Trump’s Tariff Policies Push WTO to Its Breaking Point

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a groundbreaking material that can extract moisture from the air, potentially transforming indoor air quality. The team utilized waste materials from marble quarrying combined with metakaolin and an alkaline solution, which they fabricated into walls and ceilings using a 3D printer. Their experiments, which simulated conditions in a public library reading room, demonstrated a significant reduction in humidity when the space was occupied by multiple people. According to building physicist Magda Posani, "We were able to demonstrate with numerical simulations that the building components can significantly reduce humidity in heavily used indoor spaces." This innovation could pave the way for cheaper and more environmentally friendly building solutions, replacing energy-intensive mechanical ventilation systems typically used in offices and schools. The researchers aim to contribute to Switzerland’s ambitious net zero emissions goal by 2050, showcasing how advancements in building materials can address environmental challenges while enhancing the comfort of indoor environments.

A team of researchers from ETH Zurich has created an innovative building material capable of extracting water from the air, potentially transforming indoor air quality. The scientists designed walls and ceilings that can absorb humidity, storing moisture for later ventilation, thereby addressing the increasing concern for air quality heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to building physicist Magda Posani, one of the study's leaders. The breakthrough utilizes waste from marble quarrying combined with metakaolin and an alkaline solution to produce these moisture-absorbing structures via 3D printing. Testing conducted in a simulated library environment with 15 occupants revealed significant humidity reductions, suggesting effective management of indoor moisture levels. This development could lead to more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional mechanical ventilation, which is often energy-intensive and costly. As Switzerland aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, such innovations are crucial for constructing environmentally friendly buildings, according to the researchers. There are additional solutions emerging in this field, such as moisture-absorbing paints developed by Adept Materials, further enhancing air quality management technologies.

Switzerland is intensifying its export controls amid reports that Russia is covertly seeking to acquire Swiss machinery for military applications. According to the Federal Intelligence Service (NDB), Moscow is utilizing intermediaries in third countries, notably Turkey, Serbia, India, Central Asian nations, and China, to circumvent existing sanctions. The NDB's recent report emphasizes that these efforts are structured to adapt quickly upon detection, posing significant challenges for Swiss export controls. Notably, export data analyzed by NZZ am Sonntag reveals a sharp increase in shipments of dual-use goods from Switzerland to Turkey and Serbia since the onset of sanctions against Russia. Jürgen Böhler-Royett from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) stated that enhanced scrutiny was introduced in mid-2023 regarding exports to Turkey following incidents where firms attempted to redirect Swiss machinery to Russia. Swiss authorities maintain that while there are no restrictions on exports to Turkey, every dual-use item is now evaluated case-by-case to minimize risks of sanction evasion. The situation underscores the complexities faced by Switzerland in balancing economic interests with international security concerns amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine.