Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Researchers have identified that visually impaired people use the timbre, in addition to pitch and loudness, of echoes to navigate their surroundings. This skill is similar to animal echolocation but differs in how humans use sound to locate objects.
Researchers have developed a new approach to remedy the problem of hard-to-reach organs, such as the liver, by analyzing the natural shear waves produced biologically. Passive elastography uses this technology to measure tissue elasticity and diagnose cancer at an early stage.
Researchers developed a novel acoustics project that combines computer models and live concert recordings to produce immersive spatial audio and virtual reality experiences. The project aims to improve virtual reality and explore the effects of ear shape on 3D sound perception.
Researchers introduce a new pedestrian-friendly car-horn sound that immediately alerts pedestrians of danger while reducing unpleasantness. The study, led by Myungjin Bae, uses the Mean Option Score (MOS) to evaluate candidate horn sounds, ranking them on a scale from bad to excellent.
Scientists have identified a new fungal skin disease affecting European wild snakes for the first time. The study, led by the Zoological Society of London, confirms that snake fungal disease (SFD) is present in UK and Czech Republic snakes, posing no risk to humans or livestock.
Newly diagnosed asymptomatic atrial fibrillation patients have a higher rate of previous stroke compared to those with symptoms. The study found that patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation have a five-fold increased risk of stroke, and strokes in these patients tend to be severe and disabling.
Modern domestic cats are derived from the African wildcat, with genetic analyses tracing back to ancient Egypt and the Near East. The study reveals that both lineages contributed to the genomes of European cats.
Astronomers find compact yet massive, fast-spinning, disk-shaped galaxy that stopped forming stars only a few billion years after the big bang. The discovery challenges current understanding of how massive galaxies form and evolve.
Research found that cultural upbringing affects choice of prestige versus performance; Chinese preferred top-ranked college despite below-average grades, while European Americans prioritized above-average grades at a lower-ranked school. Cultural factors play a significant role in decision-making.
The Gauss Centre for Supercomputing (GCS) has secured €500 million in funding for the next decade to invest in next-generation systems and strengthen comprehensive user support. The organisation aims to deliver world-class supercomputing resources while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers and industry.
A study published in the European Heart Journal shows a vaccine that lowers cholesterol may be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease. The AT04A vaccine, administered to genetically modified mice, reduced cholesterol levels by 53% and induced long-lasting antibodies against PCSK9, an enzyme contributing to high cholesterol.
A novel smartphone application has been developed to direct first responders to cardiac arrest victims more than three minutes before emergency services arrive. Each minute of earlier intervention increases the chance of survival by 10%, reducing brain injury risk.
A recent study found that domesticated cats descend from the African wildcat or Felis silvestris lybica subspecies. The origins of cat domestication are attributed to the Near East and ancient Egypt around 10,000 years ago, where farmers welcomed wildcats to control rodents.
The EHRA White Book provides comprehensive data on cardiac arrhythmia treatment, including device implantations and interventional procedures. The 2017 edition shows significant disparities in treatment across countries, with higher volumes of device implantations in Western and Northern countries.
A Swedish study found a significant increase in gout hospitalizations between 2000 and 2012, with only one-fourth of patients receiving recommended urate-lowering treatment. In contrast, a UK study showed that nurse-provided patient education and support significantly improved adherence to ULT, leading to better patient outcomes.
A national program in Denmark aims to address concerns of rheumatology patients switching to biosimilars for their arthritis treatment. The program includes independent patient information, closer monitoring of prescriptions, and a focus on patient safety.
New data analysis reveals that snus is at least 95% safer than smoking, with potential benefits including reduced initiation of smoking and increased cessation rates. The study suggests that if snus were made available in Europe, it could lead to a significant reduction in premature deaths among men.
A large population study found that passive smoking in childhood increased the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adulthood. Smoking also speeds up disease progression in ankylosing spondylitis, a painful and disabling form of arthritis.
A meta-analysis found that the excess risk of cardiovascular events in RA patients has decreased since the year 2000. The reduced risk appears to be related to better management of cardiovascular risk and control of chronic systemic inflammation.
A study found that chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases are linked to a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease in patients. The research identified specific genetic patterns associated with cardiovascular disease risk across different chronic IMID patient groups, which could lead to the development of more efficient preve...
An educational programme implemented by the Galician Rheumatology League improved employees' self-confidence in their work capacity and awareness of solvable limitations. The programme also helped employers understand specific needs of people with RMDs, making necessary adaptations to keep them at work.
A public opinion survey conducted across eight Western European countries found that 80% of respondents support increasing spending on education, while only 20% back defense policy. Respondents prioritize general school education and vocational training, with 62% demanding more funding in these sectors.
A new relapse prediction tool has been developed to reduce the cost of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. The tool, which combines two measurements to predict the risk of relapse in patients with RA, allows for successful dose reduction of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), resulting in significant cost savings.
Researchers have identified a biomarker that can detect increased risk of stroke and heart attack in lupus patients without CVD symptoms. A study found that lupus patients with high levels of High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T (HS-cTnT) are eight times more likely to develop fatty deposits in their carotid arteries.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy significantly reduced self-reported depression and anxiety among chronic pain patients participating in a pain rehabilitation program. The treatment also improved self-efficacy, activity engagement, and pain acceptance.
A Danish study found a clear downward trend in knee and hip replacements in RA patients since the introduction of biological DMARDs to treatment protocols. The incidence of total knee replacements decreased by 0.20 per year after 2003, while the incidence of total hip replacements also showed a downward trend.
A nurse-led vaccination programme significantly improves pneumococcal vaccination coverage among patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The study found that nursing staff accurately identified candidates for vaccination and informed them about its benefits.
A study at EULAR 2017 found low-dose CT scanning to be more sensitive than conventional X-rays in monitoring Ankylosing Spondylitis disease progression. It consistently detected patients with signs of disease progression, such as new bony growths.
Annals of Oncology has achieved an impressive Impact Factor score of 11.855, ranking it among the top 5% of oncology titles globally. The journal is recognized for its rapid and efficient peer-review publications on cutting-edge cancer research.
A new imaging technique called Fluorescence Optical Imaging (FOI) is more effective than ultrasound at detecting inflammation in the absence of symptoms and signs in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. FOI provides greater information on microcirculation and can be performed by non-medically qualified personnel.
A new class of drug, romosozumab, has been shown to rapidly and significantly reduce the risk of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In a clinical trial, women treated with romosozumab had a 83% lower risk of vertebral fracture compared to those receiving placebo.
A study found that patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome are 11 times more likely to have had a prior nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection than controls. NTM infection was also linked to increased risk of developing the disease, particularly among those aged 45-65 years.
A meta-analysis published at EULAR 2017 found that early treatment of pre-rheumatoid arthritis (pre-RA) significantly reduces the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients who received active treatment had a lower risk of RA at 52 weeks or more compared to those on placebo.
Researchers found over 20,000 animal bones, stone tools, and portable art objects from 10 sedimentary layers spanning 28,000 to 50,000 years ago. This timeline provides evidence of modern human activity in Europe during a period of significant change in species behavior.
Glass eel larvae can sense Earth's magnetic field and orient themselves using a biological clock, allowing them to migrate towards the coast. This study sheds light on the mechanisms of eel migration and has implications for our understanding of other species' navigation behaviors.
A Cornell University study reveals genetic adaptations to plant-heavy diets led to increased frequency of FADS1 gene variants, crucial for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid production. This discovery has implications for personalized dietary recommendations based on individual genetic backgrounds.
A team of scientists discovered a previously undetected health risk from volcanic plumes, finding that certain fine particles can penetrate deep into lungs, exacerbating asthma attacks. The study recommends considering both young and mature plumes when forecasting air pollution and dispersion.
Scientists have developed a technique to capture and slow down light, allowing them to observe the quantum nature of electrons in graphene. This breakthrough could lead to new discoveries in superconductors and topological materials.
Andreas Hirsch aims to develop new areas of application for black phosphorus, which could make batteries last longer or enable solar cells to produce more electrical energy. His research may lead to the generation of new fields of application for the substance, including the development of more powerful and efficient batteries.
European countries with higher healthcare expenditure experienced lower amenable mortality rates, with declines of up to 3.5% for men and 2.1% for women, according to a Health Affairs analysis.
Experts at Euroanaesthesia congress discuss good Samaritan laws in Europe and their implications for doctors. They emphasize the importance of a doctor's duty to help, even if they're not able to assist fully, and note that successful claims against doctors are practically unheard of.
