Latest news with #EuronewsTechTalks
Euronews
3 days ago
- Health
- Euronews
Euronews Tech Talks Podcast
In January 2013, the world of sports was shaken by an interview conducted by the American powerhouse broadcaster Oprah Winfrey with the cycling champion Lance Armstrong. Armstrong, who had won seven consecutive Tour de France titles from 1999 to 2005, publicly admitted using banned substances to enhance his performance during official competitions, confirming long-standing suspicions that had followed him for years. Armstrong left a mark on the history of doping. As a cancer survivor, his achievements represented a sign of hope and resilience, and what happened next was described by many as the fall of a hero. It goes without saying that Armstrong's case was neither the first nor the last doping scandal. But why exactly do athletes resort to doping? What substances do they use, and why are they so difficult to detect? Euronews Tech Talks set out to better understand doping with Andrea Petróczi, professor of public health at Kingston University in the United Kingdom. She also regularly provides consultancy to the World Anti-Doping Agency. What is doping? Petróczi said that researchers have not yet agreed on the exact definition of doping. However, she said the World Anti-Doping Code provides clear rules for athletes to understand what doping is and who can be accused of it. 'Doping is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the anti-doping rules violations set forth in Article 2.1 through Article 2.11 of the Code,' the Code states. There are 11 anti-doping rule violations, which include not only the use of substances but also the attempted use of these agents. Moreover, even if an athlete did not intend to cheat, they can still face sanctions if a banned substance is found in their system. Some of these rules apply not only to the athletes but also to their support personnel. According to the Code, any substance or method that meets two out of three criteria is classified as prohibited. These criteria are: evidence that the substance enhances performance, evidence that it poses a health risk, and evidence that it goes against the spirit of sport. Based on these criteria, 'a substance doesn't necessarily have to be performance-enhancing to be prohibited". Petróczi said. "If it's deemed risky to the athlete's health and against the spirit of sport, then it can be added to the list,' she added. The most well-known doping substances are EPO and anabolic steroids. EPO, or erythropoietin, is a hormone produced by the kidneys to stimulate the production of red blood cells, helping transport oxygen to the muscles. It is commonly used in sports like marathons or cycling, as it boosts endurance. By contrast, anabolic steroids are synthetic compounds similar to testosterone that promote muscle growth, and they are used in sprint or weight lifting competitions. Caffeine was also considered a prohibited substance and was reintroduced only in 2004. Although now allowed, it has since then been on the World Anti-Doping Agency's monitoring programme. Is doping too difficult to detect? Andrea Petróczi stated that 'doping is not difficult to detect because the detection limit is low'. However, she acknowledged the major challenges in detecting doping and argued that they depend on multiple factors, including whether the anti-doping authorities know or not about the substance being used and the timing of the doping test. For instance, Petróczi explained that microdoses of prohibited substances are complicated to identify, not because of their small amount, but because they remain in the body for only a short time. This makes them hard to identify unless testing occurs within a narrow window. She also pointed out that given the advancements in equipment, diets and training, it is more difficult to understand the limit between excellent preparation and the use of doping substances. 'In the future, what poses a challenge for anti-doping is not a new drug necessarily," Petróczi said. "But the combination of the existing drugs with data science, with specialised training, with equipment, each providing a marginal gain, but in combination, the synergistic effect,' she added.
