Heavy metals fall, but PFAS levels soar in Svalbard reindeer
Although toxic metals in reindeer populations have declined over the past decade, levels of permanent chemicals have increased dramatically, raising concerns for species that consume reindeer, including polar bears and humans. The Svalbard reindeer is a subspecies of reindeer (or caribou) found only on this island and has been around for at least 5,000 years. […]
Supports £86.5 million hydrogen electrolyser project in South Yorkshire, UK
The UK is moving to strengthen its domestic clean energy capacity with significant investment in hydrogen technology, particularly in South Yorkshire. The funding package is expected to create over 400 jobs and place the region at the forefront of Europe’s hydrogen production infrastructure. At the heart of the announcement is a £40m commitment from Great […]
UK gigafactory investment spurs £700m investment in advanced manufacturing
The UK Government has confirmed a significant expansion in advanced manufacturing, with the UK’s new Gigafactory project supporting over £700m of public and private investment. The facility, being developed by Somerset company Agratas, has secured £380m of government funding and is expected to create around 4,200 jobs. The factory is designed to significantly increase the […]
A new AI dissemination model to speed up drug development
Scientists at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have developed a new drug design method that uses AI diffusion models to identify and adapt to protein movement. A new suite of artificial intelligence-powered tools called YuelDesign, YuelPocket, and YuelBond was created by a team at the University of Virginia School of Medicine to make […]
Smart technology is bringing charging to Europe’s countryside
Improved connectivity is transforming everyday life in rural Europe, from safer commuting to school to cleaner energy, while supporting local economies and reducing emissions. Getting kids ready for school on time can be stressful. The challenge is even greater in Finnish Lapland, where winters are long and snowy, and some students travel long distances by […]
Remove plastic from EU rivers before it reaches the ocean
From drones and smart cameras to biodegradable packaging, EU-funded researchers are working to remove plastic from rivers before it reaches the ocean. Gerd Everard often watched the Scheldt River flow by from his desk in his bedroom in the Belgian town of Dendermonde. Barges and small boats were adrift. Birds were fishing. However, this river […]
UK’s largest solar power plant approved to power 180,000 homes
The UK government has approved plans for what will be the UK’s largest solar power station, marking a significant step in the country’s transition to cheaper and safer energy. The approved development, known as Springwell Solar Farm, will combine large-scale solar power generation with battery storage and grid infrastructure and will be built in North […]
A new approach uses biomarkers to reduce trial and error in arthritis treatment
The EU-funded SQUEEZE initiative aims to personalize and optimize arthritis treatment by using biomarkers to identify the best drugs for individual patients, Ali Jones explores. Although powerful treatments exist for rheumatoid arthritis, doctors cannot always predict which drugs will be most effective for each person. EU-funded initiatives aim to change this by optimizing and personalizing […]
Forever chemicals weaken adults’ immune systems
A new US study adds new evidence that chemicals can permanently impair the body’s ability to fight infections, and may have stronger effects in vulnerable groups. Growing evidence suggests that exposure to PFAS, widely known as the “forever chemicals,” can weaken the immune system in adults, according to a new study from Michigan State University. […]
New insulation concept for liquefied hydrogen tanks
NICOLHy is investigating the concept of vacuum insulated panels (VIP) for economical and safe insulation of large liquefied hydrogen tanks. Europe’s energy import and storage transition faces critical challenges: how to safely and efficiently store and transport hydrogen at scale. Although gaseous hydrogen pipelines and underground storage are only partially available, liquefied hydrogen (LH₂) is […]