Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
The A-PARADDISE consortium aims to develop new drugs against four parasites, including schistosomiasis and malaria, which cause over one million deaths annually. Researchers will use histone-modifying enzymes as a target for new treatments, with the goal of paving the way for clinical trials.
Research shows that temperate ecosystems consisted of a mosaic of closed and semi-closed forests and parkland created by large grazers. The study also found that woodland beetles were less dominant in the previous interglacial period than in the early Holocene, indicating a shift towards more forested landscapes after human arrival.
Current flood losses in Europe are likely to double by 2050, with socioeconomic growth accounting for two-thirds of the increased risk. Climate change is also expected to contribute to this increase, as changing rainfall patterns affect river flow and flood frequency.
Researchers find fractal distribution of physical characteristics at edge of chaos, deviating from previously reported bell-curve shape. This discovery could improve understanding of chaotic natural phenomena.
The Life-Seed Capital project uses rapeseed crops to improve agricultural productivity and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Rapeseed cake, a by-product of oil extraction, is used as animal feed, reducing emissions by up to 13% and improving organic matter use efficiency.
A study of over 500,000 surgical patients across 300 European hospitals found that hospitals with better-educated nurses had significantly lower mortality rates. The findings suggest that investing in nurse education and avoiding cuts to staffing can improve patient outcomes and reduce deaths.
The European Commission has invested nearly $475 million in 100 gene transfer projects to support basic and clinical research in the field of gene and cell therapy. This funding is aimed at developing new treatments for chronic and rare diseases, as well as novel regenerative medicine approaches.
Despite lower levels of drinking, African-Americans encounter more problems due to social sanctions within the community, resulting in negative consequences at lower consumption levels. Very low-income African American men face the highest risk for problematic drinking and related issues.
A new study reveals that Greece's health system is deteriorating due to severe austerity measures, leading to a rise in infectious diseases and mental health issues. The country has experienced significant cuts to its healthcare budget, resulting in reduced access to medical care for many patients.
Two UK start-ups, AdFerTech and Straw Fuels, have won €20K Climate-KIC prizes for their innovative solutions to mitigate climate change. AdFerTech's technology converts waste liquor into organic fertiliser, while Straw Fuels produces eco-friendly fire logs made from straw.
The PLATO mission aims to discover and characterize Earth-like planets in the Sun's neighborhood. With an array of telescopes, it will measure planetary sizes, masses, and ages to determine their habitability. By observing one million stars, PLATO is expected to find thousands of new exoplanets.
A recent survey found that 25% of high-risk patients were not taking anticoagulants one year after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, despite a success rate of 74%. This highlights the need for improved follow-up and cooperation between centers to ensure appropriate treatment.
A recent study has found that European beavers have low genetic diversity due to human hunting. The research, led by University of York Professor Michi Hofreiter, analyzed ancient and modern DNA to show that the beaver population was heavily impacted by expanding human populations over thousands of years.
Recent research highlights the critical role of gut flora in diabetes and obesity, with studies suggesting a strong connection between the two. The CommHERE consortium, comprising nine European institutions, has brought together leading experts to discuss their findings on the impact of gut microbiota on metabolic diseases.
Anthropologist Nina Jablonski warns of the dangers of using genomic knowledge to separate people based on genetic endowment or physical features, as it can lead to a new form of 'separate but equal.' She advocates for a more nuanced approach that considers human genetic admixture and individual variability.
The new atlas highlights the delicate relationships between soils and climate, as well as their role in food security, particularly in relation to climate change. Soils also support six out of seventeen countries hosting the highest rate of biodiversity, with approximately 185 Gt of organic carbon stored down to a depth of 1m.
The €85 million ENABLE project aims to develop novel antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria, addressing a growing epidemic of resistance. The public-private partnership will create an anti-bacterial drug discovery platform and deliver at least one new candidate into Phase 2 clinical trials by 2019.
A €85 million program will develop novel antibiotics against Gram-negative pathogens with expertise from universities and industry in Europe. Scientists will assess new compounds to determine their potency and molecular basis of action.
Researchers used micron resolution X-ray imaging to study the skull of Romundina, an early armoured fish with jaws. The study shows that the face assembly during the evolutionary transition was a gradual process, with key features emerging before the final shape of the jawed vertebrate face.
A €3.5m European Union-funded project aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of balance disorders through an online information system. The EMBalance tool will help clinicians accurately diagnose and manage balance-related conditions, reducing the risk of falls and improving patient independence.
The CLIMBER dataset provides unique information on the climatic niche characteristics of 397 European butterflies, obtained by combining detailed distribution data and public climatic datasets. This knowledge is essential for understanding species' relationships with their environment and assessing the impacts of global change.
Researchers aim to create personalized models for individual patients using their clinical data, enabling prediction of disease progress. The goal is to tailor treatment and improve healthcare outcomes for Parkinson's sufferers.
Researchers found that patients who received their CVD risk expressed as 'Heart Age' demonstrated significant decreases in risk scores and were more likely to adopt healthier lifestyles. This study supports the effectiveness of the Heart Age tool in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
The University of Liverpool has launched an Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces to design and develop new anti-infective materials. The hub aims to combat the spread of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections in various sectors, including healthcare and food processing.
Professor Patrick Johnston, alongside leading experts and patient groups, aims to address disparities in cancer care across Europe. The European Cancer Patient's Bill of Rights, launched on World Cancer Day, sets a standard for optimal cancer care for all European citizens.
The global economic crisis has led to a decrease in routine medical care usage in both Europe and North America. Economic conditions have constrained financial resources, causing individuals to reduce their use of healthcare services.
A large international study identified an 'invisible-risk' group of adolescents with psychiatric symptoms, despite low risk behaviours being overlooked by parents and teachers. The study found that 13% of adolescents were classified as 'high-risk', while a third group showed similar prevalence of mental health issues.
System 91S is a tropical low-pressure area located northeast of Maputo, Mozambique, with heavy rainfall rates occurring over the Mozambique Channel. Wind shear has increased, causing the system to elongate and reducing its chances for tropical development.
A new study suggests that Antarctica's ice shelves are at risk of collapsing due to global warming. The disappearance of the snow layer on top of the ice shelves could lead to a rapid increase in sea levels. Researchers warn that urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate this threat.
Researchers discovered two devastating pandemics, the plague of Justinian and the Black Death, were caused by distinct strains of the same pathogen. The strain that helped bring an end to the Roman Empire faded out on its own, while the other led to worldwide re-emergence in the late 1800s.
Researchers have recovered the genome of a 7,000-year-old individual from La Braña-Arintero site in Spain, revealing surprising genetic traits. The ancient European hunter-gatherer had African versions of genes that determine light skin and blue eyes, suggesting he had dark skin and a unique phenotype.
Researchers discovered a 72-percent lactase persistence rate among medieval Dalheim population, exceeding modern Central European levels around 1000 years ago. This contradicts previous research on Hungarian human remains, suggesting genetic lactase persistence was common in Central Europe earlier than Eastern Europe.
A 60-metre long building from 1100 B.C. reveals pottery resembling Greek and Cyprus items, and cylindrical loom weights similar to those found in central and south-east Europe. The Philistines, of European descent, settled in the city, indicating a Mediterranean culture beyond Jordan's borders.
A study of over 100,000 people found that long-term exposure to particulate matter in outdoor air is strongly linked to heart attacks and angina. The association persists at levels of exposure below the current European limits for PM2.5 and PM10.
A new study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution suggests that strong natural selection acted on lactase persistence in Iberia over the last 7,000 years. The 'calcium assimilation hypothesis' is challenged as sunlight in Iberia allows for vitamin D synthesis, making calcium deficiency less of a concern.
Elena Conti wins the prize for her work on understanding the mechanisms governing RNA quality, transport, and degradation, while Denis Le Bihan receives it for his innovative brain imaging technique that has revolutionized stroke diagnosis and treatment. Both researchers will use the prize money to further their research.
A new study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution found that calcium absorption was not the primary reason for the evolution of milk tolerance in Europeans. The researchers discovered that fermented milk products, such as yoghurt and cheese, played a significant role in the rapid emergence of lactase persistence.
A study by RAND Corporation finds that WWII had long-lasting consequences on health, education, and marriage among European survivors. Living in a war-torn country increased the likelihood of physical and mental problems later in life, including diabetes, depression, and heart disease.
A new study reveals that changes in the water cycle were the main drivers of widespread environmental change during the Younger Dryas period in western Europe. The researchers used a novel method to analyze organic remains extracted from lake sediments, showing that dry polar air intrusion led to ecosystem collapse and mass extinctions.
