Light and Dark. (02/2024)
The alternation of light and darkness shapes our lives. A panoramic view from music at midnight to saving our eyesight.
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DossierSounds after sunset.
Text: Noëmi Kern / In pre-industrial times, music was played not only in the hours of daylight; in the middle of the night, people even took up their instruments to play. How sleep habits have influenced music.
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DossierThe sun vitamin.
Text: Ori Schipper / Most of the Swiss population have seasonally low levels of vitamin D. Researchers at the University of Basel studied drops, tablets and capsules to work out the best way of raising those levels.
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DossierDazzling darkness.
Text: Barbara Spycher / Whether we’re sleeping, partying or getting up to mischief, night defies the rules of day and creates space for the unexpected.
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In conversation“Almost 40% of nursing staff leave the profession.”
Interview: Christian Heuss / Staff shortages and poor working conditions in the healthcare sector are the subject of constant discussion. Nursing scientist Michael Simon explains where the system needs improvements, why academization is not a problem, and how nursing robots could help.
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PortraitA tenacious researcher.
Text: Irène Dietschi / Mirjam Christ-Crain is setting new standards. Her motto? “Never give up.” The endocrinologist is even making advances in fields beyond her own – and always for the benefit of patients.
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AlumniHooked on politics.
Text: Marion Maurer / In his youth, An Lac Truong Dinh memorized the names of Switzerland’s parliament members. Today, the Basel alumnus works as a political advisor to Swiss Federal Council member Elisabeth Baume-Schneider.
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Alumni“I wish we were braver as a Church.”
Interview: AlumniBasel* / Priscilla Schwendimann came to Basel to study theology. Today, as a pastor in the Reformed Church, she advocates for joyful and empowering faith.