Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A new study quantified the economic costs of biological invasions in the European Union, revealing substantial knowledge gaps and alarming underestimations. The research projected unreported costs to be potentially 501% higher than currently recorded, reaching a staggering €26.64 billion.
New research suggests Ukrainian refugees can improve long-term GDP in European countries investing in capital improvements. Low-skill workers and owners of capital benefit in the short term, while high-skill workers face competition for jobs.
Researchers found that the lithosphere's thickness and strength control earthquake locations in Britain and Ireland. Thinner and weaker lithosphere beneath western Britain triggers more earthquakes, while thicker and stronger lithosphere in Ireland results in fewer quakes.
A new AI framework developed by Danish researchers significantly improves the accuracy of early stroke identification by human emergency call handlers. The study found that the AI framework achieved a recall of 63.0% and precision of 24.9%, compared to 52.7% and 17.1% for human handlers, respectively.
A recent study by Bocconi University found that corruption can have a long-lasting effect on trust in democratic institutions. First-time voters who experienced the Mani Pulite investigation in 1994 were more likely to vote for populist parties and express lower institutional trust even 20 years later. The study highlights the need to ...
A new study from the University of Missouri found that government guarantees decrease the frequency of 'income smoothing' in financial reports. This practice, where banks delay reporting high income to smooth out volatility, is a form of manipulation that can impact market stability and investor confidence.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlights the rapid spread of avian influenza viruses worldwide, affecting wild bird populations and mammals. The authors warn that human infections with A(H5N1) can be severe and increase the risk of reassortment with mammalian viruses.
The study analyzed 45 copper objects from Northern Central Europe and Southern Scandinavia, revealing changes in distribution networks across prehistoric Europe. The findings suggest that copper artefacts originated primarily from southeast Europe before 3500 BC, with later sources including the Eastern Alps and British Isles.
A new study from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center found that immigrant adults with liver cancer have a significantly higher five-year survival rate compared to those born in the US. The study identified disparities in survival rates across different racial and ethnic groups, with immigrants demonstrating better outcomes.
A UNIGE team has developed small beads encapsulating fecal bacteria for treating a serious intestinal infection. The technology overcomes obstacles in current treatments, allowing for easier and more comfortable administration.
Dr Germain Honvo, a young investigator, receives the prestigious award for his international contributions to osteoarthritis research and publications on guideline development. He is recognized as a future thought leader in the musculoskeletal field.
Bernard Cortet receives ESCEO-IOF Herbert Fleisch Medal for groundbreaking contributions to osteoporosis research, including publications on clinical recommendations and patient outcomes. He is recognized for his leadership roles in French Society of Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Research and Information Group.
The IOF Medal of Achievement is awarded to individuals who significantly advance osteoporosis research and increase awareness of the disease. Professor Jean-Yves Reginster has made major impacts on the field through his original scientific contributions, education, and advocacy.
A new study reveals that the earliest Sapiens migrated to Europe in three distinct waves, sharing cultural traditions with ancient Lebanese and French artifacts. The findings challenge previous assumptions about human arrival in Europe and provide insight into the gradual replacement of Neanderthals.
A new study reveals a progressive spread of invasive American mink across most European countries over the past decade. The species is now widespread in Northern and Western Europe, but data are lacking for Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.
A cohort study of 196 people treated with tecovirimat found that HIV status did not impact treatment outcomes. Only 22% of participants experienced nonsevere adverse effects, and 4 serious adverse events occurred, with 3 being persons with HIV. The findings contradict previous uncertainty about HIV's role in mpox acquisition.
A UNIGE team analyzed the socio-economic impacts of 248 electricity transition scenarios on 296 European regions, finding that southern and south-eastern regions may be more vulnerable to negative effects. The benefits of a low-carbon electricity sector tend to concentrate in richer northern Europe.
Researchers propose that 'lager yeast' S. pastorianus originated from a contamination event involving S. cerevisiae at the Duke's court brewery in Munich in 1602. The new findings suggest that lagers likely first emerged in Bavaria at least two hundred years earlier than previously thought.
A new study reveals Ukraine's population is declining at an alarming rate due to low fertility, high mortality, and emigration. The crisis has worsened since the Russian invasion, leaving cities devastated and residents displaced.
A new study reveals that certain wellbeing-related factors, such as household income, internet access, and air pollution levels, are associated with economic growth in European Union countries. Western Europe's strong link to economic growth is attributed to disposable household income, inter-regional mobility, and housing, whereas Cen...
