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Image of Christoph Gerber with a model of the AFM
/ News, Research, Portraits

Christoph Gerber — a life devoted to the nanosciences

Forty years ago, Gerd Binnig, Carl Quate and Christoph Gerber published their invention of the atomic force microscope. Even at the age of 83, Gerber continues to share his enthusiasm for this special microscope, which was instrumental in…

/ News, Research

Bacteria with built-in compass

Some bacteria are miniature masters of navigation: A built-in “compass” made of magnetic nanoparticles helps them to reliably find the optimal habitat. Researchers at the University of Basel have now unlocked the magnetic properties of…

Schematic illustration
/ News, Research

Sensor system for hard-to-differentiate volatile scent compounds

Terpenes play a key role in the environment, climate and health but are sometimes difficult to distinguish between analytically. Now, researchers from the SNI network have developed a new sensor system based on platinum nanostructures that…

SEM images of different surfaces
/ News, Research, Erfolgsgeschichten

Better dental reconstructions: New insights into dental zirconia

Researchers from the SNI network have gained new insights into the factors that significantly influence the surface and mechanical properties of dental zirconia. In the scientific journal Ceramics International, they report that polishing…

As part of the new research center, state-of-the-art measurement technology is being developed. The image shows an experimental setup for the high-precision quantum logic spectroscopy of single molecules. (Image: University of Basel)
/ News, Research

University of Basel takes co-lead role in National Centre of Competence in Research ‘Precision’

A new National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) is dedicated to cutting-edge research in high-precision measurements. As the second home institution, the University of Basel will play a central role in NCCR ‘Precision’. Media…

The researchers used a laser pulse (blue) to change the polarity of a ferromagnetic state in a special material consisting of twisted atomic layers (red). (Illustration: Enrique Sahagún, Scixel / University of Basel, Department of Physics)
/ News, Research

Light changes a magnet’s polarity

Researchers at the University of Basel and the ETH in Zurich have succeeded in changing the polarity of a special ferromagnet using a laser beam. In the future, this method could be used to create adaptable electronic circuits with…

With three atomic clouds whose spins (blue) are entangled with each other at a distance, the researchers can measure the spatial variation of an electromagnetic field. (Illustration: Enrique Sahagún, Scixel / University of Basel, Department of Physics)
/ News, Research

Quantum measurements with entangled atomic clouds

Entanglement is probably the most puzzling phenomenon observed in quantum systems. It causes measurements on two quantum objects, even if they are at different locations, to exhibit statistical correlations that should not exist according…

Collage with images of the visit
/ News

Insights into the nanoworld: Students from the Alte Kantonsschule Aarau visit

Yesterday, we welcomed students from the Alte Kantonsschule Aarau who got an introduction to nanoscience as part of a tech week organized by IngCH. After a brief theoretical session, the students explored various aspects of nanoscience…

Collage with image of the winter school
/ News, Berichte

Successful “Nanoscience in the Snow” Winter School

We look back on a very successful “Nanoscience in the Snow” winter school. A big thank you to all speakers for their exciting and inspiring talks . We also thank all participants for their active and engaged contributions, which truly made…

[Translate to English:] Bilder von NiS 2026
/ News

Nanoscience in the Snow - A highlight each year for our doctoral student

❄️🎿 The doctoral students of the SNI PhD School are currently attending “Nanoscience in the Snow,” the annual winter school of the Swiss Nanoscience Institute. This year, the doctoral students meet in Waltensburg/Vuorz to discuss their work…

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