Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that watching a funny movie can positively impact vascular function, expanding blood vessels and improving cardiovascular health. The research suggests that incorporating laughter into daily life may be beneficial in preventing heart disease.
Researchers found a significant correlation between pericardial fat thickness and coronary arterial remodeling in patients with coronary artery disease. Patients with higher pericardial fat thickness were more likely to have non-calcified plaque and positive remodeling, which are related to acute coronary syndrome.
Researchers found that inhibiting microRNA-100, a regulatory RNA molecule, can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in animals with peripheral artery disease. This could lead to potential therapeutic applications for cardiovascular diseases.
Critically ill heart failure patients supported with short-term VADs before urgent transplantation had higher incidence of surgical bleeding, longer bypass times and primary graft failure rates compared to those receiving conventional therapy. Routine VAD implantation in stable patients may compromise transplant outcomes.
A study presented at the ESC Congress 2011 found that high job demands coupled with low job control are associated with increased risk of heart disease and mortality. Working long hours is also detrimental to health, leading to decreased cognitive function and higher risks of coronary heart disease.
A German team has developed a new non-invasive method to identify heart failure using an electronic nose, which can detect the condition with 89% sensitivity and 88% specificity. The study screened over 250 patients and found that the method was effective in distinguishing between different stages of heart failure.
The PERMIT-CARE trial demonstrates that MitraClip treatment improves NYHA functional class and reverse left ventricular remodeling in approximately 70% of patients. The study shows that FMR reduction with MitraClip is feasible, safe, and leads to substantial improvement in heart failure patients who do not respond to CRT.
A study of 663 advanced heart failure patients found that echocardiographic response (left ventricular reverse remodeling) was a better predictor of long-term mortality than clinical response. Echocardiographic response was independently associated with superior survival, with patients showing good response having a lower risk of death.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched an updated version of its HeartScore application, which provides a more accurate estimate of cardiovascular disease risk. The new tool includes features such as a 'fast track' calculator and a 'risk age' function to help clinicians quickly understand patient exposure to CVD risk.
The number of patients with cardiac problems during pregnancy is increasing, and careful screening for heart disease is crucial. New ESC guidelines recommend regular screenings, appropriate risk assessment, and counseling to minimize complications and ensure fetal and maternal health.
The new guidelines aim to improve lipid management in patients with cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, should be the first step in managing lipids.
Dutch company Dura Vermeer has developed a floating house technology using light plastic foam and composite materials, allowing for larger structures without losing buoyancy. The innovation has potential to help countries affected by climate change and rising sea levels, such as small island-states.
Researchers found that higher disorder in complex networks accelerates synchronisation, contradicting previous theories. This observation holds true for various real-life networks, including air-transport and social networks.
A study published in the European Physical Journal B demonstrates that embryo development follows hydrodynamic principles, where cells flow like a fluid, resulting in the formation of the head. This challenges previous theories suggesting chemical gradients drive cell movement, providing new insights for regenerative medicine.
Empa researchers found significant discrepancies in greenhouse gas emissions reports, particularly from Western European countries. The study reveals that countries like Italy and the Netherlands underreported their HFC-23 emissions, while others like France and Germany reported accurate figures.
Residents of US, Lithuania, and Russia view romantic love through different lenses. While 'being together' is a common requirement, expressions of 'comfort/love' and 'friendship' are more prevalent in the US than Eastern Europe. Americans take longer to fall in love, with over 90% reporting it within a month compared to 58% in the US.
A new study has recovered and analyzed the oldest fossil evidence of fingernails in modern primates, confirming that small body size led to nail development. The discovery provides direct evidence for the evolution of nails in primates and sheds light on the origins of human-like characteristics.
EU companies expect global R&D investments to grow by 5% annually, with a significant focus on emerging economies like China and India. Innovation is seen as key to commercial success and job creation, with 27% of annual sales coming from innovative products introduced in the past three years.
A consortium of universities, small companies, and bigger players in the energy sector has developed a novel approach to reviving biofuels. The project focuses on redesigning engines to adapt to non-conventional fuels, resulting in less noisy and longer-lasting engines.
UK PubMed Central will be led by EMBL-EBI for the next five years, providing access to over 2 million full-text biomedical research articles. The service aims to build a gold-standard digital repository for the biomedical literature, benefiting researchers worldwide.
The PATH B program provides a comprehensive educational resource for patients with chronic hepatitis B, improving understanding of the disease and enhancing patient-physician dialogue. The program aims to increase patient engagement in disease management, resulting in better quality of life.
A study suggests that middle-aged American health disparities contribute to a life expectancy gap with Europeans. By improving middle-age health, the US could save $632 billion by 2050 through reduced healthcare costs.
Modern humans arriving from Africa swarmed the region with over ten times the population of Neanderthals, leading to their sudden disappearance. The incoming group's superior hunting technologies, social contacts, and complex behavioural patterns allowed them to outcompete Neanderthals for resources.
Researchers from BUSM and BMC will implement a clinical model to coordinate narcology and HIV systems of care in Russia, aiming to increase engagement in medical care among HIV-infected IDUs. The LINC project aims to address the missed opportunity of delayed or non-receipt of HIV medical care in Russia.
The study provides a detailed map of genetic recombination in African Americans, revealing distinct differences from European populations. The researchers identified over two million recombination events, shedding light on the genetic origins of congenital diseases more common in African Americans.
Over 85% of respondents want to see a doctor if they exhibit confusion and memory loss, while nearly half believe there is a reliable medical test for early-stage diagnosis. Public interest in predictive testing also prevails, with two-thirds wanting to know their Alzheimer's risk before symptoms appear.
A study of Spanish Fabry disease patients found they exhibit different organ involvement patterns compared to European counterparts. Spanish patients showed a lower frequency of corneal disease and less severe symptoms, with increased deaths from infections.
Professor Achim Hartschuh at LMU Munich has been awarded a highly endowed EU Starting Grant for his project on new tools for nanoscale optical spectroscopy. He aims to develop innovative methods for optical microscopy and study the physical and chemical behavior of nanostructures.
A well-preserved, 96-million-year-old fossil snout discovered in Texas indicates that the prehistoric crocodile Terminonaris originated in the Lone Star State and North America. The find, which is the oldest of its kind worldwide, provides new insights into the group's wider distribution range and age.
Scientists have developed a genetic map of African-Americans, revealing distinct recombination patterns that differ from those in Europeans. The map holds promise for understanding the roots of disease and identifying new disease genes, particularly in African-American populations.
A randomized trial found that standard triple therapy was more effective than newer four-drug regimens in Latin America, justifying population-wide eradication trials to prevent gastric cancers. However, comment authors disagree, citing potential risks and complications associated with mass eradication programmes.
The European Science Foundation has endorsed the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity, which sets out principles for self-regulation of the research community. The code aims to promote trust between science, society, and policymakers by establishing a culture of best practice in research integrity.
The brown skin and external layers of onions are rich in fibre and flavonoids, while the discarded bulbs contain sulphurous compounds and fructans, which have beneficial health effects.
Researchers found that 22 non-native species in Chile pose a high risk to Argentina, with yellow glandweed being the most dangerous. The study highlights the need for cooperation between neighboring countries to counter invasive plant species and prevent severe damage to agriculture.
A new review of scientific knowledge on kava reveals no consensus on its toxicity, with various theories including preparation methods and genetic differences. Pacific Island cultures have safely consumed kava for centuries, but Western countries have reported liver damage and banned or regulated kava products.
The European Science Foundation has released the 2011 revised lists of European Research Index for Humanities, showcasing top-tier journals in the field. The index aims to promote research excellence and national importance of humanities research across Europe.
The article reports that suicide rates in most European countries increased between 2007 and 2009, while road traffic fatalities decreased due to lower car use. Only Austria showed a decline in suicides, while Finland experienced an unexpected increase despite having strong social protection systems.
The European IVF Monitoring Group reported on frozen oocyte retrieval (FOR) cycles for the first time. Italy led the way with 3,284 cycles, while Spain accounted for 30% of all egg donations. The report also highlighted the importance of restrictive laws on egg donation in many countries.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of fertility issues and provide a voice to those affected. Thousands of postcards with moving stories will be sent across Europe until October 2011, spreading hope for millions of others struggling with infertility.
The EUREKA project BIO-EXPERTISE has developed a methodological guide to biomethanisation, allowing for more efficient waste treatment in Spain. The research improved the treatment of urban waste, increasing biogas production and electricity generation.
