Research updates

A new method can distinguish, in a single wastewater test, whether the detected influenza comes from a seasonal flu circulating in humans or from a highly pathogenic avian influenza. 

The crisis in the Middle East has heavily disrupted fertiliser markets, posing a threat to the EU’s agriculture. A new scientific study shows domestically produced bio-based fertilising materials can strengthen EU strategic autonomy in fertilisers.

An analysis of 12,000 European firms reveals that the urban-rural innovation gap is quite narrow, offering insights for targeted action to bolster rural innovation.

The Middle East conflicts, El Niño and funding cuts deepen risks, threatening to exacerbate the impact on vulnerable communities in the coming months.

Fair summer crop yields expected , except in the west

Local authorities can use a new common method to improve local affordability.

The August edition of the JRC's Anomaly Hotspots of Agricultural Production (ASAP) assessment is now available.

Exploratory research shows AI can help synthesise scattered disease outbreak information faster than by manual review — but human oversight remains essential before such tools are used in real-world surveillance.

Drawing on a dataset of 480 biological AI models, new research examines their capabilities, infrastructure requirements, and real-world readiness, while identifying key policy considerations for the EU.

The July edition of the JRC's Anomaly Hotspots of Agricultural Production (ASAP) assessment is now available.