Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
The use of wood pellets for clean energy is limited by the loss of carbon sequestration in forests and the impact on biodiversity. The process also requires fossil fuels during manufacturing and overseas shipping, negating any potential carbon neutrality.
Amino acid transporters are essential for capturing nutrients from blood vessels, which can be blocked by specific inhibitors to treat diseases. Blocking these functions can also enhance inhibition or excitation in the brain, a strategy used to treat chronic pain and possibly schizophrenia.
A team of scientists and medieval historians used ice cores and tree rings to date the Eldgjá volcanic eruption, which occurred soon after Iceland's settlement. The researchers found that memories of the eruption were used to stimulate the Christianisation of Iceland in medieval poem Voluspá.
A new special issue of the European Journal of Internal Medicine presents a comprehensive overview of current evidence for medical cannabis and derived products. The studies highlight its effectiveness in pain relief and potential benefits for elderly patients, calling for further research to improve the evidence base.
A study of nearly 300,000 people found that being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease, with a BMI above 22-23 kg/m2 and increased waist circumference also linked to higher cardiovascular disease risk. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help minimize this risk.
The new peer-reviewed journal Systems Medicine captures leading research in medical systems biology, emphasizing molecular mechanistic biomarkers. This approach aims to drive innovations in new drug discovery and preventive therapies based on healthy aging research.
A large European study found that women with larger families, particularly those with three children, experience an average of 4 fewer teeth than mothers with two children. Higher levels of educational attainment and age also contribute to a lower risk of tooth loss.
An international team analyzed ancient genomes of 40 early medieval people from southern Germany, revealing a diverse genetic profile among women with artificially deformed skulls. Genetic analysis points to eastern European origins and suggests long-range female mobility bridging cultural spaces.
A new study reveals that economic growth in developed countries may not improve human happiness, but rather erodes free goods and creates social problems. The Negative Endogenous Growth Model suggests that economic systems can produce wealth from the erosion of free goods, leading to unhappiness and excessive consumption.
A new study by University of Stirling researchers found disparities in wildlife management approaches across Europe, leading to worsening conflicts. The team assessed nine different schemes involving large grazing birds and discovered a lack of adaptation to changes in bird numbers and damage levels.
The widespread adoption of Bt field corn led to significant reductions in European corn borer and corn earworm infestations. This resulted in lower recommended insecticide sprays, total insecticides applied, and crop damages on pepper, green bean, and sweet corn crops.
A 40-year study quantifies Bt corn's benefits for offsite crops like sweet corn, peppers, and green beans, showing 90% European corn borer population suppression. The adoption of Bt corn reduces spraying regimens and overall crop damage by up to 90%.
Genomic analyses of fossil remains from 5th and 6th century AD sites in southern Germany uncover evidence of female-biased immigration in Early Medieval Bavaria. Women with artificial cranial deformation (ACD) show predominantly Southeast European ancestry, while one individual exhibits East Asian genetic markers.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals that Iberian populations have a unique genetic makeup, tracing most of their ancestry to the first Neolithic migrants. The research also found that early farming practices had a homogenous diet, with little genetic influx from hunter-gatherer groups over time.
A new research project at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz investigates the lifestyle of German-acculturated Jews in Latvia during the interwar period. The study aims to explore their cultural interactions with Germans and how they were perceived by the population.
A new study suggests that native pine martens are suppressing invasive gray squirrel populations, allowing native red squirrel populations to recover. Exposure to pine martens has a strong negative effect on gray squirrel numbers, while having a positive impact on red squirrels.
A new database charts Europe's urban mine, revealing vast quantities of scarce metals in vehicles and electrical equipment. The EU's dependence on imported metals poses a strategic and economic risk, and recycling is crucial for the transition to greener technologies.
A new computer program enables accurate pre-biopsy preparation for lung diseases by visualizing patient airways in 3D. Transbronchial biopsies have shown increased accuracy from 53% to 88% using this technology.
Research found South Asian people are less likely to need a pacemaker for bradycardia compared to white Europeans, despite higher incidence of coronary artery disease and stroke in South Asians. The study suggests genetic differences may explain the disparity in heart condition susceptibility between ethnic groups.
Researchers emphasize the importance of international collaboration in developing 5G and beyond technologies. The 5TONIC testbed has brought together companies, universities, and research institutions to test and prototype advanced wireless network systems.