Euronews
28-05-2025
- Science
- Euronews
Behind the scenes on launch day for ESA's Biomass mission
In the early morning of April 29, people in Kourou, French Guiana, were woken up by the roar of the Vega-C rocket as it carried Biomass, the latest satellite from the European Space Agency (ESA), successfully into space. The Biomass mission not only represents a leap forward in the scientific understanding of tropical forests, but its launch also marked a major step toward securing Europe's independent access to space. Euronews Tech Talks was on site in Kourou for the launch, and with this second special episode on Biomass, we bring you behind the scenes of the launch preparations. The operations on the day of the launch of a satellite, also referred to as D-Day, are just the tip of the iceberg in a long process to get it into space. In the case of Biomass, the project started more than a decade ago and involved several professionals who dedicated their competencies to building the satellite, developing the rocket, and coordinating every step up to and after April 29. Launch preparations began as early as March 7, when Biomass arrived in French Guiana after a two-week voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival in Kourou, the satellite was transported to the spaceport, removed from its shipping container, and thoroughly inspected for any potential damage. Next, Biomass was fuelled and attached to the adapter that would connect it to the Vega-C rocket, enabling its journey into orbit. On April 14, Biomass was placed inside the fairing, the top part of the rocket, then transferred to the launch pad at the Tangara site. There, the fairing containing the satellite was placed on the Vega C launcher, followed by more checks and a practice run known as the dress rehearsal. With all checks completed, it was time for the first weather forecast, a crucial step in the process. "We need good weather conditions to authorise the launch," explained Jean Frédéric Alasa, launch range operations director at CNES, the French Space Agency. "The rain is not a major constraint, it's more about the wind. If the launcher were to explode, we want to make sure the debris falls far from the populated areas," he continued. Luckily, on April 29, the wind was very mild, and the satellite launch was authorised. Vega C lifted off at 6:15:52 AM local time in Kourou. This time was precisely calculated and had to be respected to bring the satellite into the correct orbit. "For all the SSO missions, there is no launch window, but just one time at which the satellite can be lifted off," Fabrizio Fabiani, head of the Vega programme at Arianespace, explained. "Each day could be a good day, but at the same instant". SSO stands for sun-synchronous orbit, a special type of orbit where the satellite maintains the same position relative to the Sun. Essentially, Biomass passes over the same location on Earth at the same time every day. This orbit is ideal for monitoring changes over time, which is why it is commonly used for several Earth observation satellites. Biomass's launch was successful and greeted with great excitement by those who worked on it for years. When the satellite and rocket fully separated, the team erupted into cheers, celebrating the mission's success. "I've indeed been working for 12 years on that mission and now, at the end of it, I would say the predominant sentiment is that I'm super grateful and humbled that I was allowed to do that job," Michael Fehringer, ESA's Biomass project manager, told Euronews. "I feel relieved... that's all we could ask for, that's the best result we could have," Justin Byrne, Airbus head of science and Mars programmes, shared with us. But while most celebrated, one team remained focused on the mission. Which team was it, and why? Listen to Euronews Tech Talks to find out the answer.
Euronews
28-05-2025
- Science
- Euronews
Behind the scenes of on launch day for ESA's Biomass mission
In the early morning of April 29, people in Kourou, French Guiana, were woken up by the roar of the Vega-C rocket as it carried Biomass, the latest satellite from the European Space Agency (ESA), successfully into space. The Biomass mission not only represents a leap forward in the scientific understanding of tropical forests, but its launch also marked a major step toward securing Europe's independent access to space. Euronews Tech Talks was on site in Kourou for the launch, and with this second special episode on Biomass, we bring you behind the scenes of the launch preparations. The operations on the day of the launch of a satellite, also referred to as D-Day, are just the tip of the iceberg in a long process to get it into space. In the case of Biomass, the project started more than a decade ago and involved several professionals who dedicated their competencies to