Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Research finds that patients from areas with cleaner air are more sensitive to changes in pollution, while those from more polluted cities can adapt to fluctuations. A higher incidence of PCI procedures was observed in winter and rose along with increasing pollution.
Researchers found that a dramatic increase in North Atlantic salinity caused the Arctic-Atlantic gateway to close, preventing ocean-sinking and kickstarting the modern circulation. The study suggests that changes in the Atlantic conveyor belt could dramatically alter Europe's climate in a future warm world.
The study analyzed skeletal remains from 37 localities across present-day Denmark, revealing a shift in human mobility at the beginning of the Nordic Bronze Age. Migrants came from diverse regions, including southern Scandinavia, the Italian Alps, and Cornwall in south England.
A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that Germany and UK are the most popular destination countries for EU internal migration. The analysis showed that richer countries attract more immigrants, and neighboring countries have a high rate of movement between them.
A new 8,000-year-old structure has been found next to the oldest known boat building site in the world on the Isle of Wight. The site features an intact wooden platform with split timbers, providing evidence of advanced woodworking skills and technological advancements.
A study by Washington University researchers found that people ascribe an inflated weight to their country's contribution to WWII. Russians view the war differently, listing D-Day as a 'relief' for Soviet forces rather than a pivotal moment.
The latest issue of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications features a wide range of papers on various cardiovascular topics. These include studies on selective coronary angiography following cardiac arrest and systemic vasculitis as an underestimated cause of malignant hypertension. The journal also covers reviews on epicardial co...
New analysis reveals Europe's onshore wind farms could supply enough energy for the world until 2050, producing 497 EJ of power. The study identifies Turkey, Russia, and Norway as having the greatest potential for future wind power density.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology are developing new contactless exhaust measurement methods that can detect vehicle emissions in real-time. The technology uses tuning forks to measure particles in the air, allowing for accurate detection of pollutant emissions from vehicles.
Domestic European pigs have a mix of European and Near Eastern ancestry until 6,000 years ago. After introduction to Europe, modern pigs lost their original genomic ancestry due to gene flow from wild boars.
A recent study found that ancient pigs in Europe lost their Near Eastern genetic signature due to hybridization with European wild boar. This suggests that pig management in Europe was extensive and that artificial selection had a limited impact on the development of modern European commercial pigs.
A retrospective cohort study in Australia found that areas with a higher number of fast food restaurants have more heart attacks. The study also found a strong association between the density of fast food outlets and the incidence of heart attack, with each additional outlet linked to four additional heart attacks per 100,000 people.
A study published by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that air pollution from particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and black carbon is responsible for 33% of new childhood asthma cases in Europe, highlighting the need to update WHO air quality guidelines to better protect children's health.
A global study reveals calcium concentrations are critically low in many freshwater lakes, posing a threat to reproduction and survival of aquatic organisms. The decline is attributed to reduced sulphate deposition associated with acid rain, which has led to less calcium leaching from surrounding terrestrial areas.
A comprehensive review of 103 studies involving nearly 478,000 European children aged 2-13 found that nearly 20% were obese and over 15% were overweight. The study highlights the urgent need for effective prevention strategies to address childhood obesity in Europe.
A study of 12 centuries of European summer droughts reveals that recent changes in drought patterns are not unprecedented. The research team found that climate models exaggerate temperature-driven drought risk in northern Europe, while underestimating excessive precipitation and flood risks.
New research from the University of Sydney suggests that electric fans can be beneficial in hot, humid conditions but detrimental in dry conditions. The study calls into question current guidelines recommending fan use only when temperature rises above 35 degrees Celsius.
Researchers analyze EU Commission's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform proposals and find they do not reflect public demand for sustainable agriculture or environmental goals. The CAP has the potential to support multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals but currently only contributes to two of them.
A contagious canine cancer has been found to have originated around 6,000 years ago in Asia and spread globally through maritime activities. The cancer's evolution has revealed unique signatures left by carcinogens, including exposure to UV light, which is also linked to human cancers.
A new study found that regularised migrants still face issues with work conditions and opportunities, with many trapped between formal and informal labour markets. The research highlights the importance of labour markets in creating spaces for undocumented workers to live and work.
