Articles tagged with Europe
Researchers at UC Davis have found evidence that Neandertals, not modern humans, made the first specialized bone tools in Europe. The discoveries were made by undergraduate student Naomi Martisius and her adviser Teresa E. Steele, who identified the tools as part of a decade-long excavation project.
The ESMO Designated Centres programme has seen a significant increase in new applications, with 37 successful new entrants in 2013. The programme aims to promote integrated oncology and palliative care services for cancer patients and has been highly successful, with over 160 centres recognized globally.
The study found a marked rise in male suicide following the 2008 global economic crisis, with an estimated 5000 excess suicides in 2009. The impact varied by age, country, and employment change, with rises seen in males aged 15-24 and 45-64 in Europe and America.
Researchers found strong selection for MC1R gene variants in South Europeans, associated with fair skin and increased melanoma risk. The V60L allele variant has been linked to both benefits and drawbacks, highlighting evolutionary trade-offs.
A comprehensive map of functional genetic variation in humans has been published, revealing the genetic causes of differences between individuals. The study provides powerful clues for diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention of various diseases.
Pr. Françoise Meunier has been recognized with the ECCO Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to improving cancer survival rates through international multidisciplinary clinical research. Her contributions include promoting EORTC as a major European organization in cancer research and treatment.
Elevated carbon dioxide levels boost growth of tiny plankton, consuming nutrients that larger species rely on. This shift may weaken ocean's ability to absorb CO2 and support cloud formation.
A five-year study found that folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids can positively affect children's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development. Early nutrition is crucial for brain maturation and can have far-reaching effects on mental performance.
Transnational tobacco companies invested in smokeless tobacco products like snus in Europe for business gains, not health concerns. The industry's efforts to influence EU policy and maintain the status quo in favor of cigarettes have been revealed through internal documents.
A new study found that a prescribing protocol with automatic stop dates and pharmacist support significantly reduced antibiotic use and side-effects. The protocol led to a near 20% reduction in antibiotics prescribed and a 40% reduction in related side-effects.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have made a significant breakthrough in cryptography, developing a new protocol that enables fast and secure Multi-Party Computation. This allows for complex computations on secret data without revealing inputs, with potential applications in finance, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.
A new study found that exposure to fumes from military small arms can lead to a decline in lung function, with effects comparable to other occupational risk factors. The research, conducted on Norwegian Armed Forces members, revealed a mean average decline of 5% in lung function after shooting and 7% at 24 hours post-exposure.
A new study suggests that virtually observed treatment (VOT) method can effectively monitor TB medication adherence, allowing for remote completion of treatment without direct observation. The VOT technique requires patients to send short videos of themselves taking their medication to healthcare providers using a mobile phone.
A new study found that living close to a major road is associated with a higher risk of death in people with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The study showed a significant decrease in mortality risk as distance from the road increased.
A new approach to calculating flooding costs will be presented at the International Conference on Flood Resilience. The methodology combines land use information with data on vulnerability to estimate past and future damage. This method has already been used in Barcelona and Dhaka to assess heavy rain event impacts.
A new publication by the European Respiratory Society reveals that lung conditions account for 12.5% of EU deaths, with annual costs totaling at least 390 billion Euros. The White Book estimates direct and indirect costs due to lung diseases are around 400 billion Euros annually.
Professor Julia Yeomans has been awarded the EPJE Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Lecture Prize for her outstanding work in soft matter and biological physics, particularly in the study of complex and active liquids. She is also an expert in theoretical and computational physics.
Myocardial interstitial fibrosis is a major therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of heart failure. The FIBRO-TARGETS project will accurately identify key mechanisms involved in fibrosis and define therapeutic approaches to target these mechanisms.
Cora Sternberg receives the ESMO Award for her pioneering research on genitourinary cancers, while Franco Cavalli is awarded the ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award for his long-standing contribution to lymphoma research. Roger Stupp wins the Hamilton Fairley Award for his relentless research on malignant gliomas and other cancers.
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2013 presented several significant studies on cardiovascular disease treatment, including new anticoagulants, heart attack therapies, and preventive measures. The event also highlighted the need for better healthcare access and policy changes to combat CVD in Europe.
