display Latest news from Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology on Newswise en-us Copyright 2025 Newswise 115 31 / /images/newswise-logo-rss.gif /articles/new-empa-laboratory-to-unlock-the-quantum-potential-of-carbon/?sc=rsin /articles/new-empa-laboratory-to-unlock-the-quantum-potential-of-carbon/?sc=rsin Thu, 06 Mar 2025 06:50:33 EST At the end of January, Empa opened a new laboratory that aims to harness quantum effects from carbon. This could pave the way for sustainable quantum technologies, including quantum computers. The project is supported by the Werner Siemens Foundation. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/from-raw-material-to-an-almost-finished-car-battery/?sc=rsin /articles/from-raw-material-to-an-almost-finished-car-battery/?sc=rsin Thu, 27 Feb 2025 21:30:36 EST In a four-year EU project led by Empa, eleven collaborators from research and industry succeeded in significantly improving batteries for electric cars. One of the main objectives of the project was to scale up the new materials and technologies so that they can be brought to market as fast as possible. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/more-precise-cancer-diagnosis-thanks-to-3d-computed-tomography/?sc=rsin /articles/more-precise-cancer-diagnosis-thanks-to-3d-computed-tomography/?sc=rsin Thu, 20 Feb 2025 10:30:17 EST Empa researchers have developed a new 3D tissue analysis for thyroid tumors. This special X-ray method uses artificial intelligence to enable more precise diagnoses without damaging the tissue removed. In the future, this examination method could also be used for other types of cancer and replace more complex procedures with simpler imaging methods. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/the-molecular-einstein/?sc=rsin /articles/the-molecular-einstein/?sc=rsin Thu, 13 Feb 2025 04:10:31 EST Is it possible to tile a surface with a single shape in such a way that the pattern never repeats itself? In 2022, a mathematical solution to this "einstein problem" was discovered for the first time. Empa researchers have now also found a chemical solution: a molecule that arranges itself into complex, non-repeating patterns on a surface. The resulting aperiodic layer could even exhibit novel physical properties. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/environmental-research-how-dangerous-are-nanoplastics-for-babies-in-the-womb/?sc=rsin /articles/environmental-research-how-dangerous-are-nanoplastics-for-babies-in-the-womb/?sc=rsin Wed, 05 Feb 2025 07:10:57 EST Allergies and asthma are widespread diseases that could arise during embryonal development in the womb. A team led by Empa researcher Tina Burki is investigating the possible causes of this. The focus is on nanoplastic particles, which could lead to the development of a hypersensitive immune system in the child. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/energy-efficient-cooling-thanks-to-ionic-wind/?sc=rsin /articles/energy-efficient-cooling-thanks-to-ionic-wind/?sc=rsin Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:50:29 EST Thanks to a new type of airflow booster for ionic wind, completely new fields of application are opening up for the start-up Ionic Wind Technologies. In future, the patented technology is to be used primarily for cooling data centers and high-performance electronics. The Empa spin-off has already won several awards. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/new-model-for-the-spread-of-infectious-diseases/?sc=rsin /articles/new-model-for-the-spread-of-infectious-diseases/?sc=rsin Thu, 23 Jan 2025 04:40:45 EST The reproduction number R is often used as an indicator to predict how quickly an infectious disease will spread. Empa researchers have developed a mathematical model that is just as easy to use but enables more accurate predictions than R. Their model is based on a reproduction matrix that takes into account the heterogeneity of society. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/concrete-as-a-carbon-store/?sc=rsin /articles/concrete-as-a-carbon-store/?sc=rsin Mon, 20 Jan 2025 05:50:31 EST Mining the Atmosphere, a new Empa research initiative, aims at capturing excess CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it in building materials such as concrete. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/the-biobattery-that-needs-to-be-fed/?sc=rsin /articles/the-biobattery-that-needs-to-be-fed/?sc=rsin Thu, 09 Jan 2025 05:35:41 EST A battery that needs feeding instead of charging? This is exactly what Empa researchers have achieved with their 3D-printed, biodegradable fungal battery. The living battery could supply power to sensors for agriculture or research in remote regions. Once the work is done, it digests itself from the inside. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/making-the-most-of-switzerland-s-wood/?sc=rsin /articles/making-the-most-of-switzerland-s-wood/?sc=rsin Mon, 16 Dec 2024 06:40:42 EST Sustainable, renewable and good for the climate: Wood is the material of the future. But how much of it do we actually have and how do we make best use of it? Researchers from Empa and WSL have now analyzed the material flows of wood in Switzerland in detail - and discovered untapped opportunities. