Articles tagged with Europe
A recent study found that a person's genetic risk for developing certain diseases decreases as they get older. The researchers analyzed genomic data from 500,000 people and discovered that genetic factors play a more significant role in disease development early in life.
The 2021 Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC2021) will feature a full spectrum of planetary science and technology across 43 sessions. More than 840 oral and poster presentations have been submitted by planetary scientists from around the world.
A study reveals that European tax-and-benefit systems mainly target working-aged individuals, while the elderly and young benefit disproportionately. The lifecycle redistribution machine model highlights the significant role of age in shaping welfare state policies.
A review of expert opinions reveals mixed results for the EU's COVID-19 response, with successes including coordinated vaccine procurement but shortcomings including inconsistent national responses. Experts emphasize the need for strengthened local surveillance systems and improved EU leadership to prevent similar crises.
A new study has identified 20 genetic regions linked to face shape in East Africans, highlighting the importance of diverse populations in understanding human facial features. The findings also reveal that shared genetic factors contribute to similarities across populations, while population-specific variants drive differences.
A new commentary paper highlights the need for more research into the microbes living in and on sea creatures. The authors propose a research agenda to fill knowledge gaps and improve our understanding of beneficial microbes' roles in marine ecosystems.
A new study reveals a deepening geographical fracture in European societies, with rural areas showing lower trust in politics but higher voting rates. The research suggests that mainstream politicians must address feelings of disconnection from politics and provide economic opportunities to re-engage residents of small towns and villages.
Researchers found regional lockdowns did not sufficiently address local COVID-19 risk differences in Italy. Instead, targeted interventions focused on high-risk areas could help strike a better balance between public health and economic damage. The study provides guidance for policy-makers to design effective interventions.
A new study reveals that just 42% of nations have expanded their scientific understanding of bird species distributions in the last decade. The researchers developed two new metrics to assess biodiversity data coverage and effectiveness, finding that regions like Asia and South America are closing knowledge gaps.
Research published in the BMJ Open journal suggests that middle-age height loss is associated with a heightened risk of early death from heart disease or stroke in Northern European women. Regular physical activity may help prevent height loss and lower cardiovascular disease risk, according to the findings.
The Covid-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the EU labour market, with some countries experiencing significant increases in unemployment and inactivity rates. Notably, the Baltic States saw substantial growth in inactive citizens, while Poland was a 'unique case' where both unemployment and inactivity fell slightly.
The PROTEIN-ID project aims to create a device that can read the fingerprint of proteins and identify their sequence, enabling rapid detection of diseases. The innovative device will use spectroscopic techniques, machine learning, and nanoscale sensors to analyze protein structures.
Reconstruction of ancient oral microbiomes from the Upper Paleolithic to the Neolithic Periods in Southern Europe reveals a significant expansion of microbial species with the transition to agriculture. The studies sequenced ancient DNA from dental calculus, finding a dominant Anaerolineaceae species that diversified geographically.
Experts from European and US universities warn that new EU battery regulations could hinder the global transition to electric vehicles if not implemented globally. The researchers argue that a coordinated, global approach is needed to make the supply chain predictable and powerful.
Researchers identified cardiovascular test results that may indicate high-risk COVID-19 patients, including low left ventricular ejection fraction and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. These findings suggest clinical parameters can help predict in-hospital mortality for COVID-19 patients.
Archaeologists found that the lack of a mutualistic relationship between humans and New World rabbits, characterized by controlled reproduction, prevented domestication. The solitary nature of American cottontails made it difficult for humans to control their population and evolution.
The Indus basin has significant hydropower and seasonal pumped storage potential due to its high altitudes and water availability. The region's unique climate and geography make it an ideal location for long-term energy storage, with costs comparable to natural gas reinjection.
Researchers at the LABYRINTH project have developed an automated flight control system for drone swarms that can efficiently plan routes, communicate using 5G networks, and prevent collisions. The system aims to safely integrate drones into European airspace and address concerns around their use in cities.
A novel coronavirus related to Covid-19 has been found in UK horseshoe bats, with the team suggesting that these bats have likely harbored the virus for thousands of years. The discovery highlights the need for robust genotype testing in bat populations and raises concerns about the potential for viral mutation.
The EU-funded ADMIRE project aims to develop intelligent adaptive storage systems for high-performance computing, improving application runtime and data access. Fourteen institutions from six European countries are working together to create a scalable and efficient system that can meet the needs of data-intensive applications.
