Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Prof. Dr. Piet O. Schmidt receives EU funding to explore fundamental questions of modern physics, aiming to improve limits for new forces and changes in natural constants. His team plans to develop novel measurement methods using highly charged ions.
A study of 58,389 European adults found no link between weight gain and improved cognitive performance in older age. The research suggests that weight gain may even be associated with poorer cognitive outcomes.
A study has found that the recolonization of Europe after the last ice age began at least 17,000 years ago, earlier than previously thought. The analysis of an ancient DNA fragment from northeastern Italy sheds new light on the genetic background of present-day Europeans.
Researchers analyzed tooth remains from Middle Neolithic to Late Bronze Age populations in the Great Hungarian Plain, revealing less abrasive and processed foods during this period. The study combines stable isotope and dental microwear analyses, providing new data on ancestral diets.
A European consortium is working on the technical feasibility of 6G technology, specifically RadioWeaves, which enables real-time data transmission with a dense network of access points. This technology has opportunities for industries such as sports stadiums, where it could provide wireless power and precise location tracking.
A large study found that increasing physical activity levels is associated with a reduced likelihood of heart events and mortality in people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Participants who showed moderate to large improvements in physical activity were 30% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease or die ...
Researchers discovered human activities releasing CO2 and pollutants impact North Atlantic weather patterns. The study predicts up to a decade-long warning for changes in weather and climate.
Research found that shift workers with a deviated body clock had higher cardiovascular risk, even after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The study's findings suggest that staff with atypical work schedules may need closer monitoring for heart health.
An observational study of nearly 20,000 individuals found that greater intake of red and processed meat is associated with poorer heart function and stiffer arteries. In contrast, higher consumption of oily fish was linked to improved heart function and healthier arteries.
The ZARATHUSTRA project aims to develop electrodeless plasma thrusters that consume less propellant, allowing for longer and more ambitious space missions. The new thruster design features a U-shaped geometry and a toroidal magnetic field, which should improve efficiency and durability.
Researchers analyzed stone tools from graves in central Europe, finding that men were buried with tools used for woodwork, butchery, hunting, or violence, while women were buried with tools used on animal hides. This study provides new insights into the rise of gender inequalities in the Neolithic period.
The International Conference on Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac CT (ICNC-CT) showcases cutting-edge research and clinical applications in cardiovascular imaging. The conference highlights advancements in machine learning, imaging techniques, and artificial intelligence to improve patient care.
A recent study finds that melting Arctic sea-ice is causing severe cold and snowy mid-latitude winters in Europe. The loss of Arctic sea-ice has been implicated with increased open-water and winter evaporation, fueling more extreme snowfall further south across Europe.
A study of over 1000 patients found UK cancer patients were 1.5 times more likely to die after a COVID-19 diagnosis compared to European counterparts. This increased mortality rate may be attributed to the UK's lagging cancer care and patient frailty.
A study by Samuel Preston and Yana Vierboom compared age-specific mortality rates between the US and European regions. The US experienced 13.02 million years of life lost to excess mortality in 2017, a 64.9% increase since 2000.
At EuroCMR 2021, experts presented novel research on using hypnosis to enable claustrophobic patients to undergo CMR, the effect of weight loss on heart function in obese people, and improving detection of cardiotoxicity in lymphoma survivors. CMR is also revealing sex differences in how the heart adapts after a myocardial infarction.
A Curtin University study found that European honeybees can outcompete native bees for nectar and pollen resources in urban gardens dominated by non-native flowers. Planting more flowering plants preferred by vulnerable species and controlling honeybee density may help prevent native bee decline.
A large study of over 100,000 adults found that leisure time physical activity was associated with a 26-40% reduced risk of death, while work activity had the opposite effect. The researchers suggest that occupational activities often do not sufficiently increase heart rate to improve fitness and may even increase blood pressure.
Researchers have identified the oldest reconstructed modern human genome, dating back around 2,000 years, from a fossil skull in Czechia. The study suggests that early modern humans did not successfully adapt to Europe, with a possible explanation being the Campanian Ignimbrite volcanic eruption.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of the oldest Europeans, finding they contributed genes to present-day East Asians and had extensive Neandertal DNA. This suggests frequent mixing with Neandertals when first modern humans arrived in Europe.
