Storys aus Bern -

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

It's the idea that counts: Spark supports original research projects

Bern (ots) - The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is closing a gap in its research funding portfolio: its new funding scheme Spark focuses on promising or daring ideas that would otherwise fall between the cracks. With Spark, the SNSF aims to widen the existing range of scientific methods, theories and ideas. Grant holders are able to implement original ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Daily doses of vitamin D are unreachable during Swiss winter

Bern (ots) - A study funded by the SNSF shows that in winter, weak sunlight prevents the Swiss population from producing sufficient levels of vitamin D. Too much sun increases the risk of skin cancer. But moderate exposure is required to produce vitamin D. This substance is essential for bone health and may also play a role in preventing respiratory infections, autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancer. A new study ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Building-integrated photovoltaics: aesthetic, efficient and widely accepted

Bern (ots) - Within the scope of National Research Programme"Energy Turnaround" (NRP 70), researchers studied photovoltaic systems integrated into the roofs and façades (BIPV) of existing buildings from the point of view of aesthetic, ecological and economic criteria. Their findings: all developers and architects could use this technology for the renovation of ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

The SNSF funds 2000 international projects and fellowships abroad

Bern (ots) - Switzerland is among the frontrunners in global science also thanks to its strong outreach in Europe and the world. With its research funding schemes, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) again made a strong contribution to international collaboration in 2018. When Daniel Kienzler returned to Switzerland from his research stay in Boulder, Colorado, he was carrying a rucksack full of ideas. "As a ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Photography: A fresh look at science

Bern (ots) - The 457 entries submitted to the third SNSF Scientific Image Competition jury are online. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at research through stunning images and intriguing videos. The international jury awarded prizes to 15 entries that will be exhibited at the Biel/Bienne Festival of Photography. Now in its third edition, the SNSF Scientific Image Competition has collected more than 1200 photographs and ...

European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA)

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EANA discusses disinformation during Berlin Conference

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

The deep Southern Ocean is key to more intense ice ages

Bern (ots) - Over the last million years, ice ages have intensified and lengthened. According to a study supported by the SNFS, this previously unexplained climate transition coincides with a diminution of the mixing between deep and surface waters in the Southern Ocean. The study confirms that the Antarctic region plays a crucial role during periods of climate change. An analysis of marine sediments collected at a depth ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Small and medium-sized towns are surprisingly innovative

Bern (ots) - Small and medium-sized towns are increasingly appearing on the radar of policy makers all over Europe. Findings from a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation on the role and significance of these towns in Switzerland show that national policy and planning overlook their potential. For a long time, policy and research on urban development have primarily focused on large cities. Now, an ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Dying in Switzerland - a review of current developments

Bern (ots) - All of us die - but the question is how? Today we have a greater say in the way our lives end than ever before. Nevertheless, most people do not die where they would like to. The book "Das Lebensende in der Schweiz" (End of life in Switzerland) reflects on what is currently known about dying in Switzerland. As a conclusion: palliative care needs to be strengthened, but there are still limits to the extent to ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Young adults caught in a dilemma between traditional family models and modern views

Bern (ots) - A study funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation has found that even young adults who do not yet have children are influenced by traditional concepts of family. At the same time, they have modern views of equality, career engagement and childcare. The result is a dilemma that affects not only young women, but also young men early in adulthood. ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Speeding up genetic diagnosis of Huntington's disease

Bern (ots) - Elongated segments of DNA cause Huntington's disease and certain other disorders of the brain. Researchers funded by the SNSF have developed a method to determine the length of the mutated genes quickly and easily. People with Huntington's disease suffer from jerky body movements and decreasing mental abilities. The condition usually leads to death 15-20 years after diagnosis. The cause of the disease is a ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Preserving soil quality in the long term

Bern (ots) - Spatial planning tools, agriculture and forestry that suit local conditions, nationwide soil mapping, and a more committed and coherent soil policy are the cornerstones of the measures put forward by the National Research Programme "Sustainable Use of Soil as a Resource" (NRP 68) to safeguard soil quality in Switzerland in the long term. By virtue of its properties, soil fulfils a wide variety of functions. ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Improving hydropower through long-range drought forecasts

