Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can selectively deliver drugs to inflamed joint tissue, improving tolerability and reducing treatment costs. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, allowing for early diagnosis and targeted therapy.
A study found that women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a doubled risk of pre-malignant cervical changes and potentially an increased risk of cervical cancer compared to the general female population. Regular cervical screening is crucial for women with SLE, regardless of treatment
A heart monitor implant has been shown to detect potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias in patients with systemic sclerosis, a serious immune disease. The device can store ECG data automatically and pick up various heart rhythm abnormalities in over half of the cohort of SSc patients.
A 15-year study of 1.1 million patients with atrial fibrillation found that women are 23% more likely to be hospitalised for acute ischaemic stroke than men, regardless of age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or region. Women consistently had a higher risk of stroke hospitalization than men over the past 15 years.
A new study has confirmed a direct link between air pollution exposure and lupus disease activity in children and adolescents. The study found that fine pollution particles triggered an increase in disease severity, including worsening of renal and haematological involvement.
A recent study published at EULAR 2016 found that patients with osteoarthritis (OA) are more likely to have their condition underestimated by rheumatologists than those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study highlighted the importance of understanding the impact of disease severity on treatment compliance and future outcomes. Resear...
New study finds evidence of Asian metal traded on Alaska's northwest coast to prehistoric North America prior to European contact. The discovery sheds light on the ancient Inuit people's access to metals and technological innovation in the Arctic region.
A single strain of plague bacteria caused the Black Death in Europe and later led to multiple outbreaks on the continent before spreading to China, triggering a global pandemic. The researchers sequenced ancient DNA from mass graves and compared them to modern strains to reveal a link between the Black Death and modern-day epidemics.
Research presented at CARDIOSTIM - EHRA EUROPACE 2016 found that electronic anti-theft systems, often hidden by advertising or in floors, can interfere with cardiac device functioning. Prolonged exposure can cause pacing therapy drops and ICD shocks.
A new study by researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering reveals that a third-party can discover many delisted links and determine the names of people who requested their removal from search results. The study shows fundamental technical flaws in the law, potentially compromising its effectiveness.
A study led by Mainz paleogeneticists reveals that early European farmers originated from modern-day Greece and western Turkey, bringing agriculture and domestic animals to the continent. The research challenges previous theories on farming's spread in Europe.
A recent study by the University of Exeter found that roads present a real and growing danger to protected bat populations, disrupting their ability to reach feeding and roosting areas. The research identified over 1,000 bat fatalities caused by collisions with cars.
Two studies found that a significant proportion of British adults, including older adults, have sex with new partners while traveling overseas. The research emphasizes the importance of providing safer sex information in pre-departure travelers' health advice to mitigate risks of sexually transmitted infections.
UK policymakers face constraints due to WTO rules, EU accords, and regional priorities when devising a new farm policy post-Brexit. Brexit could affect the EU's agricultural policy and agri-food issues remain a major concern.
A large European study found that higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are associated with an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Men with greater adiposity have a higher risk of aggressive forms of the disease, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.
A new study found that microplastic particles negatively impact European perch larvae, reducing hatching success and survival rates. Exposure to high concentrations of plastics also alters feeding preferences and prevents fish from responding to predatory cues.
A new paper proposes that dogs were domesticated independently from two distinct wolf populations on opposite sides of the Eurasian continent. Genetic analysis reveals a genetic separation between modern dog populations in East Asia and Europe.
A new study finds that EU-15 citizens increasingly identify as European, with the proportion rising to 61% in 2013. The study also shows that younger cohorts are more likely to have multiple identities, which will continue to increase as they replace older generations.
A study analyzing 893 targeted coupon promotions found that reward coupons for loyal customers yield higher redemption rates than cross-category discounts. Retailers should promote brands in categories consumers frequently buy and are already purchasing, offering relatively smaller discounts.
A new €5 million European project aims to transform care for patients with multimorbid chronic conditions by developing a cloud-based system called C3-Cloud. The system will enable personalized treatment plans and improve coordination of care among hospitals, general practitioners, and social care organizations.
