Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Researchers from Spain and Portugal have identified the careo irrigation channels of Sierra Nevada as the oldest underground aquifer recharge system in Europe. The study, published in Journal of Hydrology, reveals that this ancient technique was used to channel water for centuries, with evidence dating back to the 11th Century.
A new study challenges the EU's approach to decarbonizing its economy, arguing that it overlooks the importance of functional societal change. The researchers propose a new methodological approach to analyze complex issues like electricity decarbonization, highlighting the need for policies that motivate use changes.
Researchers analyzed European football league matches to find that 'lucky' goals often led to increased playing time and ratings for players. The study highlights the importance of taking process and effort into account when evaluating performance to avoid bias and ensure fair rewards.
Research led by the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found that Alpine rock axeheads were a crucial component of pan-European exchange networks, with some rocks traveling over 1000 kilometres. The study's results suggest that the rocks' exceptional durability and resistance to friction made them highly valued for their production value.
Research highlights the disproportionate impact of diabetes on women, with a higher risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure compared to men. Healthy lifestyle habits and glucose-lowering treatment are crucial in preventing these complications.
A new study reveals European ash has moderately good resistance to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a beetle that has devastated ash species in the USA and some parts of Russia. The research found that European ash can restrict EAB development, while also exhibiting similar resistance to Manchurian ash.
A new report by The Lancet finds that climate change is having devastating effects on the world's children, with rising temperatures leading to malnutrition, infectious diseases, and air pollution. If left unchecked, this will have a lifelong impact on their health unless immediate action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study published in Comparative European Politics found that EU attitudes on gender quotas in management boards are divided, with stronger support in countries like Cyprus and Portugal. The study revealed a paradoxical relationship between support for the quota and actual gender equality in each country.
The study reveals that lack of trust in political representation and dissatisfaction with the domestic economic situation are key factors driving voters to challenger parties. Citizens who feel unwary of the political classes and are disenchanted with their economic situations are attracted to anti-establishment discourse and rhetoric.
A degenerative eye condition called AMD is projected to affect 77 million Europeans by 2050, with the number of existing cases rising by 15% and new cases increasing by 75%. The estimated projections show that one in four older adults will have AMD, ranging from under 1 in 10 for those younger than 65 to over 27% of those over 75.
Researchers from Goethe University have developed reliable maps predicting the Zika virus transmission risk in South America. The models also indicate a moderate risk in Central America and lowest in southern areas of the continent. Europe is under threat, especially in Mediterranean regions and inland France.
A study analyzing ancient DNA samples from Rome and adjacent regions found at least two major migrations into the city, with influences from North Africa, Europe, and the Near East. The population's ancestry shifted significantly over time, reflecting Rome's shifting alliances and cultural exchange.
Scientists report that electronic cigarettes have adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels due to nicotine's impact on blood pressure and inflammation. The lack of standardised products makes it difficult to study the health effects of e-cigarettes, leading researchers to advise against their use.
A study of 127 ancient individuals' genomes found two major ancestry shifts, one during Neolithic farmers' arrival and another during the Bronze age. The results suggest that by Rome's founding, central Italy's genetics were similar to modern populations, but genetic diversity increased over time.
BIOCAD announces plans to introduce netakimab and progolimab, two original monoclonal antibody-based drugs, to the European market. The company has already received permission to conduct clinical trials in Europe for these innovative treatments.
The study reveals at least two major migrations into Rome, as well as several smaller but significant population shifts, over the last few thousand years. The genetic data show that immigrants from the Near East, Europe, and North Africa pulled up their roots and moved to Rome, significantly changing its face.
Researchers suggest that diseases may have played a crucial role in the extinction of Neanderthals. By employing mathematical models, they demonstrate how unique diseases harbored by Neanderthals and modern humans could have created an invisible disease barrier, ultimately allowing modern humans to supplant their cousins.
A four-investigator team led by University of Delaware physicist Marianna Safronova has won a prestigious Synergy Grant to build a nuclear clock, which will be far more sensitive than atomic clocks. The project aims to search for undiscovered physics effects and detect dark matter particles.
Researchers have discovered human teeth in Manot Cave that date back 40,000 years, revealing the presence of Aurignacians from Europe. The findings suggest a common origin between European populations and those in the Levant.
