Νοέμβριος 2013

Seasonal influenza occurs all over the world with an annual global attack rate estimated at 5 – 10% in adults and 20 – 30% in children, and causes about three to five million cases of severe illness and 250,000 to 500,000 deaths. The most effective way to prevent the disease or severe outcome is vaccination. However, due to the unpredictable and highly mutable nature of the influenza virus, current vaccines only offer limited protection against new variants and need to be administered annually.

We are all exposed to polluted air. Among main air pollutants are nitrogen oxides—the so-called ‘NOx ‘— and ozone, which cause irritation of respiratory tract and eyes, favouring cough, lung infections in children and asthma. As for particles emitted by transports, heating or agriculture, there is a real concern for what are referred to as ‘PM 2.5’—which is short for particles 2.5 millionths of a meter in diameter. Indeed, their small size allows them to penetrate deeply into the lungs. They can reach as far as the blood circulation system, thus enhancing cardiovascular risk.

Researchers are developing concepts for cruiser–feeder aircraft — large aircraft that fly fixed routes and receive passengers and fuel en route from smaller aircraft. These game-changing vehicles could substantially reduce the environmental impact of flying.

Further information: cordis.europa.eu

What laws and regulations are needed concerning robotic technology and similar systems? An EU project is finding out.

Further information: cordis.europa.eu