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Drought of the century in the Middle Ages -- with parallels to climate change today?

Researchers identified a severe drought period in 1302-07 Europe, which shares similarities with the 2018 weather anomaly and recent climate trends. The study suggests that transitional phases in the climate are characterized by stable weather patterns, contributing to extreme events like the Great Famine of 1315-21.

Mapping out a transient atom

A new experiment provides insights into transient atomic states, enabling better understanding of photocatalysis, elementary steps in photosynthesis and radiation damage. The study uses high-resolution electron spectroscopy to capture a snapshot of the short-lived state produced when X-rays interact with neon atoms.

SourceEuropean XFEL·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 22, 2020

COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need to share precious intensive care bed resources across Europe

A majority of European anaesthesiologists and intensive care specialists believe that precious ICU capacity should be shared between nations during international emergencies. The study found that around 60% were in favour of a centralized European institution to distribute such resources.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateDec 22, 2020

Experts call for Europe-wide COVID-19 targets

A group of over 300 global scientists is urging European governments to adopt a coordinated approach to managing the pandemic by setting clear COVID-19 case number targets. The proposed strategy aims to achieve low case numbers, enhance mitigation measures, and develop long-term common vision to protect people's health, societies, and ...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 18, 2020

Supporting renewable electricity: EU member states should coordinate reform efforts

A new study highlights the importance of coordinated policy reforms in supporting renewable electricity across EU member states. Without coordination, investors may shift their focus to subsidized technologies or countries with available subsidies, increasing the overall costs of expanding renewable energy generation in Europe. Strengt...

The impact of Neandertal DNA on human health

Researchers analyzed Neandertal-associated phenotypes in Asian and European populations, finding shared variants increasing risk of autoimmune diseases like dermatitis and rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, a specific gene variant in Asians had a protective effect against prostate cancer.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateDec 3, 2020

Act now to meet global heart disease targets

The European Society of Cardiology report highlights alarming trends in cardiovascular disease, including rising obesity and diabetes rates, to emphasize the need for urgent action. The report also shows that middle-income countries are struggling to meet World Health Organization targets for heart disease prevention.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 24, 2020

Growing risks of STIs in over-45s

A study has found that middle-aged and older adults are at risk of contracting STIs due to negative attitudes and limited knowledge about their sexual health needs. The report's findings highlight four critical areas where interventions can address gaps in current healthcare provision: awareness, access, knowledge, and stigma.

Teaching the internet of things to learn

The VEDLIoT project is developing a new generation of IoT platforms that use machine learning to improve the performance and energy efficiency of devices. The platform aims to enable autonomous vehicles, smart homes, and industrial applications to learn and adapt to their environments.

Methods developed by biorobotics engineers help make hydropower plants more fish-friendly

Researchers in the FIThydro project developed new assessment methods and technologies to reduce negative ecological effects of hydropower plants. They also created a decision support system to help operators plan and assess hydropower plants, taking into account environmental policy requirements and international regulatory guidelines.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalSustainability·DateNov 10, 2020