Nanomaterials are opening up new possibilities in medicine. But what if such nanomaterials escape into the environment? Empa researchers are currently assessing potential risks.

A chopping robot with an integrated spraying system helps to reduce the use of plant protection products in vegetable production. This was the result of trials in fields with lettuce and pak choi.

A new web tool called “Carculator” determines the ecological footprint of vehicles with different types of propulsion. According to the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, the calculations are intended to serve as a decision-making aid when purchasing a car.

In an Empa research project, study participants rated the noise of new types of aircraft as less annoying than the noise of today's aircraft.

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.

Cobalt-based catalysts could be used to turn mixed plastic waste into fuel, new plastics and other products.

Biodiversity is declining rapidly. In order to recognise species worthy of protection in time, a research group from Fribourg wants to combine artificial intelligence, image data and citizen science.

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.

The ZHAW has built a house according to the closed-loop principle: Nutrients extracted from urine serve as fertiliser, rainwater is processed into drinking water. And much more besides.

The leading shipping associations intend to establish an international fund with a volume of five billion US dollars to drive forward the reduction of CO2 emissions – the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) announced.