building the satellite, developing the rocket, and coordinating every step up to and after April 29. Launch preparations began as early as March 7, when Biomass arrived in French Guiana after a two-week voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival in Kourou, the satellite was transported to the spaceport, removed from its shipping container, and thoroughly inspected for any potential damage. Next, Biomass was fuelled and attached to the adapter that would connect it to the Vega-C rocket, enabling its journey into orbit. On April 14, Biomass was placed inside the fairing, the top part of the rocket, then transferred to the launch pad at the Tangara site. There, the fairing containing the satellite was placed on the Vega C launcher, followed by more checks and a practice run known as the dress rehearsal. With all checks completed, it was time for the first weather forecast, a crucial step in the process. "We need good weather conditions to authorise the launch," explained Jean Frédéric Alasa, launch range operations director at CNES, the French Space Agency. "The rain is not a major constraint, it's more about the wind. If the launcher were to explode, we want to make sure the debris falls far from the populated areas," he continued. Luckily, on April 29, the wind was very mild, and the satellite launch was authorised. Vega C lifted off at 6:15:52 AM local time in Kourou. This time was precisely calculated and had to be respected to bring the satellite into the correct orbit. "For all the SSO missions, there is no launch window, but just one time at which the satellite can be lifted off," Fabrizio Fabiani, head of the Vega programme at Arianespace, explained. "Each day could be a good day, but at the same instant". SSO stands for sun-synchronous orbit, a special type of orbit where the satellite maintains the same position relative to the Sun. Essentially, Biomass passes over the same location on Earth at the same time every day. This orbit is ideal for monitoring changes over time, which is why it is commonly used for several Earth observation satellites. Biomass's launch was successful and greeted with great excitement by those who worked on it for years. When the satellite and rocket fully separated, the team erupted into cheers, celebrating the mission's success. "I've indeed been working for 12 years on that mission and now, at the end of it, I would say the predominant sentiment is that I'm super grateful and humbled that I was allowed to do that job," Michael Fehringer, ESA's Biomass project manager, told Euronews. "I feel relieved... that's all we could ask for, that's the best result we could have," Justin Byrne, Airbus head of science and Mars programmes, shared with us. But while most celebrated, one team remained focused on the mission. Which team was it, and why? Listen to Euronews Tech Talks to find out the answer. For anyone who thought the electric car boom was a bubble, you only need to look at recent EV sales to see that going electric is now well and truly a mainstream option. Nearly 3 million new electric cars were registered in Europe in 2024, according to EV Volumes. And with more brands branching out into the EV market in the works, consumers are becoming spoiled for choice when it comes to models. Here's our pick of the most eagerly awaited electric cars coming to Europe this year. Ford's top-selling compact crossover is now fully electric, joining the Explorer, Capri, and Mustang Mach-E in the Blue Oval's growing EV stable. As lively as ever, the Gen-E sprints from 0–100 km/h in 8 seconds, offers a practical 376 km range, and packs a cavernous 523-litre boot along with a 43-litre front boot into city-friendly dimensions. Inside, a 12.8-inch digital cluster, 12.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Alexa integration keep you connected on the move while 135 km of range in just 10 minutes makes charging easy. The Puma is back - now electric - and ready to repeat its success. What to know: Battery: ~50 kWh (43 kWh usable) | Range: 376 km (WLTP) Charge: 10–80 per cent in 23 mins | Space: 523L boot Price: ~€33,000 (est) | Date: On sale now (select markets) Rivals: Kia EV3, VW ID.3, Volvo EX30 Hyundai's new flagship SUV brings seating for up to seven with a 620 km range to the family EV segment. Built on the E-GMP platform with 800 V architecture, it charges from 10–80 per cent in just 24 minutes. The cabin focuses on calm and connectivity, with twin 12.3-inch displays, BOSE audio, swivel seating, and a panoramic roof. With three rows and a premium finish, the IONIQ 9 is built for long journeys and big families. What to know: Battery: 110.3 kWh | Range: Up to 620 km (WLTP) Charge: 10–80 per cent in 24 mins | Capacity: 620L boot Price: €73,000–€75,000 (est) | Date: On sale now in Korea; EU in summer 2025 Rivals: Kia EV9, Volvo