Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
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%.
The ALICE RAP project aims to redefine the concept of addiction in Europe, considering economic, health, and social consequences. It will analyze the potential of new approaches to govern and manage addiction using foresight methodologies.
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among African-American patients with MS, largely due to regional UV exposure and geographic factors. Low vitamin D levels were found in nearly 77% of MS patients compared to 71% without the disease.
Mainz University's Gutenberg Research College awards fellowship to Stuart Parkin, renowned experimental physicist and IBM Fellow. The award enhances postgraduate research in spintronics, a key area of focus for both institutions.
The NAPANIL project explores the potential of 3D nanoimprinting techniques in various applications, including optics, life sciences, and industry. The project aims to bridge the gap between basic research and industrial uptake, with a focus on cost-efficient products and novel functionalities.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) has published a position statement on managing menopausal women with a personal or family history of venous thromboembolism. The statement recommends transdermal estrogen as a first-choice option for overweight/obese women requiring hormone therapy, while micronized progesterone and ...
Researchers have uncovered patterns of ancient croplands in Hawaii, providing clues to individual household farming decisions. The findings suggest that these decisions were later adopted by the ruling class, leading to a more complex agricultural system. This study offers insights into the structure of Hawaiian society during this tim...
A €3.5M European Commission-funded project is working to understand the causes of pollinator declines and develop ways to manage landscapes for wild bee conservation. The STEP project aims to safeguard pollinators providing essential services to crops and wildflowers.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends a single, co-ordinated European system to oversee the evaluation and approval of medical devices. The current system has been criticized for its lack of rigor in testing standards, unlike the US where trials must show clinical impact.
A study of 122 Spanish university students found a clear association between binge drinking and poorer verbal declarative memory, even after controlling for other confounding variables. The research suggests that heavy episodic drinking may affect the brain's hippocampus, leading to impaired learning and memory abilities.
The ELIAS project has developed common agreed test methods and quantitative ageing models for semiconductor devices, improving product reliability and reducing failures. The project's simulation-based methodologies have also enabled the rapid introduction of new smart-power technologies with proven reliability.
The report highlights the importance of involving GPs in clinical trials and making research findings more accessible to patients. It also emphasizes the need for greater international collaboration and evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to speed up the translation of research into clinical practice.
The EU Future Emerging Technology flagship pilot aims to bring together a large European research community to develop graphene science and technology. The coordination action will pave the way for a 10-year, €1 billion research program.
The European Commission has allocated an additional 30 million euros to COST, increasing the total budget to 240 million euros for the second half of the EU Seventh Framework Programme. This funding boost is a recognition of COST's governance and potential to drive excellence and innovation in Europe.
Ancient cave systems near Allgäu Mountains preserved oldest radiometrically dated dripstones from European Alps. The study quantifies erosion and uplift rates for northern rim of Alps over 2 million years, with significant altitudinal changes attributed to glacial erosion.
The European Peer Review Guide identifies five pillars for supporting good practices of peer review, including core principles, quality assurance, process integrity, governance structure, and methodology. The guide aims to minimize variability in peer review outcomes and foster harmonization in international peer review.
Researchers suggest Agulhas Current compensates for North Atlantic salinity decrease, stabilizing Gulf Stream and European climate. Computational models simulate ocean dynamics and signal transmission.
A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Iceland developed a protocol for rapidly providing air traffic authorities with data on volcanic ash risks. The new method can provide safety assessment information in under 24 hours, reducing the difficulty faced by aviation authorities during eruptions.
The ESHRE Guide aims to ensure equitable and safe assisted reproduction treatment for local and foreign patients. Key principles include patient-centeredness, timeliness, and effectiveness, with recommendations on translator costs, donor compensation, and recruitment criteria.
Bertil Fredholm is awarded the 2011 ECNP Neuropsychopharmacology Award for his groundbreaking research on adenosine and its receptors. His work has significantly advanced understanding of CNS mechanisms and provided new targets for drug development across brain disorders.
A team of neuroscientists has discovered a critical 'chemical pathway' in the brain that triggers our response to stress. The study found that increasing production of a protein called neuropsin in the amygdala leads to increased activity and vulnerability to stress.
