Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Research in over 6,000 patients found that permanent atrial fibrillation doubles the risk of stroke compared to paroxysmal AF. The study suggests that a simple clinical assessment of the type of AF can help doctors estimate stroke risk more accurately.
A study found that energy drinks cause heart problems, including angina, cardiac arrhythmia, and sudden death. The researchers analyzed adverse events reported to the French agency for food safety between 2009 and 2012 and found that 95 of the reported events had cardiovascular symptoms.
A study from the FRANCE 2 registry found that local anesthesia for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is as safe and effective as general anesthesia. Outcomes for patients were identical regardless of the type of anesthesia used, with improved post-procedural patient recovery seen with local anesthesia.
Researchers found that renal denervation significantly reduced the likelihood of recurrent atrial fibrillation in patients with moderate to severe resistant hypertension. The procedure was shown to be beneficial in reducing blood pressure, with significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure observed.
A study of 131,401 people found that tea drinkers had a lower risk profile for cardiovascular disease and significantly lowered the risk of non-CV death. The study also revealed that coffee consumption was associated with a higher CV risk profile, particularly among smokers.
The European Lead Extraction ConTRolled (ELECTRa) registry found that transvenous lead extraction is clinically successful in over 98% of cases, with a failure rate of 1.5%. Non-infective indications for lead extraction are becoming increasingly common, accounting for 47.3% of cases.
The MORE-CRT study demonstrates the safety and efficiency of quadripolar lead technology in managing common pacing complications during cardiac resynchronisation therapy. At six months, patients with quadripolar leads showed a significant reduction in intra- and post-operative LV lead-related complications compared to bipolar lead cont...
The European Society of Cardiology has published the first expert consensus on ventricular arrhythmias, providing guidelines for diagnosis and management. The recommendations cover a wide range of ventricular arrhythmias, from benign to life-threatening conditions.
The new document provides clear recommendations on how to identify ACS patients at risk for arrhythmias and manage tachy- and bradyarrhythmias using drugs, devices, and catheter-based approaches. The paper also offers guidance on the use of antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with ACS and ventricular arrhythmias.
The 2014 ESC/EACTS revascularisation guidelines emphasize the therapeutic benefit of revascularisation in coronary artery disease (CAD) for patients with stable CAD. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) reduces the risk of death, myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularisation compared to medical treatment. DES are favored over b...
The European Society of Cardiology has launched a new journal focused on cardiovascular pharmacotherapy, aiming to improve the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. The journal will publish original research, invited editorials, and reviews by prestigious authors, with the goal of becoming the leading journal in this field.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched newregistries for cardiac oncology and ACS, aiming to monitor treatment practices and outcomes. The registries will provide robust data on cardiovascular disease burden and treatment in Europe.
Heart failure affects millions worldwide, resulting in poor survival rates and a huge burden on healthcare systems. The Heart Failure Association calls for improved awareness and policy initiatives to prevent the disease and promote equity of care. Implementation could reduce deaths and improve quality of life globally.
A mobile app for emergency cardiac care has been developed by the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association (ACCA) of the European Society of Cardiology. The app provides instant access to diagnostics pathways, treatment algorithms, and guidelines for professionals to make quick decisions in acute cardiovascular emergencies.
A new study published in Psychology and Health found that people aged 70 and over who identify themselves as 'old' feel worse about their own health in societies where they perceive lower value than younger age groups. In contrast, higher social status for older adults is linked to better subjective health.
The EuropeanPioneers programme supports 25 startups and SMEs in EU with 4.5 million Euros, targeting Smart City Services, Social Connected TV, Pervasive Gaming, and E-Learning.
Researchers used a 'big data' approach to rank top 100 pathogens affecting humans and animals, with E.coli and HIV taking top spots. The Hirsch Index method aggregates scientific work on diseases to guide policy at a continent-wide level.
Researchers found that the European CA-MRSA clone CC80 evolved from a sub-Saharan African methicillin-sensitive ancestor. The bacteria simultaneously acquired resistance to methicillin and fusidic acid, which is thought to be due to selective pressure in North Africa and Europe.
A new study by USC Marshall professor Gerard J. Tellis and colleagues reveals that financial innovations can deliver significant positive returns, particularly in the United States. The research found that radical innovations, such as home mortgages and auto loans, generate higher cumulative abnormal returns due to their ability to cha...
