News EPFL

What's up with gravitational waves?

Published:12.02.16 — 1.3 billion years ago, two black holes collided in an enormous explosion of energy. The massive event sent gravitational waves across space-time. The waves finally passed through Earth last September, to be detected by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in the United States. EPFL astrophysicist Anaïs Rassat gives her thoughts about the discovery, and discusses its significance.

Math reveals unseen worlds of Star Wars

Published:10.02.16 — Using a new computer program, EPFL researchers offer unusual insight into the universe of Star Wars, which includes more than 20,000 characters spread among 640 communities over a period of 36,000 years.

Cancer: banana peels can help identify the stages of melanoma

Published:08.02.16 — Human skin and banana peels have something in common: they produce the same enzyme when attacked. By studying fruit, researchers have come up with an accurate method for diagnosing the stages of this form of skin cancer.

The treasured Montreux Jazz Festival archive is now online

Published:04.02.16 — EPFL’s Metamedia Center will soon finish digitizing the Montreux Jazz Festival archive, and an initial selection of concerts has been made available at montreuxjazz.com.

Backcountry skiing: reaching new heights with connected skis

Published:03.02.16 — Thanks to a small screen on their skis, backcountry skiers can see various data recorded by sensors as they ski. The length and number of turns going up, their cadence and even the symmetry of their steps appear on the device. It was developed by an EPFL spin-off that teamed up with a local equipment manufacturer.

A better model for Parkinson's

Published:02.02.16 — Scientists at EPFL solve a longstanding problem with modeling Parkinson’s disease in animals. Using newfound insights, they improve both cell and animal models for the disease, which can propel research and drug development.

Topography shapes mountain biodiversity

Published:02.02.16 — A warming climate is likely to drive species to higher, cooler altitudes. A new study highlights a less obvious, yet crucial way in which their new habitat could differ from the one they leave behind.