Articles

ESMH regularly publishes articles on topics related to science and new technologies that provoke a lot of media attention and that are important in the European context. Most importantly, the articles are written with the help of science writers in journalistic style and always provide the opinion of one or more scientists on the topic. The publications are accompanied by a selection of links to related information and with a focus on European research and knowledge in the field.

Petri dishes on black background

Interview with Prof. Francesco Imperi on new strategies to fight antimicrobial resistance

When bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines: this is set to become one of the major health threats of the 21st century. Francesco Imperi, Associate Professor of Microbiology at Roma Tre University (Italy), is working on novel strategies to tackle this antimicrobial resistance (AMR), more specifically in multidrug resistant bacterial human ...

Four detergents with comparable traffic light climate labels

The challenges of a European climate label

Trying to shop sustainably? Climate labels aim to assist consumers to choose the products that cause the lowest amount of global warming. But are they really effective? And would a general, standardised European climate label help? We asked Prof. Bo Weidema, an expert at the Danish Centre for Environmental Assessment. On 20 March 2023, he ...

Concept of geopolitics or worldwide economy chess figures placed on map banner

Technological vulnerabilities that threaten the European Union’s ‘Open Strategic Autonomy’ and the EU’s response

According to expert Dr Alice Pannier, 'Strategic Autonomy' is also referred to as 'sovereignty', but it's 'open' in order to not undermine the openness of the EU economy: "If the EU has technological sovereignty, it will be able to act autonomously on the international stage rather than have to rely on foreign suppliers and potentially ...

Biogas plant in Germany with grain field

Renewable energy for urban areas: biogas – its possibilities and limitations

When talking about renewable energy, most people think about solar or wind power. However, other forms of energy are also renewable. Bioenergy for instance is energy extracted from biomass, and it includes both energy coming from direct combustion of biomass and liquid biofuels, as well as biogas from anaerobic digestion (also called methanisation). Could generating ...

Digital Preschool kids drawing and making crafts with online art classes

Understanding children’s experiences for safer digital use

The digital generation is growing up in a hyper-connected world. A world full of opportunities, but also harbouring threats to their well-being. We cannot –and should not– shield children and young people from reality, but we can protect them: first by understanding their online behaviour and the risks that are involved, and then by giving ...

The future of RNA-based technology

The future of RNA-based technology

Exploring RNA-based technology, its achievements, its future promises, and what it means for European healthcare: This was the aim of this year's STOA Annual Lecture, the 20th edition of a yearly event organised by the European Parliament's Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA). As its keynote lecturer, STOA welcomed Professor Özlem Türeci, ...

Nuclear power plant in the middle of a flower meadow

Nuclear energy: innovation and sustainability

Interview nuclear physics expert Prof. Bent Lauritzen "Nuclear energy will play a decisive role in a transition to a low carbon European economy", says nuclear physics expert Bent Lauritzen of the Technical University of Denmark. However, "continued research and development in nuclear energy provision will be decisive if the European nuclear industry is to regain ...

Handwriting text writing Research Ethics. Conceptual photo interested in the analysis of ethical issues that raised

Peer pressure, social media, mainstream science

Science watcher Dr. Daniele Fanelli, London School of Economics, speaks about “the devil's details” when practicing research integrity. Honesty, responsibility, fairness and accountability are the principles of research integrity. These are the common standards for any responsible job. Why, then, is it so important to emphasise integrity in research and make it a buzz in politics ...