News EPFL

Could the Higgs boson explain the size of the Universe?

Published:21.09.11 — The Universe wouldn’t be the same without the Higgs boson. This legendary particle plays a role in cosmology and reveals the possible existence of another closely related particle.

2000 new students are discovering EPFL this week

Published:20.09.11 — EPFL’s latest enrollment statistics point to an increase of nearly 10%, to more than 8000 people, in the total number of students for the academic year 2011–2012. It is the fourth consecutive year of growth. Civil engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture and mathematics are establishing their appeal to new first-year students, while the principle of “tutorial” teaching for them is becoming more standard. Bachelor’s graduates from other institutions are mainly embarking on Master’s programs in computer science and technology management.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree – or does it?

Published:16.09.11 — Research at EPFL’s Chair of Corporate Strategy and Innovation has shown that contrary to what was thought from previous studies, spin-outs don’t systematically set up shop near their parent companies. To stay or to leave, what’s the best strategy?

Camera reveals blood circulation

Published:14.09.11 — A device developed by Aïmago, a start-up in EPFL’s Science Park, shows how blood is circulating in the skin. It already facilitates the work of burn specialists and plastic and reconstructive surgeons at CHUV.

Lightening the load with composite materials

Published:12.09.11 — EPFL’s Laboratory of Composite and Polymer Technology is participating in HIVOCOMP, an EU program to develop innovative materials for the automotive industry.

An upside-down cake throws a new light on photovoltaics

Published:09.09.11 — Do better with less. That is the challenge the researchers of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) have set for themselves, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Federal Office of Energy. Their specialty: manufacturing solar cells that are one thousand times thinner than conventional cells. In order to boost the output of the cells, they have developed a new nanopatterning technique.

Good vibrations for future quantum computers

Published:07.09.11 — The enigmatic quantum dot is the basic building block for quantum computers. EPFL physicists have developed a new theory which shows that dot symmetry is enough to account for most of their intriguing optical properties.