https://phys.org/ en-us Latest news from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology It is not easy to bring new technologies from the laboratory to market. Researchers and companies face very different demands for new developments and do not always find common ground. Scientists at Empa and other institutions have analyzed two emerging solar cell technologies to identify the greatest risks. Their conclusion: Research and industry must start collaborating much earlier. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-02-successfully-commercializing-solar-cells.html Energy & Green Tech Tue, 24 Feb 2026 03:00:01 EST news690717061 Anyone who has ever had to get a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan knows that magnetic and highly conductive materials are a no-go in the tube-shaped scanners. However, for complex diagnoses and medical research, this imaging technique often needs to be combined with other methods that require conductive cables. As part of an Innosuisse project with the Swiss company TI Solutions, researchers at Empa have developed polymer-based cables that function safely and reliably in MRI machines. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-01-polymer-cables-mri-applications-metal.html Radiology & Imaging Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:00:02 EST news688122916 Most people are aware that plastic waste is a problem. Almost all types of plastics that we use in our everyday lives are derived from fossil sources. When they end up in the environment, they cause pollution for generations. When incinerated in a waste incineration plant, they release climate-warming CO₂ into the atmosphere. Recycling is therefore the better option: Used plastics provide the raw materials for new ones, closing the loop. https://phys.org/news/2026-01-recycling-fiber-composites-sustainable-epoxy.html Polymers Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:20:02 EST news687539985 PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are not called "forever chemicals" for nothing. These fluorine-containing organic molecules are difficult to break down and are likely to remain in the environment for decades or even centuries, where they can accumulate in humans and animals and may have harmful effects on health. This is a compelling reason to take precautionary measures. https://phys.org/news/2026-01-persistent-chemical-surface-tfa-formation.html Environment Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:17:16 EST news686935022 The picture that pops up before our inner eye when we hear the word "satellite" is probably this: Two extended solar "wings" and a compact body wrapped in foil with a golden or silvery shimmer. Researchers at Empa's Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures laboratory in Thun are now working to improve this foil. As its widespread use indicates, the material is crucial for satellites and space probes. It is known as multilayer insulation, or superinsulation, and consists of several layers of a robust polymer coated with a thin layer of metal, usually aluminum. The coated film can also be encountered on Earth, for example in the form of survival blankets. https://phys.org/news/2025-12-cool-satellites-flexible-electronics-thin.html Polymers Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:38:26 EST news685111081 Researchers from Empa, EPFL and CSEM have developed a green smart sensing tag that measures temperature and humidity in real time—and can also detect whether a temperature threshold has been exceeded. In the future, this could be used to monitor sensitive shipments such as medicines or food. The sensor tag itself is completely biodegradable. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-11-green-electronics-smart-sensor-tag.html Electronics & Semiconductors Mon, 01 Dec 2025 03:00:02 EST news683551949 Whether it's a sprained ankle or a backpack at the airport, X-ray images are an everyday occurrence in many areas. Empa researchers at the Center for X-Ray Analytics have succeeded in taking images that are far less commonplace: In collaboration with the Swiss Space Center (now Space Innovation at EPFL) and the Swiss Museum of Transport, they have X-rayed an entire satellite. https://phys.org/news/2025-11-orbit-ray-imaging-entire-eureca.html Space Exploration Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:40:02 EST news683291269 PFAS—short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—are currently the subject of numerous discussions and legislative proposals. Many of these so-called "forever chemicals" are harmful to human health and the environment. Since they can potentially remain in the environment for centuries and accumulate in humans and animals, it is important to restrict their use as much as possible. This is a challenge, as PFAS are widely used in numerous everyday objects and industrial processes. https://phys.org/news/2025-11-pfas-wax-chemicals-slopes.html Environment Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:52:03 EST news682699921 As of 2027, new satellites for CO2 measurement (CO2M) will be launched into orbit. Originally, only two were planned—but simulations by Empa convinced the European Commission to have a third satellite built. This will significantly improve coverage on a global scale: instead of every five days, the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) can now be measured around the globe every 3.5 days. https://phys.org/news/2025-11-earth-space-satellites-precise-emission.html Environment Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:50:02 EST news681392683 They are the "heart" of every electronic device, from laptops to electric toothbrushes: printed circuit boards, also known as PCBs. These rigid boards are covered with copper traces and soldered electronic components and are usually of a telltale green color. They are, however, not exactly environmentally friendly. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-10-green-electronics-biodegradable-circuit-boards.html Electronics & Semiconductors Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:04:03 EDT news679057441 Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and emerging viruses are a rapidly increasing threat to the global health care system. About 5 million deaths each year are linked to antibiotic-resistant germs, and more than 20 million people died during the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Empa researchers are therefore working on new, urgently needed strategies to combat such pathogens. One of the goals is to prevent the spread of resistant pathogens and novel viruses with smart materials and technologies. https://phys.org/news/2025-09-antibiotic-resistance-surface-coating-germs.html Biotechnology Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:53:03 EDT news677425981 More electric drive systems and fewer cars—this is how emissions from traffic can be significantly reduced. Electric vehicles offer particularly great potential with car sharing. However, not all electricity is created equal: Depending on the time of day, both the energy mix (and thus the resulting CO₂ emissions) and the price for electricity vary. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-09-reveals-ev.html Energy & Green Tech Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:18:04 EDT news676642681 Organic chemistry, the chemistry of carbon compounds, is the basis of all life on Earth. However, metals also play a key role in many biochemical processes. When it comes to "marrying" large, heavy metal atoms with light organic compounds, nature often relies on a specific group of chemical structures: porphyrins. These molecules form an organic ring; in its center, individual metal ions such as iron, cobalt, or magnesium can be "anchored." https://phys.org/news/2025-08-zigzag-graphene-nanoribbons-configuration-tomorrow.html Nanophysics Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:50:01 EDT news675085301 Aluminum oxide or alumina is the fruit fly of materials science: thoroughly researched and well-understood. This compound, with the simple chemical formula Al2O3, occurs frequently in Earth's crust in the form of the mineral corundum and its well-known color variants sapphires and rubies—and is used for a wide variety of purposes, whether in electronics, the chemical industry, or technical ceramics. https://phys.org/news/2025-08-machine-reveals-mysteries-amorphous-alumina.html Analytical Chemistry Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:13:03 EDT news674309581 The energy transition poses challenges for countries, cities, and regions. The use of sustainable sources of energy is key to halting climate change. At the same time, the costs of the energy system must not spiral out of control, and supply security must be ensured. These three aspects—sustainability, costs, and supply security—form what is known as the energy trilemma. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-07-energy-policy.html Energy & Green Tech Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:30:05 EDT news671714890 After a shoulder injury has been treated, patients are often left with a feeling of insecurity—many of them report that their shoulder "doesn't hold" or "slips out easily." When diagnosing shoulder instabilities, doctors often have to rely on these subjective assessments. The reason: Conventional imaging methods do not capture the movement of the shoulder. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-ray-analytics-motion-dynamic-3d.html Radiology & Imaging Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:37:23 EDT news671207838 What do we need to achieve the energy transition? The technologies for producing and storing renewable energies are available and are constantly improving. The challenge lies in implementation. How do we bring business, politics, and the public, with their sometimes conflicting interests, under one (solar) roof? https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-experts-solar-energy-green-transition.html Energy & Green Tech Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:49:47 EDT news670160980 Methane damages the climate—in the first 20 years after it is released, it is around 80 times more harmful than CO₂. At the same time, the short-lived greenhouse gas offers enormous potential for climate mitigation, particularly in the oil and gas industry. This is because leaks can often be eliminated quickly, cost‑effectively and permanently with "no‑regret" measures. What would otherwise escape unnoticed can instead be captured, burned or reused. https://phys.org/news/2025-06-spur-methane-emissions-decline-southern.html Environment Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:51:04 EDT news668965862 Our everyday lives are so riddled with electronics that we hardly notice them anymore. When we casually reach for our smartphone, we rarely think about how complex this device is. Hundreds of tiny components work together within it—each of them a high-precision masterpiece of engineering. https://phys.org/news/2025-06-electron-shower-technique-advanced-piezoelectric.html Nanophysics Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:13:04 EDT news668344381 Laser-based processes for metals are considered to be particularly versatile in industry. Lasers can be used, for example, to precision-weld components together or produce more complex parts using 3D printing—quickly, precisely and automatically. This is why laser processes are used in numerous sectors, such as the automotive and aviation industries, where maximum precision is required, or in medical technology, for example for the production of customized titanium implants. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-05-machine-industrial-laser-metals.html Engineering Tue, 27 May 2025 12:51:46 EDT news667569103 Special care must be taken with illnesses during pregnancy, as not all drugs are safe for mother and child. This is why an international research team involving Empa is now developing nanomedicines that will enable safe and effective treatment of inflammatory processes during pregnancy. https://phys.org/news/2025-05-nanomedicines-safe-treatment-inflammation-pregnancy.html Bio & Medicine Wed, 21 May 2025 04:17:05 EDT news667019812 Sustainably produced, biodegradable materials are an important focus of modern materials science. However, when working with natural materials such as cellulose, lignin or chitin, researchers face a trade-off. Although these substances are biodegradable in their pure form, they are often not ideal when it comes to performance. Chemical processing steps can be used to make them stronger, more resistant or more supple—but in doing so, their sustainability is often compromised. https://phys.org/news/2025-05-versatile-fungi-based-material-resistant.html Biochemistry Tue, 13 May 2025 11:09:03 EDT news666353341 The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It makes up about 15% of our body weight and protects us from pathogens, dehydration and temperature extremes. Skin diseases are therefore more than just unpleasant—they can quickly become dangerous for affected patients. Although conditions such as skin cancer, chronic wounds and autoimmune skin diseases are widespread, we often still don't fully understand why they develop and how we can treat them effectively. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-crafting-artificial-skin-fish-based.html Medical research Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:39:04 EDT news663928742 Wooden shingles characterize the appearance of roofs and facades in the Alpine region and have been hand-crafted for generations. This centuries-old craft inspired researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich to use this very efficient wood separation method to produce new types of wood-based materials. The work is published in the journal RILEM Technical Letters. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-04-alpine-craft-scientists-sustainable-wood.html Engineering Thu, 10 Apr 2025 12:19:04 EDT news663506341 Empa researchers are working on producing artificial muscles that can keep up with the real thing. They have now developed a method of producing the soft and elastic yet powerful structures using 3D printing. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-03-3d-soft-material-actuators-mimic.html Robotics Tue, 11 Mar 2025 14:40:04 EDT news660922801 Standing at the intersection between mathematics and the tiler's trade is the so-called einstein problem. Despite its name, this mathematical question has nothing to do with the Nobel Prize winner Albert Einstein. It asks: Can you seamlessly tile an endless surface with a single shape (an "einstein") in such a way that the resulting pattern is never repeated? Such a "proto-tile" was first discovered in 2022 by the English amateur mathematician David Smith. https://phys.org/news/2025-02-einstein-problem-molecular-chirality-unexpected.html Analytical Chemistry Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:46:06 EST news658669561 Thanks to a new type of airflow booster for ionic wind, completely new fields of application are opening up for the start-up Ionic Wind Technologies. In the future, the patented technology will be used primarily for cooling data centers and high-performance electronics. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-01-energy-efficient-cooling-ionic.html Engineering Thu, 30 Jan 2025 15:56:38 EST news657474984 In 1991, U.S. sociologist Scott Feld wrote, "Your friends have more friends than you do." Feld's so-called friendship paradox states that the friends of any given person have more friends on average than the person themselves. This is based on a simple probability calculation: Well-connected people are more likely to appear in other people's social circles. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-matrix-reimagines-infectious-disease.html Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes Thu, 23 Jan 2025 14:28:18 EST news656864894 A battery that needs feeding instead of charging? This is exactly what Empa researchers have achieved with their 3D-printed, biodegradable fungal battery. The living battery could supply power to sensors for agriculture or research in remote regions. Once the work is done, it digests itself from the inside. The study is published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-01-3d-fungal-fuel-cell-biodegradable.html Engineering Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:30:56 EST news655637453 Switzerland has set itself a goal that is as ambitious as it is necessary: net zero by 2050. One of the most important raw materials on the road to a climate-neutral future is wood. This renewable natural resource binds CO2 from the atmosphere as it grows. Both as a material and as an energy source, wood and its numerous components offer alternatives to fossil fuels and materials. https://phys.org/news/2024-12-reveals-untapped-potential-switzerland-wood.html Environment Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:07:03 EST news653584021