Articles tagged with Europe
Researchers uncovered a continuous record of past anthropogenic lead pollution in the Balkans, dating back to the Bronze Age. The study suggests that the region played a key role in European mining and metallurgy, with lead pollution levels increasing steadily from the Iron Age to the 17th century
A new study has mapped over 3.4 million acres of Europe's last wild forests, revealing that primary forests are widely distributed throughout the continent. The study highlights the importance of preserving these remaining fragments of primary forest, which provide exceptional ecological values and habitat for biodiversity.
A team of scientists has developed a new analysis scheme to model dynamic cascading failures in power grids, taking into account the specific network dynamics between individual failures. This approach predicts potentially endangered lines and network components, enabling proactive risk assessments and system planning.
The prevalence of morbid obesity is expected to reach 11% in Wales, 8% in England, and 5% in Scotland by 2035. This trend is projected to have huge health and financial implications for healthcare systems and society.
Scientists have linked ocean currents to the spread of invasive jellyfish Mnemiopsis leidyi in European waters. The study, which collected over 12,000 data points, shows that these species can travel up to 2000 kilometers within three months.
A new study finds that chemsex disclosure is associated with higher rates of new HIV diagnoses, as well as Hepatitis C and other STIs. Researchers urge at-risk GBMSM to access pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and increase public awareness about the potential consequences of chemsex.
Chinese consumers mistrust domestic food supply chains, seeking safer imported EU products with clear country of origin labels. To capitalize on this demand, European producers can enhance product safety and authenticity through third-party certifications and tamperproof seals.
The latest WHO data shows that southern European countries have the highest rate of child obesity, with rates ranging from 5% to 9% in countries such as France and Norway. However, some countries like Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Greece have seen a decrease in childhood obesity rates due to significant efforts in management and prevention.
A nearly 130-million-year-old fossilized skull found in Utah is evidence that the super-continental split occurred more recently than previously thought. The study suggests that early mammal relatives migrated across several continents during the Early Cretaceous period, occupying various niches similar to modern mammals.
Experts call on UK health professionals to support a 'people's vote' to protect public health as Brexit poses significant threats to the NHS, including reduced funding and access issues.
Active case finding is recommended for hepatitis B and C, HIV, and tuberculosis in prison settings. The approach aims to diagnose infectious diseases early and interrupt transmission. Key findings include a high burden of communicable diseases among prisoners, leading to increased risk of transmission upon release.
A new Dietary Obesity Prevention Score (DOPS) is strongly associated with long-term risk of overweight or obesity. The score uses simple food-frequency questionnaires to assess dietary intake and is positively weighted towards vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
The chestnut gall wasp's parthenogenetic reproduction leads to genetically homogenous populations in Europe, posing significant economic and ecological threats. Researchers recommend prevention measures, such as quarantining nursery plants and monitoring new foliage for signs of infection.
A research team in China has established a Chinese Neogene chronostratigraphic sequence with accurate geological ages. The development of a uniform Neogene biostratigraphic framework for China will help to improve the division and correlation of Neogene strata.
Researchers studied species' characteristics to predict their relocation abilities, finding that some animals are unable to adapt to changing habitats. Climate change will impact 30 of the 62 mammal species in Europe, with many being at greater risk than previously thought.
The study identifies at least three major waves of human migration into Southeast Asia, shaping the genetics of the region to a remarkable extent. The research complements archaeological, historical and linguistic studies, illuminating another critical portion of the story of ancient population dynamics around the world.
A European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control study shows the clear public health benefit of whole genome sequencing in surveillance and control of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The study analyzed over 1,000 isolates from 20 countries, revealing a widespread distribution of drug-resistant strains across Europe.
A new study suggests that wind could be a more significant source of energy generation due to increased winds in the UK and northern Europe. The research predicts a 10% increase in onshore wind energy generation, enough to power an additional 700,000 homes per year.
A genomic approach has mapped antibiotic resistance in gonorrhoea throughout Europe, enabling accurate determination of resistance and identification of incorrect laboratory test results. The study established an open genomic database, supporting real-time surveillance of gonorrhoea worldwide.
The AVENUE project, led by the University of Geneva, aims to develop and test autonomous vehicle services in European cities. The project will focus on optimizing itineraries, in- and out-of-vehicle services, and addressing security concerns. Geneva is one of the pilot sites for the large-scale tests.
