Small particle accelerators that open up new scientific fields
Researchers at Osaka University have achieved an important milestone in the development of a tabletop X-ray laser, with the goal of building an ultra-compact high-energy electron accelerator. Researchers have taken an important step toward miniaturizing particle accelerators by demonstrating free-electron laser amplification at extreme ultraviolet wavelengths using high-intensity lasers. By producing a high-quality monoenergetic electron […]
EU investigates state aid for six new French nuclear reactors
The European Commission has launched a detailed investigation into France’s proposed financial support for a new generation of nuclear reactors. The investigation will examine whether the planned aid package aimed at funding six new nuclear reactors complies with EU state aid rules, particularly with regard to competition and proportionality. Officials stress that opening a formal […]
The first ‘smart’ drug to fight cancer cells
A team at the University of Geneva has designed a molecular system that identifies and neutralizes cancer cells with unprecedented precision, paving the way for autonomous, self-regulating drugs. Using synthetic DNA strands, this smart system recognizes cancer cells with great precision and releases powerful drugs only where they are needed. Beyond cancer treatment, this research […]
NASA prepares moon mission
The long-anticipated Artemis II launch is in its final hours, with NASA teams undergoing a carefully planned series of checks and preparations for the launch, scheduled for today by 6:24 p.m. EDT. At Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineers and mission experts are working methodically to ensure that both the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket […]
PFAS crisis in Flanders (Belgium): butterfly effect
ARCHE Consulting’s Marnix Vangheluwe, Nathalie Briels and Hadewych Vanhooren discuss the origins and spread of the PFAS crisis in Flanders, Belgium. Over the years, a trend of decreasing Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) values for PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), persistent chemicals within the PFAS group, has been observed (Figure 1) (Brunn et al, […]
European Chip Law Design Enablement Team
VUO-IC is the Finnish gateway to realizing complex SoCs. Europe’s ambition to strengthen the semiconductor and electronics value chain is clearly expressed through the European Chip Act. Beyond major investments in manufacturing capacity, pilot lines, and research infrastructure, the Chip Act recognizes the more subtle but equally important challenge of turning ideas, architectures, and system […]
Fermilab’s electron beam technology tackles PFAS contamination
Chris Edwards, Fermilab’s engineering project manager, talks about his collaboration with Proficio to develop a method to treat water contaminated with PFAS using Fermilab’s electron beam technology. The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water systems is a pressing public health and environmental safety concern across the United States and beyond, as they […]
Formal negotiations begin on Australia’s Horizon European Association
The European Commission and Australian Government have formally begun negotiations on a potential relationship between Australia and Horizon Europe, signaling a new phase in bilateral scientific cooperation. The move follows Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent visit to Australia. This reflects broader efforts to strengthen ties between the two partners across research, trade and […]
Canadian universities collaborate to build high-performance supercomputing system
Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Queen’s University are partnering to design and build a sovereign, secure, sustainable, high-performance supercomputing system that keeps Canadian data and intellectual property in Canadian hands. The two universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding, seizing the opportunity to combine their unparalleled national expertise to deliver world-leading high-performance supercomputing and services to […]
EU clarifies packaging and packaging waste regulatory rules
The European Commission has published new guidance to support the rollout of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), providing much-needed clarity on how the regulation should be applied across Member States. The move aims to reduce legal ambiguity, harmonize national approaches and ease the compliance burden for companies operating across borders. The PPWR, which […]