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Achievements

Switch on sunlight for a brighter future

COELUX EU-funded project recreates the physical and optical effects of natural light indoors by simulating the diffusion and transmission of sunlight through the atmosphere

 
Water-efficient coolers for solar power plants

EU-funded researchers have developed a more water-efficient technology to help convert sunshine in deserts into electricity. The technology removes the need for water in cooling systems, helping to make solar power generation cheaper and sustainable in sun-rich desert regions.

 
Tecnalia presents a smart home able to detect symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases

The world population is rapidly ageing, which means the number of disabled and dependent people is increasing since these rates increase with age, particularly after the age of 80. This is the context in which the Tecnalia centre for applied research has designed a system of sensors which when fitted in a home, allows a person's habits and activities to be monitored and any changes in his/her habits and activities that could be a symptom of disorders relating to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's to be detected.

 
Food on the brain

A gastric bypass without the surgery? Not as far-fetched as one might think. EU-funded research into the way the gut and stomach communicate with the brain has uncovered fresh insights into the mechanisms that drive food intake and points to new ways of preventing and treating obesity. The outcomes include a hormone cocktail that could offer all the benefits of a gastric bypass — without the trauma of a major operation.

 
Packing raspberries with healthy antioxidants

EU researchers have developed new techniques to boost antioxidant levels in raspberries. Their work will help farmers grow healthier raspberries, for your table, your picnic basket and for markets worldwide.

 
Enhancing EU-African cooperation

Dialogue and international cooperation form the basis of a European Union (EU)-funded project that fosters new ideas, sharing of knowledge and working relationships for the benefit of both Europe and Africa.

 
Recruiting enzymes to help the chemical industry

Industry can be hazardous when it mixes corrosive, polluting and potentially explosive chemicals. Sometimes nature offers alternatives to the classic chemical approach, and enzymes, the proteins that speed up chemical reactions, are simple to use and environmentally-friendly.

 
Testing traffic ideas to ease city congestion

Cities are by definition concentrations of activity, and there should be no big surprise when they get congested and traffic grinds to a halt. But how can modern urban planners manage traffic so that people and goods can move freely, while keeping emissions low at the same time? A European Union (EU)-funded research project is finding answers by testing innovative solutions for more efficient and sustainable transport of cargo.

 
New treatment to combat meningitis in newborns

Bacterial meningitis is a potential constant threat to infant health. The agents most often responsible for the condition are common in the environment. The rapid onset of symptoms can include fever, irritability, rashes, stiffness and vomiting.

 
Preserving cultural objects from harmful conditions

Objects showcased in museums or exhibitions are vulnerable to the effects of pollutants both from outside the building where they are housed as well as from potential substances found inside. Better measuring tools could enable curators and conservators of cultural artefacts to take the necessary steps to ensure their protection.

 
Saving animal DNA for future generations

It is only two centuries since the concept of selective breeding was applied scientifically to farm animals, helping produce cows, sheep and goats with traits such as lean muscles, disease resistance and efficient reproduction.