A team of Swiss researchers has developed Aerial Additive Manufacturing (AAM), a system that uses flying drones to print materials for construction projects. The technology enables on-site manufacturing and building in difficult-to-access or dangerous locations, such as post-disaster relief construction and tall buildings.
A new paper battery that can be activated by adding a drop of water has been developed, using salt and zinc to generate electricity. The battery's performance decreased over time due to the paper drying out, but it showed promise for low-power electronics.
Researchers discovered that copper accelerates protein aggregation in Parkinson's disease, forming ring-shaped structures that can be used as therapeutic targets. The study provides new clues to the development of the neurodegenerative disease.
A team of researchers from Empa and two universities developed digital twins of citrus fruits to track quality losses and predict marketing problems. The study found that half of all shipments were outside optimal conditions, leading to decay, cold damage, and spoilage.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have discovered a new chemical synthesis method that forms stable benzene rings on a gold surface. This method, called the 'dry' method, avoids toxic byproducts and allows for the observation of molecular reactions in real-time.
A study published in Frontiers in Energy Research calculates the costs of a CO2-neutral Switzerland, finding that three different energy systems would require significant investments and increased energy costs. The most efficient option is electrifying the entire energy supply, but this comes with the challenge of storing enough renewa...
Researchers detected 43 trillion miniature plastic particles in Switzerland every year, with estimates suggesting up to 3,000 tonnes of nanoplastics covering the country annually. The study reveals that nanoplastics originate primarily from urban areas and global emissions, posing potential health risks when inhaled.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a protective cover for fruits and vegetables based on renewable raw materials. The cellulose coating extends the shelf life of bananas by more than a week, significantly reducing food waste.
Scientists have created a versatile carbon-loaded shellac ink suitable for disposable printed electronics. The ink achieves high electrical conductivity while maintaining stability and biodegradability. Its practical applications include conductive tracks and sensor elements in sustainable devices.
Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) propose a radical approach to accelerate the energy transition. By using fossil power plants at full capacity and building solar infrastructure, they aim to minimize cumulative CO2 emissions and complete the energy transition within five years.
Scientists have fabricated chains of triangular polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with spin 1, exhibiting Kondo resonances characteristic of spin ½ quantum objects. This breakthrough enables the exploration of linear spin chains and two-dimensional networks for quantum computation.
Researchers have developed a potential blood test to diagnose Alzheimer's disease using atomic force microscopy technology. The test analyzes protein fibers made up of beta-amyloid peptides and tau proteins, which accumulate in patients' blood cells, indicating the stage of the disease.
Researchers at EMPA created a flame retardant cotton textile that retains the natural properties of cotton fibers while providing fireproof and antimicrobial functionalities. The fabric does not contain carcinogenic formaldehyde and can absorb water, maintaining a favorable microclimate on the skin.
Scientists at Empa have pushed flexible solar cell efficiency to a new limit, achieving 21.4% conversion rate. The study's findings also show that the technology remains stable after exposure to combined heat and illumination.
Researchers at EMPA developed a mathematical system to classify cars by their dimensions, enabling easier comparison and potentially replacing expert-based classifications. This system can help standardize car classes across countries, addressing differences in definitions such as mid-size cars.
Researchers discover bacteria that can break down toxic chemicals like lindane and HBCD, which have been banned in many countries due to their persistence in the environment. The microbes produce enzymes that can degrade these pollutants, offering a potential solution for cleaning up chemical waste from landfills.
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) are investigating a method to produce synthetic methane from hydrogen and CO2, which can be used as a fuel. This process, known as methanization, has the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions in road transport.
Researchers developed a biodegradable supercapacitor that can store electricity for hours, withstand thousands of charge cycles, and degrade naturally. The device uses a combination of cellulose nanofibers, carbon, and glycerin to achieve its capabilities.
Scientists have created mega-crystals with unique properties by mixing different shapes of nanocrystals. These 'Lego materials' form long-range ordered dense lattices called superlattices, which exhibit superfluorescence and can be used for technical applications.
Scientists investigate 'bite' defects in armchair and zigzag graphene nanoribbons, finding they can disrupt electronic transport but also yield spin-polarized currents. The study aims to minimize the detrimental effects of these defects on charge transport for next-generation nanotechnologies.
The global temperature rise will increase cooling degree days, leading to a higher energy demand for cooling buildings. In Switzerland, the energy demand for cooling is expected to increase significantly, with potential peaks on hot days.
Scientists are concerned about the potential harmful effects of nanoplastics on ecosystems, but knowledge gaps hinder understanding of their risks. Research is needed to develop analytical methods and study interactions between nanoparticles and biological systems.
Researchers develop nanoparticles that penetrate human cells and destroy bacteria, offering new hope against antibiotic resistance. The particles use cerium oxide to create reactive oxygen species that kill germs, reducing the likelihood of resistance development.
Scientists at Empa and ETH Zurich create piezoelectric wood by dissolving lignin using a biological process, resulting in an elastic material that generates a voltage when deformed. The technology has potential applications as a sensor or electricity-generating floor, and researchers are exploring its industrial feasibility.