A study analyzing over 1300 measurements found the source of a 2017 radioactive cloud to be a civilian reprocessing plant, releasing large amounts of ruthenium-106. The incident caused no health risks for Europe's population.
A Stanford study found that assigning newly arrived refugees to live in areas with larger ethnic networks increases their chances of finding employment. In contrast, smaller ethnic networks are associated with lower employment rates.
Research from the University of Exeter Law School found that UK mobile phone contracts are cheaper due to minimal regulations and market competition. The study suggests that keeping regulations low creates a more competitive market, leading to lower prices.
Research finds that more than 64% of employed Russians work evenings, nights, or weekends, disrupting their biological and social rhythms. The negative effects include depression, headaches, burnout, and chronic fatigue, leading to workplace accidents and injuries.
Researchers studying Barilla Sustainable Farming in Italy found that partnering with different stakeholders can promote sustainability in agri-food supply chains. A two-level approach to implement crop diversification and sustainable management practices is suggested to achieve a more sustainable agricultural system throughout Europe.
A study found that a significant release of radioactive ruthenium occurred in October 2017, with highest levels detected over Romania. The release is believed to have originated from the Mayak nuclear complex in Russia, consistent with air mass movements and deposition patterns.
Viral hepatitis affects around 9 million Europeans, with over 50,000 newly diagnosed cases annually. Targeted testing is essential to reach those at risk and reduce undiagnosed infections.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame reveals that eliminating NAFTA would reduce standards of living in all three countries. Canada's per capita income loss is expected to be 2.11%, nearly two times that of Mexico's 1.15% and eight times that of the US' 0.27%.
Regional climate fluctuations, such as Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age, varied across the globe. The study found no evidence of uniform warm and cold periods across the world over the last 2000 years.
A study by ISGlobal found that women using kerosene lamps for lighting had significantly higher exposure to black carbon particles, leading to increased risk of tuberculosis, respiratory infections, and low birth weight. The study's findings highlight the need for alternative energy sources in rural areas.
Adolescents who skip breakfast tend to have higher waist circumference and body mass index, indicating an increased risk of weight gain. The study suggests that skipping breakfast can contribute to unhealthy habits and behaviors, potentially making adolescents more vulnerable to obesity.
A study by Zoological Society of London reveals 55 UK animal species have been displaced due to climate change, with invertebrates most affected. The research highlights the need for a centralized platform to track and mitigate the impacts of climate-driven species movement.
A study analyzing the NASDAQ100 index found that order deletions increase the bid-ask spread more often than trades do. The researchers also discovered that when the number of deletions exceeds the number of trades, stock prices become more varied across different stocks.
Research from Lancaster University shows that SMEs with a higher proportion of graduates are more likely to foster a culture of innovation. Effective support is needed for SMEs to employ graduates, including funding for graduate placements and internships, grants for graduate salaries, and management training opportunities.
Designated protected areas in Europe have reduced land cover changes, but the buffer zones around them still experience frequent changes
A new study examines the effects of different factors on life satisfaction among women and men in 34 OECD countries. The research finds that work-life balance accommodations are usually aimed at women's concerns, but surprisingly, men demonstrate a higher elasticity for personal and leisure time.
A recent study suggests that Mesolithic hunter-gatherers in Europe developed new hunting projectiles and changed their stone tool shapes in response to changing climate conditions. The research found frequent co-existence of different microlith shapes, which may have been used as symbols of group membership.
Researchers found that infants as young as 10.5 months can recognize communication through variable sound sequences, leading to increased attention towards target shapes in interactions with agents. This ability may play a crucial role in language acquisition and social-cognitive development.
A new study reveals that households in Europe will increasingly rely on air conditioners to adapt to climate change, generating more greenhouse gas emissions. The study shows that household wealth, presence of elderly family members, and environmental awareness are crucial factors in deciding to install AC.
Introduced parrot species can cause environmental damage, but severe impacts are rare and localized. Most reports of damage link to ring-necked and monk parakeets, which compete with native species for resources.
