News 2017

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Nov 1, 2017 | Reuse over disposal
Buildings made of reusable components: that is the aim of a research collaboration between Empa and the University of Luxembourg. Using a modular construction method with elements that can be used again in new buildings,...
Babypyjama Brutkasten Incubator
Oct 31, 2017 | Cozy treatment
Babies who suffer from jaundice after birth are treated with shortwave light. Empa researchers have now developed illuminated pajamas that replace the treatment in an incubator. This means newborns can get healthy while...
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Oct 27, 2017 | Innovation partnership for climate-friendly transport
Empa and Migros have announced a new innovation partnership. Together, they intend to promote sustainable and innovative goods transport solutions. Their objective is to develop new powertrain concepts with lower CO2...
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Oct 20, 2017 | Empa researcher David Turner receives ISWA Award
Each year, the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) presents its Publication Award to researchers who have made an exceptional scientific contribution to the field of waste disposal. For the second time in a row,...
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Oct 19, 2017 | A new Empa spin-off: "Swiss Wood Solutions"
Like many tropical wood types, ebony is an endangered species that is tricky to use, such in in-strument manufacturing. Despite strict trade regulations, ebony stocks are plummeting. A substitute is urgently needed. And...
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Oct 16, 2017 | Kristina Orehounig appointed head of laboratory
On 1 February 2018, Kristina Orehounig, who currently conducts research at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, will become the new Head of the Urban Energy Systems Laboratory at Empa, taking over from...
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Oct 12, 2017 | Innovative construction technique passes field test
Researchers from ETH Zurich have built a prototype of an ultra-thin, curved concrete roof using innovative digital design and fabrication methods. The tested novel formwork system will be used in an actual construction...
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Oct 11, 2017 | Batteries of the future
Lithium ion batteries are flammable and the price of the raw material is rising. Are there alternatives? Yes: Empa and ETH Zürich researchers have discovered promising approaches as to how we might produce batteries out...
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Oct 10, 2017 | Environmental cycle trail
The newly erected information stations on the cycle trail on the Eawag-Empa campus were opened on 4th October 2017. The two stations were unveiled and inaugurated in the presence of the Dübendorf Town Council members,...
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Oct 9, 2017 | Nanoparticles that stick wounds together
In spite of medical advances, wound-related complications arising after operations can still be life-threatening. In order to avoid these complications in the future, a new nanoparticle-based tissue glue has been...
Canada ambassador
Oct 5, 2017 | Smart Grid and Energy Storage
In one of her first official appearances, the new Canadian ambassador, Susan Bincoletto, accepted an invitation from Empa. The ambassador, who has been in office since September, arrived on October 2, 2017 at Empa...
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Oct 2, 2017 | A thin film with a nose for copper
A team of Empa scientists has developed a biosensor which allows them to detect elevated concentrations of copper in a simple, quick and economic way. Copper, like other heavy metals is problematic in high...
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Sep 26, 2017 | Non-toxic ingredients
Chemists from Empa have developed and patented an environmentally friendly way to produce flame retardants for foams that can be used in mattresses and upholstery. Unlike previous flame retardants made of chemicals...
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Sep 25, 2017 | Inauguration of the "Driving" adventure station
On 4 October, two adventure stations will open at the campus of Empa and Eawag on Switzerland's second "Umweltveloweg" (environmental bike path). The interactive stations, each with a large-scale picture book, show in a...
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Sep 21, 2017 | New technology for synthetic fiber fabrics: lasering instead of sewing
Over the last few years, Empa scientists have developed a novel process that fuses synthetic fiber fabrics – making the "seam" airtight and waterproof. In order to exploit the innovative technology commercially, Empa...
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Sep 20, 2017 | Sustainable mobility courtesy of solar power
Swiss start-up Flisom is ready for the global market: the company, a spin-off from ETH Zürich and Empa, has developed a unique roll-to-roll process for the cost-effective production of flexible and highly efficient...
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Sep 18, 2017 | First «Alloys for Additive Manufacturing Symposium» at Empa
World premiere at Empa: on 11 and 12 September researchers from Europe, Asia, and the US came together for the first conference on materials research for industrial 3D printing with metals.
Electric Scooter
Sep 15, 2017 | From e-scooters to solar power storage
What can we do with aging scooter batteries? Instead of scrapping them and recycling their components, the batteries could be left intact and re-used in a solar power storage cabinet. This is precisely what a pilot...
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Sep 13, 2017 | E-Dumper
A Swiss consortium of companies is constructing the largest electric vehicle in the world – in record time. The prototype is not intended as a dainty little exhibition piece for trade fairs, but rather for hard labor in...
Swiss Startup Award 2017
Sep 7, 2017 | Three Empa Start-Ups awarded
The best young Swiss entrepreneurs are selected every year and honoured with the «TOP 100 STARTUP AWARDs». This year three start-ups who owe their establishment in part to Empa made it onto the Honour Roll.