IT, Information, Media

Stephen Hawking, the most famous scientist in the world, had a lot to say during his life about topics other than the Big Bang and black holes. Here’s a roundup of the British physicist’s views on everything from aliens to the greatest mystery of all time.

A new mathematical framework taking into account ‘crosstalk’ and incorporating the impact of players’ interactions in simulations of repeated social dilemmas could help better analyse cooperation dynamics within a population.

Artificial intelligence (AI) could be exploited by rogue states, terrorists and criminals, unless humanity is better prepared to defend itself against its potential malicious use, experts warn.

A team of researchers has developed the first-ever magnet-sensitive electronics that can track body movements, opening up exciting prospects for a wide range of industries.

Taking us another step closer to the computers of the future, scientists show that the transfer of quantum information from an electron spin to a photon is possible in a silicon quantum chip.

Efficiency in nature’s biomolecular processes, such as photosynthesis, is not wholly explained by conventional theory. The EU-funded PAPETS project explored quantum effects to better understand these processes, recently leading to further insights into the possibilities for quantum computation.

District heating based on renewable energy sources is becoming a preferred energy saving solution. One of the biggest challenges, however, is convincing property owners of the long-term value of retrofitting buildings to accommodate this smart solution.

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has been taking place this week in Las Vegas, showcasing all kinds of weird and wonderful, conceptual and practical technology. Whilst much focus has been on new gadgets for consumer use, other, more far-reaching technological developments, such as advances in quantum computing, have also been trending.

If wearable electronics are to become commonplace, a breakthrough is required which allows them to be washable, stretchable and breathable. Using conventional inkjet techniques which are cheap, safe and environmentally friendly, researchers recently reported the successful printing of 2D material, creating integrated electronic circuits, directly onto fabrics.

By verifying a cell-based computer model that replicates the mechanics of muscle and tissue against in vitro tests, researchers have brought us a step closer to the era of personalised medicine.

An EU-funded project working with ultrafast optics, furthers control over the spatial-temporal quantum states of light, advancing quantum information science.

A consistent trend across the tech sector is the one-upmanship of increasingly high screen resolution and larger display size. Yet, the fact that the former increases faster than the latter means that manufacturers must achieve ever-higher pixel density. Large OLED microdisplays developed under the LOMID project could help solve that problem, thereby providing Europe with a competitive edge.

Rapidly modifying magnetic properties is key for low power magnetic devices. The EU-funded MULTIREV project has contributed to a study which exploits magnetoelastic coupling, for the design of strain-controlled nano-devices.

With fake news, alternative facts and false beliefs currently damaging our social and political landscape, EU researchers are examining whether journalists can be effective as adjudicators, pointing out untruths and separating facts from fiction.

Pervasive healthcare is an approach which addresses the challenge of straining health services with evidence-based, preventative strategies. The increased accessibility of personal monitoring devices is helping breathe life into efforts.

When quantum computers become available, an existing algorithm will challenge current encryption techniques now considered secure. Work being done by an EU-funded project is laying the grounds for a solution.

Scientists supported by EU funding, have created a graphene-based device where electron spins can be injected and detected, with unprecedented efficiency and at room temperature. This opens up possibilities for the realisation of applications which use spin based logic and transistors.

As Alzheimer’s disease is associated with a wide variety of symptoms, usually observed through patients’ behaviour and actions, effective and timely treatment has proven elusive. An EU-funded project has contributed towards the capture of images which show the changes a brain with Alzheimer’s undergoes, at different ages, with promise for future diagnostics and treatment.

Digital technologies have never evolved at such an incredible pace. Yet, they are still leaving people behind: visually-impaired people, for example, are completely locked out from the use of touchscreen devices. An EU-funded consortium has therefore created the BlindPAD to exploit and enhance their remaining senses.

Fingerprint scanners, iris and facial recognition systems – the world of biometric identification is burgeoning to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for quick, easy-to-use security measures.

Amidst debates across the media about ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative facts’, does the EU-funded INJECT project offer journalists a solution to the challenge of meeting 24/7 demand for original content, while retaining accuracy?

With around 90% of the worlds data generated in the last two years alone, there is a pressing need for more efficient data storage and transfer. The EU-funded SPIN-PORICS nanocomposite prototype may have a solution.

The European Commission has adopted, on a proposal by Marcelino Oreja, Commissioner responsible for audio-visual policy, the second report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee on the application of Directive 89/552/E...

The European Commission, DG XIII, has published a detailed list of the topics relating to the "Libraries" sector of the specific RTD programme in the field of Telematics Applications, for which proposals will be invited under the next call for proposals, due to be launched on ...

Over 160,000 school children, in more than 700 schools throughout the 15 EU Member States, will take their first steps in the Information Society in a project financed, in part, by the European Commission.At the initiative of Mr. Martin Bangemann, Commissioner responsible fo...