Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Research found that British citizens who fear immigrants were more likely to have voted for Brexit, and that collective narcissism is a new predictor of political behavior. The study identifies three groups: authoritarians, social dominance orientation, and collective narcissists, with the latter group linked to a strong desire for pri...
The Carpathian region faces significant threats from poaching and uncontrolled logging, which endanger its biodiversity. Eurac Research experts recommend increasing public awareness and improving law enforcement to combat environmental crimes.
Scientists from Cardiff University analyzed sediment samples from the North Atlantic Ocean, finding changes in ocean circulation that impacted heat transport to Europe. They linked these changes to historical records of colder and warmer climates, shedding light on past climate variations.
Researchers sequenced ancient plague genomes from 4,800 to 3,700 years ago, revealing a possible introduction of Yersinia pestis into Europe during the Neolithic period. The study suggests that the plague spread along with the migration of steppe nomads and may have played a role in genetic turnover of European populations.
A new computational framework allows working with infinities and infinitesimals numerically, giving unexpected answers to two long-standing Hilbert problems. The Infinity Computer supercomputer enables numerical computations with infinite and infinitesimal numbers, previously only symbolically represented.
A recent study of publicly available regulatory documents found that biosimilars have a comparable safety profile to their originators. The analysis identified only minor differences in safety concerns for most substances, with the exception of infliximab, where more issues were reported.
A strong link has been found between childhood obesity and mass media exposure in European countries. Parents are advised to limit TV viewing and computer use to 1.5 hours a day for children over four years old to promote healthy development.
Researchers are developing new diagnostic tests and imaging techniques to diagnose NAFLD severity, predict disease progression, and monitor changes. The €34 million LITMUS project brings together clinicians, scientists, and pharmaceutical companies to create more accurate blood tests and treatments.
New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests ancient barley took a southern route to China, adapting to seasonal challenges along the way. The study, published in PLOS One, analyzed radiocarbon data and DNA evidence from ancient grains in China, India, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan.
A €34 million European research project aims to develop new diagnostic tests for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and identify those at risk of severe inflammation and liver scarring. The project, LITMUS, brings together clinicians, scientists, and pharmaceutical companies to develop and validate biomarkers for testing NAFLD.
The new system will meet its successor, Forschungszentrum Jülich and the international IT company Atos have agreed at the SC17 supercomputing conference. Modular supercomputing is an idea conceived by Dr Lippert almost 20 years ago.
New research challenges common perception that polar species are best at adapting to changing temperatures. Acclimation is most effective at temperate latitudes, with slow seasonal changes allowing for optimal adaptation. This could alter our understanding of which species are most vulnerable to climate change.
A major research project, HELIX, found that some climate impacts are unavoidable, while others can still be mitigated. Global warming of 1.5°C to 2°C could lead to sea level rise of 0.5m, affecting 2.5 million people in Bangladesh, and increased flood risk in parts of Asia, Europe, and America.
A new study in Heliyon reveals that Neanderthals lived at least 3,000 years longer than previously thought in Southern Iberia, challenging the idea of a smooth wave-of-advance. The research proposes a 'stop-and-go, punctuated' mechanism for human evolution.
Africanized honey bees, which are more docile than other so-called 'killer bees', retain most of their African heritage but have shifted genetic traits towards European honey bees. This rapid evolution likely occurred due to living on a densely populated island where humans eradicated aggressive bees, favoring the gentler counterparts.
Researchers found that FAIMS technology can effectively differentiate between pancreatic cancer patients and healthy individuals, with a sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 75%, respectively. The test is non-invasive, affordable, and can analyze up to 20 urine samples per hour.
A longitudinal study found that French adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds experience varying levels of pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. Boys in North African French groups reported increasing felt pressure, while girls in both groups showed declining pressure over four years.
A recent study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution reveals that brown rats originally migrated from southern East Asia about 3,600 years ago, spreading rapidly across the globe. The research team identified several genes involved in the immune response that have adaptively evolved under natural selection in wild rats.
The Phase II study demonstrated an overall response rate of 60%, including partial responses in 12% and stabilization of the disease in 48% of cases. Median progression-free survival was also achieved at 3 months, with manageable adverse effects related to myelosuppression.
Researchers analyzed over 260 wasp specimens to identify all species and determine their distribution. The study reveals three distinct species within the Polistes gallicus complex and a new species from Morocco, Polistes maroccanus.