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) recognizes the contributions of three outstanding individuals in cancer research and treatment. Carsten Bokemeyer receives the ESMO Award for his work on malignant germ cell tumours, while Peter Boyle wins the Lifetime Achievement Award for his long-standing contribution to cancer epidem...
Research suggests that climate change could lead to an increased risk of dengue fever in Europe, particularly in coastal areas along the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. The disease is spread by mosquitoes, which thrive in warm and humid conditions, making these regions most at risk.
Researchers found evidence that Mycobacterial tuberculosis genomes in Peru's human skeletons match animal lineages from seals and sea lions. This suggests marine mammals brought the disease to South America before European arrival. The study provides strong evidence for a complex history of tuberculosis transmission in the Americas.
Scientists found that ancient strains of tuberculosis were most closely related to those in seals and sea lions, suggesting the disease was transmitted from Africa to the Americas via marine animals. This discovery provides new insights into the origins of the disease and its spread among human populations.
Death rates from heart disease and stroke are declining overall in Europe, but at differing rates. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among Europeans, accounting for close to half of all deaths. However, cancer is now causing more deaths than heart disease in some countries, particularly among men.
A study found that the EU's policy on tobacco control shifted in favor of the industry following massive lobbying. The research used automated content analysis to track changes in language used by health groups and industry stakeholders, revealing a significant shift towards industry interests.
The majority of adults worldwide are falling short of the recommended five servings (400 grams) per day, with a significant shortfall found in people's diets globally. Eating foods rich in phytonutrients may provide health benefits, including promoting eye and bone health.
Two studies found that older adults with poor hearing participate less in group activities and meet friends fewer often than those with good hearing. The researchers emphasize the importance of face-to-face conversation to facilitate lip-reading and suggest rehabilitation as a key strategy for supporting socially active lives.
A European trial with 13-year follow-up found that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing can reduce prostate cancer deaths by about a fifth. However, due to the risk of over-diagnosis and overtreatment, routine PSA screening is not currently recommended.
Researchers found that early enzyme replacement treatment was most effective in mice with very early-stage disease, while late-stage disease proved ineffective. Continued research is crucial to understand the reversibility of disease-based degenerative changes.
The 2014 ESC/ESA Guidelines provide recommendations for cardiovascular assessment and management in non-cardiac surgery, aiming to reduce complications. The guidelines cover risk assessment models, biomarkers, anticoagulants, statins, aspirin, and beta-blockers to mitigate cardiac risk in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
Researchers used big data visualization to study the migration patterns of over 150,000 individuals across two millennia, revealing a pattern of geographical birth sources and death attractors. The study also found that cultural centers and economic centers do not always coincide, and that population size does not necessarily determine...
A team of researchers, led by Dr. Maximilian Schich, reconstructed the migration and mobility patterns of 150,000 individuals over two millennia using network and complexity science. The study found non-intuitive patterns, including laws of migration, and challenged traditional notions of cultural centers.
The study found that Rome, London, and Paris emerged as major cultural centers due to high death rates among intellectuals in these cities. Despite increased travel over the centuries, birth and death locations of notable individuals remained relatively close.
A survey of 13,860 German patients with aortic valve disease found over 80% were in the same or better state of health one year after intervention. TAVR and AVR procedures showed similar results, regardless of risk group, indicating excellent outcomes for conventional surgery.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that microscopic flagella synchronize their movements through direct hydrodynamic interactions in a fluid. The findings, published in eLife, demonstrate that the motion of the fluid created by two beating flagella is sufficient to cause them to row in sync.
A new study of the SOPHIE project reveals that traditional and contradictory family policies in Europe contribute to gender inequalities in health, particularly among women in Southern Europe. The Dual-earner model encourages labor force participation and redistributes caring work, leading to lower health disparities.
Research by IIASA found that gender differences in cognitive abilities are associated with age, country of origin, and educational opportunities. Women outperform men in episodic memory and reading literacy, while men excel in mathematical abilities, but category fluency is equivalent for both sexes.
The proposed EU General Data Protection Regulation may make cancer research impossible due to explicit patient consent requirements, hindering progress in finding cures. ESMO proposes a 'one-time consent' concept to empower patients and ensure the right balance between privacy and public health.
Researchers from the University of Leicester used a novel laser technique to study the structure and internal atomic motion of a small cluster containing an acetylene molecule and a single helium atom. The study found that the helium atom rotates and vibrates almost freely, occupying nearly the entire volume within the cluster.
