Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
The book Mare Plasticum delves into the devastating effects of plastics and microplastics on marine environments. It aims to change society's consciousness towards more responsible behavior, highlighting urgent need for action.
Researchers used ancient DNA samples to reconstruct the population history of prehistoric dogs, finding they diverged into at least five distinct lineages by 11,000 years ago. The study also suggests human-dog migration patterns didn't always align, with some populations showing little genetic influence from wolves.
Researchers explore how standardized visualization influences our understanding of the world, linking material culture to brain development and social power dynamics. The study spans prehistoric societies to contemporary digital technologies, examining the role of reification in shaping our vision.
Barbara Hammer and her team will explore new technologies for secure drinking water supply in cities with the help of 10 million euros from the European Research Council. They are developing controllable artificial intelligence to detect factors putting strain on the system, enabling operators to make informed decisions.
Researchers aim to understand the structure and function of plasmodesmata, key routes for coordinating tasks in plants. They will use state-of-the-art methods like cryo-electron tomography to visualize plasmodesmata's composition and function.
A new study reveals that footballers are conserving energy for intense bursts in games with congested fixture lists. Coaches are also rotating players more frequently to manage fatigue and injury risks, particularly among central defenders. The findings highlight the impact of fixture congestion on player performance and team management.
A collaboration between genome researchers mapped out the virus dispersal, confirming Europe's central role in global spread. The study suggests travel restrictions were too little and too late, with most disease spread via Europe, not directly from China.
A recent study by Aalto University and Finnish Environment Institute shows that shifting to wood in European construction can significantly reduce environmental impact. If 80% of new residential buildings were made of wood, they would store 47% of Europe's annual cement industry emissions.
Research reveals an increase in acute bacterial infections, including gonorrhoea and secondary syphilis, despite reduced attendances at STI centres during the pandemic. Non-acute cases of genital warts and Molluscum Contagiosum fell, highlighting the need for ongoing screening and services.
A global study of ancient dog DNA found at least five different types of dogs more than 11,000 years ago in Europe, the Near East, and Siberia. The research team sequenced DNA from 27 dogs, showing that canine diversity originated when humans were still hunters and gatherers.
The 2020 International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) has been shifted to a distributed format due to the cancellation of the original event in Vilnius. The competition will take place from Dec. 7-15 and is open to teams of five school students or university undergraduates representing various countries.
New discoveries in Northern Spain's Aitzbitarte Caves depict a previously unknown artistic style, consistent with the Gravettian cultural complex found across Europe. The study reveals a more widespread and varied culture than previously thought, spanning over 25,000 years.
Low-cost airlines proved more resilient during the pandemic due to their lower exposure to international long-haul traffic. They operated in regional markets and benefited from consolidation since 2001, increasing their market share from 5.3% to 37.3%.
Researchers from SUTD analyzed strategies employed by countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for controlled movement, containment through border controls, and efficient testing to prevent transmission. The study emphasizes the importance of a collective global strategy to contain outbreaks effectively.
A study analyzing genomic sequences from historical plague victims suggests that a wildlife reservoir in Eurasia, near Europe's edge, may have seeded epidemics. The research also reveals a common strain responsible for the 1722 Great Plague of Marseille and separate introductions to Scandinavia and the Caucasus region.
Researchers analyzed red and black inks from 100-200 AD papyri, finding lead used as a dryer rather than pigment. The discovery sheds light on complex ink recipes and potential connections to Renaissance paint practices.
Researchers found previously unknown lead compounds in ancient Egyptian red and black inks, suggesting they were used as a drying agent. The discovery challenges previous understanding of ancient lead-based pigments and may indicate widespread use of similar techniques earlier than thought.
Researchers detected iron-based compounds as ocher in ancient red ink, while lead, phosphorus, and sulfur were found in micrometric rings surrounding ocher particles in red ink. Lead compounds also appeared in black inks, likely used as drying agents rather than pigments.
The discovery confirms that African crocodiles of the genus Crocodylus inhabited Europe during the late Miocene, with fossils found in Italy and Spain. The remains suggest a dispersal from Africa to Europe via sea, supported by modern crocodile behavior and anatomical similarities with other extinct species.
