Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that people living in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) experience more severe rhinitis symptoms, including nasal congestion and sneezing.
A new study suggests that attitudes towards altitude sickness began to form over 200 years ago, with British explorers fueling distrust towards Himalayan peoples. The early 19th-century writings of British surveyors and travellers reveal a complex web of exploitation and competition between Europeans and locals.
A pilot programme has been launched in Greater Manchester pharmacies to provide personalized support to patients with depression or anxiety. The AMPLIPHY service enables pharmacists to guide patients in setting their own goals and objectives, aiming to improve treatment outcomes and patient safety.
The European Parliament has launched a new report on radioligand therapy, highlighting its potential to improve targeted cancer care. The report identifies barriers to adoption and recommends increasing multidisciplinary care and boosting real-world data collection.
Researchers found that Western sign languages have DNA traces from 5 European locations, including Austrian, British, French, Spanish, and Swedish. The study used genetic techniques to analyze data from dozens of sign languages, revealing a clearer picture of their evolution and historical development.
Researchers have identified distinct species of giant straight-tusked elephants in Europe and Asia, with the Indian form featuring a robust skull crest. The study, published in Quaternary Science Reviews, reveals that these prehistoric giants went through six sets of teeth in their lifetimes.
A team of researchers from Binghamton University and Emerson College analyzed data from 14,000 years ago and found that Native Americans did not make large-scale changes to the environment. The study suggests that ancient native people thrived under changing forest conditions by adapting to them, rather than intensively managing the land.
A new study reveals that climate conditions, not human activity, dominated the shaping of early forests in New England for thousands of years. The research team combined archaeological records with studies on vegetation, climate, and fire history to reconstruct historical changes to the land.
A new therapy aims to regenerate brain damage caused by premature birth through human mesenchymal stem cells. The PREMSTEM project, funded by the European Union, will develop an imaging tool to identify premature babies at risk of brain injury and potentially treat conditions such as cerebral palsy.
A study has mapped several sites in Europe containing gas hydrate, a relatively clean fuel that could play a role as a substitute for coal in the coming decades. Gas hydrate is stored in an ice-like form beneath the seabed, with potential deposits found off Greenland, Svalbard, Norway, Ireland, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Researchers have traced the journey of phosphorus from star-forming regions to comets, revealing where molecules containing the element form and how it's carried in comets. This discovery provides crucial insights into the origin-of-life puzzle, suggesting that phosphorus monoxide played a key role in starting life on Earth.
A large-scale study by ISGlobal found that exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. The researchers estimated that 6,561 cases of bladder cancer are attributable to THM exposure in the European Union annually.
Researchers identified five main European sign language lineages that dispersed globally from the late 18th century, tracing their evolution through a comprehensive database of manual alphabets and handshapes. The study provides new insights into the origins and spread of sign languages, highlighting unexpected connections between Aust...
The EU project RES URBIS successfully generated bioplastics from urban waste, showing a higher economic value than traditional composting methods. The process produces polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) through volatile fatty acids decomposition.
The study reveals that ancient Tupí took a direct route from the Amazon to the Atlantic Coast, giving rise to coastal Tupí and Guaraní populations. Genomic data from present-day individuals also supports the hypothesis that Native Americans left the Amazon to search for new land to cultivate.
A large study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that individuals with burnout syndrome are at a 20% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Chronic stress and inflammation may be key mechanisms behind this association.
A survey of 3,080 UK rescue dog owners found that most believed their dogs were imported under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, despite only 1% actually using this method. The study highlights concerns about the risks of exotic diseases and calls for stricter checks on imported rescue dogs.
The European Research Council has awarded 76 researchers with €150,000 Proof of Concept grants to explore the commercial potential of their frontier research. This funding will support projects in various fields, including medicine and education.
A study of six European countries' water governance systems from 1750 to 2006 found that the introduction of new regulations can lead to conflicts, inefficiencies, and a decrease in system coherence. The researchers argue that less regulation may be more effective in achieving positive environmental impacts.
A study by Kiel University researchers has identified a consistent counterclockwise deviation in the orientation of newly built Early Neolithic houses in Central and Eastern Europe. The finding is attributed to the phenomenon known as pseudo-neglect, where humans tend to prefer their left visual field.
