September 2015

Biologists at ETH Zurich have developed a method that, for the first time, makes it possible to measure concentration changes of several hundred metabolic products simultaneously and almost in real time. The technique could inspire basic biological research and the search for new pharmaceutical agents.

Deserts are among the roughest places to live on earth. Fauna and flora in the desert develop special adaptations to survive in such a harsh environment. So do humans. Our Landscape Modeling and Visualizing Studio investigated future scenarios for water-restrained settlements in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona.

ETH material researchers are developing a procedure that allows them to mimic the complex fine structure of biological composite materials, such as teeth or seashells. They can thus create synthetic materials that are as hard and tough as their natural counterparts.

Building with less cement is the ambitious goal of Guillaume Habert, professor of sustainable construction at ETH Zurich. But there are many hurdles to overcome.

Upon application of the President of ETH Zurich, Professor Lino Guzzella, at its meeting of 23/24 September 2015 the ETH-Board appointed 12 individuals as professors.

The ETH Board has announced its new Vice President for Human Resources and Infrastructure at ETH Zurich: Ulrich Alois Weidmann. Who is he and what has inspired him to become a member of the Executive Board?

On Monday Kay Schaller was elected as the new VSETH president. He takes over this important role of representing his fellow students from his predecessor, Thomas Gumbsch. Schaller is not expecting any respite from his chemistry studies; instead he hopes to gain valuable experience for his future career.

In order to stop climate change, humanity needs to eliminate the emission of greenhouse gases. To do so, while maintaining acceptable living standards, will require new technologies for energy and industry. But how can we make sure that new technologies replace the old, rather than simply supplement them? Policy makers need to pay attention to two factors.

Unstable crude oil prices and limited oil resources have made the production of petrochemicals from methanol increasingly popular – above all in China. Scientists at ETH Zurich have now deciphered the complex chemistry behind the start of this process.

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to differentiate very weak and short sound waves from longer ones. When used in acoustic imaging, their technology makes it possible to detect only the outline of objects.