A newly released position paper from ESMO and SIOPE defines a common vision for improving outcomes for AYAs with cancer in Europe. The paper highlights the key challenges of AYA care, including limited awareness of cancer biology, availability of specialist centres, and access to clinical trials.
A large study found that nearly 30% of patients with coronary artery disease have diabetes, significantly higher than the general population. Patients with heart disease and diabetes had worse outcomes, including a 38% higher risk of death during a five-year follow-up.
A clinical risk assessment tool was tested on Spanish patients to predict critical illness among those hospitalized with COVID-19. The study found that the tool accurately identified high-risk patients, highlighting its potential for early intervention.
African elephants could occupy a fraction of their potential range if protected from human pressure, with 62% of Africa suitable for their survival. The study found that elephants have great potential for recovery into areas where the human footprint is light.
Researchers will investigate how humans have influenced changes to floodplains and when this began, shedding light on the global relevance of an 'anthroposphere'. The project will employ innovative methods combining archaeology, geosciences, and history to understand human-environment interactions.
A comprehensive study published in Earth-Science Reviews journal found that remote monitoring techniques can accurately measure the effectiveness of nature-based solutions (NBS). This advancement offers hope for routine, continual, and accurate assessment of NBS, helping to quell skepticism around their use.
A study found that young adults with inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis are twice as likely to experience fatal heart attacks. Researchers also discovered that patients with these conditions were less likely to be prescribed aspirin and statins after a heart attack.
The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Europe hosts its 31st annual meeting, discussing pressing environmental topics such as climate change, microplastics, and biodiversity. The four-day conference will showcase over 1,200 presentations across 72 topics, including keynote addresses from prominent scientists.
The EHRA Congress explores the latest practice-changing research in heart rhythm disorders, with a focus on digital technologies, arrhythmias, and cardiac devices. Season of birth affects health, weight loss after atrial fibrillation treatment can stop arrhythmia, and remote monitoring promotes patient empowerment.
Isaac Elishakoff, a distinguished research professor at FAU, has received the coveted Blaise Pascal Medal for his outstanding contributions to science and technology. The award recognizes his pioneering work in various areas of applied mechanics research and education.
Arash Ajoudani has made a significant impact on the field of human-robot collaboration and telerobotics with his research. He has contributed to several successful European projects, including ERGO-Lean and SOPHIA, which aim to develop collaborative robotics systems capable of anticipating human behavior.
A nationwide study of nearly 1.5 million people found that increasing physical activity in low-to-moderate air pollution areas reduced cardiovascular disease risk by 27%, while decreasing activity increased the risk. In contrast, high air pollution levels saw an increased risk when physical activity exceeded recommended levels.
The study confirms Basques' genetic uniqueness is the result of continuous isolation and scarce gene flow since the Iron Age. The language barrier promoted population separation from subsequent interactions.
Researchers found that European listed companies in the energy and mining sector provide sparse information on future environmental costs. Only 60% of companies disclosed discount rates and 65% provided time horizons for payments. Media exposure increased environmental disclosure, but not always with specific details.
The TB burden in Europe is decreasing, with a 19% overall decline from 2015-2019. However, drug resistance remains a major concern, and the COVID-19 pandemic may stall or cause setbacks in the fight against TB. Treatment outcomes are suboptimal, with only 77% of patients successfully completing treatment in 2019.
The excavation of shell middens off two sites in the Gulf of Mexico and Northern Europe reveals new insights into the hidden history of submerged landscapes. The study challenges the current understanding of coastal life in these regions by pushing back the inhabitation timeframe by hundreds of years.
The European Society of Cardiology's ESC Preventive Cardiology 2021 conference explores the latest research and strategies for preventing heart disease. Experts discuss the role of diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits in maintaining cardiovascular health and identify the most effective ways to promote physical activity and healthy eating.
Researchers found that every person has two to four hidden genetic defects, which can lead to diseases if inherited from both parents. Consanguineous couples are at high risk, with 20% of cases showing increased risks for serious disorders in offspring.
Lockdowns in the US and Europe led to changes in Google Trends data for family-related searches, including weddings and contraception. Researchers analyzed these trends to better understand the impact of social distancing measures on individual behaviors.
A study by Jordi Gumà and Jeroen Spijker finds that partner characteristics, especially education level, significantly affect the health of Spanish women aged 65+, whereas men's health is less sensitive to their partner's status. Traditional gender roles in Spain also play a role in this phenomenon.
