Articles tagged with Europe
A study of over 11,000 university students found that adhering to the Mediterranean diet increased scores on quality of life questionnaires, particularly for physical well-being. The diet's emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats was associated with better mental health outcomes.
A new study by archaeologists from the Universities of Bristol, Cardiff and Oxford found that Neolithic farmers buried with distinctive stone adzes had access to better land than those without. The analysis revealed sex-biased mobility patterns and status differences among early European populations.
A Category Tree system would categorize products based on tested human studies and health benefits, forcing companies to conduct research or change product labels. This system aims to improve transparency and facilitate further research in North America and Europe.
A new cybertaxonomic monograph advances knowledge of velvet spiders, including their social behavior and ecology. The study reconstructs the evolutionary history of velvet spiders using DNA sequence data, revealing a previously unknown genus.
A new European Union-funded project at the University of Leicester will analyze the growth in tours of urban poverty areas, also known as slums, favelas or townships. The study aims to determine whether slum tourism can help tackle global inequalities and injustices.
The new handbook provides a common scientific basis for nanoparticle testing, standardizing procedures and analytical methods. It aims to improve the comparability of research results and address concerns about nanoparticle toxicity.
The new system identifies fish populations to a forensic level of validation, helping tackle overfishing and illegal fishing. DNA-based tools can be used across the food supply chain and provide an independent method for authenticity testing.
Researchers found Nordic walking with poles increased oxygen consumption and peak heart rate in both healthy adults and patients with heart failure compared to walking without poles. This low-cost, accessible form of exercise may be a more effective training method than traditional walking for these groups.
Researchers discovered a strong correlation between pollen count and allergen release, but found significant variations in grass pollens across Europe. The study suggests measuring allergens may be more useful than forecasting pollen counts for allergy sufferers, offering new hope for treatment.
The European Society of Cardiology has released new guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure, emphasizing the importance of new device recommendations and increased use of left ventricular assist devices. The guidelines also highlight the benefits of cardiac resynchronisation therapy in patients with mild symptoms.
A new crane fly species, Tipula recondita, has been discovered in Northwestern Europe, specifically in Finland and the Russian Far East. The species is highly disconnected, with Finnish and Russian populations separated by over 6500 km. DNA barcoding confirms a single but disjunct species.
Researchers confirmed long-held belief that studying shared genes with other species is useful. They analyzed 400,000 gene pairs and found that studying orthologs is more relevant to understanding human biology than previously thought.
A team of astronomers has discovered a giant galaxy-packed filament in the universe, containing hundreds of galaxies spanning 8 million light-years. The filament is ablaze with billions of new stars and offers a unique opportunity to explore how galaxies evolve and merge to form superclusters.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that the US FDA generally approves drug therapies faster and earlier than its counterparts in Canada and Europe. On average, it took 322 days for the FDA to review a drug application, compared to 366 days for the European Medicines Agency and 393 days for Health Canada.
A team from CREAF has analysed the ages of famous olive trees and found one that is 627 years old, much younger than previously thought. This study used classic dendrochronology methods and can also be useful for reconstructing climatic conditions.
The Stent for Life Initiative is driving equal access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in Europe, reducing mortality and morbidity among acute coronary syndrome patients. PPCI rates are increasing across participating countries, with a focus on improving patient awareness and streamlining healthcare systems.
Researchers used LIDAR technology to track the volcanic ash cloud's movement and composition, revealing a mix of fine and thick particles. The study aimed to improve air navigation safety and provide valuable data for crisis management.
The William E. Simon Foundation has gifted Boston College Law School with $1 million to boost its oral advocacy programs, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience in public speaking and argumentation. This gift will anchor the program for future generations of law students, building on decades of tradition and success.
The Mid InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) has been declared ready for delivery to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. This instrument will allow astronomers to explore the formation of planets around distant stars and could pave the way for investigations into other planetary systems.
EMBO welcomed 55 new members, including 13 female scientists, representing a broad cross-section of life sciences. The selected researchers will contribute to the direction of life sciences in Europe and beyond through their involvement with EMBO activities.
Christine Petit and Karen Steel recognized for groundbreaking work on genetic regulation of ear development and functioning, shedding light on inherited forms of deafness. Their research has significant impact on medical practice, including diagnosis, genetic counselling, and therapeutic decisions.
