Articles tagged with Europe
A study by the ZEUS group found no significant difference in the incidence of bone metastases between patients receiving zoledronic acid and those on standard treatment. The 50-month study suggested that zoledronic acid may not be effective in preventing hormone therapy-induced bone loss in high-risk prostate cancer patients.
A retrospective multicenter study of 677 patients found that intraoperative, early postoperative, and mesh-related complications are common in pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Mesh-related complications were the most common, with erosion being the most frequent complication.
Experiments predict that Daphnia lumholtzi can invade European lakes and outcompete native species, leading to substantial declines in population growth. The invasive species' ability to thrive at low temperatures also poses a threat.
AgedBrainSYSBIO assembles 14 international research teams to tackle ageing and cognitive decline using GWAS, comparative genomics, and protein-protein interactions. The project aims to identify druggable targets for preventing and curing age-related diseases.
Researchers directly verified a state of transition where molecules hover above the catalyst before flying away, opening up possibilities for improving catalysts. This study uses the world's strongest X-ray laser to observe ultrafast chemical reactions in real-time.
Researchers discovered that maxillary sinuses change size to accommodate different climates, affecting nasal cavity shape and function. The study found a significant correlation between nose size and sinus volume in both African and European populations.
A European-wide study with 450,000 participants found that eating over 40 grams of processed meat per day increases the risk of mortality compared to those who eat fewer than 20 grams a day. Moderate consumption of up to 40 grams daily does not increase mortality risk.
The European League Against Rheumatism recommends immediate use of synthetic DMARDs after diagnosis, but they are expensive. The survey found that 26 countries cannot afford biological DMARDs, excluding 320 million people from treatment.
Félix Goñi, a renowned researcher, has received the prestigious European Avanti award for his groundbreaking work on cell membrane lipids and their role in programmed cell death. The award recognizes his contributions to the understanding of biophysics of lipids, including metabolism, enzymology, structure, and membranes.
The UK's premature mortality rates have worsened, particularly among men older than 55 years, due to increases in drug and alcohol use disorders. The country ranks lower than other nations in several health metrics, including ischaemic heart disease, COPD, and stroke.
A new SPB by COST and ESF explores LCS research's role in enhancing essential responses to Europe's broader challenges. Key findings highlight the importance of cultural literacy in shaping European identities and cultures.
The UK's pace of decline in premature mortality has fallen behind the average of other European countries and EU15+ nations over the past 20 years. The country struggles with disabling conditions such as back and neck pain, depression, and drug use, leading to more chronic disability than ever before.
A Swiss government-protected field site will provide a secure environment for GM crop researchers, enabling them to conduct experiments without security measures. This model could help European countries evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of GM crops in an objective manner.
Researchers are working to improve study design and sample collection to better understand the composition and effects of the gut microbiota. The American Gastroenterological Association hosted a World Summit on Gut Microbiota For Health, where experts discussed future research directions.
A new study suggests that more than three-quarters of people in England drink in excess of the recommended daily alcohol limit, leading to a significant increase in binge drinking among men and women, particularly those on high incomes.
The HPS2-THRIVE study found that vitamin niacin combined with statin treatment increases adverse side-effects, including skin flushing and gastrointestinal problems. Patients taking the experimental treatment were four times more likely to stop due to skin-related reasons.
Fecal microbiota transplantation has been shown to be highly effective in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infections, with over 90% of patients being cured within a short period. The treatment offers a rapidly acting alternative to standard antibiotic treatments.
Functional bowel disorders affect 50% of patients consulting a gastroenterologist. Recent research suggests that gut microbiota plays a significant role in these conditions. The AGA reports on the latest findings and potential therapeutic avenues.
The EAU has made its patient information available in Spanish and Greek to cater to patients from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This move aims to provide trustworthy information on urological diseases to all European patients, with translations coordinated by national societies.
The BIOPOOL project aggregates data from European biobanks to facilitate faster and more accurate cancer diagnoses. This initiative enables clinicians to compare biopsy images of patients with those of numerous other patients, reducing the need for invasive tests and improving treatment outcomes.
The EU directive on GMOs must be amended to allow the production of plant-made pharmaceuticals, which could lead to cheaper vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and organic plastics. The new regulations should provide tight oversight to encourage investment while maintaining trust.
