European researchers are developing online tools to help small and medium-sized enterprises improve the mental health of employees. By Andrew Dunne Ask a person working in a small business how things are going and the question might prompt a mix of responses. On the one hand, work in a small organisation can be enjoyable, exciting … Read more
Reducing everyday offences may depend on harnessing the power of virtual reality, conscious design and community spirit. By Alex Whiting Picture a young offender with a headset immersed in a virtual room, coming face to face with an avatar of his or her future self. The person tells the avatar about his or her lifestyle, … Read more
With its eye on the eventual reconstruction of Ukraine, Europe is helping academics from the country get their lives back on track. By Andrew Dunne Regis Nibaruta remembers the night of 24 February 2022 like no other. After months of speculation about rising tensions with Russia, at 3am his phone rang. It was a fellow … Read more
New sails and boat designs are set to help shipowners slash fuel costs and emissions. By Gareth Willmer There is no mistaking Cristina Aleixendri’s enthusiasm – and competence – when it comes to talking about how wind-assisted shipping is on the verge of making a planet-changing comeback. Aleixendri founded a company called bound4blue with two fellow Spaniards … Read more
While barely being given a second thought by most people, the masses of condensed water vapour floating in the atmosphere play a big role in global warming. By MICHAEL ALLEN Predicting how much Earth’s climate will warm is vital to helping humankind prepare for the future. That in turn requires tackling a prime source of uncertainty … Read more
With tens of millions of poultry culled every year to contain avian influenza, scientists are rushing to find new ways to protect flocks from infection and avert a human pandemic. By VITTORIA D’ALESSIO Researchers are learning important lessons about how bird flu spreads and the characteristics of the virus in Europe. Bird flu is on the … Read more