A European team of ecologists used a new modeling approach to predict how mountain plants will migrate in response to climate change. The results indicate that by the end of the 21st century, Alpine high mountain flora will lose an average of 44-50% of its current distribution area.
Hebrew University's Prof. Tamir Sheafer receives EUR 2.5 million EU grant with Belgian and Canadian colleagues to investigate information processing by politicians in a comparative perspective.
The new guidelines stress CVD prevention should be a lifelong effort starting in the womb, with greater emphasis on behavioral aspects. They highlight evidence from clinical trials and observational studies showing that 90% of heart attacks may be prevented through personal lifestyle choices.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends eating oily fish at least twice a week to benefit from omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementation with pharmaceutical-grade omega-3 oils is also effective in achieving beneficial effects, but must be taken as prescribed by health professionals.
A recent study published at the EuroPRevent2012 meeting found that regular jogging increases life expectancy by 6.2 years in men and 5.6 years in women. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 participants and showed a significant reduction in mortality risk among joggers.
Researchers aim to predict Dragon Kings, statistical anomalies in natural disasters, using advanced statistical analysis. They have identified empirical evidence in abnormal rainfall, hurricanes, and sudden events.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that about 70 percent of people have two functional copies of a gene linked to an odor receptor that detects androstenone, a compound in male mammals like pigs. This genetic variation may contribute to why some people find the smell of meat unpleasant.
India uses branding campaigns to showcase its modernity and attract foreign investment, but the actual state of the country raises concerns about corruption and internal conflicts. The Indian government's efforts to suppress these issues may become increasingly difficult.
A recent study analyzing 5,000-year-old DNA from Stone Age remains in Sweden found that farming moved north across the continent with migrating populations. The analysis suggests that European farmers mixed their genes with resident hunter-gatherers, shaping modern European genomes.
The study found that genetic variation of today's Europeans was strongly affected by immigrant Stone Age farmers, but hunter-gatherer genes still remain. The agricultural revolution is believed to have been driven by people migrating from Southern Europe, who lived alongside hunter-gatherers for thousands of years before interbreeding.
Researchers found that vascular plant species have migrated an average of 2.7 meters upwards in European mountains over 7 years, posing a threat to unique endemic species. The study also reveals an increase in species diversity at low elevation sites in the Mediterranean region.
Countries with limited health research capacity are mainly small islands and politically isolated nations, according to international experts. Establishing national health research strategies is crucial for public health systems to function and thrive.
Global cardiovascular disease leaders urge the world to adopt a 25% reduction target for premature NCD mortality by 2025. The Taskforce, comprising leading CVD organizations, aims to reduce the global burden of CVD and address its impact on families and economies.
The NaPANIL project demonstrated the potential of nanoimprinting lithography to create low-cost optical components with various applications. The project showcased three main demonstrators: an OLED Head-Up Display, a Functional Light Directional Element, and a Planar Diffactive Optical Element.
A pan-European study reveals that mountain plants are shifting to higher altitudes, but also experiencing reduced species richness. Climate warming and drought stress are threatening alpine plant diversity worldwide.
The European Union experienced some convergence in health expectancies between 2008-2010, with Lithuania showing the largest gain and Sweden having the longest life expectancy. Men generally live shorter lives than women, but experience a slightly higher proportion of healthy life years.
Researchers discovered chemical footprints of mycorrhizal fungi in a 503-million-year-old soil, suggesting early land plants formed partnerships with fungus to extract nutrients. The study also found evidence of submarine canyons and the growth of sub-tropical forests in Europe, crucial for ape evolution.
The EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on Alcoholic Liver Disease provide recommendations for managing alcohol abuse and dependence, diagnosing liver diseases, and treating patients with ALD. The guidelines also identify areas for future research, including clinical trials.
Studies reveal the significant financial cost of liver disease in Europe, with hospitalisations accounting for 50.6% of direct costs per month. Moreover, acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has a high short-term mortality rate of 35.5%, emphasizing the need for better diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies.
A new study uses a pathogen-based incidence approach to generate infectious disease burden estimates in Europe, attributing morbidity to specific pathogens. The methodology has limitations but shows the need for further research and integration of demographic changes and infection dynamics.
