ETH News

From a mechanical guide dog to a self-learning exoskeleton and magnetically controlled bacteria, researchers at ETH Zurich are busy devising robots for medical applications.

Javier Rando is?undertaking a?PhD at ETH Zurich on the safety of artificial intelligence (AI). At the same time, he?is?working?at a tech company?with the same goal. He?is convinced that if this works, AI could become one of the best technologies ever.??

Overuse of our tendons can cause painful medical conditions for which only limited treatment options exist. Researchers have now deciphered an important molecular mechanism that triggers these problems. Their findings will facilitate the development of new treatments.

A new study?led?by researchers at ETH Zurich and the Paul Scherrer Institute?PSI?in collaboration with African partners?shows that electric vehicles could be economically competitive in many African countries before 2040?¨C?just?as long as?charging infrastructure is?developed and?geared specifically towards?solar powered?off-grid systems.?

Aiming to revolutionise Alzheimer¡¯s research and treatment, ETH spin-off Herencia is working with an international team of scientists to build a village in Colombia that will bring together research, medical care and social programmes for families affected by the disease. The project could become a global blueprint for dealing with Alzheimer¡¯s.

The US has unilaterally imposed tariffs on Switzerland in 2025, under which local businesses are suffering. Hans Gersbach explains why Washington has the upper hand in trade policy and what Bern can do about it in 2026.?

Researchers at ETH Zurich have shown, for the first time with very high time and spatial resolution, that electrons in certain two-dimensional materials only follow the motion of the atomic nuclei with a delay. This insight could lead to the development of novel electronic devices in the future.

In May 2024, the strongest solar storm in twenty years raged. An international team led by ETH Zurich?observed?it. Their findings are now helping to improve space weather forecasts.?

Konrad Osterwalder was Rector of ETH Zurich from 1995 to 2006, and also served as Interim President during a difficult period. He played a central role in making ETH Zurich an open, international and innovative university and was a gifted teacher and mentor. He sadly passed away on 19 December at the age of 83.

For years, ETH researchers have been investigating a molecular complex that plays a key role in protein synthesis. They have now discovered that this complex also?contributes?a crucial function in ensuring that our DNA is properly processed and ¡°packaged¡±.?