Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Adults with congenital heart disease require lifelong management, including regular appointments, pregnancy planning, and exercise recommendations. The ESC guidelines provide guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and support to help these individuals lead normal lives.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends an individualized care plan for patients with atrial fibrillation, incorporating symptom management, cardiovascular optimization, and lifestyle modifications. Patients should be informed about the implications of detecting atrial fibrillation and receive treatment to prevent stroke.
The ESC guidelines recommend imaging to identify underlying causes of heart attacks, including blood vessel tears. Treatment involves restoring blood flow with stents and blood thinners, as well as lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and exercise.
A large European study shows that combining lipid-lowering therapies can further reduce cholesterol levels and improve health outcomes for high-risk patients. Current clinical guidelines are not always followed in practice, highlighting a need for better cholesterol management across Europe.
Researchers have identified three forms of disease progression for acute decompensated liver cirrhosis, including a high-risk variant that leads to severe organ failure and death. The study provides valuable insights into the pathophysiology of ACLF and lays the groundwork for developing preventive therapies.
Emerging treatments for liver cancer show promising safety results, with atezolizumab and bevacizumab combination therapy improving overall survival. Lenvatinib and pembrolizumab combination also demonstrates efficacy in Phase 1b study, while nivolumab + ipilimumab combination yields encouraging results in subgroup analysis.
COVID-19 has brought significant challenges to liver patients, particularly those on immunosuppressive medicines. A registry collected data on liver patients with confirmed COVID-19, revealing higher risks for certain groups, such as those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
Researchers found high rates of nematode and cestode infections in Medieval Europe, with infection rates most common among children. The study suggests that past living conditions may inform modern intervention campaigns.
Russian scientists used cliodynamics theory to predict increased unrest in the United States, verifying their models with recent protests. They applied mathematical models based on structural-demographic theory to analyze historical events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis.
A large European study found that using the MELD-Na score could increase high-risk patient transplants and reduce 90-day waiting-list mortality. The MELD-Na score includes serum sodium, which is a significant predictor of mortality in patients on liver transplant lists.
Fecal microbial transplant has been shown to reduce cravings for alcohol and improve psychosocial quality of life in patients with cirrhosis and AUD. Altering the gut-brain axis through microbiota manipulation may alleviate AUD symptoms, while changes in gut microbiota also affect hepatocarcinogenesis.
A study by Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and Gentofte found that patients felt unwell in the days leading up to cardiac arrest and contacted healthcare services. The research showed that 58% of cardiac arrest victims had contacted health services before the event, with a significant increase in contacts two weeks prior.
The study found that sedentary behavior increased by 3.9% in Spain, 7.4% in Germany, 17.8% in France, and 22.5% in Great Britain between 2002 and 2017. The authors suggest that increasing physical activity and reducing screen time could help mitigate the risks associated with prolonged sitting.
Researchers found that quitters had a 30% lower probability of stroke and 16% reduced likelihood of all-cause death compared to current smokers. Quitting smoking significantly lowers the risk of stroke for people with atrial fibrillation, according to a new study.
A study published in BMC Public Health found a significant increase in sedentary behaviour across Europe, with 54.3% of adults spending more than four-and-a-half hours sitting per day in 2017. The research also showed that young and older adults were equally affected, but the age group with the largest increase was those aged 35-44.
Research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress shows that babies exposed to levels of air pollution within EU standards develop poorer lung function as children and teenagers. Long-term exposure to air pollution is also linked to a higher risk of developing asthma in adults, according to a second study.
A recent study of fossils from Eastern Europe's Olte? River Valley reveals a wide range of ancient species, including short-necked giraffes, saber-toothed cats, and pangolins. The findings shed light on early human migration to Eurasia and provide insights into past environments.
Scientists developed a highly sensitive and accurate Nitrogen Dioxide sensor, which can detect below 20 parts-per-billion of NO2 in under 15 minutes. The device has potential applications in domestic, public, and industrial settings to prevent respiratory issues and infant morbidity.
Researchers from University of Turku and Helsinki have conducted a review on wind farm impacts on bats in the Baltic Sea region, finding that impacts have barely been investigated due to limited data. The study aims to monitor bats for several years to define high-risk areas and design measures to reduce wind turbine impact.
A new smartphone app can predict asthma deterioration by measuring night-time coughing, indicating worsening symptoms. The study found a strong correlation between increased night-time coughing and subsequent worsening of asthma symptoms, suggesting the app could be a useful tool for monitoring asthma.
