Launch Test of Natural Biocides for the Control of Insect Borne Diseases

Insect-Borne Diseases (IBDs) affecting animals and plants are an increasing problem burdening the economy and the social conditions of many countries. The growing concern is that climatic changes, globalization and increase in travel and trade have fostered the spread of insect populations in new geographic areas and with them many IBDs. It is now established that Europe must face an increasing risk of vector-borne outbreaks.

ECOSEE/A

The ECOSEE/A project started on 14/05/2014; the first important step has been the activity for the conversion of the fishing vessel. This phase lasted 45 days, followed by the official test of the vessel and its new equipments, according to the Italian law (test done in 15 days).

Advanced bioinformatics for genome and metagenome analyses and discovery of novel biocatalists from extremophiles: implications for improving industrial bioprocesses

The aim of this proposal is to acquire new insights about the mechanisms of environmental adaptation, particularly for cold-adapted organisms, and to discover novel metabolic pathways and enzymes with potential industrial value. We intend to accomplish this goal by establishing a collaboration and a knowledge-exchange network between industrial and academic partners aiming at developing bioinformatic tools for genomic analysis and biotechnology tools for directed evolution.

Monitoring of Animals for FeedRelated Risks in the Long Term

http://web.spi.pt/marlon/

While there are many European scientific activities for each of the items related to either animal health or the occurrence of GM ingredients in animal feed, the proposed MARLON project will be unique in bringing these widely different fields of scientific expertise together for the cross-disciplinary task of developing an epidemiological model for the case-specific monitoring of potential health impacts of GM animal feeds in livestock.

Malaria Transmission Blocking by Vaccines, Drugs and Immune Mosquitoes: Efficacy Assessment and Targets

Malaria is a complex disease, dependent on multiple host/parasite/vector interactions. This tripartite system offers numerous opportunities for disease-preventing interventions, but also creates robustness that undercuts ‘magic bullet’ expectations. Our interdisciplinary TransMalariaBloc will approach the challenge of malaria control in the field from this perspective.

Universal microarrays for the evaluation of fresh-water quality based on detection of pathogens and their toxins

Monitoring the quality of drinking water is of paramount importance for public health. “Water is not a commercial product but a heritage that must be protected, defended and treated as such” (Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC). The threat of waterborne diseases in Europe will predictably increase in the future as the human population increases and as a result of globalization and migration from non-EU countries and of climate change.