Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A study published at the EuroPRevent congress found that employees in busy workplaces often do not meet recommended levels of physical activity, with only 6% achieving 10,000 steps per day. The research highlights the need for workplace health promotion policies to be more effectively applied to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Research suggests single motherhood before age 50 is associated with poorer health in later life, particularly in countries with weak social support safety nets. Single mothers tend to be younger, less well-off, and less educated than dual-parent households.
A survey of over 50,000 children aged 8-12 across 15 countries reveals that children's happiness differs significantly depending on their geographical location and lifestyle. In Northern European countries, children are dissatisfied with their appearance and self-confidence, while those in African countries tend to be happier with scho...
Botanists have discovered 17 new species of Eugenia plants in Madagascar, with the finds shedding light on the genus's distribution and ecological patterns. The discovery highlights the country's rich biodiversity, with many plant families yielding new species annually.
A new study published in the journal Addiction reveals that almost 5% of the world's adult population has an alcohol use disorder and more than 20% smoke tobacco. The report highlights regional differences in addictive behaviors, with Eastern Europe having the highest rates of smoking and heavy drinking.
Amparo Acker-Palmer aims to decipher molecular signaling pathways regulating the neurovascular interface, which could lead to new approaches for treating dementia and mental illness. Her team uses genetically altered mice and zebrafish to visualize dynamic events of cell-to-cell communication at the neurovascular interface.
A new population genetics model reveals a previously unknown bottleneck in the Finnish population between 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. This event likely reduced the population size significantly and resulted in fewer genetic differences among its offspring.
A new study has found that myopia, or short-sightedness, is becoming more common across Europe, affecting around a quarter of the population. The correlation between education levels and short-sightedness has also been identified, with those completing higher education at increased risk.
A study of European trees found that they have increased their water-use efficiency by 14% for broadleaf and 22% for coniferous species since the 20th century. However, despite this adaptation, forest transpiration rates have still risen by 5% over the same period due to a warmer environment and longer growing seasons.
A large Ontario-based study reveals that some immigrants and refugees have a 1.5 to 2 times greater risk of psychotic disorders than the general population, with specific groups from Caribbean and East Africa/South Asia showing significantly higher rates.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society recommends non-hormonal management of menopausal vasomotor symptoms through lifestyle modifications and behavioral interventions. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors and gabapentin may be effective alternatives to estrogen-based therapies, but evidence is limited for other approaches.
Queen's University Belfast is at the forefront of a major European push to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks. The SAFEcrypto project, led by Professor Máire O'Neill, will focus on three main areas: protecting information passed via satellites, public-safety communications systems, and safeguarding data privacy.
A new hydrogeochemical modelling approach reveals the specific methane generation process in Europe for the first time. The formation of biogenic shale gas in Sweden's crust is relatively young, dating back to deglaciation around 12,000 years ago.
A new test has been developed to predict sudden cardiac death in hemodialysis patients, combining nuclear medicine, C-reactive protein, and electrocardiogram (ECG). Patients with 2 or 3 abnormal measures were at a significantly increased risk of cardiac death.
A statistical analysis of data from 20 industrial countries reveals that housing market pricing cycles have become longer over the last four decades. Longer down phases can lead to dire consequences on national and international economies.
The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) is part of the CANCER-ID consortium, a €22.7 million project exploring blood-based biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
A leading public health doctor argues that calorie counts should be mandatory on all alcoholic drinks to address obesity concerns. The Royal Society for Public Health supports this move, as a recent survey found that many consumers are unaware of the calorie content in common drinks.
A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution suggests that technological innovations in hunting weapons may not have been a driving force behind the colonization of Europe by anatomically modern humans. The researchers found that stone tools used by humans around 40,000 years ago appeared in Europe earlier than previously th...
A prospective multicentre observational study examined the relationship between polygamy and cardiovascular health. Men with multiple wives had a higher risk of coronary artery disease, left main disease, and multivessel disease, with risks increasing by up to 4-fold.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have challenged a popular theory that North America was first settled by Upper Paleolithic people from Europe via an ice bridge. The team found inconsistencies in the recovery and ownership of the ship that discovered the alleged evidence, as well as discrepancies in photographs and records.
A comprehensive review highlights the need for better evidence on hepatitis B and C testing in European countries. The study found gaps in knowledge, particularly for high-risk populations such as migrants and men who have sex with men.
