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 researchers investigated whether 'surplus' land can be used to produce feedstock for bioenergy. They found that land-use conflicts between food and energy production are a pressing issue. The study suggests clarifying the definition of surplus land and taking environmental and socio-economic factors into account.
A European-wide network aims to improve GMO regulatory systems through systematic environmental impact assessments. The network addresses public concerns and creates confidence in the ENSyGMO results by analyzing GM crop effects using integrated approaches and methods at various scales.
A study found that kidney transplants performed in Europe have higher survival rates after 5 and 10 years compared to those in the United States. The disparity may be attributed to the lack of cost reimbursement for anti-rejection drugs in the US, leading to poorer outcomes among certain demographics.
A team using ALMA discovered a surprising spiral structure in the gas around red giant star R Sculptoris, suggesting a previously unseen companion star. The astronomers found that far more material than expected had been ejected by the star, contributing to the dust and gas that form future stars.
The UNIKE project aims to establish a global network for researchers to critically analyze university developments in different parts of the world. The initiative will explore how Asian universities are reforming their institutions and pave the way for international partnerships between Europe and Asia.
A new EU project has developed non-invasive methods for characterizing contaminated sites, reducing the need for costly sampling and monitoring. These methods, including geophysical measurements and vegetation analysis, enable more accurate detection of pollution and efficient rehabilitation of megasites in Europe.
Researchers found a link between prolonged QRS wave and increased mortality in heart failure. A new type of pacemaker could be effective for treating this condition, which is often overlooked.
Researchers found that plants in different regions produce distinct chemical defenses against aphids, which are influenced by local pest populations. This variation is driven by the need for optimal defense against specific aphid species, highlighting the importance of genetic diversity in plant evolution.
The University of Strathclyde is launching a new training network, 'Stardust', to tackle space debris and asteroid deflection with 14 European partners. The programme will provide significant advances in protecting the planet from these hazards.
The European Drug Initiative on Channels and Transporters (EDICT) project has enabled a major step forward in understanding membrane protein structures and functions. Over 30 proteins have been studied, with at least six potential new drug compounds identified.
The European Society for Medical Oncology has released the ESMO 2012 Congress press conference schedule, featuring live streaming and remote participation. Media representatives can access updated information on the official ESMO website.
A large-scale European study found that surgical mortality rates are significantly higher than previously estimated, with 4% of patients dying after surgery. The highest mortality rates were observed in Latvia and Poland, while Ireland, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, and France also showed significant variations.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new computational method to identify promising refrigerant fluids with low global warming potential. The new method identified over 1,200 candidates from 56,000 compounds, including fluorinated olefins that react rapidly with atmospheric compounds.
Recent breast cancer research at ESMO 2012 emphasizes the importance of avoiding weight gain after treatment to reduce recurrence risk. Additionally, studies focus on the correlation between body mass index and prognosis, as well as lung cancer in never-smoking women, highlighting hormonal factors and high incidence of EGFR mutation.
Research published in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care reveals that cancer and chronic disease account for nearly half of gradual deaths in European Union countries. The study found that thousands of people experience debilitating symptoms before passing away, emphasizing the need for palliative care strategies to improve quality of life.
Research published in BMJ Open found that many European foods still contain high levels of trans fatty acids, putting millions at risk. While overall TFA content has fallen, Eastern Europe remains a hotspot for high levels, while Western Europe has made significant progress.
The Euro-26 study examined health, life expectancy, and lifestyles of 26 European cities, identifying major differences within individual urban areas. Key priority areas were found for each city, including depression and anxiety, cancer, and respiratory disease.
A large European-wide study has confirmed that work stress is associated with a small but consistent increase in the risk of experiencing a first coronary heart disease event. The study found that individuals with highly demanding jobs and little freedom to make decisions are 23% more likely to experience a heart attack.
A major review of European breast cancer screening services found that the benefits outweigh the harms, with seven to nine lives saved for every 1,000 women screened. The review also noted that four cases of over-diagnosis occur for every 1,000 women screened, which can cause stress and anxiety.
Researchers have discovered a small crustacean, Ankylocythere sinuosa, living on invasive red swamp crayfish in Europe. The finding suggests that the crustacean may have arrived with the crayfish 30 years ago and could potentially impact native species.
