Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A team of four computer science professors is working on a project called imPACT to address essential properties for the Internet. They aim to find solutions for protecting users' privacy, ensuring accountability, and assessing trustworthiness of information and services.
A new test can identify people at risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) by measuring O2 saturation and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). This test could help prevent AMS symptoms by suggesting specific behaviors and medications for susceptible individuals.
The European Commission has granted funding for FOT-Net Data project, aiming to make traffic data from field operational tests more widely available. This will enable researchers to reuse the data for new studies on different research questions, contributing to the introduction of safety technologies.
Six life science researchers from the UK, France, and US will receive EMBO Installation Grants to establish their research groups in the Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. The grants aim to strengthen science in selected member states and facilitate collaboration with European centers of research and education.
Scientists have discovered new evidence that the Italian Alps are warming at an unprecedented rate. A team of glaciologists drilling ice cores found a 2,600-year-old larch tree leaf that suggests the glacier was once below-freezing but now has layers at the melting point throughout the year.
Severe asthma is defined as requiring high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus a second controller medication. The new guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment options for this condition, which accounts for less than 10% of all asthmatics but has the greatest healthcare burden.
A new species of butterfly-orchid, Platanthera azorica, has been discovered in the Azores, and is believed to be Europe's rarest orchid. The species was previously known from a 19th-century illustration and was thought to be extinct.
A large EU study is investigating whether nilvadipine can help patients with Alzheimer's disease by reducing the formation of amyloid plaques in animal brains. The clinical trial will involve 500 patients in nine European countries, who will be treated with nilvadipine or a placebo for eighteen months.
The €3.6 million CACHE programme will study the effects of ocean warming and acidification on shellfish populations, crucial for the European fishing economy and biodiversity. The project will also explore biomimicry and carbon sequestration opportunities.
The buff-tailed bumblebee, introduced to Chile in 1998, has spread rapidly throughout South America, outcompeting native species and potentially disrupting the ecosystem. The parasite Crithidia bombi is a key factor in the decline of native bumblebees.
The EUCelLEX Project examines current legislation on somatic cells, assessing relevance and proposing sustainable solutions. It aims to provide a stabilised legal context for the use of stem cells in clinical purposes.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that long-term exposure to fine particles poses the greatest threat to health even within concentration ranges well below EU limits. Annual exposure to PM2•5 increases the risk of dying from natural causes by 7%.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology found that cancer survival rates still differ significantly between European countries, with Nordic countries having the best survival rates for most cancers. However, there is evidence of narrowing gaps between east and west, particularly for breast and prostate cancers.
The study found that Miscanthus x giganteus yields are more than twice those of switchgrass in US field trials. The average annual yield of Miscanthus was 10.5 tons per acre, compared to 4.5 tons per acre for switchgrass. This suggests that Miscanthus could be a viable alternative for sustainable energy production in the US.
New research from a global consortium finds that current pledges for greenhouse gas emission reductions are insufficient, putting climate targets beyond reach. The study suggests that adherence to pledges would result in higher emissions than necessary to meet the 2°C target, limiting mitigation options and increasing costs.
The EASAC report highlights a 60% rise in extreme weather events in Europe over the last 30 years, including heatwaves, floods, and storms. The report emphasizes the need for immediate EU-driven action to adapt to future climate disruption and reduce uncertainties in regional climate models.
Researchers found EU governments pay 75% of annual access fees, which account for just 1.5% of revenue generated from selling catch. The industry benefits more than developing countries, perpetuating overfishing and contradicting the EU's development goals.
Western corn rootworm has shown resistance to Bt corn proteins, but a new study recommends using an integrated pest management approach to delay further resistance. The authors suggest rotating crops, using different Bt proteins, and implementing long-term monitoring to prolong the effectiveness of management strategies.
A study of 200 urban areas in eleven European countries found that one in every three cities has no plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while seven in ten have no formal adaptation plans. Cities are crucial in addressing climate change due to their significant emission contributions and vulnerability to climate hazards.
Researchers have found evidence of iron and nickel in the jets from a typical black hole, revealing that these heavy atoms carry more energy than lighter particles. This discovery suggests that black holes' accretion disks power jets, which could generate detectable gamma rays and neutrinos.