Many European countries lack national strategies to manage chronic viral hepatitis disease surveillance, burden assessment, and intervention impact. Governments need support for developing plans, estimating the national burden, and improving surveillance systems.
A new study shows that Baclofen has a positive impact on alcohol consumption and liver function in patients with alcohol-induced liver disease. The results demonstrate improved indicators of liver health, reduced physical dependence, and lower standard measures of liver damage.
Researchers have identified the specific molecules involved in skin fusion during wound healing, using fruit fly embryos as a model system. The study reveals a complex process involving molecular machines and cellular components that work together to fuse the skin, with microtubules playing a crucial role in this process.
A subset of lung cancer patients with BRAF-mutant cancers may derive significant clinical benefits from treatment with BRAF inhibitors, according to a European study. The trial found an overall response rate of 53% and progression-free survival time of 5 months among patients treated with vemurafenib or dabrafenib.
A study of oncologists in Europe, Asia, and the US found that nearly one in four patients with advanced lung cancer began treatment without knowing their EGFR mutation status. This lack of testing may compromise treatment outcomes and access to effective therapies.
A new DNA blood test can identify EGFR mutations in lung cancer patients without accessible tumor tissue, showing an 89% agreement rate with tissue testing. The test's sensitivity was found to be around half of that of traditional tissue testing.
Research reveals that professional golfers experience intense feelings of loneliness and isolation due to long periods away from home and family. Many struggle financially, with top-level golfers barely scraping by while those in lower-level tours often lose money.
The EU Active Ageing Index shows a nearly two-point increase overall, but Greece and Latvia fall behind. Countries like Sweden, Denmark, and the UK have done well across all four active ageing areas.
The Lancet Respiratory Medicine publishes two Reviews on obstructive sleep apnea, discussing its effects on brain health and cognitive performance. The articles also explore the potential for personalized treatment approaches and emerging diagnostics in managing OSA.
The European Science Foundation emphasizes the importance of addressing rare, high-impact geohazards that can lead to global disasters. The report aims to develop robust risk management plans and increase general resilience in the face of surprise events.
The first Heine H. Hansen Award recipient, Pieter Postmus, has made significant contributions to lung cancer research and education globally. He was recognized for his work in developing research programs in pulmonary circulation, pneumothorax, and thoracic oncology.
Research shows that traditional values and religiosity are stronger predictors of female participation in the workforce than education. The study compares attitudes of over 3,000 immigrant women with 40,000 non-emigrant European women, finding a significant positive correlation between cultural norms and work behavior.
Researchers analyzed ancient ornamental beads to understand cultural interactions during farming's introduction in Europe. North European populations showed resistance to new bead types, maintaining the same personal ornaments for centuries.
A recent study by the University of the Basque Country explores the relationship between the quality of designation of origin cheeses, such as Idiazabal, and consumer preferences. The research suggests that sensory evaluation methods need to be standardized to ensure good practices are followed in cheese production.
A new study reveals how tuberculosis took hold in 18th century Europe, using DNA from mummified bodies to show the virus was spread through mixed infections. The research also confirms the genotypic continuity of TB infections across centuries.
Archaeologists have discovered a unique complete camel skeleton unearthed in Tulln, Austria, dating back to the 17th century. DNA analysis reveals the animal was a hybrid of a dromedary and Bactrian camel. The find provides insight into the use of camels as exotic animals during the Ottoman era.
Archaeologists uncovered a complete camel skeleton in Tulln, Austria, dating back to the 17th century, shedding light on camel use in Central Europe. The hybrid camel, with a dromedary mother and Bactrian father, was likely used for military transportation, not food.
The 1815 Tambora eruption, one of the largest in the last 1,000 years, killed over 60,000 people in Indonesia and led to a 'year without a summer' globally. A systematic exploration of available eruption archives is needed to better understand potential future hazards.
Researchers analyzed DNA samples from 64 populations in Europe, Africa, and the Americas to uncover the genetic fingerprints of the slave trade and colonization. The study found that Americans have a complex genetic profile, with varying proportions of African and European ancestry.
A team of astronomers using APEX and other telescopes revealed that the star that appeared in the sky in 1670 was a rare stellar collision, not a nova. The team discovered a cool gas rich in molecules with an unusual chemical composition, which was too great to be explained by a nova explosion.
