Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A study by Christopher Meir examines the transformation of European cinema through Studiocanal, finding it replicates American forms and increases job opportunities in Europe. The research reveals that European studios are reaching unprecedented levels of global success with films like Lucy, The Impossible, and Paddington.
A large multicentre study of almost 5000 patients found no benefit from ICSI in terms of fresh and cumulative live birth rate in non-male factor cases, challenging the global trend of ICSI adoption
Researchers have retrieved nuclear genome sequences from ancient Neandertal fossils, providing a unique glimpse into the early history of European Neandertals. The study reveals that these ancient individuals were more closely related to later Neandertals in Europe than to those in Siberia, shedding new light on human migration patterns.
Researchers have discovered rocks in Santorini cove similar to Martian basaltic material, with properties comparable to those of the Spirit and Curiosity rovers and Martian meteorites. The findings suggest that Santorini can serve as a low-cost resource for experiments and characterization of geological processes on Mars.
Pregnancy rates from IVF and ICSI in Europe have reached a peak, with success rates stabilizing after increasing for conventional IVF cycles. Frozen embryo cycles show the highest pregnancy rate at 30.5%, indicating an upward trend in outcomes.
A study by archaeologists at the University of Helsinki reveals that copper in ancient Finnish jewellery originated from southern Europe, particularly Greece and Bulgaria. The findings demonstrate extensive exchange networks between continental Europe and Finland across the Baltic Sea.
The B-GOOD project aims to create a EU-wide management and health data platform to assist sustainable beekeeping. The platform will utilize real-time data from six different monitoring tools to provide comprehensive analysis and advice for beekeepers.
Since 2008, chronic hepatitis B infections have increased steadily in Europe, with 58% of newly reported cases classified as chronic in 2017. Successful national vaccination programmes have contributed to a decline in acute cases, but incomplete data and varying surveillance systems hinder detailed epidemiological analysis.
Researchers analyzed ceramic vessels from Mont Lassois to determine ancient Celtic drinking habits. They found that the Celts consumed imported Mediterranean wines and local beers, contradicting the assumption that only elites drank foreign wine.
New research highlights the importance of diverse genetic data in understanding complex traits and diseases. By studying a large number of groups together, scientists have discovered dozens of discoveries that would not have been possible in single-population studies.
A recent study found that adequate protein intake is associated with a reduced risk of frailty and prefrailty in older women. Protein sources such as animal-based foods may also play a role in preventing frailty. The recommended daily protein intake for older adults is around 77g, equivalent to about 1.1-1.3g per kg body weight.
A new study debunks the myth that intensive breeding has made modern wheat cultivars weaker. Modern wheat varieties actually out-perform older ones in both optimal and sub-optimum growing conditions. This finding could have significant implications for raising productivity in organic cropping systems.
A new study shows climate change led to the decline of Amazon communities, with those who adapted to their environment being less affected. Researchers analyzed pollen and charcoal remains, sediments, and archaeological evidence to understand the impact of changing weather patterns on these ancient societies.
The Cyprus League Against Rheumatism has successfully implemented the first rheumatology nurse educational program in Cyprus, improving patient care and safety skills. A randomized controlled trial shows that nurse-led patient education can significantly improve essential safety skills in patients with inflammatory arthritis.
A pilot study presented at EULAR 2019 suggests that electro stimulation of the vagus nerve can reduce signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The study showed a significant reduction in disease activity and improved response criteria, with two-thirds of patients meeting good or moderate response criteria.
A study of 496,989 US patients found that those employed 6 months prior to dialysis initiation had lower mortality rates and higher transplant rates compared to unemployed individuals. The study highlights the importance of employment in improving quality of life and health outcomes for haemodialysis patients.
The Nephrology and Public Policy Committee (NPPC) has outlined a research plan to stimulate collaboration and grant applications in Europe. The plan focuses on addressing the global spread of kidney diseases, improving diagnostic tests, and enhancing patient care.
A large pan-European survey found significant gaps in rheumatoid arthritis care, with 'diagnosis within six weeks' being the most concerning standard of care. The study highlights the need for improved care in essential aspects of rheumatoid arthritis care.
A survey of over 900 RMD patients revealed that pain caused one in ten to have suicidal thoughts, highlighting the huge impact of pain on mental health. Poor sleep quality also had a negative influence on pain, with two thirds of patients rarely or never feeling fully rested.
