Bottling trust: researchers are using chemistry and blockchain to discourage wine fraud

New digital passports for wine combine chemistry and blockchain technology to guarantee authenticity. © Barillo_Images, Shutterstock.com

EU-funded researchers have developed smart tags to guarantee the authenticity and traceability of wine from vineyard to table, helping to combat counterfeiting and boost consumer trust. By Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro Red, white, or rosé, sparkling or still, dry or fruity, wine is deeply embedded in European culture. But so are attempts to counterfeit good wines. … Read more

Robo-companion: humanoid robot gets chatty to help elderly hospital patients

Successful trials of ARI, the talking robot, demonstrate its potential to help hospital staff and enhance patient care. © SPRING

EU researchers are testing a robot that can have basic conversations in busy surroundings, with the idea of assisting people arriving at hospitals. By Gareth Willmer A hospital in central Paris has had an unexpected helper: a full-sized talking humanoid robot. Created by an international team of EU-funded researchers, it can interact with patients, provide … Read more