Research*EU Magazine | Number 5 (September 2011)

Exploration of space: embarking on the final frontier

Summary:

We are dedicating this issue’s theme to ‘Exploration of space: embarking on the final frontier.’ We also want to point out that the World Space Week will take place in the first half of October. The World Space Week is the largest public space event and is celebrated in 55 countries. We speak to Manuel Collados, project coordinator at the EU-funded ‘European Solar Telescope’ (EST) project. EST will become a 4-metre class solar telescope in the Canary Islands. It will measure the thermal, dynamic and magnetic properties of the Sun’s plasma. The telescope is now in its conceptual design study stage. Mr Collados gives us compelling insight into the future of European ground-based astronomy and the technological wonders that continue to inspire a new generation of researchers.

However, first we start off the issue with an article in the biology and medicine section on new treatments that could block the transmission of malaria — a deadly and yet utterly preventable disease.

The energy and transport section leads with an article on integrating photovoltaic panels into textiles. Next in the environment and society section we take a closer look at Saturn. Astronomers have been observing a massive storm brewing in its atmosphere since last December.

In our IT and telecommunications section, EU researchers are proving that learning can be an integral part of working life.

The industrial technology section leads with a story on how a new project is exploiting nanotechnology to make super composite materials and polymers. The results could sustainably reduce industry polymer costs.

Contents:

Climate Change and Environment

Transport and Mobility

Digital Economy

ndustrial Technologies

Energy

Health

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