Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A team of scientists has detected a faint glow in the Lyman-alpha line across the entire sky, revealing extensive masses of gas around primitive galaxies. This discovery connects previously detected gas feeding galaxies with newly observed Lyman-alpha emission, providing new insights into the universe's infancy.
The European XFEL has obtained the first scientific results from its operation, revealing the structure of an antibiotic-disabling enzyme. The international collaboration used X-ray flashes to obtain flash X-ray exposures of tiny crystals, allowing them to build up the full three-dimensional structure of the biomolecule.
A new study found that younger age at diagnosis, higher body mass index, and a maternal family history of diabetes are associated with faster disease progression in type 2 diabetes. The research used data from the UK BioBank to identify these factors and their impact on disease progression.
The European XFEL has successfully obtained the first scientific results from its X-ray laser, revealing a previously unknown structure of an enzyme responsible for antibiotics resistance. The team achieved this at an unprecedented speed of 220 nanoseconds, outpacing previous X-ray lasers by more than an order of magnitude.
A study by University of Barcelona researchers finds that global warming will increase burned areas due to fires in Mediterranean Europe, with a 40% rise at 1.5°C warming and 100% at 3°C. This calls for rethinking current management strategies and developing climate-fire models to prevent and reduce fire impact.
A new study reveals that cardiac implants in the US are significantly more expensive than those in European countries, with prices ranging from $340 to $4,200 for a single device. The research suggests that health system-level factors contribute to these price differences and may influence hospital incentives to contain costs.
A new study suggests that EU countries are unprepared to rapidly move future Alzheimer's treatment into clinical use due to shortages of medical specialists and infusion capacity. The study estimates that up to 1 million people may be left without access to transformative care if a breakthrough occurs.
A study of 2.5 million babies in 19 European countries found that around one-third of stillbirths occur before 28 weeks of pregnancy but are not officially recognized, with significant gaps in knowledge of the burden of stillbirth. Improvements in reporting and policy can help acknowledge the loss of these parents' children.
Professor Daniel Bellingradt is researching Amsterdam's significance in the European paper industry during the 17th and 18th centuries. He investigates how communication relied on paper goods, trade networks, and recycling practices.
Researchers found WWII bombing raids produced shockwaves strong enough to weaken the ionosphere above the UK, 1000km away. The blasts released energy equivalent to 300 lightning strikes, affecting modern technologies like radio communications and GPS systems.
A survey of over 2,500 respondents found low awareness of urological conditions, particularly among men. Men are less knowledgeable about urological symptoms than women, and many do not take early signs seriously, leading to delayed diagnosis and potentially life-threatening consequences.
Playing golf regularly is associated with increased longevity and reduced risk of heart disease, as well as improved mental health for those with disabilities. To maximize these benefits, golfers should aim to play for 150 minutes a week and prioritize sun protection and injury prevention.
Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne disease in Europe caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. A recent study found that infection can occur within 24 hours of an adult tick bite and as soon as 12 hours for nymph bites, highlighting the importance of prompt removal of infected ticks.
The European Academy of Cancer Sciences (EACS) has issued a position paper to improve cancer research and care in Europe. The paper emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts between researchers, healthcare systems, and policymakers to decrease cancer incidence and increase cure rates.
A new SLAS Technology special issue showcases life sciences researchers who are using IoT technologies to optimize laboratory systems. The articles explore various applications of IoT in laboratories, including end-to-end sample tracking, automation, and instrument design.
A new MIT study finds that 10 major European auto manufacturers produced diesel cars emitting up to 16 times more NOx on the road than in lab tests, resulting in approximately 2,700 premature deaths per year across Europe. Improving emissions control technologies could prevent up to 1,900 premature deaths annually.
A global analysis reveals that most countries, including the US and UK, are falling short of reducing premature deaths from chronic diseases. The study suggests that a faster decline in deaths would require investments in policies such as treatment of hypertension and controlling tobacco and alcohol use.
A color-coded map reveals diverse age distributions across Europe, with some countries having high concentrations of elderly people and others with young populations. The map highlights factors influencing demographic changes, including immigration and urbanization.
The POPULAR study confirms a significant association between neuromuscular blocking agents and respiratory complications after surgery. Established techniques to avoid residual paralysis did not lower the patients' risk of pulmonary complications.
A study published in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal found that repeat vaccinations are safe for most children with mild to moderate reactions after their initial immunization. Sixteen percent of patients experienced recurrent adverse events following immunization, but most were no more severe than the initial reaction.
A new study has found that people with asthma are more likely to become obese, especially if their asthma begins in adulthood or if they have non-allergic asthma. The research, which followed over 8,600 participants for two decades, suggests the relationship between asthma and obesity is more complex than previously thought.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that the British mainland was formed from the collision of three ancient continental land masses: Avalonia, Laurentia, and Armorica. This finding explains the abundance of tin and tungsten in South West England, which is also found in Brittany and other areas of mainland Europe.
The European Renewable Energy Directive may lead to vast new cutting of the world's forests as a result of additional wood needed just to supply 5 percent of Europe's energy. This is expected to increase greenhouse gas emissions by 10 to 15 percent in Europe's energy use by 2050.
A study found that only 49.5% of clinical trials in Europe reported results as required by EU regulations, with commercial sponsors being more likely to comply than non-commercial ones. The researchers also discovered inconsistencies in the EU Clinical Trials Register and developed a website to track compliance.
A large study of 5.4 million adults found that high blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of developing aortic stenosis and regurgitation. The findings suggest that controlling blood pressure may be a way to prevent these conditions.
A recent study published in Nature Energy found that people in wealthy countries are less concerned about the reliability and affordability of their energy supplies. The research, which analyzed data from over 44,000 people across Europe, highlights the importance of including economic and social factors in energy security policy.
A new study from Binghamton University found that benevolent leadership styles have a positive impact on employee performance, while authoritarian leadership has negative effects. The researchers discovered that showing compassion to employees motivates them to be better workers and increases job satisfaction.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo developed a computational tool that can learn from headcam footage to predict where the user's focus will next be targeted. This approach combines visual saliency with gaze prediction, achieving better results than existing methods.
The project aims to develop tools to learn experientially about the harmful effects of transmitted collective traumas and their impact on hatreds and vengeance. Local events will be organized to test experiential learning tools, bringing together students, teachers, and community members.
Fifty ERC grant holders have been awarded Proof of Concept Grants to explore the commercial potential of their frontier research results. The grants aim to transform top science into practical innovations that can benefit society.
A new lab-on-a-chip device developed by KU Leuven researchers can detect infections and viruses in blood with high accuracy, making it ideal for diagnosing people in developing countries. The device is simple, cheap to produce, and can be activated with a finger touch, allowing anyone to use it.
A large-scale analysis of mobile app data found that users in English-speaking countries have higher app usage due to widespread English language versions and dedicated apps. Socio-economic factors such as occupation, education, and savings also play a significant role in determining app usage.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found energy savings of up to 20% in a block of flats with individual metering and charging of heating and hot water. The payback period on investment was about 10 years, making this system manageable.
A group of scientists from the Niels Bohr Institute aim to improve gravitational wave detectors by incorporating a 'filter' made of cesium atoms, which can neutralize Quantum Back Action and increase accuracy. The development is expected to show proof of concept within three years.
The European Union and European Economic Area experience stable rates of gonorrhea resistance to antibiotics, with azithromycin remaining a concern. The use of dual therapy regimens may contribute to increased susceptibility.
KU Leuven scientists found long-lived macrophages in mice intestines that can survive for at least eight months, vital for nerve cell survival. These macrophages play a critical role in maintaining intestinal health, and their dysfunction leads to digestive problems.
This CVIA special issue brings together valuable new insights into research in cath lab procedures. Papers cover topics such as intravascular ultrasound-guided percutaneous coronary intervention, cardiac catheterization after cardiac arrest, and the current state of transradial access.
A new study reveals China's air quality is worse than the US, Europe, Japan, and South Korea in terms of surface ozone levels. The country experiences more high ozone days than any other nation, posing a significant threat to human health and crops.
A recent study suggests that climate change contributed to the decline and eventual extinction of the Neanderthals. The researchers found that prolonged extreme cold periods coincide with a near complete absence of archaeological artefacts from the Neanderthals. This indicates that climate change played a significant role in their demise.
Beaver dams raise water levels, releasing organic carbon to the atmosphere. Research indicates beavers can act as both carbon sinks and sources, with some ponds fixing up to 470,000 tons of carbon per year or releasing 820,000 tons annually.