A new study analyzing European job applications found that having a non-white phenotype reduces the likelihood of employment by approximately 20%, while dark-skinned Caucasians face a 10% decrease compared to white applicants. The combined effect of ethnicity and phenotype leads to significant discrimination levels across Europe.
New research shows that COVID-19 vaccines have directly saved at least 1,004,927 lives across Europe between December 2020 and March 2023. The majority of these lives were saved in people aged 60 years and older, with the first booster accounting for almost two-thirds of lives saved.
The Center for Ethics in Science and Science Journalism (CESJ) will oversee a residency program for science journalists in research institutions across Europe. The program aims to promote independent and ethically responsible science coverage, providing training and capacity building opportunities.
A growing number of European countries have experienced diphtheria outbreaks primarily associated with recently arrived migrants. Key findings indicate that whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis reveal that the toxin-producing bacteria were acquired during migration rather than in their home country or Germany.
A study analyzed Google Trends data to assess the impact of immunization and the COVID-19 pandemic on varicella cases in Europe. The research found a significant decrease in chickenpox cases across the region, suggesting suppressed transmission during the pandemic.
Research from Amsterdam UMC reveals that all prominent migrant groups are suffering more from long-covid than the native Dutch population, with rates ranging from 26-50% higher. The study highlights the need for awareness and accessible healthcare services in ethnic minority and migrant communities.
A study from the University of East Anglia found that environmental impact assessments often fail to account for species movement between sites, leading to underestimated impacts on wildlife. The research highlights a planned airport development in Portugal that could affect over 10 times the number of Black-tailed Godwits estimated by...
Researchers analyzed manillas and found a strong similarity between the metal composition of Benin Bronzes and Portuguese trade prior to the 18th Century. The consistency in metal composition suggests that African metalsmiths were selective about what metal they used, with German brass being the principle source.
Researchers found that infected mosquito saliva contains molecules called sfRNAs that can blunt the body's immune response. These molecules are injected during the mosquito bite, making it more likely for people to become infected with dengue virus.
A revolutionary investigation has shed light on pioneering female migrants who arrived in Orkney during the Bronze Age. Ancient DNA analysis revealed a major influx of non-local people, dominated by women, challenging previous assumptions about the archipelago's influence during this period.
The Human Brain Project has achieved significant scientific breakthroughs, including world-leading 3D brain atlases and personalized medicine based on computational modeling. The project's legacy will leave a lasting impact on the research community.
A recent study by the University of Exeter has confirmed the widespread trading of critically endangered European eels in international markets. The research found that about 40% of North American unagi samples contained European eel, suggesting a significant role for illegal trade in their supply chain.
Researchers led by Nicolas Ajzenman found that immigrants don't increase crime rates, but people's perception of crime does. In Chile, migrants' presence sparked concerns among citizens, with those exposed to immigration inflows more likely to rank crime as a top concern.
A new analysis shows that the US has substantially higher death rates at all but the oldest ages compared to five high-income European countries. The excess death gap widened during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the number of excess deaths nearly doubling between 2019 and 2021.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University suggests that monetary policy can impact pollution, with domestic effects being more significant than international spillovers. The research found that changes in the US Fed's interest rates can reduce CO2 emissions in the short run, but not necessarily in the long run.
A major European study confirms a significant drop in suicides over the last decade, with 15 countries showing a 20% decrease in rates. The study suggests that active measures to prevent suicide may be linked to this decline.
The CONVINCE project, funded by €4 million, focuses on developing cognitive deliberation capabilities in autonomous robots to enhance safe and robust operation in unstructured environments. The goal is to enable robots to adapt to their surroundings and tasks autonomously without human intervention.
The European Platform for Neurodegenerative Diseases has launched its Cohort Catalogue, featuring an extensive list of international cohorts across the neurodegeneration disease spectrum. Researchers can search and filter cohorts by metadata characteristics to discover relevant studies and initiate new collaborations.
A comprehensive European allergy atlas has been compiled, revealing regional and climate-related differences in sensitisation to allergens. The study found varying sensitisation patterns across Europe, with certain regions having lower sensitivity to house dust mites and higher sensitivity to peanut and fruit allergens.
A new global study found that mother's educational status is increasingly important in shaping children's educational status, while father's educational status has declined. The research challenges traditional assumptions on social mobility and highlights the need for a gender-sensitive approach to measuring intergenerational mobility.