Researchers from UC3M and IMDEA Networks present several European research projects related to 5G technology, including 5G-Coral, 5G-Crosshaul, and 5G-Transformer. These projects aim to develop advanced 5G networks with improved efficiency and scalability.
Researchers identified genetic variants associated with blood vessel inflammation and metabolism that increase risk of severe dengue. These findings provide insights into the pathophysiology of the disease and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers found cave art in Europe dating back at least 20,000 years, suggesting Neanderthals created the artworks. The discovery also included dyed and decorated marine shells dating back to times before modern humans arrived in the region.
The diffusion of bell beakers in continental Europe was driven by the dissemination of ideas rather than migration, according to a recent genetic study. This finding refutes the long-accepted theory that the spread of cultural elements was associated with significant migrant movements.
Scientists have discovered the first major evidence that Neanderthals created the world's oldest known cave paintings, dating back over 64,000 years. The findings suggest that Neanderthals had an artistic sense similar to that of modern humans and were capable of symbolic thinking.
Researchers used Uranium-Thorium dating to determine the age of cave art in Spain, finding it was created by Neanderthals over 64,000 years ago, predating modern human arrival in Europe. This discovery suggests that Neanderthals shared symbolic thinking and cognitive abilities with early Homo sapiens.
A new study using ancient DNA analysis has found that human populations have been migrating and mixing extensively throughout history, with the Yamnaya people from Central Asia expanding rapidly to Europe, Britain, and beyond. The research also reveals a biased genetic exchange between farmers and hunter-gatherers in northern Europe.
The study confirmed two major migrations through southeastern Europe, with early farmers from Anatolia spreading westward and a steppe population replacing northern Europe's population. The region remained a genetic contact zone between East and West until the Bronze Age.
Researchers used historic and modern plant genomes to measure the rate of evolution in a wild plant. They found that Arabidopsis had been introduced to North America by Europeans around 1600, with new mutations appearing over the past 400 years. These findings provide insights into the genetic paradox of invasion.
The European Lead Factory uses microscale thermophoresis to prioritize small molecule hits from high-throughput screening, improving the efficiency of drug discovery. This technology measures biomolecule movement through temperature gradients and avoids spurious mechanisms that can lead to costly failures.
Research reveals that systematic education tools can significantly improve understanding and willingness to address marine litter. Educators and students who participated in an online project showed high intentions of implementing changes and reported increased concern about the issue.
Severe sleep-disordered breathing is linked with increased arterial stiffness in heart failure patients. Treating obstructive sleep apnea and other breathing abnormalities, such as CPAP devices, may lead to improved prognosis by reducing arterial stiffness.
A genomic study reveals that the Beaker culture spread throughout Europe through cultural diffusion, replacing around 90% of populations in areas like Great Britain. The study shows no evidence of large-scale genetic migration from Iberia to Central and Western Europe.
A recent study of ancient DNA has found that the Bell Beaker culture in Europe comprised two genetically distinct populations, challenging previous assumptions about their spread. The research also revealed a significant genetic shift, introducing variants for paler skin and lighter-colored eyes, as well as genes for digesting lactose.
A new study reveals that European cities will experience more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and flooding due to climate change. Southern Europe will see the biggest increases in heatwave days and temperatures, while central Europe will face the greatest temperature increases during heatwaves.
A study published in European Respiratory Journal found that moderate and severe COPD exacerbations accelerate physical activity decline. Researchers recommend promoting interventions to increase physical activity after an exacerbation to improve outcomes.
Researchers sequenced an ancient Taino individual's genome, finding a strong genetic connection to present-day Arawakan speakers from northern South America. The study suggests the Taino people originated from this ancestral population, illuminating early Caribbean peopling and European colonization impacts.
A new study reveals genetic variations in blood vessel inflammation and drug metabolism genes increase the risk of severe dengue shock syndrome in Asians and Europeans. These genetic factors can be used to develop targeted treatments for vulnerable populations.
Researchers found a significant association between rapid increases in air pollution and cardiovascular risk, even in clean air cities. Nitric oxide increases of over 20 μg/m3 within 24 hours doubled the risk of heart attack.
A retrospective study found that 49% of Latin American migrants screened positive for Chagas disease, with a higher percentage of patients with strongyloidiasis infected by the parasite. The authors recommend implementing a combined screening program to address both infections.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that every ten-minute delay in treatment for STEMI patients with cardiogenic shock results in an extra 3.3 deaths per 100 patients treated with PCI. Treating STEMI patients within 90 minutes of first contact can prevent one death in every 12 patients.