Researchers found that older and male dogs are more successful hunters in small-scale societies, with higher success rates than younger females. The study also revealed that early European farmers cast a wide net for food resources, diversifying their diet beyond crops and domesticated animals.
KIT showcases algae engineering platform, laser technologies for battery production, electronic drawbar for agricultural machines, and organic computing system for tractors. Algae can convert sunlight into chemical energy, reducing CO2 emissions.
Researchers have found evidence of cereal-based agriculture and domesticated animals at Vashtëmi, a site in southeastern Albania that dates back to 6,500 BC. This discovery suggests that early farmers in the region preferred resource-rich settings, such as wetland edges, to establish pioneer farming villages.
Research led by Prof. Annette Menzel found that airborne pollen concentrations have risen sharply in cities across Europe, particularly in urban areas, where the increase is three percent per year. Climate change and warmer temperatures are seen as key factors driving this trend, with rural areas also expected to be affected.
In European dung flies, larger males are preferred by females for mating, leading to increased copulation frequency and potentially larger testes. This difference in mating behavior is attributed to female preference, but the underlying evolutionary cause remains unclear.
A new 12-month project will examine the effects of sight loss on physical activity in older adults. The study, funded by the Thomas Pocklington Trust, aims to improve understanding and develop policies promoting health and wellbeing in those affected by sight loss.
Three noteworthy studies were presented, including a study on KRAS in non-small cell lung cancer patients and another on dacomitinib's favorable clinical benefits. Additionally, researchers validated the role of tumor lymphocytic infiltration as a favorable prognostic factor for resectable non-small cell lung cancer.
A quantitative analysis of Google search queries found a link between online behavior and real-world economic indicators, suggesting countries with higher GDP are more focused on the future. The study used Google Trends data from over 45 billion searches in 45 countries to calculate a 'future orientation index' that correlates with GDP.
A study found that experienced Tai Chi practitioners have better arterial compliance and knee muscle strength than their non-practitioner counterparts. This suggests that Tai Chi may be a suitable exercise for older people to improve both cardiovascular function and body strength, without compromising arterial health.
Scientists have made breakthroughs in reprogramming scar tissue from myocardial infarction (MI) into viable heart muscle cells using viral vectors. The new approach has shown promising results in adult mice and offers a potential solution to the major problem of cardiac regeneration after MI.
The European Respiratory Society and ECDC introduce new EU Standards for Tuberculosis Care to bridge gaps in TB case management. The guidelines include recommendations such as drug susceptibility testing and proper isolation protocols to combat multidrug-resistant TB cases.
Researchers have identified a unique population of individuals who experienced intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and childhood starvation, which may be at greatest risk of developing long-term heart complications. Cellular changes associated with IUGR and starvation could be targeted to prevent or reverse structural heart changes.
Researchers are developing vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to combat atherosclerosis, targeting the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease. Phase 2a trials for these treatments are underway, with promising results showing reduced inflammation and plaque severity.
A new report provides crucial information on how to conserve European butterfly species listed on the EU Habitats Directive. The guidelines include detailed accounts of each species' habitat requirements and food-plants, as well as dos and don'ts in managing their habitats.
European butterflies are under threat, with 10% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and poor management. A new publication provides practical guidelines for managing habitats in a sustainable way, supporting biodiversity and human survival.
The University of Liverpool is leading a EUR 8 million European project, SATIN, to develop and test new food products with satiating qualities to help control appetite and manage weight. The project aims to create foods that fill people up quicker and for longer, while maintaining a healthy balanced diet.
A study of nearly 2000 US male health professionals found that moderate drinkers who survived a first heart attack had a lower risk of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease. The researchers discovered a 'U' shape effect, where heavy drinking increased mortality risk.
A recent genetic study has found evidence of prehistoric gene flow between Africa and Europe, dating back to 11,000 years ago. The research suggests that more than 35% of sub-Saharan African lineages arrived in Europe during this time period, likely via coastal routes.
Researchers recommend including race-specific criteria to reduce false positives and anxiety among healthy black athletes. A study found 43% of black athletes would be identified for further investigation under current guidelines.