Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
An international consortium is developing a comprehensive understanding of fertilization in flowering plants using comparative genomics and molecular biology techniques. The research aims to provide insights into the origins of fertilization and its role in improving crop productivity.
A group of top doctors and scientists propose a paradigm shift in NCD prevention and treatment, emphasizing the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles. They suggest integrating and collaborating with various stakeholders, including governments, companies, and organizations, to create effective change.
Researchers found that afamelanotide significantly improves pain-free sun exposure and quality of life in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria. The treatment reduced the number of phototoxic reactions and improved overall quality of life, offering patients increased daily functionality.
Researchers found interesting morphological distinctions in the mouthparts of larvae and new chromosome rearrangements in the second chromosome of <i> Ch. bernensis</i>. The study suggests a possible adaptive explanation for the geographical distribution of the species, with different genotypic combinations dominating at various sites.
The introduction of innovative techniques and devices has led to declining death rates from cardiovascular disease, but reimbursement systems are hindering their adoption. Delays in allocating reimbursement codes are limiting investment in future device therapies.
A study found that anthropogenic factors, such as cultivation, played a more important role in plant invasiveness than previously thought. The research analyzed Central European plants introduced to North America and found that residence time in the invaded range and habitats occupied in native ranges were key drivers of invasion.
A UK land cover map has shown a decline in semi-natural habitats and agricultural land between 2006 and 2012. Coniferous forest clear-cutting dominated the changes, with over 100,000 hectares lost.
Two species of dengue and chikungunya-carrying mosquitoes are spreading rapidly across the globe, with new areas identified as suitable for their survival. The expansion threatens communities worldwide, particularly in Africa where records are sparse.
A recent study revealed that 11 out of 14 popular VPN providers leak user information due to IPv6 weaknesses. This vulnerability affects users' browsing activities, including website access and online communications. Researchers warn that this exposure puts users at risk of being tracked by hackers or oppressive regimes.
A new study suggests that retreating sea ice in the Iceland and Greenland Seas may be changing the Atlantic Ocean's circulation patterns. This shift could lead to a cooling of western Europe as the Gulf Stream weakens, resulting from reduced oceanic convection.
A new study finds that as smoking declines overall, remaining smokers are actually less likely to smoke and more likely to quit. The study challenges the need to promote e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy, suggesting that current tobacco control policies have been successful in reducing smoking prevalence.
The European Society of Cardiology has published first-ever recommendations for managing cardiac arrhythmias in patients with chronic kidney disease. The guidelines emphasize the importance of considering renal impairment when choosing antiarrhythmic strategies, drugs, and anticoagulants.
Research highlights the potential role of moderate coffee consumption in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk. Key findings include an estimated 21% reduction in CVD mortality risk at a daily intake of 3-5 cups, as well as associations with lower type 2 diabetes risk and improved lifestyle habits.
Researchers analyzed DNA from a 40,000-year-old jawbone from Romania and found that six to nine percent of the person's genome came from Neandertals. This shows that some of the first modern humans in Europe mixed with local Neandertals around this time.
Researchers from the University of Valencia analysed 154 brands of beer and found that heavy drinkers consume toxic substances exceeding safety limits. The study reveals low exposure for average consumers, but highlights concerns among those who drink large quantities of beer daily.
A 40,000-year-old jawbone discovered in Europe has revealed that modern humans interbred with Neanderthals after their arrival in the continent. The study, led by HHMI investigator David Reich, found that six to nine percent of the individual's genome is from Neanderthals, indicating a recent ancestry.
New calculations by researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute show a significant risk of major sea level rise in Northern Europe, with potential increases of up to 1.5 meters in Scandinavia, England, and northern Germany. The study highlights regional differences in gravity and land uplift affecting sea levels.
Scientists have discovered transient spikes in temperature at several spots on Venus' surface, indicating active flows of lava. The hotspots are clustered in a large rift zone called Ganiki Chasma, suggesting ongoing volcanic activity.
Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna have discovered a new case of koi sleepy disease in Austria, which is believed to originate from Asia. The virus causes symptoms such as sunken eyes and swollen gills in infected fish.
Charging migrants for NHS services will not ease strain on the UK's National Health Service (NHS), according to experts. The new policy, which imposes a £200 surcharge per year, may push undocumented migrants into irregularity and prevent them from regularizing their residence.
Cardiovascular outcomes trials are considered a high-risk venture due to long treatment periods and large sample sizes required to demonstrate incremental risk reduction. Simplifying randomized controlled trials could bring new therapies to market sooner, mitigating the impact of exclusivity loss and reducing development costs.
A new trial found that hydroxychloroquine does not reduce pain, disability, or joint stiffness in patients with primary hand osteoarthritis. The study suggests that this medication should no longer be prescribed for this condition, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options.
A dose reduction strategy for TNF inhibitors can maintain good clinical response in RA patients even when the dose is reduced by one-third. Reducing the dose by two-thirds results in more flares, but these subsided when the higher dose was restarted.
A study by EULAR found that inspiratory muscle training (IMT) significantly improves lung strength and efficiency in AS patients, outperforming conventional treatment. After just eight weeks of IMT, patients showed improvements in chest expansion, aerobic capacity, resting pulmonary function, and ventilator efficiency.
A systematic review of 15 randomized controlled trials found that biologics significantly reduce accumulated missed workdays and improve work productivity among patients with rheumatic diseases. This suggests a potential economic benefit to treating these conditions.
Fatigue remains a debilitating problem for RA patients, with healthcare professionals often failing to measure it. New guidelines recommend validated fatigue measurements to improve patient outcomes. In contrast, treatment aimed at achieving disease remission is unlikely to be effective in addressing fatigue.
A new method has identified children with rheumatic disease who are eligible for a life-saving vaccine. The vaccine was found to be safe and effective even in patients taking immunosuppression treatment.
Early RA patients exhibit cardiomyopathy, reduced vascular function, and increased cardiovascular mortality. Cardiac MRI revealed aortic stiffness, left ventricular volumes, and geometry changes indicative of cardiac abnormalities.
Researchers have discovered remains of the hazel dormouse in the Lezetxiki cave site on the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to the Upper Pleistocene period. The find confirms that the species had a wider distribution than previously thought, with Lezetxiki being the southernmost point in Europe where dormouse remains have been found.
Researchers found that low birth weight, having older siblings, and hospitalizations due to infections between ages 5-16 can predict ankylosing spondylitis. These environmental factors have been linked to other diseases, such as autoimmune conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
A large population study found an increased risk of developing Psoriatic Arthritis among psoriasis patients exposed to physical trauma, particularly bone and joint traumas. The study suggests further investigation into the complex factors leading to arthritis in psoriasis patients may lead to modified risk.
Researchers found a unique bacterial signature in the colon of people with systemic sclerosis, which may contribute to clinical symptoms and be used for diagnosis. The study suggests that an imbalance in gut bacteria could be a feature of SSc.
Research reveals that NSAIDs can inhibit ovulation in women with mild musculoskeletal pain, affecting their ability to conceive. The study found that after just 10 days of treatment, progesterone levels decreased significantly across all treatment groups.
The tREACH trial found that combination DMARDs (methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine) improve measures of disease activity and functional ability in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. This suggests an earlier decrease in disease severity and improvements in functional ability compared to monotherapy.
A study found that RA patients with moderate disease activity are at risk of needing joint surgery, challenging existing treatment guidelines. The findings suggest updating disease activity cut-off points to allow moderate-disease-activity patients to receive biologics.
The study confirms massive migrations led to huge changes in the European gene-pool, conferring admixture on modern populations. Genetic analysis reveals a new perception of family, property, and personhood emerged during this period, influencing language families and later developments in the Bronze Age.
Research suggests that gay and bisexual men in homophobic countries are less likely to know about HIV, use condoms, but face a higher potential risk of infection as technology increases access to sexual contact
A new study suggests that EU forests have the potential to supply significantly more woody biomass than currently used, but this comes with trade-offs for biodiversity and other ecosystem services. The findings highlight the need for careful planning to balance wood production with protection of biodiversity.
The EU has invested €9.5 million in the Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research Infrastructure (ACTRIS-2), expanding its network of ground-based observatories to study aerosols, clouds, and trace gases. TROPOS coordinates remote sensing and operates a European Calibration Centre for Aerosol Physics in Leipzig.
A new study reveals that the rise of the Rocky Mountains predisposed North American mammals to adapt to a cold, dry world during the Grande Coupure event. This led to better survival rates compared to European mammal species, which were overrun by Asian mammals already adapted to colder conditions.