A study of 100,902 participants found that habitual tea consumption was linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause death. Green tea showed the strongest association, while black tea had no significant effects.
A study found that lynx reintroduction in Europe led to changes in deer behavior, with humans influencing their day-night rhythm. Deer reduced daylight movements by 1.37 when faced with human disturbances, while the presence of lynx increased daytime activity.
Researchers suggest that Norse hunters over-exploited walrus populations for their tusks, leading to a decline in the animal's population and making it harder for the communities to survive. This finding sheds new light on the mysterious disappearance of Greenland's Norse colonies in the 15th century.
Astronomers have localized a repeating fast radio burst (FRB) to a region approximately seven light years across in the Milky-Way-like galaxy, making it one of the closest yet seen. This discovery enables more detailed study and may help narrow down possible explanations for FRBs.
A growing number of Chinese researchers are returning to their homeland, contributing significantly to China's rising scientific prowess. Studies have shown that these foreign-trained researchers publish more high-impact research and collaborate with international partners upon their return.
Simulations suggest a 15% chance of a temporary slowdown or pause in the North Atlantic Current within the next 100 years. The current's collapse is considered unlikely due to non-linear behavior and rapid changes in precipitation.
A study found that tropical conditions, rather than the Arctic stratosphere, influence three out of four main winter weather patterns in North America. This discovery provides forecasters with an additional tool to predict high-impact weather during winter.
A high-resolution geophysical survey has confirmed the ideal site for drilling a 1.5-million-year-old ice core in East Antarctica's Little Dome C area. The drill site, located 40 km away from Concordia Station, will provide valuable information on the Antarctic climate and greenhouse gases during the Middle Pleistocene Transition.
Researchers found that Japanese households with higher carbon footprints tend to consume more confectionary and alcohol, while also eating more vegetables and fish. The study suggests that targeting these food groups could be a more effective way to reduce carbon footprints than focusing on meat consumption.
Patients overwhelmingly agree that anaesthesia providers should use checklists in their presence, with high scores indicating reduced risk of errors and improved patient safety. However, anaesthesia providers underestimate patient discomfort, suggesting a need for increased collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals.
A new literature review suggests that snus use is not a significant risk factor for several cancers and diseases. Imperial Brands calls for EU legalization of snus as a reduced-harm tobacco product.
The 5G-DIVE project validates 5G technology for remote control of industrial robots and autonomous coordinated drone flight, requiring high bandwidth and low latency. The project aims to improve performance and corporate value through Fog Computing and intelligent design.
A new study by Bocconi University finds that private companies with similar organizational structures display higher accounting quality than public ones. This is particularly true for standalone firms, which tend to underreport earnings to save taxes, whereas business groups exhibit more reliable accounts.
In 2018, Salmonella was responsible for nearly one-third of foodborne outbreaks in the European Union, affecting 48,365 people. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Food Safety Authority report that these outbreaks were mainly linked to eggs.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that Daylight Saving Time (DST) regulations do not disrupt human cycles, including sleep and labor patterns. The report highlights the impact of latitude on seasonal adaptation of human activity.
The Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant's soil decontamination efforts have reduced cesium concentrations by 80% in treated areas, but generated significant amounts of hazardous waste. Monitoring the transfer of radioactive contamination is crucial to prevent recontamination of remediated areas.
Researchers identified hotspots for wild honeybee nesting sites, including unmanaged forests and coniferous forests in Sweden and Finland. The study suggests that conserving trees with cavities should be included in forest management to support pollinator populations.
The Soviet Union profited from screening foreign films during the Cold War, with Hollywood movies serving as a weapon in the fight against the USA. The films were often shown on closed networks or renamed to avoid copyright issues.
Professor Bridget Waller's €1.7m project, FACEDIFF, will investigate individual differences in facial expressivity and their relation to facial anatomy. The five-year project aims to understand how people differ in facial expressions and their impact on social interaction.
The European Society of Cardiology reports that middle-income countries in Europe are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease, with higher mortality rates and more years lost due to CVD. The statistics highlight the need for targeted prevention policies and improved access to modern healthcare facilities.
