Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Dr. Alec Vahanian, MD, is recognized for advancing the field of interventional cardiovascular medicine through technical expertise and innovation. He has performed pioneering procedures, including percutaneous mitral commissurotomy and transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society recommends a daily calcium intake of 700-1200mg for postmenopausal women to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium-rich foods should be prioritized over supplements, as excessive intake may cause harm.
A new study by UC Santa Cruz researchers rules out pre-European contact between Easter Island inhabitants and South Americans, leaving many questions unanswered about the island's population dynamics. The analysis of ancient DNA from skeletal remains found no evidence of gene flow between the two groups.
Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from Rapa Nui samples, finding no genetic links to South Americans; instead, they suggest Native American ancestry may be a result of recent history. The study highlights the value of ancient DNA for testing hypotheses about past interactions.
A DNA variant in the DNMT3B gene is associated with an increased risk of nicotine dependence, as well as heavier smoking and a higher likelihood of developing lung cancer. The study, which analyzed over 38,600 participants, provides new insights into the genetic factors influencing addiction.
Atrial fibrillation patients can use My AF app to access condition information, treatment options, and lifestyle tips. The app also enables face-to-face consultations with healthcare professionals. Meanwhile, AF Manager app helps healthcare providers import patient data, suggest personalized treatment plans, and share notes with patients.
The SciShops.eu project analyzes characteristics of science shops to develop new ones addressing subjects like women and science, sustainability, and community problems. The goal is to create a collaborative effort between researchers, civil organizations, and citizens.
NICT achieved a world record for 53.3 Tb/s optical switching capacity in short-reach data-center networks using SDM and a high-speed spatial optical switch system. This breakthrough enables significant network efficiency improvements and reduced end-to-end energy consumption per bit compared to existing technologies.
A new study found that a selection of efficient key plant species can effectively support pollinators in agricultural landscapes. The researchers identified 14 crucial plant species for the whole bee and hoverfly community, highlighting the potential of targeted agri-environmental schemes.
A new Oxford study reveals that cultural and moral acceptance of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) play a significant role in their usage across Europe. The study found that countries with more accepting attitudes towards ART reported higher rates of usage, regardless of economic factors.
A study published in PLOS ONE found an ornamented bâton percé with antler from a reindeer species, suggesting long-distance exchange between Mesolithic communities. The artifact was likely transported from North Karelia to Central Poland, providing new insight into the flow of goods and ideas in Early Holocene hunter-gatherer groups.
Collaborative nuclear medicine and radiology training options are proposed to address evolving practice needs, while an alternative view emphasizes the importance of independent training programs. Innovative theranostics advances in nuclear medicine are highlighted as a result of dedicated training programs.
A study published by JAMA Network found that recent immigrants in Ontario, Canada, received significantly more aggressive end-of-life care compared to other residents. This disparity was seen in higher rates of intensive care admissions, mechanical ventilation, and dialysis.
Research shows that Neolithic farmers in southern Scandinavia contributed to the development of Indo-European vocabulary before their own language went extinct. Words like 'pea', 'shrimp' and 'turnip' entered Indo-European from local cultures, highlighting cultural exchange between 2,800-2,600 BC.
Research reveals that European ash tree populations have acquired genetic diversity from the invasive Hymenoscyphus fraxineus fungus, allowing natural selection to operate. However, new arrivals of more genetically diverse strains could be disastrous for the species.
A survey of European workers found that workplace coffee drinking habits are shaped by time, taste, and desire for productivity. Workers reported that coffee consumption was linked to improved alertness and attention, with 56% saying it helped them feel more alert.
A recent study reveals that peatland bird populations have decreased by a third in Finland and Sweden over the past three decades. The Finnish ruff is among the most threatened species, with its population falling to just 3% of its original size. In contrast, the crane species has tripled its population during this time period.
A European study found that nearly one in six new HIV diagnoses in Europe are among people aged 50 or older. Older adults were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced HIV disease and acquire the virus through heterosexual contact. The study calls for increased awareness, targeted testing, and prevention programs for this age group.
Experts from United European Gastroenterology call on European governments to develop early detection techniques for digestive cancers, including faecal microbiota screening and gastric cancer screening. The aim is to improve outcomes and save thousands of European lives.
