Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
The fossil, known as Charnia, is 560 million years old and preserved in three-dimensional detail, providing rare insights into the earliest animals. Researchers discovered subtle ridges along its branches, which had not been detected in other fossils.
Researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation in Ukraine describe a decentralized, cloud-based computing model and a train-the-trainer structure as key principles for resilient scientific capacity. The approach has been successful in producing trained researchers and has implications for protecting science during wartime.
Professor Lady Black, a renowned forensic scientist, has been appointed Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, succeeding Lord Bernard Ribeiro. Her appointment coincides with the launch of the university's 10-year strategy, Transforming Lives, which aims to empower learning, drive discovery, and foster a culture of belonging and achie...
A new study reveals that Parkinson's disease costs Europe €22.8 billion annually, with direct medical and non-medical costs, informal care, and lost productivity contributing to the total burden. The condition's prevalence in Europe has nearly doubled since 1990, with Germany recording the highest national costs at €5.7 billion.
The COSPAR Awards 2026 recognize Angela Bazzano, Gary P. Zank, Guenther Reitz, David Gary Sibeck, WANG Jinsong, Carlos Gabriel, John D. Rummel, Pascal Willis, Annapurni Subramaniam, ZHANG Keke, and others for their distinguished contributions to space science.
The 2024 Migration Pact transformed EU migration governance by increasing political bargaining among national leaders. Decisions are now shaped by high-level political forums and transactional diplomacy, reflecting a shift away from expert-led coordination.
A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease estimates that dementia-related costs across 30 high-income European countries total €221 billion annually. Family caregivers carry a significant portion of this burden, providing an estimated €128 billion in unpaid care.
The EU can achieve significant emission reductions by financing climate protection projects abroad and receiving performance-based rewards. The proposed Jurisdictional Reward Funds framework would provide a stable mechanism for ambitious climate policy in Brussels.
Lyndal Roper, a leading scholar of early modern European history, received the prestigious Holberg Prize for her work on witch trials, peasant revolts, and Martin Luther. The prize recognizes her contributions to expanding the discipline of history by incorporating new perspectives on gender and human experience.
A new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research finds that the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) can trigger other countries to adopt carbon pricing. This could lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, with up to 73% more emissions avoided compared to current policies.
A new study by Colorado State University reveals that Latin America and southern Europe favor 'mutualism' while the US and Canada prioritize 'domination'. This divergence in views is linked to European colonization centuries ago. The research emphasizes the importance of considering cultural differences in wildlife management policies.
The 28th European Congress of Endocrinology (ECE) 2026 brought together over 4,500 delegates from 111 countries to experience the latest endocrine research and developments. The Congress celebrated the Society's 20th Anniversary and featured groundbreaking studies on hormone disruption, bone development, insulin resistance, and polycys...
The summit brought together endocrine leaders to identify opportunities to work closely together on increasing the visibility of endocrine health in policy decisions. Early findings from a workforce survey revealed challenges including long patient waiting times and retention concerns among early-career clinicians.
A study by ISGlobal reveals that regions with greater socioeconomic inequalities are more affected by cold weather, while areas with higher levels of wealth face a greater risk from high temperatures. The research quantifies the impact of socioeconomic factors on temperature-related mortality across 32 European countries.
Nine European high school students completed a six-day simulated Mars mission in Portugal, operating rovers and conducting scientific experiments. The EXPLORE-2 mission aimed to develop young Europeans' STEM skills and team management capabilities, with participants designing their own mission plans and making operational decisions.
The EU must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 86% by 2040 to achieve 2050 climate neutrality through increased renewable energy and electrification. The study suggests a significant role for carbon capture and storage, with capacity needs rising by 26% annually from 2030 to 2040.
A major European study found that loneliness affects the memory of older adults, but does not speed up mental decline over time. Participants who reported high levels of loneliness performed worse on initial memory tests, but their ability to recall information declined at a similar rate as those with lower loneliness levels.
The Lancet Countdown Europe report presents a total of 43 indicators on the connections between health and climate change in Europe. The report warns that fossil-fuel driven climate change constitutes a growing threat to the health of people in Europe.
A new model study suggests that the EU's emissions trading system can be used to capture CO2 on a large scale, with potential removals ranging from 68-86 million tonnes annually by 2050. The system could provide industry with planning security for residual emissions if dedicated support programmes are implemented.
The European Region is struggling to detect and treat tuberculosis, with 1 in 5 cases going undiagnosed or unreported. Drug-resistant strains are also a major concern, with the region accounting for a disproportionate share of global cases.