Geophysicist Professor Boris Kaus of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has received a EUR 150,000 ERC Proof of Concept Grant to test new methods for locating oil and gas reserves in sedimentary basins with salt deposits. The grant aims to demonstrate the economic feasibility and cost-reducing potential of these methods.
Researchers at University of East Anglia argue that subsidies should be used to encourage investment in energy storage systems as renewable power increases. The study found that energy storage technologies can provide vital revenue streams through arbitrage and market incentives.
A research team sequenced the first complete mitochondrial genome of a 2500-year-old Phoenician, revealing rare European haplogroup U5b2cl in North Africa. The findings date the arrival of this haplogroup to at least late sixth century BC.
A study suggests that women in Corded Ware culture were highly mobile, with 42% of individuals found to be non-local, indicating a pattern of female exogamy
Archaeologists have published scans of prehistoric animal paintings from Abri Faravel in the Southern French Alps. The site's rock shelter has seen human activity from Mesolithic to medieval periods, featuring unique high-altitude Bronze Age structures and artefacts.
A recent EU survey found that over 50% of Europeans believe e-cigarettes pose a health risk, despite continued use surging across member states. The study also reveals that current smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to have tried e-cigarettes, highlighting the need for better understanding of their impact on public health.
The number of people who have tried e-cigarettes has almost doubled in two years, according to a new European-wide study. The proportion of people who consider e-cigarettes dangerous has also increased, with nearly half of Europeans now having tried the devices.
The new guidelines call for population-based approaches to prevent cardiovascular disease, with adapted target levels for blood pressure and lipids. Reducing population risk by 1% can prevent 25,000 CVD cases and save €40 million per year.
A group of health academics warn that a UK exit from the EU would lead to cuts in health and social care spending, increasing pressures on hospitals. The authors also express concern about the impact on the NHS workforce and loss of access to free healthcare for UK citizens abroad.
Key findings from a conference on Émigré Sculptors in Britain reveal that many iconic works were created by European immigrants. The majority of the most eminent sculptors working in Britain were from continental Europe.
The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias will participate in the SUNDIAL network, training young researchers in astronomy and computer science to understand galaxy formation and evolution. The network aims to detect ultradiffuse galaxies and apply research to society in medical imaging and remote sensing.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine identified a rare genetic mutation that protects against chronic coronary artery diseases. Individuals with this deletion (0.8%) have lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of arteriosclerosis, a key factor in heart disease.
A new study published in Frontiers in Plant Science found that introducing legumes into agricultural systems can reduce nitrous oxide emissions by 20-30% and fertilizer use by 25-40%. The study also shows increased gross margins in forage agriculture systems, demonstrating the potential for both environmental and economic benefits.
Researchers urge governments to share more information about migration to track people moving between countries. Governments need to prioritize sharing data, training programs, and modeling to make better public policy decisions.
The new guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure, including the use of LCZ696 and adaptive servo-ventilation. The guidelines also introduce a new category for patients with mid-range ejection fractions and provide novel recommendations for preventing and treati...
New research reveals that body-worn cameras associated with an increase in assault against police officers when they choose to turn them on and off during their shift. This finding contrasts with current thinking that cameras should reduce the rate of use-of-force, but rather found it increased when officer discretion was used.
Researchers found that myocardial fibrosis in obstructive sleep apnea patients is associated with increased risk of heart failure hospitalization and death. The study suggests that quantifying myocardial fibrosis could help identify patients at higher risk, paving the way for a personalized approach to treating cardiovascular disease.
Babies born with transposition of the great arteries have a surgical procedure, called the arterial switch operation, to correct the defect. Research found that adolescents whose coronary arteries were reimplanted in the 12 o'clock position are more prone to perfusion defects and potential complications.
A new cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging technique removes the need for patients to breathe, allowing for higher quality images in less time. The lack of motion enables physicians to accurately plan radiation therapy fields, leading to improved patient outcomes.
A new care pathway provides evidence-based information for healthcare professionals to address menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. The pathway emphasizes holistic assessment and personalized approach to maintaining post-reproductive health.
A recent 'HogWatch' survey conducted in England has provided new insights into the country's declining hedgehog population. The study suggests a moderate decline of up to 7.4% in areas frequented by hedgehogs, with possible constraints due to habitat fragmentation.
