Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) treated by a specialized hospital team had significantly lower risks of subsequent vascular events. The study found that the team's co-ordinated care, including nurse-led counselling and fast-track surgery, led to a substantial reduction in stroke risk during the first three months.
The University of New Hampshire will provide instruments for the ESA's Solar Orbiter and JAXA's SCOPE missions. The Solar Orbiter will study the Sun's influence on its environment, while the SCOPE mission will investigate magnetosphere processes and solar flares.
Researchers have discovered a new Ebola-like virus, Lloviu, in bats from northern Spain, which is the first filovirus native to Europe. The study reveals that Lloviu may be a cause for concern as it was detected in deceased bats with signs of an immune response, but not in healthy bats.
The FUTURAGE Road Map provides a comprehensive European research agenda for ageing, focusing on tackling health inequalities and promoting active ageing. The project's key recommendations include engaging end users of research, improving coordination among existing and future research, and building capacity in ageing research.
The UK and Norway are among European countries taking a leading role in improving social determinants of health. The WHO European Region has set up a review to address the growing health divide, which shows vast differences in life expectancy within and between countries.
The BLUEPRINT epigenome project aims to generate reference epigenomes and study them to advance knowledge of biological processes and mechanisms. Genomatix will provide data analysis and visualization interfaces as part of the $41 million European-funded consortium.
The BioP@ss project has developed advanced chip cards with embedded software for biometrics-enhanced passports and identity cards, reducing queues at airports and frontier posts. The technology boosts European security while simplifying access to public services, improving passengers' safety.
A recent study examines the cultural context of drinking's impact on the relationship between alcohol consumption and harm. The research reveals a significant dose-response relationship between alcohol and health issues across five European countries, with stronger links in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden.
A study analyzing 500 organic substances in four major European rivers reveals that 38% are present in concentrations potentially affecting organisms. Most pesticides, not currently on the EU's list, pose a risk to aquatic ecosystems.
The thesis analyzes three national appellate asylum procedures in Europe, comparing their evidentiary standards and relating them to the EU legal order and international law. The study finds that national impacts play a significant role in adapting national procedures to external requirements.
The BURDEN study estimated 5,503 excess deaths from MRSA and 2,712 excess deaths from third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E. coli infections in Europe. These infections resulted in 255,683 extra bed-days and an estimated €62 million in costs.
Genome-wide studies have identified new genes involved in melanoma susceptibility, including Caspase 8 and ATM gene. The study validates regions and genes already identified as significant for melanoma, reinforcing the role of cell cycle genes like CDKN2A and CDK4.
Researchers analyzed SEC23B gene mutations in CDA II patients and found that two variants, R14W and E109K, are more common in Italian population. The R14W variant is believed to have originated 3,000 years ago in Southern Italy, while E109K may have originated in the Middle East around 2,400 years ago.
A new study from Stanford University reveals that North American babies infected with toxoplasmosis in the womb are more likely to suffer severe complications, including brain calcifications, hydrocephalus, and eye disease. The study suggests that a lack of prenatal screening and treatment may be contributing to these outcomes.
Researchers observed dense groups of Wels catfish in the Rhone River, estimating a total biomass of up to 1132 kilograms. These aggregations could excrete large amounts of phosphorous and nitrogen, creating potential biogeochemical hotspots.
A collaborative network of scientists, including UNC's Cam Patterson, has been awarded a $6 million grant to explore the biology of heart failure and find new therapies. The project aims to define the role of proteotoxicity in clinically relevant models of heart failure.
Research from the University of Warwick suggests that the 'Protestant work ethic' in the 19th century gave northern Europe an educational advantage over southern neighbors, leading to higher incomes and a larger income gap. This historical factor is believed to have contributed to the North-South debt crisis.
The European Medical Research Councils' White Paper assesses the current status of biomedical research in Europe and its international collaborators. The report highlights five key recommendations to improve the quality of life for Europeans and address global challenges.
A randomized controlled clinical study demonstrated that RESPeRATE can significantly relieve symptoms of heart failure in elderly patients. After 4 weeks of twice daily treatment sessions, patients showed a reduction in the severity of CHF measured by NYHA classification and dyspnea.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a significant increase in ozone-related deaths in several European countries. The largest increases are expected in Belgium, France, Spain and Portugal, with predicted rises of up to 14%.
