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AI detects plastic waste in the sea

#AI #Satellite images #environmental protection #ocean #plastic waste #sustainability

A new artificial intelligence recognises plastic in the sea from satellite images. This could help to systematically remove plastic waste from the oceans using ships.

Garbage on a beach

The AI model developed by researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and Wageningen University (NL) estimates the probability of the presence of waste for each pixel in satellite images.

The accumulation of waste in the sea is visible on the freely available Sentinel-2 satellite images from the European Space Agency. However, as this involves terabytes of data, this data must be analysed automatically with the help of AI models.

The new AI is more successful than previous models - even in difficult atmospheric conditions with clouds and haze, according to the EPFL. This is particularly important because plastics are often washed into open waters after rain.

Written by: sda

Photos: Pixabay

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November 22nd, 2019
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An international research team led jointly from Zurich and Lausanne has developed a novel interface between leg prostheses and the wearer’s thigh that transmits sensations to the brain. The interface has already enabled two volunteers to walk more easily and has reduced their phantom pain.
November 22nd, 2019
A hand touching the arm of a robot

German researchers develop skin for robots

The aim of this is to enable robots to perceive their surroundings more effectively and even to balance on one leg. For the very first time, researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany report that they have fully equipped a human-sized robot with an artificial skin.
November 22nd, 2019
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November 22nd, 2019
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Netflix junkies are harming the environment

Not so long ago, a home movie night was always preceded by a visit to the video rental store. Nowadays, all it takes to stream movies and TV shows on our screens are a few mouse clicks. Streaming services are booming. But the convenience of streaming is harming the environment.
November 22nd, 2019
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Bones from a 3D printer

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November 22nd, 2019
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Physicists develop potential quantum computer interface

For the first time ever, a team of researchers has succeeded in making a silicon bar emit quantum-physically entangled radiation. The researchers hope that the oscillating, 30-micrometer silicon wafer will open up new ways of transmitting information between quantum computers.
November 22nd, 2019
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Researchers create record-breaking flexible solar cell

Never before have flexible solar cells been so efficient: A team from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) has created a flexible thin-film solar cell with a record-breaking efficiency of 20.8 percent.
November 22nd, 2019
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Researchers develop robotic ants with swarm intelligence

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November 22nd, 2019
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November 22nd, 2019
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Biofilms are not documentaries about nature, but resilient accumulations of germs, which particularly in hospitals can present a health hazard. Now, Swiss researchers are developing new types of material surfaces to deny these stubborn germ cultures a breeding ground.
November 22nd, 2019
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Researchers achieve local eradication of dengue and Zika fever carriers

Researchers in China released millions of male mosquitoes, which although they still court females can no longer procreate with them. By mounting a double attack in selected districts of a large city in China, the team of researchers was able to virtually exterminate Asian tiger mosquitoes, which are carriers of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses.
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People working at a quantum computer laboratory

Race to the quantum leap

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Thomas Sauter-Servaes and an autonomous taxi

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From the lab onto the dinner table: meat analogues

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December 16th, 2019
Man working at the experimental setup in laboratory

Creation of the first ever levitated massive particle with quantum properties

For the first time ever, physicists in Vienna have succeeded in creating a levitated solid-state object with quantum properties.
May 8th, 2020
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May 8th, 2020
Man holding a glass and is using his hand prosteses with eye control

Eye tracking can enhance the control of hand prostheses

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May 8th, 2020
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It appears that a quantum Internet, where information is transmitted in a tap-proof manner, can be implemented using the conventional telecommunications infrastructure. This has been demonstrated by an experiment conducted by Austrian physicists. In the “Nature Quantum Information” journal, they report that they were able to establish a quantum-encrypted connection between Sicily and Malta via an existing submarine cable.
June 19th, 2020
QLED display technology by researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH)

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Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich have enhanced QLED display technology to increase its energy efficiency. Using an ingenious design, they succeeded in reducing scattering losses. So far, however, this does not work for all colors.
June 23rd, 2020
Perfusion machine for the storage of donor livers

More suitable donor livers – thanks to an artificial body

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June 26th, 2020
Detail image of nanoparticles by L. Driencourt CSEM / M. Schönenberger (Nano Imaging Lab)

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June 30th, 2020
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Study: Reducing the carbon footprint of houses and cars also saves money

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July 7th, 2020
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Researchers bestow objects with their own DNA

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July 14th, 2020
Remote controlled robot for dangerous missions in space - ESA

Remote-controlled robots for dangerous missions in space

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July 24th, 2020
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July 28th, 2020
Ada Lovelace illustration

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September 7th, 2020
Metal parts that are divided into areas with different properties. Empa researchers have achieved this feat using a 3D printer.