A new species of butterfly has been discovered in Canada, the European Common Blue, which could become widespread due to its preference for urban areas. The study found that the butterfly can reach extremely high densities relative to native butterflies and is a low-moderate disperser.
A new study by Newcastle University and the Met Office predicts a significant increase in slow-moving intense rainstorms across Europe by the end of the century, potentially leading to devastating flooding. The research estimates that these storms could be 14 times more frequent, with increased rainfall accumulations and flash flood risk.
A COVID-19 tracker developed by IIASA researcher Asjad Naqvi aims to identify, collect, and collate various official regional datasets for European countries. The tracker presents data on daily COVID-19 cases at the sub-national level for 26 European countries from January 2020 until the present.
The UNITE4TB partnership aims to develop new and highly active TB treatment regimens for drug-resistant and -sensitive TB. The consortium will accelerate the clinical evaluation of combinations of existing and novel drugs through advanced trial designs and AI-powered analysis.
The AGRIMODELS Cluster is exhibiting the latest data, tools and models needed for evaluating policy impacts on farm, regional, national and global levels. The cluster aims to improve agricultural policy modeling through projects BESTMAP, MIND STEP, and AGRICORE.
Chronic kidney disease patients are at high risk of fragility fractures, yet most receive no osteoporosis therapy. A new review provides concise recommendations for clinicians to manage osteoporosis in these patients, outlining diagnosis, risk assessment, and intervention thresholds.
The NanED project aims to train 15 PhD students in 3D electron diffraction (3D ED) techniques, with a focus on industrial applications. The program will be led by the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia and unite experts from 8 European research institutions and global companies.
The UNITE4TB partnership aims to develop new and highly active TB treatment regimens for drug-resistant and -sensitive TB. The 7-year project will utilize advanced clinical trials networks, adaptive trial designs, and machine learning techniques to accelerate the development of better treatment solutions.
A new study suggests that Easter Island's demographic collapse did not occur, but rather experienced steady population growth until European contact. The researchers used Approximate Bayesian Computation to analyze radiocarbon dates and environmental changes, revealing that the islanders' resilience strategies were successful despite a...
A new study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that childhood lead exposure may lead to less mature and less healthy personalities in adulthood. Adults who grew up in areas with higher levels of atmospheric lead had lower levels of conscientiousness and agreeableness, and higher levels of neuroticism.
A new study reveals that 25 megacities globally produce over half of the world's urban greenhouse gas emissions. Cities in developed countries like Europe, US, and Australia have significantly higher per capita emissions than those in developing areas. The majority of emissions come from stationary energy and transportation sectors.
Researchers surveyed over 1.5 million adults across Europe and the US to examine potential links between childhood lead exposure and adult personality traits. The study found that those with higher childhood lead levels were less agreeable and more neurotic, while those from areas with cleaner air were more conscientious.
Research reveals South Asians have a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease compared to Europeans. Despite being under-represented in clinical estimators, South Asians experience a more than two-fold increased risk.
Research finds discrimination against Muslim women eliminated when they signal shared progressive views on women's rights. German women's receptivity to messages about the immigrant woman's attitude toward gender equality eliminates anti-Muslim bias.
A new study suggests that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based screening can reduce unnecessary biopsies and detect clinically significant tumours while halving overdiagnoses. The results come from a randomized study conducted at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden.
Researchers have discovered Yersinia pestis infection in two medieval graves in Southern Italy, providing the first genetic evidence of the Black Death's arrival in the region. The analysis of ancient DNA from the teeth of the victims confirms that they died from plague or other infectious diseases during the second pandemic.
A WHO-sanctioned panel will discuss the need for more warnings before it's too late to address antimicrobial resistance. The world is facing a growing threat to modern medicine, with patients paying high prices for antibiotics due to a weak market and lack of access.
A new study predicts that global warming will lead to a sharp increase in heat-related deaths, outstripping the decline in cold-related mortality, unless strong mitigation measures are taken immediately. The Mediterranean Basin is expected to be disproportionately affected due to its greater vulnerability to heat.
A global study found that abnormal hot and cold temperatures cause over 9.43% of global deaths, with most deaths caused by cold exposure. The study revealed geographic differences in temperature-related mortality, with Eastern Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa having the highest heat and cold-related excess death rates.
The monograph Migration Culture: A Comparative Perspective offers a new approach to understanding migration by analyzing the cultural and value differences between migrants and locals. Key findings include that migrants prioritize self-direction over security, and that values tend not to change rapidly in emigration.
