News EPFL

A look at living cells down to individual molecules

Published:03.08.15 — EPFL scientists have been able to produce footage of the evolution of living cells at a nanoscale resolution by combining atomic force microscopy and an a super resolution optical imaging system that follows molecules that have been made to blink.

Ozone bubbles to eliminate wastewater micropollution

Published:31.07.15 — Ozone treatment efficiently removes many micropollutants contained in wastewater, but in some cases, it can lead to the formation of toxic byproducts. A new test informs on whether ozonation is a suitable technology for enhanced wastewater treatment.

Click & ride shuttles

Published:30.07.15 — The driverless minibuses that have been making their way around the EPFL campus since April now show up on demand. Users can use a free app to order up a ride and track the location of the vehicles in real time. This marks a new phase in the development of urban transport.

Small genetic differences could mean life-and-death for gut infection

Published:29.07.15 — When it comes to fighting gut infections, we are not equal. EPFL scientists have shown how apparently insignificant genetic variation can lead to big differences in the gut’s immunity. The study could change the way we treat gut disease.

Brain disease scenarios revised by imaging of toxic aggregation

Published:28.07.15 — Diseases like Alzheimer’s are caused when proteins aggregate and clump together. In a world first, EPFL scientists have successfully distinguished between the disease-causing aggregation forms of proteins. The finding can help change pharmaceutical treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

What if all cars were electric?

Published:27.07.15 — Summer Series on Student Projects - Cihan Cavdarli has analyzed the various impacts of a complete switchover to electric cars in Switzerland. Electricity demand would rise by a quarter, but on the other hand, electromobility would introduce a number of socio-economic and environmental benefits.

High-resolution mapping produces ecological data

Published:24.07.15 — Beyond simple topographic data, high-resolution digital elevation models can provide estimates for a diverse range of ecological variables. But as shown in a recent study, higher resolution models do not always provide more accurate results.