Researchers from Pusan National University studied compound extreme weather events in northern East Asia and found that a lack of soil moisture led to increased evaporative stress, amplifying heatwaves and triggering compound droughts and heatwaves. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for societal safety.
More than two million Europeans contributed to renewable energy initiatives, installing 7.2-9.9 GW worth of facilities and promoting behavioral change. The collective effort produced enough electricity for 8,500-11,700 kWh per person, covering a typical European household's needs.
Researchers used AgRenSeq genomic discovery method to identify two genes protecting experimental wheat plants against wheat blast. The study highlights the power of heritage wheat varieties and wild grass relatives in providing disease-fighting diversity.
Researchers analyzed data on European travellers arriving from Africa between 2015 and 2019, finding malaria as the most common arthropod-borne disease. The study highlights the importance of using travellers' health data to complement local surveillance systems in Africa.
The IMPACTIVE project aims to develop a sustainable alternative to traditional pharmaceutical production methods. By leveraging mechanochemistry, the team hopes to reduce waste and emissions in the industry. The initiative has already shown promising results, with potential cost savings of up to 12%.
A multinational study of over 600,000 heart failure patients found that the disease is relatively fatal, with an average annual death rate of 13%, and results in high healthcare costs. The study also identified new treatment opportunities for heart failure with preserved left ventricular function.
Researchers estimate that up to 2% of adults in these regions have heart failure, with significant health risks and costs. The study analyzed digital health records from 11 countries and found that preventive treatment should focus on stopping further worsening of heart failure and kidney function.
Researchers identified two Blastocystis strains, ST4 and ST7, with contrasting effects on the gut microbiome, promoting or disrupting a healthy balance. The study's findings suggest that geographical prevalence may influence the strain's impact on intestinal disease.
A new study by Jonas Peisker found that favorable economic contexts, such as high income levels and low inflation, foster environmental concern. Social cohesion also played a significant role in prioritizing environmental issues. Regions with greenhouse gas-intensive industries had lower environmental concerns among locals.
A team of international codebreakers has deciphered 57 previously unknown letters written by Mary Queen of Scots while imprisoned in England. The letters provide insights into her captivity and communication with French ambassador Michel de Castelnau, including complaints about poor health and negotiations for release.
The Human Brain Project Summit 2023 will highlight the scientific achievements of the project at the interface of neuroscience and technology. Researchers will present cutting-edge research on European advances in neuroscience and applications in medicine and brain-derived technologies.
A new methodology analyses ideology and polarisation of European countries using Facebook posts, revealing changes in political trends month by month. The EU Political Barometer website allows for comparisons across countries at different times.
The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking has renewed support for EuroCC and CASTIEL, two initiatives promoting a consistent standard of expertise in HPC, HPDA, and AI across Europe. The projects have helped strengthen the continent's computational research infrastructure and industrial competitiveness.
The European Health Union aims to detect, prepare, and respond collectively to future health threats. The EU Health Security Framework has been reinforced to learn from lessons learned during the pandemic, with a focus on close collaboration among ECDC, EMA, and HERA.
A modelling study suggests that increasing urban tree cover to 30% could decrease deaths from higher summer temperatures by a third. The study found that tree cover reduced urban temperatures by an average of 0.4 degrees during the summer, resulting in 6,700 premature deaths attributable to hotter urban temperatures.
A transnational collaboration led to the characterization of Physostegia chlorotic mottle virus (PhCMoV), a plant disease first identified in Austria in 2018. The study revealed that PhCMoV can infect at least nine plant species, causing severe fruit symptoms on economically important crops.
Researchers are using AI to assess soil datasets and measurements, aiming to build an automated data-driven decision support system for European soils. The goal is to create an effective soil health certification system that can be used by farmers, landowners, and policy makers.
A new study reveals that EU consumers are 'exporting' negative environmental impacts to their Eastern European neighbours while keeping economic benefits within the EU. The bulk of environmental pressures and impacts associated with EU consumption are felt in countries outside the bloc, with uneven distribution of costs and benefits wi...
Pulses are a nutritious and climate-friendly superfood that Europeans are not fully aware of or utilizing. A study by Katharina Henn reveals low consumption in Europe, with Denmark at the bottom and Spain leading the way. The solution lies in building European traditions around pulses rather than relying on meat-like substitutes.
Researchers found that high nitrogen monoxide emissions in cities lead to overestimation of ground-level ozone concentrations by up to 50 percent. The Leighton ratio, used in computer models, is flawed when nitrogen monoxide levels are high.