To perform calculations, quantum computers need qubits to act as elementary building blocks that process and store information. Now, physicists have produced a new type of qubit that can be switched from a stable idle mode to a fast calculation mode. The concept would also allow a large number of qubits to be combined into […]

In this issue, you can find out more about projects from the SNI network that deal with plastics. You will see who won the Nano Image Award and find out how some of our students feel about starting their studies. There are also news from various areas of the SNI. Enjoy reading and stay healthy! […]

The European Research Council (ERC) awards three researchers from the University of Basel with one of the coveted ERC Consolidator Grants. The projects in the fields of biomedicine, molecular biology and chemistry will each receive funding of around 2 million Euros. The European Research Council (ERC) today announced the recipients of this year’s ERC Consolidator […]

Researchers from the University of Basel have developed a sensitive testing system that allows the rapid and reliable detection of resistance in bacteria. The system is based on tiny, functionalized cantilevers that bend due to binding of sample material. In the analyses, the system was able to detect resistance in a sample quantity equivalent to […]

This year, we have four winners of the SNI Nano Image Award. Congratulations to all winners and many thanks to all of you who contributed with your beautiful images of the nano and microworld!  

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a precisely controllable system for mimicking biochemical reaction cascades in cells. Using microfluidic technology, they produce miniature polymeric reaction containers equipped with the desired properties. This “cell on a chip” is useful not only for studying processes in cells, but also for the development of new synthetic […]

Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a new mechanism by which bacteria ensure that their outer cell membrane remains intact and functional even under hostile conditions. This mechanism is important for the pathogen’s survival in the host. The study provides new insights underlying pathogenic virulence. When infecting a host, pathogens not only need […]

Many diseases are caused by defects in signaling pathways of body cells. In the future, bioactive nanocapsules could become a valuable tool for medicine to control these pathways. Researchers from the University of Basel have taken an important step in this direction: They succeed in having several different nanocapsules work in tandem to amplify a […]

Physicists at the University of Basel have developed a minuscule instrument able to detect extremely faint magnetic fields. At the heart of the superconducting quantum interference device are two atomically thin layers of graphene, which the researchers combined with boron nitride. Instruments like this one have applications in areas such as medicine, besides being used […]

Until August 31st, you still have the chance to win an i-pad if you take part in our experiments activity. Send us a picture or video of your favorite experiment, which we may post on our website, and take part in the raffle. More information and suggestions for experiments can be found here: Experiments and […]