Archive – Science

1,000 women to be nominated for peace prize

This content was published on Sep 1, 2003 Those behind the Swiss-backed initiative are drawing up a list of names to be submitted to the Nobel committee next year. Swiss parliamentarian Ruth-Gaby Vermot-Mangold is president of the 1,000 Women for the Nobel Prize 2005 Foundation. She says the idea came to her while she was touring developing countries in her capacity as a…

Plant and animal collections go online

This content was published on Aug 31, 2003 They hope to find out exactly what natural history objects are stored in museums, botanical gardens and herbariums around the country. The mammoth task requires about SFr20 million ($15 million) to get off the ground and an unprecedented level of coordination between hundreds of different collections. The major challenge is that the number of type…

Swiss NGOs criticise WTO drug agreement

This content was published on Aug 30, 2003 They claim that the accord – agreed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva on Saturday – contains reams of red tape which will stop drugs reaching those in need. The agreement sets out conditions under which patents can be waived to allow developing countries to import cheap generic drugs to fight critical diseases…

Critical patriots

This content was published on Aug 30, 2003 Around 600,000 Swiss already live abroad and 20 of them are portrayed in a new book. “I wouldn’t describe myself as a patriot. But when I hear the national anthem in the embassy on Swiss national day, I feel a tightening in my throat and have to hold back my tears.” Irma Mishellany-Isenegger has been…

Swiss firms fail to take up HIV challenge

This content was published on Aug 29, 2003 The size of the struggle ahead is clear: of the 700 firms asked to participate in the scheme, less than 30 have said yes. The idea behind www.workpositive.ch is so that people can see which firms support the employment of HIV sufferers, while those looking for jobs can advertise their skills. “We want to make…

The red planet comes closer

This content was published on Aug 27, 2003 Stargazers in Switzerland were hoping for a clear sighting of the red planet, which is now the brightest object in the night sky apart from the Moon. Earth and Mars move at different speeds around the Sun. At present the Sun is on one side of Earth and Mars is on the other. For astronomers…

Biotech congress looks to the future

This content was published on Aug 27, 2003 The warning came as 1,500 researchers gathered in Basel to mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of the European Federation of Biotechnology in Interlaken. Scientists are generally agreed that European biotech has huge prospects, but a number of prerequisites must be met if that potential is to be realised. “It is vitally important that…

Circus comedian reveals comic side to the Swiss

This content was published on Aug 24, 2003 He told swissinfo it is a key element of his performance as guest of honour at the Swiss National Circus Knie, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. The Italian-born cabaret artist and comedian has been nicknamed “the poet of laughter” for his comical look at everyday life in Switzerland. swissinfo: What’s the difference…

Heat saps Swiss forests

This content was published on Aug 21, 2003 The leaves on thousands of trees are already changing colour and dying, something which should not happen for another two months. Forestry workers say the early autumn is the trees’ way of coping with lack of water, and might help them survive the unusual heat. But the trees are left in a weakened condition, and…

Psychologist surprised by condition of hostages

This content was published on Aug 20, 2003 Markus Gurt accompanied the hostages during their flight home from Mali, where they were set free on Monday afternoon. “I was able to speak to each of the former hostages for about an hour,” Gurt told swissinfo. “I was surprised by the good condition they were in. “When you think about what they’ve experienced, they…

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Archive – Science

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1,000 women to be nominated for peace prize

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Plant and animal collections go online

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Swiss NGOs criticise WTO drug agreement

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Critical patriots

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Swiss firms fail to take up HIV challenge

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The red planet comes closer

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Biotech congress looks to the future

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Circus comedian reveals comic side to the Swiss

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Heat saps Swiss forests

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Psychologist surprised by condition of hostages

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