Science-Switzerland

#WeeklyDigest | 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 & 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 | A weekly recap of the latest achievements of Switzerland's higher education and research institutions, startups and other innovation-driven organizations: 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 - Fair Pension Policies Based on Occupational Life Expectancy (Université de Fribourg - Universität Freiburg) >> https://lnkd.in/g8PFJH78 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 - Innovation in Macular Degeneration Therapy (Université de Fribourg - Universität Freiburg) >> https://lnkd.in/g6rMge8Q 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗼 / 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 / 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 - Computer Chips have the Potential to Become even Smaller (PSI Paul Scherrer Institut) >> https://lnkd.in/gHNDziuA - Iron as an Inexpensive Storage Medium for Hydrogen (ETH Zürich) >> https://lnkd.in/gdYAaNJf 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 - An Entire Brain-machine Interface on a Chip (EPFL) >> https://lnkd.in/gCn225x4 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 / 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 / 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 - Operating from 9,300km Away (ETH Zürich) >> https://lnkd.in/gUJwZjvN - Greater Precision in Exoplanet Characterization (ETH Zürich) >> https://lnkd.in/gEvUYQ4T 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀 / 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 / 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗵 - New Value for the Half-life of Samarium-146 (University of Zurich) >> https://lnkd.in/gaca6QbW - How Problem-Solving Methods Affect Memory in Math (University of Geneva) >> https://lnkd.in/g5gx-HTh - Advancing Chemical Plastics Recycling (ETH Zürich) >> https://lnkd.in/gjiSUyMS 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 - How Smart Toys Spy on Kids (University of Basel) >> https://lnkd.in/gDpzU4k5 - Medical Imaging Aims to Bring the Invisible to Light (EPFL) >> https://lnkd.in/gHGimi8z 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #AddingValue | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#Astrophysics | 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 | Led by Prof. Dr. Sascha P. Quanz of ETH Zürich, the LIFE (Large Interferometer For Exoplanets) space mission aspires to greatly enhance our ability to characterize exoplanets. By positioning multiple satellites in space to create an enormous telescope, LIFE will measure light in the medium infrared range, providing unprecedented insights into the surface and atmosphere of distant planets. Astrophysicist Ravit Helled from the University of Zurich guides this research toward identifying Earth-like exoplanets and assessing their habitability. The potential to discover exoplanets with conditions suitable for life is groundbreaking, addressing a fundamental question in the search for alien life and our understanding of Earth's uniqueness. This research not only advances planetary formation theories but also underscores the importance of conserving our own planet's life-supporting conditions. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/g7BGfuZv 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#Research | 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺-𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗵 | A study led by Professor Emmanuel Sander from the University of Geneva, in collaboration with CY Cergy Paris Université and Université de Bourgogne, revealed how different arithmetic problem-solving methods can alter memory and even create false memories. This breakthrough highlights the intricate relationship between solving methods and memory retention in the context of mathematical problem-solving. The researchers analyzed memorization processes to indirectly access mental representations and identify difficulties faced by students. Their findings demonstrate that solving arithmetic problems can indeed generate false memories influenced by the nature of the problems. This research opens new perspectives for mathematics teaching by uncovering learners' unconscious deductions and creating opportunities for targeted classroom interventions. Published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, this study is pivotal for improving math education practices. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/eehNa3DS 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/gV8wJBFR 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#Energy | 𝗜𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻 | Researchers at ETH Zürich and Empa, led by Professor Wendelin Stark, have achieved a significant advancement in energy storage and hydrogen production. Leveraging the steam-iron process, a technology dating back to the 19th century, the team has developed a method to store hydrogen for extended periods with minimal energy losses. Using surplus solar power, water is split to produce hydrogen, which is then introduced into a stainless steel reactor filled with natural iron ore at 400 degrees Celsius. The hydrogen extracts oxygen from the iron ore, yielding elemental iron and water. This stored energy can be converted into electricity or heat using a gas turbine or fuel cell when needed. This innovation supports Switzerland’s aim for a fossil-free energy supply based on renewable sources by 2050 and represents a vital step towards achieving seasonal energy storage. The project collaborates with industrial partners to bring these carbon-neutral gas and fuel technologies to market maturity. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/gb-_cSUv 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/gMu_Tkt8 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> www.swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#Chemistry | 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 | Scientists at ETH Zürich, led by Antonio José Martín Fernández, PhD. have achieved a significant breakthrough in chemical plastics recycling. They have successfully developed a method to break down polyethylene and polypropylene into molecules that can be repurposed as fuels or lubricants. The researchers discovered that the key to this process involves stirring the molten plastic thoroughly in a tank to ensure proper mixing of the catalyst powder and hydrogen. This advancement in catalyst technology sets a new benchmark for global research in targeted and effective recycling methods. The importance of this breakthrough lies in its potential to enable the worldwide scientific community to develop sustainable cycles for plastic waste, reducing environmental burden and promoting sustainability. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/eGCVfCSV 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/gA7dVvJF 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#MedicalImaging | 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 | EPFL research groups under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Dimitri Van De Ville at the Medical Image Processing Lab, have made remarkable strides in medical imaging technology. Their breakthrough allows for higher resolution images, capable of detecting even the smallest anomalies in the human body, and is a testament to the progress in the field of artificial intelligence. These advancements were achieved through significant improvements in imaging sensors, devices, and data processing techniques, many of which were developed at EPFL. Notably, ultrasound imaging has advanced to enable potential real-time calculations. Such technological progress also brings important ethical considerations, as the capability to non-invasively detect bone fractures, tumors, and observe internal organs revolutionizes medical diagnosis and treatment. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/gEs7fBEE 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#SemiConductors | 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 | The PSI Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) has made a pioneering breakthrough in semiconductor production using photolithography with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light. This research, led by Dr. Dimitris Kazazis from the Laboratory for X-ray Nanoscience and Technologies at PSI, opens new horizons for the semiconductor industry. The innovative approach extends traditional EUV lithography by exposing the sample blueprint for the microchip to alter the chemical properties of the photoresist. Subsequent treatments form the desired wiring patterns. This advancement enables the production of much smaller computer chips, as the shorter wavelength light allows for finer structure printing. The PSI team will continue their research with a new EUV tool at the SLS by the end of 2025 and the SLS 2.0 upgrade, promising greatly enhanced performance and capabilities. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/de7w8WBx 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/eM_6UdpB 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#Physics | 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗳-𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺-𝟭𝟰𝟲 | A groundbreaking study led by Schumann Dorothea from the PSI Paul Scherrer Institut, in collaboration with the University of Zurich and the The Australian National University, has achieved the most precise measurement of the half-life of samarium-146 to date. This scientific breakthrough is set to make considerable waves in the field of nuclear science. The team meticulously conducted the research, ensuring full traceability and comprehensive documentation of all steps involved. This effort was particularly crucial because a 2012 study reported a surprisingly low value for the half-life of samarium-146, requiring a more accurate measurement. The new, precise half-life measurement provides critical insights into nuclear decay processes, underscoring the importance of accurate data in advancing our understanding of nuclear science. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/djHvbAeQ 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/gJnB7msp 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#Medicine | 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟵,𝟯𝟬𝟬𝗸𝗺 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝘆 | Researchers from ETH Zürich and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, led by Dr. Alexandre Mesot Medarde at the Multi-Scale Robotics Lab, ETH Zurich, and headed by Professor Brad Nelson, have achieved a remarkable medical advancement: they successfully controlled an endoscope over a distance of 9,300 kilometers, with Mesot controlling the endoscope from Zurich using a PlayStation controller, while the procedure occurred in Hong Kong. This innovation relies on a magnetic navigation system developed at ETH Zürich, paired with a fast, secure internet connection to the operating theatre. The research's importance lies in its potential to improve surgical care in remote areas, especially where local expertise is lacking. The procedure involved manipulating a 4-millimeter-thick probe within the stomach of a live pig, with the responsive delay between Zurich and Hong Kong being just 300 milliseconds. Published in Advanced Intelligent Systems, this study paves the way for groundbreaking advancements in remote surgical procedures. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/gAKRrjTK 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/dMy5QAPu 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

#Privacy | 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 | Researchers from the University of Basel, led by Professor Isabel Wagner, along with first author Dr. Julika Feldbusch, have conducted an important study on the security and data protection of twelve popular smart toys. The analysis included well-known toys such as the Toniebox, Tiptoi smart pen, Edurino learning app, Tamagotchi virtual pet, Moorebot, and Kidibuzz. The study focused on evaluating these toys against criteria such as security, data protection, transparency, and compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. The findings revealed significant data security issues, such as unencrypted data traffic and potential data transmission to manufacturers. To address these risks, the researchers propose implementing a data protection label on toy packaging to help parents make informed choices. These insights, presented at the Annual Privacy Forum and published by Springer in the Privacy Technologies and Policy series, underscore the urgent need for enhanced privacy measures to protect children's data in smart toys. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/gmNga_iS 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/ghU9cf-s 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education and innovation >> swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation