Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
European manufacturers are emerging as sustainable successors to combustion engines, with the European Commission investing heavily in initiatives to establish new factories and mining operations across the region. The goal is to create hundreds of thousands of jobs while reducing the carbon footprint of production.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that poor work-life balance is associated with poor general health, particularly among women. The researchers analyzed data from 32,275 working adults across 30 countries and found that workers who reported poor work-life balance were twice as likely to report poor health.
Scientists are working on establishing an early warning system for sudden changes in the Atlantic Ocean's sea currents. These changes can impact global temperatures and climate patterns. By monitoring temperature and density metrics, researchers aim to detect subtle shifts before they become catastrophic.
Researchers identify genetic mutation contributing to reproductive isolation between carrion and hooded crows due to differences in plumage color. The mutation appears to have been favored by natural selection, potentially providing a selective advantage in hot regions.
The ENHANCE alliance will strengthen mobility of students and staff, foster inclusiveness in European higher education, and promote joint strategy and European values. The seven partner universities aim to lay the foundation for structures enabling seamless mobility through innovative teaching formats.
A study using isotopic analysis reveals that ancient cats in Central Europe had a synanthropic diet, suggesting close human-cat relations. The findings indicate that cats first migrated to the region from the Near East around 4,200-2,300 BC.
The ENLIGHT university network will implement a joint strategy for innovation in research and teaching with EU funding. The nine universities will empower students with the right knowledge and skills to address complex societal challenges.
Researchers analyzed ancient cat remains to determine the diet and ecology of early European cats. The study found that while Near Eastern cats may have accompanied farmers to Europe, they did not yet rely on humans for food.
A study from Aarhus University links national productivity statistics with actual work done on construction sites, revealing a decline in productivity since the 1970s. By optimizing processes, contractors can generate an estimated $5.4 billion annually in the US and Canada by spending just 36 seconds more per hour on value-adding work.
The GRACE-FO satellites measured significant water mass deficits in Central Europe during the two consecutive summer droughts of 2018 and 2019. The deficits reached 112 Gt in 2018 and 145 Gt in 2019, accounting for 73% and 94% of the average fluctuation in seasonal water storage.
AJOVY (fremanezumab) demonstrates clinically significant reductions in headache and migraine-related disability in the majority of patients studied. The treatment achieves downward shifts in disability severity and improves HIT-6 and MIDAS scores, particularly for patients with difficult-to-treat migraine.
Researchers have discovered ancient volcanic activity and subtle, unusual movements in the Earth's surface in the Eifel region of Germany, suggesting a greater risk to northwestern Europe. The study suggests that the region is an active volcanic system with significant seismic activity.
A new study reveals that the last remaining agro-steppe habitats for endangered bird species in Europe may decline by up to 50% in the next century. The Natura 2000 network, a biodiversity conservation strategy, has failed to prevent habitat loss despite protecting approximately 36,000 hectares of agro-steppe area in Iberia.
A new methodological guide developed by the University of the Basque Country aims to optimize radioactive waste management during nuclear facility dismantling. The project focuses on in situ measurements and characterizing strategies for constrained environments, aiming to improve dismantling processes and public perception.
The European Research Council has announced its first ERC Public Engagement with Research Awards, recognizing three winners who made an effort to engage audiences beyond the scientific community. Prof. Anna Davies from Trinity College Dublin won for her SHARECITY project, exploring urban food-sharing practices through online and social...
The digitally reconstructed shrine of Saint Thomas Becket has been created using new evidence and features iron grilles that enclosed the shrine. The reconstruction is based on surviving fragments discovered in Canterbury Cathedral and suggests the shrine was built between 1180 and 1220.
The COREnect project aims to develop a high-level strategic roadmap for core technologies in future connectivity systems and components. The roadmap will promote innovation and business opportunities, including for small and medium-sized enterprises, and contribute to building European leadership in 5G and beyond.
A new study found that European countries are exporting large amounts of plastic waste to Asia, where it is often not recycled and ends up in the ocean. The research estimated that between 1-7% of all exported European polyethylene ended up in the ocean, contributing to significant environmental and social impacts.
Scientists developed a new experimental approach to study chemistry at very low temperatures, revealing specific molecular properties and providing more accurate theories. The approach uses laser-excited molecules in the same direction, allowing for a better understanding of molecular interactions.