Research suggests that pictorial warnings are more effective than text alone but are less visible on the back of packs. The study found that only one in ten teens thought about the warnings when they weren't in sight, and regular smokers were not deterred by the warnings.
The ATOMIC-AHF study found that omecamtiv mecarbil showed greater dyspnoea relief in the highest dose cohort compared to placebo, with significant dose-related and plasma concentration-related trends. The study also revealed increases in systolic ejection time and reductions in heart rate without decreasing blood pressure.
Researchers found that coal soot reduced Alpine glacier ice by shrinking them, despite cooler temperatures. European glaciers retreated an average of nearly 1 kilometer between 1860 and 1930 due to industrialization, contradicting previous natural climate shift assumptions.
Scientists have developed an atom-based analogue for electronic devices using ultra-cold bosonic atoms and quantum dots. The transport of single particles through the chain of quantum dots enables current production in systems with reduced dimensionality.
A recent study published in ESC Congress 2013 found that lead extractions are primarily driven by mechanical issues rather than infections. The European Lead Extraction ConTRolled (ELECTRa) Registry, which analyzed over 1,200 patients, showed that 52% of lead extractions were due to non-infectious causes, such as lead malfunctions.
A study of French Tour de France cyclists found they lived 41% longer than the general population, with cancer and cardiovascular disease being less common causes of death compared to the general public.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that nearly 54% of individuals diagnosed with HIV presented late to clinics, with some populations experiencing increased late presentation. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better health outcomes and reducing the risk of transmission.
Scientists have uncovered strong evidence that soot from industrial Europe caused the abrupt retreat of mountain glaciers in the European Alps. The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, resolves a longstanding debate about why the Alps glaciers retreated beginning in the 1860s.
Patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk have similar rates of cardiovascular events when treated with alogliptin compared to placebo, according to the Examination of Cardiovascular Outcomes with Alogliptin versus Standard of Care trial. The findings provide reassurance for clinicians treating patients with type 2 dia...
A recent analysis of 1432 patients found that women had a lower all-cause mortality at one year compared to men. Women's higher survival rate was attributed to their longer life expectancy and lower rates of comorbidity, with a hazard ratio of 0.75.
A study found that transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can be successfully performed in high-risk patients with bicuspid aortic valves, with a higher rate of aortic regurgitation. Despite this, the procedure resulted in similar mortality rates as those with tricuspid aortic valves.
A study comparing TAVI and redo cardiac surgery in high-risk patients found comparable long-term survival rates. The TAVI procedure was shown to be a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, suitable for elderly or high-risk patients with failed bioprostheses.
Researchers from the University of California reveal that Emperor Penguins can dive to over 500m and stay underwater for up to 27 minutes. They also discover a unique heart rate response, slowing down to as low as 10 beats per minute to conserve energy.
A study of 2,656 Finnish men found that regular physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are key factors in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death. Men with low cardiorespiratory fitness who engaged in regular physical activity had a significantly lower risk of SCD compared to those with high CRF and LTPA.
A nationwide study found that cold weather increases heart attack risk, with temperatures below 10°C significantly correlated. Unlike air pollution, which has a negligible effect, temperature plays a crucial role in triggering acute myocardial infarction.
A study found that patients with a first degree relative registered with aortic stenosis have a 2.04-fold increased risk of developing the condition. This risk is doubled in those with ischaemic heart disease and family history, highlighting the importance of genetic factors and familial clusters in the development of aortic stenosis.
The PRAMI trial found that preventive PCI resulted in a two-thirds reduction of primary outcome events compared to culprit-only PCI. This new evidence suggests considering revising current guidelines for patients with multivessel disease and ST elevation myocardial infarction.
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that quitting smoking reduces the risk of heart attacks and death to levels seen in never smokers. However, it does not reduce the presence or severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). The study examined over 13,000 patients from around the world and found that activ...
The PRAGUE 14 trial found no correlation between pre-surgical interruption of antithrombotic therapy and perioperative cardiovascular or bleeding complications. Instead, factors like high platelet count, prosthetic valve presence, age, and acute surgery were identified as independent risk factors.
