Metrology matters: the hidden science driving the green and digital transition

Getting measurements right is key to breakthroughs in everything from science and tech to everyday life. © Audrius Merfeldas, Shutterstock.com

Often overlooked, metrology – the science of measurement – underpins countless aspects of daily life, from accurately telling the time to ensuring the security of digital communications. By Tom Cassauwers As Europe ramps up efforts to transition to a greener economy, hydrogen is taking centre stage as a clean energy solution, particularly for decarbonising sectors … Read more

Cracking the code of supersolid light – and what it means for future quantum tech

EU-funded researchers are working out how to harness the power of light in solid structures. © Nikki Zalewski, Shutterstock.com

EU-funded researchers have brought supersolid light to life in the lab and are now exploring how this strange new state of matter could power real-world technologies. By Jonathan O’Callaghan Can light ever be a solid? It turns out that, in the microscopic world of the quantum realm, maybe it can. In a recent groundbreaking EU-funded … Read more

Bringing the outdoors in: architecture that nurtures our connection with nature

Lessons learned from the traditional connection with nature in Japanese and Danish architecture could help build greener urban spaces for the future. © PhD Carmen García Sánchez, 2020

EU-funded researchers are exploring the role of architecture in designing living spaces that harness the healing power of nature to improve the health and well-being of urban populations. By Bárbara Pinho Dr Carmen García Sánchez likes to ride her bike in the Danish countryside. That is how she first discovered how closely post-war Danish architecture … Read more

Self-driving trucks: en route to transform Europe’s freight sector

Researchers are preparing automated trucks equipped with cameras, sensors and radars to transport cargo on Europe’s public roads. © Einride

EU-funded researchers are accelerating the rollout of self-driving trucks on public roads to solve driver shortages and improve safety and sustainability in Europe’s logistics sector. By Bárbara Pinho In the not-so-distant future, unusual looking cargo vehicles – sporting large black windscreens and with no human driver behind the wheel – could become a common sight … Read more

Silent danger: researchers tackle chemicals that threaten health and fertility

Researchers are working to identify and raise awareness of the health dangers posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals in everyday products. © New Africa, Shutterstock.com

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are everywhere – from plastics to cosmetics – silently affecting our reproductive health. EU-funded researchers are shedding light on the risks and developing better tests to protect future generations. By Vittoria D’Alessio Professor Majorie van Duursen, a Dutch environmental health expert and toxicologist, has her sights set on improving women’s health. Her principal … Read more