A new study projects that global sea-level rise will not be uniform, with certain regions experiencing higher rates of rise. The team used sophisticated computer modeling to show how ice loss from glaciers and ice sheets will impact regional sea levels, particularly in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean.
Researchers worldwide are embarking on DEMO projects to demonstrate fusion energy production, following the construction of ITER in France. The challenges ahead include finding solutions to well-known scientific and technical issues.
Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting genital areas, causing significant discomfort. The EMAS clinical guide provides advice on early recognition and treatment to prevent delay in management.
A recent publication by ILSI Europe identifies key contributors to child obesity, including maternal diet, gestational weight gain, and metabolic perturbations. Combining data from clinical studies could lead to more effective nutritional advice for pregnant women.
New isotopic data shows that Neolithic farmers introduced agriculture to Central Europe from the Near East through colonizers. This discovery sheds light on the spread of farming across Europe and challenges previous theories about its adoption.
A 397,000-year-old fossil found in Serbia reveals that southeastern European human ancestors evolved differently than those in western Europe due to the absence of glaciers. The study confirms southeast Europe as a critical 'gate to the continent' where humans, plants, and animals sought refuge during glaciations.
The European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) has released its position statement on the ESA council meeting at ministerial level, commenting on the impact of decisions taken. The ESSC recommends prioritizing scientific return in the Science Programme and reiterates its support for European involvement in the Global Exploration Strategy.
A recent study found that minimum alcohol prices increased by 10% resulted in significant reductions in alcohol-related deaths. The decrease was particularly pronounced among heavier drinkers, who reduced their consumption when cheaper drinks became more expensive.
The European Science Foundation proposes a new model of integrated care support for citizens' health through linked social and health care. Key priorities include personalized care delivery, effective use of ICT applications based on user acceptability, and ensuring respect for formal and informal carers.
Geneviève Almouzni has been recognized for her pioneering work on histones and chromatin, promoting epigenetics in Europe, and mentoring female scientists. She will receive the 2013 FEBS | EMBO Women in Science Award for her exceptional achievements in molecular biology.
The SPACEKIDS project aims to develop ultra-sensitive cameras using Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs), paving the way for better understanding of the Universe and its own planet. The program is funded by a European Union Framework Programme 7 grant and involves collaboration with leading European institutes.
A study published in BioMed Central's open access journal Carbon Balance and Management suggests that afforestation can lead to cooler summers and wetter conditions in regions like Europe. Planting trees can provide localized benefits by making the surrounding air moister and cooler, sequestering carbon and protecting biodiversity.
A new population modelling approach contradicts the widespread belief that disease must have been a factor in the thylacine's extinction. The study found that European settlement, including hunting and habitat loss, was powerful enough to drive the species to extinction without invoking a mystery disease.
A study by MIT and LSE found that migrants from certain countries may be up to 40% less likely to gain citizenship due to biases in the voting process. Despite this, interactions with immigrant groups can help reduce prejudice over time.
The European Commission has chosen the Human Brain Project, a decade-long research initiative backed by 1.19 billion euros, to study the human brain. Eight Israeli scientists will lead a team from top research institutions across Europe and the world.
The radial approach for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is associated with reduced bleeding complications and improved survival rates, particularly in STEMI patients. The European Society of Cardiology recommends radial access as the default strategy for PCI in high-risk acute coronary syndromes.
The Human Brain Project will integrate data across all scales to improve understanding of brain development and combat brain disorders. Led by McGill University's Dr. Alan Evans, the project aims to reconstruct the brain in supercomputer-based models and simulations.
IST Austria professor Peter Jonas is one of three Austrian collaborators in the €1 billion Human Brain Project. He contributes his research on cellular and subcellular parameters, crucial for accurate modeling of the brain.
Researchers at Jena University found that rapeseed protein has comparable bioavailability to soya protein, making it a viable replacement option. This breakthrough study opens the door for rapeseed protein to be used in human nutrition, addressing global protein demands and reducing reliance on imported soya protein.
The Human Brain Project seeks to integrate fragmented knowledge of the human brain through supercomputer-based models. Researchers will test conceptual models using simulated and real systems, aiming to refine models and develop new technologies.
