Articles tagged with Europe
A study of ancient DNA found that Western European Neandertals experienced a demographic crisis, leading to reduced genetic variation and near-extinction. This discovery challenges the long-held theory of cold adaptation in Neandertals.
A newly discovered fossil species of scops owl found in Madeira reveals that its extinction was linked to human arrival and habitat destruction. The findings suggest that human introduction led to disease transmission, invasive species, and habitat loss, contributing to the bird's demise.
A new study estimates the total economic burden of fragility fractures in the European Union at €39 billion EUR, with hip fractures contributing to over half of all costs. The study highlights the need for preventive action to address the growing number of seniors and estimated doubling of fractures by 2050.
A Cardiff University team has secured funding to develop a new surgical simulator that accurately reproduces the effects of cutting in real time. The project, led by Professor Stéphane Bordas, aims to reduce risk to neurosurgery patients and aid training worldwide.
A new Marine Board-ESF position paper highlights gaps in monitoring and regulating chemical pollution in Europe's seas. It calls for better coordination, cooperation, and harmonization among existing monitoring efforts to address the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.
A new study has found a significant variation in hip fracture risk across the globe, with countries experiencing a 10-fold difference in incidence rates. The study's findings indicate that higher risk countries for both men and women are located in North Western and Central Europe.
A study found that CD4 cell count is associated with AIDS risk in HIV-infected adults on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) with a suppressed viral load. Patients with higher CD4 counts have lower AIDS risk, even at counts above 500 cells/μL.
A global consortium is collaborating on the largest ever academic-industry research project to find new methods for developing drugs for ASD. The EU-AIMS project aims to provide novel validated cellular assays, animal models, and new biomarkers for patient-segmentation or individual response prediction.
Researchers find high concentrations of heavy metals and restricted brominated flame retardants in mixed plastics from disassembled electrical and electronic equipment. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing strict quality management to prevent substance release into the environment or new products.
The PROMISE project aims to survey germs brought in with food and investigate their potential to cause disease. The project will pool data from throughout Europe to assess the risks posed by contaminated food of animal origin, building an extensive database of bacterial isolates.
The Asian fly species Drosophila suzukii is taking over European fruit, particularly cherries and red fruits, causing significant damages to crops. The study found that the fly can lay eggs in unaffected fruit, leading to destruction of the fruit by its larvae.
Patients interested in art had better general health, found it easier to walk, and had more energy. They were also happier, less anxious or depressed, and felt calmer.
The EU's Habitats Directive has created the world's largest network of protected areas, Natura 2000, which covers 18% of land and sea surfaces. The review outlines the development process of this complex conservation project over two decades.
The European Science Foundation's session on life in extreme environments explores adaptation and sustainable exploitation of resources. Researchers will discuss emerging ideas about biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem responses, and mitigation options.
A recent study by the European Society of Cardiology has found that depression increases the risk of death in patients who have a coronary stent implanted. After seven years of follow-up, depressed patients were 1.5 times more likely to die than non-depressed patients.
A team of ecologists found that Central European meadows and long-grazed grasslands are the most species-rich areas on Earth, with some regions boasting over 942 plant species per hectare. The study's findings predict a total of 219,204 species globally, remarkably close to current estimates of 275,000 species.
The EASL-EORTC joint Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) on the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) provide best practice recommendations for surveillance, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies. The guidelines aim to improve access to effective interventions for patients with HCC, an increasing global health burden.
A new assessment reveals large areas in Europe and Africa with insufficient freshwater resources, exacerbating water scarcity issues. The report emphasizes the need for improved water management and forecasting to address future challenges.
Christine Petit and Karen Steel's pioneering research on the genetics of hearing and deafness has shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying ear development and function. Their work has led to significant advances in diagnosis, genetic counseling, and therapeutic decisions for patients with inherited forms of deafness.
The study, published in Geological Magazine, reveals that Aragosaurus ischiaticus, found in Teruel, Spain, is the oldest of its kind and could be a common ancestor. Its new age means it fills the gap in the transitional period between Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
A new study has identified five genetic mutations associated with Crohn's disease in Ashkenazi Jews, who are nearly four times more likely to develop the condition. The findings provide insights into the unique risk factors driving this higher prevalence rate.
