Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
The Journal of the European Economic Association will be published by Oxford University Press starting in January 2017. This move is seen as a remarkable achievement, especially considering JEEA's growth in submissions over the last decade.
According to new data, cancer has surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death in 12 European countries. The study reveals significant regional disparities, with higher mortality rates from cardiovascular disease seen in Eastern Europe and non-EU countries.
A study published in the European Journal of Political Economy found that countries negotiating with terrorists faced up to 87% more kidnappings. Dr. Todd Sandler's research analyzed politically motivated kidnappings worldwide between 1978 and 2013, concluding that concessions lead to more abductions.
High-precision optical clocks in Europe are connected via a 1400 km optical fibre link, confirming excellent quality of the connection. The connection allows for ultrastable high-precision optical reference signals to be disseminated to various users.
Researchers discovered that ambling horses first appeared in Medieval England, where they were bred by Vikings and later distributed globally. The genetic study found a specific variant of the DMRT3 gene associated with gaitedness in ancient horse remains.
Researchers found genetic connections between European settlers and farmers in Central Turkey, tracing back to the late Stone Age. The study suggests that farming knowledge spread from Turkey to Europe through human migration and cultural exchange.
A recent study found a positive association between adolescents' exposure to various types of alcohol marketing and their increased drinking frequency. The research suggests that restricting the volume of alcohol marketing to which young people are exposed could help reduce youth drinking. The findings support demands for stricter regu...
A significant number of patients on clopidogrel therapy are also prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) omeprazole or esomeprazole, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Despite regulatory warnings, many physicians have continued to prescribe this combination.
Research by marketing experts found that excessive positive online customer reviews can lead to higher return rates and increased costs for retailers. This is particularly true for products with low prices or from new customers, as it raises expectations and may result in disappointment upon delivery.
Scientists discovered 15 genome sites linked to depression in European ancestry, regulating gene expression and new neuron birth. Using crowd-sourced data, they detected weak genetic signals associated with depression, supporting a novel approach to complement traditional methods.
The REPARA project aims to make energy and performance benefits of computer systems available without enormous development efforts. Researchers have developed a semiautomatic process to improve source code refactoring, increasing application performance, energy efficiency, and maintainability.
The European Science Foundation (ESF) and the Graphene Flagship consortium enabled nine young researchers to attend the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF). The trip included a visit to the National Graphene Institute, showcasing opportunities for collaboration and networking in graphene research. Young researchers play a crucial role in adv...
Researchers analyzed 750 food paintings from the past 500 years and found that 86% depicted bread and 61% showed meat, while only 22% featured vegetables. The study suggests that people have always been drawn to visually appealing and indulgent foods.
A Harvard-led research team conducted the first large-scale genome-wide analysis of ancient human remains from the Near East, illuminating population dynamics and genetic identities of world's first farmers. The study reveals three genetically distinct farming populations living in the Near East at the dawn of agriculture.
A new study by Western University found that smaller carnivores like European badgers fear humans more than their traditional enemies, leading to altered ecosystem processes. This discovery highlights the impact of human activity on wildlife and conservation efforts.
The University of Würzburg has launched three new projects in India, aiming to analyze European and Indian political thinking and develop literature in a globalized world. The projects also focus on adult education and lifelong learning, providing opportunities for students to study abroad and write their master theses.
The EU is developing the European Open Science Cloud to provide robust e-infrastructures for publicly funded research data. However, many researchers face challenges in using these services due to technical limitations. Virtual Research Environments (VREs) can help bridge this gap by providing intuitive interfaces and seamless collabor...
A European Union-funded study reveals that environmental amenities in cities often displace low-income residents, leading to increased housing costs and gentrification. The 'Greenlulus' project aims to develop a ranking of environmentally just cities and promote policies to mitigate the negative social impacts.
Scientists explore European bison bulls' demographic history, revealing footprints of selection on over 400 genes. These genes are associated with physiological functions underlying distinctive features between bison and bovine lineages, such as thermogenesis and wooly hair development.
A team of researchers from the British Museum and University of Leicester has discovered new evidence in the Caribbean that reveals a complex interplay between early European colonizers and Native Americans. The findings, published in Antiquity, provide a nuanced understanding of cultural identity formation in the Americas.