EX90, Tesla Model X Kia's sleekest EV yet ditches SUV bulk for saloon-hatch elegance. Closely based on the EV3 there will be two battery options and up to 630 km range. It combines aerodynamic efficiency (Cd 0.23) with 150 kW performance and fast charging. Inside, a 30-inch display turns it into a rolling entertainment suite - complete with YouTube, Netflix, and even karaoke. Add in Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability and a low-slung stance, and the EV4 could be the surprise star of 2025. What to know: Battery: 58.3 or 81.4 kWh | Range: Up to 630 km (WLTP) Charge: Fast charge in 31 mins | Capacity: Up to 490L Price: €40,000–€45,000 (est) | Date: EU launch 2025 Rivals: VW ID.3, Renault Mégane E-Tech, Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal With its 4.9-metre length and nearly 1.9-metre width, the new Mazda 6e will be one of the largest electric saloons on the European market - bigger than a Tesla Model 3 and edging out the Hyundai Ioniq 6 in both length and width. It's sized to rival premium models like the Mercedes EQE. Inside, Mazda is promising a premium cabin experience, complete with a panoramic roof and a 14.6-inch gesture-controlled central screen. Range figures are competitive too: 499 km for the Standard model and up to 555 km for the Long Range version. The first shipment is already en route from China, with left-hand-drive markets getting the car this summer. Drivers in the UK and Ireland will likely have to wait until early 2026 to see it in showrooms. What to know: Battery: 80 kWh or 68.8 kWh | Range: Up to 552 km (WLTP) Charge: 10–80 per cent in 22–45 mins | Capacity: TBA Price: ~€43,000 (est) | Date: Summer 2025 Rivals: Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 The electric CLA is Mercedes' most efficient car to date, with up to 792 km range and 800 V charging that adds 325 km in 10 minutes. The tech is equally cutting-edge: a floating MBUX Superscreen, an AI-enhanced assistant powered by Microsoft and Google, and recycled materials throughout. It's luxury redefined for the sustainable, software-driven era. What to know: Battery: 85 kWh | Range: Up to 792 km (WLTP) Charge: 325 km in 10 mins | Capacity: 395L boot Price: €52,000–€58,000 (est) | Date: Late 2025/early 2026 Rivals: BMW i4, Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 Opel's newest EV is big on space and low on fuss. With up to 400 km range, clever interior packaging, and features like Intelli-Seats, roof load support, and a smartphone docking station, the Frontera is as practical as it is affordable. With a starting price under €30,000, this might just be Opel's most compelling EV to date - though any newcomer in the crowded small SUV segment will need to work hard to stand out among some seriously tough competition. What to know: Battery: 44 kWh (usable) | Range: Up to 400 km (WLTP) Charge: 10–80 per cent in 26 mins | Capacity: Up to 1,600L Price: From €28,990 | Date: Orders open now (Germany) Rivals: MG ZS EV, Jeep Avenger, Renault 4 E-Tech, Citroën e-C4 A retro reboot with real substance, the Renault 4 E-Tech is taller, tougher, and more practical than its sibling, the Renault 5. It offers a generous 420-litre boot, flat-folding rear seats, and a choice of two battery options: a punchy 52 kWh for longer trips or a lighter 40 kWh LFP ideal for city driving. Inside, the OpenR Link system with Google integration and Renault's voice-activated avatar, Reno, makes its tech feel seamless. French-built, family-friendly, and full of charm - this is a stylish all-rounder at a competitive price, with just enough personality to keep things fun. What to know: Battery: Up to 52 kWh | Range: Up to 400 km (WLTP) Charge: 15–80 per cent in ~35 mins | Capacity: 420L boot Price: ~€30,000 (est) | Date: Launching 2025 Rivals: Ford Puma Gen-E, Fiat 600e, Citroën ë-C3 Aircross Toyota joins the small electric SUV race with the Urban Cruiser EV - an urban-friendly crossover that blends everyday practicality with a hint of adventure. Expected to offer up to 402 km of range, it will launch with two battery options: a 49 kWh unit delivering around 299 km and a 61 kWh version. Front-wheel drive will be standard, but four-wheel drive will be an option in some markets. Inside, features like sliding rear seats, 12-colour ambient lighting, and a high-spec infotainment system add comfort and flair. If Toyota gets the pricing right, the Urban Cruiser could be a strong contender in the crowded compact EV segment. What to know: Battery: 49 kWh, 61 kWh | Range: Up to 400 km (est) Charge: Charging specs To be announced | Capacity: Boot space To be announced Price: ~€35,000 (est) | Date: EU rollout late summer 2025 Rivals: Jeep Avenger, Peugeot e-2008, Renault 4 E-Tech, MG ZS EV
Euronews
03-05-2025
- Science
- Euronews
Should the EU ease regulation on new generation GMOs?
