ETH News

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare condition in which a person’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. People affected suffer from muscle weakness and paralysis. A research team led by ETH Zurich has now clarified the mechanism of this autoimmune disease.

ETH Zurich is present at the Olma trade fair in St Gallen. Using spin-offs and games, the ETH booth illustrates how research can contribute to making Swiss food and agriculture sustainable.

Our oceans are acidifying rapidly. Climate researchers from ETH Zurich are now illustrating these chemical changes with colour-coded stripes. Global observations of ocean acidification over the last four decades serve as the basis.

The ability to utilize a mere single alternative food source is all it takes for diarrhoea causing Salmonella bacteria to bloom when a gut is already colonized by a closely related strain, according to researchers from ETH Zurich. This coexistence enables the exchange of antibiotic resistance.

Microbiologists at ETH Zurich have developed computational models that use nutrients and metabolism of plant-associated bacteria to predict how the microbes interact on the surface of leaves and ultimately form the microbiome.

Sewer systems and centralised treatment plants are not a sustainable solution for managing the world’s wastewater. Environmental engineers at ETH Zurich and Eawag have been helping to develop decentralised, closed-loop modular systems.

Trichodesmium, a common and ecologically important bacterium, fertilises nutrient-poor regions of the oceans and thereby enables higher life. Crucial to its success is its ability to form aggregates in order to react quickly to changes in its environment. ETH Zurich researchers have shown how the microbes organise themselves in this process.

ETH Zurich researchers have found that droughts and land water variability have had an increasing effect on the carbon cycle in the tropics over the last sixty years. Most climate models fail to capture this observation. This could mean that terrestrial ecosystems could absorb less CO₂ than expected in their role as carbon sinks in the future.

Security of energy supply in a fossil-free Switzerland is feasible and affordable according to a new white paper from an expert group at the Energy Science Center. It will require increased production of renewables and efficient energy trading with neighbouring countries.

Increasing summer heat and drought are affecting European forests – some years, trees brown prematurely and some even start to die back. Researchers from ETH Zurich and the WSL are showing how exceptional weather conditions over several years are turning forests brown.

In the Forest Laboratory "Waldlabor" on Hönggerberg, ETH Zurich researchers investigate the storage and transport processes of water in the forest. Recently they showed that forest-floor litter and deadwood have a far larger influence on the forest water balance than expected.

ETH Zurich political science researchers reveal that Swiss people are in favour of the circular economy and support measures to promote it. However, their personal willingness to contribute is low. 

A research collaboration led by ETH Zurich and MIT will receive a further USD 15 million from the New York-based Simons Foundation to investigate the behaviour of marine bacteria and microalgae. The research will focus on microbial communities that impact the ocean’s carbon cycle.

Gregor Weiss used state-of-the-art microscopy to show how the body prevents bladder infections. He now wants to make this method from basic research usable for the analysis of patient samples – and has received the Lopez-Loreta Prize for it.

Together with her group, Annette Oxenius conducts research on the fundamental mechanisms of the body’s own immune cells as they react to viral infections. The immunologist has now been honoured with the Cloëtta Prize

ETH Zurich is at the Olma trade fair in St. Gallen until 23 October. Its exhibition “Where the future begins – research for sustainable agriculture” presents exciting ETH spin-offs and provides playful insights into modern agricultural sciences.

Researchers from ETH Zurich and EPFL are expanding the emerging field of single-cell analysis with a ground-breaking method: Live-seq makes it possible to measure the activity of thousands of genes in a single cell without having to isolate and destroy it.

ETH researchers found that in mice, long-lived embryonic macrophages in the lungs die upon aging and during infection and are replaced by inflammatory bone marrow-derived macrophages. This causes severe disease progression when infected with viral flu.

Shared e-scooters and e-bikes transport the image of a climate-friendly mobility solution. ETH researchers have now shown that shared micromobility solutions in Zurich emit more CO₂ emissions than the alternatives they replace.

After analysing the global plastics value chain, ETH researchers have revealed that the impact of plastics on climate and health is bigger than originally thought due to the increased use of coal for process heat, electricity and as a raw material in production.

ETH Zurich is at Olma. Until 17 October, the family-friendly ETH booth will showcase “Research for Sustainable Agriculture” and introduce key issues in crops, livestock and agricultural policy through interactive games.

Michael Kreuzer, Professor of Animal Nutrition and pioneer in the prevention of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, is retiring after 27 years at ETH Zurich.

ETH Zurich ranked first place in the latest comparative study by WWF Switzerland on sustainability in Swiss higher education.

The EU funded project DAFNE has developed a methodology for avoiding conflicts of use in transboundary rivers. The model-based procedure allows for participatory planning and cooperative management of water resources. The aim is now for the DAFNE methodology to be implemented in other regions of the world.

Today, molecular genetic methods can be used to breed sustainable crops - such as multinutrient rice. Researchers are calling for the risk of new plant varieties to be assessed not on the basis of the breeding method, but on the basis of their characteristics.

