Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A new theory proposes that social identity and policy positions compete to shape voter choice. This model explains why voters often select candidates whose policies contradict their own interests, as people prioritize their self-image and social media signals over the practical benefits of voting.
A team of researchers discovered a previously unknown hybrid species of bison and cattle, known as the Higgs Bison, through ancient DNA analysis. The mystery species dominated European records for thousands of years before alternating with the Steppe Bison due to climate change.
A pioneering new program could significantly improve quality of life for young adults living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Berliner TransitionsProgramm, a two-year transition from pediatric to adult care, has reported successful outcomes and is being adopted across Europe.
The European Union experiences a significant number of healthcare-associated infections each year, resulting in approximately 2.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The study found that these infections have a higher combined burden than other communicable diseases like influenza and HIV/AIDS.
The Rome IV classification introduces new diagnoses, emphasizes gut-brain interaction, and updates diagnostic criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders. The Rome IV toolkit provides an interactive clinical decision-making tool for clinicians to optimize patient care.
A new study has found that faecal bacterial profiles can be used to predict which IBS patients are most likely to benefit from a low-FODMAP diet. The research identified differences in gut bacteria composition between those who responded and did not respond to the diet.
A new avatar-based application has been shown to improve symptom recognition in heart attack survivors, with a 24% increase in ability to recognize symptoms and a 15% increase in knowledge about what to do. The app is designed to be user-friendly and accessible for patients of all ages and languages.
A prospective, randomised clinical trial found that an ultraviolet air steriliser significantly reduced sepsis and mortality in cardiac surgery patients. The study included 1097 patients and showed a lower rate of sepsis (3.4% vs 6.7%) and 30-day in-hospital mortality (3.8% vs 6.4%) in patients with the steriliser.
A new study reveals that a protein in wheat triggers inflammation in tissues beyond the gut, contributing to the development of chronic health conditions. The consumption of ATIs may worsen symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity.
Researchers have developed a new imaging technique using hyperspectral imaging to detect and characterize early cancerous changes in the gastrointestinal tract. The technique, which involves increasing color channels during endoscopy, has the potential to improve specificity of lesion identification.
Researchers found the unique impression of skin scales from a large herbivore sauropod, possibly a titanosaurus, in sandstone rocks. The discovery is significant as it provides evidence of one of the last dinosaurs to live on Earth before their extinction.
A study presented at the Argentine Congress of Cardiology found that smoking rates increased from 42% to 69% in heart attack patients between 2011 and 2015, coinciding with a 100% increase in cigarette affordability. Despite improved treatment for heart attacks, mortality rates remained unchanged.
Researchers analyzed viral samples and wild bird migration patterns to understand the spread of H5N8 avian influenza. The study found two main migration routes for the virus, suggesting direct or indirect contact with infected birds as likely transmission methods.
Nearly one in three Myanmar citizens have hypertension, while half have high cholesterol. Experts warn that poor lifestyle choices are contributing to a surge in heart disease.
The Vote Leave campaign used the NHS logo in their advertising, despite being warned by the Department of Health not to do so. The NHS logo is a registered trademark and was found to be misleadingly associated with funding for healthcare services.
New research reveals EU's transport sector faces significant challenges in achieving emission reduction targets. The study highlights a lack of ambition and internal disagreement over responsibility, as well as scarcity of data and bias towards industry interests.
A recent study found a measurable bias toward European ancestry data in top genomic databases, with African ancestry data underrepresented. This bias can lead to inaccurate medical genetic diagnoses and higher costs, highlighting the need for greater diversity in genomic databases.
A new study reveals that medieval cities in Western Europe had statistically indistinguishable community grouping patterns compared to younger European cities. The research suggests that social dynamics enabled by medieval cities were fundamentally similar to those of contemporary cities.
A nationwide genomic study of 800 Danish high school students found that the population is genetically similar, with subtle traces of historical impact on genetic variation. The study suggests that people have mixed freely between different parts of the country, leading to a relatively homogeneous population.
A recent study contradicts earlier claims that declines of pollinator species richness are slowing down in Europe. Dr Tom J. M. Van Dooren found no robust evidence for a decelerating decline across multiple taxonomic groups and European countries.
