Scientists developed an experimental system to control transport in atomic gases for analogies to solid-state physics. The quantum simulations shed light on topics from quantum computing to the structure of the Universe.
Further information: cordis.europa.eu
Plants reprogramme their metabolism in response to energy scarcity in order to conserve resources. Scientists are studying the mechanisms in order to enhance plant survival in light of a growing global population and climate change.
Further information: cordis.europa.eu
Young researchers are being trained as part of an EU-funded initiative to investigate yeast biodiversity, a previously under-explored field of research. Their findings will be applied to the food and health sectors.
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Novel in-line process-monitoring technology, previously non-existent, will provide manufacturers with information about nanoparticle (NP) size, number and chemical composition. It promises to revolutionise design, development and production.
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The livestock production sector faces severe climate change challenges. An EU-funded project is providing scientific guidance on the integration of adaptation and mitigation objectives, and on the design of sustainable development pathways.
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Stem cell reprogramming opens up an unprecedented opportunity to study differentiation and potential application in cell therapy. The goal of the INDUSTEM project was to improve the generation of stem cells and develop cardiac cell differentiation protocols.
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Tropical oceans are a major biome and of significant socio-economic importance. In-depth research, like that of a recent EU-funded project, is crucial for evaluating the effects of climate change and resource exploitation on tropical ocean ecosystems.
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Marine ecosystems all over the world are changing drastically due to the invasion of non-indigenous species. To better understand this phenomenon, a research group is using genetic techniques to study communities of invasive species in ocean environments.
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Long-term exposure to ionising radiation could cause a number of problems ranging from sterility to cancer. The EU-funded PURESAFE project aims to minimise human exposure to radiation and improve safety in scientific facilities that produce ionising radiation.
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Researchers are investigating a protein complex, Elongator, that plays a major role in plant response to light.
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Some homeowners have already invested in units that produce hydrogen through water electrolysis so as to produce electricity and heat without boilers. Enhanced electrolysis should increase efficiency and decrease costs for greater uptake.
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A large consortium is developing silicon carbide (SiC) technology poised to pick up where silicon (Si) leaves off in terms of performance and operating conditions. Additional benefits include reduced energy consumption and emissions.
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The vision of the leading radioactive waste management organisations (WMO) in Europe is that by 2025 they will have the first geological repositories for long-lived high-level radioactive waste operating safely in Europe. The WMOs from Finland, France, Sweden and Switzerland came together under the auspices of an EU-funded project with the aim of taking the next step in achieving these repositories.
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Over 40 researchers from Europe and South America are teaming up to look at new directions in the mathematical field of many-valued logic. Attracting growing interest in recent years, the effort will systematise study in this area and look at potential applications.
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New software solutions make searching digital libraries easier and more productive.
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To mitigate the effects of climate change, protect the environment, boost energy security and enhance economic competitiveness, the EU needs to switch to a low-carbon economy. A European project is studying ways of managing this transition through bottom-up stakeholder involvement.
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Detecting a mass equivalent to that of a single proton is now possible for the first time. To achieve this, European scientists used exceptionally light mechanical resonators made from single carbon nanotubes.
Further information: cordis.europa.eu
Among all renewable energies, geothermal is the most reliable. With a load factor of more than 90%, the fact that it can produce a steady output around the clock makes geothermal power competitive with newly built conventional power plants, in areas where high-temperature hydrothermal resources are available.
Further information: cordis.europa.eu
Patients affected by a bacterial infection can usually be treated with an antibiotic. But sometimes a resistant bacterial strain is causing the infection. In a hospital setting, doctors ideally want to know if they are dealing with such bacteria and which drugs they should choose. But if the doctor runs a test it can take days to get a result. Now, a European project is paving the way for much more rapid tests using DNA biochips. The aim is to rapidly screen disease-causing bacteria using a microarray to spot which resistant genes are present in bacteria.
“Antibiotic resistance threatens a return to the pre-antibiotic era”. The World Health Organisation uses this strong expression when referring to a phenomenon that is rapidly spreading: the increasing resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial medicines, such as antibiotics. WHO estimates indicate that the excess mortality due to resistant bacterial hospital infections exceeds 25,000 every year, in Europe.