A study finds no correlation between atmospheric CO2 levels and forest expansion/decline, with nations' forest resources mirroring the UN Human Development Index. Forest growth is attributed to factors such as urbanization, market-oriented agriculture, and improved agricultural technologies.
A new study finds that lead pollution in Greenland ice closely tracks known plagues, wars, social unrest and imperial expansions during European antiquity. The team's detailed analysis reveals that lead emissions rose and fell along with historical events, including the rise of the Roman Empire.
Researchers at the University of York found that individuals with 'detail focus', a trait linked to autism, led to realistic cave drawings across Europe. They argued that drugs were unlikely behind this art movement.
The largest health burden from substance use is attributed to tobacco smoking, with nearly one in seven adults worldwide smoking. In contrast, illicit drug use is less common, with fewer than one in twenty people using cannabis in the past year.
A new study found ginger effective in treating vomiting in children with acute gastroenteritis, leading to fewer lost school days and reduced hospitalizations. The trial compared the effectiveness of ginger with a placebo, showing significant reductions in vomiting episodes and school absences.
A new study on ancient leprosy DNA found diverse leprosy strains circulating in Medieval Europe, contradicting previous assumptions about the disease's origin. The research sequenced 10 medieval genomes, including the oldest to date from around 400 AD, revealing complex transmission dynamics.
Research by Imperial College London found that participating in Eurovision Song Contest may lead to a four percent increase in life satisfaction for every ten places improvement in final score. Conversely, doing poorly in the competition was associated with a greater increase in life satisfaction compared to not taking part at all.
A project analyzing telecommunication patents found an exponential increase in patents and fragmentation hindering lawsuit progress. Experts recommend unifying courts, limiting lawsuits, improving training on property rights, and enhancing visibility for small and medium-sized companies.
The peace movement's focus on visual symbols like the dove of peace and destruction imagery highlights its complexity and diversity. Historian Hans-Ulrich Thamer discusses how this language contributed to the movement's unity despite differing actors, and notes that only in retrospect was the dove assigned central importance.
Researchers analyzed museum specimens to determine the origin and spread of a small crustacean, revealing it had colonized European coastlines 24 years prior to recorded sightings. The discovery highlights the importance of taxonomy and monitoring biodiversity in coastal ecosystems, where invasive species threaten ecosystem health.
A recent study by University of British Columbia researchers found that the Jerusalem artichoke's ability to produce a large number of tubers is a major driver of its invasive success. The trait evolved independently multiple times in invasive populations, highlighting the potential for invasiveness to evolve repeatedly.
Researchers discovered that mistletoe lacks a key enzyme essential for aerobic respiration in animals and plants, instead relying on alternative energy pathways. This adaptation allows mistletoe to thrive as a parasitic plant, but may also inform strategies to protect crops from damaging parasites.
A gene therapy case report published in Human Gene Therapy reveals a safe and effective treatment for lipoprotein lipase deficiency, with improved quality of life outcomes after discontinuing plasmapheresis. The treatment, ali-pogene tiparvovec, has been approved in Europe to treat the rare inherited disorder.
A significant update to the PROGRESS-CTO International Registry reveals successful outcomes of Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Intervention (CTO PCI) for over 3,000 patients. The study found high success rates with acceptable complications, supporting its use in experienced centers.
The European Academies' Science Advisory Council calls for a 'food systems approach' to address negative impacts of climate change on food systems. The report highlights the need for policy coherence, consumer behavior changes, and technological innovations to improve food sustainability.
Researchers at Osaka University identified unique genetic traits that evolved rapidly in Japanese populations over the last few thousand years. The study found evolutionary changes related to alcohol metabolism, glucose, and lipid processing.
The study found that five to nine orphan medicines were available in ten European countries, while all ten medicines were only accessible in three countries: the Netherlands, Malta, and Poland. The availability of these medicines varied significantly across different countries.
Average winter wave heights have increased by more than 10mm/year along Scotland and Ireland's coastlines, leading to higher wave heights during extreme weather conditions. The study's findings are crucial for predicting future wave heights and protecting coastal communities across Western Europe.
A new study suggests that a partial collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could lead to extreme warming in European summers. This phenomenon, known as the 'cold-ocean-warm-summer' feedback, is linked to atmospheric blocking and has been observed in recent record-breaking cold ocean temperatures.
A pooled analysis of published study data suggests that around 11% of PMS cases may be associated with alcohol intake globally. Heavy drinking is estimated to increase the risk by 79%, with potential biological explanations including altered sex steroid hormone levels and serotonin production.
Researchers found low genetic diversity in fungal samples across Europe, making it vulnerable to increased severity with Asian genetic diversity introduction. The risk of a single spore leading to the demise of remaining ash trees is high, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Researchers analyzed over 4,000 grant applications from 2002 to 2008 and found that high-scoring early-career scientists accumulated more research funding in subsequent years. They were also more likely to achieve full professorship compared to low-scoring counterparts.
Drought regions in Europe could expand from 13% to 26% of total area with a 3-degree global warming, affecting up to 400 million people. A 1.5-degree warming limit would reduce expansion to 19%, while drought durations would increase three to four times.
Research presented at ECCMID shows that additional contact precautions in non-ICU wards did not limit the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. The study found a high prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae among patients admitted to these wards, despite strict adherence to standard precautions.
Researchers have discovered novel chromosomal mutations contributing to fosfomycin resistance in E. coli, with uhpB and uhpC mutations showing highest impact. The study found that these mutations rendered the antibiotic ineffective at lower doses compared to other mutations.
A seven-day antibiotic course was shown to be non-inferior to a 14-day course for treating Gram-negative bacteraemia, with similar patient outcomes and faster recovery. The study found reduced antibiotic days and improved return to daily activities in the shorter treatment group.
Researchers discovered a gene linked to high fatality rates in P. aeruginosa BSI, which could be used as a novel prognostic biomarker. The helP gene was identified through genetic characteristics and gene expression data of P. aeruginosa strains from patients with a bloodstream infection.
A new study found that patients with cellulitis treated for six days experienced faster and more frequent relapses at 90 days compared to those treated for 12 days. The study suggested that elderly hospitalized patients with comorbidity may benefit from shorter therapy duration.
Researchers found that targeting E. coli's toxin-antitoxin system, specifically the mazEF gene, can inhibit bacterial growth. The proposed strategy has the potential to be a selective inhibitor and can be adapted to work on multiple bacteria types.
Research presented at ECCMID found that unvaccinated patients accounted for most measles cases, with children under two years old being at higher risk of dying from the disease. The study also highlighted the impact of measles on young populations, with one in 1,000 cases resulting in death.
A three-year study of 1,078 hypertensive patients with heart disease found that faster walkers had a significantly lower risk of hospitalization. The study also showed that fast walkers spent shorter lengths of time in the hospital compared to slow walkers.
A new study reveals that European rivers have a much higher density of barriers than previously thought, with up to one barrier per kilometer. A newly developed smartphone app, Barrier Tracker, is now available to help document and update this information.
Researchers found that West Nile virus reemerged in Greece in 2017 after a two-year hiatus, causing 45 cases of infection, primarily in southern regions. The study highlights the importance of mosquito management and public education to prevent transmission, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and ESTRO join forces to launch E2-RADIatE, a pan-European infrastructure for efficient collaboration in radiation oncology. The initiative aims to generate robust data on cancer treatment and develop new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers developed a new colour-coded visual tool, IRIS, to measure hospital compliance with guidelines and improve infection control. The tool improved hand hygiene compliance in five Dutch wards but had limited impact on antibiotic use.
A new study reveals that swapping cars for shared bicycles avoids up to 73 deaths and saves $226 million annually. The use of mechanical bicycles offers the most health benefits, with Paris and Barcelona experiencing notable reductions in fatalities and pollution exposure.
Manolis Pasparakis, a professor at the University of Cologne, has received a 2.5 million euro ERC Advanced Grant to investigate the role of necroptosis in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. His research focuses on the mechanisms regulating inflammation.
The European Commission considers a partial ban on valproate use in pregnancy amid concerns about physical abnormalities and developmental problems. Experts debate the balance between treatment efficacy and risk, highlighting the need for informed patient choice and regular review.
Many European countries have shortcomings in policies and programmes to support viral hepatitis elimination efforts, with notable gaps in national coordination and public awareness. The Hep-CORE study highlights the need for governments to address these issues and incorporate civil society perspectives into monitoring strategies.
Researchers analyzed ancient tools, ornaments, and human remains to find that early Homo sapiens adapted to climate change by staying interconnected. The study found that a vast social network helped these ancestors survive a volcanic eruption 40,000 years ago and potentially inform our response to modern global warming.