Renowned historian Lyndal Roper has been awarded the 2026 Holberg Prize for her groundbreaking research on early modern European history and gender. Her work has reshaped understandings of witch persecutions, the German Peasants' War, and Martin Luther's life and thought.
A Rapid Outbreak Assessment published by ECDC and EFSA concludes that the likelihood of exposure to contaminated infant formula is low due to ongoing recalls. Most affected children experience mild symptoms, but infants under six months are more vulnerable to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.
Two confirmed cases of Nipah virus disease have been reported in West Bengal, India, with a very low risk for European travelers. Indian authorities have implemented prevention and control measures, and several countries in the region have initiated precautionary measures to reduce the risk of transmission.
The InterACT programme equips postdoctoral researchers with skills to translate research into actionable insights. Seven fellows will be selected for a three-year fellowship, focusing on societal impact and stakeholder engagement.
The study maps where and how millions of animals may be affected by heat stress in Europe. Regional differences were found, with southern European countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, and Romania likely to face significant impacts.
Researchers analyzed over 500 zircon crystals and found no evidence of glaciers transporting the bluestones to Stonehenge. The study strengthens the case for human transport, leaving the exact method a mystery. Advanced mineral fingerprinting techniques provided key insights into geological history.
Shadrack Byfield's autobiography offers insight into the suffering and resilience of Britain's homecoming soldiers. The new evidence shows Byfield's tenacious pursuit of veterans' benefits, struggles with pain, poverty, and police, and his determination to design a custom prosthesis after losing his arm.
A landmark study published in Medical Care shows that the Magnet4Europe intervention measurably improves nurse and physician wellbeing and strengthens patient safety. By redesigning hospital work environments with the Magnet Model, hospitals saw significant declines in nurses planning to leave and a corresponding drop in intended leavers.
Researchers at participating UK institutions will benefit from a renewed and expanded agreement offering over 2,400 journals with open access publishing options. The partnership also enables the expansion of AI use in licensed Taylor & Francis proprietary content for non-commercial research and educational purposes.
BGI Genomics convened its 2025 European Partnership & Networking Summit in Budapest, fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth. The event introduced its comprehensive NGS solution, Gensiro, integrating AI and automation to streamline laboratory workflows.
A new policy paper highlights five critical areas for advancing data-driven policymaking to curb the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Europe. The paper emphasizes the need for inclusive data collection, solid governance, and real-time policymaking to address inequalities and ensure equitable healthcare.
A new study published by the University of Cambridge reveals that medieval Augustinian saints performed 'green-fingered' miracles, such as restoring swampy areas to fertility and healing diseased livestock. The research challenges major assumptions about the Catholic Church's forgotten early history.
Researchers found a link between mid-14th-century volcanic activity and the start of the Black Death, which killed millions across Europe. The study suggests that climate-driven trade changes carried the deadly bacterium Yersinia pestis, leading to widespread devastation.
A new study reveals that changes to EU chemicals legislation are often overlooked in the pharmaceutical sector, despite their potential impact on human health and environmental sustainability. The analysis highlights the need for closer cooperation between regulatory agencies to address the complex interactions between different sectors.
Researchers at eight German institutions will benefit from the expanded agreement, which removes financial barriers to open access publishing in JMIR's portfolio of over 30 Gold Open Access journals. The partnership demonstrates a commitment to open science and bibliodiversity.
DTU ranks first on EngiRank for the third consecutive year, expanding its list to include more European countries. The university is recognized for its research, innovation, internationalization, interdisciplinarity, and commitment to sustainable development.
Over half (54%) of all HIV diagnoses in Europe in 2024 were made too late for optimal treatment, according to new data from ECDC and WHO/Europe. This critical testing failure is severely jeopardizing the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
Professor Owen Guy has received the SEMI Academia Impact Award for his outstanding contributions to semiconductor research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration in Europe. He is Director of Swansea University's Centre for Nanohealth and a member of its Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials.
The partnership aims to develop solutions for emerging digital threats through joint research initiatives in cryptography, AI security, and blockchain technology. The collaboration will facilitate researcher mobility and identify opportunities for collaborative funding.
The COSPAR 2025 Symposium released global guidelines on space weather, creating a unified language for scientists to share data and coordinate observations. The symposium also announced groundbreaking scientific discoveries, including AI-driven bioinformatics breakthroughs and insights into space hazards.
