How trees cope with late spring frosts Research WSL Due to climate change, many deciduous trees leaf-out earlier. However, the risk of late spring frosts remains high and the frequency of extreme droughts is clearly increasing. Tree species able to quickly recover after frost damage may be advantaged in the future, shows a study by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL. Wood Climate Change Biology Ecosystem Further Reading Where should wind turbines be constructed in Switzerland? ETH Zurich Global challenges: What can plant science do to help? WSL Novel computer components inspired by brain cells Empa A greener alternative for aviation fuel PSI How tumours transform blood vessels ETH Zurich Subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter Robotic system offers hidden window into collective bee behaviour Research EPFL EPFL researchers have developed a temperature-modulating robotic system that can be seamlessly integrated into notoriously sensitive honeybee hives, providing both a never-before-seen view of honeybee behaviour and a means to influence it. Biology Environment Robotics What can’t be bought, we develop ourselves TechTransfer PSI The work of PSI researchers is pushing the limits of knowledge and technological development. Many components for their experiments cannot simply be purchased. Then they just develop what’s needed themselves – and thus encourage many other applications in science or industry. Innovation Technology Cooperation Physics Detecting exhaustion with smart sportswear Research ETH Zurich Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed an electronic yarn capable of precisely measuring how a person’s body moves. Integrated directly into sportswear or work clothing, the textile sensor predicts the wearer’s exhaustion level during physical exertion. Materials Science Nanotechnology Health Sciences The ETH Domain strives to strengthen the competitiveness of Switzerland in the long term and contribute to the development of society through excellence in research, teaching and knowledge and technology transfer. Start-ups worth a billion TechTransfer ETH Board The institutions of the ETH Domain produce around 60 spin-offs each year. Among them, five are valued at over one billion dollars. Here is an introduction to these five “unicorns”.
