Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
New study finds no evidence of widespread forest clearing by Indigenous populations in western Amazonia before European arrival. Instead, researchers suggest a history of sustainable use and minimal impact on ecosystem biodiversity.
The ACCOLADE study found that avacopan slowed C3 glomerulopathy progression by 20.6% in the placebo group but improved by 0.2% in the avacopan group, with patients with low eGFR benefiting from therapy. Avacopan also reduced proteinuria and increased eGFR in both groups.
Researchers from the University of A Coruña sequenced the oldest mitochondrial genome of modern cows' immediate ancestor, finding three aurochs with genetic differences. The ancient remains were discovered near a 9,000-year-old shepherdess, sparking debate about their relationship and domestication history.
The European Virtual Institute will study the neural basis of emotion using a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network, focusing on the role of the cerebellum in controlling emotions. The network aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for emotional disorders by combining fundamental and clinical research.
Researchers found that spiders detect the chemicals released by European fire ants and choose to build their webs elsewhere. This instinctual behavior allows spiders to survive in areas with high ant activity, potentially leading to the development of more effective spider repellents.
A study published in the Journal of Comparative Economics found that bribery in public healthcare not only fails to improve services but also exacerbates health problems and reduces nutrition quality. Post-communist countries, including Russia, reported high rates of corruption, with many patients experiencing bribes for medical services.
A new study reveals that winds play a crucial role in driving changes in ocean circulation patterns, particularly in the sub-polar North Atlantic. The study's findings suggest that future climate change may alter annual AMOC variability in this region.
A collaborative effort has led to the diagnosis of 255 new rare disease cases in Europe through unprecedented data sharing. The Solve-RD project utilizes a genomic and phenotypic analysis platform to reanalyze data from 8,393 individuals, identifying previously unknown genetic variants that can tailor treatment for affected patients.
Scientists have discovered a climate pattern in the Arctic that drives co-occurrences of European heatwaves and large-scale wildfires with air pollution. The circum-Arctic wave (CAW) pattern is linked to exceptionally high PM2.5 levels and organic carbon aerosol concentrations.
A global collaboration involving The Lundquist Institute has discovered 24 additional genome-wide loci linked to glycaemic traits in diverse populations. This expansion of genomic research has led to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment options for type 2 diabetes.
A large-scale genetic study has identified more genomic regions linked to type 2 diabetes-related traits by including multi-ethnic participants. The research, published in Nature Genetics, found that expanding the scope of genetic studies to different ancestries yields better results and benefits global patient care.
The Heart Failure 2021 congress showcases the latest evidence on preventing and managing heart failure, including the impact of COVID-19 and digital health. Researchers will present data on improving quality of life for patients with heart failure through medication, physical activity, diet, and implantable devices.
Researchers will use a new framework to understand people's behavior in large-scale cooperation problems, including caring for the climate. The five-year study aims to explain cultural and demographic variability of rule-following and how it shapes cooperative behavior.
A new Finnish study reveals pertussis is more prevalent among middle-aged adults in European countries than previously assumed, leading to concerns about underdiagnosed cases. The study also highlights the low levels of antibodies against diphtheria, indicating decreasing herd immunity.
The 58th ERA-EDTA Congress features presentations on groundbreaking studies for C3 glomerulopathy, primary IGA nephropathy, focal segmental glomerosclerosis, and end-stage kidney disease. Expert insights into treatment strategies will be shared during the virtual press conference.
A recent study assesses the invasiveness of European and native plant species using three dimensions: local abundance, geographic extent, and habitat breadth. High values in these variables characterize successful invaders, with early introduction to Europe and rapid growth contributing to their success.
A new comparative study by Nordicom at the University of Gothenburg reveals that Swedish and Danish journalists perceive their role as monitorial to a greater extent than journalists from other Nordic countries. Finnish journalists, on the other hand, feel most strongly influenced by politics.
Research found that human management of the Amazon rainforest peaked around 1200 AD, leading to a decline in some societies before European settlers arrived. Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to this population drop-off.
A new survey suggests that Leave voters in Cornwall wanted to regain control over the UK due to concerns about EU influence, while immigration was a key factor for many. However, the issue of immigration was not a significant concern in Cornwall itself, with only six people citing it as an issue.
