News
New method detects corrosion in reinforced concrete, even in hard-to-reach places
Whether tunnels or retaining walls – many Swiss reinforced concrete structures from the 1960s to the 1980s are at risk. Corrosion can make them unstable. ETH start-up Talpa Inspection has now developed a solution to localise corrosion more easily, even in hard-to-reach places.
These three GenAI collaborations show the power of science diplomacy
Science diplomacy can transcend the geopolitical arena, building trust and bridging gaps between nations, emphasises Jo?l Mesot. And presents three partnerships in generative AI that highlight the power of cross-sector cooperation – for humanitarian and peacekeeping missions as well as trustworthy AI.
Spinning for science
Planning and building Europe’s largest capacity geotechnical centrifuge took seven years. Now, after one and a half years of operation, its official inauguration is finally being celebrated at the H?nggerberg campus. And it’s no coincidence that this is happening in mid-January.
The cost of climate-neutral aviation in the future
Flight ticket prices could rise by 50 percent if aviation is made climate-neutral. This is an estimate from a new study by researchers at ETH Zurich. It is based in particular on the use of synthetic fuels.
Zigzags for greener construction
An architecture PhD student at ETH Zurich has developed a simple solution for building concrete floors in a more climate-friendly way. Significant amounts of concrete and steel can be saved thanks to a lightweight, robust and reusable formwork design.
Four SNSF Advanced Grants go to ETH Zurich researchers
A biologist, a neuroscientist, a materials scientist and a physicist have each been awarded one of the prestigious grants of the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Stress tests for the Swiss power system
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. By doing so, they aim to contribute to the discussion surrounding Switzerland’s supply security.
“The biggest challenge is lacking public acceptance of wind turbines”
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.
Sustainable building components create a good indoor climate
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a climate-friendly covering for walls and ceilings that temporarily stores moisture, creating a comfortable environment in heavily used indoor spaces. The covering components are made of mineral waste materials and are produced by means of 3D printing.
Interpreting traces of arsenic in rain
On the Pic du Midi in the Pyrenees, ETH Zurich researchers have analysed particulate matter, clouds and rainwater for traces of arsenic. Using newly developed measurement methods, they have elucidated the transport pathways of the environmental toxin in the atmosphere.
Sunken worlds under the Pacific?
Geophysicists at ETH Zurich are using models of the lower mantle to identify areas where earthquake waves behave differently than previously assumed. This indicates the presence of zones of rocks that are colder, or have a different composition, than the surrounding rocks. This finding challenges our current understanding of the Earth's plate tectonics – and presents the researchers with a major mystery.
The view from space – and what it tells us
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. ETH researchers are also big beneficiaries.