News EPFL

Using spider silk to detect molecules

Published:13.01.16 — At EPFL, fiber optics specialists have discovered some unique qualities of spider silk when it comes to conducting light and reacting to certain substances.

Squeezing cells into stem cells

Published:12.01.16 — EPFL scientists have developed a new method that helps cells turn into usable stem cells. The approach involves “squeezing” cells with a gel, and paves the way for large-scale production of stem cells for medical purposes.

A super-fine solution to sponge up micropollutants

Published:07.01.16 — A super-fine form of powdered activated carbon captures micropollutants more rapidly than the conventional kind and could by used in Swiss wastewater treatment plants, say EPFL researchers in a new study.

Does urban living make us gain (or lose) weight?

Published:05.01.16 — The citizens of Lausanne may provide some insight into the causes of obesity. The extra weight carried by people living in the working-class neighborhoods of the western side of the city defies the usual explanations, and urbanism may have something to do with it.

Looking back at 2015 (3/3)

Published:04.01.16 — The Human Brain Project provided a first proof of concept with a numerical reconstruction of a portion of a rat neocortex, the public came in droves to EPFL's new science festival, and researchers launched a social network platform to monitor public sentiment during the global climate conference.

Looking back at 2015 (2/3)

Published:29.12.15 — EPFL’s Campus Biotech in Geneva was inaugurated in May. Researchers and students were full of imagination and made remarkable advances in the fields of infectious diseases, quantum technologies, the production of biofuels and rehabilitation.

Looking back at 2015 (1/3)

Published:24.12.15 — Considerable advances were made during the first months of 2015, notably in the field of brain implants. EPFL scientists also worked on research into graphene, extra-terrestrial life, robotics for teaching and the immune system. State representatives from all over the world came to our school in April.