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How mountain ranges get their shape
Tectonic processes and the climate form the topography of our earth. A new study raises now the question whether tectonic processes were so far overestimated. Simone Ulmer, 14.02.12
Ordered planar polymers created for the first time
Scientists under the direction of ETH Zurich have created a minor sensation in synthetic chemistry. They succeeded in producing two-dimensional polymers for the first time. Simone Ulmer, 13.02.12
Molecule prevents fat combustion
ETH Zurich researchers have found a new role for a well-known signalling molecule, Hif1: the molecule suppresses the burning of fat, which may possibly promote obesity in humans. Peter Rüegg, 10.02.12
„Universities have to do something for society“
Theuns Eloff, vice-chancellor of the North-West-University in South Africa, visited the ETH Zurich. In the interview he explained how a university with three campuses and three languages works and why South Africa could be a gateway between the developing and the developed world. Thomas Langhoff, 02.02.12
New family of composite structures
Material scientists at ETH-Zürich are working on composite materials that mimic the structure of seashells. Such complex structures are produced using tiny magnetic particles which guide the composites' stiffer elements into place. This technique enables new technologies from durable coatings to stronger and lighter materials. Randall Erb, 12.01.12
Unexpected ice-formation mechanism
Extremely hydrophobic materials cause water to roll right off objects that have been coated with them. Up to now, it was assumed that aircraft or wind turbines coated in such a way did not ice up as easily. However, researchers from ETH Zurich have now shown that, under certain conditions, the surface materials do not influence ice formation. Simone Ulmer, 12.01.12
An ocean short of oxygen
As average global temperatures rise, larger parts of the world's oceans could become anoxic dead zones. This is shown by an analysis of the oxygen conditions during the past 20,000 years. Peter Rüegg, 12.01.12
A successful year for spin-offs
ETH Zurich can look back on a successful year of spin-offs. Last year, employees and graduates of ETH Zurich founded 22 spin-offs in a wide range of areas. Ursula Hess, 11.01.12
2012 Premiere: Year-Round Shuttle Service
The ETH Science City Link is the fastest and most comfortable connection between the two locations Zentrum and Hönggerberg in Zurich. The executive board of ETH Zurich has approved a year-round service of the Science City Link beginning this January. Florian Meyer, 06.01.12
Infrared detector unmasks cocaine addicts
A research group at ETH Zurich is currently developing an infrared measuring technique to enable the detection of cocaine and its metabolites in saliva. The initial steps towards a portable measuring device have been successful. Peter Rüegg, 06.01.12
Short break ahead
The editorial staff of ETH Life says good-bye. We thank you for your loyalty and your interest in ETH Life and wish you Happy Holidays and a successful New Year 2012. ETH Life continues once again on 3 January 2012. Editorial Office, 23.12.11
From fondue to asado
Marlen Müller made the very most of a brief break from her internship to travel into the Argentine Alps. The only things missing compared to their European counterparts were the well-signposted trails and accurate bus timetables. Marlen Müller, 23.12.11
“It’s important to use an interdisciplinary approach”
The ETH Zurich spin-off Dacuda has made it onto the list of the world’s top 100 most innovative companies with its mouse scanner. Martin Zahnert outlines the technical challenges involved and explains how his studies at ETH Zurich helped him to master those challenges. Thomas Langholz, 22.12.11
Mobile microvortex holds on to bacteria
Researchers at ETH Zurich have used nanowires to create minuscule vortices with which they were able to capture individual microscopic objects such as bacteria and move them precisely across a surface. The new method ends a 90-year search. Peter Rüegg, 21.12.11
ETH strategy for 2012-2016: sustainable growth as the guiding theme
ETH Zurich’s strategy for 2012 to 2016 focuses on sustainable growth in education, research and the provision of services. In a podcast, ETH President Ralph Eichler gives an introduction to the main points of the strategy. Florian Meyer, 20.12.11
Starving cancer
Researchers of ETH Zurich have developed a new strategy to fight cancer. Blood vessels in the environment of tumours are killed with a new molecule which leads to the „starvation” of the tumour. This strategy has a series of advantages. Fabio Bergamin, 19.12.11
Lino Guzzella nominated to the ETH Board for the post of Rector
The Professors’ Conference voted overwhelmingly to nominate Lino Guzzella, Professor of Thermotronics, to succeed Heidi Wunderli-Allenspach. ETH Zurich President Ralph Eichler has supported this nomination. The ETH Board will decide the matter in 2012. Norbert Staub, 16.12.11
Stroke by stroke for research on human subjects not involving their bodies
More and more scientific journals and international research organisations are requiring researchers to prove that their projects are ethically unobjectionable. Against this background, ETH Zurich has revised its Integrity Guidelines. Florian Meyer, 15.12.11
Eliminating errors in quantum computing
Quantum computers, should they be realized one day, will inevitably make errors. Therefore, they need special error correcting mechanisms. The most important part of it, a so-called Toffoli gate, has now been realized by ETH scientists with superconducting circuits. Simone Ulmer, 15.12.11
Filming proteins in action
Roland Riek investigates protein structures, especially protein aggregates. He believes that we will be able to film proteins at atomic resolution in action in the future. Interview: Peter Rüegg, 14.12.11
What skin wounds and cancer have in common
The protein that makes wounds heal quicker is called Activin. However, if an excess of it is present, it promotes the formation and growth of dangerous skin tumours. This has just been shown by ETH Zurich researchers led by Sabine Werner. Peter Rüegg, 13.12.11
Flute seeks piano
Many talented hobby musicians work and study at ETH Zurich. Many of them are unaware that they are not alone in their passion. A music platform now brings the talents together. Lars Gubler, 12.12.11
The Coop will open a branch on the Hönggerberg Campus
The Coop is opening a branch on the Hönggerberg Campus right on time for the beginning of the semester on 20 February, 2012. This fulfils a long-standing wish by many students and staff on the Hönggerberg Campus. Thomas Langholz, 09.12.11
Strike on campus
It was with mixed feelings that Christian Monstein travelled to the troubled country of Kenya in order to get another “Callisto” radio measuring instrument up and running to measure solar radiation. His fears would prove well founded. Christian Monstein, 09.12.11
Fellowship - a free pass for your own research
Pursuing your own research without having to worry about funding – this is precisely what Adrian Kuenzler has managed to achieve. Thanks to the Society in Science fellowship, the jurist can conduct research at a university of his choice for five years. Rebecca Wyss, 07.12.11
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