A recent study by Mount Sinai School of Medicine identified five novel genetic mutations associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease in Ashkenazi Jews. These findings provide new insights into the disease's causes and may lead to the development of novel treatment approaches.
A large analysis of studies involving over 40,000 subjects found that women with chronic heart failure have a lower risk of death compared to men. The study also revealed that women are more likely to have preserved ejection fraction and less ventricular remodelling, which may contribute to their better survival rates.
A study by KIT's Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis reveals that fiercer technical competition in Japan drives innovative mobile services. European operators are recommended to adopt similar measures, such as unlicensed radio spectrum usage and new licensing schemes, to regain competitiveness.
A study found that single-pass whole-body computed tomography is effective at detecting injured tissue, but variable in excluding injuries. The scan's performance improves after 30 minutes of admission, allowing healthcare teams to prioritize treatment while minimizing missed injuries.
A study has revealed that eight new diseases, including herpes zoster and certain forms of cancer, can serve as indicators for undiagnosed HIV. The findings highlight the importance of earlier testing and diagnosis to improve survival rates and quality of life among infected individuals.
Experts urge policymakers to introduce changes to ensure safe and clean air in Europe. The European Respiratory Society has devised 10 principles for clean air, calling for significant reductions in fine particles and ozone, as well as policy changes to reduce ultrafine particle emissions from motor vehicles.
Astronomers use VLT to analyze earthshine light, detecting biosignatures of vegetation and ocean cover, suggesting life on Earth. The study establishes a benchmark for future exoplanet life searches using spectropolarimetry technique.
The ESC emphasizes the importance of continued funding and support from industry for CME to maintain transparency and minimize bias. The organization suggests a shift towards small group practical sessions based on clinical cases, maximizing the effectiveness of CME.
The clinical guide highlights the benefits of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in reducing fracture risk for postmenopausal women. SERMs, such as bazedoxifene and lasofoxifene, offer a new therapeutic option with potential anti-fracture effects.
Energy efficiency experts propose a new EU target of a 40% reduction in primary energy demand by 2050, arguing that radically improving building efficiency is crucial for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed target aligns with the ambitions of the new Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey.
Most European Neandertals were on the verge of extinction around 50,000 years ago, according to a new study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution. A small group of Neandertals recolonized central and western Europe after dying off, surviving for another 10,000 years before modern humans entered the scene.
A study by the USDA Forest Service found that tree cover in US cities is declining at a rate of 4 million trees per year, mainly due to impervious cover and natural disasters. The greatest losses were seen in New Orleans, Houston, and Albuquerque, highlighting the need for comprehensive tree planting programs.
A benchmarking study found substantial progress in implementing previous guidelines, but many countries struggled with task. The new European Guidelines on CVD Prevention will be shorter and more accessible to engage health professionals.
Scientists emphasize the importance of evidence-based policies and challenge 'policy-biased evidence' to ensure impartial decision-making. They also urge the scientific community to think globally and act with greater public engagement to guard against science misuse in policy-making.
Susan M. Gasser has been recognized for her outstanding scientific research on genome stability and epigenetics, as well as her commitment to mentoring women in science. She has made significant contributions to our understanding of chromatin biology and epigenetics, with implications for human disease, including cancer.
Scientists at EMBL Hamburg have discovered the myomesin protein can stretch up to two-and-a-half times its length, unfolding in a previously unknown way. The study reveals the protein's superhelical architecture and unusual elastic properties, shedding new light on muscle contraction mechanisms.
The European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) is advocating for policy changes to address the negative impact of EU legislation on childhood cancer treatment. The current directive has increased bureaucracy and administration, making it time-consuming and expensive to conduct clinical trials.
The study found that 10% of TB patients received less than the recommended four drugs, while almost 34% of HIV-positive patients were not satisfactorily managed. The research highlights the need to increase awareness, training, and resource allocation to prevent drug-resistant TB cases.
The European Commission is increasing research funding for computing to address growing application requirements. The HiPEAC network, representing over 1000 researchers, aims to develop energy-efficient and low-cost computing technologies for various devices and systems.