The European Research Council has awarded EUR 600 million to 301 top scientists and scholars across Europe, covering a wide range of topics in physical sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and humanities. This funding will create over 2,000 jobs for postdoctoral fellows and PhD students.
The new research project will investigate the communication, traffic, and trade between the islands in the Lesser Antilles during the period 1650-1850. Historians believe that the islanders were deeply dependent on each other due to limited resources and vulnerability.
Scientists have identified a previously unquantified threat to global food production: systematic meanders in the northern jet stream that cause simultaneous crop-damaging heat waves in widely separated regions. These events can lead to reduced harvests, food-price spikes and kill crops, especially in breadbasket regions.
The Graphene Flagship has launched eleven Spearhead Projects to catalyse commercialisation of graphene-enabled products. These projects combine innovative research with industrial ambitions, aiming to boost technology readiness levels and bring graphene-based technologies to market.
A study of 4,714 adult women found that those with good exercise capacity were at lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other causes. Women with poor exercise capacity had nearly four times higher annual rates of death from these causes compared to those with good exercise capacity.
A new study published in the UEG Journal found that young patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing severe viral infections. Clinically active IBD and immunomodulators used to treat the condition are identified as main drivers of infection, with thiopurines increasing the risk by six times.
Researchers found that Germany benefits from intangible ecosystem services in particularly threatened ecosystems in poor regions. The study identified the top six birds in Germany, with nearly 60% of species spending at least part of their lives in distant countries.
Researchers found that MedDevs often lack critical information on product composition, ingredients, and clinical effectiveness, raising concerns for children's safety. The authors call for revised regulations to ensure these products meet medicine standards before being marketed.
The EU Water Framework Directive needs further development to address the complex mixtures of pesticides, medicines, and industrial chemicals in European waters. Researchers have developed new concepts and tools to monitor and reduce exposure to these substances.
A new study reveals that malaria parasites sourced from 1940s blood-stained microscope slides originated from Europe, with genetic similarities to modern strains found in the Americas. The research sheds light on the historical spread of Plasmodium vivax malaria and its potential for drug resistance.
The EuroSea project is an international consortium of 55 partners aiming to improve ocean observation in Europe and beyond. The project focuses on combining existing capacities, filling gaps, and making data available to users more easily.
Women account for one-third of new HIV diagnoses in the Region, with 54% of cases among them being diagnosed late. Early diagnosis is crucial to start treatment and reduce transmission risk, but current systems are failing women and older adults, according to health experts.
Scientists found Plasmodium PAGRI02, a parasite from Africa, in 5% of European house sparrows. The study, published in Parasites & Vectors, highlights the impact of global environmental changes on wildlife transmission.
A study by the European Society of Cardiology found that most patients do not understand or recall information given to them before heart procedures. Patients often believe that opening blocked arteries can cure their heart disease, despite this being a misconception.
A new study found that a permitted neonicotinoid insecticide can effectively control pests while improving bumblebee foraging and food stores. This suggests certain neonicotinoids may be beneficial to bees, but the researchers caution against considering them as a homogeneous group.
Researchers from Kiel University found that the invasive American slipper limpet is not the main cause of European oyster population decline in the North Sea. The study analyzed historical collections of both species and revealed that the decline began in the late 19th century, before the limpet's introduction.
Researchers found that recovering from metabolic syndrome significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease in a nationwide population-based cohort study. In contrast, developing or remaining in metabolic syndrome was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study reconstructs the source of radioactive ruthenium detected over Europe in 2017, identifying the southern Ural Mountains in Russia and the Mayak Production Association facility as the likely source. The authors estimated that approximately 250 TBq of radioactivity was released, with most of it occurring on September 26, 2017.
A recent study published in Cardiovascular Research found that short sleep duration contributes to the link between socioeconomic status and coronary heart disease in men. People with lower socioeconomic status often experience increased stress, noise, and financial burden, leading to less sleep and poorer health outcomes. Structural r...
The new position paper provides practical guidance for managing postmenopausal osteoporosis, including easy-to-use algorithms that illustrate decision pathways based on absolute risk of fracture. The paper aims to offer the most appropriate interventions to patients, with a focus on targeting therapeutic interventions for low, high and...