Researchers found that Sicilian amber traveled to Western Europe as early as the 4th Millennium BC, at least 2,000 years before Baltic amber arrived in Iberia. This challenges previous suggestions of direct trade between Scandinavia and Iberia.
The European MACUSTAR consortium is conducting a multi-country clinical study on early AMD, focusing on intermediate-stage disease progression. Novel tests will be developed to assess earlier stages of the disease, improving diagnosis and treatment methods.
New archaeological evidence reveals extensive Mediterranean exchange networks for amber resources in Late Prehistory, with Sicilian amber arriving earlier than previously thought. The trade routes suggest Iberians engaged in significant exchange with the North and South, challenging previous hypotheses on amber origin.
Researchers analyzed data from over 5,700 pregnant women with heart disease and found that fewer deaths occurred during pregnancy compared to previous years. However, nearly one in ten women with pulmonary arterial hypertension died during pregnancy or early post-partum. Pre-pregnancy counseling is crucial to identify high-risk patients.
The PoshBee EU Horizon 2020 project aims to support healthy bee populations and sustainable beekeeping practices in Europe. The project will integrate knowledge from academics, beekeepers, and farmers to quantify the exposure hazard of chemicals on bees and determine their impact on health.
The European Commission has approved Kymriah, a personalized CAR T-cell gene immunotherapy, for treating pediatric and young adult patients with aggressive blood cancers. The therapy has shown strong and durable response rates, providing a new hope for young cancer patients in Europe.
Researchers found that cold climate cycles coincided with the absence of Neanderthal tools and the rise of modern humans in Europe. The limited diet of Neanderthals, which relied on terrestrial meat sources, may have contributed to their decline during stadials.
A study published in the European Heart Journal reveals that microvascular dysfunction is a prevalent underlying disease mechanism in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. The research highlights the importance of identifying patients at risk and developing targeted therapies to improve outcomes.
The guidelines recommend starting most patients on two blood pressure lowering drugs as a single tablet to improve control rates and reduce strokes, heart disease, and early deaths. A healthy lifestyle is also recommended for all patients, regardless of blood pressure level.
The new guidelines recommend open heart surgery for patients with complex coronary artery disease, as it provides better long-term survival and outcomes compared to stent placement. In contrast, patients with simpler disease can benefit from both surgical bypass and PCI, with complete revascularization being the preferred option.
A recent EU research project ALEC found that all age groups have declined in starting to smoke except for 11-15 year olds, who increased significantly over the last decade. Young women in Western Europe are particularly at risk, with 40 per 1000 starting to smoke annually.
A study by the University of Liverpool identified 31 ecosystem services provided by marine biodiversity, including seafood, raw materials, and natural flood defences. The research highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity to maintain these essential services.
A new global research network on climate change denial has been established by Chalmers University of Technology. The network will examine the links between conservatism, xenophobia and climate change denial, with a focus on right-wing nationalism in Europe.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that European 'new smoker' rates among younger teens have increased in recent years, while older teens' rates declined from the 1970s to the 2000s. The study suggests that tobacco control measures are necessary to address this trend.
A new EU-wide study found that more than half of severe listeriosis cases belong to clusters, which are often not detected quickly enough by current surveillance systems. The use of whole genome sequencing could lead to faster detection of multi-country outbreaks, saving up to 5 months of investigations.
Researchers discovered that only small clusters of four silver atoms in a tetrahedral shape surrounded by water molecules emit light. This is due to the movement of two free electrons, which decay from higher to lower energy levels and produce a specific shade of green light.
The Virtual Brain platform will be integrated into the Human Brain Project, enabling researchers to better understand the brain and develop personalized diagnostic and treatment options. This collaboration aims to accelerate adoption of TVB among European researchers and advance brain health throughout lifetimes.
Researchers at KU Leuven discovered a breach in Intel's modern security technology, Foreshadow, which can hack into enclaves and compromise personal data and cloud systems. The attack uses speculative execution to retrieve sensitive information, putting millions of processors and cloud platforms at risk.
Overall stroke death rates have declined in Europe, but some countries are experiencing a recent plateau or increase in mortality. The study found significant decreases in death rates from cerebrovascular disease in most European countries over the past 37 years, with age-standardised mortality rates being higher in men than women.
A study by the Technical University of Munich found that European trees' wood density has decreased continuously since 1870, despite increased growth. The decrease in wood density is attributed to factors such as rising temperatures and nitrogen input from agriculture and industry, affecting forest ecosystems.