Crystals of a particular quality could efficiently absorb radioactive iodine, waste of the commercial use of nuclear energy, to the benefit of the environment. A research team at Berne University proved that crystals, so-called organic zeoliths, have the extraordinary capacity of building iodine into their structure. Molecules in these zeoliths are linked in a grid-like structure, with built-in hollow spaces. In the framework of the National Research Programme "Supramolecular Functional Materials" (NRP 47) the team headed by Jürg Hulliger also looks at other qualities and possible uses for zeoliths of such molecular structure, in particular with a view to the development of nano-size electronic components.
Two vine diseases are making life hard for winegrowers throughout the world: esca and eutypa dieback. These two fungal diseases seem to be spreading in Switzerland too. Researchers in the National Centre of Competence in Research "Plant Survival in Natural and Agricultural Ecosystems" are looking for ways of protecting vines from infection. Chemists at the University of Neuchâtel are analysing the toxins produced by the fungi and trying to find fungicides that will effectively destroy the parasites. Plant-disease specialists at the ETH Zurich are researching antagonists to neutralize the toxins. Esca and eutypa dieback are a major problem in many countries, including France, Italy and South Africa. Very little is known about the situation in Switzerland. Olivier Viret from the Swiss Federal Research Station for Plant Production at Changins near Nyon has therefore recently started an investigation. So far he has found infected vines in about half the vineyards that have been inspected.
