Foreign vs own DNA: How an innate immune sensor tells the difference

Published:26.11.20 — Scientists at EPFL and the Friedrich Miescher Institute have used cryo-electron microscopy to explain how a DNA-sensing biomolecule that is key to our innate immunity response is inactivated when it comes in contact with the cell’s own DNA.

Adaptive structures cut down the carbon footprint of buildings

Published:25.11.20 — Scientists at EPFL have developed new methods to design and control civil structures that are able to automatically adapt to loading. The aim is to reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector.

Study measures Switzerland's potential geothermal heating capacity

Published:24.11.20 — An EPFL PhD student has calculated the maximum amount of geothermal energy that could theoretically be extracted using ground-source heat pumps in the Cantons of Vaud and Geneva. In a study combining data on the area available for such systems with computer modeling techniques, she found stark differences between geothermal energy’s potential in urban versus rural areas.

Virtual reality helps measure vulnerability to stress

Published:23.11.20 — Behavioral scientists at EPFL have developed a virtual reality test that assesses a person’s vulnerability to stress while exploring immersive environments. The resulting model offers the field of stress research one of the first such tools that does not rely on subjective evaluations.

New process narrows the gap between natural and synthetic materials

Published:19.11.20 — Skin and cartilage are both strong and flexible – properties that are hard to replicate in artificial materials. But a new fabrication process, developed by scientists at EPFL, brings lifelike synthetic polymers a step closer.

Three spin-offs make the finals of a deep tech startup competition

Published:18.11.20 — Three EPFL spin-offs – CompPair, Hydromea and Nanogence – have made it through to the finals of the Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge, an international startup competition that is being held virtually this year. The teams will have three minutes to pitch their business ideas to a panel of experts.

Vaud residents embrace clean commuting and public transport

Published:17.11.20 — EPFL has established a comprehensive overview of commuting practices by Vaud residents and their views on available means of transport.