UNI NOVA – Research Magazine of the University of Basel

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  In pictures

  A forest without rain.

  Text: Angelika Jacobs / In woodland in Hölstein (Canton of Basel-Landschaft), Ansgar Kahmen’s team studies how trees cope with climate change. A visit to the forest lab.

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  Portrait

  The pioneer.

  Text: Yvonne Vahlensieck / Curiosity is the driving force in Maria Hondele's life. In her research, the biochemist is exploring new frontiers in the field of cell biology.

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  Opinion

  Exploitation of natural resources – a medieval idea?

  Text: Karsten Engel / According to the Bible, human beings are special. Does that, however, give us the right to exploit our planet? Magnus Hundt was grappling with this question back in the late Middle Ages. This is what we can learn from his opinions.

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  Research

  Extinguishing fires in the brain.

  Text: Ori Schipper / People researching puzzling diseases such as multiple sclerosis are constantly making unexpected discoveries, such as immune cells from the intestine that migrate to the brain – where they relieve inflammation.

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  Research

  The diary of Anna Maria.

  Text: Christoph Dieffenbacher / Two-hundred years ago, society was more heavily influenced by illness and death than it is today. One lady of Basel's elite "Daig" milieu recorded her thoughts on health, aging and death in private writings.

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  Research

  Protecting sensitive data, providing valuable insights.

  Text: Tim Schröder / Medical details are strictly confidential. However, analysis of this information can reveal complex interrelations and therefore help patients. Led by medical ethicist Bernice Elger, an interdisciplinary team is looking at how this valuable information can be used safely and sagely in the future.

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  Alumni

  Education rather than blind activism.

  Interview: Davina Benkert / Bettina Huber advocates for a world without the exploitation of animals. Her aim is, among other things, to foster greater awareness of how the state influences food production in Switzerland.

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  Alumni

  Bureaucracy, our constant companion.

  Text: Jonas Bischoff /

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  Literature as a school of feeling.

  Text: Alfred Bodenheimer / My book: During the Corona pandemic, Alfred Bodenheimer read the novel "Nemesis," which is set at the time of a polio epidemic. He thus followed twice how people behave in such an exceptional situation.