Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A European study found significant variations in vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) rates among six European countries, with Finland, Netherlands, and Sweden having high VBAC rates. In contrast, Ireland, Italy, and Germany have low VBAC rates due to a heterogeneous pro-against-VBAC culture.
Researchers analyzed 34 ancient genomes from the Black Death and succeeding plague epidemics in Europe to understand the genetic history of Yersinia pestis. The study found a single strain ancestral to all second pandemic strains, with lower genomic diversity during the initial outbreak.
A six-month low-dose azithromycin treatment significantly reduced symptoms and infection episodes in PCD patients, with a 50% reduction in serious episode episodes. However, mild diarrhoea was more common in treated patients.
The multi-society statement focuses on three areas: data, algorithms, and practice. It emphasizes the importance of ethical use of AI in radiology, ensuring benefits and harms are distributed fairly among stakeholders. Radiologists will need to acquire new skills to work effectively with AI tools.
Research has linked exposure to BPA in the womb to increased risk of wheezing and poorer lung function in children. The study found that pregnant women with higher BPA levels were more likely to have children who suffered from wheezing, and a doubling of BPA corresponded with a significant decrease in lung capacity.
Research suggests that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to develop poor respiratory health based on lung function tests. PCOS is believed to affect almost one in six women and often runs in families, while also increasing the risk of diabetes, which has been linked to lower lung function.
Researchers discovered mechanically delivered projectile weapons in Europe dating back 45,000-40,000 years, indicating modern humans had a hunting advantage over Neanderthals. The spearthrower and bow-and-arrow technologies allowed for higher impact energy hunting strategies, leading to the replacement of Neanderthals.
Professional drivers, including taxi drivers, experience high levels of black carbon exposure while working in congested cities. Research found that taxi drivers are exposed to an average of 6.5 micrograms of black carbon per cubic meter of air, compared to office workers at home who experience similar levels.
Laanes' five-year project 'Translating Memories: The Eastern European Past in the Global Arena' investigates how literature, cinema, and art shape global perceptions of WWII and Soviet regimes. The team will analyze aesthetic and political debates around these works to break local history deadlocks.
ECOG-ACRIN announces late-breaking TAILORx data on chemotherapy regimens for early-stage breast cancer. The data, published concurrently in JAMA Oncology, focuses on patients with a score of 26-100 on the 21-tumor gene recurrence score assay.
The prevalence of NAFLD is rising due to a preventable epidemic, with over half of adults and one third of children classified as overweight or obese. The condition is linked to lack of physical activity, excess calorie intake, and sugary drinks.
A recent study by Robert Hofmann and colleagues discovered that Tripolye mega-structures served as public spaces for ritual, economic, and decision-making purposes. The researchers found a hierarchy of mega-structures based on their architecture and location, indicating sequential decision-making at various levels of society.
The BESTMAP project aims to develop a new flexible and interoperable framework to monitor EU policy impacts on natural, social, and cultural assets in rural areas. Computer models will help build an operational framework to analyze the adoption of agri-environmental schemes.
A survey of European citizens found a majority (58%) hold positive attitudes towards homelessness, while 30% have negative views. Positive attitudes were more common among urban residents and those who support homeless individuals.
A recent study published in the European Society of Cardiology journal found a strong association between gum disease and high blood pressure. The meta-analysis of 81 studies revealed that moderate-to-severe periodontitis was associated with a 22% raised risk for hypertension, while severe periodontitis was linked with 49% higher odds.
Emissions of volatile organic pollutants in West Africa far exceed current estimates, with road traffic, waste combustion, and domestic fires contributing significantly. The study emphasizes the importance of setting up more accurate regional emission inventories to predict health and climate impacts.
Researchers from Bocconi University, NYU Stern, and the University of Bolzano found that private firms have higher 'earnings quality' or EQ compared to public firms. The study analyzed nearly 400,000 European companies across 11 countries over a nine-year period.
A new UCL-led study found that some genes predicting high cholesterol don't apply to people from Uganda as they do in European populations. The researchers investigated genetic variants affecting blood fat levels and found that only 10% of markers were implicated in cardiovascular risk factors among Ugandan participants.
European shags follow social cues by watching fellow birds to determine the best time and place to dive. This behaviour may help them save energy and find fish more efficiently. The study sheds light on the importance of understanding seabird species' adaptability in response to environmental pressures.
