Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
The Event Horizon Telescope project has captured the first-ever image of a black hole, located at the heart of galaxy Messier 87. The image reveals a ring-like structure with a dark central region, confirming our understanding of general relativity.
Researchers at CNIC have discovered that the protein p38gamma plays an essential role in initiating cell division in liver cells, making it a promising therapeutic target for liver cancer. The study found that inhibiting p38gamma slows down the development of liver cancer in mice, suggesting potential treatment options.
The Phase 3 REGENERATE study confirms obeticholic acid's effectiveness in treating NASH with liver fibrosis, improving fibrosis in almost one-quarter of recipients. The treatment also shows significant improvements in other histological markers of NASH, including lobular inflammation and hepatocellular ballooning.
A study projects significant glacier loss in the Alps due to climate change. By 2050, about 50% of glacier volume is expected to disappear, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the region's ecosystem and economy. The fate of glaciers will depend on future warming scenarios.
Climate researchers are searching for ice in the Antarctic that's at least 1.5 million years old to gather data on carbon dioxide and methane, and their connections to the climate's development. The BE-OI project has selected Little Dome C as the ideal site, which will be drilled into starting in mid November 2021.
The TAPIR-CM project seeks to strengthen SDN and NFV-augmented networking for agility and flexibility. Researchers aim to apply machine learning/ai to forecast data traffic behavior, improving network performance. A working prototype is expected by the end of the 4-year project.
Researchers hope to uncover the cause of a dramatic change in ice ages and warm periods by analyzing greenhouse gases in ancient ice cores. The EU-backed project aims to drill into the oldest ice on Earth, expected to be at least 1.5 million years old, to gather valuable information about climate history.
A study of 29 waterways in 10 countries revealed more than 100 pesticides, including 24 unlicensed for EU use. The highest levels were found in a Belgian canal with 70 pesticides, contaminating every screened river and canal.
A study by Sara Vinyals found that cultural attractions and gastronomy are critical elements in competing urban destinations. The analysis of official websites from twelve European cities revealed a significant presence of strategies focused on leisure and culture.
The research attributes the human-elephant relationship during the Pleistocene epoch to their mutual ecology and shared living environments. Both species likely hailed from ancestors that came to Europe from Africa and adapted to living conditions in Ice Age Europe, highlighting their genetic similarities.
Research published by the European Society of Cardiology found that victims of heart attack and stroke who return to work are 25% less productive in their first year back. The study estimated direct medical costs of acute coronary syndrome as €1,547-€18,642 and stroke costs as €5,575-€31,274.
A new art and science collaboration at CRG in Barcelona will create awareness of life sciences research through genome-inspired knitted fashion pieces. The project aims to make genetics and genomics more approachable to the public by incorporating tactile, visual, and experiential elements.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports a 10% decrease in newly diagnosed hepatitis C cases between 2016 and 2017, with over 31,000 cases reported in 2017. However, diagnoses remain high due to under-reporting and variation in national testing practices.
Access to broadband internet increases fertility rates among higher-educated women by 8.7% compared to 7.2%, with improved work-life balance due to teleworking and part-time working. This effect is less pronounced for lesser-educated women, highlighting a digital divide.
Researchers at ICFO have developed an infrared detector using Bismuth Sulphide flakes with sulphur vacancies, creating extended in-gap states for sub-bandgap absorption. The resulting device has high gain, low noise, and sensitivity, enabling fast response times and broad spectral coverage.
Researchers applied two competing stock market return models, Heston and multiplicative, to US historical data. The Heston model excels in predicting long-time accumulations of stock returns, while the multiplicative model is better suited for short-term predictions.
A CABI-led international team has compiled recommendations to improve impact assessment protocols for invasive pests, aiming to enhance global food security. The study analyzed 2614 assessments of 57 non-native species and identified factors increasing protocol robustness.
In 18th-century Russia, a Spanish diplomat's initiative to establish an informal men's club called the 'Order of the Anti-Sober' aimed to foster socialization and political discussion among elites. The club's rules promoted camaraderie, excluding prejudices and encouraging close relations among members.
The study highlights the severe declines of tiger gecko species in Vietnam due to overcollection for the international exotic pet market. The researchers recommend including all tiger geckos in CITES Appendix II, assessing each species for the IUCN Red List, and establishing coordinated ex-situ breeding programmes.
A study of 10 European health systems found that multimorbidity among older adults increased from 38.2% to 41.5% between 2006 and 2015. Germany saw the largest increase, while Denmark and Italy experienced declines in multimorbidity.
A study from the European Society of Cardiology reveals that nighttime trips to the bathroom may be a sign of high blood pressure or excess fluid in the body. The researchers suggest that individuals experiencing nocturia should consult their doctor about their blood pressure and salt intake to address potential hypertension.
Polygenic scores developed using European data are more accurate for people of European ancestry than those of African or East Asian ancestry. Researchers recommend increasing minority population representation and making data accessible to improve healthcare outcomes.
The European Society of Cardiology calls for reimbursement of digital health technologies to manage chronic diseases. Home-based care models, such as smartphone apps connected to medical devices, are more effective than traditional hospital visits in reducing blood pressure and improving patient outcomes.
The European Research Council has invested EUR 540 million in grants for 222 top researchers across Europe. Their projects could lead to breakthroughs in renewable energy, biological clocks, and social justice, among other areas.
Astronomers have observed the disintegration of asteroid 6478 Gault using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and other observatories. The asteroid's rapid spinning has caused it to shed material, resulting in two narrow tails of dusty debris streaming from its surface.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a $2.2 million software donation from Petroleum Experts to enhance its geological research capabilities. The software, MOVE, will aid students and researchers in visualizing subsurface rock deposits and identifying underground fluids.
The EU-STANDS4PM forum aims to develop standardized transnational frameworks for data integration and in silico modeling in personalized medicine. This will facilitate the use of life science data in clinical research and accelerate growth of the European data-driven economy.
A new computer-based model developed by Johns Hopkins researchers accurately predicts which patients with a rare heart condition will benefit from an implanted defibrillator. The model identifies patients most likely to benefit from the device while preventing unnecessary surgery, potentially saving thousands of lives annually.
A new study found that people of southern-European and non-European descent are unlikely to have a suitable match if they need a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Alternative donor transplants are considered for these patients.
A study by LMU biologists reveals that the distinct division between Europe's carrion crows and hooded crows is largely driven by plumage color. The two forms have remained distinct despite fertile hybrid offspring, suggesting a selective advantage for mate choice based on feather color.
The EASI Genomics project provides free-of-charge access to cutting-edge European genomics facilities, supporting diverse genomics projects from study design to bioinformatic analysis. The first call for proposals focuses on sequencing of ancient DNA and microbiome analysis.
The TeamUp5G project aims to develop new solutions for 5G transmission, radio resource management, and spectrum optimization. It also focuses on the development of small cells and massive antennas to improve network capacity and energy efficiency.
Researchers have identified new pathways controlling inflammation in the gut and explored diet-based interventions to prevent C. difficile infections. Prebiotics may also help mitigate gastrointestinal toxicity from radiation treatment.
Francoise Mornex, a renowned French oncologist, has been awarded the prestigious Heine H. Hansen Award for her groundbreaking contributions to the treatment of lung cancer. Her research focuses on combined chemoradiation strategies, multimodality treatment, and innovative radiotherapy techniques.
A recent study found that at least one skin abnormality affects 64.5% of the adult population, with men being more frequently affected than women. The prevalence of skin diseases increases with age and is associated with significant economic burdens.
A case-control study found a strong link between daily cannabis use and psychosis, with high potency cannabis increasing the risk even more. The study estimated that one in five new cases of psychosis may be linked to daily cannabis use, highlighting potential public health implications for changes in cannabis legislation.
A study analyzing pre-installed Android software reveals the existence of a complex ecosystem of manufacturers, mobile operators, and app developers tracking user information without consent. Over 4,800 owner permissions allow apps to access user data without explicit consent, compromising user privacy.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports that 275,000 new TB diagnoses were made in 2017, with an estimated 77,000 cases being difficult to treat. New WHO recommendations aim to improve treatment for drug-resistant TB with safer and more effective drugs.
A new study by the European Society of Cardiology found that tilt training can significantly reduce the frequency of fainting episodes in patients with recurrent syncope. The program improved cardiovascular function and reduced worry, fear and frustration related to fainting.
A new study by the European Society of Cardiology found that a more precise placement of the left ventricular lead improves cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) outcomes. The trial compared two methods for positioning the lead and found an absolute increase in left ventricular ejection fraction of 4% with electrical guidance.