ETH Zurich researchers examined chemicals in plastics worldwide. They found an unexpectedly high number of substances of potential concern intentionally used in everyday plastic products. A lack of transparency limits management of these chemicals.

In the first Swiss National Climate Day, ETH Zurich participates with a fresh discussion format on some of the most fundamental questions of life. In addition, researchers are joining live from Bern.

When it comes to debris avalanches and mudslides, there is usually very little warning. Using seismic monitoring and machine learning, researchers from ETH Zurich and WSL have developed an alarm system that can provide early warning of debris flows at Illgraben.

Over the course of the EU project “FIThydro”, research and industry partners studied the ecological impact of hydropower plants. ETH Zurich’s Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW) has developed a protection and guidance system that can help migratory fish to safely bypass hydropower turbines.

An interdisciplinary research team from ETH Zurich is developing the Nexus-e modelling platform in a project supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. The platform facilitates the analysis of how technological, economic and regulatory developments affect the energy system of the future.

The coronavirus crisis has triggered a boom in virtual collaboration as an alternative to flying. Might it be possible to seize on this experience to shape the future of sustainable mobility?

Without a profound socio-ecological change, we will never achieve climate neutrality, say three economists. A brief sketch of what a sustainable economy might look like.

Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified a self-regulating mechanism in European deciduous trees that limits their growing-season length: Trees that photosynthesise more in spring and summer lose their leaves earlier in autumn.

ETH researchers have developed a catalyst that converts CO₂ and methane efficiently into synthesis gas – a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This could potentially help to produce sustainable fuels and plastics

ETH Zurich launched a new medical curriculum as a pilot programme three years ago. Lecturers and students alike have had a thoroughly positive experience. ETH will now continue its Bachelor’s course in human medicine as a regular course from 2021, marking the end of its start-up phase.

Researchers at ETH Zurich and ZHAW present a simple method to precisely map resistance exercise on machines and record missing comparative figures. This could help to develop optimised training strategies in the future, such as for age-associated muscular atrophy.

The amount and location of available terrestrial water is changing worldwide. An international research team led by ETH Zurich has now proved for the first time that human-induced climate change is responsible for the changes observed in available terrestrial water.

As the world anxiously awaits a remedy for the novel coronavirus, ETH Zurich is also involved in the search for active substances and vaccines. This overview sets out the therapeutic approaches pursued by ETH researchers.

Two researchers from ETH Zurich have been awarded USD 1.5 million each from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to explore the diverse symbiotic relationships between bacteria and other aquatic organisms.

Researchers from ETH Zurich investigated whether it would be technically and economically feasible for households to achieve energy self-sufficiency using photovoltaics alone in the temperate Swiss climate by the middle of the century.

Researchers from ETH Zurich and other universities found evidence that expanding irrigation has dampened anthropogenic warming during hot days, with particularly strong effects over South Asia.

In a collaboration with Swiss International Air Lines, NASA and other partners, researchers at ETH Zurich have developed eye-tracking software for use in pilot training. This allows instructors to analyse the gaze behaviour of student pilots in the cockpit.

ETH researchers have shown that we can use the structure of urban road networks to predict their traffic capacity. This information enables urban and transportation planners to quantify how changes will influence traffic volumes.

Glaciologists at ETH Zurich and WSL assessed the global water storage and hydropower potential that could be freed up in future as glaciers melt in response to climate change.

The Zurich Climate Strike Student Working Group is calling for universities to tackle climate change and accelerate the shift to sustainability. In this interview, Reto Knutti, ETH Delegate for Sustainability, explains how ETH Zurich supports the students’ initiative and how they can get involved.

Snow is disappearing, the supposedly “eternal” glacial ice is melting, mountains are crumbling. Mountainous regions are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Take our quiz to get ready for the upcoming public event ETH Klimarunde on the topic “climate change in the mountains”.

Climate change, global population growth and biodiversity loss are a threat to our food system. Four ETH researchers know how to produce, process and consume food more sustainably.

To safeguard the long-term future of agricultural production in Switzerland, ETH and Agroscope are investigating how resistant the country’s crop­ping systems are to drought.

Researchers from ETH Zurich, Empa and the University of Stuttgart have developed a new technique involving a controlled drying process that makes wooden panels bend into a pre-set shape without the use of any mechanical force. 

To meet the soaring demand for sustainable protein, Lukas Böni and his start-up company Planted are developing a plant-based meat substitute. Their first product is ‘chicken’ made from peas – with both the texture and taste of poultry.

Coral reefs are suffering because of climate change. Ulrike Pfreundt aims to use ecologically sound 3D printed structures to create artificial reefs that provide new habitats for more resistant corals.

Related individuals of a soil bacterial species live in cooperative groups and exhibit astonishing genetic and behavioural diversity. ETH researchers recently published these findings in Science.

An international research project led by scientists from ETH Zurich has determined the amount of man-made CO₂ emissions taken up by the ocean between 1994 and 2007.

