Deadly sepsis and antibiotic-resistant bacteria are in Europe’s crosshairs

EU researchers are looking for new ways to tackle bloodstream infections that kill millions of people worldwide every year. By  Michael Allen Professor Evangelos Giamarellos-Bourboulis has spent the past 18 years investigating a new way to treat sepsis – a medical condition that kills an estimated 11 million people worldwide every year. That’s almost a fifth … Read more

As microscopic materials proliferate, ensuring they are safe is a priority

Researchers in Europe are working to counter potential risks from nanomaterials used by a range of industries for technological advances. By  Tom Cassauwers While others might dream big, Dr Otmar Schmid dreams small. That’s because he works on nanomaterials, which are so tiny they’re invisible to the naked eye. Demand around the world for nanomaterials … Read more

One Health: an all-encompassing strategy for better well-being

Understanding the deep connections among human, animal and environmental health is more important than ever, according to the two heads of a groundbreaking EU research project. By  Horizon Staff In an era of interconnected global threats, the “One Health” idea recognises that human well-being is tightly tied to that of animals, plants and the wider … Read more

The miniature green superhero helping to fight bowel disease

Compounds found in seaweed may reduce a serious digestive-tract illness. By  Vittoria D’Alessio Roberto Saldana was 16 when he developed severe stomach pain and diarrhoea, but two more years would pass before he was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. Saldana, now 41 and a resident of the Spanish capital Madrid, said he was … Read more

From womb to tomb: tackling diseases by knowing the surrounding influences

Researchers are examining the range of environmental effects on people’s health over their whole lives. By  Jack McGovan Three decades ago, Professor Martine Vrijheid was investigating the prevalence of birth defects near hazardous waste sites across Europe as part of her PhD work. She found that there was indeed an increased risk close to dumps. … Read more