The BioLab

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The BioLab *

We collaborate with the Pop-Up Biolab at Student Project House ETH (SPH), a space where you can explore the field of biology and push your ideas further. The lab is a biology lab (biosafety level 1), and SPH provides equipment as well as coaching for your bio ideas & projects. Everyone is welcome!

Below you can find a summary of the Pop-Up Biolab and its projects, for further information please visit the SPH page about it.

The Onboarding Process

1. Get Advice

Do you have an idea for a bio project and have always wanted to conduct your own experiments? Join the SPH Biolab Onboarding! We will discuss your Biolab idea and you become a part of BioLab at SPH, with access to coaching, funding, and other offers.

2. Lab Work

Conduct your own experiments in the Pop-up Biolab. Once we have agreed in a personal conversation what your project is about, you will get an introduction and access.

Eligibility:

  • You passed the first bachelor year (”Basisprüfung”).

  • You have an idea for a Project which is extra-curricular.

Examples of Current Projects:

AlphaInsights

Alpha-synuclein is a protein primarily found in the brain, playing a key role in neuronal function.

In Parkinson's disease (PD), it misfolds and forms aggregates known as Lewy bodies, which are hallmark features of the condition. These aggregates disrupt normal cell function, leading to the death of dopamine-producing neurons, resulting in PD's characteristic motor symptoms.

Research suggests that understanding alpha-synuclein's behavior could unlock new therapeutic strategies for PD. Our approach is to express alpha-synuclein in different type of yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia Pastoris) and detect the post-translational modifications (PTMs) for the different species. Afterwards we want to compare the different alpha-synucleins with all PTMs to the human alpha-synuclein to see which model organism works best to research alpha-synuclein despite mammalian cells. 

Building Band-Aid

Since discovering mycelium, I've been captivated by its fascinating nature. Mycelium is the intricate root-like structure of a mushroom, holding remarkable potential for various applications.

Drawing upon my expertise in architecture, I'm innovating by developing cutting-edge building materials. I aim to cultivate it directly on-site, leveraging its insulation properties for building renovations.

MYOD Mushrooms

Researching novel techniques to grow gourmet mushrooms, researching for new or underutilized mushroom species that can be successfully cultivated , and simultaneously utilizing waste products such as coffee grounds or peanut shells to reduce our environmental impact.