A new study reveals that many people in the US carry Native American DNA, inherited from European and African ancestors who intermarried with indigenous individuals during colonization. The analysis shows regional patterns of Native American ancestry among Spanish descendants, distinguishing between early settlers and later immigrants.
Compound flooding events are projected to occur more than once every six years along the UK and Dutch coastlines. The probability of high sea levels and heavy precipitation occurring simultaneously will heavily increase in Northern Europe under a warmer future climate.
Dr. Martha A. Brumfield, a renowned leader in pharmaceutical development and regulatory science, has been awarded the Jon W. McGarity Arizona Bioscience Leader of the Year honor. Her contributions to accelerating medical product development and building collaborative solutions have significantly benefited patients and their families.
A new study estimates that the Mount Tambora eruption significantly contributed to the 1816 'year without a summer', with observed cold conditions almost impossible without the event. The wet conditions were also more likely, increasing by 1.5-3 times without volcanic forcing.
A large study found that people who walk the most live in areas with good public transport service and a higher density of households, services, and installations. Walking is associated with improved health and reduced air pollution.
Recent studies indicate a potential decrease in the rate of new type 2 diabetes cases, although overall prevalence continues to rise. The decline is attributed to improved care and longer survival rates, suggesting that public health initiatives may be contributing to the trend.
Researchers use natural sciences methods to determine geographic origin of Bronze Age tin artifacts from Israel, Turkey, and Greece, disproving Central Asian source and confirming Europe as the origin of ingots. The study highlights complex trade networks between Europe and Eastern Mediterranean during the Bronze Age.
A study found high levels of pollutants, such as industrial fluids and mercury, in the blubber and skin of English Channel dolphins. The levels of pollutants were similar to those previously described for bottlenose dolphins in other contaminated areas.
A study found that patients with gradual symptom onset took eight hours to get medical help, compared to 2.6 hours for those with abrupt symptoms. Patients with gradual symptoms began with mild discomfort that slowly got worse, while abrupt onset referred to sudden and severe pain.
A survey of European patients with lung cancer revealed that many were unaware of or had never heard of clinical trials. Despite positive experiences by over 50%, respondents identified difficulties in accessing trials, including language barriers, limited information, and disparities across Europe.
A study found that most European expedited approvals for new medicines are based on non-validated surrogate endpoints instead of proven clinical outcomes, casting doubt on their effectiveness.
A team of researchers, led by Sean Ryan, documents the invasive history of the small cabbage white butterfly, which they attribute to human activities such as trade and migration. The study uses DNA analysis from over 3,000 submitted butterflies to reveal the butterfly's spread across Europe, Asia, Siberia, North America, and New Zealand.
A study of 80,000-year-old fossilized hominin footprints in Normandy, France provides insights into the social structure of Neandertals. The analysis suggests that most footprints belonged to adolescents and children, indicating a group size and composition.
A genome-wide analysis of ancient DNA from over 500 individuals sheds light on the complex genetic ancestry of South and Central Asia. The study documents genetic exchanges with European Steppe, Near East, and southeast Asia, revealing a population history that reflects similar genomic patterns to those in ancient Europe.
A 16-year study of 452,000 Europeans found a positive association between artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened soft drinks and an increased risk of death from circulatory and digestive diseases. The findings support public health campaigns aimed at limiting soft drink consumption.
Research by Tiziana Nazio explores how early family formation affects emotional and practical support in older age. The study found that women still bear the brunt of caregiving, but having a partner or child is crucial for receiving practical help. Family trajectories may shape networks, but they do not change the probability of recei...
Research suggests that infection with measles in unvaccinated children increases their risk of other severe infectious diseases in the 2-3 years following infection. Measles can cause immune-amnesia, erasing immunity to other diseases and exposing children to re-infection. Vaccination is crucial for preventing measles-related infections.
Researchers developed a method to predict Painted Lady butterfly migrations and found that the species relies on reproductive success in both Africa and Europe. The model suggests that overwintering might occur near the equator between December and February, posing a risk due to climate change.
A healthy lifestyle is associated with a 75% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, compared to the least healthy lifestyle. In individuals with type 2 diabetes, a healthy lifestyle also reduces cardiovascular disease and death risk by 56% and 52%, respectively.
A study by Dr. Sebastian Jäckle found that conference attendees emit between 0.5-1.5 tons of CO2 per three-day meeting, with plane travel being the worst option. By choosing central venues and video transmission, emissions can be reduced by up to 85%.
