News EPFL

Using spent barley grain to lower the sugar content of certain foods

Published:05.04.18 — EPFL spin-off Embion Technologies has developed a soluble fiber powder made from barley residue from the beer-making process that can be used to reduce the sucrose content of a wide range of foods. This by-product also appears to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Using water molecules to read electrical activity in lipid membranes

Published:03.04.18 — EPFL researchers were able to map out in real time how charges are transported across and along membranes simply by observing the behavior of adjacent water molecules. Their non-invasive and label-free method represents a valuable new tool in the effort to understand how cells – and neurons in particular – function.

Gene rhythm: how the circadian clock regulates 3D chromatin structure

Published:29.03.18 — EPFL biologists and geneticists have uncovered how the circadian clock orchestrates the 24-hour cycle of gene expression by regulating the structure of chromatin, the tightly wound DNA-protein complex of the cell. The work is published in Genes & Development.

An EPFL startup raises 20 million francs

Published:28.03.18 — Abionic, an EPFL spin-off, has just brought in 20 million francs in its third funding round. The company’s rapid allergy test can now be used to detect sepsis as well. A clinical study will begin in April.

EPFL invests in quantum science and technology

Published:28.03.18 — Having identified Quantum Science and Technology as a strategic research area to be developed and reinforced, EPFL’s Institute of Physics is plunging headlong into the field with two new research openings, a master’s course, and partnering with IBM and their cutting-edge quantum-computer platform.

A smart car that can read brain signals

Published:26.03.18 — EPFL and Nissan researchers are able to read a driver’s brain signals and send them to a smart vehicle so that it can anticipate the driver’s moves and facilitate the driving process. Nissan recently unveiled this brain-to-vehicle (B2V) technology. 

Reusing electric pylons to design the roof of a train station

Published:23.03.18 — For his Master’s project, Joseph Desruelle devised a plan to reuse steel bars from dismantled electricity pylons to make a new roof for the Lausanne train station. This approach is still theoretical, but reusing materials in this way could one day become commonplace.