Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Researchers found that hunter-gatherers and farmers coexisted in Central Europe for at least 2,000 years, with genetic evidence showing that the two groups intermarried. The study suggests that the traditional narrative of the European hunter-gatherers' disappearance soon after farming arrived is incorrect.
The study found that the region now known as Germany experienced at least four significant migrations and settlements between 5500 B.C. and 1500 B.C., resulting in marked genetic shifts across several millennia. This complex dynamics helped shape the present-day genetic patterns in Europe.
A recent study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress found that current antihypertensive treatment guidelines can be highly successful in controlling blood pressure. However, more than 40% of Chinese people with hypertension are unaware of their condition, and about 50% are not receiving medication for it.
Archaeogenetics research finds Ashkenazi lineages closely related to southern and western European DNA, indicating early adoption of Judaism from amongst the local population.
Research presented at the Acute Cardiac Care Congress 2013 found a significant association between air pollution levels and admission for acute cardiovascular events. The study also showed that older people and men were more susceptible to arrhythmias and acute coronary syndromes at increasing levels of air pollution.
Adults with ADHD frequently experience significant psychosocial impairments due to persistent symptoms. Current guidelines recommend a multimodal treatment approach, including pharmacotherapy, psycho-education, and occupational rehabilitation.
Researchers found that epigenetic changes in the brain are associated with Alzheimer's disease, offering potential for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Epigenetic markers such as DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation increased with age, correlating with AD pathology.
The invasive zebra mussel is unaffected by blue-green algae toxins, which may be harming native Unio mussels. This resilience allows the zebra mussel to outcompete and dominate freshwater ecosystems, posing significant costs to industries.
A pilot study reveals large variations in patient survival rates after surgery for oesophageal and gastric cancers across European countries. The new European Upper GI Cancer Audit aims to identify key factors contributing to these differences.
A new study aims to investigate the potential of exercise in treating and preventing heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFPEF). The OptimEx study will examine the effects of different exercise protocols on HFPEF, including their impact on pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical outcomes.
A new report from ECCO highlights the growing burden of cancer worldwide, with India, China, and Nigeria expected to see dramatic increases in cases due to population growth and lifestyle changes. The report calls for a major public-private partnership to improve cancer care and outcomes globally.
The European Society for Medical Oncology emphasizes the need for new testing methods to ensure patients benefit from personalized cancer treatments. Researchers are working on developing new approaches to analyze tumour characteristics and select targeted therapies.
A study of 4846 patients treated with ipilimumab reveals that some can survive for up to 10 years, with a plateau in overall survival starting around three years. This finding provides valuable insight into the long-term efficacy of the treatment and its potential as a benchmark for future medicines.
A recent study found that colorectal cancer screening programs in European countries have a significant impact on reducing mortality rates. The researchers analyzed data from 11 European countries and found that the scope and take-up of CRC screening activities were strongly related to the reductions in death rates.
Research finds that increased government spending on health care is associated with decreased cancer mortality rates in Europe. Eastern European countries tend to have higher mortality rates, while Western Europe has better outcomes due to effective screening programs and treatments.
The EASE-R3 project aims to increase the longevity of CNC machine tools by developing new and cost-effective systems for repair, renovation, and re-use. The University of Huddersfield team will lead the design and prototype production of a compact module incorporating laser technology to ensure accuracy during renovation.
A meta-analysis of over 11,000 patients showed that hyperfractionated radiotherapy (AFRT) reduces the risk of death by 8% compared to standard fractionation radiotherapy (SFRT). AFRT also improves locoregional control, with a significant increase in five-year survival rates.
Researchers found that as European songbirds colonized islands, their songs became less structured. The study suggests a genetic component to the loss of syntax, and may be due to the effects of small population sizes on cultural transmission.
A new consortium led by the Sabin Vaccine Institute is conducting clinical trials of a human hookworm vaccine in Gabon. The vaccine has the potential to dramatically improve health, economic, and social landscapes in countries with high burdens of hookworm disease.
A new study highlights the essential role of cardiologists in addressing cerebrovascular disease, a leading cause of death in Rio de Janeiro. The research emphasizes the need for improved access to healthcare, patient education, and awareness about risk factors, such as hypertension.
Research by Dr Norman Mangner found that obese children exhibit early stages of atherosclerosis and insulin resistance, increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease. Adopting a healthy lifestyle from childhood is essential to prevent these conditions and reduce the risk of heart disease.
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.