various problems in solid-state physics, astrophysics, and more.
Researchers have developed a new X-ray technique called XL-DOT that visualizes crystal grains, grain boundaries, and defects in materials, enabling previously inaccessible insights into functional materials. The technique uses polarized X-rays to probe the orientation of structural domains in three dimensions.
The concept uses two-step conversion of surplus electricity into hydrogen and synthetic fuels, storing energy in the form of methane and methanol. Biogas plants are used to produce CO2, which is then converted into these molecules. The stored energy can be used to fuel hydrogen-powered vehicles or generate electricity.
Researchers at SwissFEL have achieved breakthroughs in improving the temporal coherence of XFEL pulses by inserting magnetic chicanes to control the timing of the electron beam. This advancement opens new scientific opportunities in fields requiring precise spectral control, such as fundamental physics and applied sciences.
Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute have found a quantum phenomenon known as time-reversal symmetry breaking occurring at the surface of the Kagome superconductor RbV₃Sb₅ at temperatures up to 175 K. This discovery sets a new record for the temperature at which this phenomenon is observed among Kagome systems.
Scientists have discovered a way to switch cellular activities on and off using light, opening up new possibilities for biological research and medical applications. The researchers created photoreceptors similar to those in the retina, which can be triggered by light pulses to initiate specific cellular signalling processes.
Researchers have discovered chiral topological semi-metals that possess properties making them suitable for generating currents of orbital angular momentum (OAM) flows. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of energy-efficient devices in orbitronics, a potential alternative to traditional electronics.
Researchers integrated personalized daily adjustments into proton therapy, ensuring more precise treatment and reduced radiation exposure. The new workflow, developed by PSI researchers, involves low-dose CT scans before each irradiation and adapts the treatment plan to the patient's current anatomy.