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/how-much-co-does-zurich-emit/?sc=rsin /articles/how-much-co-does-zurich-emit/?sc=rsin Thu, 12 Dec 2024 02:45:27 EST To achieve net zero, we need to reduce our CO₂ emissions quickly and efficiently. An EU project involving Empa has selected Zurich as one of three pilot cities in Europe to accurately measure and model their carbon dioxide emissions. The findings will help cities to achieve their climate targets. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/a-keener-eye-for-the-invisible/?sc=rsin /articles/a-keener-eye-for-the-invisible/?sc=rsin Tue, 03 Dec 2024 04:00:16 EST From smart textiles to self-driving cars: Empa researchers are developing new types of detectors for infrared radiation that are more sustainable, flexible and cost-effective than conventional technologies. The key to success is not (only) the composition of the material, but also its size. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/refining-hardwood-by-bioluminescence/?sc=rsin /articles/refining-hardwood-by-bioluminescence/?sc=rsin Thu, 28 Nov 2024 02:55:37 EST Since more and more deciduous trees are being planted in Swiss forests, whose wood is often burned directly, innovative ideas for a cascade use are in high demand in order to utilize Swiss hardwood more sustainably. Empa researchers are therefore equipping wood with new functionalities. Their latest coup: wood that can glow in the dark. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/a-new-home-for-sustainability-robotics/?sc=rsin /articles/a-new-home-for-sustainability-robotics/?sc=rsin Wed, 20 Nov 2024 03:15:31 EST Flying robots capable of inspecting and repairing building envelopes, interacting with natural ecosystems, and monitoring climate change and biodiversity are being developed and tested at the DroneHub at Empa's NEST. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/sensitive-ceramics-for-soft-robotics/?sc=rsin /articles/sensitive-ceramics-for-soft-robotics/?sc=rsin Wed, 13 Nov 2024 09:25:21 EST Robots that can sense touch and perceive temperature differences? An unexpected material might just make this a reality. At Empa's Laboratory for High-Performance Ceramics, researchers are developing soft and intelligent sensor materials based on ceramic particles. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/sensor-protects-against-life-threatening-complications-of-abdominal-surgery/?sc=rsin /articles/sensor-protects-against-life-threatening-complications-of-abdominal-surgery/?sc=rsin Mon, 04 Nov 2024 02:45:44 EST The Empa Innovation Award recognizes outstanding projects that bridge the gap between the laboratory and industry. This year, a team of researchers from Empa and ETH Zurich is being honored for an innovative sensor system: SensAL warns quickly and precisely of life-threatening complications after abdominal surgery. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/fundamental-quantum-model-recreated-from-nanographenes/?sc=rsin /articles/fundamental-quantum-model-recreated-from-nanographenes/?sc=rsin Thu, 31 Oct 2024 02:00:21 EST Quantum technologies promise breakthroughs in communication, computing, sensors and much more. However, quantum states are fragile, and their effects are difficult to grasp, making research into real-world applications challenging. Empa researchers and their partners have now achieved a breakthrough: Using a kind of "quantum Lego", they have been able to accurately realize a well-known theoretical quantum physics model in a synthetic material. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/superspreader-fibrils-caught-in-the-act/?sc=rsin /articles/superspreader-fibrils-caught-in-the-act/?sc=rsin Mon, 28 Oct 2024 02:25:51 EST In dementia diseases such as Alzheimer's, incorrectly folded proteins accumulate in the brain. Empa researchers have now resolved a particularly active species of protein fibrils with unprecedented precision. The formation of potentially toxic molecules on the surface of protein fibrils was studied from early to late stages spanning over a period of hours. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/the-fireproof-battery/?sc=rsin /articles/the-fireproof-battery/?sc=rsin Thu, 24 Oct 2024 04:15:01 EST Originally developed for electric cars, nowadays they supply mobile phone antennas with electricity, and tomorrow perhaps entire districts: The salt battery is a safe and long-lasting battery technology with huge potential. Empa researchers are collaborating with an industrial partner to further develop these special batteries. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology /articles/south-africa-improves-e-waste-management-with-support-from-empa/?sc=rsin /articles/south-africa-improves-e-waste-management-with-support-from-empa/?sc=rsin Tue, 08 Oct 2024 03:05:21 EST In summer 2024, the South African government published a strategy paper on the management of e-waste, which was developed in collaboration with Empa. This is the first time the country has issued standardized guidelines for the proper and safe handling of e-waste. The collaboration is part of a program funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology