Science knows no borders. The EU-funded FunGlass project demonstrates how the expertise of top European partners can breathe new life into a young, aspiring institute. An upgrade of the Centre of Excellence for Ceramics, Glass and Silicate Materials in Trenčín, Slovakia, is delivering not only advanced science, but improved economic and social development in the region.
Half of the world’s population lives in cities, and this figure is growing. Delivering water and sewage services in urban areas continues to be a significant challenge, especially in the face of climate change. Digital tools developed by the EU-funded DWC project are already being used to maintain Europe’s commitment to high-quality water infrastructure.
The thyroid gland produces many of the body’s essential hormones, but chemicals found in food, clothes and furniture can interfere with its function. Predicting the toxicity of these chemicals – especially at low doses – has proven difficult. The EU-funded SCREENED project created a model thyroid made of human cells to provide more accurate testing, as well as reduce reliance on animal studies.
The continuous rise of mobile communications has transformed how we work, live and play. But the power needed to deliver this growing data infrastructure has an equally large carbon footprint. Through 15 fellowships, the EU-funded GREENEDGE project aims to design energy-efficient technologies and combine them with the efficient management of ambient energy sources to reduce the impact of data services.
The steady and debilitating progression of Parkinson’s is thought to be driven by the gradual accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain. The EU-funded SYN-CHARGE project made the surprising discovery that these problem proteins may be targeted by peptide chains made from mirror image amino acids. The work lays the foundation for potential new therapies for several neurodegenerative diseases.
The EU-funded D^2EPC project is revolutionising building energy performance assessment and certification with dynamic Energy Performance Certificates that adapt to real data, empowering homeowners, building professionals and policymakers for a more sustainable future.
Mercury pollution presents a significant risk to environment and human health, in particular its accumulation in edible fish. The EU-funded Global Mercury Observation and Training network project (ITN GMOS-Train) helped model mercury’s chemical behaviour and fate in land, air and marine environments. The work will support public health initiatives and make more informed dietary choices possible.
Hydrogen produced with electricity is one of the most promising approaches for reducing carbon emissions, yet large-scale production has proven difficult. One problem lies in the need for rare metals to act as catalysts. The EU-funded CaBiS project has been exploring the possibility of adapting natural processes, with synthetic enzymes.
Agriculture accounts for 25 % of the world’s total carbon emissions. To help the sector reduce its carbon footprint, the EU-funded AgriCapture project is turning to a process that removes carbon from the atmosphere and stores it in soil. Not only can this reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, it also improves soil quality.
Currently there are no therapy options available for those suffering acute radiation sickness. But hope is on the horizon. A combination of carbon and pectin developed by the EU-funded NanoMed project can absorb damaging molecules generated in the body after exposure to radiation. It’s the first step towards a simple pill that can be given to those exposed to high levels of radiation.