The European Society for Medical Oncology warns that Eastern Europe lacks sufficient data, highlighting the need for a unified system. Despite this, many Western European countries are expected to have enough medical oncologists to meet growing cancer demands by 2020.
Researchers have found concrete evidence for a long-lived Nordic grog tradition in northernmost Europe during the Bronze and Iron Ages. The discovery highlights innovative uses of local ingredients to create unique fermented beverages.
The ERC Consolidator Grant will build upon the Geo-Wiki project's work in involving citizen scientists in global land cover research. The team aims to collect on-the-ground data using a local network of volunteers and smartphone applications.
A cheap and simple technology developed at the University of Sheffield can repair earthquake damaged buildings in a matter of days, reducing delays for homeless people. The 'belt' technique involves wrapping metal straps around each floor to increase the building's ability to withstand further earthquake movement.
A new intranasal vaccine against pertussis has been successfully tested in humans, inducing an immune response that lasted for at least 6 months. The vaccine was found to be safe and effective, with no adverse events reported even at the high dose.
Research found that EU policies have increased the demand for pollination services at a rate five times faster than the number of available honeybee colonies. Many countries, including the UK and Italy, rely on wild pollinators to meet demands due to insufficient honeybee stocks.
Research predicts increased frequency and intensity of droughts in southern Europe, with potential reductions in river flow levels up to 40% by 2100. Climate change and intensive water consumption will exacerbate drought conditions, worsening their socio-economic impacts.
A study found that the European grapevine moth is better adapted to certain French wine-growing regions due to regional differences in grape variety and natural enemies. The research showed a geographical variation in immune defense among wild populations, with larvae from southern areas having higher levels of antimicrobial activity.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends reducing patient radiation exposure in cardiology procedures, which amount to over 50 chest X-rays per person each year. This can be achieved by implementing measures such as auditing and optimizing doses, educating patients, and encouraging industry competition.
A study by UPV/EHU links high dietary fat content with increased abdominal fat in adolescents, regardless of physical activity levels. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring dietary fat intake for preventing obesity and related health issues in this vulnerable age group.
A new species of cockroach discovered in Colorado's Green River Formation reveals that the genus Ectobius originated in the New World over 49 million years ago. The finding challenges a long-held assumption about the cockroach's evolutionary history, instead suggesting a complex migration history between the Old and New Worlds.
A new study has identified a nearly 100% association between narcolepsy and a specific gene variant, suggesting a causal role for the HLA DQB1*06:02 allele in the disease. The findings support the idea that immune system dysfunction plays a key role in narcolepsy development.
A new invasive plant parasitic nematode, Meloidogyne mali, has been identified in Europe, causing severe galling symptoms on host trees. The species was likely introduced during breeding programs against Dutch Elm Disease and may have a wider host range than known.
Researchers used a new ocean model to simulate the migration of eel larvae from the Sargasso Sea to Europe. The study found that small-scale ocean currents play a crucial role in determining eel population fluctuations and that eels return to specific locations within the Sargasso Sea where their mother spawned.
Atrial fibrillation management remains suboptimal in Europe, with low adoption of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and inconsistent treatment guideline adherence. The pilot registry found that oral anticoagulant use has increased, but NOAC use is still limited, particularly among females.
Researchers found that increasing dietary fiber intake by just 1 extra portion of wholegrains and more fruit and vegetables can significantly lower the risk of heart disease. A 7g daily increase in fiber consumption was associated with a lower risk of CVD and CHD events.
A new study reveals that hypergravity significantly affects the dynamic changes of electric discharges, causing the plasma channel to move due to external forces. The research has potential applications in improved safety precautions for manned space flights and ion thruster design.
The new guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, addressing healthcare disparities globally. The 25-author guidelines aim to improve clinical management and reduce the burden of cardiovascular events associated with high blood pressure.
A 13-year study confirms that Neanderthals in western Europe intentionally buried their dead, revealing a relatively sophisticated cognitive capacity. The discovery reduces the behavioral distance between Neanderthals and modern humans.
A new screening strategy using conventional echocardiography has been developed to detect cardiovascular abnormalities in athletes. The study found that adding ECHO exams to the standard protocol increases the accuracy of screening and is cost-effective, identifying 14 cases of cardiovascular abnormalities in healthy athletes.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) releases a position paper on the role of medical oncologists in cancer care, emphasizing the importance of their specialist training. The paper aims to guarantee access to optimal treatment for Europe's growing number of cancer patients.