Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A new study uses deep learning to infer the frequency of atmospheric blocking events over the past 1,000 years, shedding light on their potential impact under climate change. The model was trained using historical data and large ensembles of climate model simulations.
Researchers found that seven common European forest trees have preserved their genetic diversity over millions of years, defying expectations. This resilience is attributed to unique characteristics such as long generation times and pollen dispersal capabilities.
Increased malaria cases from mosquitoes transported by air have been reported in France and a European systematic review, highlighting the risk of Odyssean malaria. Locally-acquired infections remain constant, with more cases being reported since 2011.
A new study in PLOS ONE reports on the contents of 25 coastal and underwater cave sites in southern Sicily, uncovering three new sites with potentially important archaeological sediments. The findings provide key data for understanding the early expansion of Homo sapiens into the Mediterranean.
A new study reveals that etizolam and gabapentinoids contribute to a rising culture of polydrug use and increased drug-related deaths in Scotland. The analysis of 18 studies found a significant increase in gabapentinoid-related deaths, primarily due to concurrent opioid use.
The LANDFEED project aims to develop advanced nutrient recovery technologies and innovative coatings for bio-based fertilisers to improve nutrient release and efficiency. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lessen environmental impact on water resources, and contribute to improved soil health and sustainable agriculture.
The publication of the Malleus maleficarum in 1487 played a crucial role in spreading persecution across Europe, with each new edition leading to an increase in witch trials. Social influence, particularly from neighboring cities, also contributed to the spread of witch-hunting practices.
Research reveals European flat oysters formed large reefs of living and dead shells, supporting rich biodiversity and stabilizing shorelines. Historical records show that these reefs existed along Europe's coasts from Norway to the Mediterranean, but were destroyed over a century ago due to overfishing.
A Spanish study found that the influenza vaccination campaign for children aged 6-59 months was effective in preventing acute respiratory infections and hospitalization. The study estimated the vaccine to be 70% effective against any influenza type and 77% effective against severe cases.
A new study reveals that Brazil's democracy has been weakened by authoritarian populism, which has undermined welfare systems and human rights protections. This has created an exclusionary view of citizenship and intensified social conflicts, posing a threat to the country's democratic future.
Researchers found Vikings traveled extensively for walrus ivory, covering 6,000 km, including interactions with indigenous Arctic populations.
Childhood obesity has surged globally, with nearly half of all overweight children under 5 years old found in Asia. The authors highlight the need for coordinated efforts to address this epidemic, including increased physical activity and healthier diets.
Tree-ring data reveal that periodic shifts in strong winds high above the Earth's surface have driven opposite climates in different parts of Europe for the past 700 years. This research provides critical data to improve climate models, comparing past patterns to current trends and societal impacts.
Researchers developed DIAMANTE, a data-centric semantic segmentation approach to detect forest tree dieback events in satellite images. The approach trains a U-Net-like model on labelled remote-sensing datasets and achieves reasonable accuracy for early disease detection, reducing false alarms.
A new study suggests that using state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies can enable Europe's construction sector to almost eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060. Employing technologies like solar energy and heat pumps can reduce total energy used for heating and cooling buildings by up to 97%.
The EU's Green Deal aims to reduce carbon emissions by 2050 but may increase emissions globally. An international team of scientists found that the deal could lead to a 244.8% increase in global emissions outside EU borders. However, adopting a plant-based diet and phasing out biofuels within the EU could significantly reduce emissions.
The Universidad Carlos III de Madrid is organizing 16 R&D&I outreach activities as part of European Researchers' Night 2024, with half taking place at its Madrid-Puerta de Toledo Campus. The events cover topics like AI, biocultural rights, and scientific discoveries.
The DREAM+PLAN program will recruit up to 32 PhD researchers to develop pathways for solving local and global climate emergencies through resilience, restoration, and regeneration. The program's goal is to create a positive impact on a more sustainable, fair, inclusive planet.
A new study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology predicts high-risk towns across Europe for dengue fever outbreaks, with southern France and northern Italy being most affected. The research uses advanced high-resolution modeling to provide daily risk assessments for each area.
The article examines three scenarios for Norway's hydrogen export market development, including techno-economic viability and spatial considerations. The results suggest that Norway may be cost-competitive in blue hydrogen exports but faces sustainability limitations due to natural gas reliance.
