Media Releases 2007
27. November 2007
First structure of a Rhesus family membrane protein solved
Researchers at PSI, in collaboration with scientists in France and England, have solved the first structure of a Rhesus (Rh) protein and thereby shed new light on a group of proteins of great importance in human transfusion medicine.27. November 2007
Excursion in the wondrous Mirror World
In physics, mirror matter, is a hypothetical counterpart to ordinary matter and not be mixed up with antimatter. It could explain symmetry violations observed in several processes of ordinary elementary particles. Symmetry could be restored by so called mirror particles with exactly the same mass as ordinary elementary particles.27. November 2007
New insights on cataract formation
Using the tools and techniques of soft condensed matter physics, a research team from University of Fribourg and EPF Lausanne in Switzerland has demonstrated that a finely tuned balance of attractions between proteins keeps the lens of the eye transparent, and that even a small change in this balance can cause proteins to aggregate and de-mix.21. November 2007
The early relatives of flowering plants
High-resolution phase-contrast X-ray images of fossil seedsThe emergence of flowering plants is regarded as a major botanical mystery. In the 22nd November edition of the scientific magazine “Nature”, an international research team with participation from the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) publishes results that shed fresh light on this controversial question. New three-dimensional non-destructive imaging procedures have been used to carry out investigations into fossilised plant seeds. As a result, it has been possible to confirm an earlier scientific theory, which had previously been cast into doubt by molecular genetic analyses.
9. November 2007
Forschung ist weiblich
Veranstaltung 5. Nationaler Tochtertag am Paul Scherrer Institut. Die Schweiz braucht einen starken Nachwuchs, will das Land in der Forschung und Entwicklung an der Spitze bleiben. Das Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) nutzte Tochtertag, um den weiblichen Nachwuchs in der Forschung zu fördern. Das Interesse war gross.This news release is only available in German.
28. October 2007
Grosses Interesse am Tag der Neutronen des PSI
Das Publikum war beeindruckt von den winzigen Teilchen. Am Sonntag strömten rund 3500 Besucherinnen und Besucher ans Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) in Villigen. Das interessierte Publikum erhielt dieses Jahr Einblick in die vielfältige Forschung mit Neutronen.This news release is only available in German.
5. October 2007
Important protein structure determined
CAP-Gly domains control fundamental cellular processes25. September 2007
Year round proton radiation therapy at PSI using a new, dedicated cyclotron
A pioneer in proton therapy for the treatment of cancer, PSI has recently introduced one of the most advanced technologies in the field. A new proton accelerator, a superconducting cyclotron, has been put into operation for patient treatment. The accelerator is used in conjunction with a gantry, a device which delivers the protons to the patient from any angle. The desired dose distribution is achieved by scanning a small pencil beam of protons throughout the tumor. The performance of the new accelerator has been excellent since the start of medical operation.28. August 2007
New Interim Director at PSI
Leadership change at national research institute. From the 1st September Martin Jermann will take over as Acting Director of the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) until a permanent replacement is found. For years Head of Staff and a vice director of PSI, Jermann (59), an ETH physicist will continue to implement PSI's strategy and ensure that goals set in current and planned research projects are reached.8. August 2007
Optimierung und Reparatur an Grossforschungsanlagen des PSI
Das Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) führt zurzeit Massnahmen durch, um die Betriebsbedingungen an der Protonen-Beschleunigeranlage und den angeschlossenen Experimentiereinrichtungen zu verbessern.This news release is only available in German.
9. May 2007
Important protein-folding problem solved
Coiled coils comprise two to five polypeptide chain helices that wrap around each other to form a supercoiled protein structure.25. April 2007
Energie mit Zukunft
Klimaneutral, nachhaltig und auch bezahlbar. Energieinitiative. Das Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) als grösstes Energieforschungsinstitut der Schweiz möchte der Politik und Wirtschaft Anstösse geben, in welche Richtung sich eine nachhaltige, effiziente und klimaneutrale Energieversorgung bewegen kann. Auf diesem Weg leistet die thematisch breite und fachlich vernetzte Forschung des PSI einen wichtigen Beitrag. Auch das vom PSI geführte Kompetenzzentrum Energie und Mobilität (CCEM) des ETH-Bereichs zielt mit seinen Projekten in die gleiche Richtung.This news release is only available in German.
22. February 2007
Magnetische Überraschung im Weltall
Unerwartete Röntgenstrahlung eines jungen Sterns. Forschende des Paul Scherrer Instituts (PSI) haben aufschlussreiche Erkenntnisse über die Entstehung massereicher Sterne gewonnen. Die Untersuchungen mit dem Röntgenteleskop auf dem Satelliten XMM-Newton der Europäischen Raumfahrtagentur ESA geben Hinweise, was ein Magnetfeld um einen jungen Stern namens AB Aurigae bewirkt. Ein 20-jähriges Rätsel der Astrophysik könnte sich dadurch lösen.This news release is only available in German.
31. January 2007
Neutrons for research and nuclear waste disposal
Key experiment for nuclear technology successfully completed. Megapie is an international pioneering experiment at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland, the goal of which is to produce neutrons from a liquid metal target when hit from a proton beam. In a world first, a high power neutron source was produced from about one megawatt of proton input. Neutrons of high initial energy are used in many research fields and could be used to incinerate nuclear waste. The first phase of the experiment was recently completed and to the great satisfaction of the international scientific community.18. January 2007
