Our life expectancy lengthens and members of the ‘silver generation’ make up an ever-larger proportion of the population. Can technologies help us in caring for ourselves, our older relatives and friends? Could we learn to live together with robots while being watched over by sensors? The people behind one EU research project certainly think so.
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The 2009 European Nutrition and Health Report contains an alert regarding the foods that contribute the majority of fat, salt and sugar in our traditional meals. Through technological innovations, European researchers wish to reduce these malnutrition-associated factors and enhance European citizens' health.
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Europe's pipe networks are old and cracked. A small EU robot is being developed to travel up and down pre-formed pipes and fix them from the inside.
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Zirconia is the best oxide ceramic material in terms of mechanical properties. The development of stable zirconia-based composite materials could result in better spinal and dental implants.
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Accurately estimating fish biomass is a vital aspect of commercial aquaculture. A recent project has developed a system to improve these estimations through the continuous remote monitoring of fish in sea cages.
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European Food Information Resource (EuroFIR) is an international non-profit association. The purpose of this body is to develop and publish food composition information, promote international cooperation and improve the dissemination of information.
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An EU-funded project has offered new insight into inequalities in income/wealth and education, and their associated social/political/cultural impacts. Holding important policy implications, the initiative's research activities spotlight inequality for 25 EU countries as well as for Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States.
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EU-funded scientists are developing automated production technology for an integrated hard turning and polishing procedure. Sensors will ensure increased productivity with reduced surface defects and energy consumption.
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Slipping is responsible for more than 40 % of workplace injuries. A recent project has developed tools for footwear and flooring manufacturers to help improve anti-slip features.
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Scientists from a range of fields are unearthing the mysteries of volcanic unrest. Partners from Europe and Latin America are examining scientific data and information from unrest periods for six volcano types.
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A set of new instruments promises to help assess cracks and corrosion in train axles, streamlining maintenance and upgrading safety. This promises to enhance train operation and bring benefits to rail users.
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Intensified pig farming has led to an increase in the volume of pig manure, which has, in turn, led to increased environmental concerns. New research examined manure processing technologies to reduce volumes, thus minimising pollutant emissions and optimising nutrient recovery.
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Initially a handful of spacecraft could only observe the Earth's magnetosphere — the magnetic bubble that surrounds the planet — but their number has grown over the past years. Today, these spacecraft have begun to provide multi-point measurements to afford a better understanding of what drives changes in the magnetosphere.
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EU-funded scientists are developing technology to meet energy demands in the face of variable renewable energy supplies (RESs). The device will produce hydrogen efficiently and inexpensively, even under fluctuating power operation.
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Coral reef ecosystems, some of the most valuable ecosystems on the planet, are often considered highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. However the seemingly delicate beauty of corals may be misleading - a new study recently published in Science magazine has identified coral populations that may be resistant to climate change.
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Whilst globalisation allows us to find food from pretty much anywhere in the world in the nearest supermarket, this comfort has a major flaw: it is becoming very difficult to ensure food safety before it ends up on our plates. FOODSNIFFER - a food testing device to be integrated directly in our smartphones - might be the solution.
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Graphene is one of the most exciting materials of the 21st century. EU-funded scientists are developing ground-breaking technology for its mass production, paving the way to commercialisation and innovation explosion.
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A forum is being created to support the efforts and potential of Joint Programming Initiatives in the area of research. The JPIS TO CO-WORK project aims to establish a mutual learning process, with a focus on common challenges and JPI contributions to the European Research Area.
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Lighting draws a substantial amount of electricity worldwide. EU-funded scientists are developing advanced lighting concepts for better lighting colour at higher efficiency and lower cost.
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Keeping up with the fast pace of contemporary business often results in occupational safety and health being sidelined. A current initiative aims to help European small and medium-sized enterprises better understand and comply with occupational safety and health regulations.
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