Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
The HCM-EVIDENCE study validates ESC recommendations for predicting and preventing sudden cardiac death in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The risk prediction tool, HCM Risk-SCD, accurately distinguishes between high- and low-risk patients, with good agreement between predicted and actual SCD rates.
A new study analyzing data from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry found no significant benefits of pre-hospital antiplatelet therapy in STEMI patients. The study suggests that pre-treatment may even pose a risk, particularly for patients with contraindications to antithrombotic therapy.
A study published in European Heart Journal found that middle-aged individuals who report slow walking pace are twice as likely to die from heart disease compared to brisk walkers. Habitual walking pace is also linked to exercise tolerance and physical fitness.
Daily peak loads in Southern Europe are expected to increase due to rising temperatures, while overall consumption will shift from Northern Europe to the South. The study also found that temperature-driven annual peak demand will shift from winter to summer by the end of this century.
Future electricity consumption in Europe is expected to decrease in Northern Europe and increase in Southern and Western Europe under rising temperatures. Daily peak usage is predicted to peak in summer instead of winter, affecting transmission infrastructure and storage requirements.
A collection of thirteen research papers addresses conservation strategies for elusive invertebrates in the European Union. Monitoring saproxylic beetles is feasible, and Citizen Science increases public awareness about Natura 2000 and saproxylic species in forests.
The ESC Guidelines provide comprehensive recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral arterial diseases, affecting over 40 million Europeans. Key findings include revised guidelines for revascularization of asymptomatic carotid stenosis and a strong recommendation against systematic revascularisation of renal stenosis.
The ESC Focused Update provides recommendations for dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with coronary artery disease. DAPT reduces the risk of acute to very late stent thrombosis, but the optimal duration is uncertain. The Task Force recommends a personalized approach based on ischaemic versus bleeding risks.
The guidelines introduce a clear definition of when to start the clock for percutaneous coronary intervention, recommending vessel opening within 90 minutes from STEMI diagnosis. The document also updates recommendations on medications, PCI access, and fibrinolysis, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment.
A recent study found that European countries with high levels of biodiversity, such as Portugal and Slovakia, receive less funding for conservation than expected. The study suggests that the main European directives on conservation focus too much on bird species, leading to an underfunding of other taxonomic groups.
A study found associations between parental BMIs and offspring metabolic traits, but the link was not significantly stronger for maternal BMI, arguing against an intra-uterine mechanism. After accounting for offspring BMI, the data suggested that familial factors rather than intra-uterine overnutrition explain the relationship.
Research reveals citrons and lemons were first citrus fruits to arrive in the Mediterranean, prized for their rarity and symbolic value. The study highlights the crucial role of Muslim traders in dispersing cultivated citrus across Northern Africa and Southern Europe.
The American workforce faces high levels of physical and emotional demands, including long work hours, unpleasant working conditions, and a lack of control over schedules. Despite these challenges, many workers report feeling supported by their bosses and colleagues.
Researchers found that being overweight or obese increases a person's risk of coronary heart disease by up to 28% even if they have healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. The study showed that excess weight is linked with an increased risk of heart disease, even when people have a healthy metabolic profile.
Women diagnosed with cancer experience diverse sexual health concerns that change over time and stages of cancer. Their unique values, goals, and needs must be addressed during treatment and survivorship.
The European Association for Neuro-Oncology has developed new guidelines to treat adult patients with astrocytic and oligodendroglial gliomas more effectively. The guidelines provide guidance on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment options, aiming to limit unnecessary treatments and costs.
An analysis of 50 years' worth of data reveals that climate change is causing rivers to flood earlier in the spring in western and northeastern Europe. This shift is largely attributed to changes in soil moisture retention and increased snowmelt due to warmer temperatures.
Researchers found that piling sounds stress sea bass, causing them to fail to react to predators while drilling sounds cause them to actively avoid areas with these noises. This exposure can also impair their ability to detect food and has potential effects on reproduction.
A study by Vienna University of Technology reveals that climate change has a real impact on flood events in some regions, causing them to shift in timing. The magnitude of the flood does not provide enough information to detect the impact of climate change, whereas the timing provides valuable insights into its effects.