Scientists sequenced DNA from early Neolithic skeletons and found a previously uncharacterized population in Iran's Zagros region. The Zargos-based farmers' genetic sequences resemble modern-day Pakistani and Afghan populations, suggesting they split from ancient Anatolian genomes over 40,000 years ago.
A recent study published in Science reveals that populations in the ancient Fertile Crescent are the ancestors of modern-day South Asians, but not of Europeans. The earliest farmers from the Zagros mountains in Iran showed a genetically distinct group that only very distantly related to the first farmers of western Anatolia and Europe.
The Bardarbunga caldera is the largest caldera formation ever observed, with an area of 110 square kilometers. The team used satellite images, seismological and geochemical data, GPS data, and modeling to study the event.
A study of 3.9 million adults found that obesity is associated with an increased risk of premature death, with the greatest effect in men. The risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, and cancer are all increased, resulting in a three-fold greater excess risk of premature death among men compared to women.
Regine von Klitzing was awarded the 2016 EPJ E Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Lecture Prize for her significant work on polyelectrolyte assemblies and functionalized microgels. She is a full professor at Technische Universität Berlin, where she directs the Physicochemistry Laboratory.
The Adaptive Management of Barriers in European Rivers (AMBER) project maps river barriers across Europe to restore dwindling freshwater species populations. Innovative research uses citizen science, remote sensing, and molecular methods to prioritize areas for conservation and optimize barrier management.
The European pet trade is putting rare reptile species at risk of extinction due to high demand and lack of effective regulation. Conservation efforts are being undermined by the lucrative black market for exotic animals, with smugglers using creative tactics to evade laws.
Researchers from seven European institutions and five US universities aim to understand the glass transition, a problem plaguing physics and chemistry for a long time. The collaboration hopes to find a unified understanding of the glassy state of matter and its properties.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society publishes a new position statement on healthy menopause and aging. The model emphasizes a holistic approach to midlife women's physical, psychological, and social well-being. It recommends specialist teams and interdisciplinary networks for optimal care.
A new study predicts a Gulf Stream slowdown will moderate Europe's warming, leading to slower economic growth but still warmer temperatures. The Thermohaline Circulation, which keeps Europe warm, is expected to slow due to global warming.
A study published by the University of Oxford found that man-made climate change was responsible for hundreds of deaths in two European cities during a 2003 heatwave. The research used computer simulations and health impact assessments to estimate the number of premature deaths attributed to climate change.
A new study has discovered the largest number of Neanderthal human remains in northern Europe, consisting of five individuals including four adults and a child. The remains show signs of cannibalism, with cut marks and percussion marks on many bones.
Researchers led by Josef van Genabith are working on two EU-funded projects to improve automatic machine translation, particularly for complex languages like Latvian and Czech. They aim to use 'deep learning' to recognize patterns in large text datasets and learn from them.
An expert argues that economic inequality and austerity, not immigration, are the root causes of worsening health and declining living standards in Britain. The UK's public spending cuts have led to a decrease in education and training funding, increasing student loans and debt.
The first study assessing the clinical impact of ESMO-MCBS in a real-life context shows that the scale works reliably and reproducibly in advanced or metastatic disease. The study encourages its use in daily routine for novel treatments like immunotherapy.
Researchers from the University of Exeter and Bath investigated noise in Falmouth Bay for 14 months, finding varied noise levels affected by natural conditions. This study highlights the need for long-term monitoring to understand human impact on marine environments.
A study published in July Health Affairs found increased out-of-pocket expenditures among people aged fifty and older in eleven European countries between 2006-07 and 2013. The study revealed that those in lower income quintiles incurred less out-of-pocket expenditure compared to higher-income populations.
The EMODnet Workshop Report highlights the importance of historical biodiversity data for ecological models and future predictions. The workshop aimed to fill gaps in European marine species occurrence data availability by implementing data archaeology and rescue activities.
Researchers from Umeå University suggest implementing an EU-owned flight ticket tax as a sustainable alternative to funding the EU budget. The proposed carbon-based tax could reduce emissions and boost economic growth by redistributing revenue to reduce harmful taxes on labor.
A study published in The BMJ found that less than 60% of premature babies born in 11 European countries received a package of four simple, widely available care measures known to improve survival. Receiving full evidence-based care was associated with improved survival rates.
