Rome/Vatican [ENA] Pope Francis' speech at COP28 in Dubai was delivered by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. In his speech the Pontiff appealed to the leaders of the world to overcome "divisions" in order to proceed with common action against the devastation of Creation, an "offense against God", and to curb "delusions of omnipotence" and "greed without limits": “The hour is urgent. History will be grateful to you."   [Full story...]

Bern [ENA] Hospital germs and pathogens are not always transmitted directly from person to person. They can also spread via germ-contaminated surfaces and objects. Empa researchers, together with the chemical company BASF, Spiez Laboratory and the Technical University of Berlin, have now developed coated textiles that inhibit or even kill pathogens. They could be used as antimicrobial curtains in hospitals in the future.   [Full story...]