Scientists at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) have developed the first photo-electrochemical aptasensor that detects the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a saliva sample. This sensor, which uses aptamers (a type of artificial antibody), is more sensitive that antigen-based sensors and detects the virus more quickly and cheaply than PCR tests. These new devices can be incorporated into portable diagnostic systems and are easy to use.

Food, electronics, clothes and other imported goods have the smallest environmental footprint when brought to Norway by sea. At the same time the shipping industry must contribute with their share to reduce climate emissions globally, as well as nationally.  This is the core of the research project Ecoprodigi – to bring environmental efficiency and digitalisation to the maritime industry. As the only Norwegian partner, the University of South-Eastern Norway contributed to the results of the EU-funded project.  

By Marina Frangeskidou, University Officer at the University of Cyprus, Rector’s Office

Universities are catalysts of change, creators of new cultures, and disruptors of norms which prevent the positive development of our societies. Recognizing the above as one of the main objectives of academic and research institutions, the University of Cyprus focuses on positively impacting the society, and helping our world change for the better. 

100,000 square metres – that’s the size of the campus of the University of Klagenfurt near Lake Wörthersee in Austria’s southernmost city. More than half of this is undeveloped space which serves as verdant parkland welcoming students and staff. The natural beauty of the campus offers ample inspiration for creative, innovative and audacious research on the pivotal topic of the future: digitalisation! Founded as recently as 2019, the Digital Age Research Centre (D^!ARC) draws together researchers from the fields of computational linguistics, cybersecurity and digital culture for the purpose of contributing to the digital transformation. A constant focus in this endeavour: Digital transformation can only succeed with the careful stewardship of natural resources in a green future.