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.

Black holes in the universe are so dense that not even light can escape. Empa researchers have now developed black holes for wooden boards that are not supposed to swallow everything, but at least sound.

Astronauts cannot do their laundry - and also have to share certain items of clothing with their colleagues. Austrian researchers are now investigating how microbes could be used to keep more than just underwear clean in space.

Researchers have come up with the vision of a pumped storage power plant of a special kind. Their idea involves a type of cable car that can be used to transport sand or gravel up mountains in order to generate electricity when required by transporting it down the mountain again.

Robert Langer (73) has saved millions of lives with his research: His work with messenger RNA provides genetic blueprints with which the human body can produce antiviral proteins itself. This research forms the basis for the most successful Covid 19 vaccines, such as the vaccine produced by the manufacturer Moderna. Langer is a co-founder of the company and has become a billionaire since the Corona pandemic.

Thomas Crowther believes that data is key to combating climate change. The British ecologist found out that there are many more trees on earth than scientists previously believed. But still, 3 trillion are not enough. The potential for reforestation is enormous, says the renowned expert. At the Crowther Lab in Zurich, he is developing nature-based solutions to restore the global ecosystem.

Endel uses artificial intelligence to create personalized music. The soundscape app promises to improve concentration or facilitate relaxation, depending on what the user requires. The app even claims to alleviate sleeping problems. A self-experiment.

With the help of electrodes implanted in the brain, a paralysed ALS patient has regained a simple form of communication ability. A computer decodes letters from his brain signals.

Researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) have developed a system that enables flying robots to be very agile. A new type of camera allows autonomous drones to respond much faster than if they were controlled by a human pilot.