Researchers have identified a new property in superconductors called dynamical charge density fluctuations in cuprates. These fluctuations affect electrical resistance in the 'normal' state above the superconducting critical temperature.
A population-based study of nearly 452,000 men and women from 10 European countries found that consuming two or more glasses per day of soft drinks was associated with a higher risk of death. The study also linked high sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption to increased mortality from circulatory diseases.
A European study found that patients with high PRD values (≥7.5 degrees) benefit from implantable defibrillators, with a 75% decrease in mortality risk, while those with lower values see a 31% reduction.
A new study by researchers at the Institute for Transformative Sustainability Research (IASS) in Potsdam shows that many regions and municipalities in Europe can meet their electricity demand using renewable energy systems. However, achieving complete self-sufficiency would require large shares of land to be assigned to electricity gen...
A study of ICD patients found that nearly one-third resumed driving during banned periods, with men, older adults, and single drivers more likely to do so. Improved education and support are necessary to address nonadherence, as it poses risks for patients and others on the road.
The European Commission has approved €14 million in funding for the preparation of the European Long-Term Ecosystem Research Infrastructure, enabling significant development of the eLTER Research Infrastructure. The project will involve 34 partners from 24 countries and cover all biogeographical zones in Europe.
A recent study found that caregivers of stroke survivors who exhibit symptoms of depression are at a higher risk of experiencing their own physical health challenges. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing depressive symptoms in caregivers and suggests implementing self-care programs to mitigate this risk.
A 22-year analysis of physical activity levels found that inactivity was linked to a two-fold increased risk of all-cause death and a 2.7-fold greater risk of cardiovascular disease mortality compared to high activity levels. The study suggests that even small amounts of exercise can provide health benefits.
The guidelines emphasize healthy behaviors, such as physical activity and a Mediterranean diet, to prevent cardiovascular disease. They also recommend specific medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and PCSK9 inhibitors, for patients with diabetes at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
A recent study found that eating nuts at least twice a week is associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. The researchers analyzed data from 5,432 Iranian adults and found that nut consumption was linked to a 17% reduced risk of fatal heart attack and stroke.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends reducing air pollution and environmental noise to minimize heart attack and stroke risk. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly, are also emphasized.
The new guidelines clarify the diagnosis and treatment of acute pulmonary embolism, emphasizing the importance of quick and reliable diagnosis to prevent death. The guidance also provides recommendations on the use of anticoagulant drugs and clot busters, as well as distinguishing between fresh thrombi and chronic obstructions.
The European Society of Cardiology and European Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines recommend lowering LDL cholesterol levels to prevent cardiovascular disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol reduces risk regardless of the baseline concentration, making it effective even in people at very high risk of heart attack or stroke.
Research from the University of Bath finds that negative interest rate policies are backfiring, curbing loan growth and damaging banking profits. Bank margins were being squeezed, eroding capital bases and limiting credit growth, thereby stifling domestic demand.
A new study published in Nature found that only a few individuals of the thale cress plant have adapted to extreme climate conditions, suggesting a potential collapse of species genetic diversity in Central Europe. This could lead to reduced plant populations unable to survive due to changing precipitation and temperature patterns.
A new study finds Europe's summers are becoming hotter and winters colder, with extreme heat days tripling since 1950. This accelerates the region's warming, impacting cities unprepared for rising temperatures.
A large international research project found that climate change is impacting the severity of flood events across Europe. Floods are increasing in central and north-western Europe due to rising precipitation and soil humidity, while decreasing in southern Europe where warmer temperatures lead to increased evaporation.
A multinational study has shown that flood events are becoming increasingly severe in north-western Europe, while decreasing in southern and Eastern Europe. The research, which analyzed river flow data from thousands of locations over a 50-year period, provides clear evidence of the link between climate change and flooding.
A large international study led by TU Wien demonstrates climate change's influence on river flood magnitude. Regional patterns show changes in flood severity and frequency, with northwestern Europe experiencing increasing floods and southern Europe seeing decreasing flood levels.
Binghamton University has acquired a $1.75 million HArd X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy system, the third of its kind worldwide and first outside Europe. This HAXPES system allows researchers to analyze materials without disassembling them, providing detailed information about chemical and electronic structures.
Researchers found evidence of precise units of measurement, enabling comparison and calculation of material values, profits, and currencies during the Bronze Age. The discovery suggests widespread knowledge of standard weights and measures across prehistoric Europe.