The Society of Surgical Oncology and European Society of Surgical Oncology propose a global curriculum to address training variations and inadequacies. The curriculum aims to create a robust workforce of well-trained surgical oncologists to meet the growing need resulting from the rising global cancer burden.
A team of European researchers led by Aleksandra Trifunovic will explore the molecular mechanisms regulating mitochondrial gene expression in a four-year project. The goal is to elucidate the complex processes governing these genes and their association with aging diseases.
A €3.5 million pan-European consortium is developing Blood Biomarker-based Diagnostic Tools for Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease (BBDiag) to improve diagnosis and clinical trial success rates. The project aims to train a new generation of researchers and develop disease-modifying treatments and prevention strategies.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that Italians are more likely to 'fudge' slightly, whereas Swedes are more willing to pay taxes if they believe they get more value for their money. Despite national stereotypes, the results suggest that both countries contribute equally to the public good.
Scientists have developed a web-based system to track the spread of antibiotic-resistant MRSA and other superbugs across Europe, providing valuable insights for infection control teams. The tool, Microreact.org, uses whole-genome sequencing to identify patterns of resistance and help policymakers implement prevention strategies.
A leading public health expert argues that the NHS is safer within the European Union due to international trade agreements protecting public services. The UK's withdrawal from the EU threatens the NHS more than the EU itself, according to Professor Martin McKee.
A recent study analyzed genome-wide data from 51 ancient Eurasians, providing insights into the genetic history of modern humans in Eurasia before agriculture began. The findings indicate a decrease in Neandertal ancestry and suggest natural selection against certain variants.
A cross-national study found that many European schools struggle to provide adequate mental health support, citing barriers such as staff capacity, funding, and access to specialists. The study highlights the need for greater resources and training in schools to address children's mental health needs.
The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging has released new guidelines for the imaging assessment of prosthetic heart valves. The guidelines provide recommendations for a multimodality approach to diagnose and manage complications, including echocardiography as the first-line imaging modality. The study aims to improve assessme...
A survey of residents in Leeds and Warsaw found that those perceiving their neighborhoods as diverse were more prejudiced. In contrast, actual ethnic diversity had no negative effect on attitudes towards minority ethnic groups.
European companies missed market opportunities by prioritizing own data services over open internet, a study suggests. The industry's decline is attributed to risk aversion, lack of investment in new technologies, and monopolistic traditions.
New genetic data shows two major changes in prehistoric human populations, linked to the end of the last Ice Age. The data also reveal mixture with Neanderthals and evidence of natural selection removing Neanderthal ancestry.
Researchers found a gene, MC1R, that influences how old people look to others. Carrying specific MC1R variants can make individuals appear almost 2 years older for their age, regardless of age, sex, skin color, or sun damage.
Leading UK oncologists argue that staying in the EU is crucial to maintaining the country's prominent role in cancer research and care. The authors point out the benefits of EU-wide cooperation, including improved standards of care, research, and patient rights, as well as strengthened collaboration with EU partners.
A 29-year study found nearly 28,000 children and adolescents were obese in 2014, with boys more likely than girls due to societal preference for sons. The traditional Chinese diet has shifted towards high-fat and low-fibre foods, coinciding with increasing incomes and reduced physical activity.
The program, launched in 1998, focuses on primary prevention and has led to significant reductions in substance use among adolescents. Key findings include a drop from 42% to 5% in getting drunk within a month, and declines in daily smoking and cannabis lifetime use.
The critically endangered Himalayan wolf is distinct from its European cousin and has a separate lineage that diverged thousands of years ago. Local herders view the wolves as a threat to their livelihoods, leading to persecution and killing.
A group of European and US researchers has provided a clear framework for identifying endocrine-disrupting substances (EDCs) and regulating them. The report, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, defines EDCs as substances altering the hormonal system and causing adverse health effects.
A group of 7 researchers from Europe and the US show that consensus exists around EDC definition and propose a logic-based approach similar to carcinogen identification. This guidance aims to resolve the 3-year blockage in publishing scientific criteria, allowing for efficient protection of public health.