A new study found that racial wage discrimination against black English football players disappeared after the Bosman ruling introduced a free transfer market, increasing labour mobility. However, non-EU players still face wage discrimination due to restrictive contracting rules and prejudice from clubs.
The Western Balkans region has developed a 10-point plan to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing healthcare systems, climate neutrality, and digitalization. The plan aims to strengthen pandemic preparedness and crisis resilience in the region.
Two model studies document the probability of climate tipping in Earth subsystems, supporting the urgency of restricting CO2 emissions. The findings suggest that abrupt climate changes might be less predictable and more widespread than anticipated, with potential consequences for Western Europe's climate.
Researchers have identified two new palaeotheriidae mammals, 'Leptolophus cuestai' and 'Leptolophus franzeni', from the Eocene epoch in Spain. These ancient animals had atypical dental features and were smaller than modern horses.
Plant-based diets are recommended for healthy adults, with low consumption of salt and animal products, and increased intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. Fermented dairy products like yogurt and cheese can also have a protective effect on cardiovascular health.
A study analyzing age-at-death records of 33,715 Indigenous people in central California between 3050 BCE and 1870 CE found that Spanish settlers contributed to severe demographic collapse. The research suggests extreme social disruption caused by the presence of Europeans led to increased mortality rates among both males and females.
Archaeologists discovered over 80 metal objects at Stark Farms, including Spanish horseshoe scrapers and copper pendants, used by Chickasaws as everyday items. The site provides evidence of direct contact between de Soto's expedition and the Chickasaw tribe.
The Laacher See volcano eruption occurred 13,077 years ago, according to revised dating, providing crucial information about historical climate fluctuations. This revised date coincides with observed temperature drops in Greenland Ice Sheet cores and has significant implications for European climate archives.
A new RMIT University study found that buskers who use digital platforms like apps, QR codes, PayPal, and Bitcoin receive more donations than those using loose coins. The study analyzed over 3,500 active buskers from 121 countries and found that North America and Europe had the most active buskers.
A mobile application developed by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and UPC researchers has been tested for its ability to predict the severity of disabling fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, particularly in women. The app measures heart rate variability and shares results with medical staff.
The European Association for the Study of Obesity provides evidence-based physical activity recommendations for adults with overweight and obesity. The guidelines highlight the benefits of exercise training on health and wellbeing beyond weight loss.
Researchers built a phylogeographic model to assess the role of new viral lineages in COVID-19 resurgence. The study found that more than half of circulating lineages in European countries resulted from new introductions since June 15.
The RESILIENCE project seeks to prevent anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in cancer patients through remote ischaemic preconditioning, with over 600 patients enrolled in a randomised clinical trial. Cardiac function will be evaluated using state-of-the-art cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
A third of EU-regulated eel products were found to be mislabelled, with some species originating from China and the US. The study highlights the need for straightforward labelling requirements that include the scientific name of the species.
Scientists discovered the oldest strain of Yersinia pestis in a 20- to 30-year-old man from 5,000 years ago. The ancient bacteria was less contagious and deadly than its medieval version, transmitted primarily through animal bites. This finding challenges long-held theories on the development of human civilization in Europe and Asia.
Researchers found that Bronze Age weight systems emerged gradually in a westward spread from Mesopotamia to Europe, with similar units of weight used across the region. The study suggests that free entrepreneurship drove the emergence of accurate weight systems, enabling merchants to interact freely and establish profitable partnerships.
Researchers have successfully resurrected the extinct Gould's mouse, a significant finding given the high rate of native rodent extinction in Australia. The study revealed that the species' genetic diversity did not guarantee its survival, underscoring the rapid decline of populations in the face of invasive species, habitat destructio...
Scientists discovered a molecule, Castaneroxy A, extracted from chestnut leaves that neutralizes dangerous staph bacteria, including MRSA. The compound, found only in tiny quantities in the leaves, disables toxin production and enables skin to heal rapidly.
A study reveals that Bronze Age weight systems diffused through trade networks in Western Eurasia, with a single origin in Mesopotamia. The Indus Valley developed an independent system, while new units of weight emerged gradually west of Mesopotamia.
A European gene therapy trial for Crigler-Najjar syndrome has demonstrated the first therapeutic effects of the treatment, allowing patients to stop phototherapy. The trial's preliminary results are encouraging, suggesting that gene therapy could become an alternative treatment for this severe liver disease.