Research*EU Magazine | Number 4 (July/August 2011)

Innovative modes of transport: where would we be without cars?

Summary:

This issue of Research*EU magazine is dedicated to ‘Innovative modes of transport: where would we be without cars?’. That question remains somewhat elusive. Our reliance on the car is often overwhelming. The World Car-Free Day on 22 September will attempt to get people to step out of their cars and reflect upon mobility and their transport choices.

We also speak to Alain de Larminat, project coordinator at the EU-funded Ecoshell project. Ecoshell is currently developing a bio-composite material made from vegetal fibres to replace the aluminium chassis of light vehicles. Mr de Larminat provides some insider knowledge on the project and discusses how innovation in design and technology can help make vehicles more efficient and green.

However, first we start off the issue with an article in the biology and medicine section on how scientists are able to predict cancer by analysing your breath.

The energy and transport section leads with an article on a new type of car suspension system for a far more enjoyable and smoother ride. N

ext in the environment and society section we take a closer look at scientists in the UK who have found a new way to produce water efficient seeds.

The researchers claim the resultant plants will be better able to withstand droughts. In our IT and telecommunications section, new systems of quantum cryptology are apparently much safer than current security systems, according to scientists in Belgium and Spain.

Contents:

Health

Digital Economy

Climate Change and Environment

Industrial Technologies

Energy

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