The populist radical right is a threat to the core values of medicine and public health, as it undermines evidence-based practices and ignores human rights. This trend has been observed in various European countries and the United States, where populist radical right parties have shaped politics and healthcare policies.
Ramin Golestanian, a renowned Iranian physicist, has been awarded the EPJE Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Lecture Prize for his groundbreaking work on microswimmers and their hydrodynamic interactions. This achievement demonstrates his significant contributions to the field of active matter research.
A new study reveals that human activity has polluted European air almost uninterruptedly for the last ca. 2000 years. Lead pollution from mining and smelting was detectable well before the Industrial Revolution and only when the Black Death pandemic halted those activities did lead in the air return to natural levels.
A study found that recreational hunting in Spain's Asturias region can help control wild boar populations. The research team analyzed hunting bag data and found a significant increase in population numbers after temporary bans were lifted, indicating hunters' ability to regulate wild boar numbers.
A recent study reveals that many children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not meeting the recommended daily intake of calcium and vitamin D. Experts warn that this can lead to poor bone health, development issues, and increased risk of permanent height deficits.
The 'Keep Control' project aims to improve understanding and diagnosis of balance and gait deficits in older adults, with a focus on developing innovative treatment options. The initiative, coordinated by Kiel University, brings together experts from Europe to enhance diagnosis and therapy for fall-prone individuals.
Researchers use aGPS tool to reconstruct ancient DNA, revealing complex and dynamic migration patterns across Europe. The study confirms the theory of massive Yamnaya migration to Central Europe and sheds light on ancient city-state formation.
Research from University of East Anglia and University of Glasgow highlights the positive impact of government intervention on angel investing in Portugal during economic crisis. The study found that fiscal incentives were not effective, while co-investment schemes and network support improved take-up rates.
Researchers found significant ancestry from Western hunter-gatherers and Anatolian farmers in ancient Roman genomes, suggesting multiple admixture events. The study reveals a nuanced and complex relationship between hunter-gatherers and farmers in the Danube basin.
The Atlas of the Human Planet 2017 reveals that one out of three people worldwide is exposed to earthquakes, with 414 million living near active volcanoes. Exposure to natural hazards has doubled globally over the past 40 years, primarily due to urbanization and population growth.
The 11,800 participants shared the latest developments and best practices in treating cardiovascular conditions, including coronary and valvular heart disease and stroke. EuroPCR 2017 also celebrated the 40th anniversary of angioplasty with an exhibition tracing its pioneering history.
A new report by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre presents the state-of-the-art in disaster risk management, highlighting the importance of science in preventing disasters and saving lives. The report identifies knowledge gaps and needs for further research to improve responses to natural hazards.
The UK's departure from the EU will likely result in a loss of flexibility in implementing European criminal law. The country's previous 'pick-and-choose' approach to EU integration is set to be replaced by a more rigid framework. As a result, fundamental rights may be disproportionately affected.
Researchers discovered two fossils of Graecopithecus freybergi with fused premolar roots, characteristic of modern humans and early humans, indicating a European origin for the pre-human lineage. The study also suggests that environmental changes, such as the formation of the Sahara desert, drove the evolution of pre-humans.
Despite global improvements in healthcare quality, the gap between best and worst-performing countries has grown. Western European countries generally scored highest while those in sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania scored lowest, with some countries within these regions showing significant variation.
A new study found a positive association between father's pre-conception vitamin D intake and child height and weight at 5 years old. Maternal vitamin D intake during pregnancy has previously been shown to have an impact on offspring health, but this is the first investigation into paternal vitamin D intake.
Researchers in a new study are using football club loyalty to engage men aged 30-65 years to be more active. The EuroFIT program tests the effectiveness of culturally-sensitive lifestyle programs with over 1,200 middle-aged men across 15 European football clubs.
A new study found that cardiovascular diseases account for one-third of global deaths, with the highest rates in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The study also revealed a plateau in CVD mortality rates in high-income countries and an increase in low- and middle-income countries.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences reveals that Eurasian white oaks arose from a North American ancestor that migrated to Europe. The research also shows that two oak species found on opposite ends of the globe are closest relatives and part of a widespread white oak lineage.