A CVD expert in Mexico advocates for mandatory screening of 18-year-olds to combat the nation's high cardiovascular risk factors. The proposal includes regular measurements of glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and BMI, with a focus on education and healthy lifestyle habits.
A 24,000-year-old DNA study suggests that nearly 30% of modern Native Americans' ancestry comes from a young boy's gene pool, indicating the First Americans may have come directly from Siberia. The discovery raises new questions about human entry into Alaska and North America.
Global carbon emissions are set to reach a record 36 billion tonnes in 2013, with the US and EU also major contributors. The growth in coal is driving most of the increase, and cumulative CO2 emissions since 1870 are expected to exceed 200 trillion tonnes.
Ancient European wolves are genetically linked to modern dogs, contradicting earlier research suggesting a Middle Eastern origin. Dogs derived from wolves that inhabited Europe and are now extinct.
Scientists have used genetics to analyze DNA and discover an influx of European genes into Caribbean populations after Columbus' arrival. The results demonstrate how deciphering genetic echoes can illuminate human history, highlighting differences in susceptibility to diseases among populations.
A new study by Stanford researchers reveals the genetic roots of Caribbean populations, shedding light on historical events such as European colonization and African immigration. The research uses a novel DNA analysis method to infer genetic ancestry at a fine geographic scale.
An international team of scientists aims to develop Heusler alloy films as a cost-effective alternative to Iridium in spin electronic devices. The project, funded by the European Commission and Japanese Science and Technology Agency, seeks to address the growing scarcity and price increase of Iridium.
A study using phylogenetic analysis maps out the evolution of folk tales, revealing that Little Red Riding Hood shares a common root with The Wolf and the Kids, which originated in the 1st century AD. The research sheds light on the migration patterns of humans in ancient times by determining the origins and evolution of folk stories.
Researchers are using past natural disasters to develop models of potential future events, highlighting the importance of local community resilience. By analyzing geological and social parameters, scientists aim to create a more robust framework for disaster preparedness.
More than 22 million postmenopausal women in the European Union are at risk of developing osteoporosis, which can lead to debilitating fractures, pain, and premature death. The disease is expected to increase by 23% from 2010 to 2025, with a total health burden estimated at 1,180,000 lost QALYs.
A study by the University of Basel found that four out of thirteen nursing activities are left undone across Europe, with psychoeducational care being the most omitted. The research highlights the negative impact on job satisfaction and suggests optimizing nurse work environments can help reduce this issue.
A new scorpion species, Euscorpius lycius, has been discovered in the ancient Lycia region of Turkey, adding to the total of five known species within the genus. The newly found species is relatively small, ranging from 2-2.5 cm in length and has a pale color with darker pedipalps.
Experts warn that a Syria polio outbreak could spread to Europe if vaccination coverage is low, particularly in Bosnia, Ukraine, and Austria. High hygiene standards and large refugee populations are key to preventing transmission.
A recent study by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that the Hartz IV reform had no significant impact on reducing unemployment in Germany. However, earlier reforms such as Hartz I to Hartz III were more effective in lowering unemployment rates.
A recent study published in Nutrition found that higher chocolate consumption is associated with lower total and central body fat levels in European adolescents. The researchers controlled for other factors, such as diet and physical activity, to reach this conclusion.
Researchers created a timeline of planet and atmosphere formation by studying liquid basalt under extreme pressures and temperatures. They discovered molten magma once formed an ocean within the Earth's mantle.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) has published a position statement on fertility preservation, highlighting the need for informed consent and minimizing gonadotoxicity for fertility treatments in individuals of reproductive age. The statement critically appraises available options for fertility preservation in both ...
Researchers have created a new world map of land use systems, identifying 12 global archetypes that reveal the complexity of land use. The study provides new insights into the environmental impact of land use and suggests opportunities for improving agricultural yields without harming the environment.
A recent genetic study published in Scientific Reports reveals that Israel's wild boars descended from European pigs brought by the Philistines approximately 3,000 years ago. The research analyzed DNA samples from over 25 modern-day wild boars and found a dominant European genetic signature.
A new international collaboration aims to advance commercial opportunities in next-generation electronic devices by developing more accurate measurements of strain at the nano-scale. The Nanostrain project seeks to drive innovation in areas such as microelectronics, ICT, and sensors industries.