A new study by Dr Nikos Skoutaris suggests that the EU has mechanisms to accommodate Scotland and Northern Ireland's differing aspirations. Two options are explored: achieving Scottish independence through democratic referendums or remaining in the EU and/or single market without leaving the UK.
A report by the University of Birmingham calls for policymakers to focus on measurable objectives and simple language in their action plans. The current EU and UK plans have been criticized for lacking specificity and consistency, making it difficult to track progress and evaluate success.
New research suggests that early European farmers lived side-by-side with hunter-gatherers, slowly mixing and assimilating them over time. The study found that hunter-gatherer heritage increased in the farming populations, indicating a gradual integration rather than replacement or extermination.
A team from the Technical University of Munich found that complex agricultural techniques require professional training, but many Ghanaian pineapple farmers lack access to effective training. The researchers suggest increasing focus on intensive and sustainable training methods to improve yields and income for Ghana's small-scale farmers.
The EU's Horizon 2020 program funds a €6 million project to transform problematic jellyfish into valuable resources. Researchers will analyze jellyfish life cycles and explore their use in producing microplastic filters, fertilizers, and fish feed. They also aim to develop biofilters to combat microplastic pollution.
The European Commission has introduced a package of measures to reconcile ambitious environmental standards with increasing car industry competitiveness. The 2nd Mobility Package aims to restore citizens' trust in the automotive industry by promoting clean and affordable mobility for all.
The 5G-CORAL project aims to deliver a convergent 5G multi-RAT access through an integrated virtualised edge and fog solution, enabling flexible, scalable, and interoperable connectivity. The project will be validated in three testbeds across Taiwan and Italy, with the goal of improving network performance.
Researchers discovered that a second blood feeding significantly increases the Asian tiger mosquito's ability to transmit Zika viruses, potentially underestimating its role in disease outbreaks. The study found that this 'aggressive biter' mosquito can produce many infectious mosquitoes quickly after additional feedings.
A consensus statement from a group of neonatologists and pediatric cardiologists recommends routine pulse oximetry screening for all European babies within 24 hours of birth to detect critical congenital heart defects. Early detection is crucial for the best outcome, and current methods may miss up to 50% of affected infants.
UC3M has secured over 7 million euros in contracts with companies, supporting its R&D efforts. The university is also active in European Horizon 2020 programs, with 50 projects approved and seven ERC projects funded.
A European COST Action initiative brings together scientists and stakeholders to develop a research network for IRES, aiming to improve understanding and sustainable management of river networks. The project includes data sharing, technology development, and citizen science to monitor and map IRES flow states.
The ECDC survey found a significant increase in Livestock-associated MRSA detections in humans across the EU/EEA since 2007. LA-MRSA poses a zoonotic risk, particularly for those working with livestock, and its spread is of concern due to lack of systematic surveillance.
A Norwegian research team found that energy efficiency labeling for homes has no significant effect on purchase price. The researchers conducted a thorough analysis of home sales data before and after the labeling system was introduced in Norway in 2010. They discovered that any apparent impact of the label was likely due to other fact...
A new article proposes a virtual European Cancer Institute to combine innovative prevention and treatment strategies, achieving high survival rates in countries with well-developed healthcare systems. The initiative aims to address economic and social inequalities in less developed systems
Doctors in the north east of England are facing legal action from pharmaceutical companies for offering patients a safer and effective but cheaper alternative to a licensed drug. The cheaper option, bevacizumab, could save the NHS up to £13.5m a year within the next five years.
A new AI-assisted endoscopic system has been shown to automatically identify colorectal adenomas during colonoscopy, demonstrating a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 79%. The system enables real-time optical biopsy, allowing for the complete resection of adenomatous polyps and preventing unnecessary polypectomy.
Researchers found a 400% increase in neoplasia detection in patients aged 45-49 compared to 40-44, with similar increases seen for polyps and adenoma detection. The findings support screening starting at 45 years old to detect colorectal cancer in young adults.
A study by the Cluster of Excellence found that European Muslims have a more positive view of the EU compared to other groups. This is largely due to their satisfaction with living conditions and higher political interest. The study also highlights the importance of successful integration in maintaining trust in EU institutions.
A systematic review by the International Osteoporosis Foundation reveals low dietary calcium intake in many Asian and Latin American countries, with the lowest average intake found among China, India, and Indonesia. The study emphasizes the need for increased calcium consumption to promote bone health in these regions.
The new study reveals that the Guanches carried a mixture of genetic ancestry, with a significant proportion derived from modern North Africans and European Stone Age farmers. The findings provide conclusive evidence on the origins of the Guanches and shed light on their cultural and genetic legacy.
