Articles tagged with Europe
A University of Leeds study reveals EU policies have reduced air pollution across Europe, preventing an estimated 80,000 premature deaths per year. The findings demonstrate a 35% decrease in fine particles since 1970, significantly improving public health.
Fiona Watt receives the 2016 FEBS | EMBO Women in Science Award for uncovering mechanisms controlling mammalian epidermal stem cell renewal and differentiation. Her work also investigates the role of inflammation, physical forces, and epigenetics in skin stem cell behavior.
Researchers from Swiss and German institutions analyzed truffle samples for radioactivity 30 years after Chernobyl. The study found negligible amounts of radioactive caesium in Burgundy truffles, making them safe for consumption. The results suggest that the unique nutrient uptake mechanism of Tuber aestivum may be responsible for this...
The use of residual disinfectants in drinking water has been compared between Western European countries, the U.S., and waterborne outbreak data. The Netherlands has the lowest risk of waterborne disease despite no residual disinfectant use due to newer pipe infrastructure.
Researchers from the University of Exeter are leading a European Commission-funded project to develop strategies for meeting climate change challenges on water, food and energy provision. The SIM4NEXUS project will investigate how policy makers can create sustainable integrated management systems.
The European Union's complex and unpredictable decision process is hindering the introduction of genetically modified trees to the market. The current procedure involves extensive risk analyses, which are costly and time-consuming, making it difficult for scientists to predict the long-term consequences of GM tree use.
Researchers from eight European countries have mapped the abundance and diversity of earthworms across the continent, highlighting their crucial role in soil health. The study's findings emphasize the need for further data collection to validate the results and improve monitoring.
Scientists from the University of Exeter will lead a four-year €5.4 million project to discover essential raw materials and minerals in Europe. The team aims to use advanced techniques to expose previously unknown underground resources for high-tech products.
A widely recommended therapy to prevent premature birth has been found to be ineffective in preventing early delivery. The treatment, which involves administering the hormone progesterone, does not appear to pose any risk to mothers or babies, but its effectiveness in reducing premature births is zero.
Researchers found that ancient Rapa Nui mata'a artifacts were likely used as general-purpose tools for cultivation and ritual tasks rather than weapons in warfare. This analysis contradicts the widely-held belief of the island's collapse due to war and instead supports a more sustainable, productive society.
The DengueTools consortium has accumulated knowledge on controlling the spread of Dengue fever by targeting its mosquito carriers. The global collaboration aims to develop practical tools for diagnosing and monitoring the virus in affected areas, as well as prevent infections in school children.
The study analyzed 10-year survival rates among European populations aged 75-84 to see if they reached 85-94 years of age. Geographical variations in old age survival rates were found, with areas like Madrid and Salamanca in Spain showing high survival rates, while Glasgow and Manchester in the UK showed low survival rates.
Researchers have developed a searchable database of 10,000 chemicals with available safety data, predicting the toxicity of similar untested substances. The 'chemical landscape' map allows for safer product development and reduces animal testing.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have predicted a new molecular form of frozen water, which could become the 18th known crystalline form of water. The proposed ice is about 25 percent less dense than a record-low form synthesized by a European team in 2014.
The European Research Council has announced €585 million ERC Consolidator Grants to support 302 top mid-career scientists conducting innovative research across various fields. The grantees, including German, British, French, and Italian scientists, will develop groundbreaking ideas with potential impact on industries and global welfare.
The INNUENDO project aims to integrate whole genome sequencing into routine surveillance and outbreak investigations, addressing the need for accessible IT frameworks and expertise. The cross-sectorial framework will standardize process, simplify data analysis, and enhance public health microbiology capabilities.
Alicia Carriquiry's symposium aims to improve statistical and scientific study in forensics, with a focus on pattern and digital evidence. The Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence will build a solid foundation under two branches of forensics.
A new caddisfly species, Drusus sharrensis, has been discovered in Kosovo's Sharr National Park. The discovery highlights the country's unique biodiversity hotspot and raises concerns about the impact of human activities on aquatic ecosystems.
Detlef Weigel has made significant contributions to the field of genetics, including the identification of florigen and development of genomic tools. He is recognized for his tireless service to the community and his ability to excel science.
A long-lasting cooling in the northern hemisphere coincided with the Justinian plague pandemic and contributed to the decline of the eastern Roman Empire. The researchers found that a series of volcanic eruptions led to a dramatic cooling, affecting food supplies and causing major famines.
Ancient DNA analysis uncovers a significant population turnover in Europe around 14,500 years ago, suggesting a sudden replacement of hunter-gatherer populations by another group. This finding contradicts the traditional view that non-African populations dispersed to Eurasia and Australasia through multiple migrations.
A new analysis of deformed wing virus shows that the Varroa mite has spread globally due to human trade, contributing to an endemic to epidemic shift. The study provides insights into worldwide transmission routes and dynamics of DWV.
A study found that European honeybee populations are the primary source of Deformed Wing Virus infecting hives worldwide. The pandemic is driven by human trade and transportation of bees for crop pollination, posing significant threats to global bee populations and biodiversity.
A new study found that dupilumab treatment was associated with significant improvements in nasal polyp size and burden after 16 weeks. The patients also reported improved quality of life and reduced symptoms such as nasal obstruction and nocturnal awakenings.
The study found that glyphosate use has increased dramatically, with over 18.9 billion pounds applied globally between 1974 and 2014. This represents a significant increase of nearly 15-fold since genetically engineered Roundup Ready crops were introduced in 1996.
A new perspective article suggests a shift towards precision medicine, identifying 'treatable traits' in each patient to tailor management. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes by recognizing the clinical and biological complexity of airway diseases.
A new ERC Starting Grant will fund the first systematic study on the impact of European earthworms on plant communities and soil food webs in North America. The research aims to examine the effects of higher temperatures and reduced summer rainfall on earthworm invasions, shedding light on biodiversity loss and ecosystem functioning.
Recent summer temperatures in Europe have exceeded those of the past two millennia, according to a new study that used tree-ring information and historical evidence. The research suggests that past natural changes in summer temperature are larger than previously thought, potentially leading to more extreme events.
Babylonian astronomers calculated Jupiter's position using geometry, challenging the long-held assumption that this technique was introduced in Europe much later. The tablets, written between 350 and 50 BCE, depict geometric calculations for time-space and distance, revealing a sophisticated understanding of astronomy.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a simple and effective test to detect Ponto-Caspian gobies in streaming and stagnant water. The method uses environmental DNA analysis, reacting exclusively to the genetic material of invasive gobies, making it a cost-efficient alternative to traditional methods.
Research reveals that high-ambition and attentive managers may resist performance-based pay, instead choosing comfort over risk. Tailored compensation strategies are necessary to motivate these individuals, as one-size-fits-all approaches prove ineffective.
A new species of the genus Amphilagus has been discovered in southeastern Siberia, revealing a biogeographic link between Asia and Europe during the Middle Miocene. The discovery confirms the widespread distribution of this group and sheds light on paleogeographic and environmental conditions that favored its expansion.
A European alliance, EHVA, has been granted 28 million Euros to develop novel preventive and therapeutic vaccines against HIV. The project aims to accelerate the development of innovative HIV vaccine concepts, focusing on prophylactic and therapeutic approaches.
A Harvard study reveals that disease didn't break out until nearly a century after European contact in northern New Mexico, coinciding with mission church establishment. Native populations dropped from 6,500 to fewer than 900 in just 60 years, resulting in staggering social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
Researchers found that the bacterium Yersinia pestis persisted in Europe, causing repeated devastating waves of plague epidemics. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of the pathogen and its potential role in modern-day antibiotic resistance.
Dr. James Poulet, a neuroscientist at the Max-Delbrück Center, has received a €2 million ERC Consolidator Grant to continue his research on how the brain generates sensory perception. The funding will support his team's efforts to understand how different sensory inputs are integrated to create a coherent percept.
The European Research Council has awarded Proof of Concept grants worth EUR 150,000 each to 135 ERC grantees, exploring the innovation potential of their research. The grants support researchers in bridging academia and the market, creating new opportunities for jobs and products.
Andrea Ballabio and John Diffley receive the 2016 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine for their pioneering work on lysosomal function and its significance in diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and obesity. Their research could lead to new therapeutic tools for treating human diseases.
The BioUnify project brings together EU biodiversity scientists and their data to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing. The initiative promises to improve data access and reproducibility, while promoting skills transfer between researchers and information technologists.
Scientists have discovered four new fungus gnat species in the Scandinavian north, shedding light on regional insect diversity. The newly described taxa represent a small fraction of the numerous undescribed northern fly species, with more awaiting formal description.
Researchers at EURAC have made new discoveries about Ötzi's genetic history, clarifying that his maternal lineage is no longer present in modern populations. The study found that Ötzi's mitochondrial DNA, named K1f, originated locally in the Alps and is now extinct.
A new study by RAND Corporation researchers found that many European immigrants and their descendants in the US did not achieve significant educational gains compared to those who remained in their native countries. However, exceptions were seen in Italy and Poland, where descendants experienced substantial educational advantages.
A study found that nations with higher prevalence of the A allele in the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene variant are also reported as happier. This allele helps prevent pain and enhances sensory pleasure. Climate, economics, and politics did not significantly influence happiness levels.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the bacteria that causes plague, Y. pestis, may have persisted in Europe for over 300 years, including during the 'Black Death' pandemic. The researchers analyzed ancient DNA from 30 plague victims and found evidence of long-term persistence in a yet unknown reservoir host.
New research finds that a person's quality of life is linked to their deceased spouse's earlier quality of life, even when they are no longer living. The study suggests that this interdependence persists, with the deceased spouse's characteristics continuing to influence the surviving partner's well-being.
Jérôme Waser has been awarded the Springer Heterocyclic Chemistry Award 2016 for his exceptional contributions to heterocyclic chemistry. His research focuses on developing new reactions and synthesis methods, particularly those employing hypervalent iodine derivatives.
The first comprehensive survey on freshwater mussel species in Europe reveals declining stock sizes and habitat degradation. Mussels play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems, filtering water and maintaining ecosystem balance.
The study of the Iceman's gut microbes reveals a surprising connection to Asian strains and modern European strains, suggesting that recent human migrations influenced European genetic makeup. The findings also indicate that the Iceman may have been ill before his murder, with high levels of virulence factors in his gut microbiome.
The study found that intestinal parasites like whipworm and roundworm did not decrease in prevalence during the Roman Period, but instead increased. The Roman public baths may have actually helped spread these parasites due to infrequent water changes and scum buildup.
Agricultural researchers propose a network of research stations across Europe to increase collaboration and accessibility. The ECOFE project aims to create a shared resource for open-field experiments, addressing challenges such as productivity increase, climate change, and environmental sustainability.
Research reveals significant disparities in data quality and quantity among European countries and species, hindering effective conservation efforts for the region's 16 recognized freshwater mussels. The study highlights the need for standardized monitoring and management protocols to conserve this vulnerable group and its habitats.
Clinical research experts discuss various topics, including the impact of personalized genomic data on healthcare systems, strategies to combat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, and population approaches to reduce diabetes incidence. They also highlight the need for improved cancer diagnosis and treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
The study sequenced ancient Irish human genomes, providing evidence for massive migration from the Middle East and Pontic Steppe. These genetic influxes are believed to have introduced cultural changes, such as agriculture and bronze metalworking, which may have originated the western Celtic language.
Researchers have discovered that newly introduced populations of the invasive seaweed Gracilaria vermiculophylla in North America and Europe contain significantly higher levels of toxic compounds, including Prostaglandin. This increase in toxicity poses a risk for food safety and may lead to more frequent cases of human intoxication.
The European Respiratory Society and ESCMID have published the world's first clinical guidelines for chronic fungal lung infections, describing key features of the disease and providing comprehensive treatment recommendations. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis affects an estimated 240,000 people in Europe and 3 million worldwide.
The study found substantial variation in CKD prevalence across European countries, ranging from 3% to 17%, which may be due to factors other than diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. The findings could guide future projections of the CKD burden in Europe and inform prevention and disease management strategies.
A study published in Open Chemistry reveals that black raspberries grown in Central Europe have three times more antioxidants than other berries, including phenolics and anthocyanines. This makes them a potential staple for a healthy diet throughout the seasons.
A systematic review study suggests that nonoperative treatment of appendicitis is probably safe for adults but raises concerns about long-term outcomes. The study found that antibiotics-first treatment was successful in 3 out of 4 patients, but questions remain about quality of life, residual symptoms, and financial considerations.
A new species of 'sail-backed' dinosaur, Morelladon beltrani, has been found in Spain with notable features such as tall neural spines on vertebrae. The discovery sheds light on the diverse iguanodontoid fauna of southern Europe during the late Barremian period.
A new study by geologist Christoph Korte elucidated a previously unknown major temperature change during the Jurassic period. The researchers found that changes in ocean currents, particularly the uplift of the North Sea Dome, led to reduced heat transport to the Arctic region and altered local fauna distribution.