Zurich project to replace asphalt with trees; MPs against Swiss cross on foreign goods; LSD can improve motor skills

News for 29 September 2026

Following the adoption of the “Healthy Urban Climate” initiative in 2024, Zurich has achieved one-third of its greening target – repurposing of street spaces for the benefit of pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. In total, municipal authorities aim to redesign a total of 600,000 square metres of street space, and to ‘green’ an additional 145,000 square metres.

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The Swiss cross should appear only on products manufactured domestically. The Council of States is calling for this measure in response to the shoe brand On, which has recently been permitted to display the symbol on shoes produced abroad. Several deputies have voiced their frustration regarding this change in practice by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property concerning the company On.

In March 2026, the IPI clarified conditions under which the Swiss cross could be displayed on products manufactured abroad: It may be used provided it is clearly linked to the concept of “Swiss Engineering”, and complies with strict requirements regarding placement and size.

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Taking LSD does not only alter one’s perception of reality; it also improves motor learning the following day. This has been demonstrated by a study carried out by a team from the University of Fribourg.

“To our knowledge, this is the first controlled study to reveal an improvement in motor learning following the ingestion of a psychedelic substance,” says the study’s lead researcher, Abigail Calder.

This finding could be of interest for rehabilitation of patients who suffered a stroke or other brain injuries. Motor learning is, in fact, crucial for regaining certain movements. The research team remains very cautious. “Our findings do not constitute a recommendation for clinical use,” Calder points out. It should be noted that the study involved only healthy individuals.