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Checking the biggest EV myths against science
Electric cars are transforming mobility worldwide. However, many questions and misconceptions surround their environmental impact and everyday usability. Taking a closer look at the scientific facts reveals their strengths and weaknesses.
Neutrons don’t disappear into the mirror world
Do mirror particles exist for all elementary particles? PSI researchers have succeeded in largely ruling out this hypothesis in particle physics – with unprecedented experimental precision.
“We are responsible for one another”
From chemistry to the PSI fire brigade and the Samaritan movement: how Hanke Nobbenhuis saves lives and trains others to do the same.
Combating cancer growth
Researchers at PSI and the University of Zurich have determined the mechanism behind an important signalling protein that spins out of control in certain types of cancer. This paves the way for new approaches to cancer treatment.
Fertiliser from the neighbourhood
A PSI study shows where small plants could produce ammonia for fertiliser in a low-carbon way in the future.
Desert dust in Europe is increasing
Researchers at PSI have determined how much dust from the desert makes its way to different regions of Europe. They have found that it is increasing.
A world-first lens brings neutrons into sharper focus
From thick samples to processes inside bulky equipment, a new type of lens opens the door to high-resolution neutron imaging of working systems.
Nano-insights into bone stability
PSI researchers have used a new imaging technique to more precisely assess the nanostructure of bone in the neck of the femur. This could help understand why they fracture relatively often.
The PSI Education Center: Expertise for all of Switzerland
Research data management, programming languages, radiation protection – the PSI Education Center offers a wide range of courses.
Quantum material under pressure
High pressure enhances superconductivity in a quantum material and alters its properties. PSI researchers have uncovered the microscopic mechanism behind this effect.
METAS strengthens neutron metrology with PSI as designated institute
PSI is now part of the national measurement base and contributes to strengthening Switzerland’s quality infrastructure.
When new nuclear power plants are worth it in Switzerland
New study on nuclear power in Switzerland
New insights into human vision
How the human eye is optimised for daylight: PSI researchers reveal the three-dimensional structure of cone opsins in their dark states for the first time
Light in research
The colours of the spectrum are not just beautiful – they also play essential roles in PSI’s research.
“A teaspoon of MOF could store litres of CO₂”
How do you store several litres of CO2 in a few grams of “MOF” – and how could that help in the fight against climate change? In an interview, Thomas J. Schmidt explains how his team in the PSI Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences is developing revolutionary designer materials.
Virtual tissue staining in 3-D
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have developed an AI platform that stains grey micro-CT data like the results of classical histology. This could in the future enable analysis of tissues in three dimensions instead of just thin microscopic sections.
On the trail of the missing hydrogen atoms
Representations of the crystal structures of materials often lack information about the positions of hydrogen atoms. PSI researchers have found a way to fill this gap, using AI.
Modern science is helping medicine
Philipp Schütz is head of the University Medical Clinic at the Aarau Cantonal Hospital. In an interview, he talks about joint projects with PSI that contribute to research on healthy ageing.
High-precision insights into bones, the brain and cell nuclei
Some cells and structures in our bodies undergo particularly marked changes with advancing age: bone fractures become more frequent, and the brain usually doesn’t perform as well as it used to. Fundamental research at PSI provides insights at the nanoscale, yielding information that could help improve quality of life.
Together, for a strong Switzerland.
Together, for a strong Switzerland. At PSI, global expertise comes together to drive innovation and develop solutions for society.
Lord of the data
Between physics and software: Stefan Ritt and his work at the limits of measurement. A portrait in data, experiments, and “forbidden” decays.
AI against cancer
A blood sample and artificial intelligence. PSI researchers are developing a method for cancer diagnosis using chromatin-based pattern recognition.
New insights into 3D-printed materials for future fusion reactors
X-ray and neutron experiments give valuable clues.
Pollution from aircraft
Researchers at PSI have measured how flight operations at Zurich Airport affect the atmospheric concentration of ultrafine particulate matter. In the process, they also found lubricating oil compounds in the air.
AiiDAlab: software that drives research forward
The software platform AiiDAlab was developed for computer simulations in materials research. It’s now becoming clear that it's also useful in many other areas, such as atmospheric research, controlling experiments and teaching.
Cooling without pumps: New measurement data for modular reactors
In an international collaboration, researchers at PSI have, for the first time, collected high-resolution measurement data from passive cooling systems for small modular nuclear reactors – an important basis for developing future generations of reactors.
Wind energy and scenic landscapes: balancing beauty and power through better planning
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and ETH Zurich have drawn up the first Europe-wide map of landscape quality and highlighted where wind energy and landscape protection overlap.
LEAPS AISBL inaugurated in Brussels as formal legal entity
Europe’s leading photon science facilities enter a new phase of strategic coordination.
Not every brain ages in the same way
Over a lifetime, our brain ages – in particular its volume decreases. However, the brains of some people display a greater resistance to age-related change and to the protein deposits associated with dementia.
Radiopharmacy: past, present and future
Radiopharmaceuticals allow some types of cancer to be targeted with tailor-made therapies. The current state of the art was preceded by decades of intensive research – and the future promises even better treatment options.
Swiss biomethane has potential
By using biomass intelligently, Switzerland could meet a substantial percentage of its own gas needs, making itself less dependent on the global market.
Taking the fear out of cancer
Researchers at PSI are developing new technologies and drugs to eliminate tumours more effectively: with greater precision and personalised approaches
A time machine to the most stable state
GEMS allows scientists to model the chemistry of complex systems. A new national consortium now guarantees the long-term development of this open-source software.
Why cells respond “incorrectly” in old age
Researchers at PSI have established why the cells in our body react differently to stimuli and signals in old age compared with young cells. Their studies on human skin cells have shown that the chromatin, the packaged form of the DNA in the cell nucleus, plays a key role in this.