wire - news in brief
« BACK
Environment - Health - 12.04.2021
Environment - 12.04.2021 
Autarky water module proves itself as a handwashing station
A mobile handwashing station that hygienically recycles its own water without water mains or sewage connection not only has great potential for deployment in countries lacking in infrastructure.
Environment - 08.04.2021
Health - Environment - 01.04.2021 
Pollen Season in Switzerland Earlier and More Intense Due to Climate Change
Bad news for allergy sufferers: The rising temperatures over the past three decades have impacted the onset, duration and intensity of the pollen season in Switzerland. These are the results of a study by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) in collaboration with the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss).
Environment - Chemistry - 25.03.2021 
Clean hydrogen can reduce the climate impact of industries
EPFL engineers are taking part in PROMETEO - an EU research project to generate hydrogen on a large scale from renewable sources, in an effort to lower industrial carbon emissions.
Environment - 24.03.2021
Computer Science - Environment - 23.03.2021
Environment - Social Sciences - 22.03.2021
Environment - 22.03.2021 
"I find the sound of water to be very calming"
The motto of today's World Water Day is "Valuing water - What means water to you?". With this motto, the United Nations wants to raise awareness of the vital importance of water and call on people to think about the value of water.
Campus - Environment - 18.03.2021
Environment - Agronomy / Food Science - 18.03.2021 
Climate-friendly, but antisocial
Making agriculture climate-neutral has a high cost - which some rich countries might be willing to accept, ETH Zurich researchers find. Emissions of methane and nitrogen oxides from agriculture are Europe's second most important contributor to climate change, after CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels.
Environment - 16.03.2021
Environment - 11.03.2021
Economics / Business - Environment - 11.03.2021
Environment - Materials Science - 09.03.2021 
The black gold of mushrooms
Empa researchers have succeeded in extracting the pigment melanin in large quantities from a fungus. The gigantic Armillaria fungus in the service of science is one of the largest and oldest living organisms in the world. Potential applications for the "black gold" range from wood preservatives to the construction of water filters and historic musical instruments.
Environment - Physics - 05.03.2021 
Switzerland’s energy transition
Can Switzerland, as planned, cut its CO2 emissions to zero by 2050? In a study, researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have investigated what measures would be necessary to achieve this reduction and how much it might cost per person.
Environment - Campus - 05.03.2021
Pharmacology - Environment - 03.03.2021
Environment - Transport - 26.02.2021
Environment - Materials Science - 23.02.2021
Environment - 23.02.2021
Health - Environment - 19.02.2021 
Young Researchers in Environmental Epidemiology Share Latest Findings
Swiss TPH and the European Chapter of the International Society of Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE) hosted a virtual symposium for young scientists in the field of environmental epidemiology from 18 to 19 February 2021.
Environment - Earth Sciences - 18.02.2021 
Climate change and Swiss lakes
A new simulation study shows that climate change risks significantly altering water temperature, ice cover and mixing of many Swiss lakes. Mid altitude lakes are especially under pressure, running the risk of completely losing ice cover and no longer fully mixing twice per year. Such a change would have fundamental consequences for the functioning of lake ecosystems.
Environment - Economics / Business - 18.02.2021
Environment - Chemistry - 18.02.2021
Environment - Health - 10.02.2021 
Six new EPFL - African universities research projects
As part of the EPFL - UM6P 's Excellence in Africa initiative, the EXAF centre has announced the names of the six successful teams which will take part in the Junior Faculty Development programme (JFD).
Astronomy / Space Science - Environment - 05.02.2021 
EPFL moves boldly into space with its CHESS satellites
The EPFL Spacecraft Team has set itself the ambitious goal of launching two satellites by 2023. With this bold initiative, this student team hopes to gain further insight into the chemical composition of the outermost layers of our atmosphere.
Architecture - Environment - 26.01.2021
Environment - 26.01.2021 
Tailor-made power grids
Empa researcher Cristina Dominguez is developing a computer model, which can be used to plan electricity grids in developing countries.
Environment - 25.01.2021
Environment - Health - 21.01.2021 
Customising legionella control measures
Legionella in drinking water systems can pose a health risk. But the complexity of the stagnation issue means that a much more nuanced approach is required to manage this risk than has previously been supposed. Questioning conventional wisdom is part of the scientist's job. This also applies to legionella in plumbing systems.
Environment - 19.01.2021 
New strategy for assessing sediment quality
The Ecotox Centre presents a new strategy to assess the quality of sediments. Sediments are of great significance in water protection.
Campus - Environment - 18.01.2021
Environment - Life Sciences - 14.01.2021 
Making organic waste management sustainable
Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) treatment of organic waste offers a sustainable and economic solution to the need for organic waste management in Indonesia.
Environment - Economics / Business - 13.01.2021 
Putting climate-positive business ideas into practice
More and more ETH Zurich researchers are taking the plunge into entrepreneurship. By launching spin-offs, they hope to turn their lab findings into solutions that can help stem the rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide. There is no shortage of evidence for what the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) describes as an "unequivocal warming of the climate system".
