http://ec.europa.eu//research/index.cfm?pg=whatsnew en Fri, 24 May 2013 14:47:37 GMT http://ec.europa.eu/research/index.cfm?pg=rss For more RSS news feeds click the link above. Fri, 24 May 2013 14:47:37 GMT http://ec.europa.eu/research/index.cfm?pg=rss http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-oil_spills&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=30076 Major oil spills from sinking supertankers are thankfully very rare these days. However, smaller oil spills from shipping are unfortunately still common. Most ships have some type of fuel on board and if they are involved in an accident, there is a risk of that fuel leaking into the sea.]]> Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2013-05-22:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-oil_spills&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=30076 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/headlines/news/article_13_05_13_en.html&item=Infocentre&artid=29953 Cancer causes some 13% of deaths worldwide. Of these deaths, some 90% are caused not by the original cancer, but by its spread to other parts of the body. These secondary cancers, known as metastases, are most often caused by 'circulating tumour cells' (CTCs) which escape from the primary tumour and travel around the body in the bloodstream. In the process, CTCs often undergo modifications that make them more resistant to treatment than the primary tumours. ]]> Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2013-05-13:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/headlines/news/article_13_05_13_en.html&item=Infocentre&artid=29953 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-modtrain&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=29955 When Europe's rail pioneers created the first steam engines some two centuries ago, they gave little thought to whether their inventions might be used in other countries: while their ingenuity helped transform travel, they never got round to setting uniform rail technologies across the continent. ]]> Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2013-05-13:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-modtrain&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=29955 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/headlines/news/article_13_05_08_en.html&item=Infocentre&artid=29920 Understanding how the brain processes new skills and actions can help to improve learning and aid research into neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. An EU-funded project has collected new data on the development of neural mechanisms of action learning and habit formation and addiction through the manipulation of the brain’s molecular networks. This could lead to breakthroughs in thought-controlled prostheses.]]> Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2013-05-08:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/headlines/news/article_13_05_08_en.html&item=Infocentre&artid=29920 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-mira&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=29919 The Mediterranean sea is a huge marine ecosystem with an area of 2.5 million km². The wellbeing of this unique ecosystem is vital for the health of the 427 million people living in the countries around it and the 175 million visitors it receives each year. Nevertheless, it remains fragile and continues to deteriorate due to the devastating effects of pollution. Effective decontamination is crucial and this is just one area where the Mediterranean Innovation and Research coordination Action (MIRA) is making a welcome impact. ]]> Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2013-05-07:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-mira&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=29919 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/headlines/news/article_13_04_30_en.html&item=Infocentre&artid=29853 Electrochromic glass – which instantly glazes or shades at the flick of an electrical switch – has proved popular in a range of applications where the control of light and heat is important. But the physical nature of the glass and the costs involved limit the opportunities open to this technology. An EU-funded project has applied these 'smart glass' principles to a flexible film which opens up a whole new world of green, low-cost and commercially viable possibilities.]]> Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2013-04-30:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/headlines/news/article_13_04_30_en.html&item=Infocentre&artid=29853 http://ec.europa.eu/research/index.cfm?pg=newsalert&year=2013&na=na-170413 Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2013-04-17:/index.cfm?pg=newsalert&year=2013&na=na-170413 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-innosound&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=29655 Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics in Munich, Germany, spent the past three years working with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to develop IT tools for the design of top-quality wooden and metal organ pipes. In December 2011 the team, set up in the context of the EU-funded research project "Innosound", unveiled a first prototype that cut by 20% the organ pipes' size and reduced by 15% total organ production costs. The study was backed by €625,000 in EU funds. ]]> Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2013-04-11:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-innosound&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=29655 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/headlines/news/article_13_04_02_en.html&item=Infocentre&artid=29533 In their quest to better understand the past, archaeologists also take great care to preserve the resting grounds of ancient artefacts. This is not always easy in large digs. But the Radiography of the Past (Radio-Past) project has harnessed the skills of international research teams to develop the next generation of non-destructive approaches to archaeology, including aerial surveying and remote-sensing technology. This approach has unearthed new evidence from buried settlements across Southern, Central and Western Europe which sheds light on how Roman cities and societies were constructed.]