Switzerland adopted the "Long-Term Climate Strategy" with the net zero goal by 2050. And Empa published research papers on the combustion engine. Does this fit together? Aren't combustion engines yesterday's technology? more
Quiet train tracks
An inconspicuous component under the tracks is a source of hope for a research team including Empa scientists to reduce railway noise for close-by residents. more
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. more
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. more
Empa and Lidl Switzerland have jointly developed a cellulose coating for fruit and vegetables. The novel coating is made from vegetable peels and helps to reduce packaging and food waste.
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.
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. more
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. more
As part of the Swiss Digital Day 2021, a new simulation game developed by Empa and partners immersed participants in problems, opportunities and quandaries of climate neutrality – a lively inspiration for a sustainable future. more
Silence or speed?
Kurt Heutschi, a senior scientist in Empa's Acoustics / Noise Control lab, talks in an interview about speed limit 30 and explains what noise does and why individuals perceive sound so differently.
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