Media releases 2020

 Schematic illustration of the cantilever array to detect antibiotic resistance. (Image: Department of Physics and Nano Imaging Lab, SNI, University of Basel)

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Quick and sensitive identification of multidrug-resistant germs

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…
three different types of vesicles

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An artificial cell on a chip

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…
Three Skp proteins (blue) form a stable structure and transport unfolded outer membrane proteins (red) to their destination (from left to right). (Illustration: University of Basel, Biozentrum)

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How bacteria reinforce their protective shield

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…
Enzyme-loaded nano-capsules work in tandem. The calcium level in the cells (green fluorescence) serves as an indicator that the system is working. (Microscopic image: University of Basel, Department of Chemistry)

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Bioactive nano-capsules to hijack cell behavior

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…
superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)

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A tiny instrument to measure the faintest magnetic fields

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…
Schematic illustration of the electron-hole pairs

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A highly light-absorbent and tunable material

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…
Illustration of the spin valve

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Efficient valves for electron spins

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…
high-resolution, three-dimensional image of zebrafish embryo

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Tiny fish under a giant camera

Metal-based nanoparticles are a promising tool in medicine – as a contrast agent, transporter of active substances, or to thermally kill tumor cells. Up to now, it has been hardly possible to study their distribution inside an organism.…
Porous nitrogen-doped graphene ribbons

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Porous nitrogen-doped graphene ribbons for future electronics

A team of physicists and chemists has produced the first porous graphene ribbons in which specific carbon atoms in the crystal lattice are replaced with nitrogen atoms. These ribbons have semiconducting properties that make them attractive…
The SNI team shows experiments.

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Experiments for the summer holidays

The summer holidays are just around the corner or have already started. But this year many families will have to change their holiday plans. In order to avoid boredom at home, ideas for joint activities are needed that inspire young and old…