Researchers at Michigan State University have found that Varroa mites can mimic the scent of honeybees to infiltrate hives. The study revealed that the parasites are able to adapt quickly, changing their surface chemicals within days to evade detection by bees.
In the ATREUS trial, 41.2% of patients treated with trabectedin in second line showed improved survival and median progression-free survival at 12 weeks. The study adds to scarce evidence-based science in this disease, warranting further investigation.
The EU Clinical Trials Regulation aims to improve cancer research in Europe, but its implementation poses challenges for researchers and Member States. The regulation includes provisions such as a one-time-consent for patient data and tissue use, creating a single registration portal, and data transparency.
A study of paracetamol use in seven European countries reveals a six-times higher risk of liver failure in Ireland and a two-fold higher risk in the UK. The highest rates of overdose-related liver failure were found in these two English-speaking countries, suggesting potential differences in self-poisoning practices.
The US market offers less effective sunscreens compared to European counterparts, which have approved eight superior formulations for better protection against UV-A and -B rays. Manufacturers are waiting for FDA approval since 2002, hindering product availability.
Research presented at Heart Failure 2015 found that cognitive impairment is common in elderly heart failure patients, occurring in three-quarters of patients. The study also showed that cognitive impairment predicts a worse prognosis, with an increased risk of all-cause death and heart failure readmission.
Research presented at Heart Failure 2015 reveals moderate to severe depression is associated with a 5-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. Patients with moderate to severe depression had an 80% lower mortality risk compared to those without or mild depression.
Springer announces a partnership with IMISCOE to publish their open-access journal Comparative Migration Studies and book series IMISCOE Research Series. The journal offers a unique comparative perspective on the science of migration and diversity, publishing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.
EuroPCR 2015 highlighted the benefits of mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke, showing significant improvement in outcomes for one-third of patients who qualify for the procedure. The meeting also showcased advancements in coronary interventions, including chronic total occlusions and stent thrombosis.
Joint recommendations from the Heart Failure Association, European Society of Emergency Medicine, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine emphasize urgent diagnosis and treatment of acute heart failure. The guidelines outline tests, treatments, and management strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity.
The harlequin ladybird's arrival in Britain has led to declines in seven native ladybird species due to its predatory behavior. Research on the invasive species has provided new insights into biological invasions and their impact on ecosystems.
The EU has funded a new initiative to enhance collaboration in polar research, bringing together 22 institutions to develop an integrated European polar research programme. The programme aims to create a suite of research proposals directly relevant to European society and its economy.
Researchers discovered that almost two-thirds (64%) modern European men belong to just three young paternal lineages. The study used DNA sequences from the Y chromosomes of 334 men from 17 populations and found a widespread, recent male-specific population expansion during the Bronze Age.
Recent clinical trials demonstrate significant improvements in neurological function with clot retrieval therapies, increasing recovery rates to 40-50%. However, implementation into practice requires concentrated effort from multiple parties, including training and education.
The European Clinical Consensus Conference concludes that research into renal denervation for high blood pressure should not be abandoned until high-quality research is completed according to agreed-upon standards. The group also emphasizes the need for standardization in treatments, populations, methods, and adherence measures.
A team of UK scientists studied how changes in the stratosphere affect surface-level jet streams, storm tracks, and weather. The research highlights a series of global weather phenomena resulting from the 'coupling' between the stratosphere and troposphere, such as extreme temperatures over eastern North America.
Analysis of SWEDEHEART registry data reveals substantial secondary prevention potential in women, particularly for lipid and blood pressure control. Women experience higher rates of cardiac readmission and lower rates of risk factor control compared to men, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A study of thousands of human bones reveals a gradual decline in leg bone strength as Europeans adopted agriculture and settled down, while arm bone strength remained steady. Researchers found that lifestyle changes, such as reduced mobility, were more significant contributors to the shift than urbanization or nutrition.
A large cohort study found that even short duration and low intensity exercise has a negative correlation with mortality rate in the elderly. The risk of death decreased by 57% in those with higher levels of physical activity compared to those with lower levels.
A screening study of over 2,000 elite athletes revealed a surprisingly high prevalence of cardiovascular conditions, including life-threatening heart problems. The study found that 7.3% of athletes had some form of cardiovascular abnormality, highlighting the need for more accurate assessments and screenings in elite athletes.