A survey by Dr Lidija Kandolf-Sekulovic found that over 5000 European melanoma patients are denied access to innovative treatments each year. In Eastern Europe, only 42% of countries have registered the treatment, and only 18% have full reimbursement coverage.
Researchers found that genetic variations controlling neuronal development explain male preferences, suggesting brain over nose plays a key role in mate choice. The study sheds light on the evolution of pheromone systems and brain complexity in moths.
The scientific community has established criteria for identifying endocrine disruptors, which will inform regulatory decisions on substances affecting human health. The principles focus on substance effects on the endocrine system and adverse health outcomes.
A survey found that over 5,000 metastatic melanoma patients in Europe are denied access to innovative treatments annually. The inequality affects Eastern and South-Eastern European countries more severely, where only 10% of patients have access to the latest treatment recommended by current guidelines.
A study by Aarhus University researchers analyzed musical themes from French, Italian, and Austro-German composers. The findings support historical musicology assumptions about national influences on European music culture, showing that North-Italian music dominated Europe during the Baroque Era.
A recent study found that cure rates for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Europe are higher than expected, with 61% of patients cured. The study proposes new definitions for 'cure' and 'failure', which may lead to improved treatment outcomes.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that body-worn cameras are associated with a significant reduction in citizen complaints against police, with 93% fewer complaints filed after camera implementation. The 'observer effect' is believed to be a key factor, modifying behavior and increasing accountability.
The European Research Council has awarded €1.5 million to Dr Krasileva's research team to investigate plant immune receptors and develop new methods to protect crops from pests and disease. The grant aims to help generate ways for vital crops like wheat, rice, and maize to withstand ever-persistent diseases.
Dr Diane Saunders has been awarded a prestigious European Research Council starting grant to investigate the molecular mechanisms driving host adaptation of yellow rust on cereal crops and grasses. The goal is to develop new varieties of wheat with enhanced resistance to yellow rust.
The European region is the most skeptical about vaccine safety, with seven countries ranking low in confidence. A global survey of nearly 66,000 people across 67 countries found that public trust in vaccines is precarious and influenced by concerns over side effects and scientific debates.
The European Research Council has awarded €485 million in grants to 325 early-career researchers across Europe. These grants will enable them to pursue innovative ideas, including improving cancer treatment and developing sustainable hydrogen fuel.
A simulation study found that patients with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at a higher risk of being involved in traffic accidents. The study used standard deviation of lane position (SDLP) in a driving simulator to identify potential risk and create a model for use in future cases.
Researchers have created a more realistic picture of wind energy output in Europe, correcting for biases in existing data. The updated simulations show that the current European average capacity factor is 24.2%, but could increase to over 31% with improved grid interconnection and technology advancements.
A review of studies on the 2008 European recession found an association with adverse health outcomes, particularly for suicides and mental health problems. The evidence is strongest for these outcomes, but the quality of the research varies greatly.
The European Society of Cardiology has published new standards to prevent repeat heart attacks, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, and prescribed medication. The guidelines also emphasize the need for patients to take responsibility for their own health after a first heart attack.
Scientists found a novel mutation in modern feral Hawaiian pigs that explains their black coats, suggesting humans across the world have selected and bred black pigs independently. The study suggests Polynesians brought domestic pigs to Hawaii 800 years ago and humans later selected for black coats on at least three separate occasions.
Global trends show a decline in ovarian cancer deaths in the EU and USA between 2002 and 2012, with declines also seen in Australia and New Zealand. The main reason is the use of oral contraceptives, which provide long-term protection against ovarian cancer.
The spread of European earthworms is altering the physical and chemical properties of North American soils, disrupting symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi. This has led to a decline in species diversity, with many native plants threatened by the invasion.
The new data sheet explores population trends in Europe, highlighting the impact of aging, migration, and pension systems. Eastern European countries show the fastest rate of population aging, while standard indicators suggest a slower rate.
The ENSURE-AF trial shows edoxaban as an effective and safe alternative to standard therapy, with comparable rates of stroke and bleeding events. Patients can start edoxaban 2 hours prior to cardioversion if they have access to transoesophageal echocardiography.
A pilot study suggests that some heart attack patients with plaque erosion may benefit from anti-thrombotic medications only, potentially replacing stent placement. The conservative approach shows promise in reducing stent-related complications, offering a new treatment paradigm for over a quarter of patients.