Changing shapes and materials using a 3D printer

Empa researchers have used a 3D printer to produce metal parts that are divided into surfaces with different properties. Among other things, they hope to apply this technology to improve the efficiency of electric motors.
December 11th, 2020
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December 11th, 2020
This autonomous drone can detect and avoid fast-moving objects

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December 11th, 2020
a rescue boat in the sea

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December 11th, 2020
The Rhône Glacier in Switzerland

Fiber optic cables reveal the inner workings of glaciers

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ETH builds ultrafast chip of the future

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December 11th, 2020
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March 22nd, 2021
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Apple car on the horizon?

In 2020, the tech giant Apple massively ramped up its testing of self-driving cars. Does this mean the company has plans to start manufacturing its own cars?
April 5th, 2021
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An invisible layer of door security

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April 12th, 2021
PSI researcher Cristian Svetina at the experiment station of the SwissFEL, Switzerland's X-ray free-electron laser.

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Microchips are becoming smaller and smaller: hard drives write entire encyclopedias on discs the size of a fingernail. Many processes take place at the atomic level - and little is known about them. Now PSI researchers have reached a milestone.
May 26th, 2021
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MIT researchers have built a robot that can locate hidden objects through walls or packaging. To do this, it uses radio waves. In the future, this could simplify logistics in warehouses, for example.
May 31st, 2021
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New algorithms help with anesthesia

Anesthetic drugs affect the brain. But to tell if a patient will remain unconscious during surgery, most anesthesiologists rely on heart rate, breathing rate and movement. Algorithms could improve this process.
July 9th, 2021
EPFL scientists are developing a completely new “brain stress test” for evaluating the mental status of patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Robot evokes ghost illusions in Parkinson's patients

Researchers have succeeded in evoking tangible but invisible presences in Parkinson's patients with the help of a robot.
July 12th, 2021
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Tiny structures allow a newly created material to collect drinkable water from the air day and night, combining two water collection technologies into one.
July 26th, 2021
Engineers have developed a sweat-proof “electronic skin”

The sensor that sweats with you

Engineers at MIT have developed a sweat-proof electronic "skin." The design could lead to adaptable, wearable monitors for monitoring skin cancer and other diseases.
August 2nd, 2021
Surgeon Nicole Lindenblatt during the operation.

First microsurgery with robot

Pioneering micro-surgery: At the University Hospital in Zurich, a patient was given the finest connections between lymph vessels and veins - by robot.
September 6th, 2021
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Staff too old? Robots step in

As the population gets older, automation increases. That's what a new study by MIT and Boston University shows.
October 25th, 2021
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Robots revolutionize neurosurgery

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November 5th, 2021
BiTE molecules are designed to form a bridge between cancer cells (yellow) and cytotoxic T cells (blue)

Adapter makes immune cells destroy cancer

An adaptor makes immune cells fight cancer cells. Such “BiTE” agents have already proven effective against blood, lung and prostate cancer, researchers report.
November 22nd, 2021
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How dinosaurs lived 193 million years ago

We know that certain dinosaurs were social. Now researchers are proving that the animals lived in herds much earlier than previously thought. The secret of their early evolutionary success?
November 29th, 2021
Revolution in the berry patch illustrated by Irene Servillo

Revolution in the berry patch

Some 30 years ago, a Canadian researcher discovered an environmentally friendly way to deploy bees in the fight against grey mold. This approach, which holds a lot of promise for European fruit growers, is currently being tested on Swiss berry patches.
January 14th, 2022
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Videos show growth of butterfly wings

The findings could help develop new functional materials. Waterproof textiles, for example. Or construction materials for self-cleaning buildings.
January 17th, 2022
A picture made available on 04 March 2017 of David Holecek (L) getting a chip implanted in his hand by Jowan Osterlund of the company Biohax, in Gothenburg, Sweden, 02 December 2015.

