Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A 3-year research project in Germany and the Netherlands reveals that migrant care workers are increasingly employed by families to provide round-the-clock care. Despite low wages and long work hours, many family members value their chemistry with immigrant caregivers.
A global team predicts that by 2050, 49% of the world's population will live in areas where Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are established. Climate change and human migration patterns drive the spread of these disease-carrying insects.
A large observational study found that patients with STEMI who were directly admitted to primary PCI centres had significantly better long-term survival than those transferred from other hospitals. The time gap between diagnosis and treatment was also shorter, contributing to the improved outcomes.
A study found that women are less likely to be treated promptly for heart attack symptoms compared to men. Women's delays in seeking medical attention contribute to worse outcomes and increased mortality rates.
A study of 2,564 patients who had a heart attack found that those traveling had a lower risk of long-term all-cause death if treated promptly. Patients traveling were younger and had a higher prevalence of STEMI, a serious type of heart attack.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found a significant positive association between populist party votes and vaccine mistrust levels across Europe. The analysis suggests that scientific populism may be driven by distrust of elites and experts, contributing to rising vaccine hesitancy.
A team of researchers from Infinera achieved a record efficiency for data transfer in the MAREA transatlantic fiber optic cable, nearly doubling its capacity to 26.2 terabits per second. The method uses 16QAM modulation and extends record-setting capacity across longer distances without requiring new cables.
The Goethe University co-ordinates a mega-project on cybersecurity and data protection, with a total grant of €16 million. The project aims to establish international standards in cybersecurity and boost the effectiveness of Europe's security capacities.
The University of Oxford and Harrington Discovery Institute have established a global center for rare diseases, combining capabilities to deliver new treatments. The centre aims to address unmet need in rare disease research and will leverage resources to support cutting-edge breakthroughs.
Resistance to azithromycin and ceftriaxone remains a significant threat, with only limited alternatives left for successful treatment. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control monitors the effectiveness of recommended antibiotics through its surveillance programme.
The European Union's antimicrobial resistance report reveals that antimicrobials used to treat diseases transmitted between animals and humans are becoming less effective. Antimicrobial resistance has increased in Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria, making it difficult to treat severe cases.
A large-scale research initiative called Battery 2030+ aims to invent the batteries of the future, providing European industry with cutting-edge technologies. The project will focus on establishing an acceleration platform for discovering new battery materials using machine learning and artificial intelligence.
A new analysis shows that men are affected by kidney failure much more often than women, with a 2.7 times higher incidence in older patients. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing blood pressure through exercise and losing weight, may help prevent kidney function decline.
Researchers from KU Leuven and SciSports analyzed nearly 7,000 matches to see how players perform under mental pressure. They found that players like Cristiano Ronaldo are immune to pressure, while others like Neymar crumble under it.
A recent study found that around 15% of people in the UK would object to having immigrants as neighbors, similar to other rich EU countries. The analysis also showed that tackling one form of prejudice improves tolerance towards all groups.
A €2.5M research project aims to enable European university researchers to translate their research outcomes into market-ready products and services. The OpenInnoTrain project connects European and Australian research centers through scientific exchanges, workshops, and hackathons.
A new study published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research found that high health literacy can be a resource in old age, leading to better physical functioning, fewer illnesses, and improved health ratings. The study also highlighted the importance of evaluating media health information's reliability.
Birds have on average advanced their spring migration by a little over a week since the late 1950s, with some species arriving two weeks earlier than in the 1980s.
A new analysis published in The Lancet finds that all forms of Brexit will negatively impact the NHS, but a No-Deal Brexit presents the worst scenario. The Withdrawal Agreement offers a more positive scenario compared to a No-Deal Brexit, but concerns remain about its negative impact on the NHS beyond the transition period.
A study by KU Leuven reveals that red giants lose less mass than previously thought, as their stellar winds are affected by an overlooked partner star. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption of high mass loss rates for these stars.
Phoenicians sourced silver from Anatolia, Sardinia, and Iberian Peninsula regions between the 10th-9th centuries BCE. The silver production process and its lead impurities provided insight into their expansion into Europe and Asia.
