Archive – Science

Playing for children’s lives in Cambodia

This content was published on May 30, 2003 Paediatrician Beat Richner uses his passion for music to raise funds for the three children’s hospitals that he has set up in Cambodia. Twice a year, he travels from the capital, Phnom Penh, to Switzerland to perform, inform and raise money. At his free concerts, the man – affectionately known by his stage name Beatocello…

Social unrest in France upsets G-8 protests

This content was published on May 29, 2003 But organisers warn that widespread protests in France over proposed pension reforms are likely to keep many demonstrators away. “The protests are going to be much smaller than we hoped because the French unions are thick in the battle against the destruction of their country’s retirement plans,” said anti-summit organiser, Olivier de Marcellus. “We’re certainly…

Swiss students offer hope to landmine victims

This content was published on May 24, 2003 The new design – suitable for both adults and children – is lighter than existing prostheses, making it easier for victims to walk. The artificial limb project is the brainchild of Johan Müller, dean of the Mechanical Engineering Faculty at the University of Applied Sciences in Aargau. Müller – who came up with the idea…

Theme park investigates mysteries of the world

This content was published on May 24, 2003 Housed in replica pyramids, Indian temples and golden planets, “Mysteries of the World” showcases past cultures and their possible contact with extraterrestrials. Von Däniken’s books, including “Chariots of the Gods”, argue that knowledge gained through contact with aliens enabled the ancient Egyptians, for example, to construct their giant pyramids. However, the author told swissinfo: “This…

New York festival offers fresh view of Switzerland

This content was published on May 23, 2003 Organisers have described swisspeaks as “a real success story”, saying it has altered perceptions of the alpine nation in the United States. However, out on the streets of the Big Apple swissinfo found that attitudes towards Switzerland had not changed a great deal. Asked what images Switzerland brought to mind, people spoke of mountains, chocolate,…

Switzerland contributes to Algerian rescue efforts

This content was published on May 22, 2003 A 90-strong Swiss rescue team arrived in Algiers on Thursday. Their mission is to support local rescuers trying to free those trapped under the rubble. The Swiss government set up a crisis committee on Wednesday night after the extent of the catastrophe in northern Algeria became apparent. The earthquake – Algeria’s deadliest in years –…

Growing threat to plant and animal life

This content was published on May 22, 2003 The number of plants and animals on the Red List of Threatened Species has risen in the last ten years. Meanwhile, more and more land is being swallowed up for development. “If you compare the situation in Switzerland with other countries in Europe, there is a higher percentage of species on the Red List,” said…

Swiss boost for European space programme

This content was published on May 21, 2003 The government announced on Wednesday that it would raise its contribution to the agency to SFr133 million ($103 million) by 2006. The announcement comes ahead of an ESA conference due to take place next week in Paris, where Switzerland is expected to reaffirm its commitment to space research. A key aim of the meeting is…

Roche collaborates on new malaria drug

This content was published on May 20, 2003 The novel partnership with New Delhi-based Ranbaxy Laboratories should ensure the rapid development of the synthetic drug. Geneva-based Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) helped secure the unconventional partnership which could serve as a model for fighting diseases in developing countries. “Ranbaxy will ensure cost-effective further development and delivery of this potential new anti-malaria medicine,” René…

Saving the Alps

This content was published on May 19, 2003 Delegates are aiming to draft measures to protect the Alps – which stretch from France to Austria – from natural disasters such as flooding and mudslides. The Swiss meteorological service, MeteoSwiss, and the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science in Zurich have organised two parallel conferences on Alpine weather patterns. The International Conference on Alpine…

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Playing for children’s lives in Cambodia

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Social unrest in France upsets G-8 protests

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Swiss students offer hope to landmine victims

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Theme park investigates mysteries of the world

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New York festival offers fresh view of Switzerland

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Switzerland contributes to Algerian rescue efforts

More

Growing threat to plant and animal life

More

Swiss boost for European space programme

More

Roche collaborates on new malaria drug

More

Saving the Alps

Popular Stories

Most Discussed