Rising temperatures in mountain regions could have a significant impact on ecosystems, societies and economies around the world over the coming decades, according to EU-funded researchers who led a landmark study into the effects of climate change on mountain water resources.
Many of Africa’s cities lack the skills and resources to prepare for natural disasters, which scientists expect to become more frequent due to climate change. An EU-funded project has provided practical approaches vulnerable communities could use to plan ahead – and reduce the risk to lives and infrastructure.
The world needs more drinking water, without damaging ecosystems, and the sea is one possible source. EU-funded researchers are developing a self-cleaning filter membrane for desalination plants that cuts their energy use, waste and maintenance costs compared to those of existing filters.
For the first time ever, two ERC grantees, Prof. Luca G. Guidotti and Dr Matteo Iannacone, have observed in vivo how specific white blood cells, so-called cytotoxic T lymphocytes, identify, target and attack liver cells that are infected with the hepatitis B virus. To witness these immune cells in action in real time, the two scientists developed advanced, dynamic imaging techniques. An estimated 240 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B worldwide.
EU-funded research has shown that natural rubber from home-grown dandelions and guayule could be used for tyres. Researchers and industry are now working together to scale up production – paving the way for Europe to reduce its dependence on rubber imports and to boost competitiveness.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology has the potential to help the EU significantly cut its greenhouse gas emissions. However, a lack of low-cost and energy-efficient capture technologies is hampering their take-up. EU-funded researchers have developed new CCS technologies to produce efficient and cost-effective electrical power from fossil fuels with near-zero emissions. One solution has been patented, while another is being prepared for market.
Parkinson’s disease is a common disorder with no cure available yet. An EU-funded project has produced a genetic and chemical map of the neurons affected by the disease, to support new research into diagnosis and treatments.
The step from design to real-world implementation is the test of any new technology. An EU-supported project showed how to combine two solar power innovations to provide sunshine energy to customers, day and night.
Snake venom could turn out to be good for you. An EU-funded project shows how researchers can unlock the medical benefits of venom more quickly, promising breakthrough treatments for health problems such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Researchers, businesses and innovators from Ukraine will now be able to fully participate in Horizon 2020, the European Union's research and innovation funding programme, on equal terms with EU Member States and other associated countries.
According to research, 90% of people who are advised to change their lifestyle after a serious medical event, fail to do so. To help them, experts from the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and a hospital in Taiwan will link inputs from medical devices, nutritional sensors, doctors and consultants, thus creating a new health ecosystem that puts the user at the centre.
Looking at Europe’s flamboyant cathedrals, it is easy to forget that even stone does not last forever. Without effective conservation, gargoyles erode, stained glass shatters, and choir stalls eventually rot. EU-funded researchers have produced innovative compounds to protect our cultural heritage.
An EU-funded project has developed an online network to encourage global collaboration in research and innovation on food safety. The project’s network, online information portal and research aim to improve food safety in Europe and reduce health risks.
For three decades, the EU Framework Programmes have been funding breakthroughs across Europe. RTD’s Horizon Magazine looks at the people and events that have helped shape European research policy, taking you behind the scenes during the pivotal moments from the last 30 years of research funding. These articles have been brought together into a special Horizon supplement to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Framework Programmes.
Whether an innovative concept sinks or swims depends on customer acceptance, among other things. Moving into uncharted waters can be unnerving. An EU-funded project dedicated to innovation in shipbuilding has devised new business models in a bid to build client confidence. It has also developed new products and techniques.
