Science
Researchers at Empa have developed a plastic fibre that gradually releases insecticide, potentially allowing mosquito nets to use compounds that are difficult to incorporate with existing production methods. The work aims to address growing resistance to the insecticides commonly used against malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
1 min read
Zurich
Energy
Swiss Abroad
Poverty
Wildlife
Culture
Transport
Climate
Business
Immigration
Labour
United Nations
The race to choose the next UN secretary-general is facing criticism over its lack of transparency as the organisation confronts financial and political pressures. The selection process is especially relevant to Geneva, a major centre for UN activity and diplomacy.
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Environment
A report presented on Tuesday calls for Swiss and French authorities to work more closely on managing water around Geneva, Ain and Haute-Savoie. Its authors argue that floods and droughts require cooperation across national borders.
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Health
A University of Zurich team has identified a biomarker that can indicate exposure to GHB after the drug itself is no longer detectable. The finding could extend the window for investigating suspected drink-spiking cases, where testing needs to happen quickly.
1 min read
Electric vehicles
New registrations of electric cars in Switzerland rose 59% year on year in October, while registrations of petrol and diesel cars fell. The figures from the Federal Statistical Office show the continued shift in the country’s new-vehicle market.
1 min read
Basel
A male Indian rhinoceros calf has been born at Basel Zoo, the 39th Indian rhino born there since the zoo recorded the world’s first captive birth of the species in 1956. The calf, Xshama, is the second for his mother, Shakti.
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Family
Pro Juventute is testing an AI assistant that will let parents ask questions through WhatsApp in their own language, around the clock. The service is due to roll out gradually from next year, with specialists available when personalised advice is needed.
1 min read
Fribourg
The Swiss People’s Party won the largest share of the vote in Fribourg’s cantonal parliamentary election, with 22.2%, narrowly ahead of The Centre. The party gained about five percentage points, while the Greens and Radical-Liberals lost ground.
1 min read
Swiss Abroad
The Swiss People’s Party has floated cuts to pensions paid to Swiss citizens abroad, including possible changes to the 13th monthly pension. The proposals have drawn concern from Swiss pensioners living overseas as the party approaches the 2027 federal elections.
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