A Covid passport that gets under the skin

A Swedish company has developed a Covid passport for microchip implants. The head of the company is chipped himself. He is not worried about his privacy.
January 24th, 2022
A hydroelectric power station

Improved carbon footprint thanks to the utilization of surplus electricity

Power-to-X processes could play a key role in reducing Switzerland’s CO₂ emissions. These processes convert excess electricity generated using renewable sources into liquid or gaseous energy carriers. A group of researchers recently explored the potential of power-to-X for Switzerland.
January 28th, 2022
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Autonomous driving: Trucks catching up

Just a year ago, start-ups working on robotaxis were raising eight times as much money as companies interested in self-driving trucks. In the meantime, the gap has narrowed dramatically.
January 31st, 2022
Particle accelerator at CERN in Geneva.

Physicists are on the trail of a “sensation“

The particle accelerator at CERN in Geneva will start up again at the end of March 2022. It is more powerful than ever before. Can physicists now prove a previously unknown force of nature?
February 14th, 2022
A handout picture made available by ESA/CNES/Arianespace shows the lift-off of Arianespace's Ariane 5 rocket carrying NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, in the Jupiter Center at the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, 25 December 2021.

Space travel: Moon and Jupiter in focus

While Mars was the focus of space activities in 2021, many missions to the Moon will start this year. In addition, ESA is setting off for Jupiter. And NASA wants to divert an asteroid.
February 21st, 2022
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Dust accumulating on solar panels is a big problem. But washing the panels consumes large amounts of water. MIT engineers have now developed a waterless cleaning method.
April 4th, 2022
Agricultural future farm

Robot on the field

At the Swiss Future Farm, the use of innovative technology in agriculture is being tested in a project lasting several years. This also includes a robot for field work.
April 25th, 2022
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Does this AI think like a human?

Researchers at MIT have developed a method that helps users understand how a machine learning model thinks and compare it to how a human thinks.
May 30th, 2022
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Aerial water drone hitchhikes

An international research team with Empa participation has developed a drone that can glide through water as well as fly through the air. To save energy, it attaches itself to other objects for a ride.
July 25th, 2022
A virtual patient with a breathing mask sits on a hospital bed.

Medical students learn on hologram patients

Holograms as a substitute for real patients are to provide medical students in the UK with a better education. The programme, which will initially be used at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, is the first of its kind in the world.
September 12th, 2022
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Soft robot: like a caterpillar, but ultra-fast

A new type of "soft" robot from the University of Linz moves like a caterpillar - and ultra-fast. Thanks to its contractions, it can also overcome obstacles, swim or grasp things. In short: a system with potential, especially in the field of human-machine interaction.
October 10th, 2022
A wafer-thin skin sensor can transmit information.

A sensor without chip and battery

A skin sensor developed at MIT is as thin as adhesive tape and sends signals - without a chip or battery. The device can vibrate in response to a person's heartbeat or the salt in their sweat, as well as generate a readable electrical signal.
October 17th, 2022
NTU professor Yang Yaowen with the device that harnesses wind energy.

Wind energy in miniature

Scientists in Singapore have developed a low-cost device that can harness the energy of light breezes and store it as electricity.
October 31st, 2022
A1 Marzia de Domenici

Digital twins spur the metaverse to new heights

The virtual parallel world is in gold-rush fever. The race for the right position in the metaverse has begun. With its digital twins, the Swiss startup Nomoko is already ahead of the competition, at least in one area.
November 4th, 2022
A sensor made of wood

Sensors and switches made of wood

Sustainable electronic elements can be made from wood. This is helped by a novel process that uses a laser to engrave electrically conductive tracks into veneers.
November 14th, 2022
Construction workers offroad: In areas that are difficult to access, drones could one day erect constructions in teamwork.

