Archive – Science

Zurich’s disabled to get sexual relief

This content was published on Apr 8, 2003 The organisation behind the scheme says the sexual rights of disabled people are currently being overlooked. “There is a very big demand for this,” says Angela Fürer, director of the Zurich branch of the social welfare organisation Pro Infirmis. “We have been hearing about the problem for years, both from disabled people and from those…

Swiss biologist wins leading US award

This content was published on Apr 4, 2003 Dr Hans Rudolph Herren shares the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, which comes with a $200,000 cheque, for his work on pest control. Herren, who is Director of the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Nairobi, Kenya, was awarded the prize along with two other renowned scientists, Sir Richard Doll of Oxford University…

Swiss nuclear stations certified terrorism-proof

This content was published on Apr 3, 2003 A sweeping review of the country’s four nuclear sites, launched after the attacks of September 11, says the risk of radioactive contamination following a plane crash is minimal. The Federal Nuclear Inspectorate, which conducted the study, ranked Switzerland’s power plants among the safest in the world. “The findings were very positive,” Ulrich Schmocker, the Inspectorate’s…

FAMARA: Toubab Man

This content was published on Apr 3, 2003

Lausanne’s Technology Institute aims for the top

This content was published on Mar 31, 2003 swissinfo spoke to its president, Patrick Aebischer, who aims to make the institute one of the best technical universities in the world. The Swiss President, Pascal Couchepin, and the French Minister for Research, Claudie Haigneré, attended the celebration. Haigneré was awarded an honorary degree from the institute. While Aebischer might reject the charge that he…

Overeating linked to genes

This content was published on Mar 24, 2003 A Swiss-led study has shown that a gene may be partly responsible for the disorder and that it is not simply a question of self-control. “Willpower is not always important to reduce weight,” said Fritz Horber, the leader of the study at the Hirslanden Clinic in Zurich. “Some people can get by with willpower; some…

Nano solar and other world-changing Swiss tech

This content was published on Mar 23, 2003 Mechatronics, nano solar cells, and quantum cryptography are the areas where Switzerland’s leading edge is cited. Each year, the journal tries to identify new technologies that “could transform industries that are fundamental to daily life”, including computing, medicine, manufacturing, transportation and energy. It is an influential publication, read “assiduously” by “inventors and their bankrollers”, according…

Fall of Mayan cities blamed on severe droughts

This content was published on Mar 14, 2003 Scientists have long been baffled by the demise of the Maya, who flourished in present-day Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras until about 1,200 years ago. But analysis of sediment extracted off the northern Venezuelan coast suggests they may have been devastated by severe droughts lasting between three and nine years. One of the study’s authors, Gerald…

Sparkling Water

This content was published on Mar 13, 2003 What is more calming than the sight of a lake – or more energising than a big waterfall – or more refreshing than a cool ocean in summer? For centuries, humanity has treasured springs, rivers and lakes as a source of recreation and relaxation. For Switzerland, water remains a key element in the country’s tourism…

Water Matters

This content was published on Mar 13, 2003 Water has long been valued as a key resource. Whether it is big firms specialising in the sale of bottled mineral water, or government-owned hydro-electricity companies, the potential profits are huge. But the key question remains – who owns the world’s water supplies and how should they be managed? The debate has only just begun,…

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Archive – Science

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Zurich’s disabled to get sexual relief

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Swiss biologist wins leading US award

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Swiss nuclear stations certified terrorism-proof

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FAMARA: Toubab Man

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Lausanne’s Technology Institute aims for the top

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Overeating linked to genes

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Nano solar and other world-changing Swiss tech

More

Fall of Mayan cities blamed on severe droughts

More

Sparkling Water

More

Water Matters

Popular Stories

Most Discussed