Nuno Maulide will receive the award at the European Colloquium on Heterocyclic Chemistry in Lecce, Italy, for his original work on unconventional reactivity profiles and high-energy reactive intermediates. The prize includes a travel grant, €1,000 cash prize, and a lifelong online subscription to Topics in Heterocyclic Chemistry.
A new study reveals that North Americans may be more susceptible to eye worm parasitic infections due to the presence of fruit flies carrying a third species of eye worms. The Oregon woman's case marks the first known human infection with Thelazia gulosa, previously seen only in cattle.
Teleconsulting is crucial for rare cancers like sarcomas, which require specialized expertise. EURACAN, a European Reference Network, aims to provide timely diagnosis and treatment through referral networks.
A new study has reported the first case of stem rust in wheat in the UK in over 60 years, warning of a perfect storm of conditions favourable to its resurgence. The fungus is susceptible to over 80% of UK wheat varieties, and its spread could be exacerbated by climate change and Barberry planting.
Researchers have uncovered two distinct moth species using leaf-mining moths that were previously misidentified due to their shared name. The corrected classification reveals that these insects expand their ranges differently, with one having a single annual generation and the other featuring multiple generations.
Experts emphasize need for standardized quality review, transparent data sharing and greater stakeholder involvement in risk assessment. Workshop participants agree on importance of harmonized system for efficient regulation.
Migratory birds use a light-dependent protein called cryptochrome 4 to navigate, which is specifically expressed in the outer segment of double-cone photoreceptor cells. This discovery provides new insights into magnetoreception and could help protect wildlife from human disturbances.
The SLAS Journal Achievement Awards recognized outstanding contributions to the advancement of life sciences discovery and technology. Honorees included researchers who demonstrated exceptional review quality, timeliness, and volunteer service.
A study by Dr Heejung Chung at the University of Kent found that low-skilled workers and those perceived as more insecure are less likely to access non-statutory flexible working arrangements. This division is particularly pronounced in northern European countries with the best family-friendly working-time arrangements.
A study published in Thorax found that leisure-time vigorous physical activity is associated with better lung function among current smokers. Regular physical activity was shown to improve respiratory muscle endurance and strength, leading to higher lung function.
The EU-funded Arctic Research Icebreaker Consortium (ARICE) aims to improve access to research icebreakers and develop strategies for coordinated use of polar research vessels. The consortium will give scientists fully funded access to six research icebreakers, enabling them to conduct research in the Arctic Ocean.
A new global database of surface ozone observations has been released, providing insights into ozone pollution trends and patterns worldwide. Despite decreasing emissions in North America and Europe, many regions still experience excessive ozone levels, posing health concerns for populations.
A study by researchers at the Higher School of Economics found that only 2.4% of Russian companies have corporate universities, compared to 28% in Europe. Investing in a corporate university may not be sustainable in the long-run and can create risks for companies.
Research led by the Universities of Leicester and Edinburgh reveals that surface ozone levels are detrimental to human health, with increasing levels in East Asia. The study analyzed data from over 4,800 monitoring stations worldwide, showing a decrease in ozone levels in Europe and North America but an increase in East Asia.
A study of 9500-year-old bone samples found that people from western Norway were genetically similar to those east of the Baltic Sea in Russia, while eastern Scandinavians were more similar to central and western Europe. The discovery highlights multiple waves of migration to Scandinavia.
A comparative study of 1,227 individuals from three groups and seven cultures found that perceived threats to culture, traditions, and values predict outgroup hostility and violence. The research suggests that a 'Clash of Cultures' mentality underlies some Muslim-Western conflicts.
A new study found that standing burns more calories than sitting, with a 65 kg person losing 10 kg in 4 years by substituting standing for sitting for 6 hours a day. Standing is linked to lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes.
A new climate study found that recent temperatures across North America and Europe are unusually high, exceeding past decade highs by 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and have few natural precedents over the last 11,000 years. The research suggests that human activity has significantly contributed to this warming trend.
Scientists at Swansea University are developing a circular economy solution using algae to clean up waste nutrients from food and farm waste. The ALG-AD project aims to cultivate algal biomass for animal feed and other products, reducing pollution and promoting sustainable agriculture.