ETH-News

Here we present all News fron ETH Zurich!

1. How the egg cell and sperm hold together so tightly

   Once a sperm has broken through to an egg cell in order to fertilise it, the two cells need to hold together tightly. This occurs via a type of protein binding that is among the strongest in biology – and it is also unique.

2. Developing drugs – with tens of thousands of miniscule droplets on a small glass plate

   A glass plate, a delicate tube and an oil bath are all that is required: thanks to a new method, researchers at ETH Zurich can produce tens of thousands of tiny droplets within minutes. This enables them to test enzymes and active ingredients faster, more precisely and in a more resource-efficient manner than previously. 

3. Why deep sighs are actually good for us  

   The surface of the lungs is covered with a fluid that increases their deformability. This fluid has the greatest effect when you take deep breaths from time to time, as researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered using sophisticated measurement techniques in the laboratory.   

4. Patrick Rühs, are processed foods unhealthy?

   Industrial food processing is often the target of criticism – unjust criticism, says Patrick Rühs, as many processing steps actually make foods healthier and easier to digest. 
   

5. “Energy challenges can only be tackled by working together”

   The Energy Science Center at ETH Zurich is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Executive Director Christian Schaffner sits down with us to take a look back at the Center’s beginnings, the key moments, and the current challenges. He also explains why the upcoming Energy Week is more than just a professional event.