Mouth Matters. (01/2025)

It talks, sings, eats, kisses, and laughs. We rarely give it much thought — except, perhaps, when we visit the dentist. In this issue, we give the mouth the spotlight it deserves.

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  Research

  Girls are better at languages, boys are better at math — true or false?

  Text: Jana Lindner / The cliché holds that girls have an affinity for languages, boys for technology. Parents and teachers can help to prevent this becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.

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  In conversation

  Joint research efforts to fight the next epidemic.

  Interview*: Angelika Jacobs / Emma Hodcroft is investigating how our coexistence with viruses changes both us and the pathogens. In terms of diseases such as bird flu and Ebola, she is concerned about the USA and the slashing of science and development aid under the current administration.

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  Portrait

  Inspired by the intangible.

  Text: Irène Dietschi / Despite just two years of physics at high school, Andrea Hofmann chose to study the subject in Zurich. Today, she develops qubits with her research group in Basel.

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  Research

  Where chemistry meets medicine.

  Text: Elizaveta Maksimova, chemist / Even as a child, Elizaveta Maksimova wanted to do something with medicine — today she is developing nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy.

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  Opinion

  Why do we need animal testing, Ms Barkat?

  Text: Tania Rinaldi Barkat, neuroscientist /

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  Opinion

  Why do we need animal testing, Mr Müller?

  Text: Nico Müller, philosopher /

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  In pictures

  Coins for the gods.

  Text: Noëmi Kern / The Septimer Pass in the canton of Graubünden has long been an important Alpine crossing. Archaeological artifacts such as coins bear witness to this.

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    Research

    E-bikes instead of cars.

    Text: Barbara Spycher / Faster than a bicycle, more environmentally friendly than a car: e-bikes offer numerous advantages. What exactly persuades people to switch from four wheels to two?

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  Research

  How love shapes us.

  Text: Noëmi Kern / Relationships play a key role in our lives. A study by Basel psychologists shows how partnerships and personalities are interconnected.

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  Research

  What the eyes reveal about the heart.

  Text: Adrian Ritter / By examining the blood vessels of the eye, we can assess the health of vessels throughout the body. This method was developed in large part by researchers at the University of Basel. Now, it’s making its way into clinical applications.

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  Research

  Bringing expertise to politics.

  Text: Urs Hafner / Researchers can contribute much to government-commissioned political advisory committees — if they are allowed to do so. Monika Pfaffinger and Laurent Goetschel share their contrasting experiences.

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  Alumni

  The nuances of legal language.

  Interview: Marion Maurer / Karin Scherrer Reber studied law at the University of Basel. She was appointed as a federal judge in 2022 – a career development that was not necessarily planned.

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  Alumni

  The trailblazer.

  Text: Marion Maurer / Mahnaz Parian-Scherb works at Roche, researching possible applications of artificial intelligence. She also mentors students and helps them to find their own path.