Building like bees

Swarms of bees as models for drones in construction: Empa has tested drones that work in teams under human control to 3D print materials for building or repairing structures.
November 21st, 2022
Illustration of a robot

An AI that learns spontaneously by asking people questions

AI is still only as good as the data it has been trained on. It doesn't know what it doesn't know. Researchers have now developed an AI that learns by asking people questions.
November 28th, 2022
Plane landing at night

Intelligent system helps pilots land quietly

Aircraft noise, especially during the landing approach of passenger jets, is a major burden on people and the environment. An international project with the participation of Empa enables pilots to land as quietly and with as little CO2 as possible.
December 12th, 2022
The milky way with mountains in foreground

The world's largest digital camera

US researchers are working on the world's largest digital camera. It could record a golf ball from a distance of 24 kilometres - but it will be used in an observatory.
December 19th, 2022
Child playing a video game on a tablet

Video games: Good for the brain?

Video games may have a positive impact on the development of children's cognitive skills, contrary to popular belief.
December 26th, 2022
A lens that is only partially fogged up - the gold-coated area is clear.

With gold against steamed-up glasses

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a coating for eyeglasses that heats up lenses with sunlight. The invention is intended to prevent them from fogging up.
January 3rd, 2023
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Materials as hard as snail teeth

Researchers want to harness the unusual wear resistance of limpet teeth for new types of materials.
January 9th, 2023
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Paper-thin solar cell turns any surface into a power source

MIT engineers have developed ultra-light fabric solar cells that can quickly and easily turn any surface into a power source.
January 23rd, 2023
Soumya Sudhakar at her TEDx talk

Computers powering self-driving cars could emit vast amounts of CO2

Computers powering self-driving cars could be a big contributor to global carbon emissions, according to MIT.
January 30th, 2023
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Early warning system to save endangered species

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February 20th, 2023
robot hand touching human hand

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February 27th, 2023
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Like Lego: child's play to assemble stretchable devices

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March 27th, 2023
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Robot reduces use of plant protection products

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April 3rd, 2023
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April 10th, 2023
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Swiss researchers decode AI thought processes

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April 24th, 2023
Rocket "Terran 1" during its launch

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May 1st, 2023
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May 5th, 2023
Commuters at a rail station

AI predicts electricity demand - with traffic data

Using artificial intelligence, researchers supported by the SNSF were able to predict electricity consumption from data on the load of railways and roads.
May 29th, 2023
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Nimble robot reflexively organises cluttered spaces

Instead of starting over after a failed attempt, the pick-and-place robot continuously adapts its behaviour.
June 12th, 2023
a shop shelf full of plastic bottles

Microplastics reach the brain

Tiny micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNP) can not only enter the body through food, as is well known, but can even reach the brain.
June 26th, 2023
A mosquito on bare skin

AI finds plants for anti-malaria drugs

Artificial intelligence is speeding up the discovery of plants with anti-malaria properties. This is the conclusion reached by an international research team.
July 10th, 2023
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Swiss start-up achieves breakthrough in quantum encryption

Swiss start-up Terra Quantum has been able to transmit quantum-encrypted data 10,000 times faster and over a greater distance than ever before. This is shown by data published by the company.
August 7th, 2023
Singer David Hasselhoff at a concert

Does the weather influence the success of pop music?

A study involving the Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Empirical Aesthetics suggests that the weather influences the Top 10 charts.
August 21st, 2023
a reconstruction of the dinosaur discovered in chile

Chile: Remains of dinosaur with duck's beak discovered

Scientists in Chile have for the first time discovered the remains of a species of dinosaur with a duck's beak – the «Gonkoken nanoi».
August 28th, 2023
A self-driving bus

Driverless trains, taxis and buses enjoy high acceptance

People in Germany are now open to using self-driving vehicles. Almost three out of four respondents can imagine boarding driverless underground or suburban trains, taxis or buses.
September 18th, 2023
Woman sitting at office desk

Artificial intelligence is more likely to create jobs than destroy them

The use of AI will "probably not" lead to the destruction of jobs, but rather to possible changes in the quality of jobs - especially with regard to work intensity and autonomy.
September 25th, 2023
The drone had to fly through various hoops

Autonomous drone beats world champion in drone races

A drone controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) has defeated the world champion in drone races. According to the developers from the University of Zurich, this is a milestone for robotics.
October 9th, 2023
The Eden ISS in the Antarctica

