News archive
How ocean sediments shape Earth’s oxygen and climate balance
A new study identifies the key environmental factors that control how the mineral pyrite forms and is buried in ocean sediments, revealing its outsized role in regulating Earth’s oxygen and climate.
The Swiss underground contains numerous indications of critical raw materials
A re-evaluation of georesources data shows that there are indications of occurrences of numerous critical raw materials such as copper, rare earths elements and lithium in Switzerland. Could their exploration mining be worthwhile?
In Memoriam: Hans Rieber
Hans P. Rieber, Professor of Palaeozoology at the University of Zurich (1976–2001) and at ETH Zurich (1976–1999), passed away on 4 November 2025.
Are we alone in the galaxy? Scientists propose a new science for humanity's deep future
If humanity is the galaxy's only technological civilisation, its survival becomes a cosmic responsibility. Researchers propose Future Dynamics, a new field to align civilisation with Earth's long-term planetary systems.
Ancient ocean crust found buried at the base of Earth's mantle
ETH Zurich researchers have discovered that slabs of ancient ocean floor lie buried near Earth's core, offering a ground-breaking explanation for mysterious, slow-moving regions deep inside our planet.
Madagascar: The island split in two by time
How ancient rifting reshaped the island's landscape and helped forge one of Earth's richest biodiversity hotspots.
Lost pieces of continents discovered in the deep sea
Tiny pieces of continents can survive hidden deep in the ocean, stitched into the seafloor along ancient fault lines.
Collaboration with UZH: New Fundamental Physics Laboratory at the BedrettoLab
What drives scientists to search for invisible matter a kilometer under solid rock? UZH physicist Björn Penning explains how the BedrettoLab offers a rare opportunity to develop new technologies for fundamental physics.
Asteroid 2023 CX1: A unique case study for planetary defense
An international team tracked asteroid 2023 CX1 from space to impact. Its unusual breakup in the atmosphere highlights new risks for Earth and reshapes strategies for planetary defense.