Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treated with Ustekinumab 90mg achieved a 24.9% improvement in ACR50, compared to 8.7% in the placebo group. The study also showed significant improvements in DAS28-CRP responses and clinical meaningful changes in HAQ-DI.
A new American study shows that nearly two-thirds of osteoporotic hip fractures occur in people aged 80 years or older, highlighting a growing concern as this population segment is expected to comprise 25% of the US population by 2050. The study recommends more aggressive measures to prevent, diagnose and treat osteoporosis, including ...
Preterm birth rates have decreased in Croatia, Ecuador, and Estonia over the past 20 years, with only six countries showing a decrease. The preterm birth rate increased in most countries, with European nations experiencing significant rises, particularly Cyprus and Slovenia.
A retrospective analysis found that cumulative anti-TNF therapy for 1-3 years reduced cardiovascular event risk by 24-56% in RA patients. Longer treatment duration further decreased risk, particularly among older patients and those without prior methotrexate use.
A phase III trial showed that haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) significantly increases long-term survival compared to conventional treatment for patients with poor prognosis early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. The study found more deaths in the conventional group, with half of them being treatment-related.
A Phase III study found that certolizumab pegol significantly improved symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, with increased responses at both the ACR20 and PASI 75 benchmarks. The treatment also showed similar safety profiles to those observed in rheumatoid arthritis.
Research by Charles Woolfson reveals that berry pickers from Asia and Eastern Europe may be subjected to forced labor in Swedish forests. The ILO's definition of forced labor is met, with threats of punishment and non-consensual working conditions.
A head-to-head study in rheumatoid arthritis patients found that abatacept achieved comparable efficacy to adalimumab, with similar rates of ACR20 and ACR50 responses. The study also showed fewer injection site reactions with abatacept.
A study at EULAR 2012 found that tailoring biologic treatment to individual patients with rheumatoid arthritis can save €2,595,557 in costs over three years while increasing effectiveness by an average of 3.67 quality-adjusted life years
Patients treated with anti-TNF medications have a higher risk of developing herpes zoster, or shingles, than those treated with traditional DMARDs. The study suggests that prophylactic treatment may be necessary for those at risk.
A study presented at EULAR 2012 found that biologic treatments significantly reduce mortality risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Achieving early and sustained remission is associated with improved overall survival.
Researchers identified five biomarkers that can predict the progression of structural damage in the spine of patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis, who are already at high risk of disease progression. These biomarkers include matrix metalloproteinase 3, bone-morphogenetic protein 2, and vascular endothelial growth factor.
The ADACTA trial showed that tocilizumab was more effective than adalimumab in reducing signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with significant improvements in DAS28, low disease activity, and ACR20/50/70 responses. Safety results were similar between groups.
A team of European scientists found that geoengineering could lead to significant rainfall reduction in large areas, including a 15% decrease in North America and 20% in parts of South America. Climate engineering is unlikely to be a substitute for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A study found that 22% of European countries have no biologics reimbursed for rheumatoid arthritis treatment, with inconsistent criteria across the continent. This leads to unequal access to essential medications, affecting patients' health status and socio-economic welfare.
A study projects that thermoelectric power generating capacity will decrease by 4-16% in the US and 6-19% in Europe due to lack of cooling water. This could lead to higher electricity prices, disruption to supply, and environmental impact on river ecosystems.
Thermoelectric power plants in the US and Europe are vulnerable to climate change due to reduced water supply, leading to increased electricity prices and concerns about future energy security. The study projects a decrease in thermoelectric power generating capacity of 4-19% by 2031-2060, affecting both regions.
The University of New Hampshire is poised to analyze a unique dataset from the PAMELA European satellite, which recorded a moderate solar flare and produced a ground-level enhancement (GLE). This rare event has puzzled scientists, but the PAMELA data will provide fresh insights into the evolution of high-energy particles.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee found that US skulls have increased in size by 200 cubic centimeters since the mid-1800s, with average height from base to top increasing by eight millimeters
A study led by Dr. Manel Esteller has completed the first epigenome in Europe, shedding light on the activity of genes and tissues in complex diseases like cancer. The research found that a patient with a rare genetic disease had an epigenomic defect causing fragility of chromosomes and immune deficiency.
A study published in Public Health found that Scotland's higher mortality rates may be linked to the political direction of past decades, rather than single factors like smoking or poor diet. The researchers identified a range of potential explanations, including climate change and economic inequality.
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.