The Pan-European Atlas of In-Stream Barriers provides a comprehensive overview of river fragmentation in Europe, revealing that over 85% of barriers are small structures like weirs. Removing these barriers can help restore stream connectivity and minimize ecological impacts.
The Human Brain Project is entering its final phase with a focus on advancing three core scientific areas: brain networks, consciousness, and artificial neural nets. EBRAINS infrastructure will provide researchers with a comprehensive atlas and database, as well as powerful computing and simulation tools.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that excessive sugar consumption is associated with increased fat stores around the heart and abdomen. The researchers analyzed data from a cohort study and found that higher intakes of sugary drinks and added sugar were related to greater fat stores.
Researchers analyzed volcanic tuff in European Russia's continental formation, determining the precise age of upper layers at 253.95 million years. This discovery allows for direct comparison of fauna associations and thaw lengths in European Russia during late Permian.
Research team reports record-breaking temperatures causing water transport collapse through wood, leading to widespread tree death and drought-related stress symptoms. Mixed forests with drought-resistant species are needed to mitigate climate change impacts.
A Europe-wide study of 582 children and adolescents confirms that COVID-19 generally causes mild disease, with fatalities extremely rare. The majority of patients experienced mild symptoms, while a notable number required intensive care support.
A new non-invasive ultrasound therapy has been shown to be safe and effective in improving heart condition and clinical status of patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. The therapy, developed by Cardiawave, widens the aortic valve opening using high-intensity ultrasounds, eliminating the need for invasive treatment.
A study published in Evolution found that local parasites are influencing barn swallows' mate selection and physical traits, potentially leading to the creation of new species. The researchers discovered a tradeoff between attractiveness and susceptibility to malaria.
The EMBL survey found that 77% of institutes were fully shut down, causing researchers to lose part of their ongoing experiments. Despite challenges, many scientists adapted to remote work and even increased manuscript submissions.
The study reveals that medieval glass production in Spain predates Islamic influence by more than 50 years. Glass fragments from the Rabad of Šaqunda date back to the 8th century and show evidence of local lead production using nearby ore deposits.
The Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has secured EUR 2.82 million in EU funding for a new doctoral training program on Roman inscriptions, led by Professor Marietta Horster. The CARMEN project will provide innovative training to 11 young researchers, exploring the role of poetry in everyday culture in Roman times.
A new smartphone app uses voice recordings to detect fluid in the lungs of heart failure patients, allowing for early intervention and potentially preventing hospitalizations. The app requires a daily 30-second recording, which is compared to a personalized 'healthy' model to identify subtle changes.
The article recommends a risk assessment roadmap for LBPs, proposing adapted guidelines for non-clinical programmes and First in Human clinical safety trials. The approach focuses on strain characterization, history of use, antibiotic resistance, and virulence testing to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.
A Romanian research team found that wind farms along the Black Sea coast are killing large numbers of migrating bats, including those from distant regions. The scientists recommend implementing turn-off times during migration months to reduce bat mortality and protect populations.
A recent study from the University of Southampton found that caring responsibilities disproportionately affect older adults' mental and physical health. Nearly a fifth of men and over a quarter of women reported providing care, leading to increased risk of chronic diseases and decreased productivity.
Research finds that tobacco industry discounting leads to higher cigarette consumption, as smokers trade down to cheaper products to avoid price rises. This undermines the effectiveness of tax levies in reducing smoking prevalence and associated health issues.
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have discovered that the choice of a support material for gold nanocluster catalysts can drastically affect their structure. On certain supports, clusters disintegrate completely, while on others, the protective organic layer peels away, leaving behind intact metallic nanoclusters.
A complete time-calibrated phylogeny for European butterflies has been published, providing a tool for evolutionary and ecological research. The study offers insights into the ancestral relationships and history of divergence for all 496 species.
A new international consensus statement outlines the best way to identify people at risk of developing common and devastating heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachyarrhythmia. The guidelines focus on accurate risk assessment to enable earlier diagnosis and intervention with lifestyle changes or medi...
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new family of nanocars that can move in the nanoworld with high speed and control. The nanocars are made up of dipole molecules, which will enable applications such as transporting reactants or drugs.
A new study analyzing human portraits from 15th to 20th century European paintings found a widespread 'forward bias' in spatial composition, with more open space in front of depicted subjects than behind them. This bias increased over time, particularly after cultural norms favoring centering loosened.
A new study found that high levels of emotionality and conscientiousness are indicators for stockpiling behavior. The survey of 1,029 adults from 35 countries revealed a strong link between perceived threat posed by the pandemic and toilet paper consumption.
Researchers at University of Münster and Leibniz University Hannover found that a mysterious 2017 radioactive cloud in Europe originated from civilian nuclear activities. The cloud contained high levels of ruthenium-106, which is commonly used in nuclear fuel reprocessing.
A new study found that people who feel more threatened by COVID-19 and have high levels of emotionality and conscientiousness are most likely to stockpile toilet paper. The study, which surveyed 1,029 adults from 35 countries, also found that older people and Americans were more likely to stockpile toilet paper.
Researchers found the wintering grounds of Bewick's swans shifted east by nearly 13km per year, changing their migratory patterns. The shifts suggest the species can adapt to climate change, but conservation efforts need to consider species dynamics in relation to climate change.
A new genetic risk score has been found to be effective in diagnosing type 1 diabetes in Indians, even in its current form based on European data. Genetic differences between Indian and European populations suggest that the test could be further improved to enhance outcomes.
A new study in Scientific Reports reveals that medieval European plague victims were infected with both the plague and a disease related to syphilis, called yaws. This discovery challenges the prevailing theory that syphilis originated in the New World and instead suggests that yaws may have contributed to the outbreak in Europe.
A new study found that a severe spring heatwave in Europe contributed to the 2018 summer drought, depleting soil moisture. The research suggests that adopting alternative land management strategies could mitigate droughts' effects.
Researchers found that beaver-induced floods create a network of interconnected habitats in southern Finland, increasing environmental heterogeneity. The study suggests beavers can help restore wetland ecosystems and conserve biodiversity.
A new study found that European roads are a significant threat to wildlife, with over 194 million birds and 29 million mammals killed annually. The research ranked the most vulnerable species, including the hazel grouse and russet ground squirrel, which are classified as Least Concern but face high roadkill rates.
A new study using crowd-sourced GPS data reveals signs of a rising mantle plume beneath the Eifel region in western Germany. The research suggests that this ancient volcanic system may still be active, posing an increased risk of seismic activity and volcanic eruptions.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed a new experimental technique using the European XFEL's powerful laser pulse to 'X-ray' individual oxygen molecules. The resulting images show the atomic structure and fragmentation process of the molecule, providing valuable insights into its behavior.
A genetic risk score has been developed to help identify individuals who are likely to fracture early, even those with normal bone mass density. The study involved 11,351 participants and found that the genetic risk score can predict the timing of fractures in elderly people.
Research published by the European Society of Cardiology found that tai chi was linked to a boost in both mood and quality of life for patients with coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and stroke. The study also found that tai chi was associated with better mental health quality of life and reduced depression.
A new study reveals that almost 13,000 tonnes of microfibres are released into European marine environments every year. Changing laundry habits, such as using cooler wash cycles, could save up to 3,813 tonnes of microfibres being released into marine ecosystems in Europe.
A growing number of patients in Europe are taking opioids for pain related to rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, with risks of addiction and dependency identified. Experts warn that measures must be taken to use these analgesics more safely.
The AFTERMATH database explores the aftermath of the Imjin War, which lasted six years and involved over 500,000 combatants, affecting East Asia's modern history and culture.
A team of European researchers used Hubble Space Telescope to study the early Universe, finding no evidence of Population III stars. The discovery suggests that galaxies must have formed much earlier than previously thought, supporting the idea that low-mass galaxies are responsible for reionisation.
The study found that total and non-HDL cholesterol levels are falling sharply in high-income countries, particularly those in North-western Europe, North America, and Australasia, while rising in low- and middle-income nations, especially in East and Southeast Asia. This shift has significant implications for global cardiovascular health.
Transnational judicial training offers a win-win for judges and courts in Asia. By sharing best practices and strategies, countries can enhance their judicial systems and strengthen regional integration.
A team of French and German researchers found higher levels of admixture between early Neolithic farmers and local hunter-gatherers in France, with genetic contributions averaging 31% in the south. The study provides new insights into the dynamics of biological interactions during the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in Western Europe.