The RESTORE Health initiative aims to develop advanced therapies for curative treatments, backed by an international and interdisciplinary community. The consortium plans to invest up to €1 billion in new research projects over the long term.
A collection of articles from leading researchers worldwide provides an unprecedented view of the global quantum technology landscape. The articles discuss the history of supporting research in quantum technology, the timing of heavy investment, and future outlooks for each region.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed an innovative nanocoating technology that can degrade microplastics using visible light, reducing energy consumption and byproducts. The technology showed a 30% increase in degradation of low-density polyethylene microplastic residues.
Researchers found that Natura 2000 in Germany effectively protects all listed habitat types, but large-area and common ones are significantly underrepresented. This imbalance can be addressed by setting specific area targets for each habitat type.
Researchers from Graphene Flagship partner DTU developed a graphene 'sandwich' by encasing graphene with insulating hexagonal boron nitride, allowing them to achieve higher electrical currents and control the material's properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of nano-electronics with small dimensions.
A multinational collaboration study on familial primary distal renal tubular acidosis found that patients with adequate treatment had better growth and kidney function compared to those with inadequate treatment. The study, which included data from 340 patients across 29 countries, also highlighted the importance of controlling acid-ba...
EHRA 2019 will feature a record number of late-breaking trials and scientific abstracts showcasing cutting-edge science on cardiac rhythm disorders. Original research will also be presented, including the development of a wearable ECG device.
Research reveals that power plants in India take the highest toll on human health due to particulate matter and sulfur dioxide emissions. The study also highlights the need for upgrading or shutting down outdated coal power plants to mitigate global warming and air pollution.
A study of over 970 participants found that perceiving personal goals as attainable is crucial for later cognitive and affective well-being. Life goals also hold predictive power for specific domains, such as social relationships and health.
New research from the European Society of Cardiology shows that physiological health, as measured by exercise stress testing performance, is a better predictor of survival than chronological age. This finding suggests that individuals who are physically fit may live longer than those who are not.
A recent study published in Political Psychology suggests that Euroscepticism is driven by more than just fear of immigration. Researchers found that opposition to supranationalism, or the transfer of power from national to international institutions, plays a significant role in shaping voters' attitudes towards Brexit and EU involvement.
A new EU Pilot Project will monitor butterfly population trends across Europe to assess the health of the environment and inform EU biodiversity and agricultural policies. The project, ABLE, aims to build on existing data from thousands of volunteers in 11 EU countries and expand monitoring to cover at least eight additional countries.
Researchers identified nearly 2000 novel bacterial species in the human gut using computational methods, revealing significant geographical diversity and underscoring the importance of collecting data from underrepresented populations to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the human microbiome.
The Noble False Widow, a large and venomous spider, has spread rapidly across Europe, California, South America, and Central Europe. Its populations are now expanding northwards in England, posing a threat to native faunas.
A study published in Nature Communications found that the 2008 recession was associated with a greater decline in mortality rates in Europe. The researchers analyzed data from 15 European countries and found that periods of economic recession were linked to lower levels of pollution, fewer accidents, and sedentary lifestyles.
The European Society of Cardiology's Acute Cardiovascular Care Congress explores the best ways to save lives from heart attacks and cardiac arrests. Gender differences and stress management are also key topics discussed by leading specialists.
Acne relapses are associated with impaired quality of life and significant productivity loss, affecting millions of people worldwide. In Metropolitan France, acne relapses result in 350,000 lost days per year.
A comprehensive exposome approach by Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) reveals early life exposure to parabens, phthalates, and PFAS associated with reduced lung function in children. The study highlights the importance of preventing exposure to chemical substances through regulation and labelling of consumer products.
A new European Fans in Training (EuroFIT) program has shown promise in increasing physical activity among male football fans in Europe. The 12-week group-based program resulted in improved physical activity and reduced sedentary time, with participants also experiencing improvements in diet, body weight, and well-being.
A large-scale study has identified 28 novel genomic regions linked to type 2 diabetes in the Japanese population, including variants not found in European populations. The findings may lead to targeted therapeutic measures for preventing or treating diabetes in this ethnic group.
