Melting a crystal topologically

Published:15.06.20 — Physicists at EPFL have successfully melted a very thin crystal of magnetic quasi-particles controllably, as turning ice into water. Novel phases of matter have been discovered and a new model system for fundamental physics studies has been established.

EPFL's startups cautiously moving forward

Published:12.06.20 — The lockdown has been a real headache for most EPFL startups. All but a few were forced to halt their development. The pace of the economic recovery will play a decisive role, and experts are cautiously optimistic about fundraising opportunities going forward.

A surprising quantum effect observed in a “large” object

Published:12.06.20 — While conducting experiments on a layered metal, EPFL researchers witnessed something very surprising. The unexpected electron behavior they discovered could open up possibilities in the field of quantum computing.

Solving a Parkinson's disease puzzle through protein design

Published:12.06.20 — EPFL researchers, in collaboration with UTSW and UCSD scientists, have developed a computational protein design approach, and used it to obtain the first ever high-resolution structure of an activated dopamine receptor in its natural cell membrane environment. The breakthrough will open up a new dimension in drug discovery for Parkinson’s disease and perhaps other disorders.

Student projects rescheduled and redesigned

Published:11.06.20 — Students taking part in EPFL’s interdisciplinary projects have had to work from home to limit the spread of COVID-19. Despite this challenge, they remain optimistic.

Energy transition: EPFL spin-off Vizcab raises 1.75 million francs

Published:10.06.20 — The French startup will use the injection of capital to ramp up marketing of a building life cycle assessment (LCA) method developed at EPFL Fribourg.

Soon a transparent surgical mask to keep smiling

Published:09.06.20 — EPFL’s EssentialTech Center, working with Empa, has developed a fully transparent surgical mask that will soon be produced on an industrial scale. The team has created a startup called HMCARE to market the masks and has already raised CHF 1 million to develop the manufacturing process.