Technology, Science News!

Technology detects proton collisions at unprecedented levels of energy CERN has been able to take the first measurements of collisions between particles with the highest energy ever generated. These collisions were performed at CERN's new LHC accelerator.

Analytical eye: viewing through the data jungle Unmanageable volumes of data accumulate in our digitized working world. Scientists are developing analytical techniques that make use of our ability to identify complex data relationships by means of pictorial images.

Printable sensors In future every home will have one: electronic devices that you can control just by pointing a finger. To turn this vision into reality the 3Plast research consortium is developing special sensors that can be printed onto plastic film and affixed to objects.

City tours by mouse click Cities have to come up with creative ideas to attract investors. Specially developed software provides support and sends interested companies on a virtual tour of an industrial park. Residents can use the tool to explore their city as well.

Microbe detective seeks out germs Microorganisms are everywhere and most of them are harmless, but they can do a lot of damage in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals or in tissue transplants. With the aid of a new device, germs can be detected in artificial cartilage within a few hours.

A mini-laboratory for all cases Many illnesses can be reliably diagnosed through laboratory tests, but these in vitro analyses often use up valuable time. A system developed by Fraunhofer research scientists, which can carry out complex analyses on the spot, will soon be ready for the market.

Bone-hard biomaterial Screws used in surgical operations are often made of titanium. They usually have to be removed after a while or replaced by new ones. A new biomaterial makes this unnecessary.

Aerial surveillance technology could keep soldiers safer New technology that enables aerial vehicles to plan and verify missions could mean there is less need for military personnel to conduct dangerous surveillance operations in war zones.

Pressure sensors on alert Vacuum panels are particularly good for insulating buildings - as long as the vacuum does not leak. A tiny pressure sensor constantly checks the condition of the vacuum and indicates whether the insulation effect is still present.

Bio-inspired computer networks self-organise and learn Powerful computers made up of physically separate modules, self-organising networks, and computing inspired by biological systems are three hot research topics coming together in one European project.