Articles tagged with Europe
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.
The European Society of Cardiology has established minimum standards for cardiovascular medical expertise, equipment, and emergency planning at major sporting events. These recommendations aim to prevent unnecessary deaths from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) by ensuring rapid access to treatment facilities.
A survey of European and US anaesthesiologists found that only 35% monitor cardiac output during high-risk surgery, leading to postoperative complications. The authors call for increased awareness and implementation of guidelines for cardiac output monitoring.
The new guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for optimal care of patients with hyperthyroidism, including treatment options and patient management strategies. The guidelines are a comprehensive update to previous versions and highlight the latest scientific literature and expert experience.
Researchers have created a 3-D movie of brain activity while an individual loses consciousness, revealing a change in electrical activity and communication between brain cells. The findings support a hypothesis that consciousness is formed by neural assemblies, which work efficiently together or not, depending on sensory stimulations.
A study published in Ecology Letters found that the last glacial maximum has a significant impact on the current distribution of European scarab dung beetles. The insects' presence is more influenced by the climate of the past glaciation than the present one, with two distinct patterns emerging in the north and south.
A Spanish investigation reveals that glaciation's impact on dung beetle distribution persists in Europe. The analysis shows two distinct patterns of species presence in the north and south, influenced by past and present climates.
A new collaborative research center aims to study the diversity of Arabic manuscripts from a historical and comparative perspective. The project, led by Prof. Dr. Tilman Seidensticker, will analyze nine layout characteristics to understand their functions in everyday transcriptions.
A new multicenter study found that delaying intravenous (IV) feeding in critically ill patients who cannot tolerate tube feeding can enhance recovery and reduce complications. The study, which contradicts European guidelines, recommends waiting a week before initiating IV feeding to avoid hyperglycemia.
A new report by US and European researchers found that world forests are becoming larger carbon sinks due to increased density, with no significant expansion of forest area. This increase in density helped maintain regional carbon levels despite deforestation, offering a way to mitigate carbon emissions through managed forestry.
EUREKA's new 'E!nnoVest' platform helps investors find highly-qualified SMEs and start-ups with innovative technology-based projects. The web tool supports the introduction of products to markets, addressing market failure in preliminary R&D stages.
Two new beetle species have been identified in streams of Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees mountains in Spain and France. The insects have a restricted range and are similar to other European species.
A recent study by Rachel Kalf found that DTC genetic tests have moderate predictive ability but often assign increased risk to individuals without substantially higher disease rates. The researchers concluded that these tests are inaccurate and do not provide significant benefits to individuals.
A new study by EULAR suggests that using placebo in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical trials can negatively impact patients. The study analyzed current study designs for new therapies and found that patients in the placebo group experienced no change in medication, forcing them to continue with their former ineffective treatment.
A study from Romania highlights the importance of traditional agriculture in protecting amphibians, finding that roads have a direct and indirect negative impact on their populations. Preserving traditional agricultural practices could be key to protecting these species in Central and Eastern Europe.
A study found that RA patients had lower seroprotection rates and seroconversion rates compared to healthy individuals after receiving the H1N1 vaccine. This highlights the need for specific immunization strategies for patients with rheumatoid arthritis in future flu pandemics.
A UK survey found variations in approaches to treating women with rheumatic conditions during pregnancy, with some clinicians continuing treatment while others discontinued it. Guidelines for managing this patient population are also lacking, with only 25% of rheumatologists and 6% of obstetricians having locally developed guidelines.
A Phase III study presented at EULAR 2011 found that tofacitinib achieved significant improvements in symptoms and activity scores for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including improved ACR20 responses in 58.3% of patients, and a higher proportion of patients achieving ACR50 and ACR70 responses compared to placebo
The €820,000 project aims to enhance the competitiveness of Austrian and Hungarian poultry industries by establishing a knowledge centre. The centre will foster industry activities, improve efficiency and ensure safe poultry production.
A €6m European Commission grant will fund clinical trials of NILVADIPINE, a medication already used to treat high blood pressure, in treating Alzheimer's disease. The trials aim to improve memory and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers developed a forensic mitochondrial DNA species identification technique to distinguish between sardines and horse mackerel. The method has been applied to over 20 sardine and 20 horse mackerel species, facilitating fisheries imports monitoring and tracking.
A new study found that Southern European groups can attribute up to 3% of their genetic signature to African ancestry, with mixing dating back 1,600 years. Middle Eastern groups have inherited 4-15% African ancestry, and Jewish populations 3-5%.