Calculating Switzerland's energy carbon footprint more accurately

Published:30.10.18 — By developing a method for calculating the carbon footprint of energy used in Switzerland on an hourly basis rather than as a yearly average, EPFL researchers have shed important light on an otherwise obscure industry.

Medical X-ray imaging made affordable

Published:29.10.18 — The GlobalDiagnostiX X-ray system is about to go into production. This robust machine – initially designed for the challenging conditions of countries in the Global South – has also turned out to be an attractive solution for industrialized nations owing to its low cost. The GlobalDiagnostiX consortium unveiled its second prototype on 29 October at an event that included Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann.

AI and NMR spectroscopy determine atoms configuration in record time

Published:29.10.18 — EPFL scientists have developed a machine-learning approach that can be combined with experiments to determine, in record time, the location of atoms in powdered solids. Their method can be applied to complex molecules containing thousands of atoms and could be of particular interest to the pharmaceutical industry.

Off to Colombia to purify water and develop eco-friendly showers

Published:26.10.18 — Two EPFL Master’s students in environmental sciences and engineering have headed to Colombia to carry out their internships. They’ll spend four months there working on two separate projects. You can follow their progress on the EPFL expedition blog, EPFL Out There.

Small flying robots able to pull objects up to 40 times their weight

Published:25.10.18 — Researchers from EPFL and Stanford have developed small drones that can land and then move objects that are 40 times their weight, with the help of powerful winches, gecko adhesives and microspines.

Anti-aging molecule NAD+ gets a boost from blocking an enzyme

Published:24.10.18 — Scientists at EPFL have found a new way to boost the famous anti-aging molecule NAD+ in the kidney and liver by blocking an enzyme that limits its production. Publishing in Nature, the researchers have also developed two enzyme blockers that are shown to protect against kidney and liver disease.

EPFL to host a series of Digital Day events

Published:24.10.18 — Switzerland’s second annual Digital Day – an initiative of digitalswitzerland – will take place on Thursday, 25 October, with events held at various train stations across the country. In addition to participating in activities at the Zurich train station, EPFL will run a series of free, public events on its Lausanne campus. At the Rolex Learning Center, for example, visitors will be able to learn all about Data Detox through stands, workshops, technology demonstrations and a special exhibition. The day will be capped off by a pair of panel discussions on education in the digital age. The panel slated to discuss the political ramifications of this issue will include the education ministers of the cantons of Vaud, Valais and Ticino. Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann will attend the official ceremony, which will also be open to the public.