Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
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.
The retrieval of four cores from a glacier high atop Mount Ortles may provide valuable insights into past climate changes and environmental shifts in the region. The cores contain unaltered ice that could reveal a climate history spanning several centuries, including the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age.
A European study found that alpine meadows could disappear within decades due to climate change, with cold-loving species running out of mountains and being replaced by warm-loving ones.
A recent study analyzing data from over 15 countries found that US heart-attack patients are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days compared to patients in other countries. The study identified factors associated with readmission, including multivessel coronary artery disease and baseline heart rate.
Countries recovering from war are at risk of being left without effective policies to tackle noncommunicable diseases, which can lead to increased mental health problems and premature deaths. Experts argue that a strong policy response is necessary to address the growing burden of NCDs in post-conflict countries.
A study of nurses and physicians in ICUs found that perceived inappropriateness of care was common, associated with inadequate decision sharing, communication, and job autonomy. The main reported reason for perceived inappropriateness of care was a mismatch between the level of care and the expected patient outcome.
Scientists have discovered how to build doughnuts with Lego blocks using a novel material with internal nanostructure made of two chemically discordant polymers. The discovery sheds light on the self-assembly of these materials, which could lead to breakthroughs in data storage, nanoelectronics, and pattern creation.
A study by Juan Rodríguez Teruel found that half of Spanish ministers are specialists in their field and have a university degree, challenging the notion of low ministerial qualifications. The study also revealed that most ministers hold power for short periods, often changing offices after three years or less.
A new study measures brain function to assess the impact of aging on a nation's economy. Cognitive function is found to be a better indicator of the burden of aging than chronological age. The study suggests that education, nutrition, and health standards are key factors in maintaining cognitive ability across nations.
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of measuring rates of rehospitalization following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. A US study found that 12.4% of PCI patients need unplanned readmissions, highlighting the need for improvements in care and better data in Europe.
Studies using echocardiography revealed early signs of myocardial damage and impaired ventricular relaxation in cancer patients treated with trastuzumab. ACE inhibitors and statins were found to deliver cardio protective effects, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) enables accurate infarct size estimation in STEMI patients. A new study demonstrates the use of 3D speckle-tracking to estimate infarct size and necrosis transmurality, providing a more comprehensive assessment of cardiac damage.
A new study predicts that Europe's streams will be heavily polluted with insecticides in the future, particularly in Scandinavia and Central Europe. The researchers recommend drastically reducing pesticide use and setting up buffer zones to mitigate this issue.
The UK Government has committed £75 million to develop the ELIXIR research infrastructure, a pan-European effort to manage and share life-science data. The initiative aims to promote knowledge-based economic growth and facilitate innovation in areas like food security, energy, and health.
Baltic scientists have reinvented the centuries-old sourdough bread-making technique, which was used in ancient times, to meet the needs of the modern food industry. The project FERMFOOD found ways to deliver a better flavor, texture and longer shelf life while maintaining dietary fiber and reducing additives.
The EUROTAST project brings together young researchers to study the transatlantic slave trade's history and impact. The four-year project will explore captives' origins in Africa and physical quality of life, with a focus on interdisciplinary research and public dissemination.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that patients with a history of psychiatric hospitalization have a higher rate of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease compared to those without such a history. This increased risk was seen across both men and women, particularly among younger individuals.
Professor James Vaupel received the prestigious prize for his groundbreaking research on aging, statistics of senescence, and public health longevity. He was recognized for extending human lifespan by two additional years every decade, highlighting no looming limit to human lifespan.
A recent study found that South Asian patients are almost three times as likely to require repeat angioplasty and urgent treatment compared to White European counterparts. Despite higher rates of social deprivation and younger age at onset, the two groups showed similar long-term death rates.
A new mathematical model developed by an international research group can predict the stability of European nations and identify regions more likely to break up. The model considers demographic, economic, cultural, and genetic factors, showing a correlation between population genetics and cultural distance.
Research from the University of Sheffield found that people are willing to pay extra for greener urban spaces, with greater tree coverage attracting higher payments. The study surveyed public opinions on various redevelopment scenarios and found a strong correlation between green space quality and willingness to pay.
