Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A new study reveals that older types of arthritis medicine, like Diclofenac, are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, similar to other NSAID types taken off the market. The study recommends reduced consumption and alternative treatments for patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases.
A record number of 40,829 hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT) were performed globally in 2014, with 36,469 patients treated. This represents a continued increase in HSCT rates, both allogeneic and autologous, over the past two decades.
Research by McGill University and the University of Rhode Island reveals that wind patterns change along with sea-surface temperatures, masking the impact on Western Europe's wintertime temperatures. The study suggests that distinct atmospheric pathways may be hiding the ocean oscillation from Europe in winter.
Scientists have found that repeated storms in 2013/14 were the most energetic to hit western Europe in almost seven decades, leading to extensive beach and dune erosion. The research also shows a growing trend of stormy conditions with potential changes to beaches along the continent.
A study of 200 European forests across six countries found that species-rich forests provide a higher number and variety of services, including air filtration, carbon sequestration, and water supply. The researchers recommend transforming forests into mixed stands to increase biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who practiced yoga for 12 weeks experienced improved quality of life, lower heart rates, and decreased blood pressure compared to those in a control group. Yoga may provide patients with AF a method to gain self-control over their symptoms.
A new survey found significant country-to-country differences in kidney transplant donation rates, varying by up to 35 donors per million population. The variation is attributed to different legal and social standards across Europe, with some countries having more generous organ donation schemes than others.
The European Solar Telescope (EST) has been selected for a strategic scientific installation in Europe, aimed at studying solar phenomena with unprecedented accuracy. The four-meter diameter telescope will enable researchers to understand the magnetic activity of the sun and violent eruptions affecting terrestrial communications.
A new treatment advance has significantly lowered the risk of disease progression or death among patients with previously treated, advanced midgut neuroendocrine tumors. The novel drug Lutetium-DOTATATE has been found to offer an 80% reduced risk of disease progression or death compared to octreotide LAR.
A European-funded study found that a nutritional drink can help conserve memory and reduce brain shrinkage in people with prodromal Alzheimer's disease. While the primary endpoint was not met, significant differences were observed for hippocampal and whole-brain atrophy, as well as improvements in CDR Sum of Boxes and episodic memory.
The €7 million Tools for Assessment and Planning of Aquaculture Sustainability (TAPAS) project will create cost-efficient management tools to investigate sustainability in European aquaculture. The study aims to enhance environment sustainability, aquatic food security, and support transparent and efficient licensing.
Research reveals widespread use of meldonium among elite athletes, with up to 490 athletes taking the substance during the Baku 2015 European Games. The study highlights that meldonium was detected in athletes competing in 15 out of 21 sports and that its use was significantly underreported.
The first vertebrate to be sequenced in Spain, the Turbot has a highly developed sense of sight due to adapting to low light conditions. Its genes show high levels of fat in cellular membranes for cold tolerance, and researchers aim to use this knowledge for genetic selection programs and possible vaccines.
A recent study by University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers suggests that the destruction of oyster reefs in New York Harbor led to a significant increase in storm-induced overwash deposition. The authors found that before European settlement, oyster beds absorbed wave energy, providing coastal protection.
A University of Cincinnati researcher is studying nearly 3,000 patients to see if a genetic variant that protects against HIV also prevents injury from Hepatitis C. The study aims to understand how inhibition of the CCR5 receptor may influence liver injury and disease progression in individuals co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C.
A recent study found that mainstream political parties in Europe have failed to respond to growing public skepticism of the EU, allowing nationalist groups to gain more power. The financial crisis and migration crisis have further eroded support for European integration.
The STARS4ALL project aims to reduce light pollution in European night landscapes, promoting environmental protection and economic savings. The initiative includes 10 projects, such as broadcasting astronomical events, creating a logo for sustainable lighting, and involving citizens in change-making movements.
Takotsubo syndrome, also known as broken heart syndrome, can be triggered by both sad and happy emotional events. Researchers found that 20 patients developed the condition after a happy event, while 465 had occurred after sad and stressful events.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding enzymes that break down tough biomass, crucial for producing biofuels from renewable sources. The discovery could lead to improved efficiency and environmental sustainability in industrial biofuel production.
A recent study found that Fitbit-Flex is a valid and reliable device for monitoring physical activity, particularly in cardiac patients. The device accurately tracks step counts and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, making it a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers.
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.