Swiss AI Brain “Pacemaker” Helps Parkinson’s Patients Walk Better

Swiss researchers have developed an advanced AI-powered brain pacemaker that could significantly improve mobility for people living with Parkinson’s disease. The innovative system automatically adjusts brain stimulation in real time, helping patients move more naturally and with greater stability.

The technology was developed by scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), and the findings were published in the medical journal Nature Medicine.

Deep brain stimulation has long been used as an effective treatment for advanced Parkinson’s disease. It helps reduce common symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and movement difficulties. However, traditional systems often struggle to fully address gait-related problems, which remain one of the most disabling symptoms for many patients.

The new Swiss-developed system addresses this limitation by integrating artificial intelligence. The AI continuously analyzes brain signals in real time and identifies whether a patient is sitting, standing, or walking. Based on this activity, the device automatically adjusts the level of electrical stimulation delivered to specific brain regions.

Researchers tested the system on 35 Parkinson’s patients who already had electrodes implanted in the subthalamic nucleus, a key area of the brain targeted in deep brain stimulation therapy. The results showed a clear improvement in mobility compared to conventional stimulation methods.

Participants reported noticeable benefits in daily movement. One patient explained that walking had previously been difficult due to heavy or uncontrollable leg movements, but the adaptive stimulation allowed for smoother and longer walking ability.

Scientists describe the results as an important breakthrough and a strong proof of concept for future medical applications. However, they emphasize that additional research is required before the technology can be widely used in hospitals and clinics. Larger and longer-term studies are planned to evaluate safety, effectiveness, and durability of the treatment.

If further research confirms these results, the AI-driven brain pacemaker could represent a major step forward in neurotechnology, offering new hope for improving quality of life for Parkinson’s patients worldwide.

Thousands Explore New RTS Media Centre in Lausanne.

More than 15,000 people visited the new production site of Swiss public broadcaster RTS in Lausanne-Ecublens during a highly successful open weekend event. The new facility, located on the campus of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), welcomed visitors of all ages eager to discover the world of media production and broadcasting.

Large crowds gathered even before the official opening, with many visitors exploring exhibitions, interactive activities, and behind-the-scenes tours. Families, students, and media enthusiasts had the opportunity to experience how television, radio, and digital content are produced.

One of the most popular attractions allowed visitors to step into the role of a journalist by reading news from a teleprompter and presenting weather forecasts. Guests also explored RTS news vehicles, production studios, and broadcasting facilities, gaining a unique insight into the daily work of media professionals.

The event featured live radio broadcasts, public podcast recordings, and guided tours of the new production centre. Studio 1 attracted particularly strong interest, with audiences filling seats to watch programmes being produced in real time.

RTS announced that public engagement activities will continue throughout June, offering additional opportunities for visitors to explore media careers, content creation, and public service broadcasting. Registration will be required for many of these activities.

The broadcaster also revealed plans to expand its media education programme. From next year, RTS will increase the number of workshops from 300 to 400 annually, with most sessions remaining free for schools and the public.

The new Lausanne-Ecublens production hub replaces several older facilities in Lausanne and Geneva, creating a modern centre for broadcasting, digital media production, and audience engagement.

RTS expects to welcome approximately 10,000 visitors each year through guided tours, workshops, and educational activities, strengthening its connection with the Swiss public and future generations of media professionals.

AI Data Centres May Strain Switzerland’s Water Supply

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure is raising concerns about water and energy consumption in Switzerland. Experts warn that the growing number of AI-powered data centres could place increasing pressure on the country’s natural resources, especially water supplies used for cooling systems.

Switzerland currently hosts around 120 data centres, with approximately 20 additional facilities under construction. This gives the country one of the highest concentrations of data centres per capita in the world. The rise of artificial intelligence technologies is accelerating this growth as companies invest heavily in advanced computing infrastructure.

AI servers require significantly more processing power than traditional systems. As a result, they generate higher levels of heat and require intensive cooling methods to maintain safe operating temperatures. Many of these cooling systems depend heavily on water.

According to David Atienza Alonso, a professor at EPFL and an expert in AI computing systems, increasing AI adoption will continue driving demand for larger and more powerful data centres.

He explained that countries are also expanding domestic data infrastructure due to geopolitical tensions and concerns about digital sovereignty. Governments and companies increasingly want sensitive data to remain within national borders, leading to greater investment in local storage and computing facilities.

While Switzerland is often called the “water tower of Europe” because of its lakes, rivers, and glaciers, experts warn that resource availability should not be taken for granted. If AI infrastructure growth continues without long-term planning, some regions could eventually face challenges in supplying enough electricity and water.

Global estimates from the International Energy Agency suggest that data centres currently consume around 560 billion litres of water annually worldwide. This figure could rise to 1.2 trillion litres by 2030 as AI usage expands rapidly across industries.

Most of this water is used for cooling servers and generating electricity required to power data centre operations. Environmental experts say the issue remains largely invisible to the public despite its growing importance in the digital economy.

Researchers and policymakers are now calling for sustainable infrastructure planning, improved cooling technologies, and better resource management to ensure that Switzerland can support technological growth without placing excessive strain on natural resources.