Articles tagged with Europe
A Swedish twin registry study reveals that bilateral tinnitus has a strong genetic component, especially in men, while unilateral tinnitus is more influenced by environmental factors. The findings have important clinical implications for diagnosis, treatment, and public health.
The European Society of Cardiology calls for rewritten clinical trial rules to protect patients and ensure reliable results. The current ICH Good Clinical Practice guidelines need to be based on principles rather than operational details.
An unknown Portuguese moth was finally named and placed in the tree of life after a 22-year mystery. The species, Ekboarmia miniaria, is the smallest in its genus, with only three females found in 2009 providing key evidence for its classification.
A new European study has found that soil carbon loss is more sensitive to climate change compared to carbon taken up by plants. In wetter regions, soil carbon loss increased, while in drier regions it decreased, and this could lead to a positive feedback on atmospheric CO2 levels.
A decrease in summer rainfall over the Asian inland plateau region led to a significant increase in drought conditions. The interdecadal change was caused by a quasi-zonal wave-like pattern and warming North Atlantic SST anomalies.
A recent analysis found that only 31.8% of newborns were assessed for prolonged, continuous pain in European neonatal intensive care units. Intensive care units with specific support systems performed assessments more frequently, highlighting the need for better pain monitoring in newborns.
Researchers from the University of Limerick are leading a €4.9m project to produce carbon fiber from forestry by-products, aiming to halve its CO2 footprint. The LIBRE project expects to reduce production costs by 30% and bring down the environmental impact of carbon fiber manufacturing.
Excess emissions from Volkswagen's diesel cars sold between 2008 and 2015 will cause approximately 1,200 premature deaths across Europe. The countries hardest hit include Germany, Poland, France, and the Czech Republic.
Negative EU coverage in UK newspapers significantly increased over the last 40 years, with centre-right tabloids driving the increase. Positive coverage overall fell from 25% in 1974-75 to 10% in 2012-13, while factual and neutral reporting remained stable.
Despite progress in implementing primary and secondary prevention measures, Europe still has a long way to go to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. The authors highlight the need for improved data collection and monitoring of interventions along the continuum of care to track progress and reduce mortality.
A new study assesses potential climate damage to 19 major European coastal cities, predicting annual economic losses ranging from $1.2 billion to over $40 billion by 2100. The study emphasizes the need for adaptation measures to avoid critical damage and major losses.
New research suggests that Arctic sea-ice loss intensifies the negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) leading to more cold easterly winds. However, these winds are also warmer than they used to be due to widespread warming effects of Arctic sea-ice loss, resulting in little change in European winter temperatures.
A team of researchers found that captive breeding efforts were unnecessary if hunting controls had been implemented to save the species. The study dispels the theory that the Passenger Pigeon underwent functional extinction before its actual extinction in the early 20th century.
New EU Water Framework Directive recommendations aim to improve monitoring, assessment, and management of water quality. The directive suggests effect-based methods instead of individual substance analysis and proposes a reversed burden of proof for data collection.
A team of researchers has confirmed the ancient origins of pointillist techniques used by artists like Seurat and Van Gogh. The discovery of 16 engraved limestone blocks in France's Vézère Valley, dated to 38,000 years ago, provides evidence of this form of image-making with Europe's earliest human culture.
A survey of over 400 young doctors found that one in five experience burnout, bullying, and poor work-life balance. Women's experiences are particularly worse than men's, with a higher likelihood of feeling unappreciated and frustrated.
The eHealth revolution is transforming cardiovascular medicine with smartphone apps predicting worsening heart failure and apps warning of dangerously low blood pressure or glucose levels. Big Data analysis provides insights into the greatest impact of treatments and compares results across countries.
A Swedish study found that patients registered in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry had a remarkable 35% lower risk of death compared to unregistered patients. This improvement is attributed to better medication and quality care, with registered patients more likely to receive essential heart failure medications.
A genomic study reveals that European and African H. pylori strains intermingled in the Americas, replacing local strains and forming distinct new sub-populations adapted to local conditions.
A study by Imperial College London predicts that average life expectancy will increase in 35 industrialised countries by 2030. The results show that South Korean women may live up to 90.8 years, while a 65-year-old woman can expect an additional 27.5 years of life.
A new study on genetic data of prehistoric human remains shows that only a few women participated in the migration from the Pontic-Caspian Steppe around 5,000 years ago, whereas men made up most of the migrants. This suggests that different social and cultural processes drove the two migrations.
Scientists modelled global soil selenium concentrations using data mining techniques and found dominant role of climate-soil interactions. Climate change scenarios predict selenium levels to increase in some regions but decrease overall, with up to 66% of croplands expected to lose selenium by the end of the century.
The Samalas volcano's massive eruption in 1257 is believed to have had a significant impact on European climate conditions. However, new research published in Nature Geoscience suggests that its effects were exaggerated and not the primary cause of the Little Ice Age.
A Duke University study found people in rural Madagascar get shorter, poorer sleep than those in the US or Europe, but compensate by having a more consistent sleep schedule. Despite disrupted rest due to noise and light, participants reported being happy with their sleep.
A new study from researchers at UC Davis and UC Berkeley reveals the population structure of honey bees in California, shedding light on their origins. The research combines large databases to provide a comprehensive sampling of honey bees across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
A recent study found that 37% of all recorded alien species have been introduced globally over the past few decades, with new introductions increasing at an alarming rate. Climate change is expected to lead to further invasions as non-native plants adapt to new environments.
A European Commission proposal to define and identify endocrine-disrupting chemicals has been widely criticized by experts, who argue it sets an unrealistic burden of proof and limits regulatory action. The Endocrine Society, led by UMass Amherst biologist Thomas Zoeller, claims the proposal will create gaps in identification criteria,...
Researchers at Bielefeld University found that cultivated scallops have a unique genetic structure compared to their natural counterparts. The study used RAD sequencing and microsatellites to analyze the genetic architecture of nine scallop populations, revealing differences in the artificially cultivated type.
A recent study analyzing 3,491 modern Sardinian mitochondrial DNA genomes reveals that the island is home to unique genetic haplogroups, which likely arose after its initial occupation. These findings support archaeological evidence of a Mesolithic occupation and suggest a dual ancestral origin of the first inhabitants.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are studying 'Living Apart Together' (LAT) relationships among older adults, who are increasingly forming new partnerships without shared residences. LAT couples face challenges such as family caregiving and decision-making, highlighting the need for open discussions with families and partners.
A European research team discovered that when restoring nature, initial soil communities lack strong links between organisms. However, with time, these connections strengthen, enabling a diverse plant community to thrive. Fungi are found to drive this process, storing and using nutrients more efficiently.
A new study suggests that Baltic hunter-gatherers acquired knowledge of farming and ceramics by sharing cultures and ideas with outside communities, rather than genes. The research analyzed ancient DNA from archaeological remains in Latvia and Ukraine, revealing genetic continuity throughout the Neolithic period.
A growing global concern, nonmedical use of prescription drugs among young people is linked to increased deaths from opioids and stimulants. The misuse of these medications can cause serious health problems and even lead to overdose.
Leavers prioritize controlling immigration and access to EU budget, while Remainers are more divided on these issues. Meanwhile, Leavers are optimistic about trade deals with major powers like China and a strong British economy in the future.
The European Union needs to prioritize prevention programs, improve access to testing, and enhance treatment options for people living with HIV. Currently, two-thirds of EU countries lack sufficient funding for prevention interventions, and one in seven people living with HIV in the region is unaware of their infection.
The EurOPDX consortium develops patient-derived xenografts to replicate tumor behavior in mice, enabling personalized medicine and drug assessment. Researchers aim to validate multicentric preclinical studies using these models, increasing the efficiency of cancer research and treatment.
A recent surge of human A(H7N9) cases in China has raised concerns among EU citizens, particularly those living or visiting affected areas. People traveling to China are advised to avoid direct exposure to poultry and live markets, while those presenting with respiratory symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
A team of anthropologists has uncovered a 38,000-year-old engraved image in a French rockshelter, revealing insights into the nature of modern humans during this period. The discovery provides new information on regional patterning of art and ornamentation across Europe during the Aurignacian culture.
A new study by University of Leicester researchers has identified the mechanism behind solidification cracking in steel welding, a critical engineering alloy. The team used synchrotron X-ray beamline technology to observe crack formation in real-time, revealing micro-porosities as the primary cause.
Healthcare professionals have high variation in judgement when assessing the same claimant for disability benefits. The use of standardised approaches to guide judgment is strongly associated with higher agreement, highlighting the need for more research and improved assessment methods.
The European Society for Medical Oncology advocates for strict adherence to approval standards and accelerated introduction of biosimilars into clinical settings. This move aims to enhance the sustainability and affordability of cancer treatment, with potential benefits including reduced costs and increased accessibility.
The Universidad Carlos III de Madrid has been granted the HR Excellence in Research Award by the EU for its high-quality human resources policies for researchers. The institution has implemented a Human Resources Strategy for Researchers, which aligns with the European Charter and Code of Conduct for researchers.
University Jena researchers have launched a project to create 3D representations of cultural objects from museums and collections, including historical globes and other unique artifacts. The goal is to make these treasures accessible to the public and enable scientific investigation through accurate replicas created via 3D printing.
A new analysis of eight studies reveals that elderly individuals who experience a hip fracture are at higher risk of dying in the short term after the injury. Long-term risks also exist, with fractures linked to nearly twofold increased risk of dying eight years or more after the injury.
The study establishes the prevalence of bloodstream infections as the most common type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) in children, with a high mortality rate associated with these infections. The findings highlight the need for urgent action to prevent and reduce HAIs in neonatal and paediatric intensive care units.
Scientists have discovered fossils of biting midges encased in amber from the Indian subcontinent, showing a strong similarity with examples from Europe and China. The findings indicate that the Indian subcontinent was not isolated during its migration towards Eurasia and Asia around 54 million years ago.
A €29 million research grant will be used to investigate serious lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), particularly affecting babies and older adults. The project aims to gather robust statistics on RSV cases across Europe, assess economic impact, and develop best practice guidelines for monitoring and treatment.
A study published in Conservation Letters found that the EU's Ecological Focus Areas (EFA) initiative has little benefit for biodiversity and farmers, despite being implemented since 2015. Fallow land was the only EFA option considered worthwhile by both ecologists and farmers.
A new study by Maria Guadalupe of INSEAD found that say-on-pay policies lead to improved firm performance, including higher return on assets and reduced overheads. Shareholder value increases by about 5 percent, as the policy aligns management closer to shareholders and gives them an equal voice.
A large international survey found imperfections in primary and secondary prevention of skin cancer, with regional differences in sun protection behaviors. The study's results suggest that education level, gender, and socioeconomic status influence sun protection habits.
A new study from the University of Leeds has made reliable estimates of volcanic ash events in Northern Europe, finding that ash clouds occur approximately every 44 years. The research team analyzed records of volcanic ash fallout over the past 1,000 years and found evidence of 84 ash clouds, most linked to Icelandic eruptions.
Researchers found substantial inequities in care practices for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients across seven European countries. The standard of care for DMD typically includes corticosteroid medication, physiotherapy, regular echocardiograms, and regular check-ups, but adherence to guidelines was low, particularly among non-...
A study by NC State researchers analyzed 183 phytophthora infestans samples from across the globe to track the pathogen's movement. FAM-1 lineage was found in US, Europe, and Colombia, suggesting a South American origin. The pathogen has caused massive disease outbreaks worldwide, with billions spent annually on control measures.
Scientists have sequenced the ash tree genome, which aids the breeding of resistant trees against ash dieback fungus. The UK is home to over 1,000 species that rely on ash trees, making their conservation crucial.
Researchers at the University of York have identified genetic markers for disease tolerance in UK ash trees, suggesting they may be able to withstand a devastating fungal infection. This discovery could contribute to breeding new varieties of ash that are tolerant to the disease.
The taste of champagne is influenced by the complex interplay between CO2 levels and volatile organic compounds within bubbles. The collapse of these bubbles releases wine aromas into the air.
Professor Daniel Zilberman has received a Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council to study epigenetic information transmission in plant generations. This research is crucial for improving human health and nutrition, as well as developing sustainable agriculture practices.
Researchers from Charles University capture first living golden jackal in the Czech Republic, setting a precedent for the species' expansion into central Europe. The animal's long-term persistence in its habitat suggests that climate change and human activities may be facilitating its spread.
Scientists found Arctic lakes are melting an average of one day earlier per year over a 14-year period, with Central Siberia showing the strongest trend. This early thawing has implications for energy balance, CO2 emissions, and winter transport.
Dr. Christine Faulkner has been awarded a European Research Council Consolidator Grant to investigate how plant cells communicate and coordinate responses to pathogen threats. The grant will support large-scale research on defence signals triggered by single cells and their transmission through whole plants.