A study reveals that radiotherapy services are insufficiently equipped in 10 European countries to meet the growing demand for treatment, with Nordic countries and Belgium being well-equipped. The authors suggest further investigation into optimizing efficiency to address fragmentation of radiotherapy services.
Joerg Schmiedmayer's work focuses on ultra cold atom clouds with high order, approaching a disordered thermal equilibrium. His new ERC Grant will investigate relaxation and non-equilibrium dynamics in quantum systems.
Michael Stratton and Peter Hegemann received the 2013 Louis-Jeantet Prize for their discovery of ion channels activated by light, known as optogenetics, which holds promise for treating neurological diseases. They will use the prize money to continue their research on proteins that can be activated by light.
New research published in Psychological Science found that public campaigns urging Americans to think and act interdependently may actually decrease motivation for action. In contrast, Asian American students' behavior was not affected by emphasis on interdependence.
Glaciers in the tropical Andes have been retreating at an increasing rate since the 1970s, with a 30-50% shrinkage since then. Climate change is blamed for this rapid melting, which could affect water supply to Andean populations.
A team of European experts, led by Newcastle University, has designed blast-proof technologies to reduce debris and protect passengers in the event of a bomb attack. The new technology is being incorporated into European and national standards, aiming to save lives and prevent terrorist attacks on railways.
A new study reveals the European Jewish genome is a mosaic of Caucasus, European, and Semitic ancestries, supporting the Khazarian Hypothesis. The research challenges the long-held Rhineland Hypothesis, suggesting a complex multi-ethnical ancestry with a dominant Caucasus-Near Eastern signature.
African Americans had more accurate knowledge of historically documented racism compared to European Americans. This difference in historical knowledge partially accounted for group differences in perceptions of racism, both at a systemic and an incident-specific level.
A workshop with 15 European colleagues identified 50 most important questions for conserving biodiversity in the Alps. These questions focus on nature, management, and people, highlighting the importance of transdisciplinary work in addressing environmental problems.
A study published in Climatic Change reveals that global warming has increased monthly heat records by a factor of 5 worldwide. The researchers found that 80% of observed monthly records would not have occurred without human influence on climate, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation.
A recent study published in PNAS found evidence of gene flow from India to Australia around 4,230 years ago, challenging the notion that Australia remained isolated between initial colonization and European arrival. This migration also shares a common origin with populations from New Guinea and the Philippines.
A study by Dr. Mark Ebell found that patients expect to cough for 7-9 days, while the actual duration is closer to 18 days. This mismatch may contribute to over-prescription of antibiotics, which can lead to antibiotic resistance and increased healthcare costs.
The REBORNE project aims to develop new biomaterials that stimulate bone tissue formation with the use of mesenchymal stem cells. Clinical trials will be conducted in France, Spain, Germany, and Italy to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this treatment for delayed union fractures.
A new study estimates that up to 1.5 million EU children are born each year with mercury exposures above the safe limit, resulting in a potential lifetime earning loss of €8-9 million per person. Exposure reduction could equate to €10 billion per year in benefits.
A groundbreaking air cleaning device developed by the University of Copenhagen has successfully removed Volatile Organic Compounds from industrial emissions. The invention uses natural processes to clean indoor air and remove pollutants, resulting in improved relations between businesses and their neighbors.
A study of 900 Spanish consumers found that country of origin is the most important factor when buying fish, with Spain being the preferred choice. The majority of respondents prefer wild fish and fresh products, highlighting a trend towards domestic consumption.
Researchers found that Italian wolves primarily consume wild boar, accounting for two-thirds of their diet, with roe deer making up around a third. The study suggests that wolves prefer wild boar even when roe deer densities are high, indicating a strong preference for this prey.
Researchers have identified five small wasp species that directly attack the younger life stages of the pine wood nematode vector Monochamus galloprovincialis. The study, published in ZooKeys, highlights the potential for these tiny insects to control a major pest affecting southwest Europe pine stands.
Researchers used the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope and Hubble Space Telescope to study 21 globular clusters, finding that a few were young with blue stragglers distributed throughout, while others were old with the stars clumped in the centre. This reveals big differences in the speed of evolution from cluster to cluster.