Archive – Science

Roche snaps up biotech firm GlycArt

This content was published on Jul 19, 2005 The deal is seen as boosting Roche’s position as the world’s leading producer of cancer medicines. GlycArt Biotechnology of Schlieren near Zurich is a privately owned biotech company which has three monoclonal antibody drugs in preclinical testing. Such antibodies are mass-produced artificial versions of the proteins made by the immune system that seek out and…

Storms wreak havoc in Geneva area

This content was published on Jul 19, 2005 Trees were uprooted, vineyards were destroyed by hail, roofs were torn off, cars were damaged and railway lines were cut during the storms. Hundreds of firefighters were called into action and five seriously injured people were taken to hospital in Montreux. Police in Vaud said on Tuesday that eight people had been injured, three seriously,…

Novartis acquires key drugs portfolio

This content was published on Jul 15, 2005 The deal with New York-based firm Bristol-Myers Squibb is worth $660 million (SFr850 million). The drugs portfolio includes the widely used painkiller, Excedrin, which had US sales last year of $160 million. Novartis said it was buying the non-prescription drug range to give it greater “critical mass” in the US market. The brands it is…

Swiss sperm goes under the microscope

This content was published on Jul 15, 2005 Experts fear that chemicals present in the environment are acting as endocrine disruptors, altering the functioning of male hormones. After Denmark, Switzerland has the highest rate of testicular and prostate cancer for young men aged 15-34 in Europe. Scientists have for some time suspected that pesticides, cosmetics and certain drugs are to blame for this…

Economist aims to bridge scientific divide

This content was published on Jul 14, 2005 In an interview with swissinfo, Sturm – aged 36 and from the Netherlands – said that the divide between the two was widening, with science evolving very rapidly. Sturm will take up his new position in October, replacing Bernd Schips who is retiring after 12 years in the post. Currently Sturm teaches at Constance University…

Schmid pleads for patriotism and openness

This content was published on Jul 14, 2005 In a special address for National Day on August 1, he also said that the Swiss abroad were ambassadors who were promoting the good reputation of the country and its values. Schmid said the traditional Swiss flag had become a fashion accessory, which could be seen on clothes, and made Swissness a popular lifestyle choice.…

Novartis reveals record half-year results

This content was published on Jul 14, 2005 The company said on Thursday that it expected the good results to continue for the rest of the year. In a statement, Novartis said that half-year net profit stood at $3.1 billion ($4 billion) while net sales for the same period grew 11 per cent to $15.1 billion on strong performances in all divisions. It…

Bern’s Einstein year reaches its zenith

This content was published on Jul 8, 2005 Scientists are focusing on Einstein’s influence on contemporary research, while the public is getting a taste of his physics. More than 500 people took part in Saturday’s special official commemoration of Einstein’s “miracle year”- 1905 – when he produced much of his most important and famous work in Bern. Among the guests attending the high…

Women targeted over alcohol pregnancy risks

This content was published on Jul 8, 2005 Experts say that 7.4 per cent of pregnant women drink far too much alcohol in Switzerland and that each year 5,000 mothers-to-be are exposing their unborn babies to health risks. The campaign is being run by the Swiss Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Addiction, with support from the main doctors’ and pharmacists’…

Hair-raising agenda for hirsute forum

This content was published on Jul 8, 2005 Switzerland’s inaugural hair-science meeting has attracted delegates to the city’s University Hospital from 30 countries, including the United States, Australia and Indonesia. The agenda covers topics such as the affect of stress on hair growth, advances in measuring hair density, the link between ageing in hair and the rest of the body, and an intriguing…

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