New study reveals technical differences between Italian and Greek textiles, suggesting distinct cultural influences. Advanced analysis of preserved textiles provides insights into raw materials, weaving techniques, and thread counts.
HSE researchers Margarita Kuleva and Daria Maglevanaya studied the evolution of status groups in the fashion industry, analyzing 13,961 magazine covers from 1975 to 2017. They found a decline in collaboration between magazines and a diversification of beauty standards, with older, plus-size models gaining recognition.
A new study finds that weak states of the high-altitude wind circling the Arctic have become more persistent, causing extreme winter chills in parts of the Northern hemisphere. The weakening of the polar vortex is linked to cold winters in regions like Russia and Europe.
Historical analysis reveals significant changes in liberal foreign policy views from the 19th century to the present day. Modern liberals differ from their predecessors in rejecting active foreign policy and alliances, instead focusing on national interests and constitutional reforms.
Researchers found that native North American species have a vegetation period approximately 3 weeks shorter than those in Europe and Asia due to fluctuating temperatures. This difference affects plant productivity and biogeochemical cycling, with implications for climate change impacts on ecosystems.
A new article investigates how Brexit may give rise to distinct Euro-English varieties tailored to continental European cultures and needs. Dr. Marko Mondiano suggests the UK's exit could mark a new era for the English language.
A new study reveals Easter Island's maximum population size could have reached 17,500 people, supported by the island's agricultural potential. The research, published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, aims to unravel the mystery of the giant statues and population crash.
A five-year study of over 373,000 Europeans found that eating nuts was associated with less weight gain and a 5% lower risk of becoming overweight or obese. Researchers recommend incorporating nuts into daily diets for their satiating properties and potential health benefits.
A recent study reveals that nearly half a million monk parakeets were imported into Mexico over five years, leading to rapid expansion across the country. The species was declared an invasive species in 2016, highlighting the need for management steps.
Researchers describe three cases of eyeworm infection in UK dogs with recent travel to mainland Europe. The parasite, Thelazia callipaeda, is found in fruit flies and can infect dogs, cats, and humans, posing a significant threat to the UK canine population.
A new study compares PhD programs in different countries, highlighting both similarities and differences. The analysis found considerable overlap in aims and content, but notable variations in program structure, mentoring, and thesis assessment.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that higher cigarette prices were associated with reduced infant mortality rates in the European Union. The research also showed that increased price differences between premium and budget cigarettes led to higher infant mortality rates.
A new study estimates that excess NOx emissions from diesel cars cause approximately 5,000 premature deaths annually in Europe. Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of these deaths, accounting for around 90% of cases.
Arturo Azcorra presented on the 5G Crosshaul Architecture, a key element of the overall 5G architecture being developed by the European project 5G-CROSSHAUL. The Taipei 5G Summit 2017 provided important clues about the future of 5G network technology.
A new ERC grant will support research into the health effects of acrylamide exposure in early life, examining connections between foetal exposure and later health outcomes. The study aims to clarify acrylamide's other effects on humans beyond carcinogenic risks.
A large-scale genetic study of Papuan New Guinean people found strong genetic differences between groups, reflecting linguistic and cultural diversity. The study suggests that the country's isolated highlands region has remained genetically independent for thousands of years.
A study suggests that walkable neighborhoods reduce the risk of prediabetes among immigrant populations, with higher incidence rates found in less walkable areas. The research found significant differences in prediabetes development across ethnic groups, with some populations experiencing reduced risks in high walkability areas.
Resistance levels to cefixime and ciprofloxacin have decreased, while azithromycin resistance remains high. The dual therapy of ceftriaxone and azithromycin is still effective, but its use contributes to the rise in cephalosporin susceptibility.
A grant-funded project has mapped soil erosion intensity across 2.5 million square kilometers of agricultural land in European Russia. Researchers found that ravine erosion is receding, likely due to reduced thawed flow and increased absorption by soil.
The study found that breakout songs conform to current musical preferences while infusing individuality. Songs with a 'typicality' score below average tended to do better on the Hot 100, indicating a balance between familiarity and novelty.