A study at EULAR 2019 found that RA patients with IBD and type I diabetes have higher rates of venous thromboembolism, epilepsy, and heart attacks compared to controls. These findings suggest that these conditions may be novel comorbidities for patients with RA.
A study of 71 post-menopausal women found that those receiving zoledronate prior to denosumab had significantly lower risk of BMD loss. Younger age and higher bone turnover markers increased the risk of BMD loss after denosumab discontinuation.
Overweight four-year-olds have a doubled risk of high blood pressure by age six, with excess weight being the most common cause. Regular exercise and healthy diet can help prevent childhood obesity and its consequences, including cardiovascular disease.
The €2m High Performance Computing (HPC) project aims to optimise the sustainable exploitation of wind power. Annual energy production by wind turbines reached around 10.4 per cent in the EU, with Brazil experiencing over 10 per cent annual growth.
A study published in EULAR 2019 found that patients with osteoarthritis who undergo partial knee replacement have a 25-50% lower risk of venous thromboembolism, but an increased risk of revision compared to total knee replacement. The long-term benefits of partial knee replacement are offset by the higher risk of revision.
The topline Phase 3 results of ULTOMIRIS (ravulizumab) show efficacy and safety in treating aHUS. The therapy has shown promise in reducing inflammation and blood clotting, with the potential to treat patients with progressive organ damage.
Researchers found no vaccine infections or disease flares in children given live-attenuated booster vaccination while on immune suppressing therapies. The study supports the use of flu vaccine and other vaccinations in patients with rheumatic diseases.
A Phase IIa trial found that verinurad with febuxostat significantly reduced urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio by 39% and serum urate levels by 57% after 12 weeks. The effect was sustained through week 24.
Research highlights the impact of obesity on disease severity and impact in patients with psoriatic arthritis, emphasizing the need for weight loss interventions alongside symptomatic treatment. The study also explores the relationship between adipokines and predicting rheumatoid arthritis onset in overweight subjects.
A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that approximately two-thirds of patients achieving disease control on tocilizumab experience successful treatment outcomes following glucocorticoid tapering. Most patients in both groups achieved treatment success, with a small loss of disease control observed at the total study population le...
Satellites equipped with the new technology can deorbit and reenter the Earth's atmosphere, preventing space debris proliferation. Researchers have developed a prototype of the deorbit kit using low work-function tethers, which transforms orbital energy into electrical energy without fuel.
A recent European survey found that gout is being diagnosed late, poorly controlled, and not regularly monitored. Eight out of ten patients are satisfied with their current treatment, indicating low expectations. The study highlights significant gaps in the management of gout, emphasizing the need for improved education and care.
A new study reveals that occupational exposure to inorganic dust increases the risk of gout in women by 27%. The study also confirms known risk factors for gout, such as alcoholism and obesity. Gout is a disabling disease caused by uric acid deposits in joints, leading to inflammation and flares.
Researchers developed a new approach to improve matches between DNA samples and face databases by reversing the process from DNA to face. The method uses software to measure faces and check for compatibility with unique DNA patterns, allowing for more accurate identifications.
A study published in Addiction found that children whose parents have less restrictive attitudes towards drinking are more likely to start drinking and drink frequently. The review of 29 articles covering over 16,500 children and 15,000 parents in the US and Europe showed a mismatch between perceived parental attitude and actual behavior.
Researchers studied hawks' flight trajectories against an erratically-manoeuvring target, discovering a mixed guidance law that reduces the risk of overshoot. This finding has implications for designing drones capable of safely pursuing and capturing rogue drones in urban airspace.
A study published at the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition's annual meeting found a significant correlation between advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in junk food and food allergy in children. Researchers observed higher levels of AGEs in children with food allergies compared to those with ...
A new blood test shows promise in replacing liver biopsies for children with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a condition affecting one in 10 children. The test detects different types of fats in the blood, indicating inflammation and scarring.
A study published at the 52nd Annual Meeting of ESPGHAN found that high fiber intake during pregnancy is linked to a decreased risk of childhood coeliac disease. The study, which assessed over 88,000 children, showed that mothers with higher fiber intake had lower rates of coeliac disease in their offspring.
The study estimates that 7.6 million people over 65 in the EU had atrial fibrillation in 2016, with this number expected to increase to 14.4 million by 2060. Atrial fibrillation patients over 80 are at a greater risk of stroke, making prevention and detection crucial.
Research by an international team including the University of Saskatchewan has found toxic metals in European eels' ovaries, potentially jeopardizing their reproductive success. The metals, including mercury and copper, are concentrated in the eels' bodies during their journey to spawning grounds.