Two international studies show levels of CFC-11 emissions are back on the decline, dropping by thousands of tons per year between 2017 and 2019. The rapid action in eastern China and other regions likely prevented a substantial delay in ozone layer recovery.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have successfully created a multilayer system where two different types of skyrmions coexist at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the potential use of skyrmions in ultrafast data processing, promising an extremely compact form of data storage.
Researchers Mirko Kovac and Aslan Miriyev propose merging artificial intelligence with physical bodies to create lifelike robots. By combining materials science, biology, and computer science, they aim to achieve symbiosis between humans and machines.
Researchers have developed a new polymer that can be applied to textile fibers, turning them into flexible solar collectors. These solar concentrators can capture a wider spectrum of light and offer an immense benefit for portable devices.
Fire experiments in a test tunnel revealed that burning electric cars pose less risk than gasoline/diesel cars due to state-of-the-art ventilation systems. However, extinguishing water poses a challenge, as it's poisonous and requires special handling.
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have successfully produced stable, well-shaped microstructures from silica aerogel using a 3D printer. The printed structures exhibit excellent thermal insulation properties, making them ideal for thermally insulating small electronic components and shie...
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology create a composite of cellulose nanofibers and silver nanowires, achieving impressive shielding effectiveness. The resulting aerogel is incredibly light, flexible, and durable, with high shielding capabilities against electromagnetic radiation.
Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a method to detect keyhole instability in laser deep penetration welding. The technique uses an acoustic sensor and optical measurements analyzed with artificial intelligence, allowing for real-time monitoring of weld quality.
Researchers develop 16-atom motor with high directional stability, powered by thermal and electrical energy. The motor's operation challenges classical physics and quantum principles, revealing new insights into energy transfer and time direction.
Scientists at Empa used 3D laser printing to produce materials with specific magnetic properties. By varying the size and lifetime of the melt pool, they were able to create alloy compositions with precise control over nitrogen content.
A study by the University of York and Empa shows that retrofitting VW diesel engines with software or hardware updates reduced harmful nitrogen oxides emissions by up to a third. The retrofitting was successful from an environmental point of view, with passenger cars showing significant improvements.
Researchers at Empa developed an optical biosensor that can quickly detect SARS-CoV-2 in the environment. The sensor combines two effects to identify the virus safely and reliably, using gold nanoislands and LSPR technology.
A self-learning heating control system has been developed by Empa researchers, allowing for energy savings of up to 25% in residential buildings. The system uses machine learning and weather forecasts to optimize temperature settings, providing greater comfort while reducing energy consumption.
Researchers successfully synthesized a graphene nanostructure with magnetic properties, fulfilling a decades-old prediction. The structure's high exchange coupling energy enables stable spin-based logic operations at room temperature.
Researchers calculated that over 30 years, around 200,000 tonnes of micro rubber accumulated in Switzerland's environment. Tire abrasion is the primary source of micro rubber, responsible for 97% of particles released.
Physicists have discovered a way to convert oscillations into thermal energy, creating ultra-light soundproofing materials that can filter out interfering frequencies. The technology has potential applications in various industries, including architecture, aircraft construction, and automotive engineering.
Researchers have discovered that zearalenone, a widespread food estrogen, can pass through the placenta and affect fetal development. The study found that even low concentrations of zearalenone can have a significant impact on the unborn child's hormonal balance.
The new electrohydraulic valve train achieves significantly lower energy requirements and flexible gas exchange, adapting to changing fuel properties and enabling easier implementation of renewable fuels. The system also features an oil-free cylinder head, utilizing a water-glycol mixture for fast-switching hydraulic systems.
A study by Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) suggests that Switzerland can transition to a low-CO2 energy system by reducing building heating requirements by 42%, electrifying 3/4 of remaining heating needs, and increasing electrification of private car journeys to 20%.
Ali Gooneie simulates atoms and molecules to explain material properties like smooth surfaces, flexibility, heat-conductivity, and insulation. His research uses the finite element method to predict macroscopic properties of composite materials.
Researchers from Empa successfully synthesized chain-shaped molecules between two microscopically small gold tips. The properties of the resulting molecule can be monitored in real time during synthesis, enabling the creation of electrically conductive molecules with atomic precision.
Researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich have developed a novel quantum light source by arranging perovskite quantum dots into a three-dimensional superlattice. This enables the coherent collective emission of photons, creating ultrafast and bright superfluorescence.
Researchers have investigated the emissions of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines and found that they produce genotoxic exhaust gases, which can increase carcinogenic potential up to 17 times higher than diesel vehicles. Retrofitting GDI engines with particle filters could improve their emission behavior.
Researchers at Empa develop high-performance watch springs through electroplating, enabling improved accuracy and long-term stability. The team's goal is to master the process of miniaturization and understand its effects on material properties.
Researchers from Empa and re-fer AG have developed a new building material called memory-steel, which uses shape-memory alloys to permanently prestress concrete structures. The material eliminates the need for hydraulic prestressing, reducing space requirements and making it suitable for confined spaces.
A material called graphene nano-ribbons has different electronic properties depending on its shape and width, allowing for the creation of tailor-made semiconductors, metals or insulators. The ribbons form a chain of interlinked quantum states with adjustable electronic structure.