ADVERTISEMENT Few topics are as divisive and controversial as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The same level of contention also characterises new genomic techniques (NGTS), often referred to as the new generation of GMOs. As explored in the last episode of Euronews Tech Talks, NGTs are cutting-edge technologies used to alter the genetic material of plants by editing their DNA. Currently, in the European Union, crops developed using NGTs are regulated under the same framework as GMOs. However, this situation might soon change. Related What are GMOs and why do they remain so controversial? | Euronews Tech Talks In 2023, the European Commission adopted a proposal to ease restrictions over gene editing techniques, making producing and commercialising NGT-derived crops simpler. This proposal is still under discussion and has the support of several scientists. However, the deregulation of NGTs also raised concerns among other experts and non-governmental organisations like Friends of the Earth Europe. To better understand the reasons for and against the deregulation of NGTs, Euronews Tech Talks spoke with two experts from different sides of the debate: Michael Antoniou, Professor of molecular genetics and toxicology at King's College London; and Nathalie Verbruggen, Professor of plant physiology and molecular genetics at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Is the proposed distinction between two types of new genomic techniques scientifically justified? Under the new EU proposal, NGTS would be split into two categories: NGT 1 and NGT 2. Crops classified as NGT 2 would remain subject to the GMO regulation, while those labelled as NGT 1 would be exempt from strict risk assessment and labelling requirements. This distinction would depend on the number of genetic modifications introduced into an organism, a criterion that, according to both professors, is inconsistent. "This distinction is considered completely artificial, which is true because nature does not draw neat lines," Verbruggen explained. "NGT 1 makes no sense to me at all because when you look at the criteria, it's a free-for-all," Antoniou said. Although the two experts agree that the division between NGT 1 and NGT 2 lacks scientific grounding, their reactions diverge. Related NGTs: Inside the first European gene-edited wheat field trial | Euronews Tech Talks Verbruggen would like to have more plants under the category NGT 1, to have greater deregulation. "We (scientists) don't see it as a risk, but as a missed opportunity," she said. Conversely, Antoniou is concerned about the high number of NGT crops that would already be in the category NGT 1. ADVERTISEMENT "There is no way you can bring about 20 large-scale changes in the DNA of the organism and that this could occur naturally," he explained. Could the deregulation of NGTS solve climate change and make our food system more secure? Antoniou and Verbruggen also have different perspectives on the impact of the EU proposal on climate change and the entire food system. Verbruggen embraces a balanced but optimistic position. "Like most technologies, the impact is not inherently good or bad; it will depend on the use [of the NGTs]," she said. ADVERTISEMENT Like most technologies, the impact is not inherently good or bad, it will depend on the use [of the NGTs]. Nathalie Verbruggen Professor However, the Brussels-based expert sees a strong potential in this tool. "If the uses are guided by sustainability goals, NGTs can become powerful tools to support agriculture and biodiversity," she told Euronews. According to Verbruggen, the strength of these new techniques lies in their ability to make precise genetic modifications, accelerating processes similar to natural breeding. "We talk about reducing fertilisers by making crops less dependent on nitrogen or phosphorus and making them more resilient to diseases and pests," she stated. ADVERTISEMENT Conversely, Antoniou is sceptical about the promises of NGTs. Related What are NGTs and why are they sparking so much controversy in the EU? "The types of characteristics that we would like our plants or animals to have in the face of climate change... are what are known as genetically complex traits," the professor explained. "It's not like one gene or two genes give you robust drought tolerance or saline tolerance or heat stress tolerance," he said. According to Antoniou, the problem does not lie within the crops, but with the agricultural system itself. ADVERTISEMENT "What we need are climate-ready systems of agriculture, not climate-ready crops or animals,' he told Euronews. Antoniou stressed that gene-editing tools can be less precise than believed, potentially leading to unpredictable effects on the environment. Related Governments agree to ease regulation of new-generation GMOs Why could patenting be a problem? One problem that Antoniou and Verbruggen are on the same page about is patenting. Under the new regulation, NGT-made crops would be subject to patenting, something both experts believe could have a detrimental effect on the balance of power in the EU economic system. ADVERTISEMENT "Farmers are going to suffer more because they will pay more for their seeds, they will be restricted on how they use and how they grow them," Antoniou explained. "This [the patenting of NGTs] can favour large biotech companies. And I think one of the spirits of this new regulation is to enlarge the access to new partners, smaller industries, public industries, and universities, so this could jeopardise this opening," Verbruggen said.