He grew up in a clay house in West Africa. With his ETH spin-off Oxara, Gnanli Landrou is now developing a cement-free concrete made from clay-based excavation material. His goal is to help Africa and the rest of the world build affordable, sustainable houses.

ETH Zurich is fostering responsible air travel to help resolve the conflict between international research activities and climate protection. ETH units worked together to set targets for reducing flight-related CO₂ emissions.

An adjustable shading system that adapts itself independently over the course of the day, without sensors or motors and largely maintenance-free? It really is possible: an ETH doctoral student at the Institute for Building Materials has developed an alternative to motor-driven sunshades.

Climate change is bringing with it not only drier summers, but warmer springs too. This causes trees and shrubs to bud earlier, making them vulnerable to late frost, as ETH forest scientists have now proven.

Johann Schneider-Ammann, Head of the Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, visited ETH Zurich on Friday. At an event on smart farming, he explained his perspective on digitalisation in Swiss agriculture.

What was the most innovative research? Which researchers excelled? And what were the milestones in the development of our teaching? The Annual Report 2017 describes our achievements and performance in a year dominated by digitalisation.

Nenad Ban solved the atomic structures of the machinery protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells and in mitochondria. He has now received the Otto Naegeli Prize, one of Switzerland’s most prestigious scientific awards.

ETH scientists have been able to prove that a protein structure widespread in nature – the amyloid – is theoretically capable of multiplying itself. This makes it a potential predecessor to molecules that are regarded as the building blocks of life.

Unploughed fields and brighter cities could help to noticeably lower extreme temperatures during periods of hot weather, particularly in important agricultural regions and densely populated areas of Europe and North America.

Energy concerns us all. The Energy Science Center (ESC) is inviting the public to discuss the hurdles and opportunities of a sustainable energy system together with students and researchers at ETH Zurich’s Energy Day.

When he was young, Basil Weibel wanted to understand the world and solve problems. He went on to complete three degrees and to design an innovative drone. Today, he is CEO of ETH spin-off Wingtra – and, according to Forbes, one of Europe’s 30 most influential entrepreneurs under the age of 30 this year.

Cities both drive climate change and suffer its effects. As havens of innovation, however, they also have the ability to change. The ETH Klimarunde invites residents to discuss challenges and solutions for cities experiencing climate change.

Using a trick with the optical resolution limit, Stefan W. Hell managed to break through the diffraction barrier in light microscopy, making it possible to obtain high-resolution images of the innermost workings of life. The chemistry Nobel laureate will now deliver this year’s Pauli Lectures at ETH Zurich.

The ETH Zurich 2016 Annual Report provides an overview of the most important achievements, developments and events at the University over the past year, and is published alongside the 2015/2016 Sustainability Report.

Swiss researchers have used a parabolic flight to investigate the effects of weightlessness on biological and physical processes. On board was an experiment from ETH Zurich designed to understand the influence of gravity on the migratory behaviour of aquatic microorganisms.

She connects electricity networks and people: Gabriela Hug is Professor of Electric Power Systems – and a sought-after woman. Her research helps make existing electricity infrastructure fit for the energy transition.  

From next semester, undergraduate students in four departments will be able to take their first-year exams in two separate blocks as part of a pilot project. For the first time, students will be able to sit exams after their first semester and will therefore find out sooner whether they are suited to their course of study.

Cells use a sophisticated parcel service to transport biomolecules to their destination. James E. Rothman discovered the cellular transport system, winning the Nobel Prize for Physiology in 2013 for his work. Next week, he will give this year’s Pauli Lectures at ETH Zurich.

The ETH spin-off Aeon Scientific has won the 2014 Swiss Technology Award in the Start-up category. The biomedical engineering company impressed the judges with its robot-controlled surgical system, which can be used to treat cardiac arrhythmia quickly and safely.

This year’s Max Rössler Prize has gone to the nutritional biologist Christian Wolfrum in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich. He received the award and its CHF 200,000 prize money for his outstanding research in the field of adipocyte biology and lipid metabolism.

ETH Zurich’s Spark Award 2014 goes to a group, led by Professor Jennifer Rupp, that has developed a powerful and energy-efficient data storage device for mobile electronic devices. ETH Zurich awarded the prize to its most innovative and economically promising innovation of the past year.

On 12 March it will be the centenary of George Westinghouse’s death. The inventor helped energy transmission with alternating current make a breakthrough and it has been the norm all over the world ever since. In order to build the power grid of the future, ETH Zurich engineers are now conducting research into DC voltage technology.

Commuters know only too well: the congested rail network is causing more and more incidents and delays. ETH doctoral student Steffen Schranil has developed a method that allows the duration of disruptions to be predicted early and reliably.

Tanja Stadler is the winner of this year’s Latsis prize awarded by ETH Zurich. The researcher applies mathematical models to phylogenetic questions, combining classic phylogeny with modern epidemiology.