In a lab in Amsterdam, arachnophobes have volunteered to encounter their eight-legged nemeses to help researchers hoping to conjure and obliterate fear memories. These studies, as well as new understanding of overlooked brain regions, are revealing how fears linked to PTSD or phobias work, and how they may be treated. In upcoming clinical trials, Professor … Read more
The idea of cryogenically freezing a person to preserve their body until many years into the future has long been a staple of science fiction stories. However, the need to reliably store biological materials such as cells or tissue is a common concern for scientific research and, increasingly, for society too. Whether it’s the dark, … Read more
The coronavirus pandemic has upended the lives of people around the world, with our youth among the hardest hit as their education, work opportunities and social lives are put on hold. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, young Europeans were increasingly mobile, moving around the EU for education, and work, while major strides were being made … Read more
Everyone loves to visit the seaside, whether to enjoy the physical benefits of an exhilarating swim or simply to relax on the beach and catch some sun. But these simple life affirming pleasures are easily ruined by the presence of litter, which if persistent can have a serious negative impact on both the local environment … Read more
Scientists have found minuscule shreds of plastic everywhere – in rivers and lakes, at the bottom of the sea, on the tallest mountain on earth, blowing in the wind and moving through our food chain. Now they’re trying to find out how all this plastic is affecting human health. Plastic pollution is everywhere we look. … Read more
We asked a selection of Europe’s scientists to shed light on their research and make predictions for the new year. Despite the pandemic having upended so many aspects of our lives, scientists are optimistic about a slew of promising scientific advances they expect in 2022 in several research areas. Some breakthroughs will come because … Read more