Latest news from Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology on News en-us Copyright 2025 News 115 31 / /images/newswise-logo-rss.gif /articles/synthetic-fuels-and-more-thanks-to-machine-learning/?sc=rsin /articles/synthetic-fuels-and-more-thanks-to-machine-learning/?sc=rsin Thu, 27 Mar 2025 05:20:56 EST Turning carbon dioxide into valuable substances: That is the goal of Empa researcher Carlota Bozal-Ginesta. In her research project, she wants to combine machine learning and high-throughput experiments to develop better electrodes for CO2 electrolysis. For this, she has now been awarded the two-year Empa Young Scientist Fellowship. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/when-buildings-plan-around-their-energy-demands/?sc=rsin /articles/when-buildings-plan-around-their-energy-demands/?sc=rsin Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:50:23 EST In order to guarantee the security of supply of our future energy system, we need not only an expansion of renewable energies, but also sophisticated control mechanisms that efficiently manage production, distribution and consumption. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/quantum-spin-model-made-from-nanographene-molecules/?sc=rsin /articles/quantum-spin-model-made-from-nanographene-molecules/?sc=rsin Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:00:20 EST Empa researchers from the nanotech@surfaces laboratory have experimentally recreated another fundamental theoretical model from quantum physics, which goes back to the Nobel Prize laureate Werner Heisenberg. The basis for the successful experiment was a kind of "quantum Lego" made of tiny carbon molecules known as nanographenes. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/muscles-from-the-printer/?sc=rsin /articles/muscles-from-the-printer/?sc=rsin Tue, 11 Mar 2025 05:30:39 EST Empa researchers are working on artificial muscles that can keep up with the real thing. They have now developed a method of producing the soft and elastic, yet powerful structures using 3D printing. One day, these could be used in medicine or robotics - and anywhere else where things need to move at the touch of a button. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/new-empa-laboratory-to-unlock-the-quantum-potential-of-carbon/?sc=rsin /articles/new-empa-laboratory-to-unlock-the-quantum-potential-of-carbon/?sc=rsin Thu, 06 Mar 2025 06:50:33 EST At the end of January, Empa opened a new laboratory that aims to harness quantum effects from carbon. This could pave the way for sustainable quantum technologies, including quantum computers. The project is supported by the Werner Siemens Foundation. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/from-raw-material-to-an-almost-finished-car-battery/?sc=rsin /articles/from-raw-material-to-an-almost-finished-car-battery/?sc=rsin Thu, 27 Feb 2025 21:30:36 EST In a four-year EU project led by Empa, eleven collaborators from research and industry succeeded in significantly improving batteries for electric cars. One of the main objectives of the project was to scale up the new materials and technologies so that they can be brought to market as fast as possible. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/more-precise-cancer-diagnosis-thanks-to-3d-computed-tomography/?sc=rsin /articles/more-precise-cancer-diagnosis-thanks-to-3d-computed-tomography/?sc=rsin Thu, 20 Feb 2025 10:30:17 EST Empa researchers have developed a new 3D tissue analysis for thyroid tumors. This special X-ray method uses artificial intelligence to enable more precise diagnoses without damaging the tissue removed. In the future, this examination method could also be used for other types of cancer and replace more complex procedures with simpler imaging methods. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/the-molecular-einstein/?sc=rsin /articles/the-molecular-einstein/?sc=rsin Thu, 13 Feb 2025 04:10:31 EST Is it possible to tile a surface with a single shape in such a way that the pattern never repeats itself? In 2022, a mathematical solution to this "einstein problem" was discovered for the first time. Empa researchers have now also found a chemical solution: a molecule that arranges itself into complex, non-repeating patterns on a surface. The resulting aperiodic layer could even exhibit novel physical properties. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/environmental-research-how-dangerous-are-nanoplastics-for-babies-in-the-womb/?sc=rsin /articles/environmental-research-how-dangerous-are-nanoplastics-for-babies-in-the-womb/?sc=rsin Wed, 05 Feb 2025 07:10:57 EST Allergies and asthma are widespread diseases that could arise during embryonal development in the womb. A team led by Empa researcher Tina Burki is investigating the possible causes of this. The focus is on nanoplastic particles, which could lead to the development of a hypersensitive immune system in the child. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/energy-efficient-cooling-thanks-to-ionic-wind/?sc=rsin /articles/energy-efficient-cooling-thanks-to-ionic-wind/?sc=rsin Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:50:29 EST Thanks to a new type of airflow booster for ionic wind, completely new fields of application are opening up for the start-up Ionic Wind Technologies. In future, the patented technology is to be used primarily for cooling data centers and high-performance electronics. The Empa spin-off has already won several awards. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/new-model-for-the-spread-of-infectious-diseases/?sc=rsin /articles/new-model-for-the-spread-of-infectious-diseases/?sc=rsin Thu, 23 Jan 2025 04:40:45 EST The reproduction number R is often used as an indicator to predict how quickly an infectious disease will spread. Empa researchers have developed a mathematical model that is just as easy to use but enables more accurate predictions than R. Their model is based on a reproduction matrix that takes into account the heterogeneity of society. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/concrete-as-a-carbon-store/?sc=rsin /articles/concrete-as-a-carbon-store/?sc=rsin Mon, 20 Jan 2025 05:50:31 EST Mining the Atmosphere, a new Empa research initiative, aims at capturing excess COâ‚‚ from the atmosphere and storing it in building materials such as concrete. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/the-biobattery-that-needs-to-be-fed/?sc=rsin /articles/the-biobattery-that-needs-to-be-fed/?sc=rsin Thu, 09 Jan 2025 05:35:41 EST A battery that needs feeding instead of charging? This is exactly what Empa researchers have achieved with their 3D-printed, biodegradable fungal battery. The living battery could supply power to sensors for agriculture or research in remote regions. Once the work is done, it digests itself from the inside. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/making-the-most-of-switzerland-s-wood/?sc=rsin /articles/making-the-most-of-switzerland-s-wood/?sc=rsin Mon, 16 Dec 2024 06:40:42 EST Sustainable, renewable and good for the climate: Wood is the material of the future. But how much of it do we actually have and how do we make best use of it? Researchers from Empa and WSL have now analyzed the material flows of wood in Switzerland in detail - and discovered untapped opportunities. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/how-much-co-does-zurich-emit/?sc=rsin /articles/how-much-co-does-zurich-emit/?sc=rsin Thu, 12 Dec 2024 02:45:27 EST To achieve net zero, we need to reduce our COâ‚‚ emissions quickly and efficiently. An EU project involving Empa has selected Zurich as one of three pilot cities in Europe to accurately measure and model their carbon dioxide emissions. The findings will help cities to achieve their climate targets. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/a-keener-eye-for-the-invisible/?sc=rsin /articles/a-keener-eye-for-the-invisible/?sc=rsin Tue, 03 Dec 2024 04:00:16 EST From smart textiles to self-driving cars: Empa researchers are developing new types of detectors for infrared radiation that are more sustainable, flexible and cost-effective than conventional technologies. The key to success is not (only) the composition of the material, but also its size. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/refining-hardwood-by-bioluminescence/?sc=rsin /articles/refining-hardwood-by-bioluminescence/?sc=rsin Thu, 28 Nov 2024 02:55:37 EST Since more and more deciduous trees are being planted in Swiss forests, whose wood is often burned directly, innovative ideas for a cascade use are in high demand in order to utilize Swiss hardwood more sustainably. Empa researchers are therefore equipping wood with new functionalities. Their latest coup: wood that can glow in the dark. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/a-new-home-for-sustainability-robotics/?sc=rsin /articles/a-new-home-for-sustainability-robotics/?sc=rsin Wed, 20 Nov 2024 03:15:31 EST Flying robots capable of inspecting and repairing building envelopes, interacting with natural ecosystems, and monitoring climate change and biodiversity are being developed and tested at the DroneHub at Empa's NEST. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/sensitive-ceramics-for-soft-robotics/?sc=rsin /articles/sensitive-ceramics-for-soft-robotics/?sc=rsin Wed, 13 Nov 2024 09:25:21 EST Robots that can sense touch and perceive temperature differences? An unexpected material might just make this a reality. At Empa's Laboratory for High-Performance Ceramics, researchers are developing soft and intelligent sensor materials based on ceramic particles. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/sensor-protects-against-life-threatening-complications-of-abdominal-surgery/?sc=rsin /articles/sensor-protects-against-life-threatening-complications-of-abdominal-surgery/?sc=rsin Mon, 04 Nov 2024 02:45:44 EST The Empa Innovation Award recognizes outstanding projects that bridge the gap between the laboratory and industry. This year, a team of researchers from Empa and ETH Zurich is being honored for an innovative sensor system: SensAL warns quickly and precisely of life-threatening complications after abdominal surgery. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology