news

Scientists at EPFL have developed a scalable method to produce porous graphene membranes that efficiently separate carbon dioxide. The breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost and footprint of carbon capture technology. Capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial emissions is crucial in the fight against climate change.

To predict toxic algal blooms, researchers from Eawag recommend a combination of species identification and chemical measurements. Now, a new study confirms that there is no magic formula and that, instead, specific indicator molecules are needed for each lake. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can proliferate very rapidly in lakes in the warmer months of the year.

Humans are having a highly detrimental impact on biodiversity worldwide. Not only is the number of species declining, but the composition of species communities is also changing. These are the findings of a study by Eawag and the University of Zurich published in the scientific journal Nature. It is one of the largest studies ever conducted on this topic.

Humans are having a highly detrimental impact on biodiversity worldwide. Not only are the numbers of species declining, but the composition of species communities is also changing. This is shown by a study by Eawag and the University of Zurich published in the scientific journal "Nature". It is one of the largest studies ever conducted on this topic.

Researchers from the University of Bern and the RIKEN research institute in Japan have made a significant advance in sustainable chemistry. They have succeeded in producing organic molecules through a chemical reaction based on the sustainable metals sodium and iron. This represents a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods and has the potential to fundamentally change the production of pharmaceuticals and other fine chemicals.

A pioneering study has revealed how climate change is impacting glacier-fed streams and the essential microbiomes they contain - which could change radically by the end of this century. Climate change is causing the world's glaciers to disappear at an alarming rate. Scientists have been studying and modeling this process for years, but until now, no research group has specifically examined how glacier melt will affect glacier-fed streams and their ecosystems.

A new special volume, initiated and edited by researchers from the University of Bern, examines the biological roots of the division of labor - from microorganisms to humans.

A long-term Switzerland-wide study has found that neighbourhoods with numerous, well-arranged trees exhibit lower mortality risks than other areas. The reasons behind this, and the factors that play a role, will require further research. Beyond creating a serene and open atmosphere in urban areas, trees and parks also contribute to human well-being.

Laboratories play an important role in effective water quality monitoring.

Two years ago, global sea surface temperatures rose sharply, considerably exceeding previous highs. A study by the University of Bern shows that such extreme temperature jumps would not be possible without the influence of climate change. The study also confirms that climate models simulate such events realistically.

Researchers have developed a low-cost sensor made of carbon nanotubes that can selectively, efficiently and reliably measure minute quantities of oxygen in gas mixtures under light. The detector could be widely used in industry, medicine and environmental monitoring. Oxygen is essential for life and a reactive player in many chemical processes.

Extreme weather and climate events such as droughts and floods in Europe can be linked to shifts in the jet stream over the Atlantic.

A bioinspired robot developed at EPFL can change shape to alter its own physical properties in response to its environment, resulting in a robust and efficient autonomous vehicle as well as a fresh approach to robotic locomotion. From mountain goats that run up near-vertical rock faces to armadillos that roll into a protective ball, animals have evolved to adapt effortlessly to changes in their environment.

To extend the lifespan of existing railway bridges and conserve resources, researchers are working with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) to develop new prediction models using machine learning algorithms. An AI assistant also helps civil engineers with the design of new bridges. Images of a collapsed tram bridge over the River Elbe in Dresden were seen around the world in September 2024.

EPFL engineers have developed a versatile swimming robot that nimbly navigates cluttered water surfaces. Inspired by marine flatworms, the innovative device offers new possibilities for environmental monitoring and ecological research. Swimming robots play a crucial role in mapping pollution, studying aquatic ecosystems, and monitoring water quality in sensitive areas such as coral reefs or lake shores.

The melting ice from glaciers worldwide is leading to an increased loss of regional freshwater resources. And it is causing global sea levels to rise at ever-greater rates. Since the year 2000, glaciers have been losing 273 billion tons of ice annually, according to estimates by an international research community led by researchers of the University of Zurich.

For Switzerland to achieve its net zero climate target, not only must it reduce its CO2 emissions, it must also find a way to store the greenhouse gas permanently. Researchers at ETH Zurich have investigated whether, and under what conditions, CO2 could be stored underground in Switzerland. To achieve its net zero climate target by 2050, Switzerland must press forward with the energy transition - whether in electricity, heating or mobility.

A recent study examines the effectiveness of environmental strains for the production of biocement. The study's lead author, Dimitrios Terzis, is an EPFL senior scientist and a co-founder of Medusoil, a company that produces organic binders and that opened a production plant in Vaud in 2024. "For me, it's essential to keep conducting fundamental research," says Terzis, a civil engineer at EPFL's Soil Mechanics Laboratory.

Each year, tens of thousands of chemicals enter the market and ultimately the environment. While most of these compounds undergo safety testing before approval, their long-term effects on wildlife remain difficult to predict. To better estimate their potential threat for ecosystems, researchers at Eawag have explored biochemical signatures that indicate the level of chemical stress suffered by fish.