The research by the Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich , publishedExternal link in the scientific journal “Nature Materials”, built on the self-healing properties of materials such as animal bones or plant stems, the scientists said.
They used a 3D printer to create a grid made of a hydrogel loaded with the Ganoderma lucidum fungus. Similarly to food mould, fungal mycelia – i.e. the root network of the fungi – then colonised this printed grid.
In about 20 days, the result was a skin both robust and capable of self-regeneration: when cut, it grows back. The skin owes this self-healing ability to the metabolic activity of the fungal mycelial cells, which have evolved in nature to be able to navigate and grow through the openings of porous structures.
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‘I try to show the other side of robotics, the good side’
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Margarita Chli is one of the few women who have succeeded in robotics in Switzerland. She wants others to follow in her footsteps.
However, in order for the skin to regenerate itself, it must not lose this metabolic activity, for which it needs nutrients. According to the study, the way in which the fungal skin can get this nourishment still needs further research. It is also not yet known how the waste products can be removed over a longer period of time.
To examine the process, the ETH researchers printed a robot skin and carried out several tests, such as rolling the robot over various surfaces and immersing it in water. The printed skin passed all tests without problems.
In future, the technology could “bring life to the world of materials”, the researchers wrote.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
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The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
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The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
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A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
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The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
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Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
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Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
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ETH Zurich launches new security robotics research with Swiss army
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The federal technology institute ETH Zurich and the Swiss army procurement agency Armasuisse have launched a five-year security robotics research programme.
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An international team with representatives from Switzerland has won the three-year Subterranean Challenge robotics competition.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.