A new study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can slow the decline in lung function in middle-aged women. Women who took long-term HRT performed better in lung function tests than those who never took HRT, losing an average of 46 ml less of lung volume over 20 years.
A new independent study confirms that 73% of ERC projects have made breakthroughs or major scientific advances. The European Research Council's blue sky research is achieving its goals of funding high-risk/high-gain projects and interdisciplinary frontier research.
New research shows that e-cigarettes with nicotine cause a significant increase in arterial stiffness, blood pressure, and heart rate in humans. This study highlights the potential dangers of e-cigarettes and emphasizes the need for caution and further investigation into their long-term effects.
New studies reveal that e-cigarette refills contain respiratory irritants and increase symptoms in smokers. E-cigarette use is most common among smokers, with dual users experiencing the worst respiratory symptoms.
Nurses who regularly clean surfaces with disinfectants face a 22-32% increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exposure to specific chemicals like glutaraldehyde, bleach, and quaternary ammonium compounds also increases COPD risk.
A study investigated the work ability of young adult cancer survivors, finding that low education, female sex, lymphoedema, fatigue, depression, and reduced physical quality of life are associated with reduced work ability. Treatment intensity was not significantly related to work ability.
Eugenia Chiappe, a principal investigator at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant to investigate how the human brain builds a mental representation of body movements. Her team plans to use fruit fly research as a model to better understand this process.
A new study found that more than 1 in 4 European workers are exposed to secondhand smoke at work, with indoor workplaces seeing an increase in cases. The research, which surveyed over 55,000 people across the EU, highlights the need for stronger enforcement of existing smoke-free laws.
Particle accelerators already have a significant impact on day-to-day life, particularly in medicine and industry. A new EU-funded project has resulted in a concise document highlighting their importance and future development needs, written by University of Huddersfield Professor Rob Edgecock.
The EU-funded DeLIVER project aims to understand how medical drugs affect the liver and how it changes with age, with researchers from 9 countries working together to develop minimally invasive procedures.
Research reveals significant changes in bird communities due to climate change and land use in northern Europe. Species composition is shifting with some gaining range while others lose it, leading to new community compositions.
The New European Wind Atlas aims to reduce overall uncertainties in determining wind conditions by improving competencies on atmospheric flow and data guidelines. The atlas should be able to predict wind conditions with accuracy better than three percent in uncomplicated regions and ten percent in complicated regions.
Researchers analyzed 18th century British nautical charts to track the loss of coral reef habitat in the Florida Keys. The study found a 52% loss of coral area, with nearshore areas declining by 87.5% and 68.8%. This research highlights the need for longer-term conservation efforts based on historical data.
The European Research Council has awarded €605 million to 406 early-career researchers across Europe, with a record share of women amongst the new grantees. The funded research covers various disciplines and will help build teams that can engage over 1,500 postdocs and PhD students.
Researchers have discovered anomalies in the slow wave activity of mice with cognitive decline similar to Alzheimer's, which may provide new insights into the disease. The study suggests that restoring these waves could potentially be a therapeutic approach.
Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a process where patients discuss their goals and preferences with relatives and health-care providers. The study recommends adapting ACP to the individual's readiness, updating conversations and documents regularly.
A study of genetic and isotopic analyses reveals that most female skeletons were nonlocal, arriving as adults, and contributed to cultural communication and exchange. The findings suggest that female mobility played a key role in the spread of technological advancements during this period.
The ICON8 trial confirms standard dosing of paclitaxel is safe and effective for European patients with ovarian cancer. The study found no benefit to dose-dense regimens in terms of progression-free survival, but noted a slight increase in grade 3-4 toxicity.
The ESMO-MCBS version 1.1 is the first major revision, introducing a new scale for single-arm studies in orphan diseases and for diseases with high unmet need. This updated tool will enable users to evaluate single-arm studies, previously only applicable to comparative studies.
Researchers developed verified guidelines for monitoring 5 saproxylic beetle species in Europe, utilizing citizen scientists' data collection. The project also found that children's participation in environmental education programs positively impacts their attitude towards nature.
An international study of over 135000 people found that high carbohydrate diets were associated with a 28% higher risk of death compared to low carbohydrate diets. Diets high in total fat intake were linked to a lower risk of mortality, but rates of major cardiovascular events remained similar.