The MiniTouch, a device that allows amputees to feel hot and cold in their phantom hand. 2023 EPFL / Alain Herzog.

An unexpected discovery about temperature feedback has led to new bionic technology that allows amputees to sense the temperature of objects ­– both hot and cold – directly in the phantom hand. The technology opens up new avenues for non-invasive prosthetics.

Amputees feel warmth in their missing hand

The geometric deep-learning method (PeSTo) used to predict protein binding interfaces. The amino acids involved in the protein binding interface are highlighted in red. Credit: Lucien Krapp (EPFL)

Scientists at EPFL have developed PeSTo, an AI model that can predict, with high confidence, the binding interfaces of proteins when they bind other proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, ions, and small molecules. The model's low computational cost enables the processing of large amounts of structural data, opening up opportunities for new biological discoveries.

PeSTo: a new AI tool for predicting protein interactions

EPFL engineers have found a way to control the interactions between excitons. 2023 EPFL/ A.Herzog - CC-BY-SA 4.0

EPFL engineers have found a way to control the interactions between excitons – quasiparticles that may one day transport data and replace the electrons in electronic devices. The engineers’ method involves applying an electric field to a two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting material.

EPFL discovery brings us closer to next-generation electronics

Elythor, an EPFL spin-off, has developed a new drone whose wing shape can adapt to wind conditions and flight position in real time, reducing the drone’s energy consumption. What’s more, the position of the wings can change, allowing the drone to fly vertically or horizontally. These features make it a perfect candidate for inspecting power plants.

New inspection drone uses wind to lengthen flight times

Thanks to a novel combination of cryogenic transmission electron tomography and deep learning, EPFL researchers have provided a first look at the nanostructure of platinum catalyst layers, revealing how they could be optimized for fuel cell efficiency.