A new law unchains fusion energy

Published:17.05.22 — Physicists at EPFL, within a large European collaboration, have revised one of the fundamental laws that has been foundational to plasma and fusion research for over three decades, even governing the design of megaprojects like ITER. The update shows that we can actually safely use more hydrogen fuel in fusion reactors, and therefore obtain more energy than previously thought.

NeuroMechFly: a digital twin of Drosophila

Published:16.05.22 — EPFL scientists have developed a digital model of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, which realistically simulates the movements of the animal. The twin is a big step towards reverse engineering the neuromechanical control of animal behavior, and developing bioinspired robots.

How cells correct errors under time pressure

Published:13.05.22 — How does a cell balance risk and speed when dividing? EPFL scientists have developed and experimentally tested the first mathematical theory that describes the cell’s best strategy for dividing safely and efficiently.

Teaming up to solve water-related problems in Ghana

Published:12.05.22 — Two EPFL students, Nour Ghalia Abassi and Mohamed Ali Dhraief, spent ten days in Ghana working on water-related projects.

Exoskeleton device helps stroke victims regain hand function

Published:11.05.22 — Working closely with users and therapists, EPFL spin-off Emovo Care has developed a light and easy-to-attach hand exoskeleton for people unable to grasp objects following a stroke or accident. The device has been successfully tested in several hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

Using the matrix to help Meta gear up

Published:09.05.22 — Just 12 months after it was created, in December 2004, 1 million people were active on Facebook. As of December 2021 it had an average 1.93 billion daily active users. EPFL is in a unique collaboration with its parent company Meta around distributed deep learning research.

The role of surface tension in biological symmetry

Published:06.05.22 — EPFL researchers have discovered that symmetry in the vertebrate body is influenced by surface tension, the same mechanical phenomenon that allows lightweight insects to walk on water. A paper discussing this surprising finding, which is akin to a form of natural self-correction, has been published in the journal Nature.