The 'Our Way Model' reveals four phases of human dispersal, including a slow expansion from the Levant to western Europe and rapid advancements into previously unsettled areas. Climate change significantly impacted human dispersal, with periods of severe cold and warming influencing population growth and decline.
Scientists have discovered a new species of sauropod dinosaur, Qunkasaura pintiquiniestra, from the Cretaceous period in Spain. The fossil record reveals that Europe was home to both endemic and immigrant sauropods, challenging previous assumptions about regional isolation.
A new non-hormonal hot flash treatment has been shown to significantly reduce symptom frequency and severity within weeks, while also improving sleep quality and overall well-being. The investigational drug elinzanetant was found to have a favorable safety profile with mild side effects.
A new study suggests that climate change and ageing populations will widen regional disparities in death risk from hot and cold temperatures in Europe. By 2100, heat-related deaths are projected to increase significantly, mostly in southern regions, while cold-related deaths are expected to decline slightly.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine led to increased support for democracy, income redistribution, and the European Union among Europeans. Attitudes towards authoritarianism and anti-immigration views decreased as a result.
Rewilding efforts in Europe could help countries meet conservation goals with 70% of opportunities in colder climates. Passive and active strategies are proposed to create self-sustaining ecosystems.
A study analyzing 5.5 million EU/EEA infectious disease cases over 10 years found significant sex differences in notified male versus female cases for several diseases. The proportion of males ranged from 40-45% for pertussis and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections to 75-80% for HIV/AIDS.
A new study from Stockholm University provides fresh insights into the Viking Age monetary system, revealing a flexible pricing system that used both oxen and silver as units of payment. The Forsa Ring inscription describes fines paid in these forms, indicating a more practical and efficient financial system.
A study led by ISGlobal estimates that heat caused over 47,000 deaths in Europe in 2023, with southern European countries being the most affected. The mortality rate was higher in women and people over 80 years old, and without societal adaptation processes, it would have been 80% higher.
Research found that 68% of wells in southwestern Europe have stable groundwater levels, while 20% show rising levels and 12% decline. Effective management approaches in semi-arid regions led to recovery of groundwater levels in areas such as La Mancha Oriental in Spain.
Researchers investigate four European regions experiencing demographic decline, exploring how relationships between generations and places change over time. The study uses participant observation and participatory action research methods to gather insights from families and local residents.
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has established a flagship partnership with Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU), expanding its global presence in the region. The partnership aims to tackle major challenges in Southeast Asia through collaboration on quantum sovereignty, artificial intelligence, and other key areas.
European countries that recognized same-sex marriages saw a 21% decrease in new HB1 visas from the US over 20 years. This suggests that inclusive policies make countries more attractive for skilled labor, particularly in STEM fields.
A new approach in vaccine research, adaptive platform trials (APTs), offers a flexible adjustment of study design during ongoing clinical trials. This allows for quick adaptation to new developments and enables the recruitment of large numbers of participants across different countries.
Researchers at Texas A&M University uncovered how domestic rabbits become feral in the wild through natural selection. They found that all European, South American, and Oceania rabbits had a mix of feral and domestic DNA, explaining why they quickly adapted to living in the wild.
Scientists at the University of Malaga have uncovered a natural quicksand trap in the 'elephant graveyard' of Orce, dated to over 1.4 million years ago. The discovery provides insights into human presence in Western Europe and competition with large carrion hyenas for meat resources.
New research suggests that the plague may have contributed to the population decline of Stone Age farmers in Scandinavia and Northwestern Europe. Analysis of ancient DNA from bones and teeth found that 17% of individuals were infected with the plague, indicating its common presence during the late Stone Age.
Data from the ESHRE European IVF Monitoring Consortium shows a 20% increase in ART treatment cycles in Europe, with steady rises in IVF and IUI usage. Pregnancy rates per transfer remained similar in 2021 and 2020 for IVF and ICSI, while frozen embryo replacement showed slightly higher rates.
A new study by RIFS suggests that voluntary reductions in living space can contribute to achieving EU's climate and housing goals. European citizens are willing to embrace smaller living under the right circumstances, with a preference for centrally-located apartments in green neighborhoods.
Research by Associate Professor Shannon Bosch challenges Russia's classification of foreign fighters as mercenaries, arguing that international law and Ukrainian domestic legislation protect their rights. The study highlights the need for full combatant immunity and prisoner of war status for these foreign fighters.