A new study finds that past heat waves in Europe could become far deadlier in today's warmer climate, with weekly deaths potentially reaching up to 32,000. Researchers used AI and statistical techniques to estimate the death toll based on historical data and global average temperatures.
Europe is facing a major public health crisis due to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates, with estimated deaths of over 35,000 annually. The EU must address this issue through strong action on antibiotic use, innovation in novel treatments and infection prevention and control practices.
Researchers used Tesco Grocery 1.0 dataset to identify large clusters of food deserts in East and West London, where residents have limited access to affordable nutritious food. The study found correlations between sociodemographic factors and nutrient-deficient purchases in areas with higher income and car ownership.
A new study predicts that aging populations in Europe will lead to a substantial increase in drug-resistant bloodstream infections. The study analyzed data from over 12 million routine blood tests and found that rates are expected to rise more in men than women and older age groups, particularly those over 65.
The University of Copenhagen has launched a new AI Package to strengthen its research in artificial intelligence and make it more accessible to society. The package aims to bring together various initiatives and research centers across the university to develop AI in a responsible, sustainable, and democratic way.
Eleven researchers have earned the Advanced Science Young Innovator Award for their outstanding and innovative work in materials science, physics, chemistry, medical and life sciences, and engineering. The award recognizes scientists whose research is bridging fields and accelerating practical applications.
A new study based on responses from 5,500 people in Germany and the UK found that European voters overwhelmingly reject imposing trade tariffs. Despite being asked to support green investments and respond to Donald Trump's new trade policies, participants preferred other economic solutions over tariffs.
The 'Grassland Butterfly Index' shows a significant decline in butterfly populations in Germany from 2016 to 2023, with some species decreasing by up to 50%. This trend is consistent with European-wide declines, highlighting the need for effective conservation measures to protect these important ecosystem indicators.
Professor Dag Nikolaus Hasse argues that Europe's 'essence' is often misunderstood, with a focus on Western-centric views. He proposes broadening perspectives to acknowledge the contributions of non-Western cultures, such as Safavid Iran and ancient Greece.
Researchers predict EU will need to meet 250 TWh annually for local battery cell production by 2050, offsetting 90 TWh of upstream fossil fuel energy. Maximizing recycling rates could reduce import dependency and future energy demand.
The latest ECDC survey confirms that Candidozyma auris is spreading quickly across European hospitals, with case numbers rising and outbreaks growing in scale. Early detection and control of transmission are crucial to prevent widespread rapid dissemination.
The BELIS project is integrating cutting-edge technologies in legume breeding to optimize genetic progress and develop new varieties. Advanced protocols and techniques are being developed for phenotyping, genotyping, and disease resistance, aiming to improve breeding efficiency.
A groundbreaking biography of Æthelstan highlights his overlooked achievements and the significance of his reign in shaping modern England. Woodman argues that Æthelstan created England in 927AD, citing evidence from original diplomas, literary records, and archaeological sites.
A study predicts that climate change will spread Dengue fever through Western Europe as the Asian tiger mosquito's habitat expands. Major cities like London and Paris are expected to become suitable for the mosquito, posing a significant threat to public health.
Heat-related deaths are projected to rise four-fold by 2050 if global temperatures reach 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Experts recommend a physiology-based approach that focuses on hot people, using tools like HeatWatch, to enhance heat adaptation and minimize carbon intensity.
A nationwide study in Ukraine found substantial lifetime exposure to hepatitis B and C viruses, with significant ongoing circulation among the population. The study emphasizes the need for hepatitis B vaccination among infants and risk groups, as well as regular screening, treatment, and awareness-raising efforts.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that energy-efficient strategies can have a significant impact on public health in the European Union. The research reveals dramatic differences in health burdens from electricity use based on the source of energy used, with cou...
A machine learning model trained on European HPAI outbreak data found key predictors of avian flu outbreaks, including minimum autumn temperature and presence of mute swans. These findings could help improve future monitoring programs and reduce the risk of human infection.
A new study shows that climate neutrality is achievable in Europe by 2050 through smart solar technologies and self-sufficiency. The study demonstrates that Europe can achieve net-zero emissions with an average cost increase of only 2.1% compared to the most cost-effective scenario without self-sufficiency.
The EU-wide requirement emphasizes five key steps for successful nature restoration: clear communication, agreed targets, coordinated measures, supportive frameworks, and attractive incentives. Effective implementation is crucial to achieving long-term biodiversity goals and mitigating climate change.