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2013-04-02:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/headlines/news/article_13_04_02_en.html&item=Infocentre&artid=29533 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-spins&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=29361 The phenomenon of the spin transfer effect has received much attention due to its promise for the electronics industry. In the phenomenon, a current can give a jolt to thin magnetic layers sandwiched between non-magnetic materials. This jolt can be used to excite oscillations or even flip the orientation of the magnet. ]]> Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2013-03-13:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-spins&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=29361 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-premaid&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=29358 As the group of components that generates power for a locomotive, the powertrain – which includes the transmission, drive shafts, and differentials – is the motor of the railways. It needs to be watched and maintained carefully to ensure every aspect is safe and in proper working order. But this is a tough task: there are few diagnostic tools available to check the reliability of powertrains, so maintenance is either done after a component fails (with all the associated risks to the service), or through a systematic yet indiscriminate replacement of key parts. ]]> Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2013-03-13:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-premaid&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=29358 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-microgen&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=29355 Most people associate bacteria with disease and contamination, leaving the microorganisms with few saving graces. Yet their reputation could be about to change over the next few years: researchers are engineering bacteria to provide alternative energy sources to replace fossil fuels. And if they succeed, it will be thanks to projects like MicroGen, a European Union (EU) research project looking at new ways to generate renewable fuels from microorganisms. ]]> Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2013-03-12:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-microgen&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=29355 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/headlines/news/article_13_03_06_en.html&item=Infocentre&artid=29317 When you think of species conservation, the first thing that probably enters your mind is big projects like animal breeding programmes and nature reserves. But how often do you consider the species in your garden, in your city park, or on your farm? These environments are also crucial places for preserving biodiversity according to a recent €1.8 million EU-funded research project, which examined ways to better coordinate conservation efforts between local and national governments. ]]> Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2013-03-06:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/headlines/news/article_13_03_06_en.html&item=Infocentre&artid=29317 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/headlines/news/article_13_02_25_en.html&item=Infocentre&artid=29313 Covering 72% of the Earth and supplying half its oxygen, oceans are our planet's life support system. They play a crucial role in distributing heat, carbon, oxygen, nutrients, and, of course, water around the world, influencing our climate and our weather. The effects of global warming on sea levels, currents and water heat are still only partly understood, making predictions for future climate conditions difficult. But a worldwide programme using thousands of plastic floats is currently monitoring the oceans and - with crucial help from European researchers - is finding answers to what moves the seas. ]]> Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2013-02-25:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/headlines/news/article_13_02_25_en.html&item=Infocentre&artid=29313 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/headlines/news/article_12_12_28_en.html&item=Infocentre&artid=28833 Showcasing the most exciting areas in research and innovation in Europe is the premise behind the 'Destination Europe' events, which take place several times a year. The events help researchers from around the world discover the opportunities available for working in Europe, why Europe is an ideal place for career development and the funding opportunities for scientists. Likewise, they provide a unique insight into what European countries are doing with regards to innovation transfer.]]> Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2012-12-28:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/headlines/news/article_12_12_28_en.html&item=Infocentre&artid=28833 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-edrox&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=28764 Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between the living cell and the inanimate world. Monitoring these reactions is both scientifically and commercially important. It would lead to detecting trace amounts of pollutants and catching diseases at an early stage. This would in turn have a positive impact on both the environment and indeed our health. ]]> Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2012-12-19:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-edrox&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=28764 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-bioseal&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=27593 It was exactly 66 years ago, in October 1946, that multinational Procter & Gamble (P&G) unveiled Tide, a brand that even now is synonymous with laundry detergents. Today we take detergents for granted, insisting on the most powerful cleaning agents, but also expecting their washing products to be easy to use, lightweight, low energy users, safe for the environment and reasonably priced. It's a full menu, but one that P&G recently tried to meet by bringing in expertise from student researchers across Europe.]]> Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2012-12-19:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-bioseal&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=27593 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-bicep&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=28757 Nowadays, thanks to a computer program known as complex event processing systems (CEPs), financial market traders use machines to buy and sell stocks, banks can detect fraud instantly, shops know the second stock is running low and computers can make decisions almost instantaneously. ]]> Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2012-12-18:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-bicep&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=28757 http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-wheylayer&calledby=infocentre&item=All&artid=28397&caller=SuccessStories Green plastic, and safety on land, in the skies and at sea are the subjects of some of our latest Success Stories! • WHEYLAYER – New green plastic made from milk whey • ShipArrestor – New rescue tool to save ships in distress • SAFECAST – Innovative inspection system to make buildings safer • QualiTi – New airplane inspection system to make skies safer]]> Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2012-11-28:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-wheylayer&calledby=infocentre&item=All&artid=28397&caller=SuccessStories http://ec.europa.eu/research/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-eurobioref&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=25553 For most people, the bioeconomy is the way of the future. A shift towards an economy based on renewable resources not on fossil fuels is no longer just an option, it's a necessity.]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT tag:ch,2012-06-29:/infocentre/article_en.cfm?id=/research/star/index_en.cfm?p=ss-eurobioref&calledby=infocentre&item=Infocentre&artid=25553