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Research Information Centre	Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010

Solid oxide fuel cells and test bench. Researchers have succeeded in lowering the operating temperature of these batteries by 100°C. © CNRS Photothèque/François Jannin

Fuelling the cars of tomorrow
With the resounding launch of the hybrid Toyota Prius in 2001 and the market debut of Tesla’s first electric sports cars, one small detail is being overlooked: the battery technology on which these cars are based still needs serious improvement to withstand the constraints faced by vehicles in everyday use.
17-12-09
Source : research*eu

Road closed sign

Research projects look at transport and climate change
Two new EU-funded projects have set out to examine the effects of changing weather patterns on transport in Europe. 'EWENT' and 'WEATHER' will carry out in-depth analyses, assess the hazards and propose response strategies.
29-01-10
Source : Research Transport

© Shutterstock

What’s to fear about mobile phones?
Interphone, the largest epidemiological investigation ever conducted into the link between cancer and mobile phones, is delivering its first results. While the interpretation of this study does not yet allow us to draw definite conclusions, it suggests that the use of mobile phones could promote the occurrence of certain brain tumours.
17-12-09
Source : research*eu

ITER emerges from the earth
The most ambitious international scientific cooperation project in history is taking shape in the south of France. We take a look at an extraordinary technological and institutional device.
17-12-09
Source : research*eu

Genes that keep us in bed
Do you sleep a little or a lot? It may surprise you to know that the amount of sleep you need depends on your genes. Although much is known about the genetic mechanisms that send us to the land of dreams, until recently far less was known about the mechanisms that determine the amount of time we spend sleeping. Now, research using the fruit fly as an animal model has pointed up a few key genes.
17-12-09
Source : research*eu

Forming independent islands
Back in 1994 Robert Aymar was placed in charge of ITER (1), the giant international project researching nuclear fusion. He was later appointed Director-General of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, a position he held from 2004 to 2008. This plasma physicist, with major scientific project experience, draws lessons for us from his various collaborations.
17-12-09
Source : research*eu

Cooperation with a human face
The specific measures for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) seem to be bearing fruit. Initial results of increased participation, promising partnerships, projects realised and jobs are a boost to the world of European SMEs and to all those that revolve around them.
17-12-09
Source : research*eu

An unprecedented public-private partnership
A decade ago, 70% of new medicines came from Europe. Today the figure has fallen to 30%. To stem this worrying decline, the Commission and federation of pharmaceutical industries have decided to pool the research needed to speed up sector innovation.
17-12-09
Source : research*eu

Nuclear waste: an insoluble question ?
With mankind confronted by an energy crisis and climate change, nuclear power is back on the scene. But despite excellent energy efficiency and low CO2 emissions, nuclear fission still leaves us with the delicate problem of radioactive waste. A typical European response in this area is the Belgian model.
17-12-09
Source : research*eu

A developing cooperation
Europe regards technology as crucial to socio-economic growth. It is an approach that the EU would like to see transposed to development policy
17-12-09
Source : research*eu

Together, we are more intelligent
In many ways and in the most specialised fields, EU research policy is focusing on cooperation in the service of excellence. This strategy is causing European and international players to coordinate their abilities in the interests of better innovation. Here are some examples.
17-12-09
Source : research*eu

Ali Saïb's El Dorado
Ali Saïb lives, communicates, researches and teaches viruses. Some will say he was born under a lucky star. Perhaps – if that lucky star is not only symbolic of a destiny but also of the intelligence and determination that forge it.
17-12-09
Source : research*eu

Modern-day ethnologists
To combine research with museology. To focus efforts on international exchanges and multidisciplinarity. To broaden the scope of anthropology to include other human sciences. Quai Branly Museum, a centre for the arts and civilisations of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, standing on the banks of the river Seine at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, has successfully risen to all these challenges. Anne-Christine Taylor, head of the museum’s research and teaching department, serves as our tour guide.
17-12-09
Source : research*eu

On the edge of matter
Plasmas constitute 99% of known and visible matter. The object of extensive research and the basis of a host of applications, they are invading our living rooms, changing our plastics and revolutionising our laboratory analysis tools.
17-12-09
Source : research*eu

Flu vaccine: A race against time
Millions of people become infected by influenza every year, causing thousands of deaths, which in turn costs billions for the economy. The production of vaccines is inefficient and they cannot be well supplied on a mass scale. Scientists in Vienna involved in the European Research Project FLUVACC are investigating a new approach - a vaccine in the form of a nasal spray.
15-12-09
Source : Star Projects

Advancing on hydrogen
Is Europe ready for hydrogen vehicles? A deployment of hydrogen powered wheelchairs, trucks and buses by a European project is set to find out whether the technology is ripe enough and whether the new generation vehicles will be readily accepted.
14-12-09
Source : Star Projects


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SynBIOsis promotes solid European research ties


		*researcheu - Symphony of excellence**
		In the world of research, collaboration has become a prerequisite for excellence. It is vital to share knowledge and technology, pool resources, develop specialisations and link disciplines if we wish to raise innovation to a high enough level to meet the challenges of the centuries to come. Read the main articles in the Information Centre or browse - or download - the complete edition at the research*eu web site


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