UNI NOVA – Research Magazine of the University of Basel

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  Dossier

  When the virus returns.

  Text: Ori Schipper / Immunological memory is based on complex interactions between different types of cells, and the process involves thousands of genes. Two perspectives on a fascinating phenomenon with which scientists are still struggling to come to grips.

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  Dossier

  Risky surgeries.

  Text: Sabine Goldhahn / Surgical interventions alleviate suffering and can save lives. For older patients in particular, however, operations are sometimes followed by memory problems. A research group at the University of Basel is studying this phenomenon in the hope of finding ways to keep the symptoms at bay.

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  Dossier

  No statute of limitations on serious crimes.

  Interview: Christoph Dieffenbacher / Time is a key factor when investigating and sentencing serious crimes. An interview with criminal law expert Professor Christopher Geth about statutes of limitations and on forgetting in the justice system.

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  Dossier

  Can memory be shared?

  Text: Samuel Schlaefli / We often hear about a society’s “collective memory”. It is a concept that doesn’t sit well with Basel historian Erik Petry, who enjoys confronting conventional wisdom on the subject – and invokes Jewish history to make his point.

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  Dossier

  Catching memory loss before it’s too late.

  Text: Yvonne Vahlensieck / The earlier dementia is diagnosed, the more can be done about it. A research team in Basel is working to identify the very first signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

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  Opinion

  Can Switzerland beat COVID-19, Jürg Utzinger?

  Text: Jürg Utzinger / Assessing the country’s handling of the pandemic so far – from an epidemiologic and an economic perspective.

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  Opinion

  Can Switzerland beat COVID-19, Sarah Lein?

  Text: Sarah Lein / Assessing the country’s handling of the pandemic so far – from an epidemiologic and an economic perspective.

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  In pictures

  The papyri code.

  Text: Angelika Jacobs / Using digital methods, Isabelle Marthot-Santaniello and her team are trying to reassemble fragments of ancient papyri.

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  Portrait

  Standing the test.

  Text: Irène Dietschi / Immunologist Georg Holländer is a researcher through and through; he is considered a visionary and an inspiration. Professor Holländer is Director of the Botnar Research Centre for Child Health in Basel. It was not always certain that he would be able to take on this role.