Increasing evidence supports the nutritional epigenetics model for autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders that explains how unhealthy diet contributes to the epigenetic inheritance of these disorders. An unhealthy diet characterized by excessive intake of ultra-processed foods results in heavy metal exposures and deficits in zinc that may impact metallothionein gene function. Metallothionein gene malfunction may result in the bioaccumulation of mercury and/or lead in the blood depending on diet. Nutritional epigenetics education may be used as an intervention to reduce the intake of ultra-processed foods and heavy metals in expectant mothers and prevent the development of autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders in children.

The grant will launch a community-led queen conch aquaculture facility in Eleuthera, The Bahamas, in partnership with The Island School’s Cape Eleuthera Institute. Focused on restoring declining queen conch populations—vital to Caribbean ecosystems and coastal food economies—the project is part of a larger mission to transform food systems and strengthen coastal resilience through sustainable aquaculture. It builds on the Queen Conch Lab’s growing network of 10 community-based farms across the Caribbean, underscoring the species’ importance to ocean health, food security, and cultural identity.

How can we accelerate the energy transition in a socially responsible way? Empa researchers propose a publicly funded basic service in solar energy that would increase energy autonomy, create social justice and promote further investment in renewable energies. This requires – among other things – a third of all roofs in Switzerland and a total investment every 30 years that is roughly equivalent to the average gross monthly salary per Swiss citizen.