A large observational study found that a favorable lifestyle was associated with lower dementia risk, independent of genetic risk. The study followed over 196,000 adults and found that both unhealthy lifestyles and high genetic risk were linked to higher dementia risk.
A study by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reveals a consistent rise in syphilis cases across Europe, mostly affecting men who have sex with men. The ECDC analysis highlights the need for public health control measures, including case finding, management, and educational activities to combat this trend.
An international team sequenced 67 ancient genomes to observe genomic changes in cattle over eight millennia. They found a widespread influx of zebu genetics around 4,000 years ago, likely linked to a multi-century drought and changing climate.
A long-term study of butterflies in Ohio found that common species are declining at a rate of 2% per year, resulting in an overall 33% decrease over 21 years. This trend is consistent with other monitoring programs in Europe and highlights the impact of environmental changes on insect populations.
The CARDIATEAM project aims to determine the unique characteristics of diabetic cardiomyopathy and identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The study will collect data from 1,600 patients with various cardiometabolic disorders over three years.
A study on Arctic lead pollution reveals a significant increase in emissions from European industries during the Middle Ages, coinciding with technological advancements and economic growth. The pollution level declined substantially after pollution abatement policies were enacted, but still remains much higher than historical levels.
A study using Arctic ice cores shows that lead pollution levels correlate with economic growth and decline, indicating the impact of European events on the environment. The research found exponential increases in lead pollution during the past 1,500 years, with a significant decrease since the passage of pollution abatement policies.
A fossilized skull from the Upper Paleolithic period reveals two injuries at or near the time of death, consistent with consecutive blows from a bat-like object. The analysis suggests that the individual died as a result of intentional violence, pointing to the practice of homicide among early humans.
A team of scientists analyzed ancient genomes from Ashkelon, finding a European-derived ancestry introduced around the time of the Philistines' arrival. This genetic component was diluted by local Levantine gene pool over centuries, suggesting intense admixture between foreign and native populations.
A new study published in the European Journal of Neurology found that active sexual life is associated with reduced disability and improved quality of life in men with early Parkinson's disease. The analysis of 355 patients over two years suggests that exploring a patient's sexual life could be beneficial for their treatment.
The BioImage Archive is a large-scale resource hosting reference imaging data to facilitate global access and analysis. The archive aims to improve research quality, speed up scientific discovery, and advance knowledge in fields like human health, food security, and biodiversity.
Research from NTNU and others finds that some climate change mitigation strategies may increase land use and water consumption, offsetting potential emissions reductions. The study suggests a shift towards sustainable lifestyles and limited consumption could be more effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study found that surviving the Holocaust has a lifelong negative impact on brain structure, affecting stress response, memory, and behavior. Researchers also discovered reduced connectivity in offspring and grandchildren, suggesting a potential genetic component.
Researchers found that statin users had a 22% lower risk of all-cause death compared to non-users, as well as a 23% reduction in the risk of stroke. The protective effect was seen across various patient groups, including those with vascular dementia.
Brain diseases now account for 10% of global disease burden, affecting 50 million worldwide. A new national brain health strategy in Norway aims to prevent and cope with these conditions through research, innovation and holistic care.
A new study by the German Sport University Cologne compares the tactical performance of male and female football players in Europe, using advanced analysis methods. The findings aim to contribute to the development and professionalization of women's football, while promoting public awareness of the sport.
A new study analyzing participants from 35 countries found that near-death experiences (NDEs) affect around 10% of people, with common reported symptoms including out-of-body sensations and hallucinations. The study also found an association between NDEs and Rapid Eye Movement sleep intrusion into wakefulness.
The UNA Europa alliance, consisting of seven leading European universities, has received a €5M grant to launch a European university ecosystem. The project will focus on innovative education and research collaboration, with an aim to address societal challenges.
Researchers analyzed DNA from two 120,000-year-old European Neandertals, finding they shared a stable ancestry with late Neanderthals. The study suggests these early Neandertals may have migrated east and replaced some Siberian populations, providing new insights into their history.
A giant bird, Pachystruthio dmanisensis, has been discovered in a Crimean cave, estimated to weigh around 450kg. The bird is believed to be flightless but fast, and its discovery suggests it may have been a source of meat for early humans.