A new study found that moderately premature babies have reduced lung function at 8-9 years old, which can cause breathing difficulties. However, these issues may improve as the child grows older, according to a research presented at the European Respiratory Society Annual Congress.
A study found that children born after mothers received chemotherapy during pregnancy had normal cognitive and cardiac development, but those born preterm were more likely to experience developmental delays. Researchers recommend continuing cancer treatment during pregnancy unless preterm delivery can be prevented.
Researchers found that invasive species like the European green crab may have a major advantage when starting at the upstream edge of their range, particularly in environments with strong prevailing directions of water or wind currents. This can help inform control efforts and conservation strategies for native species.
A recent study found that mutations in the SF3B1 gene are associated with a milder form of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and better overall survival rates. The researchers also discovered a close relationship between the mutated gene and the presence of ring sideroblasts, abnormal precursors to red blood cells, which can cause anaemia.
A study comparing 6,597 patients across four European countries found substantial differences in treatment approaches for rectal cancer. The use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy varied greatly between countries, despite comparable stages of disease.
A major UK trial found that giving radiotherapy between or during chemotherapy cycles significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer recurring in the breast or chest wall. The treatment, known as synchronous chemoradiation, has minimal adverse side-effects and no detrimental effect on quality of life.
Research from the University of Edinburgh and Warwick University finds that powerful lobby groups in Europe are threatening public acceptance of genetically modified (GM) food. This has resulted in greater restriction of plant biotechnology research and development, hindering efforts to address global hunger and climate change.
A study found that elderly breast cancer patients are more likely to die from age-related conditions rather than the disease itself, highlighting shortcomings in patient care. Researchers argue that these patients are being under-treated due to a false perception of their prognosis.
Researchers sequenced the genome of a man who was an Aboriginal Australian, showing they are direct descendants of the first people to arrive on the continent 50,000 years ago. This challenges the prevailing theory of human migration, suggesting that Aboriginal Australians migrated to Australia earlier than previously thought.
The study demonstrates that Aboriginal Australians descend directly from an early human expansion into Asia around 70,000 years ago. The results show that modern day Aboriginal Australians are the direct descendants of the first people who arrived in Australia as early as 50,000 years ago.
Researchers have sequenced the Aboriginal Australian genome, demonstrating that they descended directly from an early human expansion into Asia around 70,000 years ago. This study provides new insights into the dispersal of the first humans to leave Africa and re-writes the story of their journey to Australia.
A study by an international consortium has identified five new genes associated with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). The research, published in PLOS Genetics, found that these genetic variants contribute to the development of CAD and heart attacks, particularly in South Asian populations.
Three European medical oncologists, Johann de Bono, Rafael Rosell, and Hans Jörg Senn, have been recognized by ESMO for their groundbreaking work in prostate cancer management, lung cancer treatment, and breast cancer care. The awards celebrate their commitment to improving cancer research and clinical practice.
A new study reveals that warming seas are changing the composition of fish communities in the northeast Atlantic, with southerly species dominating and colder species declining. The analysis of data from over a million fish across 28 years shows a significant increase in warm-water species and a decrease in cold-adapted species.
The 24th ECNP Congress presented landmark studies on the burden of mental disorders in Europe, early intervention in schizophrenia, and sex differences in mental disorders. The event emphasized the need for increased funding and better treatment allocation to address these challenges.
A major shift in European fish stocks is already underway due to rapidly rising temperatures, with some species' losses being others' gains. The study found that over 72% of common fish species have changed in abundance related to warming trends, with three out of four species increasing in numbers.
ELIXIR will provide sustainable infrastructure for managing biological information in Europe, securing public access to genes, proteins, and complex networks. The initiative aims to support life science research and its translation to medicine and the environment.
A European review of child organ donations highlights legal, ethical and cultural barriers across countries. The shortage of deceased donors from children is exacerbated by incompatible organ size and low donation rates.
A recent study argues that existing financial protection measures are insufficient and advocates for new indicators to identify those unable to afford healthcare. The findings highlight the need for improved measurement of financial protection in health systems to better support vulnerable populations.
A landmark study reveals that mental disorders have become Europe's largest health challenge, affecting 514 million people. The study highlights a significant treatment gap and calls for increased funding and improved care to address the critical challenges facing mental and neurological disorders.
Crowd-sourcing efforts identified key disease-causing genes in the E. coli O104:H4 strain, which carries a high number of genes involved in disease. The outbreak, affecting over 16 countries, has been linked to contaminated beansprouts and resulted in thousands of cases and multiple deaths.
