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 […]

By layering different two-dimensional materials, physicists at the University of Basel have created a novel structure with the ability to absorb almost all light of a selected wavelength. The achievement relies on a double layer of molybdenum disulfide. The new structure’s particular properties make it a candidate for applications in optical components or as a […]

Researchers at the University of Basel in collaboration with colleagues from Pisa have developed a new concept that uses the electron spin to switch an electrical current. In addition to fundamental research, such spin valves are also the key elements in spintronics – a type of electronics that exploits the spin instead of the charge […]

The new issue of  SNI INSight is online. Would you like to know how some of our students have experienced the last Corona months and in which COVID-19 projects members of the SNI network are involved?  There is also information about Daniel Stähli and his master’s thesis that is awarded the prize for the best […]

The award-winning Swiss deep-tech start-up ELDICO Scientific beat its Venture Kick competitors for the third time in a row and wins 150,000 Swiss francs. ELDICO Scientific, a Swiss manufacturer of innovative electron diffractometers, has secured investor funds. The start-up, just founded in June 2019, has successfully completed the third and final investor pitch of the […]