PSI Paul Scherrer Institut
@psich.bsky.social
Switzerland’s largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences. #ResearchAtPSI
#YearInReview 2025 was a year full of exciting research at PSI: From boosting battery performance and simulating quantum systems, to mapping brain architecture and fighting cancer. #ResearchAtPSI
PSI Year in Review 2025
Twelve PSI research highlights in 2025
www.psi.ch
January 5, 2026 at 10:07 AM
#YearInReview 2025 was a year full of exciting research at PSI: From boosting battery performance and simulating quantum systems, to mapping brain architecture and fighting cancer. #ResearchAtPSI
📩 PSI users: our quarterly Facility Newsletter is out! Get important information, an overview of the latest scientific highlights, upcoming calls for proposals and news from the PSI facilities: SLS, SINQ, SμS, CHRISP and SwissFEL. www.psi.ch/de/node/7201...
December 18, 2025 at 12:39 PM
📩 PSI users: our quarterly Facility Newsletter is out! Get important information, an overview of the latest scientific highlights, upcoming calls for proposals and news from the PSI facilities: SLS, SINQ, SμS, CHRISP and SwissFEL. www.psi.ch/de/node/7201...
A laser in the PSI cleanroom writes spirals, circles & snowflakes – but not for fun: the process creates new magnetic structures with enormous application potential. @ethz.ch #Magnetics #Nanotech #ResearchAtPSI
Laser draws made-to-order magnetic landscapes
Researchers at PSI have found a surprisingly inexpensive and fast method to make localised alterations in magnetic materials.
www.psi.ch
December 9, 2025 at 3:07 PM
A laser in the PSI cleanroom writes spirals, circles & snowflakes – but not for fun: the process creates new magnetic structures with enormous application potential. @ethz.ch #Magnetics #Nanotech #ResearchAtPSI
Reposted by PSI Paul Scherrer Institut
New Cell publication! A joint effort between @psich.bsky.social and collaborators reveals how microtubules act as spatiotemporal signal sensors regulating signaling proteins. Mechanistic immune insights from the Zippelius Lab @biomedizin.unibas.ch. 👏
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Structural basis of microtubule-mediated signal transduction
Microtubules have long been recognized as upstream mediators of intracellular signaling, but the mechanisms underlying this fundamental function remai…
www.sciencedirect.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:22 AM
New Cell publication! A joint effort between @psich.bsky.social and collaborators reveals how microtubules act as spatiotemporal signal sensors regulating signaling proteins. Mechanistic immune insights from the Zippelius Lab @biomedizin.unibas.ch. 👏
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Without signal transmission via the cytoskeleton, cells could not divide or mount immune responses. Researchers at PSI and the University of Basel @biomedizin.unibas.ch have now shown how microtubules pass on such signals at the molecular level.
How microtubules take part in cellular signal processing
Researchers at PSI have investigated on the molecular level how the cytoskeleton transmits commands within the cell. Their findings could provide the medical field with new options for intervention in...
www.psi.ch
December 8, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Without signal transmission via the cytoskeleton, cells could not divide or mount immune responses. Researchers at PSI and the University of Basel @biomedizin.unibas.ch have now shown how microtubules pass on such signals at the molecular level.
Since its launch 30 years ago, the STIP programme at PSI has become a globally unique and indispensable resource for understanding radiation damage in materials, helping to ensure the safe operation of nuclear facilities. Full story 👇
Predicting component lifetimes in nuclear facilities
For 30 years, experiments have been providing unique insight into how metals and ceramics degrade under high-energy proton bombardment.