Researchers recruited participants from Germany and Portugal to rate pictures of a composite face, finding that the average face perceived as 'typical European' differed significantly between the two groups. The study's findings have implications for racial profiling and suggest that people may use mental shortcuts when thinking about ...
A study published in Phytopathology identifies California as the source of the devastating tree-killing fungus Seiridium cardinale. The pathogen has infected and killed up to 95% of native trees worldwide, including junipers and cedars.
The ESC Congress 2011 in Paris saw a record-breaking attendance of 32,946 participants, with a focus on the quality of scientific content and new clinical guidelines. The congress highlighted significant findings on apixaban, dual antiplatelet therapy, and the importance of registries for cardiovascular disease prevention.
The Minimum Information about a Bioactive Entity (MIABE) standard aims to capture more information about bioactive compounds, enabling better analysis and design. By adopting this standard, researchers can analyze large datasets from various drug discovery programs, leading to improved understanding of successful drugs.
Results from a study presented at ESC Congress 2011 show that TAVI implantation in low-risk patients achieved 100% procedural success and zero deaths within one month, matching conventional surgery outcomes. The study analyzed data from 177 patients with low logistic Euroscore (<20%) who underwent Edwards prosthesis implantation.
After TAVI, patients experience improved hemodynamic values, including reduced valve gradients and increased effective orifice area. The study also found sustained reduction in end-diastolic septal wall thickness and improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction at 12 months post-implantation.
The study found that almost 40% of patients have no underlying disease associated with atrial fibrillation, and symptoms vary greatly among patients. Symptoms include palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath or dizziness, and many patients seek a drug-free lifestyle after ablation.
Patients receiving optimal medical therapy after a heart attack experience an 18% reduced risk of mortality compared to those not on the full treatment regimen. A broader use of coronary angiography and revascularization could further improve outcomes.
A nationwide study in Sweden found that new generation drug eluting stents reduced the risk of clinically meaningful restenosis by 38% and stent thrombosis by 50% compared to older generation stents. The study included data from over 90,000 patients and showed improved outcomes with thinner struts and more biocompatible polymers.
The ESC pilot registry in heart failure reflects improvement in chronic disease management, with high rates of guideline-recommended treatments. However, outcomes for acute heart failure remain poor, with high mortality and morbidity rates.
The European Society of Cardiology promotes primary PCI as the best reperfusion therapy for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Early diagnosis and triage can significantly reduce mortality rates.
The study found a very high hospitalization rate during pregnancy, with 338 patients hospitalized (26% of all pregnancies) and 203 cardiac cases. Maternal death occurred in 13 patients (1%) and fetal death in 59 cases (4.5%). The authors suggest that further analysis and larger numbers are needed to identify the underlying causes of hi...
A new sub-analysis of the EMPHASIS-HF study showed significant reductions in death and hospitalization for five pre-defined high-risk patient sub-groups with chronic heart failure treated with eplerenone in addition to standard therapy. The benefits were observed across various subgroups, including those with diabetes, kidney impairmen...
A prospective cohort study found that post-myocardial infarction snus quitters had a significantly lower risk of total mortality compared to current users. The association was independent of smoking habits and partly explained by changes in lifestyle variables.
A recent study found that cigarette smoking has a greater impact on arterial health in women compared to men, with increased risk of atherosclerosis and carotid artery thickening. This association holds true even after adjusting for other factors such as age, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Researchers found that cycling at high intensity for short periods significantly reduces all-cause mortality. Men who cycled fast survived 5.3 years longer, while women did so by 3.9 years. The study suggests increasing daily vigorous physical activity may help combat cardiovascular disease.
A new trial by the European Society of Cardiology suggests that remote follow-up of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients could be a safe alternative to traditional in-clinic visits. The study found that remote monitoring resulted in fewer inappropriate therapies and similar outcomes compared to conventional follow-up.
A recent study found that the rate of TAVI success is similar between male and female patients, despite increased iliac complications among females. However, female patients had a higher one-year survival estimate (76%) compared to males (65%). Male gender was also identified as a strong predictor of one-year mortality after TAVI.
European women outlive men by an average of 6 years, with a higher proportion dying from cardiovascular diseases, while smoking and drinking habits contribute to the gender gap in life expectancy