As early nanotechnology applications make it to market, Europe is lagging behind, according to a new global survey. Nuala Moran investigates.

The European Research Council’s plan to give grants to young researchers could help in the reform of Europe’s sclerotic research structures.

Nanotechnology is beginning to leave the laboratory and hit the high street – but health scares could stop this commercialisation process in its tracks.

Italian researchers have designed a small-sized humanoid robot to test a model of the human sense of "presence". They are now looking for investors to take the technology for further development.

French and Belgian researchers have genetically modified strains of the bacteria as treatments for human gastrointestinal disorderse – and are keen to form licensing and partnering deals to take this research forward.

Israel researchers have developed a drug testing system that allows “human” trials to be carried out on laboratory animals. They are now opening talks with pharmaceutical companies .

The UK government has moved to promote the wider adoption of non-fossil fuels with a new action plan to unlock the potential for renewable energy in biomass.

Hailed as one of the most important recent discoveries in biology, RNA interference has seen patent applications rise 3,000 per cent between 2000 and 2003.

Philips has announced the first fruit of its deal with the venture capital firm New Venture Partners to spin out companies based on research carried out in Philips’ corporate research laboratories.

While US companies have halted research into plant-made pharmaceuticals - or even gone bust - European companies are pressing ahead