Environment - Earth Sciences - 11.01.2021 
Extreme weather from the stratosphere
ETH climate researcher Daniela Domeisen has documented how the stratosphere influences extreme weather events.
Chemistry - Environment - 08.01.2021
Environment - Agronomy / Food Science - 07.01.2021
Environment - Agronomy / Food Science - 23.12.2020
Environment - Innovation - 19.12.2020
Campus - Environment - 18.12.2020
Environment - Innovation - 15.12.2020 
Download, print and save the reef!
Coral reefs are in acute danger of disappearing due to climate change. An artist and a marine biologist have taken up the challenge of rebuilding the reefs by harnessing the power of 3D printers.
Environment - Economics / Business - 15.12.2020
Environment - Politics - 15.12.2020 
"The key thing is to make a start."
Civil society and governments struggle to take action when it comes to climate change. So what's the solution? We asked climate researcher Reto Knutti and climate strike advocate Marie-Claire Graf for their perspectives.
Environment - 14.12.2020 
University of Bern wants to be climate-neutral by 2025
The University of Bern has set itself the goal of becoming a climate-neutral institution by 2025 in all areas in which it has a direct influence.
Environment - Physics - 14.12.2020
Environment - Physics - 14.12.2020 
ReMaP - Foundations for the energy system of tomorrow
On the road to a sustainable energy system, technologies for the flexible conversion and efficient storage of energy are becoming increasingly important.
Life Sciences - Environment - 11.12.2020
Environment - 11.12.2020
Environment - Physics - 09.12.2020
Environment
Results 1 - 50 of 598.
A mobile handwashing station that hygienically recycles its own water without water mains or sewage connection not only has great potential for deployment in countries lacking in infrastructure.
Why study biodiversity? Because we depend on it!
In the Blue-Green Biodiversity research initiative of WSL and Eawag scientists from around the world are working together to find solutions to the pressing challenges of biodiversity loss.
In the Blue-Green Biodiversity research initiative of WSL and Eawag scientists from around the world are working together to find solutions to the pressing challenges of biodiversity loss.
Bad news for allergy sufferers: The rising temperatures over the past three decades have impacted the onset, duration and intensity of the pollen season in Switzerland. These are the results of a study by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) in collaboration with the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss).
EPFL engineers are taking part in PROMETEO - an EU research project to generate hydrogen on a large scale from renewable sources, in an effort to lower industrial carbon emissions.
Addressing plastic pollution
Microplastic pollution is a serious problem, but blanket bans won't solve the issue, says Denise Mitrano. We should regulate plastics more precisely to create incentives for both innovation and environmental safety. Stark images of plastic floating in urban rivers and washing up on shorelines symbolize the magnitude of mismanaged plastic waste and its impact on the environment.
Microplastic pollution is a serious problem, but blanket bans won't solve the issue, says Denise Mitrano. We should regulate plastics more precisely to create incentives for both innovation and environmental safety. Stark images of plastic floating in urban rivers and washing up on shorelines symbolize the magnitude of mismanaged plastic waste and its impact on the environment.
The motto of today's World Water Day is "Valuing water - What means water to you?". With this motto, the United Nations wants to raise awareness of the vital importance of water and call on people to think about the value of water.
Making agriculture climate-neutral has a high cost - which some rich countries might be willing to accept, ETH Zurich researchers find. Emissions of methane and nitrogen oxides from agriculture are Europe's second most important contributor to climate change, after CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels.
Changing defaults can have a significant and lasting effect
Electricity providers have a simple way of encouraging households and companies to procure power from sustainable sources. This can help lower CO2 emissions. People often choose the standard option. Choosing to be an organ donor, printing on both sides of the page - such decisions are influenced by which is the standard setting, or default.
Electricity providers have a simple way of encouraging households and companies to procure power from sustainable sources. This can help lower CO2 emissions. People often choose the standard option. Choosing to be an organ donor, printing on both sides of the page - such decisions are influenced by which is the standard setting, or default.
Empa researchers have succeeded in extracting the pigment melanin in large quantities from a fungus. The gigantic Armillaria fungus in the service of science is one of the largest and oldest living organisms in the world. Potential applications for the "black gold" range from wood preservatives to the construction of water filters and historic musical instruments.
Can Switzerland, as planned, cut its CO2 emissions to zero by 2050? In a study, researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have investigated what measures would be necessary to achieve this reduction and how much it might cost per person.
A call for charging points at home
For Switzerland to become climate neutral, there's no way around electric mobility.
For Switzerland to become climate neutral, there's no way around electric mobility.
Bloom Biorenewables develops biomass-based plastics
Thanks to technology developed by start-up Bloom Biorenewables, plant materials can be used as an alternative to petroleum derivatives for producing a wide range of products, including bioplastics, textiles, cosmetics and even perfume.
Thanks to technology developed by start-up Bloom Biorenewables, plant materials can be used as an alternative to petroleum derivatives for producing a wide range of products, including bioplastics, textiles, cosmetics and even perfume.