Research found a 6% reduction in excessive prescribing of reliever inhalers after an electronic alert was introduced, with also increases in asthma reviews and reductions in exacerbations. The study suggests the alert prompts a review of patients who may have poor asthma control.
Researchers found an overall increase in ozone levels above the Northern Hemisphere over the past 20 years, despite lower ground-level ozone in some areas. Ozone increases were most pronounced in tropical regions and mid-latitude areas.
A European research alliance studied 252 adults at risk of spinocerebellar ataxia, tracking the development of symptoms over several years. The study provides valuable data for prevention studies and highlights the need for additional biomarkers to detect ataxia early.
Researchers examine the impact of unconventional monetary policy on bank risk-taking in the syndicated loan market, finding no additional interest rate reduction for riskier firms. This suggests that loose lending is not a concern under unconventional monetary policy measures.
A study by the University of Oxford found a connection between traffic noise and obesity, with long-term exposure associated with a 2% increase in obesity prevalence. Lifestyle factors were accounted for, but air pollution was also considered.
A new study reveals that European migratory bird populations are most affected by changes in climate on breeding grounds, while land cover changes have a greater impact on their migration routes. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple factors in conservation efforts to mitigate population declines.
A new study by researchers in Potsdam and Zurich shows that smaller scale systems incur a cost penalty of less than 20% compared to continental-scale systems. However, with cooperation between grid operators and neighboring grids, the cost penalties can be reduced, supporting current efforts to establish a European electricity market.
Researchers found that patients with diabetes and gout are at a higher risk of undergoing amputations compared to those without the conditions. The combined condition was associated with an amputation rate of 0.77 percent, significantly higher than the 0.03 percent in those without either disease.
Researchers found treponematoses in ancient human remains from Finland, Estonia, and the Netherlands, dating back to the 15th-18th century. This suggests that syphilis may have originated or developed in Europe before Columbus' voyages to America.
A recent US long-term ecological site study suggests that the so-called 'insect apocalypse' may be exaggerated, with many areas showing little to no overall change in insect abundance and biodiversity. However, certain species remain in decline, particularly for key ecosystem services like pollination and natural pest control.
A large European cross-sectional study found that patients with axial spondyloarthritis experience a significant delay in diagnosis due to misdirected referrals and involvement of multiple medical professionals. The study recommends initiating measures to prevent such delays and facilitate timely referral to a rheumatologist.
A new study finds that transitioning to renewable energy in Europe can reduce land requirements by prioritizing offshore wind power and large solar parks. The study suggests that these alternatives can achieve a fully renewable electricity supply while minimizing additional costs.
The survey found a negative effect of Trump's election on Europeans' image of the US, but no significant impact on signing a trade and investment agreement. Undecided individuals were more likely to adjust their view in a negative direction, rather than those with positive images.
Researchers sequenced the tuatara genome, confirming its divergence from lizards and snakes about 250 million years ago. The study found that tuatara have a unique constitution, including a lot of repetitive DNA segments with no known function, which may help them escape predators and live up to 100 years.
A new analysis of satellite images has found that nearly half of the world's protected land has experienced changes in land productivity over the past 15 years. Stable levels of land productivity were maintained in around 44% of protected areas, while increases or decreases were observed in almost half.
Women in their 30s and 40s with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Despite this, the risk appears to decrease for women over 50. The study highlights the importance of maintaining heart health through lifestyle changes such as exercise and a balanced diet.
Researchers found evidence suggesting a major volcanic eruption on the European continent drove the cooling event known as the Younger Dryas, which occurred around 13,000 years ago. The study used isotope analysis to rule out an extraterrestrial impact and provides new insights into the Earth's climate system.
Cancer patients at low risk of severe COVID-19; treating cancer can impact overall survival. ESMO recommends continuing anti-cancer treatments to prioritize tumour control.
A position paper from the European Society of Cardiology highlights the cardiovascular risks of e-cigarette use, particularly among adolescents. The authors call for stricter regulations on marketing and sales, as well as education campaigns to raise awareness about the negative effects of vaping.
A study by the University of Göttingen found that COVID-19 tracing apps must balance individual benefits with societal benefits to gain widespread acceptance. The research team identified convenience as a key factor in persuading undecided users, while privacy is crucial for critics.
