Achievements

Automation is supposed to relieve an aircraft pilot’s workload and reduce errors. The reality can unfortunately be very different sometimes. When the pilot and the aircraft do not interact as foreseen, automation technology can be the cause of disturbing instability, which has resulted in catastrophic failures. Tools and techniques developed by the EU-funded ARISTOTEL project are already being used by industry, and should reduce the risk of such accidents.

A new synthetic rubber developed by EU-funded researchers repairs itself. That means longer-lasting components, plus reduced maintenance costs and waste. The rubber will initially be used for reducing rail and traffic noise, with many more applications to follow.

In Europe, reproductive health problems in men such as poor semen quality, testicular cancer, and genital birth defects are common. These issues seem to be the result of maldevelopment and malfunction in the testes of the foetus, the so-called testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS), which evidence suggests may be caused by exposure to environmental chemicals.

Ernesto Morgado SA is the oldest rice-milling company in Portugal. In recent years it has begun to invest heavily in R&D in order to expand its product range. Located in the rice-growing Mondego Valley, Ernesto Morgado has been a player in rice milling since it was set up in 1920. It now employs 55 people.

Cars in Europe are consuming an increasing amount of energy. Reducing the weight of vehicles by using lighter materials, however, would radically decrease their demand for fuel, while at the same time lessening their impact on the environment and lowering costs.

Since the ancient Greeks first began collecting rainwater in pots in about 500 BC, little has changed in how basic rainfall records are made. While there are more precise measurement methods, for example by using parts of multi-purpose radars operated by large weather services, they are complex and expensive for local users. Now, an alternative is possible thanks to a European Union (EU)-funded research project developing an accurate, affordable, real time, and user-friendly system to monitor both the spatial distribution and the intensity of rain.

In addition to the psychological impact and the negative effects of weightlessness on bones and muscles, astronauts also face potentially dangerous levels of radiation in space. With manned missions to Mars nearing reality, a European Union (EU)-funded project, HAMLET, has developed a new technique to better predict the health risks, such as cancer and organ damage, associated with extended space travel.

Armstrong, Aldrin, Gagarin … all giants in space exploration. US scientist Gary Stutte may not be in this league, but in the world of ‘space agriculture’, he is a legend. His work on hydroponics and how crops adapt and grow in controlled environments – such as space – fills volumes. Now, thanks to an EU exchange programme, he has shared his expertise with European scientists.

The European Union (EU)-funded project AGROBIOFILM has developed a biodegradable film that is environmentally friendly, regulates soil temperature, controls weed growth and prevents water loss.

Diabetes affects around 10% of the population; according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The disease places a huge financial burden on healthcare systems, and also leads to early death and poor quality of life. However, patients and healthcare professionals will now be able to partner up and manage the illness in better, more effective ways.

The textile industry consumes large amounts of water and its operating costs can be high. The European Union (EU)-funded project DIGITEX sought to change this.

We’ve all dreaded the moment, as we’re driving along, when the car starts to shake or rumble for no apparent reason. Or wondered nervously at the shuddering of an aeroplane as it takes off or lands. But what causes such vibrations? An EU-funded project to develop sensor systems that collect vibration information is yielding potentially game-changing results.

New tumour profiling methods developed by EU-funded researchers aim to help doctors adjust treatments for colorectal cancer to the specific needs of an individual patient. The methods are currently at the trial stage and could be in use in clinics within three years.

BIKE INTERMODAL, an EU-funded research project, combines two or more modes of transportation, in this case, cycling with public commuting or driving.

Compared to smaller vessels, the largest container ships afloat are likelier to pick up vibrations caused by waves. These vibrations can cause structural damage, potentially endangering lives. This difference must be taken into account when new ultra-large container ships (ULCSs) are built. EU-funded research has charted a course towards safer ship design.

The EU-funded ELUBSYS project developed a radically new approach to lubricating an aircraft’s turbine engines that reduces oil consumption. The innovation could result in more efficient jet engines that burn less oil and fuel – a boon for the airline industry and the environment.

Increasing pressures on Europe’s marine and coastal areas, particularly around the Mediterranean and Black Seas, highlight the need for these areas to become more resilient to human activities and natural change. There is a large scientific research effort already underway to identify some of the environmental baselines, but the challenge now lies in turning that knowledge into effective decision-making.

Understanding the cell changes associated with cancer will provide vital clues for both detecting and treating the disease. The EU-funded GlycoBioM project is contributing with tools to pinpoint disease indicators. And three years into the project, the team has already come up with a method to reduce false-positive cancer diagnoses.

EU-funded researchers are bringing important in-flight aircraft testing technologies from the lab bench to the production line, for substantial cost, time and safety benefits.

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions and the Centre for Disability Law & Policy at the National University of Ireland (Galway) congratulate Magdi Birtha on becoming the first ever recipient of the international Carla Vlaskamp early career award. The award is given in recognition of the lifetime achievements of Professor Vlaskamp (University of Groningen) in placing a focus on the voice and rights of persons with profound intellectual disabilities. It enables a young researcher to present at the World Conference of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD).