Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A study found an association between SSRI treatment and violent crime in adults and adolescents, with a significant increase during treated periods. The risk persisted for up to 12 weeks after stopping SSRI treatment, highlighting the need for clinical awareness of this potential side effect.
Opioids were responsible for the majority of overdose deaths in Nordic countries, with heroin being the main cause in Norway and Sweden. The overdose mortality rate has leveled off over the years, but remains higher than twice the European average, highlighting a need for continued measures to reduce drug-related harms.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that loss of smell and taste are common symptoms of COVID-19, particularly among hospitalized and ambulatory patients. The researchers suggest that anosmia may not be related to nasal obstruction or inflammation.
A new study found that mortality rates for epilepsy-related deaths did not decrease between 2009 and 2015, with a six-fold increased risk of death among young adults aged 16-24. The majority of epilepsy-related deaths (78%) were classified as potentially avoidable.
A study found that sleep-wake disturbances, including insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing, are associated with a higher risk of recurrent events in stroke survivors. Assessing and improving sleep patterns could improve long-term outcomes for these patients.
A new study has found that people living in urban areas have a 29% higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to those living in rural areas. The research also suggests that air pollution, specifically particulate matter (PM), may be a contributing factor to the development of MS.
A study recorded spiny lobster antennal rasps at distances of up to 400m, with large individuals detectable up to 3 km away in low-noise conditions. This non-invasive tool helps monitor and survey populations of vulnerable spiny lobsters.
Researchers analyzed ancient Italian DNA, revealing a complex mosaic of ancestry components and genetic peculiarities shaped by environmental interactions. These adaptations contribute to reducing disease risk, favoring longer lifespan in some cases.
A German study found that social isolation is associated with a 44% increased risk of cardiovascular events and a 47% increased risk of death from all causes. Financial support is also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, highlighting the importance of social relationships for heart health.
Researchers analyzed RNA structure data to estimate virus subtypes' age and track spread in Eurasia. The study found that most viruses originated within the last three centuries, with significant expansion in the past 50-100 years.
A study of over 800 ancient remains reveals the house mouse's global spread from the Middle East to Europe, coinciding with domestic cat arrival. The researchers suggest cats were introduced to control mouse populations and protect food stocks.
Researchers discovered 188 engravings in a remote South Australian rockshelter that reveal traumatic period of European invasion and ongoing impacts of colonial settlement. A swastika symbol was found, etched in 1932, marking the first acts of trespass and desecration by police parties.
A new study found that climate change will lead to more erratic summer temperatures in Europe, with hotter and colder days becoming more frequent and unpredictable. In contrast, winter temperatures are expected to become less variable, making it harder for humans and nature to adapt.
The EU's ambitious climate goals may lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions worldwide if non-EU countries don't adopt similar strategies. The EU-Calc model forecasts a CO2 leakage of 61.5%, resulting in an increase of 615 kilos of CO2 for every tonne of emissions avoided by the EU.
A team of scientists found that moisture triggers degradation of Edvard Munch's masterpiece The Scream, which can be preserved by minimizing exposure to high humidity levels and keeping lighting at standard values. This study provides new knowledge for the conservation strategy of the Munch Museum.
Researchers found that US wind plants experience relatively low performance decline over time, with a 13% drop in 17 years. Performance drops significantly after the production tax credit window closes, but at a lower rate than European wind fleets.
A new analysis by an international team of researchers confirms that Homo sapiens created the earliest modern artifacts in Europe, dating back to around 45,000 years ago. The findings challenge the long-held assumption that Neanderthals were responsible for these advanced technologies.
Researchers have developed a test to identify lobster hybrids resulting from crossbreeding between European and American lobsters, posing a potential threat to conservation efforts. The study highlights the importance of genetics in distinguishing hybrid lobsters that may spread unwanted genes across native populations.
The Journal of European Landscapes is an openly accessible peer-reviewed outlet bridging heritage and future-proof landscapes through scientific papers, project descriptions, interviews, and book reviews. It aims to document and promote landscape discourse across geographies.
A large study found that men have higher concentrations of ACE2 in their blood, which enables the coronavirus to infect healthy cells. This may explain why men with heart failure are more susceptible to COVID-19 than women. The study also found no link between RAAS inhibitors and increased ACE2 concentrations.
A new study published in the Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists finds that European Union Emissions Trading Scheme improves power plant fuel efficiency, reducing annual carbon emissions by 1.5 to 2 percent in Germany.
Researchers have discovered a new method to detect beer and other malted foodstuffs in archaeological finds. By analyzing the aleurone cell walls of ancient grains, scientists found a consistent thinning across five sites dating back to the 4th millennium BCE, indicating malting processes.
A new study has found an association between low average levels of vitamin D and high numbers of COVID-19 cases and mortality rates across 20 European countries. Vitamin D modulates the response of white blood cells, preventing excessive inflammatory cytokine release, which is a key factor in COVID-19 severity.
A recent study by IIASA researchers found that there is an 85% probability of a new recession occurring before 2020, with the likelihood even higher before the Coronavirus crisis. The study developed a diagnostic model to estimate the duration of expansion periods and the onset of the next recession.
Researchers analyzed data from 27,334 individuals across 12 European countries to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status, education, and diet. The study found that higher educational status was associated with improved nutritional intake, particularly iron and total folate. This highlights the need for targeted policies ...
A large-scale study has identified 301 distinct genetic links to type 2 diabetes among 433,540 East Asian individuals. The findings provide insight into the biological basis of the chronic metabolic disorder and highlight the importance of studying different ancestries.
A study found that cognition and gait speed often parallel each other in determining a person's health trajectory. Mexican Americans were more likely to experience cognitive and physical vulnerability, which was associated with diabetes and a higher risk of mortality.
Researchers use computer simulations to model the expansions of four archaeological cultures in South America, showing that some expansions may be due to similar demographic processes as the Neolithic in Eurasia. The study found that population growth and migration can explain the spread of these cultures across vast distances.
A new study found that while heart attack symptoms can vary between men and women, chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath were the most common symptoms in both. Women were more likely to experience pain between the shoulder blades, nausea or vomiting, and shortness of breath compared to men.
A new report suggests that strict international travel bans have contained the spread of COVID-19 in the EU. The study uses computer modeling to predict the impact of lifting air travel restrictions and highlights the importance of mobility in the global spread of the disease.
Archaeologists analyzed deformed skulls at Mözs-Icsei d?l? cemetery, finding three distinct groups with varying cultural backgrounds. The community's diverse traditions suggest a brief period of collaboration between local Roman and foreign migrant groups.
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the reliability of global pharmaceutical supply chains, with over 80% of chemicals used in drugs sourced from Asia. As inventories of backup supplies dwindle, nations are considering rebalancing their reliance on foreign countries for life-saving ingredients.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology suggests that the re-emergence of bluetongue virus in France was caused by human activities, based on the virus' unusual genetic makeup. The research found a lack of mutations between outbreaks, indicating the virus may have been stored and then transmitted through artificial insemination.
A new study suggests that lionfish, an invasive species first identified in the Mediterranean in 2012, are thriving and well-established in the region. The species' generalist diet and rapid spread may disrupt the already stressed marine environment, leading to further ecological damage.
A study has tracked the shift from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to early farming in prehistoric Europe. Dairy products were found in 80% of pottery fragments from the Atlantic coast of Britain and Ireland.
A new study reveals an alarming treatment gap for fragility fractures in six European countries, resulting in estimated annual costs of €37.5 billion in 2017, which is expected to increase by 23% to €47.4 billion by 2030.
A new approach uses European Space Agency Sentinel-2 satellites to detect patches of floating plastics in marine environments, distinguishing them from other materials with 86% accuracy. The method successfully classified different types of plastics and natural materials across four coastal areas.
The European garden spider's population density in Switzerland has dropped alarmingly, with a decline of 140 times compared to the previous average value. This suggests an insect meltdown is affecting ecosystems, leading to impoverished conditions and potential collapse.
A new study investigates the biogeophysical impacts of forestation on European climate, revealing that a continent covered in trees would generate up to one degree of extra seasonal heating in winter. The research used a multi-model ensemble approach and compared two ideal scenarios: a forested Europe and a grassland-covered Europe.
The largest study to date has found that global insect populations are declining on land by an average of 0.92% per year, resulting in a 24% decrease over 30 years. However, freshwater insects have shown an average annual increase of 1.08%, corresponding to a 38% increase over 30 years.
Filtered brew is safest for reducing heart attacks and death, with a 15% reduced risk of death from any cause compared to no coffee. Drinking filtered coffee was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality in men and women, especially those consuming 1-4 cups per day.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that a leaf beetle can significantly reduce pollen from common ragweed, benefiting over 2 million allergy sufferers in Europe. The research also estimates the economic benefits of biological control in Europe, suggesting countries in the Balkan Peninsula will benefit most.
A study suggests a species of beetle could help control an invasive weed at the root of many people's suffering from seasonal allergies. Biological control may reduce the number of people affected by ragweed pollen and associated health costs in Europe.
Researchers found that novel polysomnography parameters describing oxygen desaturation severity are significantly associated with impaired daytime alertness in people with sleep apnea. Conventional parameters do not show the same correlation.
Chris Vanderwal has made significant contributions to the field of heterocyclic chemistry, particularly in the development of short chemical synthesis strategies for natural products. He is being recognized for his outstanding research on complex, bioactive natural compounds with various therapeutic properties.
An international team led by Princeton atmospheric scientist Meiyun Lin found that drought-stressed vegetation reduces ozone removal, worsening pollution episodes. This study highlights the need for stronger emission controls to address ozone air quality in Europe and has broader implications.
A European survey of 1,500 parents found varying levels of support for vaccination across five countries. Parents in Spain were the most pro-vaccination, while those in France were the least favourably inclined. The UK and Germany had significant proportions of parents opposed to all vaccinations.
Researchers analyzed 96 ancient genomes to understand the arrival and demographic structure of peoples with Steppe-related ancestry into late Neolithic, early Bronze Age Switzerland. Genetic analysis suggests a complex process involving gradual mixture of parallel, highly genetically structured societies.
New study reveals B2B customers' behavior varies by stage of customer relationship, with new customers seeking solutions and long-term customers maintaining relationships
Research shows that grey squirrels carrying a parasitic helminth negatively impact native red squirrel behavior, reducing their activity and altering relationships with native parasites. This study highlights the effects of parasite-mediated competition on red squirrels' personality and foraging efficiency in invaded habitats.
A study by Professor Johannes Knobloch found that European coins made from antimicrobial metals like copper display detectable antimicrobial activity against bacteria, reducing bacterial cell counts by up to 99.5% after 24 hours. However, coins may still act as vectors for the transmission of microbes.
China's wine culture dates back over 9,000 years, with archaeological evidence showing the oldest known alcoholic drink. Viticulture emerged around 8,000 years ago in Georgia, but China played a significant role in Eurasian wine history.
Research finds that farming-intensive societies prefer harder work and longer hours, with cultural transmission playing a key role in perpetuating preferences. High labor returns for crops like potatoes contribute to this phenomenon.
Researchers found rising income inequality in private sectors worldwide except Canada and Hungary. Enacting policies to protect low-skilled workers and limit firm outsourcing may help reduce inequality, according to the study.
Research found that nitrogen-rich soil is linked to the decline of less common plant species in European forests, leading to a loss of biodiversity. In contrast, nitrogen-loving species like nettle and blackberry are on the rise.
Researchers identified four cases of newborn babies with COVID-19 infection in China, showing only mild symptoms. The study's findings highlight the importance of protecting pregnant women and newborns against COVID-19 infection.
The European Union Twinning project will fund the training of young researchers from Masaryk University at Mainz University's Institute of Molecular Biology. The three-year project aims to establish a leading-edge cluster for RNA research at Masaryk University.
Researchers found that the European Union Trading System (EU ETS) prevented approximately 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted between 2008 and 2016. Low carbon prices were associated with a decrease in demand for emission permits, but still resulted in significant emission reductions.
The Asian hornet's rapid invasion of Europe has estimated economic costs of €11.9M annually for France, €9.0M for Italy, and €8.6M for the UK by 2025. The cost of nest destruction is expected to reach €23M if the invasive species continues to spread at a similar rate.
Researchers from Denmark and Italy found a probable correlation between air pollution and mortality in northern Italy's Lombardy and Emilia Romagna regions. High levels of air pollution may weaken patients' bodies, making them more susceptible to COVID-19 complications.