For the first time, researchers were able to study quantum interference in a three-level quantum system and thereby control the behavior of individual electron spins. To this end, they used a novel nanostructure, in which a quantum system is integrated into a nanoscale mechanical oscillator in form of a diamond cantilever. Nature Physics has […]

The July issue of SNI update is now online! You’ll find articles about sustainable pest management in winegrowing, about an award-winning former PhD student of the SNI PhD School and about two applied research projects. Additionally, we report on different events and announce calls for the Nano-Argovia program and the Nano Image Award.  We hope […]

It’s that time again. You can submit proposals for the SNI’s Nano Argovia applied research program up until September 30, 2018. All of the necessary information can be found at: www.nanoargovia.ch

Electrical circuits are constantly being scaled down and extended with specific functions. A new method now allows electrical contact to be established with simple molecules on a conventional silicon chip. The technique promises to bring advances in sensor technology and medicine, as reported in the journal Nature by chemists from the University of Basel and […]

Cross section of an alpha-synuclein fibril. Left: 3D reconstruction of the fibril, showing two interacting protein molecules. Right: atomic model of the fibril structure. Parkinson’s disease was first described by a British doctor more than 200 years ago. The exact causes of this neurodegenerative disease are still unknown. In a study recently published in eLife, […]

The young startup of the University of Basel, Qnami, is the winner of the Venture Kick prize worth 130’000 Swiss Francs. Qnami develops precise and highly sensitive quantum sensors that provide images in nanometer resolution. Modern quantum technology provides the basis for Qnami’s goal to improve imaging techniques and diagnostic methods. The quantum sensors developed […]

Fats are essential for our body. The core components of all fats are fatty acids. Their production is initiated by the enzyme ACC. Researchers at the University of Basel’s Biozentrum have now demonstrated how ACC assembles into distinct filaments. As the researchers report in “Nature,” the type of filament formed controls the activity of the […]

Dr. Daniel Riedel, joint Postdoc in the teams of Richard Warburton and Patrick Maletinsky and PhD student in the SNI’s PhD School until December 2017, received the Swiss Nanotechnology PhD Prize 2018 sponsored by the Hightech Zentrum Aargau. He received the award for his publication in Physical Review X about the improvement of the quality of […]

Water molecules exist in two different forms with almost identical physical properties. For the first time, researchers have succeeded in separating the two forms to show that they can exhibit different chemical reactivities. These results were reported by researchers from the University of Basel and their colleagues in Hamburg in the scientific journal Nature Communications. […]

PSI researchers help to understand why in pre-filled syringes, liquid medication can enter the needle inadvertently Researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, the University of Basel and the company F. Hoffmann-La Roche have found out why proper storage is crucial for syringes which are pre-filled with a liquid medication. Thanks to the special, well […]