Space greenhouse successfully tested

More than a tonne of vegetables and lettuce, positive effects on the psyche and valuable experience in terms of time-saving operation: after a five-year test in Antarctica, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has expressed satisfaction with its "Eden ISS" greenhouse system.
October 23rd, 2023
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Copyright infringement: US authors sue ChatGPT

The writers accuse OpenAI of using their books to train AI without their consent.
October 30th, 2023
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AI to prevent wildlife accidents

Artificial intelligence (AI) could in future prevent wildlife accidents, which are particularly frequent in autumn. A project by Austrian researchers is testing a risk assessment of routes by drones.
November 6th, 2023
A soft robot inspired by elephant trunks

Researchers develop trunk robot

Inspired by elephant trunks, researchers at EPFL have developed a new robot. Because the trunk robot is made of soft, pliable material, it is safe for interaction with humans.
November 13th, 2023
a chicken farm from the inside

Electricity from chicken feathers

Researchers want to use chicken feathers to produce green electricity. They use the keratin in chicken feathers to replace highly toxic chemicals in fuel cells.
November 20th, 2023
a dense jungle

Based on sounds: AI determines species diversity

According to a study, an automated analysis of animal sounds can provide a good indication of the development of species diversity in the area. The analysis was tested with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) on tropical reforestation areas.
December 4th, 2023
Metaverse

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December 14th, 2023
3D printed hand robots holding a pen and a bottle

3D printer moulds robots without laborious assembly

Robotic hands with bones, ligaments and tendons straight from the printer: this is made possible by a new 3D printing technology developed by researchers in Zurich.
January 8th, 2024
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Smartphone makes us walk like cowboys

If you type on your smartphone while walking, your gait adapts to the demands of multitasking. What exactly happens during "text walking" has now been investigated.
January 29th, 2024
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AI recognises the briefest emotions better than therapists

AI can recognise emotions based on facial expressions. In one study, AI even performed better than trained therapists.
February 5th, 2024
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Sahara sun from the laboratory

ETH Zurich has put an artificial sun into operation. In the room of a new laboratory, the sun shines at the push of a button, just as it does at midday in the Sahara or in January in Berlin.
February 21st, 2024
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This sensor detects organ failure at an early stage

A wearable ultrasound sticker could help to recognise the first signs of acute liver or kidney failure at an early stage.
February 28th, 2024
robot "avocado" high up on a tree

Robot swings into unexplored treetops

It abseils from a height and swings through the canopy of the rainforest: A robot named Avocado is designed to collect research data in such a difficult-to-access and endangered habitat.
March 3rd, 2024
A hospital room in Zurich children's hospital

Researchers want to detect blood poisoning earlier using AI

With the help of artificial intelligence (AI) a research team at the University Children's Hospital in Zurich has defined new criteria for the diagnosis of blood poisoning. This could improve the early detection of this dangerous disease.
March 10th, 2024
plastic waste in a garbage bin

Microplastics could promote cancer

According to a new study, tiny plastic particles can be passed on during cell division. This could potentially favour the spread of cancer.
April 15th, 2024
a baby in a newborn ward

AI diagnoses heart defects in babies

An artificial intelligence (AI) developed by Zurich researchers recognises a specific heart defect in newborns. According to the researchers, it has the potential to reduce the number of missed diagnoses of pulmonary hypertension.
April 29th, 2024
the new robot can mimic the softness of materials

Robot reproduces the softness of materials

A new robot can precisely mimic the softness of various materials. In future, medical students could use it to practise detecting malignant tumours or researchers could feel the softness of an object in space.
May 6th, 2024
PEBE

Are CO2 absorbers the saviors of the climate crisis?

In the fight against climate change, gigatons of carbon dioxide will have to be removed from the atmosphere over the course of the century - using so-called carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies are giving people new hope.
June 12th, 2024
pedestrians at a zebra crossing

New car camera detects pedestrians 100 times faster

A new type of car camera recognises obstacles 100 times faster than previous driver assistance systems. In future, this technology should help to brake cars in good time if a pedestrian suddenly runs into the road.
August 5th, 2024
Pedestrians walk on planks across a flooded square in Switzerland.

Climate change causes global economy to shrink significantly

According to a new forecast, the global economy is at risk of shrinking by around a fifth by the middle of the century due to climate change.
August 19th, 2024