Swiss voters have decided in favour of continuing research using genetic engineering on plants and animals.

A referendum on the issue has rejected the idea of a ban on genetic research.

With results in from over half the country's voting areas, not one has come out in favour of the proposed ban.

Many leading scientific research companies are based in Switzerland, and the referendum caused widespread debate.

Left-wing parties joined environmentalists and animal rights activists in pressing for a ban, accusing genetic researchers of tampering with nature without clear medical benefits.

But the Swiss government says a ban would hamper efforts to cure cancer and AIDS, and result in specialised research jobs going to other countries.