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Ben Skuse
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2019
Solar desalination sees the light of dawn
New solar technologies promise a more sustainable way for water-starved communities to squeeze drinkable water out of the salty seas.
The perils of ranking
Global lists are a key source of information for students choosing a university. But how relevant are they to the learning experience?
2018
Dealing with the plastic scourge
Society is balking at the impact of our collective plastic footprint. But some alternatives are occurring.
Europe’s answer to GPS
When Galileo is fully functional in 2020, it will provide the most precise navigation ever, even at the North and South Poles.
Time to rethink the meaning of work
Automation has already eliminated numerous tasks, and now artificial intelligence will add to the carnage. Humans may have to reconsider their obsession with labour.
Europe’s drone opportunity
China may have a corner on the recreational market, and the US on military uses, but Europe is poised to find its own niche.
Drones designed like bugs
Hundreds of millions of years of evolution have given insects the ability to fly efficiently and robustly. Roboticists are taking note.
Making labour less laborious
Childbirth may be the most important event in a mother’s life, but it can also be the most traumatic. Technology can help.
The debate over C-sections
The procedure has advantages as well as downsides. Science can help mothers decide what is best for them.
France leads a new revolution
Will the US and China dominate the development of AI? President Macron has ideas that can keep Europe in the game.
Building circuits of light
Move over, electrons. Ton Backx and his team are putting photons front and center as they lay the groundwork for the coming era of photonics.
2017
Silicon photonics: the next revolution
Say goodbye to copper wires. Silicon photonics promises greater energy efficiency, lightning-speed processing and innovative health devices.
Life-saving lessons
Linking engineering and medicine has led to better diagnostics, drugs and treatments. But it’s not always easy to collaborate successfully.
Successful and resolutely European
Not every start-up wants to move to America. Here are four that have remained loyal to their home turf.
Keeping innovators at home
The European Commission turns its attention to four key aspects of the problem.
Balancing pleasure and health
Our eating habits are often based on accepted wisdom without scientific basis. Researchers are now trying to sort the facts from the myths.
2016
Turning nature into a factory
How a salamander inspired a robot, a protein became a sensor and a molecule helped design a water purifier.
Leaders in smart energy
Throughout Europe, companies large and small are attacking bad habits and wasteful appliances.
The rise of open-source prosthetics
Entrepreneurs are tapping into inexpensive electronics and 3D printing to make robotic prosthesis more accessible.
The Vizzualiser
Relying on attractive and informative data visualisations, Craig Mills is on a mission to use hard evidence to bring environmental issues to life.