New research suggests that governments need to understand public priorities before rolling out track and trace apps, with privacy being a top consideration for only one group of people. The study found that promoting societal benefits over individual health benefits is more effective in achieving mass acceptance.
A significant number of people living with hepatitis B and C infections across Europe remain undiagnosed, hindering progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal for health. Effective testing strategies and linkage to care can help prevent transmission and improve health outcomes.
Men with higher incomes are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure due to lifestyle factors such as obesity and excessive alcohol consumption. In contrast, women with higher household income tend to have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure.
A new study pushes back the earliest evidence for smallpox infection by nearly 1,000 years to the 7th century in northern Europe. The discovery of a previously unknown clade of the smallpox virus suggests it may have been widespread throughout Viking Age Europe.
A new study analyzing five hundred years of floods in Europe reveals that the continent is experiencing one of its most flood-rich periods in recent history. The research found that the last three decades have been among the most significant regarding frequency and magnitude of floods, with a shift towards more frequent summer floods.
A new study reveals that the Vikings suffered from smallpox, dating back to the 7th century, and that the disease was more widespread than previously thought. The researchers found distinct viruses circulating during the Viking Age, which share a common ancestor with modern-day smallpox.
A major international research project shows that flooding characteristics in recent decades are unlike those of previous centuries. Historical data analysis identified nine flood-rich periods and associated regions, with a shift in the timing and relationship between floods and air temperatures.
A combined analysis of six studies found that consuming chocolate more than once a week was associated with an 8% decreased risk of coronary artery disease. The researchers attributed the potential benefit to flavonoids and other heart-healthy nutrients in chocolate.
A study by GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel predicts North Atlantic surface temperature variations several years into the future using wind field analysis. The researchers suggest a mechanism where winds cause changes in ocean circulation, resulting in anomalous heat accumulation and warming of the eastern North Atlantic.
A study of dust from southeastern Iran reveals frequent plumes from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa correlate with rapid southward shifts of westerly winds. This suggests North American ice sheets exerted a stronger influence on West Asian climate during North Atlantic cooling events.
A major study conducted by patients themselves reports significant numbers struggling with continence and sexual problems after prostate cancer treatment. The Europa Uomo Patient Reported Outcomes Study found that any treatment apart from active surveillance negatively affects quality of life.
A European modeling study shows that coordinated lockdown strategies can prevent resurgent COVID-19 outbreaks. The study found that synchronized cycles of interventions led to local elimination of COVID-19 cases in 90% of simulations, while unsynchronized cycles only achieved this 5% of the time.
Researchers found that uncoordinated lifting of lockdown measures can lead to earlier secondary epidemics, while coordination can reduce the risk of transmission. Synchronizing intermittent lockdowns across countries can significantly improve the likelihood of ending community transmission.
A comprehensive analysis of the consequences of the 2018 drought and heat event in European forests reveals that even drought-resistant tree species suffered long-term damage. The study suggests that future scenarios require redesigning forests to combat heat and drought, and new analytical approaches are needed to track tree mortality...
A new study maps caesium and plutonium radionuclide concentrations in Swiss soils, tracing sources of nuclear fallout from 1960 to 2009. The research uses a caesium/plutonium ratio calculation method to distinguish between nuclear test fallout and the Chernobyl accident.
Research published in BMJ Global Health suggests that oral herpes rates are falling among European children and young people. The prevalence of the virus is declining by 1% per year, with more than two-thirds of the population testing positive for HSV-1, but risks increasing sexually in adulthood.
An international team of physicists has analyzed comprehensive data from over a dozen subatomic experiments to investigate right-handed neutrinos. The analysis reveals significant challenges in detecting these particles, but also suggests a possible connection to dark matter.
A peer-reviewed study published in Science finds that 18-22% of Brazil's annual soy exports to the European Union are potentially contaminated with illegal deforestation. The study identifies specific producers responsible for 'poisoning the barrel' and estimates greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation-linked soy and beef exports.
A new international research project aims to evaluate the impact of alcohol control policies on morbidity and mortality in Lithuania and other Baltic states. The study, led by CAMH and the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, will investigate the effectiveness of policy interventions implemented between 2016 and 2018.
A study from Washington University in St. Louis reveals that Indigenous people in Oconee Valley continued to live and resist European influence for nearly 150 years, reframing historical narratives of early colonial encounters. The research highlights the longevity and endurance of Indigenous Mississippian traditions.