A long-term ecological research network can help scale up ecological restoration in Europe by providing standardized and open-access data on natural ecosystems. The network's knowledge and expertise cover most European habitats and degradation states, enabling the development of a harmonized monitoring framework for EU-wide evaluation.
Researchers used statistical physics and network science to analyze European electricity price data, revealing that factors beyond Russian gas were at play during the 2021-2022 energy crisis. The study found strong correlations between certain countries' markets and unexpected impacts on electricity prices.
A new study by iDiv-IIASA highlights the need for improved biodiversity monitoring in Europe, citing limitations such as fragmented efforts and lack of integrated data. The researchers identified key policy areas and solutions to address these challenges, including enhanced coordination, standardization, and stakeholder engagement.
Research by economists at University of East Anglia and others found links between finance ministers and executives at biggest credit ratings agencies associated with higher ratings for countries without these connections, highlighting a conflict-of-interest problem in the credit ratings agency business model.
A large international study reveals that most Asian and European adolescents do not seek professional help despite having high levels of mental health problems. In middle-income countries, less than 1% of adolescents with severe mental health issues sought formal help.
The FRONTIERS Science Journalism Initiative offers a residency program for journalists to develop independent journalism while working with scientists at the forefront of knowledge. Seven journalists from around the globe were selected for the first round and will receive Frontiers Residencies in various EU countries.
A new study reveals six drinking patterns in Europe, with countries like Estonia and Cyprus showing the highest average alcohol-attributable deaths. The research suggests that changing these patterns requires a cultural shift and may involve implementing effective alcohol policies.
The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology is developing affordable gas sensors for environmental monitoring and occupational safety. The €8 million AMUSENS project aims to create portable, cost-effective sensors using nanotechnology and artificial intelligence.
A new genetic analysis of Celtic burial mounds in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, confirms the long-held suspicion that two princes were biologically related. The study finds a close relationship between the two individuals and suggests that power structures among early Celtic elites may have been based on biological kinship.
A Swiss research team surveyed 400 Portuguese immigrants to understand how their desire for citizenship influences their attachment to home and host cultures. The findings suggest that acquiring citizenship can lead to a decrease in attachment to the immigrant's original group, while increasing identification with the host culture.
While some European countries like Denmark, Finland, and Spain show positive attitudes towards alternative protein food, others such as Italy have lower acceptance rates. Additionally, young Polish consumers are less likely to adopt novel foods compared to Danish and German consumers.
New research from the University of Notre Dame reveals that protest movements against political parties can inadvertently empower politicians who use them to disrupt the status quo. The study analyzed 12 case studies across Europe, Asia, and North and South America between 2008 and 2016, finding varying outcomes including factional cha...
Researchers recruited Hellenic Marine volunteers to test the Dendra armor's combat suitability. The experiment revealed that the armor did not limit a warrior's fighting ability or cause severe strain on the wearer.
Researchers at Clemson University discovered that certain Neanderthal-derived genetic variations are more common in people with autism than in the general population. These findings suggest long-term effects of ancient human hybridization on brain organization and function, potentially leading to earlier diagnostics.
The BiCIKL project has shared lessons learned on improving data findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (FAIR-ness) of various biodiversity data types. The project's policy briefs provide recommendations for policymakers and research funders to adopt best practices and guidelines.
A new study has revealed that high-income individuals have a 32% lower risk of post-stroke mortality. Those with higher education also face a 26% lower risk of death post-stroke.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that people in Europe primarily consume trustworthy news, but a small percentage rely on questionable sources. The ratio of questionable news to reliable news consumption differs between countries, highlighting the need for context-specific approaches to fighting misinformation.
A study of over 470,000 adults found that those who frequently add salt to their food are 39-40% more likely to develop stomach cancer. The research highlights the connection between high salt consumption and stomach cancer in Western countries, raising awareness of the negative effects of extremely high salt consumption.
A new study by Dr. Ben Hudson from the University of Exeter Law School criticizes the European Court of Human Rights for reversing its principles on protecting asylum seekers. The research finds that the court has become uncertain about what makes an applicant 'sufficiently vulnerable' to receive special protection.
A study from the Max Planck Institute found that storks choose routes with high densities of other storks, especially for young birds. As they gain migration experience, their preference decreases, suggesting a shift towards independence.