In the spotlight
Nanotechnology: a blessing or a curse for developing nations?
scidev, 01.08.2019
Nanoparticles are increasingly being explored for boosting crops and nutrition, but doubts remain over their long-term safety. Proponents of nanotechnology say it will revolutionise farming and global food systems, with applications being explored that could cut waste, make food safer and help create ‘super crops’ that escape the controversial label of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
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Food quality control made faster and easier
eurekalert, 30.07.2019
Scientists at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology have developed a new methodology for the simultaneous analysis of odorants and tastants. It could simplify and accelerate the quality control of food in the future.
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Has Europe lost the new biotechnology battle?
euractiv-en, 26.07.2019
The EU’s rules on GMOs risk stifling innovation in biotechnology and could lead to China and the US increasing their patent domination.
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Give the people what they want: Non-GMO sells
euractiv-en, 26.07.2019
For many years leading European food retailers have been following a strict non-GMO policy. Retailers are the parties most concerned when it comes to GMO regulation. For them, the proper implementation of an ECJ ruling is crucial.
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Agriculture & Environment
Ecological land grab pits food vs. fuel vs. forests, but there’s not enough to go around
japantimes, 05.08.2019
The overlapping crises of climate change, mass species extinction and an unsustainable global food system are on a collision course toward what might best be called an ecological land grab.
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EU agriculture not viable for the future – Researchers analyse EU Commission reform plans for the CAP
idw-online, 01.08.2019
Researchers analyse EU Commission reform plans for the CAP. The current reform proposals of the EU Commission on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are unlikely to improve environmental protection.
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Transport & Energy
Here are the latest smart home devices to integrate with Apple’s HomeKit
cnn, 01.08.2019
When it comes to the smart home, there are three big players: Google, Amazon and Apple. If you’re wondering what Apple offers, it’s called HomeKit, a platform meant to cut through the confusion that a smart home can bring. By using the Home app on your or even tvOS devices and iCloud, you can manage all your devices in one place.
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Information society
How blockchain technology can help in real-world supply chain management
firstpost, 05.08.2019
Virtual currencies like Bitcoin are only the earliest use cases of blockchain technology. Blockchain technology will soon find application in real-world supply chain management. The supply chain and global trade. Ocean freight accounts for roughly 90 percent of goods traded globally.
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Researchers revolutionize 3D bioprinting by engineering working components of the human heart
finanznachrichten-en, 01.08.2019
The technique, known as Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH), has allowed the researchers to overcome many challenges associated with existing 3D bioprinting methods, and to achieve unprecedented resolution and fidelity using soft and living materials.
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Food & Health
World Breastfeeding Week: WCD Ministry to promote
firstpost, 05.08.2019
According to WHO, increasing breastfeeding levels will help in saving more than 8,00,000 lives every year. The Union Women and Child Development Ministry is celebrating the World Breastfeeding Week with a focus on “protection, promotion and support” of breastfeeding.
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Researchers discover ultra-thin wearable electronic device
business-standard, 03.08.2019
Researchers have discovered a multifunctional ultra-thin wearable electronic device that is imperceptible to the wearer. These wearable human-machine interfaces devices that can collect and store important health information about the wearer, among other uses have benefited from advances in electronics, materials and mechanical designs.
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Science policy & Communication
GDPR taken more seriously after first fines
computerweekly, 01.08.2019
(ICO) under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) were appropriate, a survey shows. While 43% of Twitter followers of security firm Tripwire polled said the GDPR fines for British Airways and Marriott International were “appropriate”, 42% said they should have been greater, while only 12% thought the penalties were too high.
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Explainer: What do you do after a data breach?
reuters, 31.07.2019
Security experts say data breaches will continue to happen as cyber criminals and state-backed hackers target the protected information held by companies and government agencies. Such attacks leave consumers vulnerable to fraud and identity theft.
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EU initiatives
The Finnish EU presidency should push for a ‘fast lane’ for tech and AI
euractiv-en, 26.07.2019
Boasting one of Europe’s most liberal and innovative economies, Finland’s EU presidency has the chance to push for a ‘fast lane’ for tech and AI in Europe, and show Europe a way forward in the age of AI.
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Curious news
Inside MIT’s ‘Future Factory’
CBSnews, 05.08.2019
Back in the 1980’s, a laboratory of misfits foresaw our future. Touch screens, automated driving instructions, wearable technology and electronic ink were all developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in a place they call the Media Lab. It’s a research lab and graduate school program that long ago outgrew its name.
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China uses artificial intelligence to sort its waste
eco-business, 02.08.2019
Bubble tea cups, human hair, and even pet food. As confusion reigned among Shanghai citizens over the correct classification of waste since the city’s trash sorting regime kicked in on July 1, China’s tech giants have been quick to jump in with solutions.
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