A new study found that UK diving beetle populations have shifted their ranges over the past three decades due to female choosiness, leading to the evolution of rough body surfaces in males. In some cases, 'rough' and 'smooth' females co-exist within the same species, with different geographical ranges. This shift is likely driven by th...
The European Medicines Agency has revised its trial design guidelines for acute coronary syndromes, emphasizing the use of troponin to diagnose myocardial infarction. The new guidelines also recommend a more nuanced approach to risk analysis, including subgroup analysis according to risk levels. This updated framework aims to promote t...
European countries should not adopt Australia's immigration system, which perpetuates human rights abuses and torture in detention centers. The lack of transparency in the system is particularly concerning, with allegations of waterboarding, force-feeding, and restraints on asylum seekers surfaced.
Research in Diabetologia found a link between genetically lowered birthweight and increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that restricted early life development can have long-term effects on metabolic disease risk.
A study found that male GPs are less likely to assess cardiovascular risk in female patients due to insufficient information in medical files. Female patients were also less likely to have their CVD risk assessed using the SCORE scale when seen by a female GP.
The STARS4ALL project is a EU-funded initiative that aims to promote dark skies across Europe through crowd-sourced data collection and analysis. Researchers are monitoring social media interactions between citizen science volunteers and participants to design new apps and projects for contributing light pollution data.
A new study reveals that beech trees in central Europe, particularly in southern England, are increasingly vulnerable to drought due to climate change. The research found that the region's iconic beech woods are at risk of widespread mortality during extreme dry spells.
Healthcare-related databases will be shared across European countries using a standard collection of characteristics to increase numerical and geographical coverage. This approach can help identify common needs, establish harmonized approaches, and maximize the exploitation of large data sets.
A new study reveals that prolonged repetitive physical workload increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, with certain types of work increasing the odds more than others. The study also found a significant interaction between genetic makeup and physical workload in relation to the development of RA.
A study found an association between a specific genetic pathway and the development of mouth ulcers in SLE patients. The VEGF genetic pathway was significantly associated with mouth ulcers and antinuclear antibodies, offering new insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatment targets.
A study found that over one-third of active rheumatoid arthritis patients suffer from sexual problems, including low libido and painful intercourse. Factors contributing to these issues include lack of attraction, anxiety, and relationship problems.
Two studies presented at EULAR 2016 found that patients with positive expectations and autonomy are more likely to adhere to their treatment. Non-adherence is associated with factors such as anxiety, depression, and negative feelings, highlighting the need for strategies to improve treatment adherence.
A new consensus paper defines and classifies atrial cardiomyopathies, which can lead to atrial fibrillation, strokes, and other complications. The guidelines also discuss the triggers of atrial fibrillation and provide advice on prevention and treatment options.
A study of nearly three million motor vehicle accident victims found atrial fibrillation associated with a higher risk of death, longer hospital stays, and increased costs. Patients with atrial fibrillation were more likely to die in the hospital and required longer stays and greater resources.
Researchers from Umeå University warn that parts of Southern Europe are at risk for Zika outbreaks between June and August. The study found that the presence of established Aedes-mosquito populations, warmer temperatures, and peak air traveler flows make Southern Europe a fertile ground for Zika transmission.
A study presented at EULAR 2016 found that a combination of text messages and individual counselling sessions motivated patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis to be more active, resulting in reduced daily sitting time and improved cholesterol levels. This behavioural intervention was effective in improving patient-reported clinical outcomes.
A recent study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are obese and smoke have a lower chance of achieving sustained remission after treatment. Encouraging patients to quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight could improve their symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of lifestyle factors in managing the disease.
A recent study found that children with Juvenile Inflammatory Arthritis (JIA) have a significantly higher prevalence of Type 1 diabetes compared to the general population. The research, which included over 9,000 patients, suggests that understanding this link may lead to new treatments and preventative interventions for both diseases.
A study presented at EULAR 2016 found that patients with antibodies to biological infliximab are less likely to benefit from infliximab biosimilar (CT-P13). The presence of these anti-infliximab antibodies can lead to a loss of response and increased risk of side effects. The findings suggest that antibody-positive patients should not ...
A study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are positive for the anti-CCP antibody respond better to abatacept, a T cell co-stimulation blocker. In contrast, patients without this antibody do not show significant differences in treatment response to TNF inhibitors.