Researchers estimate that greenhouse gas emissions up to 2030 will contribute approximately 1m of sea-level rise by 2300, with the top 5 emitters responsible for around 25% of this increase. Stringent near-term emission reductions are necessary to limit long-term sea-level rise
A team of researchers has discovered a piece of jewelry made from eagle talons, believed to be the oldest known ornament in Europe. The discovery dates back to 39,000 years ago and provides insight into the cultural practices of Neanderthals.
A team of University of Otago researchers is part of a major new vaccine research project to combat invasive non-typhoidal salmonellosis, a major killer of African children. The Vacc-iNTS project aims to develop an effective vaccine with a five-year budget of NZ$11.8 million.
A recent study reveals new genetic variants related to human health in rural Ugandan populations. The research highlights the high level of genetic diversity in Africa, with many previously undiscovered variants identified.
A new technique using air injection has been shown to be effective in releasing a tongue trapped in a bottle, with no need for general anaesthesia or invasive procedures. This method was inspired by the author's experience opening a wine bottle and involved injecting air into the bottle to produce positive pressure.
Professor Fatima Cardoso will receive the award for her foresight in understanding advanced breast cancer and launching the ABC Global Alliance. The alliance, now an independent organization, aims to improve lives of patients worldwide through awareness and advocacy.
The 'hidden politics' of climate engineering were exposed at the UNEA-4 meeting, highlighting concerns about governance, transparency, and funding. The discussion revealed a significant split between the US and EU on geoengineering strategies, with the US opposing a preliminary governance framework.
Researchers have identified two types of dinosaur footprints in Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, and Morocco that suggest large predators strolled between the two continents. The footprints belong to carnivorous theropods similar to Tyrannosaurus rex.
A seven-year project analyzing sewage samples from 60 million people worldwide shows a worrying trend of drug use globally, with cocaine levels increasing by nearly 13% over five years. Methamphetamine use was particularly high in Australia and North America, linked to health conditions such as mental disorders and domestic violence.
A recent study mapping international drug use by analyzing wastewater from over 60 million people in 120 cities worldwide reveals significant regional variations. Methamphetamine dominated North American and Australasian cities, while cocaine use was high in southern and western Europe.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that many popular food products sold in the EU fail to meet nutrition criteria set to restrict marketing to children. The research analyzed over 2,700 pre-packaged foods across 20 EU countries and discovered that nearly 70% of products were ineligible for direct marketing to kids.
Eight European cities will receive new district heating networks built with innovative low-temperature technologies, enabling individual customers to produce energy while using it. Researchers will support companies in design, installation, and monitoring, studying new business models.
KU Leuven researchers have developed a method to measure snow depth using satellites, enabling the study of inaccessible areas like the Himalayas. The findings reveal significant snow volumes in European and North American mountain ranges.
A new study found that 18 drug categories extensively impact the taxonomic structure and metabolic potential of the gut microbiome. Researchers identified eight categories increasing antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. The changes could increase risk of intestinal infections, obesity, and other conditions linked to the gut microbiome.
Researchers found that nearly half of the study sites are the driest they have been for the last 1,000 years, with cutting, drainage, burning, and grazing contributing to peatland drying. The combined pressure of climate change and human impacts threatens these critical carbon-storing ecosystems.
Companies can mitigate risks by strengthening every vendor handling their data, according to new research from American University. High-profile breaches have shown that even strong cybersecurity measures are not enough if vendors are weak.
A study found that plant-based diets and Mediterranean diets are associated with high levels of friendly gut bacteria, aiding nutrient production and SCFA energy for cells lining the colon. Plant protein helps biosynthesis of vitamins and amino acids.
A new study found that IBD cases are three times higher than previously reported, with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease prevalence increasing by 55% and 83%, respectively. The study also predicts a rise in IBD prevalence by almost a quarter from 2017 to 2025.
A new study finds that antibiotic resistance to H. pylori has more than doubled in 20 years, from 9.9% in 1998 to 21.6% last year. This increase is particularly concerning for countries like Southern Italy and Greece, where rates of primary clarithromycin resistance are highest.
A new study confirms FMT is effective in treating IBS with high response rates and symptom improvements, but selecting the right donor is crucial for success. The study used a 'super-donor' to produce high rates of clinical response and marked symptom improvements in patients with IBS.
A European research project, 5Growth, will test nine 5G use cases in four vertical industry settings in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. The pilot tests aim to validate the performance of 5G systems for Industry 4.0, eHealth, and audiovisual entertainment applications.
