Nanotechnology has become part of daily life – be it in stain-repellent fabrics, sunscreens or hundreds of other applications. But what do people actually know about nanotech? And how do they feel about it? The EU-funded project NanOpinion found people to be positive in principle and used its findings to formulate policy recommendations.
By developing techniques to produce everyday foods that are both affordable and nutritious, EU-funded researchers are showing the path to a future in which everyone – including those at risk of poverty – can enjoy a healthy diet without worrying about cost. The project’s techniques are being applied by small food processors – a boost to their competitiveness.
The Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) is providing access to streams of data from around the world, but this is just one of its objectives. Enabling users to benefit from these data and derived information is another. An EU-funded project has advanced the technology, using the example of data on water, oceans and the weather (WOW).
Climate change is affecting plant life worldwide, with potentially disastrous effects for both wild and agricultural species. EU-funded researchers are studying the impact of higher temperatures and drought on seed quality in order to develop techniques for conserving wild plants, and for ensuring sustainable crop yields.
AtlantikSolar broke the World record for the longest autonomous flight by a small Unmanned Aerial Vehichle (UAV) ever in July. The sturdy solar powered light aircraft was airborne for 81 hours non-stop facing gusts of wind of 60 km/hour (nearly 40 mph).
Harnessing nuclear fusion could generate unlimited, sustainable energy. An EU-funded project has helped advance atomic modelling in preparation for a future fusion reactor.
Increased cross-border experiences are driving Europeanisation, particularly among those with a lower level of education, say EU-funded researchers. From having a friend in another European country to online shopping, people around the continent are developing a European mindset. This, in turn, means greater European integration.
Human papillomavirus has long been associated with the vast majority of cervical and anogenital cancers diagnosed worldwide, but its role in head-and-neck cancers has been less widely researched. In a landmark case study, EU-funded researchers are characterising the connection in order to advance the development of new screening and diagnostic techniques.
The Manutelligence project is creating an online platform for manufacturing companies that aims to boost efficiency when designing a new service or product. The platform will also enable the reuse and optimisation of designs and close the gap between design, manufacturing and testing.
Controlling a TV set by pushing an invisible, yet tangible button in mid-air or projecting content onto a screen of mist – such futuristic technologies may find their way into our homes sooner than we think. First results of the EU-funded project INTERACT are already attracting a lot of interest from industry.
Without catalysts, humans wouldn’t have got far. They trigger many of the processes on which we rely, from age-old mechanisms deep down in our cells to the production of contemporary consumer goods. They could also smooth our path towards a sustainable future. EU-funded researcher Xile Hu has delivered promising advances.
Disability is often associated with access legislation rather than a source of creativity for architects. With her ERC grant, Prof. Ann Heylighen wanted to reverse this perspective. Her findings suggest that disability can be a valuable source of innovative solutions in architecture by extending prevailing ways of understanding space and designing buildings.
When Prof. Heino Falcke obtained an ERC grant to study and identify the sources of ultra-high energy cosmic rays, back in 2008, he could not imagine that his research would provide an important clue to better understand lightning and thunderclouds much closer to us.
Researchers for the PHBOTTLE project are developing a manufacturing process for a biodegradable bottle made from juice wastewater. The bottle is made of a bioplastic obtained by the optimised fermentation of the sugar-rich fruit juices in production waste.
Eco-UV project aims to bring new UV water disinfection technology to market.
Research by FOODRISC has led to more awareness across Europe of how to more effectively inform people about risks and benefits associated with food, especially through social media channels, says the project’s principal investigator, Patrick Wall of University College Dublin, Ireland.
Weather cladding and external wall panels made of flax, jute, and a resin from sugar cane waste? Yes indeed, if you want a durable, low-carbon solution… EU-funded researchers have developed innovative biocomposites based on such materials and demonstrated their potential in construction.
Used since ancient times, bismuth is still found in items as different as lipsticks, medicine and electronics. The metal has been a magnet for scientific study. But the BisNano project was the first to take bismuth compounds down to the nano-scale. The results have made the metal even more attractive and have led to technology transfer between Europe and Mexico, as well as several applications.
Prof. Emma Master works on new enzymes and proteins that can be used to produce renewable materials from plant fibres. Her findings could boost the biochemical and bioplastics markets.
With her ERC grant, the 5000th awarded to a leading scientist in Europe, Dr Iva Tolić wants to push forward the frontiers of knowledge on the mechanical principles of cell division. To reach her goal, after spending several years in the USA, Denmark, Italy and Germany, she has moved back to Croatia where she is setting her new research team. The results of her ERC-funded project could lead to new insight in cell and molecular biology, potentially opening novel ways to treat cancer.