A recent genetic study published in Nature Communications analyzed genome-wide data from 45 individuals in the North Caucasus region, revealing a complex interaction between populations from the Eurasian steppe and the Caucasus Mountains during the Bronze Age. The study shows that despite harsh mountain terrain, groups living throughou...
The EU project BBMRI-LPC identified divergent access governance structures, complex legal and ethical frameworks, as obstacles for sample and data transfer in Europe. Practical solutions for streamlined access governance are urgently needed to optimize the scientific value of these research resources.
A study has discovered and isolated more than 100 completely new species of bacteria from healthy people's intestines, creating the most comprehensive collection of human intestinal bacteria to date. This will help researchers worldwide to investigate how our microbiome keeps us healthy and its role in disease.
Researchers will have access to a virtual cohort of 1.4 million individuals through the Common Infrastructure for National Cohorts in Europe, Canada and Africa (CINECA). The project aims to accelerate disease research and improve treatment effectiveness by analyzing genetic, physical and lifestyle data.
A new international study reveals that cooling waters west of Europe primarily drive the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, a deep-ocean process crucial for regulating Earth's climate. This finding challenges previous assumptions and highlights the importance of monitoring this circulation to predict future climate changes.
Researchers found that modern humans replaced Neanderthals in southern Spain between 45,000 and 43,000 years ago, pushing back the previously known date by 5,000 years. The discovery suggests a more complex coexistence between both groups for millennia.
Researchers have discovered global connections in extreme rainfall events, which could lead to better forecasts and more accurate climate models. By analyzing satellite data, the team found that extreme rainfall events are connected across the world through atmospheric patterns.
Researchers used advanced brain scans to map the visual cortex in Old World monkeys, finding complex topographic organisation unlike previously thought. This improved understanding will enable more precise navigation of the brain and potentially reveal human visual cortex organization.
Researchers discovered that the European flounder, once abundant in the Gulf of Finland, has almost completely disappeared due to worsening environmental conditions. The decline mirrors the loss of this species from local assemblages, highlighting the need for proper management and monitoring.
The InPulse pilot line project enables new-entrant companies direct access to state-of-the-art manufacturing of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) based on indium phosphide. This will accelerate product development and enable start-ups to enter the market.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have confirmed cases of RHDV2 in UK hares, contributing to a decline of over 80% in brown hare populations due to agricultural changes. The expanding dataset will help map reported mortalities over time and identify primary causes of the die-off.
Funding for neglected diseases reached a record high of $3.5 billion in 2017, driven mainly by increased investments from the UK, European Commission, Germany, and India. Despite progress, overall funding falls short of global targets, with many countries struggling to meet even 50% of the recommended 0.01% of GDP allocation.
Researchers studied graphene and related materials' physicochemical characteristics and biological effects, finding varying properties lead to differing toxicity. The study provides a solid guide for safe use of these materials, essential for widespread utilization.
A cross-European analysis of public attitudes towards robots reveals growing skepticism, particularly in areas like surgeries and autonomous cars. Men tend to view robots positively, while women are more skeptical, with blue-collar workers and older populations showing more positive views.
Virginia Gewin, Katherine Kornei, and Martha Henriques have been awarded the EGU Science Journalism Fellowship to report on peatland restoration efforts in Scotland and the dynamic landscape of Taroko National Park in Taiwan. They will also explore abandoned uranium mines in several European countries.
A study by Mariano Torcal found that Spanish citizens' trust in EU institutions is influenced by their distrust of national institutions, economic situation, and perception of corruption. The study suggests a dynamic relationship between national policy and trust in EU institutions.
A new study of Bajondillo Cave in southern Spain found that modern humans replaced Neanderthals approximately 44,000 years ago, challenging the traditional timing of this event. The research suggests that coastal corridors played a key role in the early dispersal of Homo sapiens into Europe.
A new study reveals that many European freshwater fish species, especially those in the Mediterranean region, are threatened by climate change. The research identifies regions and species particularly susceptible to rising water temperatures and changing habitats.
A European collaborative project SCREENED aims to develop new 3D in vitro tests to predict the effects of endocrine disruptors (EDs) on thyroid function. The tests will mimic the structure and function of the native thyroid gland, allowing for selective identification of male and female responses to ED exposure.