science wire

Aldo Steinfeld, a pioneer in synthetic fuels, retires at the end of July 2025.

Researchers from ETH Zurich have carried out the largest field study to date, to find out whether heat pumps are running efficiently. When looked at in operation, it turns out that these units are often not optimally configured. Monitoring systems and legal standards could provide a remedy. Heat pumps are currently the most sought-after heat source in Switzerland.

Valerie Sticher and her co-author Aly Verjee argue that an international monitoring mission could bolster a ceasefire.

Traditional large-scale power generators ensure a stable frequency of alternating current in the European power grid.

The planned space missions to search for remote life will provide valuable insights even if they do not find any evidence of life, says astrophysicist Daniel Angerhausen.

The ETH spin-off Flink Robotics wants to revolutionize the handling of packages. Its founders Moritz Geilinger and Simon Huber have developed software that allows robots to work together and quickly take on new tasks.

When it comes to getting along together, trust plays an indispensable role. While we all'have an intuitive grasp of what this interpersonal investment involves, even science struggles to express exactly how it works.

Trust in AI models is about more than just technical performance - ethical principles and human values are equally important. Trust is, at its core, a deeply human phenomenon. When we step onto a bus, it's the driver we trust to bring us safely to our destination - but what about the bus? Can we place the same trust in it as we do in people? Or is all we ask of technology that it functions reliably? And what about when artificial intelligence takes the wheel? "Absolutely.

Trust takes years to build and seconds to break - not least when it comes to international relations.

From bridges and tunnels to railways, Switzerland has always invested heavily in the upkeep of its infrastructure.

Technology is improving football - from helping referees make more accurate decisions to developing better on-field tactics.

Working in the digital age is increasingly stressful for many people. For Erika Meins, digital technologies and artificial intelligence are both the cause and part of the solution, as they can effectively help reduce stress.

Founded with a view to boosting the lifespan and reliability of wind turbines, the ETH spin-off RTDT is now improving the devices' electricity production and performance - all with the help of an intelligent plaster for rotor blades.

Global warming causes extreme temperatures - this is clear to most, but few realize that both droughts and heavy rains are symptomatic of a climate in crisis.

ETH Zurich's CAS programme in Applied Technology in Energy provides a deeper understanding of the energy system.

Every second woman and every eighth man suffer from urinary tract infections. These are painful and can recur with serious health consequences.

Location data allows rich insights into private details about our lives: where we live and work, how we spend our free time and what is important to us, says Nina Wiedemann.

Science diplomacy can transcend the geopolitical arena, building trust and bridging gaps between nations, emphasises Joël Mesot.

An architecture PhD candidate at ETH Zurich has developed a simple solution for building concrete floors in a more climate-friendly way.

Researchers from ETH Zurich and ZHAW Winterthur are simulating in a new study how the future Swiss power system could be structured to withstand a drastic fall in gas and electricity imports.

An international team of researchers has examined the environmental, social, economic and legal aspects of wind energy. In this interview, Russell McKenna, an expert in energy system analysis, explains where he sees the greatest need for action to further develop wind energy. ETH News: What is the study about, and what is its core message? Russell McKenna: The study looks at the impacts of wind energy on the systems in which it is embedded; whether environmental and climate systems, socio-economic, techno-economic, or political-legal systems.

Earth-observation satellites deliver data for a wealth of applications - from monitoring climate change and documenting war crimes to planning disaster relief and assessing snow depth.

Deep geothermal energy is climate-friendly and base-load capable - but how can this heat be tapped safely? researchers are working on minimizing the earthquake risk and developing completely new systems, for example with closed CO2 cycles.

Earth-observation satellites deliver data for a wealth of applications - from monitoring climate change and documenting war crimes to planning disaster relief and assessing snow depth.