A study by Kalman Geyer found that companies participating in the EUREKA program experienced a 28% annual increase in sales volume and a 20% or more annual increase in employment, compared to similar non-participating companies. The survey revealed significant results on the impact of EUREKA participation in both parameters.
Researchers at University of Gothenburg find climate change will significantly increase risk of ozone damage to plants due to rising ozone concentrations and higher temperatures. This can lead to premature aging and smaller harvests with lower quality for agricultural crops.
Emerging evidence suggests a strong association between bleeding and adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Strategies to minimize bleeding include radial access and adjusting anticoagulant doses based on body weight, age, and renal function.
Over 220 cooperative R&D projects have been approved and supported by EUREKA since Israel's Chairmanship year in July 2010, totaling 320 million Euros of investment. The program has achieved significant successes in areas such as renewable energy, agrofood technology, biotechnology, and IT.
The global economic recession of 2008-09 led to a decline in fertility rates in Europe and the US, ending the first rise in fertility since the 1960s. The study found that specific groups of people, such as young individuals and highly educated women, are less likely to have children during recessions.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of comprehensive lipid control, with a focus on lifestyle interventions as the first step. In high-risk patients, targeted treatments such as statins and combination therapies are recommended to achieve optimal LDL cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.
The German Federal Ministry of Health has awarded funding for efficient production of cancer diagnostic agent technetium-99m at FRM II in Garching. The goal is to increase specific activity and improve packaging processes.
A Lithuanian company developed a technique that has cleaned over 22,000 tons of soil using non-genetically-modified bacteria, transforming contaminated soil into usable land for plant growth. The natural process eliminates the need for chemicals or genetically-modified technologies.
A ban on fisheries discards in the North Sea is expected to promote fish stock recovery and increase fishermen's incomes, according to new research. The study compared long-term data sets on cod, haddock, saithe, and herring in the North Sea with those in Norwegian waters, where a discard ban was introduced in the late 1980s.
Research suggests that the AD 1350 collapse of the Greenland Norse was caused by harsh climate conditions, making farming and cattle production difficult. The team's study used a marine sediment record to reconstruct climate change over the last 1500 years, highlighting the regional complexity of climate patterns in the study area.
The First European Forum on Railway Running Gears brought together top professionals to discuss advances in technology and interoperability. Researchers emphasized the importance of strengthening university-industry relationships to improve safety, profitability, and efficiency in the railway industry.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation calls for improved strategies to close the treatment gap and reduce the future burden of fractures. A new report estimates that increasing treatment uptake could avoid 13% of projected fractures by 2025, resulting in 95,000 fewer fractures annually.
A recent study reveals that international seafood markets are overfishing Madagascar's waters, leading to a decline in key species groups such as shrimp, shark, and sea cucumber. The impact on local food security is significant, with two-thirds of the population facing hunger.
A large treatment gap in Europe has been identified, leaving millions of older adults at unnecessary risk of fragility fractures. The report found that only a minority of high-risk patients are receiving treatment, despite advances in risk assessment and effective medication being widely available.
A new report reveals that osteoporotic fractures have a significant impact on European society, resulting in an estimated 2.5 million new fractures annually and €30.7 billion in health costs. The report estimates that the economic burden of fractures will increase to €38.5 billion by 2025.
The European Society of Cardiology is urging more research into vulnerable plaques and their stabilization. Studies have shown that therapies like statins and anti-platelet drugs can reduce cardiovascular events, while imaging tools and biomarkers may help identify at-risk patients.
The 100GET project successfully increased internet bandwidth capacity from 40GbE to 100GbE, demonstrating the importance of efficient data transfer in meeting growing demand. By leveraging partnerships and innovative technologies, companies involved in the project have created new products, jobs, and patent applications.
A new €3.5 million EU-funded research project will examine the impact of climate policies on human health in seven cities across Europe and China, with a focus on integrating data from various sources to inform key policy decisions.
Pediatric dosing guidance is scarce due to pharmaceutical companies' reluctance to disclose data to Health Canada, increasing the risk of medication errors and mistreatment. Researchers emphasize the need for international harmonization and strict legislation to protect Canadian children.
A new analysis of the PLATO study confirms that ticagrelor is more effective than clopidogrel in reducing death and recurrent heart attack, with a potential to prevent up to 20% of heart-attack related deaths.