Bern (ots) - Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) have developed a complex hydrological model for forecasting dry spells lasting several weeks with high spatial resolution. These predictions make it possible, for example, to operate hydropower plants more profitably. Changing climatic conditions pose extra challenges for hydropower plant operators. As part of the ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

SNSF image competition 2019: Participate and share unexpected insights into science

Bern (ots) - Following the success of the first two editions, the Swiss National Science Foundation has decided to stage its competition for images and short videos from the world of science for a third time. The best entries will be showcased in various exhibitions and via social media. The over 800 entries in 2017 and 2018, and the enthusiasm generated among the ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

How to certify a quantum computer

Bern (ots) - SNSF-funded researchers have developed a protocol for checking that quantum computer components function as they should. That's a critical step in making the promise of quantum computing - including unprecedented computing power - a reality. Quantum computers are being developed by teams working not only at universities but also at Google, IBM, Microsoft and D-Wave, a start-up company. And things are evolving quickly, says Nicolas Sangouard, SNSF Professor at ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Latsis Prize 2018: Andrea Ablasser unlocks the secret of rapid virus defence

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Innovations in ultrasound imaging improve breast cancer detection

Bern (ots) - A new ultrasound technique can help distinguish benign breast tumours from malignant ones. The technology was developed with support from the Swiss National Science Foundation. Ultrasound is one of the three main technologies used in medical imaging. It is more compact and affordable than nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, and safer than x-rays. But the images it produces are often difficult ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Research into new audio experience resonates at Tinguely Museum in Basel

Bern (ots) - Research into new audio experience resonates at Tinguely Museum in Basel A project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation is investigating the audio phenomena and sound culture associated with radio. As part of this work, an algorithm has been developed to search radio archives using sound-based criteria. Visitors to the "Radiophonic Spaces" ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Tax incentives reduce energy consumption - if effectively implemented

Bern (ots) - By studying the effects of Basel's electricity levy, researchers at the University of Lucerne investigated how tax incentives work in practice and how their impact on energy consumption could be increased. The National Council and the Council of States decided not to debate the proposals of the Federal Council on the second phase of the Energy Strategy ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Marie Heim-Vögtlin Prize 2018: Sara Montagner discovers the epigenetic secrets of mast cells

Bern (ots) - Epigenetic modifications of our DNA are a key aspect of the normal functioning of mast cells, which play an important role in immune reactions. Biologist Sara Montagner was able to demonstrate this in her work. She will receive this year's Marie Heim-Vögtlin Prize from the SNSF at the award ceremony in Bellinzona on 29 November 2018. Mast cells are white ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Melting glaciers have a limited impact on Swiss hydropower production

Bern (ots) - A new study quantifies the effect of glacier retreat due to global warming on hydropower production. This detailed analysis of all Swiss water resources shows that only a small percentage is provided by glacier meltwater. Consequently, the reduction of these waters predicted for the end of the 21st century poses no threat to Swiss hydropower production. ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Eating less is healthy thanks to gut bacteria

Bern (ots) - Mice with a lower calorie intake live longer and are both healthier and leaner. A team of researchers funded by the SNSF may have found the reason for this positive effect: much of it is down to gut microbial communities and how they affect the immune system. The researchers also found compounds that mimic caloric restriction and may transform obesity treatments. Reducing the intake of calories by up to 40% ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

A novel antibiotic from weeds

Researchers working on an SNSF project have discovered novel, antibiotically active chemical substances in a previously rarely explored site: the leaf of a common field weed. The just published findings show that this microcosm contains many still unknown natural products that could lead to new drugs. Many of the antibiotics used today were developed from natural products made by ...

Schweizerischer Nationalfonds / Fonds national suisse

Drones survey African wildlife

In collaboration with a nature reserve in Namibia, researchers funded by the SNSF are developing a new approach to counting animals: combining drone flights and automated image analysis. A new technique developed by Swiss researchers enables fast and accurate counting of gnu, oryx and other large mammals living in wildlife reserves. Drones are used to remotely photograph wilderness ...