A new study suggests a European stockfish trade existed for 1,000 years, with cod bones from Haithabu providing evidence of fish caught in northern Norway being consumed on mainland Europe. The findings support the idea that traded fish played a significant role in knitting the European continent together economically.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that all contemporary dogs have a common origin and emerged through a single domestication process of wolves. The research team analyzed the DNA of two prehistoric dogs from Germany and found that their genomes were the probable ancestors of modern European dogs.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that European governments are placing too much emphasis on safety and affordability when it comes to transport policies for older people. The research highlights the need for a more rounded approach that prioritizes mobility, independence, and social inclusion.
A study projects that two-thirds of Europeans will be affected by extreme weather events annually by the end of the century. Heat waves are expected to cause 99% of all future weather-related deaths, increasing from 2700 deaths/year in 1981-2010 to 151500 deaths/year in 2071-2100.
A tropical insect, Synthesiomyia nudiseta, has been detected in corpses in North West Italy, according to a study by Dr Stefano Vanin. The research suggests that climate change and globalization have enabled the fly's migration from China.
The study analyzed genome-wide data from 19 individuals and found that the Minoans descended primarily from Neolithic Western Anatolia and Greece. Modern Greeks are genetically closely related to the Mycenaeans, indicating a large degree of population continuity in Greece.
Leading European organisations call on EU to increase funding and legislation for independent academic research in oncology. This approach aims to optimise knowledge development, accelerate commercial drug development, and improve access for patients.
Scientists have obtained and analyzed genome sequences from ancient Minoans and Mycenaeans, shedding light on their origins and relationships. The research suggests that the Minoans and Mycenaeans share a significant amount of genetic heritage from the first farmers of the Aegean Sea.
The study analyzed ancient DNA from remains of 19 individuals and compared their genomes to over 330 other ancient genomes and 2,600 present-day humans. It found that Minoans and Mycenaeans were genetically similar, descending mainly from early Neolithic farmers who migrated thousands of years prior to the Bronze Age from Anatolia.
New research by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds that women living in gender-equal countries have better cognitive test scores later in life than women in gender-unequal societies. The female advantage in cognitive performance was highest in Sweden, where women tend to outperform men on memory tests.
A computational model analyzing 6,082 European football players' salaries showed that Lionel Messi is the world's most overpaid player, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez. The study found a strong link between skills and salaries, but noted exceptions like the Ekstraklasa league.
Ancient DNA analysis reveals minor genetic input from Steppe invaders in Iberia compared to other Europe, suggesting smaller migration impact. Genetic changes led to decrease in European height and persistence of pre-Indo-European language Euskera.
Researchers analyzed strontium isotopes in prehistoric cattle teeth to infer herding management and mobility. The study found three distinct herding patterns, indicating local, seasonal, and year-round grazing strategies that may have contributed to social inequalities.
The UK's withdrawal from Euratom may threaten the supply of essential medical isotopes, used in some cancer treatments and medical imaging. Professor Martin McKee warns that this could put patients at risk if supplies are interrupted.
A first patient has been successfully treated with the DIALIVE system, a novel liver dialysis device designed to remove toxins that trigger inflammation in liver failure patients. The trial aims to establish the device's safety and performance in 24 patients across Europe, with plans for an additional study enrolling over 100 patients.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered a new mechanism that helps slow down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like motor neurone disease and dementia. The study found that tuning up the DNA's natural repair toolkit can prevent the death of nerve cells triggering these diseases.
A new study reveals that Europe's wind energy capacity is concentrated in the North Sea region, leading to extreme fluctuations. Cooperating countries can balance capacity across the continent to minimize these fluctuations. However, expanding solar energy capacity tenfold would be required to compensate for longer-term fluctuations.
A study in the journal Temperature found that high temperatures can lead to a 27% labor loss and 15% decrease in work time for grape-picking workers in European wine production. The research highlights the potential negative impact of global warming on the industry, which is a significant contributor to world GDP.
A European opinion poll found that most citizens are relatively well informed about marine climate change issues, but a significant number are poorly or misinformed. Many believe human activities do not play a role in climate change and think scenarios may have already occurred by 2100.
Two studies published in PLOS Medicine reveal a high burden of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the European Union and China. In the EU, 17,049 TBI deaths occurred in 2013, translating into 374,636 years lost to life. Similarly, in China, age-adjusted TBI mortality increased from 13.23 per 100,000 population in 2006 to 17.06 in 2008, ...
Between 2005 and 2015, the number of confirmed HEV cases increased from 514 to 5,617, a ten-fold rise. Most infections were locally-acquired, with men and people over 50 being most affected.
A landmark study found that people who drink around three cups of coffee per day may live longer than non-coffee drinkers. Higher levels of coffee consumption were associated with reduced risk of death from all causes, particularly circulatory and digestive diseases.
Researchers are testing graphene's potential in space applications through two experiments. GrapheneX, a student-led team, will use microgravity conditions to test graphene for light sails, while another experiment investigates how graphene improves efficiency in loop heat pipes, crucial for satellite cooling systems.
Diversity in cultural values is associated with lower regional economic development in Europe. Polarized societies hinder coordination and lead to lower public goods provision.
Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet, HIP65426b, using the SPHERE/VLT instrument for the first time. The planet is located at three times the Earth-Neptune distance from its star and has a mass 6 to 12 times higher than Jupiter.
Spain now holds the pace of European ART with over 100,000 cycles performed annually, resulting in a steady pregnancy rate of around 35%. The data collected by ESHRE also reveals that IVF remains more successful than ICSI, but pregnancy rates from egg donation continue to rise.
Scientists have discovered that nearly all beech trees in Scotland are derived from native populations, suggesting they should be considered native to the country. The study challenges current woodland management practices and highlights the need to reassess the distinctiveness of native Scottish forests.
African swine fever is a devastating disease with a mortality rate of over 90% that affects pig populations worldwide. Researchers studied live-pig trade in Georgia to identify patterns and high-risk villages where education and outreach activities can be targeted.
Researchers analyzed Y chromosomes of over 50 horses and found that nearly all modern breeds trace back to Oriental stallions introduced to Europe over the last 700 years. This study reveals the impact of strong selection on males and breeding schemes driven by Oriental ancestors.
Researchers investigated how runners adapt their running patterns to cope with shock-induced vibrations. Preliminary results suggest that the human body adjusts to stabilize energetics and protect the upper body, regardless of speed. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and develop strategies to prevent running injuries.
A systematic acoustic study is proposed by David Lubman to investigate the potential relationship between the location of Paleolithic cave paintings and points of reverberation in caves. The study aims to determine whether there is a correlation between the placement of paintings and areas with good acoustics.
New research by Michigan State University scholar Ning Hsieh finds that religious participation is related to higher suicide rates in Southern Europe, Western Europe, and East Asia. In contrast, countries in the English-speaking region, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Northern Europe have seen protective effects of religious partici...
A British exit from the EMA could delay the availability of new medicines to the UK market, according to an independent health economist. The author argues that removal from the EMA would jeopardize access not only to emerging treatments but also cheaper off-brand counterparts once patents expire.
Researchers developed a sound-insulating curtain system that can reduce outside noise levels by up to 26 decibels. The system uses multiple layers of fabrics with different acoustical impedances attached to aluminum tracks, creating variable zones for private conversations or meetings.
Karin Heineman, a seasoned science communicator, emphasizes the importance of capturing underlying stories and emotions in scientific discoveries. She shares her expertise on how to effectively convey complex ideas through video, highlighting its potential to impact audiences beyond the lab.
A study has characterized the mouse genome, revealing new insights into rare diseases and accelerating the development of new treatments. The research identified 360 new disease models and 28,406 new descriptions of genes' effects on mouse biology and disease.
Activity monitors have moderate validity compared to other measures of daily energy expenditure and physical activity, leaving out important information such as intensity of effort. Current accelerometers perform well at moderate walking speeds but struggle under other conditions.
Researchers are using head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) to personalize audio in mixed and virtual reality. By capturing a person's unique acoustic fingerprint, the technology can create an immersive sound environment that simulates spatial hearing.
The Eurasian ice sheet's collapse 23,000 years ago led to a 20m drop in global sea level and severe flooding. The study reveals that this event was ten times more significant than current rates of ice loss from Greenland and Antarctica.
Researchers have developed new noninvasive ultrasound techniques to image the brain and liver, overcoming limitations caused by bones in these areas. The DORT method uses a multi-element array to focus ultrasound waves through bones, while a lens-based transcranial focusing device has been patented for transskull imaging.
Researchers use tiny bubbles and ultrasound to safely open the blood-brain barrier, a heavily guarded system that prevents drug delivery. This breakthrough approach aims to advance next-generation brain therapies without surgery.