Whether when typing, moving, or walking, scientists are investigating how devices recognize users by their behavior.

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.

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.

Thanks to a navigation algorithm, drones are learning to autonomously perform acrobatic maneuvers. Using simulations, the autonomous aircraft are trained to become faster, more agile, and more efficient.

Bad news for burglars: Researchers have developed a special membrane that can be used to create invisible keypads. People who know that it’s there can use it to enter their building access code.

Artificial Intelligence makes robots mobile and autonomous. This is of particular interest for the manufacturers of cleaning equipment and their clients: Several 10.000 cleaning robots are currently deployed – and because of Corona, the number of smart cleaning machines is growing.

When one thinks of cellulose, the first things that come to mind are probably wood and paper. But in the form of nanocellulose, it is also a promising material for the medical field. Empa researchers are working on a 3D-printed skin sensor made of a jelly-like material that can monitor blood values.

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.

Speak instead of typing – nowadays, communicating with computers often involves language bots. In his book “Dialogue Robots”, Armin Sieber analyzes the widespread dissemination of these bots. In this interview he describes the advantages – but also urges policymakers and the public to be aware of the dangers.

The larvae of a species of beetle native to Central and South America can apparently survive with plastic as their only food source. The larvae's appetite for Styrofoam could be the key to mass plastic recycling.