A new research project led by Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin aims to shed light on European post-war history by focusing on the shared concern for people's health. The 'Leviathan' project, awarded an ERC Synergy Grant, will study the development of medicine and healthcare between 1945 and 1990 in both Eastern and Western Europe.
The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) has developed a large-scale optical switching testbed capable of handling 1 Petabit per second optical signals. This breakthrough demonstrates the feasibility of ultra-high capacity petabit-class backbone networks, which can support increasing internet services ...
Experts from the University of Surrey have found that nature-based solutions (NBS) can effectively combat climate-related natural disasters. NBS were used to combat floods and heatwaves, with hybrid solutions being the most frequently used method in Europe.
Researchers found that European nightjars begin their autumn migration 10 days after the full moon and synchronize their flight to depart at the same time. The study reveals that moonlight affects the birds' activity patterns, enabling them to hunt more efficiently and replenish energy reserves.
An international research team has found evidence of human activity on the island of Naxos at least 200,000 years ago, forcing a reevaluation of human movement in the region. The discovery pushes back the known settlement timeline by tens of thousands of years and suggests that early humans were capable of adapting to new environments.
The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg will coordinate an European Training Network for doctoral students to develop a digital twin for highly flexible structures in industrial applications. The network aims to create a computational model of the system's behavior, allowing for simulations and predictions during development.
Researchers uncovered a collection of 31 unusual objects, believed to be the personal belongings of a Bronze Age warrior who died on the battlefield 3,300 years ago. The discovery provides insights into the equipment and origins of the warriors, with evidence suggesting at least some were from southern Central Europe.
A recent EU study found that expanding forest areas in Europe can help mitigate global warming by reducing meat consumption and transforming the food system. The research suggests that a minimum of 23% increase in forest area is needed to meet the Paris climate goal, while also ensuring a secure food supply.
Researchers found that the daily foraging activity of European nightjars more than doubles during moon-lit nights, leading to synchronized migrations about 10 days after full moons. This suggests that cyclic influences can synchronize pulses of migration.
Researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich explore 3D magnetic solitons with potential as information carriers for neuromorphic computing. The €11.8M ERC Synergy Grant will investigate particle-like properties and applications of these structures.
A study found that around half a million men who have sex with men in the EU need HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) but face barriers to accessing it. The estimated 'PrEP gap' ranged from 4.3% in Portugal to 44.8% in Russia, highlighting the need for improved accessibility of PrEP.
The European Research Council has awarded €363 million to 37 research groups tackling some of the world's most pressing scientific challenges. These Synergy Grants will enable groups of top researchers to bring together complementary skills and knowledge to achieve groundbreaking results.
A new study reveals that consuming daily sweets, cakes, and unhealthy foods can significantly increase the risk of developing acne. The research found that individuals with acne are more likely to consume dairy products, soda juices or syrups, pastries, chocolate, and whey proteins compared to those without acne.
Researchers identified two genes that enable the European corn borer moth to adjust its biological annual clocks in response to changing winters, improving its survival chances. This discovery could help biologists predict and anticipate the impact of climate change on different insect species.
A Chinese study found that many patients with acute coronary syndrome fail to receive beta-blockers, which can prevent another event and save lives. The study's authors emphasize the importance of individualized dosing and regular follow-up to ensure optimal treatment.
Researchers found that strict labor laws lead to higher levels of temporary and informal employment, resulting in reduced happiness and life satisfaction among these workers. Women tend to feel the impact at a deeper level.
The CURSOR project aims to locate survivors trapped under rubble more swiftly and with less risk. The EU-Japan collaboration has developed miniaturized robots equipped with cameras, thermographic capabilities, and chemical sensors to detect human presence.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that self-reported health data can be highly biased depending on the country or age group. Researchers compared self-reported measures with tested equivalents and found significant differences in reporting behavior between countries and age groups. This highlights the importance of treating self-repo...
Research reveals HIV-1B originated in America, then developed into a unique Indonesian strain after introduction in the late 1980s. The study found multiple introductions of the virus to Indonesia via Thailand, Europe, and America throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Research published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that fathers-to-be should not consume alcohol for at least six months before fertilization, while mothers should stop drinking one year prior to pregnancy. This can lower the risk of congenital heart disease in offspring.