Claudia Aufdermauer07.07.2026Around 1860, arsenic was widely known as a poison used in murder cases. Nevertheless, the authorities in Basel were initially oblivious to the potential dangers emanating from its use in dye production. The cantonal chemist alone recognised that the industrial use of the ‘King of Poisons’ could have unintended consequences for both people and the environment.
Thomas Weibel02.07.2026Ticino’s Blenio Valley is home to a series of fortified cliff dwellings known as the ‘case dei pagani’ or ‘pagan houses’. These near-inaccessible ruins are the setting of many scary stories and continue to puzzle researchers to this day.
Marilyn Umurungi18.06.2026Bernese chemist Gertrud Woker was one of the first women in Europe to research the deadly effect of poison gases. She campaigned throughout her life to prevent the results of her research being used on the battlefield. An object of admiration and derision, Gertrud Woker was ahead of her time.
Reto Bleuer23.04.2026In the spring of 1972, a 45-metre high drilling rig was erected at the foot of the Kurzenberg hill, amid cows grazing in green pastures. Its drill head penetrated kilometres deep into the layers of rock – in search of ‘black gold’.
Felix Frey02.04.2026Between 1888 and 1952, the Federal Office of Topography produced secret, large-scale maps of Switzerland’s fortified areas. Based on work carried out under the most challenging conditions, these provide a fascinating insight into a hidden mountain world.
Barbara Basting19.03.2026Johann Jacob Diesbach was trying to develop a red lacquer. However, to his surprise, he came up with a vibrant blue. This is the story of a Berlin-based Swiss inventor.
Franziska Rogger12.03.2026A landlady from Bern asked for Albert Einstein’s help in taking action against an ex-tenant who had not paid rent. The prominent scientist did not rest until justice was done.
