news from the lab 2010

How the eye builds circuits to detect motion
Scientists could explain how the eye creates circuits to analyze motion. The detection of motion in the retina is based on circuit asymmetry, a fundamental computational principle in the brain.

In the future: processing and memory on a single chip
Researchers have shown that a magnetically polarised current can be manipulated by electric fields. This important discovery opens up the prospect of simultaneously processing and storing data on electrons held in the molecular structure of computer chips – combining computer memory and processing power on the same chip.

Antimatter: A step forward
The ASACUSA experiment at CERN has taken an important step forward in developing an innovative technique for studying antimatter. Using a novel particle trap, called a CUSP trap, the experiment has succeeded in producing significant numbers of antihydrogen atoms in flight. Antimatter – or the lack of it – remains one of the biggest mysteries of science.

Formic acid in the engine
Do ants hold the key to the fuel of the future? Formic acid provides more efficient and safer storage of hydrogen.

Plurilingual Switzerland
Switzerland deals flexibly and pragmatically with plurilingualism. It does this successfully. Nevertheless, immigration and increasing international integration are posing new challenges to schools, economy and administration.

Antimatter atoms produced and trapped at CERN
The ALPHA experiment at CERN has taken an important step forward in developing techniques to understand one of the Universe's open questions: is there a difference between matter and antimatter? A study shows that it has successfully produced and trapped atoms of antihydrogen. This development opens the path to new ways of making detailed measurements of antihydrogen, which will in turn allow scientists to compare matter and antimatter.

Circuitry of fear identified
Neurobiologists have identified, for the first time, clearly defined neural circuits responsible for the processing of fear states. These findings could ultimately help people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety disorders. Fear arises in the almond-shaped brain structure known as the amygdala.

Graphene: a promising material
Graphene is a promising material for tomorrow's nanoelectronics devices, as reported myScience.ch earlier . Precise and upscaleable methods to fabricate graphene and derived materials with desired electronic properties are however still searched after. To overcome the current limitations, researchers have fabricated graphene-like materials using a surface chemical route and clarified in detail the corresponding reaction pathway.

The LHC enters a new phase
Proton running for 2010 in the LHC at CERN came to a successful conclusion. Since the end of March 2010, when the first collisions occurred at a total energy of 7 TeV, the machine and experiment teams have achieved all of their objectives for the first year of proton physics at this record energy and new ground has been explored.

Computer model to calculate noise levels
Acoustic specialists have developed a computer model which allows to calculate noise levels along the entire Swiss rail network.

Reservoirs: a neglected source of methane emissions
Substantial amounts of the greenhouse gas methane are released not only from large tropical reservoirs but also from run-of-the-river reservoirs in Switzerland, especially in the summer, when water temperatures are higher.

Advanced imaging for bone research and materials science
A novel nano-tomography method developed by a team of researchers opens the door to computed tomography examinations of minute structures at nanometer resolutions.

Switzerland’s biggest solar energy park starts power generation
The construction of the biggest Solar Park in Switzerland is taking shape as the first photovoltaic panels come on stream.

Cells changing track: thymus cells transform into skin cells
Taking one type of cell and transforming it into another type is now possible. Cells taken from the thymus have been transformed into skin cells – a discovery that may have important ramifications for the field of organ regeneration.

Corrosion causes implants to fail
Researchers discover why implant coatings detach – and a method to prevent it. Extra-hard coatings made from diamond-like carbon (DLC) extend the operating lifetime of tools and components.

The oldest dog of the world
A fossil found more than 100 years ago in a cave in Switzerland may belong to the oldest domestic dog in the world.

Quasar acting as a cosmic lens
Astrophysicists have for the first time observed a quasar that is located between the earth and a more distant galaxy and acts as a gravitational lens.

Protons - smaller than we thought
The proton – one of the smallest building blocks of all matter – is even smaller than previously assumed. As a consequence of this discovery, a correction will have to be made to either the quantum theory of how light and matter interact or to the value of the Rydberg Constant – i.e. an important change is needed to either the most precise theory in physics or the most precisely determined physical constant.

Alcedo – the flying avalanche transceiver
Today's trend in winter sports draws more and more people away from the designated slopes. Free riding and ski tours experience a massive boost in popularity.

Protein restores vision in blind animals
Scientists restore vision in retinitis pigmentosa using an archaebacterial protein.