Archive – Science

Swiss plan new mission to Mars

This content was published on Jan 28, 2004 Dubbed Sky-Sailor, the project involves designing a solar-powered plane that would fly around the red planet. The Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), and its Zurich counterpart (ETH) are involved in the project. In addition, the Swiss company, Ruag Aerospace, and aircraft expert Walter Engel will also contribute expertise. The autonomous systems laboratory at…

Panel wants better controls on human experiments

This content was published on Jan 26, 2004 Participants in a forum hosted by the Centre for Technology Assessment, TA-Swiss, said special care had to be taken with pregnant women, children and disabled people. They found that human guinea pigs who volunteer for scientific research often do so without being fully aware of the risks involved. After eight days of discussing the pros…

Government clears way for timber industry

This content was published on Jan 26, 2004 The programme, which has been challenged by environmentalists, is expected to cost the federal and local authorities around SFr2.7 billion ($2.2 billion) over the next decade. The policy envisions cutting government subsidies and scaling back red tape for private timber firms to help them increase output. Philippe Roch, director of the environment agency, said he…

Changing the world through dialogue

This content was published on Jan 25, 2004 As the World Social Forum (WSF) drew to a close in Mumbai, swissinfo met the Protestant theologian and resident of canton Vaud, Shafique Keshavjee. Shafique Keshavjee is originally from India and currently works at a centre for inter-religious dialogue in Lausanne. He has recently written a novel, called “The Princess and the Prophet”, set in…

St Moritz celebrates electrifying pioneer

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 The installation of the primitive arc lamps to illuminate the dining room is one of several pioneering achievements associated with the hotel and its founder. Christmas lights frame the Greek columns at the entrance to the Kulm Hotel, which sits on the crest of the hill rising up from the resort. To the west are…

Brain technology offers hope to disabled

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 Researchers in Switzerland are developing cutting-edge technology that uses human brainwaves to tell computers what to do. Scientists at the Dalle Molle Institute for Perceptual Artificial Intelligence (Idiap) in canton Valais have been experimenting with ways of harnessing brainwaves via electrodes to send simple commands to a computer. According to director Jean-Albert Ferrez, the institute…

WEF opponents can’t agree to disagree

This content was published on Jan 20, 2004 Criticism of the gathering remains as intense as ever, but protest groups are struggling to find common ground. On the face of it, it would appear that the WEF has scored a victory against its opponents: the vast meeting in the ski resort of Davos will this year not be accompanied by the usual organised…

New atlas plots Swiss political landscape

This content was published on Jan 13, 2004 A new atlas illustrating Switzerland’s political landscape plots the main demarcation lines in the country. In recent decades, geography has extended its scope. Instead of simply studying and describing natural features such as mountains, lakes and rivers, geographers now increasingly focus their attention on the relationship between people and their environment. This trend has produced…

Scientists say extreme weather is here to stay

This content was published on Jan 12, 2004 Meteorologists said the high winds buffeting Switzerland and parts of Europe on Monday were not linked to the same phenomena. Last summer’s record temperatures were considered by many scientists to be further evidence of global warming. A Swiss study – published in the science journal “Nature” – points to similar extreme weather patterns becoming more…

Tunnels unveil hidden treasures

This content was published on Jan 12, 2004 Scientists say the discoveries could help boost understanding of conditions in the Alps millions of years ago. The tunnel is the second to be built through the Lötschberg in western Switzerland and forms part of a transalpine rail link between Germany and Italy. Work on the tunnel has involved boring deep into the earth, which…

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Archive – Science

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Swiss plan new mission to Mars

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Panel wants better controls on human experiments

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Government clears way for timber industry

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Changing the world through dialogue

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St Moritz celebrates electrifying pioneer

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Brain technology offers hope to disabled

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WEF opponents can’t agree to disagree

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New atlas plots Swiss political landscape

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Scientists say extreme weather is here to stay

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Tunnels unveil hidden treasures

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