A European study finds that over 60% of key wildlife sites receive excessive aerial nitrogen pollution, threatening biodiversity. Concerted action is needed to address the issue and link conservation, air pollution, and agricultural policies.
A study reveals growing disparities in stroke death rates between European countries, with some nations experiencing a significant increase in mortality rates. The research suggests that controlling high blood pressure is crucial to addressing this public health issue.
A report by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics finds current biofuels policies to be unethical due to their impact on the environment and human rights. The council recommends a certification scheme to ensure environmentally sustainable and 'human rights friendly' biofuels.
The ESNA project developed a flexible framework for business-oriented wireless-sensor network applications, enabling precision agriculture, energy monitoring, and industrial process control. The project's strong European lead in wireless sensor networks is being leveraged by commercial actors and spin-offs targeting various industries.
A major new study reveals that nitrogen pollution is costing Europe around £60-£280 billion annually, more than double the income gained from using nitrogen fertilizers. The report also identifies key threats, including toxic algal blooms, air pollution, and loss of plant diversity.
A study found that early menstruation (before age 10) increases the risk of lung complaints in adulthood, with southern European women being most affected. Women who started their periods earlier also tend to have lower lung capacity and higher body fat.
A massive pool of icy meltwater in the Arctic Ocean is growing, with potential to flood quickly into the Atlantic with unpredictable effects. The situation echoes concerns about future ocean circulation changes that could impact Europe's marine environment and climate.
A study by Bank of Spain's Research Department finds that Spanish inflation is more heavily affected by oil price changes, with changes in crude prices accounting for over 50% of variability. The study attributes this to lower indirect taxation in Spain.
Two new studies provide encouraging results on liver transplant donation after cardiac death, showing positive outcomes and viable options for expanding the pool of available organs. The findings suggest that organ allocation policies should be considered on a like-for-like basis to optimize outcomes for patients.
New modeling studies support EU policy efforts to address HCV-related morbidity and mortality. With ambitious policies, HCV-related mortality could decrease by up to 12% over nine years, corresponding to a relative impact of 117% compared to current practice.
A research study has found the first green frog fossil in Murcia, confirming the presence of the green toad in south eastern Spain at the end of the Early Pleistocene. The discovery provides key osteological clues and sheds light on the reasons behind its local extinction.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast warn that the Irish hare faces a serious threat from the invading European 'brown' hare. The study suggests that disease, parasite transmission, and climate change may give the invasive species an edge over native species.
A collaborative €12 million project, AvecNet, aims to secure the effectiveness of existing malaria control methods by developing and evaluating new insecticides and techniques. The project seeks to overcome insecticide resistance and increase knowledge about mosquito biology and behavior.
The EURISGIC project aims to estimate geomagnetically induced current (GIC) risk using European archives and develop a prototype service for GIC forecasts. The project, involving 6 countries, will provide real-time solar wind measurements to improve power grid resilience.
A recent study published in Osteoporosis International found substantial initial quality of life loss following osteoporotic fractures, particularly for hip and vertebral fractures. The study, part of the ICUROS international patient-based study, identified significant variations in quality of life loss between countries.
A new study reveals that hip fractures and vertebral fractures are major contributors to the economic cost, with Germany bearing the highest costs. The study estimates that prevention through early risk assessment is key to reducing these costs.
A Europe-wide survey of over 9,000 people across seven countries found that 71% prioritize improving quality of life in their final time, while 4% aim to prolong life and 25% value both equally. The study calls for a shift towards prioritizing patients' needs alongside potentially life-prolonging treatments.
John A. Kanis, a leading expert in bone and mineral diseases, has made significant scientific contributions to the study of osteoporosis. He is currently President of the International Osteoporosis Foundation and WHO Advisor on Osteoporosis.
A €3 million research project aims to deliver better ways to ensure the quality and safety of animal feeds in Europe. The QSAFFE project, led by Queen's Centre for Assured, Safe and Traceable Food (ASSET), involves 11 partners from six countries and will work on developing new technology to detect contamination quickly and at low cost.