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“Music makes me a better scientist”
There is definitely one alternative: For some ten years she has been front-woman, lead singer, and songwriter for the alt-rock band “Thousand Days”, and has recorded a number of albums (they are available on Spotify, for example). The newest
Negative emissions: Major breakthrough or empty promise?
It would be necessary to extract CO₂ from the atmosphere on a massive scale. There are already ideas and pilot projects that aim to achieve this. However, in order to make a real contribution to a neutral carbon footprint, the scale would have to be increased by several orders of magnitude.
Empa makes eco-cement
Cement production is responsible for 9 percent of carbon emissions in Switzerland. Researchers at Empa believe that this can be changed. Even cement production methods that absorb more CO₂ than they emit are on the horizon.
The Tree Counter
Thomas Crowther believes that data is key to combating climate change. The British ecologist found out that there are many more trees on earth than scientists previously believed. But still, 3 trillion are not enough. The potential for reforestation is enormous, says the renowned expert. At the Crowther Lab in Zurich, he is developing nature-based solutions to restore the global ecosystem.
When AI creates art
Machines can be creative, says Daniel Bisig, an AI expert who is conducting research at an art college. But they still lack a key ability to become real artists.
Space igloo to be tested on Mount Pilatus
A habitat for other celestial bodies – this is the goal behind the second edition of the student project “Igluna” sponsored by ESA. In July, the prototype of the habitat will be erected on Mount Pilatus and remote-controlled from the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne.
Race to the quantum leap
The quantum computer is taking its first steps. It is still in its infancy, but its disruptive potential is tremendous. This technology could eventually supersede conventional computers. Hence, corporations and governments are investing millions in research. A visit to the leading laboratories reveals: Progress is being made.
Researchers unveil energy storage concept using a sand cable car
Researchers have come up with the vision of a pumped storage power plant of a special kind. Their idea involves a type of cable car that can be used to transport sand or gravel up mountains in order to generate electricity when required by transporting it down the mountain again.
Irrationality with a clear conscience
Electric cars are viewed as environmentally friendly and future-oriented. Now, however, e-mobility has also reached the category of sports cars and supercars. Although the Porsche Taycan is one of the more docile examples, it still offers ample electric power. We had the opportunity to drive the stylish four-door Taycan while pondering the sense and nonsense of electric sports cars.
An alpine battleship as a modern data bunker?
There are thousands of military fortifications throughout Switzerland. They used to be a crucial part of the national defense infrastructure, but today they have been repurposed as cheese warehouses, museums, data bunkers – and many are no longer in use at all. But why? On a search for answers in the Furggels fortification, the largest “mountain battleship” in eastern Switzerland.
The enchantress of numbers
The first algorithm was devised a century before the invention of the computer. It was developed by Ada Lovelace. Born into British aristocracy, her visionary ideas foreshadowed the digital age.
The power resides in its skin
Lamborghini is famous for its full-throated, powerful gasoline engines. But this Italian maker of super sports cars wants to be ready for a future that will be electric. Lamborghini engineers teamed up with researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to develop the concept car Terzo Millennio, an all-electric super sports car that runs entirely without batteries.
An end to flight shame
Will we ever be able to fly with a clean conscience again? The good news: Technologies for zero-carbon aviation are already available today. The bad: It will take years to bring them to market.
Online tool evaluates the ecological footprint of cars
A new web tool called “Carculator” determines the ecological footprint of vehicles with different types of propulsion. According to the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, the calculations are intended to serve as a decision-making aid when purchasing a car.
Climate scenarios made simple
Climate change is too complex for most laypersons to really understand its effects. Researchers have now launched an interactive online platform that offers easily understandable insights into the most important scenarios and models.
When will the first person fly to Mars?
Exactly 50 years ago, humans set foot on the moon for the first time. The next destination is Mars. Many scientists believe that it will not take us another 50 years until we are able to take our first steps on the red planet.
Fiber optic cables reveal the inner workings of glaciers
Fiber optic cables offer seismologists new possibilities to investigate the interior of glaciers. One day, this method may even make it possible to predict glacial collapse.
In a smart factory, the products control their own production processes
In the Swiss Smart Factory, the factory of the future is within reach. Here, Swiss industry can find advice on how to tackle the digital transformation. Head of Research Dominic Gorecky knows: There are still many hurdles to overcome on the path towards Industry 4.0.
