Science

An electronic nose that can tell different whiskies apart? It might sound like a joke, but behind the idea lies a serious technology with significant impact. Dr Ir Sissi de Beer, scientist and programme director of Applied Physics at the University of Twente, is developing a portable sensor that, much like the human nose, can recognise scents. Handy at a whisky tasting, perhaps, but primarily intended to help farmers detect diseases in their livestock at an early stage — even before a vet would notice.

What happens when you let someone with no experience drive a rolling machine? In this episode of Kees Study, Kees explores how people learn new skills with technology.

Cars with smart features? We’re no longer surprised by them. Fully self-driving vehicles may still be on the horizon, but a car that reads road signs, brakes automatically, and keeps a safe distance? You’ll find one at any decent dealership these days. But could something like that… work on a bike?

Drones have become more commonplace in today’s society. You see them fly over more often, to take breathtaking shots at festivals or to use them to inspect the facades of buildings. However, there’s also a flip side to it, where drones are also used for criminal activities and warfare.

You are young, struggling with your identity, and feel misunderstood by those around you. When you finally take the step to seek help, you find yourself on a two-year waiting list. In the meantime? Little to no support. For many LGBTQ young people, this is not a fictional scenario, but the harsh reality. The healthcare system is stuck: GPs are at a loss and psychological care is overloaded. But what if digital technology can play a role in this?