Researchers found that European drought indices are deviating in a manner consistent with climate change simulations. The study suggests decreases in drought frequency in the north and increases in the south, driven by rising temperatures and evapotranspiration. This trend has been observed from the 1980s to present.
A recent study by the University of East Anglia found that UK energy firms' branding approaches are more effective than product innovation in keeping customers. Brands with consistent brand personalities, such as EDF Energy, performed better in terms of customer loyalty.
A study uses isotope fingerprinting to examine alabaster trade in Europe over five centuries, revealing previously unknown sources of alabaster in the French Alps that supplied eastern France. The results suggest an important alabaster industry in the French Alps during this time period.
The Energy efficiency Data Portal & Protocol (EeDaPP) Initiative aims to create a standardized reporting template for loan-by-loan energy efficient mortgage assets. This will enable large-scale tracking of performance and facilitate earmarking for energy efficient bond issuance.
By 2047, an estimated 21% of women and 17% of men aged 65+ will be physically disabled, severely restricting everyday activities. The absolute numbers are expected to rise significantly despite little change in proportions over the next 30 years.
A study by Lund University found high iron levels in 84% of European lakes, but only 9% of North American lakes, with significant environmental implications. Climate change and land use factors are believed to contribute to the increased iron concentration.
Researchers Enrica De Cian and Emiliano Fiori from Ca' Foscari University of Venice have won ERC Starting Grants for their projects on energy adaptation and the origins of Middle Eastern interreligious polemic. The grants total €3 million, attracting international talent to Italy.
A recent study warns of the increasing threat of forest fires in Europe and their impact on air quality. The JRC's annual report confirms longer and more intense fire seasons, with severe health implications for humans, particularly during prolonged fire seasons.
Researchers found genetic differences between UK and Dutch great tits linked to longer beaks in UK birds. The team suggests that natural selection is at work, with birds with genetic variants for longer beaks visiting feeders more frequently, leading to successful reproduction in the UK but not in the Netherlands.
A new study found that complementary and alternative medicine is being used by one in four Europeans to remedy various health problems. Women and those with higher education are more likely to use these treatments. The most commonly used forms of treatment were massage, homeopathy, osteopathy, and herbal remedies.
A new ERC Grant project, ELWar, investigates how war influences electoral behavior in six postwar Balkan states over three decades. The study aims to identify the agents of postwar politics and their impact on societal decisions made after violence.
Scientists have unveiled a dataset mapping diverse migrant communities in the EU, providing insights for policymakers to develop targeted integration policies. The maps reveal residential patterns of migrants by nationality or country of origin, highlighting concentration, diversity, and segregation within cities.
Researchers analyzed complete mitochondrial genomes from ancient saber-toothed cat samples, finding that the two species shared a common ancestor about 20 million years ago. The study suggests that saber-toothed cats continued to live in Europe much more recently than previously thought.
Daily calcium intake among adults varies widely around the world, with many areas at risk of bone health due to low intakes. Regional patterns show Southern and Eastern Asia having the lowest average intakes, while Northern Europe registers higher intakes.
Prof Laurence Zitvogel has been awarded the first ESMO Award for Immuno-Oncology for her pioneering work in advancing cancer immunology and immunotherapy. Her research focuses on understanding the gut microbiome's role in cancer immunosurveillance, with implications for predicting response to immunomodulators.
Researchers have identified two species of diving beetles in European streams, challenging long-held assumptions about a single common species. The new species, Meladema lepidoptera, is found only in Corsica and Sardinia, with genetic data suggesting it diverged from the other species around 1.5 million years ago.
The KFU GIS portal offers detailed information on European Russia's 50 thousand river basins, covering 4 million square kilometers. The database includes 50 parameters, such as soil types, population density, and climate characteristics.
A long-term study reveals a significant decrease in the numbers of the 2-spot ladybird on lime trees due to the invasion of harlequin ladybirds. The invasive species accounts for up to 70% of all recorded ladybirds and may drive population changes through predation.
After a 10-year absence, Usutu virus has reemerged in both blackbirds and humans, particularly in Austria and Hungary. Genetic analysis reveals that the viruses circulating in these regions are closely related to those found in Italy, demonstrating inter-country transmission of viral strains.
A 40,000-year-old man's genome provides insights into human genetic diversity in East Asia. The study reveals a complicated separation for ancient Europeans and Asians, suggesting multiple genetically distinct populations existed in Asia until the present.