Researchers found that the egg sac silk of the cocoon stalk was more stretchable than any previously tested egg sac silk. The study, published in PLOS ONE, may provide insight into super-stretchable biological materials and bio-inspired nanomaterials.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum cracked European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) encryption algorithms used in satellite phones, revealing significant weaknesses.
A species of Culex modestus, known to transmit West Nile virus in Europe, has been found breeding in the UK's marshes after a 60-year absence. The discovery highlights the need to investigate mosquito-borne risks to human health and informs efforts to track the mosquitoes' spread.
The guidelines describe best practice for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with Wilson's disease, a rare genetic disorder that can cause liver failure and brain damage. Treatment options include chelating agents and zinc, with prolonged survival becoming the norm for patients.
A new study shows that the arrival of the Harlequin ladybird has led to a rapid decline in historically-widespread species of ladybird in Britain, Belgium, and Switzerland. The research found that five out of eight studied species declined substantially since the Harlequin's arrival.
Researchers found genetically identical clones of Posidonia oceanica seagrass in Mediterranean meadows, suggesting they are thousands of years old and have adapted to various environmental conditions. The findings raise concerns about the continued survival of this long-lived species.
Researchers found that a decrease in summer Arctic sea ice cover leads to increased temperatures in autumn and winter, causing more stable atmospheric conditions that allow cold Arctic air to reach mid-latitudes. This results in colder winters with more snow in Central Europe.
Journalists Alexandra Witze and Jane Qiu win €2,500 Geosciences Communications Fellowship for book and climate change projects respectively. The EGU General Assembly invites all winners to attend in Vienna from April 22-27, 2012.
A new study sheds light on the earliest stages of human migration, suggesting that modern humans first settled in Arabia on their way out of Africa. Genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA genomes provides evidence for an ancient ancestry within Arabia.
Researchers analyzed genetic data to find clues about human migration over 60,000 years ago. They found evidence for an ancient ancestry within Arabia, suggesting it was the first staging-post in the spread of modern humans around the world.
The Gulf states are experiencing a rise in heart disease prevalence due to rapid urbanization and cultural factors, including high rates of obesity and diabetes. Waterpipe smoking is also becoming increasingly popular, particularly among adolescents and women, with its harmful effects similar to those of cigarettes.
Matthias Mann's work on mass spectrometry revolutionized the analysis of proteins, enabling quantitative analysis of cancerous tumors. Fiona Powrie's research on bacterial intestinal flora and immune system interactions opens new perspectives for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society publishes a position statement on the role of vitamin D in postmenopausal women, highlighting its implications for health. Regular sunlight exposure and supplements are recommended to maintain adequate levels.
The APOLLO trial demonstrated improvements in cardiac function, blood flow into the heart muscle, and reduced scar formation in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The study found a 52% reduction in left ventricle infarcted area and significant improvement of perfusion defects in ADRC-treated patients.
The global abortion rate has stagnated since 2003, while the proportion of unsafe abortions continues to increase. Despite a decline in unwanted pregnancies, the number of abortions in developing countries rose significantly between 2003 and 2008.
The University of Leicester and Leicester City Council are leading a £2.4 million project to develop green traffic management systems in European cities and towns. The three-year project aims to improve road congestion and urban environments using space and information technologies.
A new vaccine has been developed to protect against group B meningococcal disease, a major cause of meningitis in high-income countries and some developing regions. The vaccine was found to be highly effective in adolescents aged 11-17 years, with 99-100% protection after two or three doses.
The AuthenticFood project aims to develop reliable analysis methods to determine a food product's geographical origin and organic status. By analyzing the chemical composition of fruits and vegetables, researchers can trace differences between conventional and organic growing methods.
A report by European Menopause and Andropause society recommends vitamin D supplements for postmenopausal women to maintain blood levels above 30 ng/ml, improving bone health and reducing fracture risk. Experts also suggest a daily intake of 600-4,000 IU/day, depending on age and risk factors.
A global study found that physical activity during work and leisure time significantly lowers the risk of heart attacks. The study also linked ownership of a car and a television to an increased risk of heart attacks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.