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.
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.
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.
An EU-funded project that built the first hydrological model of the Black Sea region has played a key role in expanding the use of Earth observation data, putting crucial environmental information at the fingertips of scientists and policymakers globally.
The BREATHE project (co-funded by the AAL programme) aims to design and develop an intelligent monitoring system for AAL environments, by employing cameras and other types of binary sensors. In order to ensure the privacy of user data and information, BREATHE follows a privacy-by-design approach.
SmartCare aims to define a common set of standard functional specifications for an open ICT platform enabling the delivery of integrated care to older European citizens. A total of 23 regions and their key stakeholders are defining a comprehensive set of integration building blocks around the challenges of data-sharing, coordination and communication.
Dramatic changes are underway in global politics. An EU-funded project aims to help Europe’s policymakers respond in a way that ensures European values and objectives continue to influence the evolution of global norms and policies.
While weather forecasts – including those for wind – have improved significantly, change is always imminent. When wind power rises or falls unexpectedly, it can have a knock-on effect on infrastructure and power supply. An EU-funded research project has improved the accuracy of short-term forecasts, helping Europe rely more on wind power as it moves towards a more secure and cleaner energy future.
Great bread doesn’t happen by chance. Even with the best ingredients, it takes practice and patience — notably because the dough needs time and specific conditions to rise to yeasty perfection. EU-funded researchers are putting the final touches to a new system that will make the proofing chambers used in bakeries even better.
How might climate change affect communities and how can they cope with the impacts? To prepare the way for an EU-wide climate service that can best answer those questions, an EU-funded project has developed local climate services, identifying the data local stakeholders need – and the best ways to communicate it.
