The application of high pressure and steam is a proven method for the mobilisation of valuable components from biomass. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research is contributing to the project "Production of butanol and hydrogen by fermentation techniques using steam treated municipal solid waste (MSWBH)" with its expertise on fermentation and the use of anaerobic bacteria for the production of biobased chemicals.

On an emergency basis, a vaccine against the coronavirus could be ready in autumn, provided it proves safe in tests. A first step was taken by Bio N Tech and Pfizer: the companies announced completion of dosing for a first cohort of Phase 1/2 trial of Covid-19 vaccine candidates in Germany.

Novartis has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to conduct a large Phase III clinical trial of hydroxychloroquine in hospitalised patients with the Covid-19 disease in the United States. The trial aims to speed up the process in order to determine if hydroxychloroquine will be beneficial for patients with this disease.

Researchers at the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) along with their university partners have demonstrated that they can turn a single atom into a quantum engine and a quantum fridge.

A chemistry professor at Université de Montréal has developed a new test using gold nanoparticles to establish the flavour profile of maple syrup and help producers evaluate its quality.

Fast food makes the immune system more aggressive in the long term. This is shown by a recent study led by the University of Bonn. Even after a change to a healthy diet, the body's defenses remain hyperactive, the scientists say.

In a research project, the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS and its partners have tested materials that can replace microplastics in cosmetic products and are biodegradable.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) intends to speed up its regulatory procedures with an aim to grant marketing authorisations of safe and high-quality Covid-19 related medicines at the earliest. For this purpose, the Agency has shared an outline of its strategic plan.

The global in vitro diagnostics company EKF Diagnostics has signed a three-year distribution agreement with Tosoh Europe for the distribution of its Quo-Test HbA1c point-of-care (POC) analyzer in the Middle East and Africa.

Biotalys conducted a global fruit and vegetables field trial programme with its innovative biofungicide Biofun-1. The new protein-based biocontrol solution enables farmers to protect their yields and extend post-harvest protection with sustainable products.