Citizen scientists to the rescue Research EPFL EPFL Summer series: How science works. From data collection to environmental and public-health advocacy, amateur scientists make a valuable contribution to scientific research. Better planning can reduce the urban heat island effect Research EPFL In his PhD thesis, EPFL researcher Martí Bosch proposes a method for spatially quantifying the impact of mitigation measures – planting green spaces and using different building materials – on the urban heat island effect. Aquatic life underground Research Eawag Groundwater is also an ecosystem, but little is known about the biodiversity underground. Eawag researchers have now documented the diversity of life in Swiss groundwater in a pilot study – and discovered previously unknown species of amphipods in the process. Here they relied on a citizen science approach. Parliament rejects ban on animal and human experimentation Politics ETH Board The popular initiative against animal and human experimentation did not stand a chance in the summer session of parliament. Both the National Council and the Council of States rejected it without a dissenting vote. The Council of States also wants to discuss the role of science in a crisis in more detail. It has therefore referred a motion on the subject to its Science Committee. Eawag test with fish cells replaces animal experiments Research Eawag The OECD gives the green light to the fish cell line assay developed at Eawag. This paves the way for companies and authorities around the world to determine the environmental toxicology of chemicals without having to resort to animal testing. Protection and promotion of native crayfish Research Eawag Formerly widespread, native crayfish in Switzerland are now highly endangered. With support from Eawag, experts are doing everything they can to preserve the secretive river dwellers. Previous 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Next Page 19 of 22
