Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

The network of nerves in the arm—known as the brachial plexus—transmits motor and sensory signals between the spinal cord and the shoulder, arm and hand. If this network is injured, for example due to a motorcycle accident, the result may be sensory disturbances, muscle weakness or even paralysis. The PLEXO project involves Fraunhofer researchers who are working with partners to develop a myoelectrically controlled exoskeleton designed to assist people with daily tasks. The wearable assistive system is to feature a minimalist, textile-integrated design and be easy and discreet to wear.

How can chemicals be assessed safely in the future while reducing animal testing and maintaining a high level of scientific confidence? The European research community is working hard to bring about this transformation. One major step toward regulatory implementation is the European Commission’s new roadmap for the gradual phase-out of animal testing in the safety assessment of chemicals. The Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM is actively helping to drive this development, not least through the development of the ASPA workflow within the EU-funded project RISK-HUNT3R.

Halogenated flame retardants raise environmental concerns and are considered harmful to human health. As a result, researchers have been searching for alternatives for many years. Fraunhofer researchers are focusing on sustainable phosphorus-based raw materials derived from corn steep liquor. The phytic acid it contains is an excellent natural flame retardant for biomaterials.

The ecological footprint of microchip manufacturing is growing in step with increasing demand. In the GENESIS EU project, the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS is joining forces with partners to develop technologies that make manufacturing of these essential chips more sustainable.