The G-VERSITY project develops scientifically sound measures to promote gender diversity in working life, including workshops, guidelines, and training materials. The project also aims to improve career prospects for young researchers through a collaborative European network.
Research on Bronze Age pastoral societies in southern Russia reveals low levels of mobility, contradicting previous assumptions about their migration patterns. The study analyzed skeletal remains to conclude that these communities remained within their ecological areas and relied on word-of-mouth transmission of technical innovations.
Genome sequencing reveals a gradual decline in African ancestry across hundreds of miles as bees approach climate barriers. The study suggests that climate is the primary factor limiting the spread of Africanized bees, with colder winters posing a survival challenge.
The First Book of Breathing, an ancient Egyptian funerary text, was analyzed based on papyrus FMNH 31324. The composition was created through a careful exegetical process involving the selection and interweaving of Book of the Dead spells.
A new study found that approximately 26% of Europeans with severe vision loss have unmet needs for eye care, with the UK figure at around 23%. Poor health, social isolation, smoking, and poverty are associated with higher levels of self-reported severe vision loss.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that more than two-thirds of heart disease deaths worldwide can be prevented through healthier diets. The analysis of global data from 195 countries revealed that unhealthy eating, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are major contributors to ischaemic heart disease.
A new study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to significant improvements in air quality, averting an estimated 24,200 premature deaths in China and 2,190 in Europe. The study suggests that strong measures can be implemented to reduce air pollution and mitigate its impact on human health.
The study found that modern humans settled along the Mediterranean coast before expanding into the Sinai desert and eastern Jordanian Rift Valley. Favorable environmental conditions, including a freshwater lake known as Lake Lisan, enabled human settlement and spread throughout the region.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal - Acute Cardiovascular Care reveals that one in five high-risk patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery will develop one or more heart complications within a year. The study found that patients are at risk for a longer period than previously thought and that measuring troponin...
A new UNIGE study models 100 feasible scenarios to achieve Central European electricity sector targets by 2035. The research highlights trade-offs between cost-efficiency, renewable electricity, and regional equality, suggesting a compromise is possible to share costs and benefits evenly across regions.
Women aged 50 or younger with a heart attack face higher mortality rates compared to their male counterparts. The study found that women were less likely to undergo invasive procedures after admission and to be treated with certain medications upon discharge.
The report analyzes 1217 European incubators and accelerators in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, providing insights into their impact, services, and focus on social entrepreneurship. The study reveals a high number of employees (7165) and a prevalence of corporate and university incubators.
The article highlights the urgent need to protect freshwater biodiversity, with international research team IGB issuing 14 recommendations for political follow-up agreements. The recommendations focus on recognizing inland waters as a separate ecological 'third realm' and improving monitoring and management of freshwater ecosystems.
A new study analyzed 1,435,350 patients with concurrent diabetes and obesity over a 20-year period. Bariatric surgery was found to significantly reduce the prevalence of pancreatic cancer (0.32% vs 0.19%, p<0.05) in obese diabetic patients. The majority of patients who underwent surgery were female.
A new study found that asthma and food hypersensitivity in children are associated with an increased risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) during adolescence. Children with IBS were nearly twice as likely to have had asthma, and almost half reported food hypersensitivity.
Delays in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening due to COVID-19 have resulted in a significant increase in deaths, with moderate and large delays causing 3% and 7% increases in advanced stage CRC. Early-stage diagnosis is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
Fossils found in southeastern Yunan Province, China, reveal monkeys existed in Asia alongside apes, and are believed to be ancestors of modern East Asian monkeys. These ancient primates were well adapted for movement both on land and in trees, with a versatile diet that allowed them to thrive in diverse environments.
A review of COVID-19 policy changes found that pandemic restrictions widened existing gaps in access to abortion services across Europe. Enforced innovations such as telemedicine and home provision of abortion services could reverse this trend and promote long-lasting change for essential health services.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that facemask use does not affect indicators of cognitive performance when wearers are resting or performing moderate physical work in normal work-wear in hot environments. Wearing a facemask was shown to make it more difficult to breathe during physical work in a h...
A survey of North Americans and Europeans found that men and young people are less likely to comply with social distancing measures. The study highlights the importance of considering individual differences when developing public health policies.
