Novel sandwich technology improves sensitivity of rapid tests

EPFL scientists have developed a method for boosting the sensitivity of rapid-detection tests like those used for the new coronavirus. The results of their feasibility study have just been published in Nano Letters.

Artificial aorta can reduce patients' blood pressure

Engineers at EPFL’s Center for Artificial Muscles have developed a silicone aorta that can reduce how hard patients’ hearts have to pump. Their breakthrough could offer a promising alternative to heart transplants.

Meet the company who has, literally, reinvented the wheel

The personal mobility device sector is booming. But there’s a problem. Most mobility devices still don’t offer their users a comfortable or flexible experience. Mohsen Falahi from EPFL School of Engineering’s Biorobotics Laboratory has developed Allure - a new wheel technology – to help people with mobility difficulties rediscover lost freedom of movement. In this interview, he talks about the benefits of his invention and how Innogrant will help bring his vision to life.

Building Sustainable Products – Creating Lasting Impact

In the second edition of the master’s course Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Engineering (IEE) – jointly offered by STI and CDM – students responded to industry challenges, building prototypes in teams and analyzing the viability of businesses. Under this year’s theme of “Sustainable Technology” six teams of 3-5 students competed, each developing a product prototype, a business plan, and an impact assessment for at least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations.

Signs of burnout can be detected in sweat

EPFL engineers, working in association with startup Xsensio, have developed a wearable sensing chip that can measure the concentration of cortisol – the stress hormone – in human sweat. Enabling future quasi-continuous monitoring, their device can eventually help doctors better understand and treat stress-related conditions like burnout and obesity.

Droplets perform daredevil feats on gel surfaces

EPFL scientists have succeeded in making droplets flow just as fast on soft surfaces as on hard ones by changing the surface texture.