What’s inside a comet?

Astrophysicists at the University of Bern want to study the ice beneath the surface of comets, using a type of instrument usually used in airport security. The ice on comets could help answer questions about the formation of our solar system.

The small robot aiming to explore volcanic tunnels on the moon

In the not-too-distant future, a small hopping robot could be making its way to the moon. In this video, researchers from the Swiss Federal Technology Institute ETH Zurich and the University of Bern explain how they want to use the invention to peer into underground volcanic tunnels, which could offer ideal locations for future moon bases. “SpaceHopper” has already proved itself in tests on Earth.

Gene Drives – Wundermittel? Biowaffe? Hype?

Gene Drives könnten eines Tages eingesetzt werden, um Malaria-Mücken oder Landwirtschaftsschädlinge zu bekämpfen. Wie funktioniert diese neue Technik? Wie gross ist ihr Potenzial und ihr Risiko? Und welche ethischen Fragen stellen sich? Viele Fragen und einige Antworten in diesem Video des Forums Genforschung der Akademie der Naturwissenschaften Schweiz.