Archive – Science

Swiss Siberia offers a warm welcome

This content was published on Feb 26, 2004 The frigid reputation of La Brévine in the Jura hills may scare many away, but visitors willing to brave the cold receive a warm welcome. In his La Brévine apartment, pensioner Marcel Blondeau spreads out a piece of paper on the dining room table on which he has jotted down a few of the record…

Switzerland moves towards concrete jungle

This content was published on Feb 24, 2004 Now the federal authorities are trying to impose restrictions on the cantons to prevent the urbanisation of Switzerland’s countryside. Environmentalists say construction work is taking place everywhere, in particular on green meadows, and often without any consideration for the landscape. They claim developments of family homes are springing up across the country, blurring the distinction…

Scheme gives new life to old mobile phones

This content was published on Feb 23, 2004 The project is not just environmentally friendly – SFr5 ($4) per mobile is also being donated to charity. The system, called “Solidarcomm”, has been in place since the end of last year and involves four partners: Idris Invest, the Swiss charities Terre des Hommes and Association Réalise, as well as the Swiss Post Office. The…

Biotech firm takes technology award

This content was published on Feb 20, 2004 Apoxis – which hopes to begin clinical trials within a year – has developed a molecule which sends a signal to cancer cells to destroy themselves. Initial studies are limited to ovarian cancers and forms of the disease caused by asbestos – but the technology is potentially applicable to other types of tumour. “Every cell…

Switzerland looks abroad for brain gain

This content was published on Feb 16, 2004 Almost 60 per cent of foreigners taking up posts over the past two years hold a university degree or similar qualification. The influx of an educated workforce comes at a time when some sectors of the Swiss economy – especially science and technology – are complaining of a native brain drain. “In the past few…

Swiss football lifts quota on foreign players

This content was published on Feb 14, 2004 The Swiss Football League has been forced to change its rules to avoid contravening an agreement between Switzerland and the EU on the free movement of people. Until recently, teams in the country’s top division – the Super League – have only been allowed to have five foreign players on their books. But an existing…

Swiss to become older and more urban by 2040

This content was published on Feb 13, 2004 The results of a study published by the Federal Statistics Office take into account an ageing population, a lower birth rate and internal migration. The report – which examines demographic trends by canton and language region over the next four decades – predicts that the population will increase by just two per cent by 2040.…

Pigeon research ruffles feathers

This content was published on Feb 13, 2004 A Zurich-based scientist accuses a former colleague from Britain’s Oxford University of taking credit for the research. Hans-Peter Lipp says Tim Guilford conducted press interviews about the findings without acknowledging the work of Swiss researchers. “I don’t mind competition,” a furious Lipp told swissinfo, “but you can expect a certain degree of honesty – and…

Scientists want fairer deal for developing countries

This content was published on Feb 13, 2004 But they warn that poorer countries will only benefit from exchanging knowledge if the gap between North and South is bridged. In 1994 the Swiss authorities set up a committee to promote scientific cooperation – rather than competition – with developing countries. The committee has 11 guiding principles, one of which is that research institutes…

US economist urges Swiss to embrace globalisation

This content was published on Feb 12, 2004 In an interview with swissinfo’s Robert Brookes, Thurow said that globalisation was here to stay and the Swiss should seize the opportunity to shape it before it was too late. Thurow was in Zurich to present his new book entitled “Fortune Favours the Bold: What We Must Do to Build a New and Lasting Global…

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Archive – Science

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Swiss Siberia offers a warm welcome

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Switzerland moves towards concrete jungle

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Scheme gives new life to old mobile phones

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Biotech firm takes technology award

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Switzerland looks abroad for brain gain

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Swiss football lifts quota on foreign players

More

Swiss to become older and more urban by 2040

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Pigeon research ruffles feathers

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Scientists want fairer deal for developing countries

More

US economist urges Swiss to embrace globalisation

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