As Europe turns increasingly to clean sources of energy, EU researchers are on a quest to make hydrogen from solar rays and heat. By TOM CASSAUWERS In July 2023, when southern Europe endured an unprecedented heatwave with temperatures soaring to around 45 °C, a particular place in Spain got much hotter without becoming headline news. The … Read more
As the number of objects launched into orbit grows, the EU is working to prevent debris from getting out of hand. By GARETH WILLMER An upsurge in worldwide rocket and satellite launches into space means collisions are an increasing danger that EU research projects are seeking to curb. The number of satellites in space may exceed … Read more
The EU is seeking to limit growing threats from blazes through the use of satellites, artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial vehicles. By JACK MCGOVAN Picture the following scene on the French island of Corsica: a local fire service uses a special surveillance camera to detect smoke in the area, quickly declare the outbreak of a blaze … Read more
Clothes made from recycled textiles are emerging in Europe, highlighting new business opportunities that also reduce the industry’s environmental footprint. By SOFIA STRODT Two textile plants in southern Finland point to the future of the industry. At the sites in Espoo and Valkeakoski, pre-treated textile waste is turned into a cellulosic fibre that looks and feels … Read more
The major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming could become a prime resource for biofuels that can cut car, plane and ship emissions. 18 August 2023 By TOM CASSAUWERS Laura Martinelli has bittersweet recollections about a clean-fuels project that she managed. It was interrupted by the sudden death of a leading researcher but ended up breaking … Read more
In the prehistoric times of Neanderthals and early modern humans, one of Europe’s largest-ever bear species roamed the land and inhabited its caves. But the cave bear, weighing up to one tonne, died out some 25 000 years ago. Its bones have been found in caves located from England to Russia. Competing views Possible reasons … Read more