A new study reveals that the average height of European males has grown by 11cm between the mid-nineteenth century and 1980. This increase is attributed to factors such as decreased infant mortality rates, smaller family sizes, increased income per capita, and better living conditions.
A study of 2,589 patients found that mechanical chest compressions with defibrillation did not improve survival rates compared to manual CPR. However, the device was deemed safe and showed promise in increasing efficiency and safety for emergency personnel.
A randomized study found that prasugrel pre-treatment in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) significantly increases the risk of life-threatening bleeding without reducing major ischemic events. This shift away from pre-treatment may lead to changes in treatment strategies.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that listening to favorite music improves endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), leading to increased exercise capacity. The combination of music and exercise training resulted in the most significant improvement in endothelial function.
A CHADS2 score of 0 or 1 indicates a low stroke risk, but 35.8% of strokes occurred in patients with these scores, suggesting refined stratification is needed. The CHA2DS2-VASc score reclassified 53.8% of patients to higher risk categories.
A mass screening program in Sweden identified 5% of 75- to 76-year-olds with untreated atrial fibrillation. The study found that more than 90% of patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation were started on oral anticoagulation treatment, which reduces the risk of stroke by up to 70%.
A study found significant differences in LDL-cholesterol target achievement between Germany and the UK, with UK patients receiving more potent statins and higher doses. The UK system's incentive-based reimbursement may drive aggressive treatment, while Germany's restrictive system leads to conservative treatment.
The study found a significant reduction in STEMI hospitalisations in Canton Ticino after the smoking ban was implemented, with an average 21.1% decrease between 2004-07 and 2007-2010. The impact varied by age group, with older people showing a long-lasting reduction in STEMI admissions.
A study found that short-term smoking cessation improves arterial function and reduces the risk of heart attacks, but doesn't immediately lower serotonin levels. However, longer-term smoking cessation may be needed to completely reverse the damage caused by smoking.
The study found that diabetic patients who received reperfusion therapy and secondary prevention medications had a lower ischemic stroke rate over time. Despite this improvement, diabetic patients were less likely to receive these treatments compared to non-diabetic patients.
A large-scale study of 1 million patients found that high-dose statin use was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing dementia. The protective effect of statins remained consistent across different age, gender, and cardiovascular risk subgroups.
Patients with three or more cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes and hypertension, have a comparable stroke risk to those with atrial fibrillation. The study found that the risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation is eliminated in patients with five or more risk factors.
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that smokers who reach age 70 lose approximately 4 years of life expectancy. The study tracked the health of over 7,000 older men and discovered a significant increase in mortality rates among current and former smokers compared to never-smokers.
Astronomers have discovered an ancient solar twin that is 8.2 billion years old, providing insights into the Sun's life-giving properties and lithium content. The star, HIP 102152, has low levels of lithium, supporting the theory that stars destroy their lithium as they age.
New research by Dr Bernard Grobety reveals that crystalline particles in Icelandic volcanic ash are more harmful to jet engines and fall out of the cloud faster than glassy particles. The study aims to improve authorities' response to future eruptions by understanding the behavior of these particles.
New research shows that European hunter-gatherers acquired domesticated pigs from nearby farmers around 4600 BC. The interaction between the two groups led to the incorporation of farming and breeding of livestock into their culture.
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the need for personalized AF management to close the mortality gap. Current therapies have only improved mortality by 5-10%. A new taxonomy of AF is proposed based on its pathophysiology, and biomarkers, imaging, and ECG are being studied to improve treatment.
Recently published studies in Chernobyl and Fukushima Exclusion Zones reveal high frequencies of tumors, cataracts, and growth suppression in birds and pine trees. Lack of funding for independent scientists hinders understanding of radiation's impact on life.
A family history of diabetes is associated with an increased risk of prediabetes, especially in non-obese individuals. The study found that family history increased the risk of isolated impaired fasting glycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance by 37% and 25%, respectively.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that prehistoric northern European societies used garlic mustard as a spice, flavored meats and starches. The findings suggest that the practice of using spices to enhance food flavor dates back at least 6,100 years.
Researchers found that neurotic men born after 1957 have fewer children, while extraverted men and conscientious women tend to have more. The study suggests personality effects may be contributing to the decline of fertility rates in Europe.