A three-year project aims to create an oral vaccine against C. difficile, which kills thousands annually. The novel approach uses harmless bacterial spores to boost immunity and targets the protein needed for the infection to take hold.
A new pocket manual for first aid teams will help improve heart attack survival rates across Europe by providing quick access to treatment protocols. The toolkit, developed by the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association, is small and easy-to-use, with illustrations showing exactly what needs to be done for patients in an emergency.
A team led by Professor Simon Keay will study 31 Roman ports across nine countries using geophysical surveys, satellite imagery, and ancient texts. The project aims to gather knowledge about how these ports integrated into vast trading networks across the Roman Empire.
A new study suggests that melting Arctic sea ice causes a shift in the jet stream, leading to increased rain in northwest Europe during summers. The research also finds that Mediterranean regions will receive less rain, with potential effects on weather patterns as far as North America.
Researchers analyzed teeth of mice and rats using X-ray beams to study evolutionary processes that led to their characteristic feature. The team identified two key moments in the acquisition of this apparatus, dating back 16 million years.
A recent study published in the Lancet found that young obese women with metabolic disorders are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, which can increase their likelihood of having a stroke. In contrast, young women who are overweight or obese without metabolic disorders do not have an incr...
A Cornell professor outlines a path to achieving a European standard of living for the world's population, driven by growth in renewable energy sources. The proposed solution requires significant energy production, with a focus on nuclear power, to meet the 'Grand Challenge' of global prosperity.
Stroke cases among young and middle-aged people have increased by 25% over the last 20 years, with the total number projected to double by 2030. The global burden of stroke is expected to more than double worldwide due to rising disability and premature death.
A study published in the Journal of Contemporary Religion found that Danes aged 50-76 show increased support for Christian faith and spirituality. The research contradicts the idea that Western societies are increasingly individualizing their religious practices.
A new consensus report highlights massive underdiagnosis and undertreatment of hereditary high blood cholesterol in virtually all countries, with the exception of Netherlands and Norway. Easy to diagnose through a blood test and family history, the condition can be treated with statins and a low-cholesterol diet.
The EU has launched a project called WE-CARE, which aims to create a strategic plan for reducing healthcare costs in Europe. The project will be coordinated by the University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-centred Care and involves several European research institutes, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
An international team of scientists has provided proof of Heisenberg's error-disturbance relation, describing a reciprocal relation between position accuracy and momentum disturbance. The work has important implications for quantum cryptography and computing, reaffirming the security of quantum-encrypted messages.
Researchers from Europe focus on conceptual issues, multigenerational perspectives and cross-cultural approaches to understand intergenerational relations. The book highlights new questions arising from the economic crisis, such as resource distribution and investment in education and healthcare.
Fragility fractures in the EU are estimated to occur annually at 3.5 million, resulting in a healthcare cost of €37 billion, which is expected to rise to €45 billion in 2025. The report calls for prevention and treatment guidelines to address this growing concern.
The Graphene Flagship aims to take graphene from academic labs to society, revolutionizing multiple industries and creating economic growth. The initiative includes 75 partners in 17 European countries, focusing on ICT, energy technology, and sensors.
A large European study found that exposure to even low levels of air pollution during pregnancy increases the risk of lower birthweight babies. The study estimated that reducing PM2.5 levels could prevent up to 22% of cases of low birthweight.
Research from Athens, Greece found that psychological interventions reduced mortality and cardiovascular events by 55% after 2 years or more in patients with coronary heart disease. The addition of psychological support improved patient outcomes by providing information, reassurance, and stress management techniques.
Research finds that system delay in treating STEMI patients leads to postponed return to work and earlier retirement. A study of 4,061 patients under 67 years old found that those with longer system delays returned to work later and retired earlier.
A recent study reconstructed the first detailed genetic history of modern-day Europeans using ancient DNA from 364 prehistoric skeletons. The research found dramatic population changes with waves of migration from Western and Eastern Europe, contradicting previous assumptions about the Near East's role in shaping European genetics.
Researchers found that ancient hunter-gatherers in Central Europe coexisted with immigrant farmers for over 2,000 years. Genetic analysis reveals a specialized diet of fish and other seafood among the hunter-gatherers until their way of life died out around 5,000 years ago.