Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A European survey found that a majority of men and women aged 20-70 do not know what erectile dysfunction (ED) is, with one in four having never heard of ED treatments. The study emphasizes the need for open communication about ED to break the taboo and improve treatment outcomes.
The ERC highlighted its efforts to bridge the gap between world-class science and world-beating companies at the European Research and Innovation Days 2020. The event featured sessions on public engagement with research, frontier research to fight COVID-19, and blue-sky research for an uncertain future.
A study analyzing European Working Conditions Survey data found that men and women experience similar rates of anxiety due to job insecurity. Researchers attribute this similarity to trends towards gender egalitarianism in Europe.
A new study reveals that many primary forests in Europe are not protected and are at risk of being destroyed. The researchers found that only a small percentage of the forest types they assessed had more than half of their old growth strictly protected, highlighting the need for strict conservation protections to be put in place.
This study compares native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) patencies across countries, revealing significant variation in rates and predictors of long-term function. New AVFs that fail to mature successfully associate with increased mortality risk, emphasizing the need for individualized access selection and clinical pathways.
The review highlights the need for clear scientific and pharmaceutical standards when developing live biotherapeutic products. Key challenges include ensuring quality, demonstrating safety, and evaluating efficacy. The PRI's publication provides a framework for stakeholders in microbiome-based product development.
UTA researcher Warda Ashraf is studying long-lasting Roman structures to develop sustainable construction materials. She aims to recreate ancient concrete using alkali-activated calcined clays to produce highly durable and resilient materials.
A commercial-scale farm trial found that slower growing broiler chickens have better health and more positive behaviors than conventional fast-growing breeds. The study suggests that a shift towards slower growing breeds could improve the lives of 142 million chickens produced in Europe every week.
A new database of parliamentarians' tweets from 26 European countries has been compiled, enabling more standardized analyses of politician Twitter use. The database includes tweet IDs from May 2017 to present and could address challenges in cross-border research.
Scientists use European XFEL to observe anomalous dynamics in superheated water, revealing uneven heating and unexpected behavior. The study's results are crucial for planning experiments with heat-sensitive samples.
The study sequenced the genome of 442 bone fragments from the Viking Age and found that Vikings had a lot more genes from Southern and Eastern Europe than anticipated. This suggests that the Vikings frequently interbred with people from other parts of the world, contradicting traditional images of them as Nordic blonds.
A six-year study of over 400 Viking skeletons found that many Vikings had brown hair, not blonde, and were influenced by genes from Asia and Southern Europe. The research also shows that Viking groups in Scandinavia were more isolated than previously believed.
A study published in The BMJ found that eating foods with a poor Nutri-Score score is associated with higher mortality rates from all causes and specific diseases. The findings support the use of Nutri-Score to guide people towards healthier food choices, which could inform discussions on uniform food labelling systems across Europe.
Viking identity was not limited to Scandinavian ancestry, with Scottish and non-Scandinavian ancestry found in some individuals. Gene flow from the British Isles, Southern Europe, and Asia also occurred during the Viking Age.
The study reveals a unique chain migration pattern in common swifts, where populations from southern Europe arrive in Africa before those from northern Europe, driven by food availability. This adaptation allows the species to ensure continuous access to energy-rich insects, enabling them to survive for over 20 years.
Primary forests in Europe are scarce and irreplaceable, requiring top priority protection. Restoration is a viable option where no primary forests remain, storing carbon and benefiting biodiversity. An expansion of protected areas by just 1% can suffice to safeguard most remaining primary forests.
The Smart Efficient Compression, Reliability and Energy Targets (SECRET) project aims to reduce leakages in rotating machinery by 20% and improve efficiency of oil-free screw compressors by 2%. The partnership will also contribute to advances in Industry 4.0 and the European Union's Global Net Zero CO2 emissions directive.
A high-resolution map of European forest canopy openings has been created, showing a 17% loss of canopy in 30 years. The size of openings varies widely by region, with Spain's largest opening being 17,000 hectares due to a single fire.
Researchers found that human activity such as habitat change and overhunting are responsible for the overwhelming loss of mammal diversity across Latin America. More than half of species in medium and large mammals have died out since European colonization.
Research shows that appointing a new leader just before an election leads to a higher turnover of MPs across Europe. The study analyzed statistics from 251 parties between 1945 and 2015, finding that the proportion of new and re-elected MPs is almost 5 percentage points higher for parties with a new leadership.
