- science TechnologyHow satellites expose urban inequalities in the Global SouthMass evictions, daily power outages, and pitch-black streets at night: the challenges that people in the Global South face remain largely overlooked. How can satellite imagery uncover the hidden realities of urbanisation? Prof. Dr. Monika Kuffer’s research strives to spotlight urban inequalities and prompt policymakers to take action.
- science Circular EconomyThe plastics dilemma: Are biodegradable plastics the answer?We are living in the Plastic Age, such is the ubiquity of plastics in our lives. The plastic waste in water ecosystems alone is expected to nearly triple from 11 million tonnes in 2016 to 29 million tonnes in 2040*. Biodegradable materials, such as polylactic acid, are seen as an alternative for use in packaging, agriculture, and medical devices. But how biodegradable are these materials in reality? Could they be the plastics of the future?
- science HealthThis device will keep you from fallingGetting smarter, stronger and faster with technology. That is what UT professor Herman van der Kooij and his team are researching every day. At 'Universiteit van Nederland', he talks about the bionic man.
- science HealthThe blood substitute that could save livesDoctors need blood to treat certain cancers, anaemia, and other blood-related illnesses, but also need it in emergency or scheduled surgeries. Most people are unaware, but blood shortages are quite frequent and can happen anytime. Blood donors are always needed. Francisca Fernandes Gomes, PhD student at the University of Twente, aims to create synthetic, artificial blood that can replace the need for donated blood. In this story she explains her work.
- science RoboticsScience Date - Science communication and robotsImagine a date between two researchers from completely different research fields, what would happen? In this video, researchers Anne Dijkstra and Douwe Dresscher meet, each with their own unique field of research. Is it a match?
- science ClimateThis glass laboratory could be the key to unlimited clean drinking waterA looming shortage of clean drinking water is screaming for innovations in water treatment. The Waterlab of the Membrane Science and Technology cluster gives an insight into possible solutions.
- science HealthNeedle-free insulin injections are on the wayLee Calladine has been diabetic for 25 years and the insulin top-up routine is so familiar to him that he’s long past feeling squeamish about piercing his skin. Still, the practice is burdensome. Scientists at the TechMed Centre of the University of Twente are closing in on a pain-free method for people like Calladine.
- science DigitalisationThe pollution of our digital worldBitcoin, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other popular blockchain innovations represent our shift to a digital society. But this transition comes at a cost. The emissions generated by these blockchain technologies from the year 2021 alone are responsible for around 19,000 future deaths. This alarming statistic raises many questions: How is this possible and what can we do about it?
- science HealthMini robot doctors inside your bodyA surgeon swimming through your body, it sounds like science fiction now, but it might be closer than you think. At the TechMed Centre at the University of Twente, tiny robots were already swimming through a detached aorta with kidneys. Discover the future of vascular surgery.
- science TechnologyAn electric off-road motorcycle that can compete with internal combustion enginesUniversity of Twente startup STERN Motorcycles, unveils a revolutionary electric enduro motorcycle with a distinctive interchangeable battery pack. Their mission? A motorcycle world that embraces electric riding.
- science Circular EconomyBreaking down waste and building it up like legoFor years, we've diligently sorted our waste, but a significant portion of the waste stream remains (yet) unrecyclable. The University of Twente, in collaboration with companies, is researching how to create new products from complex and 'wet' waste streams. This involves efficiently isolating chemical components used in new materials. The multi-year project ReBBloCS - Renewable Building Blocks from Complex and Wet Waste - began last year with a subsidy of €3.8 million from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.
- science TechnologySmartwatches measuring loneliness among young peopleSmartwatches that map loneliness among students with specific needs, such as autism. Thanks to UT professor Carolien Rieffe and her team, this will soon be a reality. Carolien received a substantial sum of money from science financier NWO for the Building 4 Belonging project.
- science TechnologyPodcast #4: The data security detanglerExplore the future in our podcast series, "My Future Dream Job," where Anic van Damme guides you to the year 2030. Our scientists explore prospective careers in cybersecurity, climate adaptation, and energy transition. Listen in to gain insights into the professions taking shape at the University of Twente.
- science TechnologyPodcast #3: The competence brokerExplore the future in our podcast series, "My Future Dream Job," where Anic van Damme guides you to the year 2030. Our scientists explore prospective careers in cybersecurity, climate adaptation, and energy transition. Listen in to gain insights into the professions taking shape at the University of Twente.
- science ClimateGod created the earth, but the Dutch created the NetherlandsThe Netherlands has been fighting a battle against water for centuries. This symbolism of water as the enemy was popular among 20th-century engineers. In the 21st century, there is more focus on natural processes, and we speak of water management instead. But what will the Dutch water landscape look like in another century?
- science TechnologyUnravelling nano mysteries: Metal nanodroplets go skiingBrace yourself for a mind-boggling journey into the tiny world of nanotechnology. This research area focuses on materials existing of just a few atoms or small molecules. Sometimes, the smallest structures hold the key to groundbreaking advancements. On this scale, the world doesn't follow the same rules.