www.psi.ch
December 5, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Since its launch 30 years ago, the STIP programme at PSI has become a globally unique and indispensable resource for understanding radiation damage in materials, helping to ensure the safe operation of nuclear facilities. Full story 👇
Reposted by PSI Paul Scherrer Institut
An optimized X-ray nanotomography method offers an attractive alternative to volume EM for connectomics. @crick.ac.uk @psich.bsky.social psich.bsky.social @adrianawanner.bsky.social @andreas-t-schaefer.bsky.social @ucl.ac.uk @uclnpp.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Nondestructive X-ray tomography of brain tissue ultrastructure - Nature Methods
Optimizations of X-ray nanotomography including the choice of resin allows high-resolution imaging of mouse brain tissue, approaching the resolution of volume electron microscopy. Since it does not re...
www.nature.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:32 PM
An optimized X-ray nanotomography method offers an attractive alternative to volume EM for connectomics. @crick.ac.uk @psich.bsky.social psich.bsky.social @adrianawanner.bsky.social @andreas-t-schaefer.bsky.social @ucl.ac.uk @uclnpp.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by PSI Paul Scherrer Institut
Happy to share the first paper from my journey at @psich.bsky.social towards X-ray connectomics, now out in @natmethods.nature.com: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
November 27, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Happy to share the first paper from my journey at @psich.bsky.social towards X-ray connectomics, now out in @natmethods.nature.com: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by PSI Paul Scherrer Institut
Researchers at the Crick, @psich.bsky.social and @esrf.fr have developed a new way to look deeper into brain cell connections by using a particle accelerator and a kind of resin borrowed from the aerospace industry.
www.crick.ac.uk/news/2025-11...
www.crick.ac.uk/news/2025-11...
From aerospace to neuroscience: new imaging tech captures the brain’s intricate connections
Inspired by technologies used in aerospace engineering, scientists have developed a way to capture the brain’s intricate structures using X-rays without destroying the samples.
www.crick.ac.uk
November 27, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Researchers at the Crick, @psich.bsky.social and @esrf.fr have developed a new way to look deeper into brain cell connections by using a particle accelerator and a kind of resin borrowed from the aerospace industry.
www.crick.ac.uk/news/2025-11...
www.crick.ac.uk/news/2025-11...
Scientists at the Swiss Light Source #SLS and @crick.ac.uk have succeeded in mapping a piece of brain tissue 🧠 in 3D at unprecedented resolution using X-rays – non-destructively. The breakthrough overcomes a long-standing technological barrier that had limited the use of X-rays for such studies.
X-rays bring high-resolution brain mapping within reach
A new imaging breakthrough could reveal brain connectivity in 3D detail never before accessible.
www.psi.ch
December 1, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Scientists at the Swiss Light Source #SLS and @crick.ac.uk have succeeded in mapping a piece of brain tissue 🧠 in 3D at unprecedented resolution using X-rays – non-destructively. The breakthrough overcomes a long-standing technological barrier that had limited the use of X-rays for such studies.
Reposted by PSI Paul Scherrer Institut
Just back from a few days scanning tiny fossils @psich.bsky.social Swiss Light Source. TOMCAT is still in commissioning phase but sub micron resolution scans are down to 90 seconds!
November 28, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Just back from a few days scanning tiny fossils @psich.bsky.social Swiss Light Source. TOMCAT is still in commissioning phase but sub micron resolution scans are down to 90 seconds!
New PSI method detects tiny amounts of critical impurities in biogas. Even small-scale plants can use the method without requiring large-scale investment. An important step towards clean biogas and the energy transition! #Biogas #EnergyTransition #PSI
Clean biogas – measurable everywhere
A new analytical method can detect even tiny amounts of critical impurities.
www.psi.ch
November 27, 2025 at 2:46 PM
New PSI method detects tiny amounts of critical impurities in biogas. Even small-scale plants can use the method without requiring large-scale investment. An important step towards clean biogas and the energy transition! #Biogas #EnergyTransition #PSI
✨ An important step for the Swiss #photonics industry: the technology transfer centre Swiss PIC has celebrated its inauguration at Park Innovaare – and opened a manufacturing centre for light-based microchips.