Researchers found genetic differences between city and rural great tits, with changes linked to cognition, aggression, and circadian rhythms. These adaptations enabled the birds to cope with urban stressors like noise pollution, lights at night, and air pollution.
Researchers sequenced the entire genome from Peştera Muierii 1, a woman who lived in Romania 35,000 years ago. The study found high genetic diversity, suggesting that the greatest loss of genetic diversity occurred during the last Ice Age, rather than during the out of Africa migration.
Researchers found that medium-sized terrestrial species suffered the greatest losses, implicating introduced mammalian predators as primary drivers. The study highlights the impact of colonial agriculture and habitat destruction on biodiversity.
The 'Looking for Cowslips' campaign has started successfully, collecting data on the spring flower Primula veris and its populations across Europe. Over 120,000 cowslip observations have been recorded so far.
Researchers developed advanced torque vectoring methods to enhance power consumption, safety, and driveability in electric vehicles. The innovative system uses predictive control models with fuzzy logic to adaptively prioritize vehicle dynamics or energy efficiency.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal highlights the importance of urban design in promoting heart health. The authors argue that cities play a significant role in causing environmental stressors such as air pollution, noise, and heat island effects, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
International experts will debate five key concepts in global literary studies: space, scale, time, connectivity, and agency. The symposium aims to decentralize literary history and increase the visibility of minorities, such as women who played a key role in cultural mediation.
Autistic people in Europe struggled to access COVID-19 testing, treatment, and hospital care due to communication barriers and sensory sensitivities. The pandemic widened existing health inequalities, resulting in significant harm to this community.
Women in their early 40s with mildly elevated blood pressure face a doubled risk of acute coronary syndromes in their 50s. Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes can help mitigate this risk.
Researchers have identified the gene responsible for a male European corn borer moth's preference for its female counterpart's pheromone. The discovery provides insights into the evolution of mating signals and could help predict the spread of resistance to genetically modified insecticides, offering potential benefits for pest control.
Scientists call for transparent and inclusive COVID-19 origin investigation to inform global strategies. The joint China-World Health Organization report's findings were deemed insufficient by WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus.
Researchers have developed an innovative GIS map to help building professionals achieve successful Plus Energy Building design. The European Climate and Cultural Atlas combines knowledge from social sciences and building engineering to provide insights into energy practices.
The conference presents novel findings on associations between physical activity and quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease, as well as the effect of loneliness on lifestyle modification in heart patients. Experts share top tips on supporting behavior change and motivating patients to maintain self-care.
The World In Motion ensemble, founded by Katja Thomson, uses collaborative composing and arranging to create a space for reciprocal integration among refugees and Finnish musicians. This social innovation addresses the challenges of immigration through musical collaboration.
Researchers explore how complex community patterns in Rapa Nui helped the isolated island survive from its settlement to European contact. Small communities maintained cultural separation, potentially shielding against random drift, which could lead to lost technologies and survival strategies.
The Saker Falcon's population has recovered in Bulgaria after a 20-year conservation effort, with observations confirming at least one breeding pair. The species was reintroduced in 2015 and bred successfully, paving the way for further releases to restore the population.
The latest WHO report reveals high rates of childhood obesity in Europe, with Mediterranean countries showing the highest prevalence. The pandemic is expected to negatively impact childhood obesity levels due to reduced access to school meals and physical activity.
A recent study reveals that up to 50% of contaminants reach groundwater before degrading through focused recharge, posing a significant challenge for water and land use management. Focused recharge can lead to higher levels of pollutants in groundwater, exceeding maximum permissible concentrations in Europe.
People with dementia have twice the risk for developing COVID-19, with high hospitalization rates and mortality. Alzheimer Europe urges governments to prioritize these groups in vaccination campaigns to prevent further harm.
Researchers found evidence of bronze scrap being used as cash in Europe during the late Bronze Age (1350-800 BC), challenging traditional notions of money's emergence. This practice spread across Western Eurasia, paving the way for a global market.
Researchers analyze soldiers' isotopes to determine geographical origin, finding 3 Breton soldiers and 28 French soldiers. The study provides unique insights into alliances and recruitment strategies in wars.