People with underlying endocrine diseases are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 and experiencing worse outcomes. COVID-19 is also associated with long-term effects on the hormone system, including weight loss and muscle mass loss.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing found that heart attack patients who exhibit hostile behavior are at a higher risk of dying from a second heart attack. The study, which included over 2,300 heart attack survivors, suggests that improving hostile behaviors could be a positive move for patients.
The European ReIReS network has launched an online database offering improved access to research material and sources on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The database combines the rich collections of various European institutions, providing a single platform for researchers to search and reuse data.
A new study reconstructs the spread of coronavirus across the world with unprecedented detail, revealing that early interventions were effective at containing outbreaks. Contrary to speculation, the virus did not jump from China to Europe via British Columbia, Canada, but rather through direct flights and travel. Swift testing and isol...
Researchers analyzed 455 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Washington State and found evidence of a single introduction between January 22 and February 10. The analysis suggests that widespread surveillance is crucial even after the pandemic is brought under control, as community transmission can still occur.
Public confidence in vaccines varies widely between countries, with signs of improvement in parts of Europe but growing scepticism in others. The study found that six countries experienced substantial increases in people strongly disagreeing vaccines are safe, mirroring trends in political instability and religious extremism.
The joint Clinical Practice Guidelines program aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical care, addressing global differences in access to diagnostic tools and therapies. The guidelines will support better patient care, improved health outcomes, increased patient safety, and controlled healthcare costs.
A team of scientists from Arizona State University developed a microfluidic device that reduces sample size and waste in X-ray crystallographic experiments. The device, validated by publishing results in Nature Communications, allows for the determination of protein structures with high resolution and reduced sample consumption.
The BATTERY 2030+ initiative aims to create more environmentally friendly and safer batteries with better performance, storage options, and longer life. The seven projects will focus on developing sensors for real-time monitoring, self-healing components, and new battery concepts.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that feeling misunderstood by other groups significantly increases support for Brexit and other separatist movements. The research also revealed a unique link between 'felt understanding' and trust, with those who feel understood being more likely to trust and forgive others.
Researchers found that butylparaben, used in cosmetics, has endocrine disrupting effects on humans. The study proposes using the existing EU guidance document with modifications to identify endocrine disrupting effects of a broader spectrum of chemicals.
A 2018 European drought had devastating effects on crops, forests, and grasslands. Researchers found that plants initially benefited from the warm spring weather but suffered from lack of water during summer heatwaves.
The ECSJ2020 conference brought together 31 speakers and over 600 participants to discuss key issues in science journalism, including policy-making and high-uncertainty topics. The event featured award ceremonies for a Climate Investigation Grant and European Science Journalist of the Year.
The study reveals the oldest mitochondrial genome of a Neanderthal found in Central-Eastern Europe, dating back ~80,000 years. Genetic analysis shows a strong connection between Poland and the Northern Caucasus, shedding light on Neanderthals' adaptability and biology.
The LifeTime Initiative aims to track, understand and treat human cells throughout an individual's lifetime, improving health outcomes and treatment efficiency. Breakthrough technologies will enable earlier disease detection and more effective therapies for individual patients.
A three-year research project funded by the USDA aims to analyze consumer preferences for US beef and estimate demand in select countries. The study will provide insights on economic implications of trade policies and strengthen the US beef export market.
A large international consortium study found over 5,000 genetic mutations affecting blood characteristics worldwide. Researchers identified specific mutations linked to increased lymphocyte levels in South Asian populations, highlighting potential risks and treatment targets.
The European project SEQUENCE is developing electronic devices and circuits compatible with low temperature operation for scaling up quantum computers. The project combines Si CMOS, III-V, and 3D integration technologies to support superconducting and spin qubit-based quantum computing.
Vera Demberg is working with computer systems that can explain or summarize content, aiming to reduce misunderstandings and ensure natural human-computer interaction. She aims to model individual language comprehension and create a system that adapts to individual users' manner of expression.
A recent study found that lactase persistence, which allows humans to digest milk sugar after infancy, was present in only about 1 in 8 individuals from the Bronze Age Tollense valley. This contrasts with today's population where around 90% have this trait.
The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded €677 million in Starting Grants to 436 early-career scientists, enabling them to tackle pressing questions in health, energy, and digital technologies. The grants will create approximately 2,500 jobs across Europe.