New research suggests that Antarctic sea ice expansion may have been incorrectly measured due to a processing error in satellite data. This finding could affect climate change reports, particularly those from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Researchers at Queen's University have made a significant breakthrough that may benefit patients with bowel cancer. The team discovered how two genes cause bowel cancer cells to become resistant to treatments, leading to the development of a new approach to target these genes in aggressive forms of the disease.
A new study suggests that improving food systems on specific regions and crops can boost global food security and protect the environment. The report identifies key leverage points for reducing environmental impacts and increasing food production in six countries: China, India, U.S., Brazil, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Closing the yield g...
A large population-based study of European adults with blood cancers found that regional differences in treatment and care quality contribute to varying survival rates. The study analyzed data from 30 cancer registries covering all patients diagnosed in 20 European countries between 1997 and 2008.
Research at Aarhus University found that children raised on farms have lower risk of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The study suggests a correlation between urbanization and rising incidence rates of inflammatory bowel diseases.
A recent report analyzed Mediterranean fish species from 1990 to 2010, showing a steadily increasing exploitation rate and deteriorating stocks. The researchers recommend advanced management plans, better enforcement, and investments in data collection to improve sustainability.
A study by the University of Granada found that teenagers in Spain, Italy, and Greece have lower cardiorespiratory capacity, strength, and speed-agility than their northern European peers. The researchers also discovered higher levels of total and abdominal fat among southern adolescents, which may be linked to reduced physical activity.
A study of over 1 million patients in the UK found an association between high blood cholesterol and increased breast cancer risk. The researchers suggest that lowering cholesterol with statins may help prevent or treat breast cancer, warranting further investigation.
Researchers have developed a method of shockless defibrillation using optogenetics, achieving cardioversion into sinus rhythm without pain. The technique involves genetically inserting depolarising ion channels into the heart that can be activated by light, promising a new approach for treating atrial fibrillation.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding CRPS by replicating its symptoms in mice using antibodies from patients with the condition. The study suggests that autoantibodies may be the underlying cause of CRPS, offering hope for potential treatments.
A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed Neolithic deer hair from the Tyrolean Iceman's clothing to shed light on red deer lineage. The results indicate that Alpine Copper Age red deer falls within the western European lineage, contrasting with current populations in the Italian Alps which belong to the eastern lineage.
Researchers question long-held theory that Northern Europeans developed light skin for vitamin D production. Instead, genetic mutations compromising the skin's barrier function enabled survival at higher latitudes. High rates of filaggrin mutations in Northern European populations correlate with increased vitamin D levels.
The Bestcilia project is launching an international patient registry for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a rare respiratory disease. The registry aims to collect prospective data on clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes, ultimately improving therapeutic guidelines and quality of life for PCD sufferers.
A recent study found that organic farms support more plant and bee species than conventional farms, particularly in arable fields. However, adding structural elements like woods and hedges can increase habitats and promote biodiversity on farms.
Research by the University of Southampton found that public sector workers are more likely to volunteer due to higher education levels, but once compared like-for-like, there is no significant difference. However, public sector workers in education are more likely to volunteer than those in private sector jobs.
A new report by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre analyzes the impacts of climate change in 9 sectors, predicting significant economic losses, heat-related deaths, and coastal damage. The study finds that the northern Europe region would experience the lowest welfare losses, while southern Europe would bear the most burden.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that unploughed stubble reflects more solar radiation than tilled surfaces, resulting in a 50% higher level of reflection and a significant effect on extreme heat. No-till farming can reduce local temperatures by up to 2°C on hot days.
The Graphene Flagship is doubling in size with 66 new partners added through a €9 million competitive call, increasing the consortium's scope and capabilities. This move reflects growing interest from economic actors in graphene technology.
A new study reveals that regional weather extremes are strongly related to large-scale wave patterns in the atmosphere. The research found that certain regions of Europe, Asia, and the US are more prone to prolonged bouts of unseasonal weather, including hot and cold spells, droughts, and wet periods.
A growing number of colorectal cancer deaths in Europe necessitates an increase in nurse endoscopy training, with regular screening reducing the risk by 20-30%. UEG and ESGENA are working together to standardize training requirements and improve workforce availability.
Researchers have identified skulls with a mix of Neandertal and primitive traits, providing new insights into human evolution. The findings support the accretion model hypothesis, suggesting that Neandertals developed their defining features in stages, not all at once.