Swiss TPH and the European Chapter of the International Society of Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE) hosted a virtual symposium for young scientists in the field of environmental epidemiology from 18 to 19 February 2021.
A new simulation study shows that climate change risks significantly altering water temperature, ice cover and mixing of many Swiss lakes. Mid altitude lakes are especially under pressure, running the risk of completely losing ice cover and no longer fully mixing twice per year. Such a change would have fundamental consequences for the functioning of lake ecosystems.
The time to take low-carbon transition risks seriously is now
A successful climate policy means preparing for unintended adverse impacts, such as job losses in declining energy sectors or potential environmental impacts of scaling up renewables.
A successful climate policy means preparing for unintended adverse impacts, such as job losses in declining energy sectors or potential environmental impacts of scaling up renewables.
We need a global science panel on chemicals and waste
Chemical pollution is a global threat that demands for global action, says Zhanyun Wang. An interface body similar to the IPCC could help bridge the gap between science and policy. Chemicals are at the heart of our modern world. But the way the world deals with chemicals is highly inadequate. Over the last decades, the number and diversity of chemicals produced and traded have increased drastically, reaching several hundred thousands.
Chemical pollution is a global threat that demands for global action, says Zhanyun Wang. An interface body similar to the IPCC could help bridge the gap between science and policy. Chemicals are at the heart of our modern world. But the way the world deals with chemicals is highly inadequate. Over the last decades, the number and diversity of chemicals produced and traded have increased drastically, reaching several hundred thousands.
As part of the EPFL - UM6P 's Excellence in Africa initiative, the EXAF centre has announced the names of the six successful teams which will take part in the Junior Faculty Development programme (JFD).
The EPFL Spacecraft Team has set itself the ambitious goal of launching two satellites by 2023. With this bold initiative, this student team hopes to gain further insight into the chemical composition of the outermost layers of our atmosphere.
Empa researcher Cristina Dominguez is developing a computer model, which can be used to plan electricity grids in developing countries.
Legionella in drinking water systems can pose a health risk. But the complexity of the stagnation issue means that a much more nuanced approach is required to manage this risk than has previously been supposed. Questioning conventional wisdom is part of the scientist's job. This also applies to legionella in plumbing systems.
The Ecotox Centre presents a new strategy to assess the quality of sediments. Sediments are of great significance in water protection.
Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) treatment of organic waste offers a sustainable and economic solution to the need for organic waste management in Indonesia.
More and more ETH Zurich researchers are taking the plunge into entrepreneurship. By launching spin-offs, they hope to turn their lab findings into solutions that can help stem the rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide. There is no shortage of evidence for what the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) describes as an "unequivocal warming of the climate system".
ETH climate researcher Daniela Domeisen has documented how the stratosphere influences extreme weather events.
More Root Carbon in Extensive Cultivation Systems - the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Is Optimised
Soils possess great potential for sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere in the form of carbon, and thus for mitigating global warming.
Soils possess great potential for sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere in the form of carbon, and thus for mitigating global warming.
We’ve got a lot on our plate
There is little to suggest we'll be eating less meat any time soon. In the last post of 2020, Lukas Fesenfeld explains why a sustainable food supply system is still possible. Christmas is just around the corner, along with a string of festive meals - though probably on a smaller scale this year. I promise, I don't want to deny you your Christmas roast! However, the end of the year is a good opportunity to reflect on some fundamental questions and to become aware of one's own attitudes.
There is little to suggest we'll be eating less meat any time soon. In the last post of 2020, Lukas Fesenfeld explains why a sustainable food supply system is still possible. Christmas is just around the corner, along with a string of festive meals - though probably on a smaller scale this year. I promise, I don't want to deny you your Christmas roast! However, the end of the year is a good opportunity to reflect on some fundamental questions and to become aware of one's own attitudes.
Get ready for the cleantech race!
Meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement means embracing a sustainable transition to renewables. Yet analyses suggest that decarbonisation can only be achieved with targeted government support for the right technologies. Tobias Schmidt vividly recalls attending the 2009 UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen as a doctoral candidate.
Meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement means embracing a sustainable transition to renewables. Yet analyses suggest that decarbonisation can only be achieved with targeted government support for the right technologies. Tobias Schmidt vividly recalls attending the 2009 UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen as a doctoral candidate.
Coral reefs are in acute danger of disappearing due to climate change. An artist and a marine biologist have taken up the challenge of rebuilding the reefs by harnessing the power of 3D printers.
Civil society and governments struggle to take action when it comes to climate change. So what's the solution? We asked climate researcher Reto Knutti and climate strike advocate Marie-Claire Graf for their perspectives.
The University of Bern has set itself the goal of becoming a climate-neutral institution by 2025 in all areas in which it has a direct influence.
Foundations for the energy system of tomorrow
On the road to a sustainable energy system, technologies for the flexible conversion and efficient storage of energy are becoming increasingly important.
On the road to a sustainable energy system, technologies for the flexible conversion and efficient storage of energy are becoming increasingly important.
On the road to a sustainable energy system, technologies for the flexible conversion and efficient storage of energy are becoming increasingly important.