Swiss PIC technology transfer centre is inaugurated
Jointly founded by scientific and industrial partners with PSI researchers: the Swiss Photonics Integration Center celebrated its inauguration on 24 November 2025.
www.psi.ch
November 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
✨ An important step for the Swiss #photonics industry: the technology transfer centre Swiss PIC has celebrated its inauguration at Park Innovaare – and opened a manufacturing centre for light-based microchips.
The molecule spermine, which occurs naturally in the body, could help treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. A team at PSI has uncovered mechanisms that support the body's defenses.
How the cheese-noodle principle could help counter Alzheimer's
PSI researchers have discovered cellular mechanisms that could help to mitigate diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
www.psi.ch
November 21, 2025 at 10:20 AM
The molecule spermine, which occurs naturally in the body, could help treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. A team at PSI has uncovered mechanisms that support the body's defenses.
Reposted by PSI Paul Scherrer Institut
Researchers from the SNIunibas network use a #diphtheria toxin domain to fuse lipid vesicles at neutral pH, achieving gentle, controlled membrane fusion for #bio-inspired technologies. More information at: nanoscience.unibas.ch/en/news/deta...
@unibas.ch bas.ch @psich.bsky.social #nanoscience
@unibas.ch bas.ch @psich.bsky.social #nanoscience
A Toxin with a Useful Twist
nanoscience.unibas.ch
November 19, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Researchers from the SNIunibas network use a #diphtheria toxin domain to fuse lipid vesicles at neutral pH, achieving gentle, controlled membrane fusion for #bio-inspired technologies. More information at: nanoscience.unibas.ch/en/news/deta...
@unibas.ch bas.ch @psich.bsky.social #nanoscience
@unibas.ch bas.ch @psich.bsky.social #nanoscience
How do quantum materials really respond to light? 🤔
The answer is complex – and a new study from SwissFEL by @au.dk reveals it’s even more so than previously thought.💡
Curious to learn more? Check out the full article here 👇#ResearchAtPSI #QuantumMaterials #UltrafastScience #QuantumTech #IYQS
The answer is complex – and a new study from SwissFEL by @au.dk reveals it’s even more so than previously thought.💡
Curious to learn more? Check out the full article here 👇#ResearchAtPSI #QuantumMaterials #UltrafastScience #QuantumTech #IYQS
Disorder begins at the surface of quantum materials
Ultrafast X-rays from SwissFEL reveal unexpected light responses in quantum materials.
www.psi.ch
November 10, 2025 at 12:10 PM
How do quantum materials really respond to light? 🤔
The answer is complex – and a new study from SwissFEL by @au.dk reveals it’s even more so than previously thought.💡
Curious to learn more? Check out the full article here 👇#ResearchAtPSI #QuantumMaterials #UltrafastScience #QuantumTech #IYQS
The answer is complex – and a new study from SwissFEL by @au.dk reveals it’s even more so than previously thought.💡
Curious to learn more? Check out the full article here 👇#ResearchAtPSI #QuantumMaterials #UltrafastScience #QuantumTech #IYQS
Qubits are sensitive. 🫠 PSI researchers are developing ways to make them more stable and longer-lasting - working with ion pairs and optical tweezers.
👉 Full story: www.psi.ch/en/news/psi-...
#ResearchAtPSI #QuantumResearch #Quantum #QuantumWave #QuantumFuture #IYQ2025 #QuantumCurious #QuantumYear
👉 Full story: www.psi.ch/en/news/psi-...
#ResearchAtPSI #QuantumResearch #Quantum #QuantumWave #QuantumFuture #IYQ2025 #QuantumCurious #QuantumYear
Terbium duet and other quantum art
To create more stable qubits, PSI researchers make terbium ions perform in pairs. Elsewhere, they are using optical tweezers to position atoms with high precision.
www.psi.ch
November 6, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Qubits are sensitive. 🫠 PSI researchers are developing ways to make them more stable and longer-lasting - working with ion pairs and optical tweezers.