A review of 35 studies found a lifetime prevalence of 17.4% for suicidal thoughts and 1.8% for attempts among physicians. Geographic region was linked to variations in suicidal behavior rates, with Europe showing higher prevalence than the US.
A new study predicts that alien species will continue to spread globally at an alarming rate, increasing by 36% worldwide by 2050. In Europe, the number of alien species is expected to rise by 64%, with over 2,500 new arrivals predicted.
The MAP Congress 2020 aimed to answer the critical question of how to integrate tumour sample analysis into daily practice. Key findings highlighted actionable mutations in patient DNA for personalized treatment, with expert guidance on molecular targeting and biomarkers.
A new study published in Child Development found that young children conceptualize leadership as a hierarchy based on voluntary deference and respect. Children expected a leader to contribute more to joint goals and withdraw an equal share from common prizes, but judged leaders harsher for not adhering to these behaviors.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that ipilimumab improved progression-free survival by two to three times in patients with metastasized, castration-resistant prostate cancer. The treatment also showed overall survival benefits compared to the placebo arm.
Researchers discovered stone tools dated to the earlier time period in a cave in Portugal, supporting a rapid westward dispersal of modern humans. The finding documents the presence of modern humans in westernmost Europe concurrent with Neanderthals.
The FoodLAND project is developing innovations for local agriculture and aquaculture development in six African countries, aiming to strengthen agro-biodiversity and healthy diets. The project will create a network of 14 local Food Hubs to mobilise actors in rural and urban communities, testing and introducing technological innovations.
A recent study found that preventing coronary heart disease could save nearly $15 billion in GDP due to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. The study also estimated that preventing just 10% of future cases would result in $1.5 billion in monetary gains
Researchers reveal modern human presence in central Portugal at least 41,100 years ago, contradicting previous timing. The findings suggest a rapid spread into southern Europe after arrival in northern Iberia, with Neanderthal populations dwindling due to environmental factors.
A new mathematical model predicts a second wave of COVID-19 in Europe between July and January 2021, highlighting the importance of human behavior in slowing the pandemic. The model suggests that precise infection rates can be controlled through social distancing, local cluster control, and border measures.
Climate scientists analyzed an ice core to reconstruct WWI environmental conditions, finding unusual ocean air influxes caused torrential rains and cold temperatures. This may have accelerated the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus among humans by water contaminated with bird fecal droppings.
A joint EU conference explores GMOs, emphasizing EU regulation prospects and optimal use of scientific findings for consumer protection. The event features a series of free online webinars with prior registration.
Researchers have developed a method to observe nonlinear x-ray processes in atoms, allowing for detailed insight into molecular motion. This new approach may help steer chemical reactions in desired directions.
A review of policies from nine high-income countries identifies five key factors for strategies to ease lockdown restrictions. Governments should have clear plans with transparent decision-making processes and robust systems in place to monitor the infection situation. For communities to reopen safely, control measures such as face mas...
A prospective cohort study found that cycling was associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk among people with diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 7,500 adults and showed that even short periods of cycling per week can significantly reduce the risk of premature death.
Researchers modelled COVID-19 second wave timings in Europe using data on infection rates and travel, finding peaks likely to occur between July 2020 and January 2021. Social distancing measures could control the timing of these peaks, with earlier peaks expected in countries with higher infection rates.
A research team has successfully sequenced and assembled the Wels catfish genome, which is expected to reveal insights into its remarkable growth rate, appetite, and lifespan. The study's findings will help address bottlenecks in aquaculture and conservation of wild populations.
Facial displays of trustworthiness increased in European portraits between the fourteenth and twenty-first centuries, closely following rising living standards. The study used face-processing software on over 6,000 portraits to validate its findings.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that resuming sexual activity within months after a heart attack is positively associated with long-term survival. Maintaining or increasing sexual frequency was linked to a 35% lower risk of death compared to abstaining.
ALS Ventures has closed its first round of investments with a $59M commitment, targeting novel therapeutics in preclinical development. The firm aims to accelerate R&D from discovery stage to late preclinical development.
A new study finds growing acceptance of non-meat diets in both countries, with 44% of French and 58% of Germans willing to try cultured meat. In contrast, only 45% of German respondents identified as full meat-eaters, while 69% in France still consider themselves meat-eaters.