Looking back at 2015 (1/3)
creative commons - Tero Mononen on Flickr
Considerable advances were made during the first months of 2015, notably in the field of brain implants. EPFL scientists also worked on research into graphene, extra-terrestrial life, robotics for teaching and the immune system. State representatives from all over the world came to our school in April.
Neuroprosthetics for paralysis: an new implant on the spinal cord
08.01.15 - New therapies are on the horizon for individuals paralyzed following spinal cord injury. The e-Dura implant developed by EPFL scientists can be applied directly to the spinal cord without causing damage and inflammation. The device is described in an article appearing online January 8, 2015, in Science.
Graphene multiplies the power of light
19.01.15 - Could graphene turn light to electricity? Scientists have shown that graphene can convert a single photon into multiple electrons, showing much promise for future photovoltaic devices.
Detecting extraterrestrial life through motion
13.01.15 - EPFL scientists have developed an extremely sensitive device that can detect life forms by sensing the slightest motion. The chemistry-free system can be used to rapidly test antibiotics or even to search for life on other planets.
Intel buys two EPFL start-ups
20.01.15 / 20.03.2015 - EPFL spin-offs Composyt Light Labs and Lemoptix SA have been acquired by Intel, the US microprocessor giant. The value of the acquisitions has not been made public. Composyt Light Labs work on smart glasses while Lemoptix has developed a miniature projection system used in many applications. Both start-up have already worked together before becoming part of Intel. They remain in the EPFL Innovation Park as R&D units for the american group.
Monitoring epilepsy in the brain with a wireless system
09.02.15 - A new system of wireless microelectrodes aims to detect the location of epilepsy in the brain with high precision. This technique, under development at EPFL, is much less invasive than the current method. It will allow patients to go about their daily life while their brain activity is being monitored.
Ramp metering and speed limits to prevent traffic jams
25.02.15 - EPFL researchers showed that by managing the access to freeway junctions and moderating the speed limit on the express lanes it is possible to reduce delays by over 12% across the highway system.
Kids and robots learn to write together
04.03.15 - Who is the teacher: the student or the machine? By showing a robot how to write letters, children improve their writing skills and gain self-‐confidence. This system, called CoWriter, was developed by EPFL researchers.
Iranian nuclear negotiations: framework agreement presented on campus
02.04.15 - It was on EPFL campus that the 5+1 group (U.S., Russia, China, France, UK and Germany) publicly announced the outcome of their negotiations. The event took place in the Rolex Learning Center, which was closed to the public during the duration of the talks.
15 jours later, the French École polytechnique (l’X) and EPFL signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in the fields of education, research, entrepreneurship and innovation. The agreement was signed in the presence of the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, and the President of the French Republic, François Hollande.
Intestinal worms “talk” to gut bacteria to boost the immune system
27.10.15 - EPFL researchers have discovered how intestinal worm infections cross-talk with gut bacteria to help the immune system.