👉 Full story: www.psi.ch/en/news/psi-...
#ResearchAtPSI #QuantumResearch #Quantum #QuantumWave #QuantumFuture #IYQ2025 #QuantumCurious #QuantumYear
👉 Full story: www.psi.ch/en/news/psi-...
#ResearchAtPSI #QuantumResearch #Quantum #QuantumWave #QuantumFuture #IYQ2025 #QuantumCurious #QuantumYear
🏆 Congrats to Laura Heyderman, winner of the 2026 Charpak-Ritz Prize by the French & Swiss Physical Societies for pioneering innovations in mesoscopic magnetic systems and synchrotron X-ray studies at PSI & @ethz.ch ! 👏 #Physics #CharpakRitzPrize #ResearchAtPSI
October 27, 2025 at 2:24 PM
🏆 Congrats to Laura Heyderman, winner of the 2026 Charpak-Ritz Prize by the French & Swiss Physical Societies for pioneering innovations in mesoscopic magnetic systems and synchrotron X-ray studies at PSI & @ethz.ch ! 👏 #Physics #CharpakRitzPrize #ResearchAtPSI
PSI researcher Cornelius Hempel performs calculations on quantum phenomena using quanta.⚛️He uses ion traps to effectively slow down time and thus study ultra-fast chemical reactions – e.g. molecules in the retina of the eye.👀
Full story: 👇
#ResearchAtPSI #QuantumResearch #QuantumFuture #Quantum
Full story: 👇
#ResearchAtPSI #QuantumResearch #QuantumFuture #Quantum
Zeitbremse und Ionenfallen
Cornelius Hempel berechnet Quantenphänomene mit Quanten. Klingt logisch, ist aber hochkomplex. Sein neuester Coup: ein Quantensimulator, der die Zeit verlangsamt.
www.psi.ch
October 23, 2025 at 10:54 AM
PSI researcher Cornelius Hempel performs calculations on quantum phenomena using quanta.⚛️He uses ion traps to effectively slow down time and thus study ultra-fast chemical reactions – e.g. molecules in the retina of the eye.👀
Full story: 👇
#ResearchAtPSI #QuantumResearch #QuantumFuture #Quantum
Full story: 👇
#ResearchAtPSI #QuantumResearch #QuantumFuture #Quantum
Reposted by PSI Paul Scherrer Institut
Regierungsrat besucht Paul-Scherrer-Institut PSI in Villigen: Mit 2300 MA ist das PSI das grösste Forschungsinstitut für Natur- und Ingenieurwissenschaften in der Schweiz. Es arbeitet eng mit der Uni Basel und der FHNW zusammen. #Forschung #PSI #KantonBL
October 22, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Regierungsrat besucht Paul-Scherrer-Institut PSI in Villigen: Mit 2300 MA ist das PSI das grösste Forschungsinstitut für Natur- und Ingenieurwissenschaften in der Schweiz. Es arbeitet eng mit der Uni Basel und der FHNW zusammen. #Forschung #PSI #KantonBL
🎃💡 Power off… Power on!
Am PSI wird’s hell! Entdecke Energieforschung, interaktive Exponate und Energiespiele zur Energiewende.
👉 Führung mit Anmeldung | Spiele & Exponate frei zugänglich
www.psi.ch/de/visit/pub...
✨ Energiewissen entfacht – in der Hellen Nacht!
#industrieweltaargau #hellenacht
Am PSI wird’s hell! Entdecke Energieforschung, interaktive Exponate und Energiespiele zur Energiewende.
👉 Führung mit Anmeldung | Spiele & Exponate frei zugänglich
www.psi.ch/de/visit/pub...
✨ Energiewissen entfacht – in der Hellen Nacht!
#industrieweltaargau #hellenacht
October 21, 2025 at 1:02 PM
🎃💡 Power off… Power on!