Marine scientists call on EU to adopt a two-step approach to reduce bycatch levels, involving quantitative management objectives and monitoring programmes. The experts recommend using electronic monitoring systems and regular formal assessments of small cetacean populations.
A study analyzing 340 European soil samples reveals high levels of pesticide residues in conventional agriculture, while organic farming practices show lower contamination. The research emphasizes the need for regulations and reference points to protect soil biodiversity and quality.
Researchers at ETH Zurich calculate that waste incineration plants in Europe have a significant potential for negative emissions through bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). If fully exploited, BECCS could reduce European CO2 emissions by 200 million tonnes per year.
The European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities (ALLEA) releases a report calling for enhanced European exchange and coordination to tackle science disinformation. Key strategies include inoculation, debunking, fact-checking, and media literacy, as well as innovations in science communication.
High-quality vaccination programs protect people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, but many adults remain under- or unvaccinated. The article highlights the importance of vaccines in preventing life-threatening diseases and discusses challenges in ensuring equitable access to vaccines.
Lutz Ackermann's ERC Advanced Grant project aims to replace toxic reagents with green electricity and control electrocatalytic transformations of biomolecules. The project combines two resource-saving concepts to minimize waste products and bypass lengthy synthesis sequences.
A new study found that Amazonian depopulation and forest regrowth began centuries before European arrival, rejecting the hypothesis of widespread reforestation contributing to reduced atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Forest pollen records suggest land abandonment and regrowth started 300-600 years prior to European contact.
A team of scientists has re-evaluated the forest harvesting trends in Europe, finding that an abrupt increase of 69% reported by a previous study was incorrect. Instead, they found a more modest 6% increase in forest harvests over the same period.
A comprehensive meta-analysis found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was associated with a significantly increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder. The study included over 50,000 patients and suggested that fish oil supplements should be used cautiously in individuals at elevated cardiovascular risk.
A new EU climate target of cutting emissions by 55% by 2030 will dramatically speed up the decarbonization of Europe's power sector, leading to a significant phaseout of coal power. Renewable energies are expected to contribute nearly three-quarters of power generation in 2030 and reach zero emissions in the power sector by 2040.
Research from University of Gothenburg shows Brexit may change EU cooperation structure, with neighboring countries and similar ideologies taking precedence. After the referendum, member states with similar economic and political systems have stronger partnerships.
A study of oak forests in European Russia has provided new insights into the region's climate change. Researchers developed a classification system based on the Braun-Blanquet method, identifying two new associations and demonstrating the uniqueness of steppe oak forests compared to xero-mesophytic European oak forests.
The 2Exciting Network aims to train 15 Early Stage Researchers in scientific and soft skills, focusing on 2D semiconductors and optoelectronics. The network brings together academic groups and companies to develop innovative optoelectronic devices for telecommunications and next-generation technology applications.
Research from DTU found that young people experience better work-life balance, but more uncertainty about their work. Managers report higher efficiency and less lack of important work tools compared to employees. The six factors can help organizations understand how to promote efficiency and well-being when working from home.
A new study from the University of Amsterdam and the Dutch State Forestry Service highlights the importance of landscape in rewilding efforts. Researchers developed an index to measure and predict rewilding success, finding that varied landscapes show greater conservation potential.
Atrial fibrillation affects over 40 million people globally, increasing risks of stroke, heart failure, and dementia. Quality indicators developed by global experts will help institutions assess adherence to clinical practice guidelines, leading to improved care for patients with atrial fibrillation.
Patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are at risk of developing anxiety and depression after implantation, according to a new study. Regular screening is necessary to identify patients who may benefit from additional support.
Researchers discovered that annual foot assessments can detect atrial fibrillation in patients with diabetes. The condition is found in approximately 17% of patients with diabetes, increasing stroke risk by five times.
A study of 2.4 million hospitalised cannabis users found that those with an arrhythmia were 4.5 times more likely to die in hospital than those without. Patients with arrhythmias also had longer hospital stays and more co-existing health conditions.
The PICOCRYPT project guarantees the integrity, privacy and effectiveness of computation on data stored in the cloud. Cryptographic techniques will be used to solve problems related to espionage and incorrect results.