Euronews
20-03-2025
- Science
- Euronews
How Earth observation helps tackle global challenges
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, the world's first artificial satellite, in 1957, forever changing history. The satellite remained in orbit until January 1958. It provided valuable data on atmospheric density and served as a crucial test for future space technologies. Nearly seven decades later, satellites have become an integral part of our daily lives, powering global positioning systems (GPS), providing weather forecasting, and monitoring climate change. Their multiple applications have drawn interest from private companies and public administrations that are interested in building policies and technologies from satellite data. The European Union, for instance, has Copernicus, the largest Earth observation programme in the world. Led by the European Commission in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), Copernicus was established in 2014 and now provides freely accessible data. But how does Earth observation really work? And what challenges can it help us solve? To answer these questions, Euronews Tech Talks spoke with Jean-Christophe Gros, the EU programme coordinator at the European Space Agency (ESA). Earth observation is the practice of studying our planet from space using satellites, which can be launched both in Earth's orbit and in polar orbit. Gros explained that Earth observation relies on various techniques. These include radar satellites, which can see through the clouds and operate at night; optical satellites, which capture high-resolution images of the Earth's surface; and satellites with spectrometers, which are crucial for atmospheric monitoring. All these technologies are key to looking at the Earth from a different perspective and can help us address the most pressing challenges of our time. For instance, satellite imagery can monitor rising sea levels and predict and track floods, landslides and wildfires. 'We are also doing a lot of monitoring in terms of (...) the concrete impact on populations. Where to build a city, where not to build a city, if we can anticipate that this part of the map will be flooded or not,' Gros said. Earth observation also plays a role in detecting greenhouse gases, gases that absorb Earth's radiation and reflect it back, contributing to the rise in global temperatures. Methane is one of these gases. Colourless and odourless, it is produced by both natural and human activities, and it accounts for around 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution. Experts say satellites can help to spot methane leaks. For instance, in March 2023, Emily Dowd spotted a methane leak in the area of Cheltenham, in the United Kingdom. The then PhD researcher was observing a landfill near the town via a GhGSat satellite when she noticed the leak, which came from a factory. '(Methane) has a 20-year global warming potential, which is 82 times greater than carbon dioxide. Being able to find gas leaks or leaks of methane is important for reducing human impact on climate change,' Dowd told Euronews Next. To identify the methane leak, Dowd used GHGSat, a constellation of satellites of a Canadian data company capable of detecting methane with a high spatial resolution of 25 metres. GhGSat receives data from other satellites like Copernicus' Sentinel 5P, designed to monitor a wide range of gases on a global scale. On top of methane, ESA is working on its mission to monitor and track carbon dioxide with the project CO2M. CO2M is planned as a three-satellite mission to measure the greenhouse gas with very detailed images, and its first satellite is expected to be launched in 2025. The Dutch parliament has adopted several motions to urge the government to stop relying on US cloud technology. The motions describe the Dutch government's dependence on US technology as a 'threat to the autonomy and cybersecurity' of the country and ask the government to stop using these services. The US CLOUD Act, which was signed into law by US President Donald Trump during his first mandate, lets law enforcement agencies subpoena US-based technology companies to access their cloud data to help investigate serious crimes. The Netherlands Court of Audit found in January that many government ministries have used public clouds hosted by Google, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services without being aware of the potential risks. While the debate on Dutch cloud service providers has been ongoing since at least 2022, experts told Euronews Next that the issue has taken on a new urgency with Trump's second mandate. Trump has not yet signalled that he would invoke the CLOUD Act, but experts said that he could ask cloud providers like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon to either surrender Dutch data or force these companies to no longer provide their technology to the government. This could cause significant disruptions for public services. The Dutch government has also been asked to come up with a strategy to wean itself off US platforms. Another motion calls on the government to issue a tender for a national cloud to be built under 'full Dutch management' to store confidential communications and data between departments. It also asks the government to reconsider the use of Amazon's web services to host the Netherlands' internet domain and to give European firms preferential treatment in public tenders.