Am PSI wird’s hell! Entdecke Energieforschung, interaktive Exponate und Energiespiele zur Energiewende.
👉 Führung mit Anmeldung | Spiele & Exponate frei zugänglich
www.psi.ch/de/visit/pub...
✨ Energiewissen entfacht – in der Hellen Nacht!
#industrieweltaargau #hellenacht
Am PSI wird’s hell! Entdecke Energieforschung, interaktive Exponate und Energiespiele zur Energiewende.
👉 Führung mit Anmeldung | Spiele & Exponate frei zugänglich
www.psi.ch/de/visit/pub...
✨ Energiewissen entfacht – in der Hellen Nacht!
#industrieweltaargau #hellenacht
🏅PSI’s Head of the Center for Neutron and Muon Sciences, Prof. Marc Janoschek, has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society – one of the most highly regarded honours in physics.
🎉Congrats on this well-deserved recognition of outstanding research!
#Physics #APSFellow #ResearchAtPSI
🎉Congrats on this well-deserved recognition of outstanding research!
#Physics #APSFellow #ResearchAtPSI
October 10, 2025 at 3:03 PM
🏅PSI’s Head of the Center for Neutron and Muon Sciences, Prof. Marc Janoschek, has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society – one of the most highly regarded honours in physics.
🎉Congrats on this well-deserved recognition of outstanding research!
#Physics #APSFellow #ResearchAtPSI
🎉Congrats on this well-deserved recognition of outstanding research!
#Physics #APSFellow #ResearchAtPSI
#5232, the magazine of the PSI, is out! ✨
This issue is all about the art of quantum physics.
📖 Our magazine is available online:
English: www.psi.ch/en/news/5232...
German: www.psi.ch/de/news/5232...
French: www.psi.ch/fr/news/5232...
#Quantum #ResearchAtPSI #FutureTechnologies
This issue is all about the art of quantum physics.
📖 Our magazine is available online:
English: www.psi.ch/en/news/5232...
German: www.psi.ch/de/news/5232...
French: www.psi.ch/fr/news/5232...
#Quantum #ResearchAtPSI #FutureTechnologies
October 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
#5232, the magazine of the PSI, is out! ✨
This issue is all about the art of quantum physics.
📖 Our magazine is available online:
English: www.psi.ch/en/news/5232...
German: www.psi.ch/de/news/5232...
French: www.psi.ch/fr/news/5232...
#Quantum #ResearchAtPSI #FutureTechnologies
This issue is all about the art of quantum physics.
📖 Our magazine is available online:
English: www.psi.ch/en/news/5232...
German: www.psi.ch/de/news/5232...
French: www.psi.ch/fr/news/5232...
#Quantum #ResearchAtPSI #FutureTechnologies
PSI researchers have created a dynamic database for the vanadium industry. 💡 It provides reliable data on deposits, demand and prices – aiming to promote investment and the use of vanadium electricity storage systems. #ResearchAPSI #Vanadium #PSI #BatteryResearch www.psi.ch/en/news/medi...
October 2, 2025 at 12:44 PM
PSI researchers have created a dynamic database for the vanadium industry. 💡 It provides reliable data on deposits, demand and prices – aiming to promote investment and the use of vanadium electricity storage systems. #ResearchAPSI #Vanadium #PSI #BatteryResearch www.psi.ch/en/news/medi...
📩 PSI users: our quarterly Facility Newsletter is out! Get important information, an overview of the latest scientific highlights, upcoming calls for proposals and news from the PSI facilities: SLS, SINQ, SμS, CHRISP and SwissFEL. www.psi.ch/en/node/7077...
September 18, 2025 at 8:39 AM
📩 PSI users: our quarterly Facility Newsletter is out! Get important information, an overview of the latest scientific highlights, upcoming calls for proposals and news from the PSI facilities: SLS, SINQ, SμS, CHRISP and SwissFEL. www.psi.ch/en/node/7077...