Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A Mediterranean diet high in fruit, vegetables, and unrefined foods is associated with a lower risk of heart attack and stroke in people with existing heart disease. The study found that eating more healthy foods was more important than avoiding unhealthy foods.
Researchers used network theory to depict dinosaur movement worldwide, finding some regions, like Europe, had extensive fossil records. The study also showed that all connections between Europe and other continents during the Early Cretaceous period were out-going.
A recent study by Professor Jill Johnes suggests that mergers of Higher Education institutions are unlikely to result in significant cost savings. The research, presented at a US conference, found that the UK's higher education sector may be more efficient than previously thought.
Martina Havenith from Ruhr-Universität Bochum receives funding for Time-Resolved THz-Calorimetry, a new method to study protein-solvent interactions in real-time. The project aims to investigate dynamic interplay between molecules and solvent.
The EDGE project, funded by HORIZON 2020, trains 15 Ph.D. students from 5 European countries in virology and immunology to tackle herpes virus challenges.
Despite concerns, leading eye specialists find no evidence to suggest lasers pointed at airplane cockpits damage pilots' eyesight. However, the dazzle and distraction from such incidents could prove disastrous during critical moments like landing.
A team of climate researchers reconstructs global cooling in the reign of Emperor Justinian, linked to two major volcanic eruptions in 536 and 540 CE. The study finds that these eruptions caused a significant cooling effect on Northern Hemisphere climate, leading to crop failures and famines in Europe.
The demand for radiotherapy is expected to increase by 16% between 2012 and 2025, with prostate cancer cases projected to rise by 24%. This is due to an aging population in Europe, with four million new cancer patients expected in 2025. The study's authors aim to help policymakers plan for increased radiotherapy services.
A pilot study found that a direct-acting antiviral treatment over six weeks can effectively cure acute hepatitis C in patients. The treatment resulted in undetectable HCV levels and sustained virologic response after a 12-week follow-up, with side effects including fatigue.
A new study reveals high levels of hepatitis B markers among unvaccinated refugee populations in northern Germany, highlighting a significant public health concern. The research found that nearly one million asylum applications were lodged in Germany last year, with many coming from unstable states where health systems have broken down.
A new study presents Norursodeoxycholic acid as a viable treatment option for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare condition characterized by inflammation and scarring in the bile ducts. The treatment significantly reduced levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and had similar rates of adverse events compared to placebo.
A recent study by Dr. Barbro Kjellström found that heart attack patients are more likely to be depressed, with 14% experiencing symptoms compared to 7% of control group members. However, antidepressants were prescribed less frequently among heart attack patients with depression, at just 16%, compared to 42% of control group members.
A recent study reveals that sarcopenia is expected to significantly increase in Europe, affecting up to 19 million seniors. The prevalence of sarcopenia will rise from 11.1% in 2016 to 12.9% by 2045, with women accounting for a majority of cases.
The IOF President's Award was presented to eight leading regional osteoporosis experts and advocates for their contributions to global osteoporosis awareness and education. The recipients were recognized for their outstanding work in the field, including Dr Ambrish Mithal, Prof Patricia Clark, and Prof Jorge Cannata Andia.
Researchers found that an investigational injectable treatment, RG-101, combined with direct-acting antivirals resulted in high virologic response rates among patients with genotype 1 and 4. The four-week treatment course showed promise in reducing Hepatitis C treatment time.
A recent study re-affirms the use of interferon alpha as an effective treatment for patients with Hepatitis delta virus, a severe form of viral hepatitis. The research found that 35% of patients who responded to this therapy achieved sustained suppression of the virus and had favorable outcomes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) commended innovative hepatitis testing projects from five countries at The International Liver Congress. These projects showcased new testing models for hepatitis in primary care, community settings, and prisons, highlighting the need to scale up hepatitis testing globally.
A new algorithm designed for End-Stage Liver Disease (ESLD) accurately predicted death in 96% of patients and determined which patients would benefit from intensive care unit treatment. The algorithm combines pre-morbid liver function and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure grade to make predictions.
Researchers confirmed plasma genotyping's benefit in predicting treatment benefit for NSCLC patients, particularly those with higher tumor burden and younger age. However, tissue biopsies remain the gold standard due to low sensitivity of plasma tests, which may not fully replace them.
