Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
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.
A team of researchers at Penn State has received a $10.2 million grant to study a new malaria-prevention method involving eave tubes with insecticide-laced netting. The approach aims to limit mosquito access to houses and reduce indoor mosquito densities by up to 90 percent.
The new center aims to harmonize electric vehicle charging infrastructure, enabling seamless communication between cars and grids. It drafts international standards for interoperability testing and develops physical devices to connect vehicles to the grid.
A new fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), poses a significant threat to North America's amphibian populations. The authors propose concrete steps to prevent or reduce the risk of Bsal entry into the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The study reveals high genetic diversity of TB strains in Ethiopia, suggesting that Europeans introduced a new wave of virulent strains. The findings contradict the long-held 'virgin soil hypothesis' and shed light on past epidemics of TB.
The EU-funded project aims to lay the groundwork for 3D genomics by standardizing experiments, storing data, and developing protocols. The goal is to move from 1D genomic studies to understanding DNA structure and function in a 3D context.
The new Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) journal has published its first issue, featuring a special focus on heart failure. Key findings include strategies to reduce heart failure readmission rates and the use of noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring for improved management.
Chagas disease is a life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. In Spain, Latin American migrants are at high risk due to mother-to-child transmission, with an estimated 50,000-70,000 people infected. Screening is crucial to detect heart abnormalities early and prevent sudden cardiac death.
The GEO-CRADLE consortium coordinates regional institutions to support effective integration of Earth Observation (EO) capacities, modeling, and data exploitation skills. The project provides a roadmap for implementing GEOSS and Copernicus in the region, with a focus on climate change, food security, access to raw materials and energy.
A study by Professor Olivier Bauer found that Montreal's culinary heritage is influenced by Jewish cultural heritage, with bagels and smoked meat becoming iconic symbols of the city. The researcher notes that these foods have become popular among workers and tourists alike, despite their Jewish origins.
Researchers found evidence of cold climate when Vikings arrived in Greenland, contradicting popular notion that warm weather drew settlers. The study adds to evidence that the Medieval Warm Period was not a global phenomenon.
Injuries have fallen by almost a third since 1990, with car crashes, self-harm, and falls making up the top causes, while fracture injuries require hospital admission. The global injury toll remains high but decreased in most regions, prompting researchers to conclude that the world is becoming safer.
Researchers found that feral cats in Australia originated from European settlers' pets, introducing a damaging invasive species. The study's findings have implications for managing invasive species, as they determined a specific time frame for cat introduction linked to native species decline.
The University of Huddersfield has made a significant recording of the ancient Celtic instrument carnyx, featuring John Kenny's compositions and improvisations. The project, part of the European Music Archaeology Project (EMAP), aims to recreate prehistoric music and showcase its importance in understanding European heritage.
The EurocanPlatform project has led to the establishment of Cancer Core Europe, a long-term initiative between six leading cancer centers aiming to create a single virtual 'e-hospital' with powerful translational platforms. This will provide robust computational biology pipelines and standardized imaging for personalized cancer medicine.
The study reveals that traffic is the largest source of urban air pollution, responsible for 25% of particulate matter. Domestic fuel burning and industrial activities also contribute significantly to air pollution, with regional variations observed.
A new study suggests that many Europeans experience despondent and stressed feelings during the pre-Christmas period, but Christians, particularly those with high religious affiliation, tend to be more positive and content. Higher education levels and family presence also help individuals cope with the holiday stress.
A polypill combining three cardio-protective medicines has been approved in 15 European countries and is being commercialized across Europe. The innovative approach aims to reduce societal burden and improve patient treatment, with the focus on increasing adherence to prescribed medication.
A European study reveals alcohol-related conditions significantly contribute to socioeconomic inequality in total mortality among men in some countries. Rates of alcohol-related mortality are highest in individuals with less education or manual occupations across 17 European countries. The disparities are particularly pronounced in Eas...
European climate projections suggest enhanced probability of heatwaves in the coming decades, comparable to the worst heatwave since 1950 in Russia. The analysis shows that previous records were broken in 2010, with a similar heatwave expected at least once in 30 years under certain climate scenarios.
A new study has found that personally tailored diabetes care reduces mortality in women, but not men. The structured approach may be more effective for women due to their greater acceptance of disease management and less emphasis on self-directed learning.