The study found that women with heart disease can safely go through pregnancy if adequately evaluated, counseled, and receive high-quality care. However, developing countries have poorer outcomes due to limited access to better care, while cardiomyopathy patients face higher mortality rates.
A Review published in The Lancet warns that health inequalities in Europe are worsening and calls for urgent action to reduce disparities. The review provides policy recommendations to improve health equality across European countries, regardless of their current status or income.
An international team of academics researched the implementation and effects of Germany's compensation payments to former forced labourers, finding that personal experiences and memories played a crucial role in shaping victims' perceptions of the payments. The study, published in four volumes, reveals complex persecution experiences a...
The joint statement provides a one-page report for each indication, using a colour-coded system to grade responses. This aims to increase the utilization of CPX technology by empowering clinicians to undertake their own interpretations.
A new study found that people living close to Eyjafjallajökull volcano experienced worse respiratory symptoms after the 2010 eruption. The researchers reported increased symptoms such as phlegm, eye irritation, and cough, highlighting the importance of healthcare professionals being aware of potential risks.
A study reveals that most electronic waste in Spain is uncontrolled, with only 2.55 kg out of 13.86 kg collected and processed correctly under the Integrated Waste Management System (SIG). The majority of manufacturers are not registered in the system, leading to significant payment evasion.
The pollination services provided by insects like bees and hover-flies are crucial for global food production, but declining pollinators threaten this ecosystem service. The loss of pollinators could lead to reduced crop yields and decreased fruit and vegetable availability, exacerbating food insecurity.
A new feasibility study suggests a generic framework for researcher professional development across Europe, overcoming deficiencies and promoting mobility. The framework aims to support researchers in their career aspirations and provide a common language for describing skills.
A new treatment has been developed to help prevent asthma attacks in asthmatics by boosting their immune systems. The study found that a simple inhalation of an immune system protein molecule can significantly reduce worsening asthma symptoms and the need to use an asthma inhaler.
The failure to meet 2010 biodiversity targets has led to a critical review of existing policies and the need for improved design and implementation. Scientists emphasize the importance of understanding complexity in processes to address scale-related problems in conservation.
A comprehensive review of European bird monitoring programs revealed opportunities for improvement in sampling design, data analysis, and public involvement. Recommendations include collecting quantitative data, optimizing resource allocation between sites, and increasing collaboration among programs to integrate and reuse sampled data.
Researchers emphasize the need for policy-makers to consider various scales in conservation decisions, including space and time, to effectively protect biodiversity. The SCALES project highlights the importance of adopting scale-sensitive approaches to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications.
Stable isotopes are used to establish the origin of substances, track dynamic processes, and solve environmental mysteries. Researchers will discuss various applications, including water analysis, ecological systems, and global element cycles.
A nationwide Finnish study found that women who had three or more induced abortions before a first birth have a higher risk of delivering a baby prematurely and with low birth weight. The risk increases with each additional abortion, but the overall increase is small.
A European registry study found that TAVI valves were mainly used on patients over 80 years old with comorbidities, resulting in a high risk of complications and mortality. The study also showed significant differences in procedural approaches and post-procedure care across countries.
The US performs worst on potentially preventable death rates compared to France, Germany, and the UK, with slower progress in improving healthcare. Despite higher healthcare spending, the US has made less progress in reducing preventable deaths among men and women under 65.
The European Society of Cardiology is tackling the issue of underused implantable cardiac devices, particularly ICDs, due to financial constraints. The initiative aims to raise awareness about their importance and reduce sudden cardiac death rates in countries like Ukraine and Germany.
The analysis revealed significant gradients in arrhythmia treatment between Western European countries and Eastern European and North African countries. Training and adherence to guidelines are crucial to addressing healthcare inequalities, as highlighted by the European Society of Cardiology.
Researchers found that closing the yield gap on underperforming lands could boost production significantly, while also reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. The study suggests that more strategic use of fertilizer and water could lead to substantial gains in crop production and reduced adverse environmental impacts.
New guidelines set minimum acceptable success rates for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, with 50% success rate expected at 12 months. Long-term outcome data shows only 40-50% of patients remain free of recurrent AF after 5 years.
Researchers have developed autonomous self-assembling electronic microreagents to jointly direct complex chemical reactions and analyses in solutions. The project MICREAgents will create programmable microscale electronic chemistry, containing electronic circuits on 3D microchips called lablets.