Patients on warfarin have poor knowledge about diet and drug interactions, which can lead to fatal side effects. Experts recommend consistent monitoring and education to improve patient outcomes.
New data shows an estimated 340,000 Europeans developed TB in 2014. While progress has been made in reducing new cases, high rates of multidrug-resistant TB and TB affecting vulnerable groups continue to challenge elimination efforts. Targeted interventions for marginalized populations are crucial to successfully tackling TB
A new study suggests that hepatitis C-infected livers can be used for transplants with similar medium- to long-term outcomes as healthy livers. This could reduce the waiting time for liver transplants for people with HCV, with over 15,000 people in the US and 8,500 in Europe currently waiting.
A new study reports that nearly 80% of children who undergo liver transplants can be expected to survive for at least 20 years. The study analyzed data from 128 consecutive children who received liver transplants between 1988 and 1993, with a median age of 2.5 years.
A new study shows that direct-acting antiviral therapy can improve the condition of patients with severe liver damage and hepatitis C, reducing their need for a liver transplant. The treatment improved the outlook for 35% of patients, allowing them to be removed from the transplant list or no longer require a transplant.
Researchers found that Greek dancing improved jumping ability, muscular strength, and lower limb endurance in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Patients who participated in the study jumped higher and faster, had stronger legs, and could walk further, demonstrating more endurance.
The European Research Council has awarded €647 million in funding to 277 senior researchers, enabling them to pursue innovative projects with potentially significant impacts on science and society. The grants, worth up to €2.5 million each, will support research in various fields, including life sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
Patients with severe liver disease face increased risk of death when treated with DAAs, according to a new study. The study highlights the need for individualized discussions between healthcare professionals and patients regarding treatment options.
A new study finds that universal screening for alcohol misuse among hospital admissions can identify patients at greatest risk and provide targeted treatment, reducing the healthcare burden of alcohol-related harm. The UK researchers screened over 53,000 admissions and found that simple screening is achievable and effective in targetin...
A study found that co-administered vaccines against HCV and HIV did not impair the magnitude or breadth of either specific T-cell responses. This approach, known as prime-boost, showed potent T-cell responses in healthy volunteers.
A research team used traditional techniques to create replicas of ritual headdresses made by hunter-gatherers 11,000 years ago in North Western Europe. The study suggests that expedient manufacturing techniques were employed, involving packing the skull with damp clay and placing it in a bed of embers.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that the economic crisis has worsened the lives of homeless people, especially those who are foreign. The research revealed a rise in homelessness, primarily due to difficulties accessing jobs and cuts to financial aid, leading to increased duration of integration into society.
A doctor warns that many Europeans are denied access to healthcare, with two-thirds of migrants having no access and four in five unable to see a GP. The doctor calls for governments to honour their humanitarian obligations and provide care to those in need.
Suresh Senan, a renowned expert in radiation oncology, has been awarded the Heine H. Hansen Award for his pioneering work in lung cancer therapy and research. The award recognizes his significant contributions to the field of lung cancer on an international basis.
A joint North European and North American study highlights the importance of continuous evaluations in ecological restoration projects. The researchers emphasize the need for documenting experiences, conclusions, and lessons learned to improve future projects.
Recent research reveals that Easter Island's culture was affected by droughts and wet seasons, which influenced population dynamics and cultural exchange. Complete sedimentary samples show a continuous record of the last 3000 years, shedding light on the island's ecological and cultural development.
Experts advocate for Canadian-specific guidelines for athlete screening to detect cardiovascular diseases and prevent sudden cardiac deaths. The American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology have conflicting recommendations on routine ECG screening, highlighting the need for a unified approach.
The number of adults with diabetes has quadrupled since 1980, with significant increases in low and middle income countries. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for effective action to reduce the health and economic impact of diabetes.
A warming climate is expanding Europe's seasonal window for mosquito-borne dengue fever, posing a significant global health concern. The study found that increased temperatures will intensify the ability of Aedes mosquitoes to transmit the disease, putting much of Europe at risk of seasonal outbreaks by the end of the century.
A Kansas State University study finds a naturally occurring mutation in the myxoma virus weakens it and allows rabbits to resist infection. The researchers hope this discovery will aid in understanding pathogen evolution and predicting which viruses pose threats to humans.
Veronika Sexl will focus on finding new ways to inhibit the kinase-independent function of CDK6, a key enzyme in tumor development. The €2.5 million ERC grant aims to develop targeted cancer drugs.