Researchers found that lactase persistence spread rapidly through Central Europe in just a few thousand years, with one in eight warriors able to digest milk. This rapid transformation suggests that the ability to break down lactose provided a significant survival advantage during food shortages or contaminated water scarcity.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that the protein Ki-67 plays a crucial role in excluding large cytoplasmic components from the nucleus before nuclear envelope reassembly. This exclusion process is essential for maintaining cellular compartmentalization and preventing premature translation of immature RNAs.
Research reveals that flavourings combine with solvents in e-cigarettes to produce new, toxic compounds that can lead to breathing and heart problems. The new chemicals are more toxic than their parent compounds and activate sensory receptors, increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues.
A European study involving over 4,000 children found that excessive screen time and inadequate sleep duration are independently linked to excess weight. The study suggests that prevention strategies should prioritize adequate sleep and limit screen time to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity.
Maria Pazi, a Russian science journalist with a background in biology, won the award for her outstanding work. She was chosen from among numerous nominees, including Micho Tatalovic and Stan van Pelt, who also received recognition for their contributions to European science journalism.
The EuroCC project, coordinated by the Gauss Centre for Supercomputing, will build a sustainable European HPC ecosystem. The network will be supported by CASTIEL, which will promote interaction and expertise exchange across the entire EuroCC network.
Researchers found a strong linear relationship between societal generosity and life expectancy. Societies with higher transfer payments have lower mortality rates, particularly in Western European countries and Japan.
The European Federation for Science Journalism has announced the three Climate Grant winners, with grants totaling 10,500 euros. Klaartje Jaspers and Bellah Zulu's project Biased biomass won 4000 euros, while Natalia Paramonova, Evgenia Zhulanova, and Daria Checalskaia's
New research from Uppsala University reveals that Swedish construction workers' wages rose by 176% between 1831 and 1900, surpassing other European cities like Amsterdam and Paris. This unexpected trend can be attributed to high labor market mobility and mass emigration to America, which reduced the supply of unskilled labor.
Researchers report the first effective therapy for fainting, which is caused by a fall in blood pressure and/or number of heart beats. The new treatment involves pacemaker therapy, showing a 77% relative risk reduction of fainting over two years.
The HCA|Organoid project will establish an open access Organoid Cell Atlas, enabling future discovery-driven and translational research on rare genetic diseases, complex multifactorial diseases, and cancer. The project will derive and comprehensively characterize human brain and colon organoids from 100 individuals each.
The POPular TAVI trial found that aspirin alone significantly reduced bleeding rates compared to aspirin with clopidogrel after TAVI. Aspirin therapy was also superior for secondary outcomes, including non-procedural bleeding and thromboembolic events.
A citizen science study led by the Estonian Research Council analyzed data from over 1,700 observations, revealing a systematic dominance of short-styled morphs and increased deviations in smaller populations with higher human population density. The findings have significant implications for conservation efforts, highlighting another ...
Researchers have developed a new tool to simulate electron-light interactions with unprecedented accuracy, enabling the study of ultra-fast processes and complex dynamics. The breakthrough, led by Professor Nahid Talebi, combines Maxwell and Schrödinger equations to describe electron-light interactions beyond adiabatic approximations.
The ATPCI trial found that trimetazidine administered after successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not improve outcomes in patients with chronic or acute coronary syndromes. Trimetazidine protects against myocardial ischaemia by improving the heart's metabolism, but its benefits were limited.
The RACE trial demonstrated that adding Eltrombopag to standard immunosuppressive treatment increases response rates in patients with Severe Aplastic Anaemia. The study found significant improvements in complete response rates, sustained at 6 months, and showed Eltrombopag was generally well-tolerated.
The European Union will impose new nutritional requirements for total diet replacement (TDR) products, which threaten their commercial viability. The new rules require higher protein content and essential fatty acids, leading to reduced shelf-life and organoleptic properties.
A new study suggests that young women who experience a heart attack may have more favorable long-term outcomes compared to men. The research found that second heart attacks were less frequent in women and they were more likely to have healthy arteries. However, women were also at higher risk of stroke compared to men.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched new guidelines on sports cardiology and exercise in patients with cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend regular exercise, including strength-building and aerobic activities, to prevent heart disease and improve overall health.