News from the lab |
In brief |
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Las Vegas passage |
Ultra-fast capsules in vacuum tubes: All around the world, companies and research institutes are working on "Hyperloop" concepts. Swissloop Tunneling, a student initiative, is developing a drilling machine for underground transport tubes while "Swissloop" presents its new pod. |
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In-flight diagnosis |
A monitoring system for aircrafts detects minor damage during flight without the aircraft having to go into the hangar for maintenance. This will reduce operating costs and increase safety at the same time. |
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Plastic snowfall |
Scientists have analyzed the air pollution by plastic nanoparticles in the Alpes. The new study shows that the spread of nanoplastic through the air is a more widespread problem than previously thought. |
Empa - The book |
Beyond Materials |
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Smart bandage |
A bandage that releases medication as soon as an infection starts in a wound could treat injuries more efficiently. Empa researchers are working on polymer fibers that release antimicrobial drugs as soon as the environment heats up due to an infection. |
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Building lean |
Super-insulating materials such as aerogels are expensive. At the same time, they offer a powerful advantage: the thinner the insulation of a building, the larger its usable area. An Empa research team shows where the use of aerogel is already economically viable. |
co-operate |
Campus Dübendorf |
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Teaching fungi |
Empa scientists have succeeded at controlling the spread of fungi in native wood types. Recently, the soft rot fungus Kretzschmaria deusta were even taught to write some words, and just like first graders, they are still a bit shaky when writing particular letters. more |