Astronomers using ALMA detected glycolaldehyde, a simple form of sugar, in the gas surrounding a young binary star. This discovery suggests that the building blocks of life existed in this system at the time of planet formation.
Patients who resume smoking after a stroke are at three times the risk of dying within a year, with early relapse increasing mortality. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive smoking cessation interventions for post-stroke patients.
Ischemic stroke risk after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) dropped significantly, from 4.7% in 1998-2000 to 3.8% in 2007-2008, due to improved AMI care. Reperfusion therapy, blood clot dissolving therapy, and statins were found to be independent predictors of reduced stroke risk.
Analysis of four French registries from 1995 to 2010 shows significant improvements in management and outcomes for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, resulting in a notable decrease in 30-day mortality rates. This improvement is attributed to increased use of coronary angiography/PCI and early adoption of recommended medications.
The European Society of Cardiology sets a new standard for CRT management, covering pre-implant evaluation, device implantation, and follow-up. Key findings include improved symptoms, cardiac function, hospitalization rates, and mortality in CRT patients.
The Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Pilot Study found that catheter ablation suppresses arrhythmia recurrences in 74% of patients after a single procedure. Symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath were significantly reduced, with over half of patients becoming asymptomatic.
A Swedish registry analysis found a significant decline in ischemic stroke risk after AMI over the past decade. The risk decreased by 21% from 4.7% in 1998-2000 to 3.8% in 2007-2008, likely due to improved care and modernization of coronary care.
The expanding raccoon population in Europe threatens native species and human health with infectious diseases such as rabies and Baylisascaris procyonis. The spread of these illnesses is linked to the raccoon's adaptability, high reproductive potential, and lack of natural predators.
Scientists investigate the genetic differences between East Asians and Europeans to understand why East Asians have lighter skin but lower skin cancer rates. The study focuses on the Senoi indigenous tribe in Peninsular Malaysia, which is believed to include a mix of African and Asian ancestry.
The study found that global platelet reactivity is a significant predictor of ischemic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are at high risk. Patients who do not respond to clopidogrel therapy have a higher prevalence of adverse cardiovascular events, including ischemic events and cardiac death.
A study found that personalized antiplatelet treatment using platelet function testing improved clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Non-responders to clopidogrel were given higher doses or alternative therapies, reducing stent thrombosis and acute coronary syndrome rates.
The FAME 2 trial found that FFR-guided PCI plus optimal medical therapy significantly reduced the need for urgent revascularisation and hospital readmission in patients with stable coronary artery disease. The study also showed a lower risk of primary endpoint events, including death and heart attack.
Research from the SPICI study found that adhering to a heart-healthy lifestyle in combination with drug treatment after an acute myocardial infarction treated with coronary artery balloon intervention (PCI) can lead to significant reductions in new cardiac events. The study estimated that preventing 300 to 400 cardiac events annually c...
Patients with clopidogrel non-responsiveness had a higher risk of stent thrombosis and acute coronary syndrome. Personalized antiplatelet treatment using platelet function testing shows promise in reducing ischemic events without increasing bleeding risks.
Improved treatment and management of acute myocardial infarction have led to significant reductions in 30-day mortality, from 12.9% to 3.9%, and in-hospital complications. The analysis suggests that the declines are due to both increased use of recommended interventions and earlier use of medications.
The RECLOSE 2-ACS study found that approximately 20% of patients had a high platelet reactivity to aspirin and were nonresponders. These patients had a significantly higher prevalence of an ischemic event or cardiac death at the 2 year follow-up.
The study found that TAVI leads to significant improvements in health-related quality of life, including increased mobility and reduced discomfort, for patients with severe aortic stenosis. Patients reported remarkable increases in self-rated quality of life scores after TAVI procedure.
A study presented at ESC Congress 2012 found that renal denervation successfully treats patients with resistant hypertension, significantly lowering blood pressure. The procedure resulted in no adverse events or deterioration in renal function, making it a safe and effective treatment option for real-world patient populations.
The ACCESS-EU study found significant clinical improvements in patients treated with MitraClip therapy, including reduced death rates, mitral regurgitation, and need for surgery. The study's results confirmed the effectiveness of the device in a real-world setting.