The Norwegian Coronary Stent Trial found that new-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) do not outlive or improve outcomes for patients compared to traditional bare metal stents (BMS). Despite the recommendation of DES over BMS in guidelines, the study suggests that both stent types may be suitable alternatives.
A new diagnostic algorithm, YEARS, suggests a simple approach to rule out pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients, eliminating the need for computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). The study found that using this algorithm reduced CTPA imaging by 14% while maintaining safety and efficacy.
A new antidote, andexanet alfa, has been shown to rapidly reverse anticoagulant effects in patients with acute major bleeding. In the ANNEXA-4 study, andexanet reduced anti-fXa activity by up to 90% within half an hour, resulting in 'excellent or good' hemostasis at 12 hours in most subjects.
The DOCTORS trial found that optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides useful additional information beyond standard angiography, leading to better functional outcomes and more frequent antiplatelet use. OCT also revealed stent underexpansion, incomplete lesion coverage, and edge dissection, resulting in improved procedure strategies.
Researchers have found that lipoprotein apheresis improves myocardial blood flow, exercise capacity, and symptoms in patients with refractory angina and high lipoprotein(a) levels. The treatment approach could provide a novel solution for these patients, who often face limited treatment options.
The phase 3 ODYSSEY-ESCAPE trial found that alirocumab-treated patients had a 75% greater reduction in apheresis compared to placebo, with 63.4% eliminating apheresis altogether. This could mark a new era for HeFH patients struggling with weekly apheresis treatments.
The new standards, developed by the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association (ACCA), assess quality of care provided to patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cover seven domains. Implementing these QIs could lead to a decrease in mortality and improvement in patient outcomes.
The PACIFIC trial compared the accuracy of non-invasive imaging modalities, finding that positron emission tomography (PET) was significantly more accurate than single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). PET's diagnostic accuracy was 85% for diagnosing coronary ischemia, outpe...
A recent study published at ESC Congress 2016 found that heart failure patients have a 2% increased risk of dying with each hospital admission. The research, which included over 450,000 patients from the UK, also showed that hospital admissions for patients with heart failure are projected to rise by 50% over the next 25 years.
A study of nearly 15,000 heart failure patients in the UK found that up to 80% were not receiving recommended treatments, leading to high rates of hospitalizations and deaths. Patients who received treatment were more likely to be prescribed at target doses, highlighting the need for improved adherence to guideline-recommended therapies.
The DANISH trial suggests that ICDs should not be routinely implanted in all patients with systolic heart failure, particularly those with non-ischemic aetiology. However, younger patients may have a survival benefit with ICD implantation.
Research found significant disparities in public access defibrillation program implementation across France, leading to uneven survival rates. Basic life support education was strongly correlated with improved outcomes.
The NIPPON study found that shorter dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is comparable to longer DAPT in terms of net adverse clinical and cerebrovascular events. A combination of short DAPT and a newer DES with bioabsorbable coating may minimize thrombotic events and bleeding complications.
The new guidelines recommend individual LDL cholesterol targets based on risk, aiming for at least 50% reduction. Lifestyle and nutrition are emphasized, with goals for body mass index and food preferences.
The new guidelines aim to improve outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation by integrating input from different specialties. They recommend oral anticoagulation with NOACs as the first line treatment for eligible patients, and catheter ablation as a first line treatment for selected patients.
The world population is projected to reach 9.9 billion by 2050, with significant regional differences, including Africa's population doubling and Europe experiencing declines. The population of the United States is expected to rise by 23 percent to 398 million.
The European refugee crisis poses significant challenges, including fierce border disputes and criticism from 90% of national residents. To address these issues, experts suggest reducing income support for refugees, accommodating unskilled immigration, and welcoming young foreigners to relieve labor market shortages.
Climate change may cause ragweed pollen allergy to more than double in Europe, affecting 77 million people by 2050. The number of people suffering hay fever is already estimated at 40% of Europeans, and the severity of symptoms may increase due to higher pollen concentrations and longer seasons.
A new study by Victor Agadjanian found that members of the ethnic majority in Kyrgyzstan are more optimistic about future economic trends compared to minority groups, particularly Uzbeks. The study highlights the importance of understanding the historical context of ethnic tensions and their impact on minority group experiences.