A randomized controlled trial aims to develop evidence-based treatment practices for primary ciliary dyskinesia, a rare respiratory disorder. Azithromycin may offer a potential maintenance prophylactic therapy for PCD patients, improving pulmonary exacerbation rates and quality of life.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum analyze interactions between Oriental-Orthodox Churches and Jewish communities in the post-Late Antiquity period. The project aims to close a research gap, exploring manuscripts, inscriptions, and archaeological artefacts in different languages.
A Europe-wide survey predicts a sharp rise in UK adults living with cystic fibrosis, expected to increase by up to 79.3% by 2025. This surge poses a significant challenge for the NHS to develop adult specialist services quickly and effectively.
The number of adults living with cystic fibrosis is expected to increase dramatically by 2025 due to improvements in treatments and care. This surge in demand highlights the need for healthcare systems to adapt and develop adult services to provide optimal care.
Recent research emphasizes the need for open data to effectively manage and control invasive alien species. Despite various initiatives, access to suitable data remains patchy due to restrictive licensing, technical barriers, and cultural attitudes of organizations.
The American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes call for a comprehensive safety overhaul of insulin pumps, including greater access to data from manufacturers and funding for independent clinical trials. This is crucial for healthcare teams to educate patients on preventing errors with these devices.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society's 10-point guide provides a comprehensive approach to managing menopausal health, emphasizing individual needs and personalized care. The guide covers diagnosis, screening, treatment, and follow-up, aiming to promote health over several decades.
Two major diabetes associations, EASD and ADA, jointly recommend a comprehensive overhaul of medical device safety in Europe and the US. The current regulatory framework is criticized for being too lenient, with a lack of follow-up studies and insufficient public availability of adverse event reports.
Scientists identified Blue13 genotype for the first time in Spain, indicating more aggressive and resistant strains of Phytophthora infestans. The detection has significant implications for potato producers, who must adapt to evolving disease patterns and develop new blight-resistant varieties.
The European technical report presents aquatic effect-based monitoring tools to address chemical pollution in surface waters, including bioassays and biomarkers for detecting toxic effects. These tools support the Water Framework Directive's goal of achieving a 'good status' for all Europe's surface waters by 2015.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism linking inhaled diesel pollution to respiratory distress by activating airway sensory nerves. The study found that diesel particles activate the TRPA1 channel, leading to increased oxidative stress and exacerbating respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Scientists at UCL conclude humans became a geological power with global environmental changes starting around 1610. A golden spike marker, the 'Orbis Spike', was found in Antarctic ice-core records, indicating an irreversible exchange of species between the Old and New Worlds.
The discovery of modified white-tailed eagle talons at the Krapina Neandertal site reveals evidence of jewelry-making skills among human predecessors. The findings indicate that Neandertals acquired eagle talons for symbolic purposes around 130,000 years ago.
Dr. Martin Weides of KIT is awarded EUR 2 million over five years to study dynamic processes in ferromagnets, which could lead to magnetic data processing components. He aims to understand damping and intrinsic rotations of individual electrons using quantum bits.
Scientists have identified the fastest-moving unbound star in our galaxy, breaking the galactic speed record with a speed of 1,200 kilometers per second. The star, US708, was once part of a double-star solar system and is now expected to leave the Milky Way.
A new study estimates that endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure in the European Union costs around €157 billion ($209 billion) each year, mainly due to lost productivity and healthcare expenses. The estimated cost burden includes conditions such as lowered IQ, male infertility, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
A study of 451,256 Europeans found that a pro-vegetarian diet lowers cardiovascular disease risk by 20%. The research analyzed the eating habits of participants and categorized them based on their plant-based food intake. A high-protein, low-animal-based diet reduced mortality rates from heart disease and stroke.
A recent study published in the Lancet found that babies with severely restricted growth in the womb who were monitored using late ductus venosus changes had better neurodevelopmental outcomes than those who were monitored using other techniques. The researchers recommend that these babies should be supervised in specialist centers whe...
The study aims to establish a stable situation for nuclear power by collecting multidisciplinary data on how people define nuclear power and its role in society. The project will analyze the importance of nuclear power in each country's power production, economic impacts, and influence from different viewpoints.