A study by the University of Kent found that people in Germany became more positive towards the EU after a terrorist attack, despite no change in attitudes towards immigration or refugees. The researchers suggest further research is needed to understand the role of media and politicians' reactions on public responses.
Archaeologists discovered unusual ring-shaped objects made from barley and wheat dough in a Late Bronze Age hillfort site. The finds suggest that these cereal rings were not intended for eating and may have been created for ritual purposes, expanding our understanding of ancient food diversity.
A new study has found that exposure to diesel pollutants can cause subtle changes in the lungs, making people more prone to developing chronic lung disease. The research, published in the European Respiratory Journal, found that breathing in black carbon from polluted air was associated with an increased volume of peripheral blood vess...
The Persian walnut is the result of a 3.45 million-year-old hybridization between two long-extinct species. Using whole-genome sequencing, researchers found evidence of this ancient hybridization and provided insight into the evolution of walnuts.
Research shows that heart attack patients with prolonged depression or anxiety are at a higher risk of death. Patients who experienced chronic emotional distress were more likely to die from cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular causes during follow-up.
Experts from 10 European Countries and 16 Research Institutions aim to drill for and recover ice from up to 1.5 Million years ago in Antarctica to study greenhouse gases during the Middle Pleistocene Transition. The project, led by Carlo Barbante, will take 6 years and cost around €11 million.
A €17 million fund has backed 170 innovative projects aiming to revolutionize medical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and manufacturing processes. Breakthrough concepts include single-photon visible light image sensors, spectroscopy-based cancer detection, and smart devices for climate change mitigation.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that lithium-ion battery electrode failure is caused by the heterogeneity of individual particles, leading to inefficiencies in charging. The team used a synchrotron X-ray method to produce results and identified problems with batteries today, including uneven charging rates.
Research led by the University of Saskatchewan found a significant increase in extreme downpours globally over the past 50 years, coinciding with intensifying global warming. The study used thousands of rain records to analyze precipitation extremes, revealing a clear upward trend in torrential rain events across various regions.
A recent study by USC researchers found that Native Hawaiians have a 60% increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared to European Americans. The study also revealed that Japanese Americans and African Americans are at a higher risk than previously thought, with increases of 33% and 20%, respectively.
The new system uses a database of clinical information to pinpoint DNA changes that cause illness, predicting consequences and ruling out harmless variations. This improves diagnosis for disorders caused by multiple genes, such as severe intellectual disabilities in children.
A study analyzing 800 photos from the 2015 Syrian refugee crisis found that most depicted migrants as victims, with only 186 showing agency or positive moments. The research highlights the responsibility of photojournalists to convey a more comprehensive story, one that goes beyond shocking images.
A study by the European GEMM Project found worrying levels of discrimination against young people with immigrant parents in five European countries. The research analyzed data from over 19,000 companies and compared responses to candidates with identical CVs but different parental backgrounds.
A study of 326 patients with acute myocardial infarction found that a perceived inability to act and inaccurate symptom appraisal were common factors contributing to delayed care-seeking. These patients often reported feelings of paralysis, fear, or anxiety, which can be addressed through education and awareness campaigns.
A global study has discovered that concentrations of antibiotics in some world rivers exceed 'safe' levels by up to 300 times. The research team detected antibiotic contamination at 65% of sites monitored across six continents, with the most prevalent being trimethoprim and ciproflaxacin.
A study found that biomarkers like midregional proadrenomedullin and bio-adrenomedullin can predict mortality risk in acute heart failure patients. Patients with these biomarker levels above the median had significantly lower survival if not receiving diuretics at discharge.
Scientists agree on the need to address wolf-dog hybridization but are divided on its management, threatening Europe's wolves. The study highlights the importance of educating people about the impact of free-roaming dogs and removing hybrids from small wild populations.
Researchers used chemical composition of stars to determine Gaia Sausage's age, estimating it formed around 12.5 billion years ago. The study suggests a collision with the Milky Way disrupted star formation in our galaxy.
A University of Kansas doctoral student investigates the social, economic, and cultural dynamics between American and European expatriates and Costa Rican locals. Her research aims to understand how wealthy migrants use their power to influence local communities and gain political advantage.
A study critically examines the European Parliament's perception as a champion of gender equality, revealing institutional culture characterized by gender stereotypes and different expectations towards male and female MEPs. The findings highlight shortcomings in maternity/paternity leave rights and the challenges faced by women in bala...