Donald Sparks has won the 2021 Philippe Duchaufour Medal for his pioneering work on soil chemistry and carbon dynamics. He is recognized as a global leader in environmental soil chemistry, having carried out visionary science throughout his career.
A study reveals that over one in ten lung cancer patients are unsure of their tumor type, highlighting the need for improved communication between patients and healthcare providers. Language differences and complex treatments contribute to these misunderstandings, jeopardizing patient care.
A research team from the University of Göttingen found significant inequality in travel permit costs globally. People from poorer countries often pay significantly more for tourist visas, with North Africans and South Asians paying an average of $60 compared to Western Europeans at $18.
A new European Women in Sport (E-WinS) project seeks to address issues specific to women in sport, such as the impact of menstruation and hormone-based contraception on performance. UK football clubs are invited to participate in an online survey and focus groups to share best practices.
Researchers found that Center-right MEPs became less cohesive in voting for resolutions protecting EU fundamental values between 2009 and 2019. The analysis shows a sharp increase in the tendency of EPP MEPs to support these resolutions over time, but during 2011-2019, they had below-average cohesion compared to others.
A recent study found that European summer droughts since 2015 exceed anything in the past 2,100 years, with climate change and jet stream changes likely causing this anomaly. The researchers analyzed tree-ring stable isotopes to reconstruct summer climate conditions over 2,110 years.
A study led by University of California, Davis found that invasive European green crabs increased 30-fold after 90% were removed from a California estuary. The explosion was due to cannibalization of younger individuals by adult decapod crustacea.
The European Lung Cancer Virtual Congress 2021 will showcase new perspectives in treating small cell lung cancer and mesothelioma, as well as management options for non-small cell lung cancer. More than 200 studies will be presented, with a focus on immunotherapy and lung cancer prevention.
The Heine H. Hansen Award recognizes outstanding contributions to lung cancer research and education. Johan Vansteenkiste and Fiona Blackhall are this year's recipients, known for their pioneering work in thoracic oncology, liquid biopsies and personalized medicine.
The UOC is heading an Erasmus+ project to study the academic trajectories of thousands of university students from four European countries. The project, Complex Trajectories, aims to provide universities with effective support to help students achieve their academic goals.
Patients with kidney disease who exercised regularly had lower rates of death, heart problems, and end-stage renal disease. The study found that moderate-intensity exercise (150 minutes/week) provided the most health benefits.
Computational air quality models have been adapted to better understand pollution challenges in Latin America, providing valuable insights for governments and authorities. The models can help identify the most cost-effective ways of achieving air quality improvements in cities like Bogotá.
A team from UB developed a super-resolution optical chip-sized microscope based on 200 nm nanoLEDs. The new microscope allows real-time observation of viruses and cellular processes without current techniques' problems.
The PrecisionTox project aims to develop a new approach to chemical safety management using genetics, genomics, and non-sentient organisms. By avoiding animal testing, the consortium hopes to accelerate discoveries and improve the regulation of harmful chemicals.
A study published in BioRisk reveals that citizen scientists have significantly improved knowledge of the non-native Asian bamboo longhorn beetle in Europe. The researchers, led by University of Hamburg, collected data from citizen science platforms and confirmed 13 new introductions of the species in Europe, a 42% increase in records.
A recent study has revised the timing of Neanderthal disappearance from Northwest Europe using compound-specific radiocarbon analysis, yielding ages up to 10,000 years older than previously reported. The new dates estimate a departure around 44,200-40,600 years ago, contradicting previous findings.
The WE-TRANSFORM project investigates the effects of automation and digitalization on the transport workforce, generating a sector policy agenda based on artificial intelligence and collective intelligence. A collaborative platform will be created to produce knowledge that can be easily used and shared to support durable innovations.
Researchers analyzed ancient human DNA to understand the impact of tuberculosis on European populations. The study found that a specific variant of the TYK2 gene was associated with an increased risk of becoming ill after infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
A new study analyzed reasons for university dropout, finding lack of interest in field of study and academic performance issues as key motivators. The research suggests implementing early warning systems and personalized counseling services to support students at risk.
In Spain, only 20% of public compensation applied for by sexual abuse victims is granted between 1998 and 2018. The country's system is criticized for being restrictive and not effectively providing compensation to those who need it most, including minors.