Michael Mann, renowned climatologist, will receive the Hans Oeschger Medal from the European Geosciences Union. The award recognizes his groundbreaking work on Earth's climate system, including the 'hockey stick' chart and advocacy for climate action.
A European consortium, led by EUREKA, has developed global standards for 4G technology, which will enable new ecosystems for mobile systems and devices. The consortium brought together major telecommunications companies and research institutes to create faster and more reliable wireless internet connections on smartphones.
A new study suggests a possible link between radon exposure and non-melanoma skin cancer in the southwest region of England. The research found a correlation between areas with high radon concentrations and squamous cell carcinoma cases.
EPL has published its first paper submitted from space, detailing experiments conducted on the International Space Station by German and Russian researchers. The study reports on the measurement of the speed of sound within complex plasmas under microgravity conditions, providing new insights into material properties.
The UK Flusurvey, launched by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, will track seasonal flu spread across Britain and compare data with European countries. The online survey aims to detect flu epidemics early and provide insights into vaccine effectiveness.
FlexGen's DNA-sequencing technology helps identify genetic causes of diseases and adapts treatment. The company is now working on new technologies to introduce to the market, aiming to understand diseases at their core.
Global health training programs should be evaluated by the quality of experience for trainees from all settings and by the incremental improvement in in-country care, infrastructure, and research. Investments in human resources are crucial to discovering and delivering innovations in prevention and treatment.
A British team has discovered over 100 fortified farms and villages with castle-like structures in Libya's south-western desert, uncovering new evidence of a lost civilization. The Garamantes were highly civilized, living in large-scale fortified settlements, predominantly as oasis farmers.
EMBO has selected 22 young researchers for its prestigious Young Investigator Programme, aiming to support their promising careers. The programme provides funding, networking opportunities, and mentorship to help them advance their research.
The European Metrology for Earth Observation and Climate (MetEOC) project aims to enhance the accuracy of climate data by developing a coordinated international capacity. The project will focus on optical domain calibration, ocean color measurements, and ground-based prototype development.
A study by the Bank of Spain and Pablo de Olavide University found that public sector salary changes directly affect the private sector. The researchers analyzed data from four EU countries, including Italy, Spain, Germany, and France, to determine the extent of this influence. They also highlighted the role of institutional design, su...
A new study published in European Obstetrics & Gynaecology shows that DuoFertility's monitoring and support service can achieve pregnancy rates comparable to IVF for many infertile couples. This viable, non-invasive alternative could save the NHS millions of pounds each year.
A fossil fragment from Kent's Cavern in southern England establishes the presence of modern humans in western Europe by 40,000 years ago. The discovery joins a human skull and lower jaw from Romania, confirming modern humans at both ends of Europe by this date.
A piece of jawbone excavated from a prehistoric cave in England is the earliest evidence for modern humans in Europe, dating back to 44,000-41,000 years old. The discovery confirms the coexistence of Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans during the last Ice Age.
The report highlights the need for Humanities researchers to build and access 'fit-for-purpose' digital Research Infrastructures, addressing issues like funding models, institutional transformations, and coordination. Digital infrastructures offer new ways to explore old questions and develop new ones in Humanities research.
Researchers have re-analyzed ancient deciduous teeth from Grotta del Cavallo, Italy, and found they belong to anatomically modern humans. The new study suggests that Homo sapiens arrived in Europe earlier than previously known, with dates ranging from ~43,000-45,000 cal BP.
The European Science Foundation's report highlights key findings from a public consultation on the correlation between gender and innovation, emphasizing the importance of addressing leadership gaps and incorporating gender dimensions in research and innovation. The results advocate for increased policy intervention, funding opportunit...
Researchers developed a new statistical method to assess the bending elasticity of biological membranes, improving accuracy by up to 80%. The method uses Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution and has potential applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Modesto Orozco has been awarded an ERC Advanced Grant for his project SimDNA, a computational biology initiative aiming to unravel the structure and properties of nucleic acids. The five-year grant provides funding of around 2-3 million Euros.