European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
medical research
A crossroads of disciplines: How nanotechnology is revolutionising medicine
Nanotechnology, making it possible to manipulate matter on a ‘nano’ scale, emerged in the early 1980s. More recently, nanotechnology has become the intersection at which several scientific disciplines converge. Continue reading
State aid and the pandemic: How State aid can back coronavirus economic support measures
The coronavirus pandemic and its financial and economic consequences have caused a major economic downturn, and the European Union (EU) has moved rapidly to respond with monetary and fiscal policy measures. Continue reading
The EU’s response to coronavirus in its neighbourhood and beyond
The true extent of the evolving coronavirus pandemic within the EU and across the world is still unclear, and the magnitude of the consequences is not known either. What is clear, however, is that the healthcare systems of many countries across the world are underfunded, and that even developed countries are severely challenged by the health crisis. Continue reading
How gene-drive technology could help eradicate malaria
Should we be prepared to change the population composition of a species in order to wipe out a disease that is a terrible burden to mankind? During a well-attended working breakfast organised by the European Parliament’s Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) on 19 March 2019, experts and citizens delved into the case study of eradicating malaria by applying gene-drive technology. Continue reading
A novel approach for better delivery of precision medicines in Europe
The STOA workshop entitled ‘Innovative solution for research in healthcare’, chaired by Paul Rübig (EPP, AT), first STOA Vice-Chair, is an opportunity to discuss the implementation of an ‘innovation-centred’ system, exploring a truly ‘patient-centred’ paradigm with systematically coordinated applied clinical research carried out in conjunction with drug development. Continue reading
People with autism [What Europe does for you]
With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for people with autism. Continue reading
People with Alzheimer’s [What Europe does for you]
With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for people with Alzheimer’s. Continue reading
What if editing genes could fight rare diseases? [Science and Technology Podcast]
A new technique to simplify gene editing might herald a new era of genetic modification. What are the benefits and potential dangers of this technique, and how should policy-makers respond? Continue reading
What if your personal health tracker could save your life? [Science and Technology Podcast]
Written by Christian Kurrer, Through advances in technology, big data has become a major asset and can open up numerous opportunities in all areas, but how can we use this in the context of health care and ensure it benefits everyone? Advances in healthcare have led to dramatic increases in life expectancy and quality of … Continue reading
Are we doing enough for our brains?
Written by Liliana Cunha and Sarah McCormack, Workshop hashtag: #brainSTOA Depression, stroke, dementia and other brain disorders affect one in every fifteen Europeans every year according to the Word Health Organisation. Brain disorders are the largest unmet health issue affecting European citizens today. The prevalence of brain disorders in the elderly is increasing with the ageing … Continue reading
In vitro diagnostic medical devices
Written by Gregor Erbach In vitro diagnostic medical devices are tests used on biological samples to determine the status of a person’s health. The industry employs about 75 000 people in Europe, and generates some €11 billion in revenue per year. In September 2012, the European Commission (EC) published a proposal for a new regulation on … Continue reading
STOA Annual Lecture 2014: Do we know how our brain works?
Written by Geoff Archer The STOA (Science and Technology Options Assessment) Panel was proud to welcome Professor Thomas Südhof for this year’s Annual Lecture. Professor Südhof, winner of the 2013 Nobel Prize in Medicine, spoke to the audience about his ground-breaking work on the functioning of brain synapses. Drawing on the experience of a life … Continue reading
Health and technology in life sciences
We are seeing developments in biotechnology that seem futuristic, such as computing systems at clinical testing stages used as ‘sensitive interaction partners’ for the elderly that help to provide care in response to individual needs. Such developments raise a range of questions. To what extent should humans use technology to enhance life? And how can … Continue reading
Safe and innovative medical devices
6 language versions available in PDF format Unbedenkliche und innovative Medizinprodukte Productos sanitarios innovadores y seguros Dispositifs médicaux sûrs et innovants Dispositivi medici sicuri e innovativi Bezpieczne i innowacyjne wyroby medyczne Safe and innovative medical devices Innovation in medical devices benefits patients, doctors and the medical technology industry. The European Commission has proposed legislation aimed … Continue reading
Essais cliniques: révision de la réglementation: Simplifier tout en maintenant la sûreté et la sécurité
La révision de la réglementation européenne sur les essais cliniques était attendue par toutes les parties intéressées. Elle conclut un processus d’évaluation de la directive 2001/20/CE, mené par la Commission à travers des consultations auxquelles la plupart des acteurs des essais cliniques (médecins, patients, industrie, organes de recherche) ont contribué. L’objectif de la proposition de … Continue reading
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