Scientists have discovered a new species of dark-winged fungus gnat in Germany's Alexander Koenig Museum garden, characterized by its unique reddish, black, and yellowish-white hues. The species was identified through DNA barcoding and shows strong connections to New Zealand relatives.
Researchers have discovered a complex 4-step process for gypsum formation, opening the way to more energy-efficient production of Plaster of Paris. This breakthrough could also aid in understanding past water availability on Mars and other planets.
A recent study published in Science Advances found a striking absence of pre-Columbian genetic lineages in modern Indigenous Americans, suggesting extinction with the arrival of Europeans. The research reconstructed ancient DNA from 92 pre-Columbian mummies and skeletons, revealing a separation that appeared as early as 9000 years ago.
Chlamydia infection rates have increased across Europe, with young people particularly affected. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recommends developing national strategies for prevention and effective treatment of those infected and their partners to control the disease.
Researchers aim to spare people with type 1 diabetes from lifelong insulin therapy by developing three-dimensional cellular structures of insulin-producing cells. The EU-funded project plans to work with pharmaceutical industry partners to mass-produce the cells for transplantation.
The world is experiencing a shift in global body mass index (BMI) trends, with more people becoming obese than underweight. By 2025, around a fifth of adults worldwide are projected to be obese, with over 6% of men and 9% of women expected to be severely obese.
PharmaMar's Aplidin (plitidepsin) demonstrates a statistically significant reduction in multiple myeloma progression or death, meeting primary endpoint. The study enrolled 255 patients across 19 countries and showed promising results.
A study by Durham University found that climate change is having a similar impact on common bird populations worldwide. Species favored by changing climates outperformed those disadvantaged by warming trends over a 30-year period from 1980 to 2010.
Global research collaborations study harlequin ladybird's invasion history and ecology, highlighting its ability to thrive in various habitats. Citizen science projects provide valuable information on the spread of invasive alien species, inspiring new approaches to surveying and monitoring.
A new European study projects a 15% increase in storm surge levels by 2100 under high-emissions scenarios. Coastal areas with high population density face significant threats from rising sea levels and increased storminess.
The first European Astrobiology Roadmap has been published, outlining five key research topics and recommending a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. The roadmap prioritizes the study of life in the Solar System and beyond, including habitability, origins of organic compounds, and biosignatures.
Cell therapy is an emerging medical science focusing on innovative therapeutic approaches to treat blood diseases and infections. The EBMT Cellular Therapy and Immunobiology Working Party aims to foster cellular therapy in Europe by promoting exchanges, cooperation, and the development of new technologies.
The EU-funded FP7 project EU BON shares stakeholder roundtable reports, providing insights on policy, citizen science, and local/regional stakeholders. The reports outline conclusions on biodiversity information, open-access availability, data workflows, and integration of citizen science.
Experts from the European Respiratory Society call for improved TB care for refugees to control and eliminate the disease. They emphasize the need for quality surveillance, monitoring, evaluation, and research among this group of people to prevent a rise in new cases.
Researchers created a European-scale map of wildland-urban areas to predict fire risk, finding that regions with high WUI areas are more prone to catastrophic large wildfires. The study highlights the need for local authorities to prioritize fire risk control and develop better forest fire management strategies in high-risk areas.
A new study found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals may contribute to reproductive health problems, including uterine fibroids and endometriosis, affecting millions of women worldwide. The estimated cost of these conditions in the European Union is €1.4 billion annually.
A new study maps the global spread of Zika, linking it to two mosquito species that can effectively carry the disease, including Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Cities in the US, Europe, and Asia are at risk, with Miami and Houston among the highest-risk areas.
A £1.1 million international study, funded by a European Research Council Starting Grant, aims to solve the conflict between food security and biodiversity conservation. The ConFooBio study will produce a new model to predict and resolve these conflicts in seven locations across the Arctic, UK, Europe, and Africa.
A large-scale genomic study found that the Shigella dysenteriae pathogen, responsible for life-threatening bloody diarrhea, originated in Europe. The bacterium was transmitted to other continents via human migration and military operations, leading to devastating epidemics worldwide.
EMPIAR provides valuable data for developing new approaches to data processing and interpretation, facilitating archiving and quality control. The resource accommodates large datasets, including four related 3D SEM entries showing different stages of infection by a malaria parasite.