Scientists have developed a new method to model heat wave magnitude, indicating that extreme heat events will increase in severity and number over the next two decades. The Heat Wave Magnitude Index daily (HWMId) takes into account both duration and intensity of heat waves.
Patients with coronary artery disease spend an average of eight hours each day sitting despite exercising, according to research published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention. Women tend to be less sedentary than men, but both have poorer health outcomes when sitting for long periods.
Patients with coronary artery disease spend an average of eight hours each day sitting, which is related to higher BMI and lower cardiorespiratory fitness. Limiting sedentary behaviors can improve health alongside regular exercise.
Healthcare professionals across Europe are urged to address alcohol misuse and dependence to prevent colorectal cancer (CRC). A growing European primary care study highlights the need for family doctors to identify and treat hazardous drinkers.
The study, published in European Journal of Physics, uses classic work on 'water bells' to explain why the falling curtain of chocolate pulls inwards. Surface tension is the primary force responsible for this phenomenon.
A recent study found that neural tube defects in Europe have not declined substantially over the past 20 years, despite long-standing recommendations for folic acid supplements. The study analyzed data from 11,000 cases and suggested that mandatory fortification of food staples with folic acid could be an effective means of prevention.
In Gipuzkoa province, bird poaching continues to pose a threat to biodiversity conservation, with dozens of birds arriving at rehabilitation centers with firearm-inflicted wounds. Researchers analyzed data from 2006 to 2013 and found that the spatial distribution of shot birds was concentrated around fixed hunting stands.
Chapman University associate professor Hesham El-Askary is the regional coordinator for a €3 million European Union Grant. The project, GEO-CRADLE, aims to strengthen earth observation networks in the region, addressing specific challenges affecting global understanding of climate and natural resources.
Researchers analyzed ancient human DNA to understand genetic changes during farming's introduction in Europe. They found variants associated with height, lactose digestion and immune function, supporting the idea that early farmers adapted to their new diet.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that global cities have a greater economic significance than countries. Cities with strong economic and political leadership, as well as innovative activity, are more competitive. The top-ranking cities include London, Paris, Tokyo, Madrid, Barcelona, and Milan.
A new study found that many European hospitals fail to routinely test patients at risk of HIV infection, missing out on diagnosing nearly two-thirds of those living with the condition. In Northern Europe, this results in a significantly lower test rate compared to Eastern Europe.
The TATORT-NSTEMI trial found no significant difference in major adverse cardiac events at 12 months between thrombectomy and standard PCI in NSTEMI patients. Thrombus aspiration also did not affect quality of life or functional class.
Despite improvements in antidote availability, many UK hospitals still lack essential stocks for treating poisoned patients. The study found that only 20 out of 22 category A and B antidotes were stocked within the recommended time in over 78% of hospitals.
Researchers have linked the Irish potato famine pathogen to a fungus-like organism from South America using ancient DNA. The study suggests that early European activities in the New World led to the origin of this devastating pathogen.
Researchers sequenced ancient genomes from Late Upper Palaeolithic period, revealing a new strand of European hunter-gatherer ancestry. The discovery provides insights into the genetic history of modern populations in Europe and beyond.
A new lineage of ancient European ancestry, originating from hunter-gatherers isolated by the Ice Age, has been discovered. This 'fourth strand' is found in modern populations across Europe and beyond, with significant influence on Indian genetics.
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of beeswax use dating back to the Neolithic period in Anatolia, with finds spanning from 7000 to 4900 BCE. The study reveals that beeswax was used for various purposes, including tools, rituals, cosmetics, and medicine.
The study highlights the main pathways of alien species introduction in European lakes and rivers, including escape from aquaculture facilities and pet/aquarium trade releases. It emphasizes the need for stricter regulation and control measures to mitigate these threats and achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Target 9.
The study suggests that primitive North American mammoths emerged around 2-1.5 million years ago (MYA), originating from Asia via the Bering Strait. This new understanding challenges previous assumptions about the evolutionary timeline of North American Columbian mammoths.
A Swedish registry study found that mechanical heart valve prosthesis has superior long-term survival rates compared to biological valve prosthesis, particularly for relatively young patients. The risk of stroke was similar for both types of prostheses, but patients with biological valves were more likely to require re-operation.