Materials Science
Strong adhesion thanks to cavitation bubbles
Research
ETH Zurich
Canadian researchers have discovered that they can stick hydrogel plasters to the skin very effectively using ultrasound. ETH Zurich professor Outi Supponen has now explained the underlying mechanism: imploding bubbles that form within the adhesive located between the plaster and the skin anchor the one on the other.
Sealing leaks in the stomach or intestine
TechTransfer
ETH Zurich
ETH Pioneer Fellow Alexandre Anthis has developed a patch that seals surgical sutures on the intestines or the stomach. The material designed can also detect any leakage at an early stage – thus preventing serious complications.
Civil Engineering Award for construction art with Swiss contribution
TechTransfer
Empa
Elegant, efficient and groundbreaking: The fine-span light rail bridge in Stuttgart-Degerloch was awarded the German Civil Engineering Award 2022 - because of its innovative design as a network arch bridge with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer cables. A premiere, which was also made possible by experts from Empa and its spin-off Carbo-Link AG with many years of research and development work.
"We are looking for projects in the 'valley of death'"
Research
Empa
Hubert Keiber, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Werner Siemens Foundation, describes why the Board decided to award a 15 million Swiss francs grant to a team of Empa researchers.
A better understanding of water
Research
PSI
Using a new method, scientists are better able to distinguish between mirror-image substances. This is important amongst others in drug development, because the two variants can cause completely different effects in the human body. Researchers from Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, EPF Lausanne (EPFL), and the University of Geneva describe the new method in the scientific journal Nature Photonics.
Support for the journey to CO2-negative cement
Research
Empa
The cement industry emits large amounts of climate-damaging carbon dioxide – but alternative binders based on magnesium carbonate could even bind CO2. Concrete as a carbon sink? A research project at Empa is to explore the basics of this and prepare the stage for practical applications.
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