Guidelines issued by North American specialty societies recommend health services linked to their specialties, differing from European guidelines. This phenomenon, known as 'specialty bias,' may exacerbate healthcare costs and worsen patient outcomes.
A recent study found that remote monitoring of implanted defibrillators in heart failure patients significantly reduces the rate of hospitalization and death. The trial showed a lower rate of primary endpoint (39.5%) compared to standard care (48.5%), with reduced cardiovascular deaths and hospitalizations.
A novel electrocardiogram method uses signals from the ear and hand to detect atrial fibrillation and prevent strokes. The new technique paves the way for a single-lead ECG wearable device that could be used by drivers, athletes, and the military.
A commonly used heart drug, nifedipine, is associated with an increased risk of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest, particularly at high doses. The study analyzed data from large registries and found no risk association with amlodipine.
A large-scale study using a smartwatch app to detect atrial fibrillation found the detection rate was about 0.2% among over 400,000 participants. European experts discuss the implications of this technology, citing concerns about anxiety, legal issues, and readiness for implementation.
Researchers found that night shift workers reported a higher rate of overactive bladder and poorer quality of life compared to day shift workers. The study highlights the importance of addressing increased urinary frequency in nightshift workers, particularly those under 50 years old.
The discovery of subtypes of atrial fibrillation enables individualized treatment, improving patient care. Novel results shed light on mechanisms and define clinical types based on the main cause.
The study shows that Iberian male lineages were virtually replaced by newcomers from the Russian steppe between 4,500 and 4,000 years ago. The researchers found a significant influx of new people during the Copper Age, which left an indelible mark on the region's genetic makeup.
The study sheds light on the genetic legacy of European hunter-gatherers, showing a complex and diverse ancestry in southern Europe. The findings suggest that hunter-gatherer lineages survived in Iberia during the Last Glacial Maximum and later intermingled with Neolithic farmers.
Two studies analyzing ancient DNA from 300 individuals reveal two Paleolithic lineages in Iberia dating back to 19,000 years ago. The findings also show that hunter-gatherers contributed to the genetic make-up of farmers arriving from the Near East between 2500-2000 BC.
A large-scale ancient DNA study reveals that local Y chromosomes were almost completely replaced during the Bronze Age in the Iberian Peninsula. Genetic variation among hunter-gatherers and intermingling with people from North Africa and the Mediterranean provide new insights into the region's history.
Mariana Mazzucato receives the prize for her novel thinking on state role in public policy and innovation. Her work challenges conventional wisdom and shapes new narratives for Europe's economy.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that air pollution is responsible for an estimated 8.8 million extra deaths globally, with Europe accounting for nearly 800,000 excess deaths annually. In Europe, air pollution causes an estimated 790,000 extra deaths and between 40-80% are due to cardiovascular diseases.
The European Commission has awarded €1 million in funding to the LifeTime initiative, a six-year research project that will integrate single-cell methods, personalized organoids, and machine learning to understand human cells when diseases develop. The goal is to fundamentally improve patient care and set the basis for precision medicine.
A European project called SHIFT aims to engage the over-45s in discussions about sexual health, improving their understanding and access to services. The project links 11 organizations across Europe and is expected to reach 150,000 people and increase awareness by 50%.
The European Commission has approved a 5-year, 9.1 million euro program to enhance quantum science and technologies in the Upper Rhine region. The initiative aims to foster fundamental research and applications, including secure communication networks and new materials.
The Milky Way weighs approximately 1.5 trillion solar masses, with dark matter making up the majority of its mass. Globular star clusters were used to measure the galaxy's movement, providing a more accurate estimate of its mass.
A study presented at the 30th Annual Conference of the Saudi Heart Association found that waterpipe and cigarette smoking are associated with heart attacks at a younger age in Saudi Arabians. Smokers have more complications, bigger heart attacks, and poorer outcomes compared to non-smokers.
Scientists found that Europe's renewable-based electricity system will perform similarly in future climates due to its ability to withstand extreme weather events. The grid may require tweaks for efficient operation, but its overall functionality is expected to remain intact.
The MooDFOOD project found that daily intake of nutritional supplements cannot prevent depression. A healthy dietary pattern, typified by a Mediterranean style diet high in fruit and vegetables, may reduce the risk of developing depression.