The living patch: could a tea-inspired material help treat eczema?

For millions of people living with atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, managing the condition can feel like a constant struggle. Flare‑ups are unpredictable, existing treatments are broad and relief is often temporary. During flare‑ups, harmful bacteria multiply rapidly, crowding out the beneficial microbes that normally help keep the skin healthy and inflammation under control. […]

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Tiny particles, big impact: towards less invasive brain stimulation

For decades, treating serious brain disorders has often meant making a difficult trade-off. Symptoms could be relieved, but usually at the cost of invasive surgery and implanted electrodes that stay in the body for life.  “Having wires in your body isn’t ideal,” said neuroscientist Mavi Sanchez-Vives, head of the Systems Neuroscience group at the IDIBAPS research […]

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Home sweet home: helping European families become more resilient

It’s the season for celebration. Families gather for festive meals, exchange gifts or plan special outings – moments designed to be memorable and shared. Yet for many households across Europe, these happy rituals come only after months of planning, bargain hunting and worry. Behind the sparkle of Christmas lights can lie a great deal of […]

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On the right track: driving innovation in European rail travel

Close to the beautiful coastline of Oslo, Norway, a bright blue tram rolls smoothly along the tracks of a local depot. At first glance, it looks like any other tram, but a careful observer will notice one crucial difference: there is no driver. This tram is operated remotely using cutting-edge technologies developed under an EU-funded […]

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Linking diet and health: Europe’s drive to curb cardiovascular diseases and obesity

One of the biggest challenges in studying how diet impacts disease is understanding what people really eat. Food diaries and surveys are still the standard tools, but they often fall short as people forget, misjudge portions, or play down less healthy choices. To tackle this, EU-funded researchers are testing something new: a discreet wearable camera paired […]

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Smarter agriculture: farmers work with nature to cut pesticides

In sunny Tourinha, a small town north of Lisbon, farmer Bruno Neves proudly walks through his fields and greenhouses full of lettuce and cucumbers. Come Christmastime, there will also be the traditional Portuguese Christmas cabbage. Ladybirds, hoverflies and other insects buzz through the air, tiny allies in his mission to grow healthy crops. “I create […]

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From medieval stronghold to cyber fortress: shielding Europe’s digital future

The unmistakable silhouette of Špilberk Castle towers over Brno, the largest city in Czechia’s South Moravia region. From this medieval stronghold, you can spot the buildings of Masaryk University nestled below. It was here, at the foot of this centuries-old fortress, that local computer scientists first had the idea to strengthen the defences of Europe’s […]

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Behind the screens: global teams unite against child abuse and trafficking

As online platforms play a bigger role in children’s daily lives, so do the risks – from grooming and coercion to the spread of exploitative content. Child sexual abuse and trafficking are on the rise globally, with law enforcement and support organisations often struggling to keep up.  In response, the EU is backing cross-border initiatives […]

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Under the influence: how digital media affects teens

In today’s world, the line between online and offline is increasingly being blurred, especially for children and teens. Navigating this space safely can be a challenge. Klavdija Berginc, a maths and computer science teacher at a primary school in Kobarid, Slovenia, has witnessed this struggle up close over more than a decade in the classroom. […]

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