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Geneva astronomers spot superhot planets

This content was published on Sep 28, 2006 The pair – named Wasp-1b and Wasp-2b – were discovered using a new technique that spots planets as they move in front of their parent stars. The planets are the first to be found during the British-led SuperWasp (Wide Angle search for Planets) programme, which repeatedly surveys millions of stars looking for tiny dips in…

Alpine regions show potential but are at risk

This content was published on Sep 28, 2006 Researchers are therefore asking for open debate on whether some of the remoter areas should face up to inhabitants leaving them completely. The findings come from a national research programme of the Swiss National Science Foundation entitled “Landscapes and Habitats of the Alps” published on Thursday. The programme, which has been looking into how to…

“Give me your tired, your poor…”

This content was published on Sep 28, 2006 In the United States, illegal immigration arouses equally strong passions. But based on the little we know, immigration is a good thing. Perhaps the benefits need to be sold better. Whatever the administrative rationale of the government to streamline procedures – even at the expense of fairness – the Swiss people’s support for more restrictive…

Government defends countrywide child benefit

This content was published on Sep 28, 2006 Couchepin said on Thursday that it was time to do away with the 26 cantonal systems in favour of a unified benefit that would be more transparent and less confusing. “At a time when both parents work and often in different cantons, we have to sort out this problem,” he told a news conference in…

Geneva joins race for stem cell breakthrough

This content was published on Sep 28, 2006 Based at a laboratory at the city’s University Hospital, the team face fierce competition from rivals in Europe and the United States. The laboratory, which officially opened on Wednesday, will be run by researchers Anis Feki and Marisa Jaconi, the first person in Switzerland to carry out research with human embryonic stem cells. “The aim…

Swiss bourse breaks record

This content was published on Sep 28, 2006 Investors are optimistic, with oil prices falling and the economic outlook for Switzerland and the eurozone expected to be good for at least another two years. Mirroring the efforts of other European bourses, the index rose above 8,413 points on Wednesday – driven by shares in the pharmaceutical and insurance sectors. The SMI has gained…

Leuthard sets out her economic priorities

This content was published on Sep 27, 2006 But she warned at a news conference in the Graubünden resort of Laax on Wednesday that to achieve that goal reforms were essential. Leuthard, who has been in office for 58 days, said she wanted to bring prices down and liberate the economy from unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. She broke tradition by not waiting for the…

Charity supermarket exposes Zurich’s wealth gap

This content was published on Sep 27, 2006 Catholic charity Caritas estimates that 20,000 locals living below the poverty line could benefit from the shop that sells groceries at up to 30 per cent cheaper than high street stores. The supermarket, which opened in the northern district of Oerlikon in July, challenges Zurich’s image as a well-heeled city of banks and luxury shops,…

Cantons step up anti-smog campaign

This content was published on Sep 26, 2006 The wide-ranging plan foresees reducing motorway speed limits and banning wood fires at peak pollution times but also calls for more government support to help tackle the causes of smog. Many urban centres in Switzerland regularly suffer above-average levels of fine particle smog and high ozone levels in both winter and summer, leading to health…

Swiss top global competitiveness rankings

This content was published on Sep 26, 2006 It is the first time that the Swiss have taken the top spot in the WEF’s annual Global Competitiveness Report, which was published on Tuesday. “Switzerland’s top ranking reflects a combination of a world-class capacity for innovation and the presence of a highly sophisticated business culture,” said Augusto Lopez-Claros, chief economist of the WEF, in…

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Geneva astronomers spot superhot planets

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Alpine regions show potential but are at risk

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“Give me your tired, your poor…”

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Government defends countrywide child benefit

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Geneva joins race for stem cell breakthrough

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Swiss bourse breaks record

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Leuthard sets out her economic priorities

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Charity supermarket exposes Zurich’s wealth gap

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Cantons step up anti-smog campaign

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Swiss top global competitiveness rankings

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