New endemic beetles discovered in Iberian Peninsula
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.
Europe
Articles tagged with Europe
DTC genetic tests neither accurate in their predictions nor beneficial to individuals
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.
The use of placebo in rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials may negatively impact patients
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.
Modern EU agriculture jeopardizes biodiversity in new member states
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.
Patients with RA receive less protection from pandemic influenza with H1N1 vaccine
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.
UK survey shows differences between clinicians treating rheumatology in pregnancy
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.
US study shows that tofacitinib is an efficacious treatment for active RA
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
An 820,000 euro project to make Austrian and Hungarian poultry industries more competitive
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.
Clinical trials for new Alzheimer's disease treatment to be awarded European Commission €6m funding
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.
Sardines and horse mackerel identified using forensic techniques
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.
Population genetics reveals shared ancestries
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%.
Hospital Clínic heads the ALICE RAP project to redefine the concept of addiction in EU
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 levels low in African-Americans with multiple sclerosis
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 intensifies its cooperation with renowned experimental physicist Stuart Parkin
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.
Exploring the market for 3-D nanopatterning techniques
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.
EMAS publishes position statement about the post-reproductive health of women
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 ...
Patterns of ancient croplands give insight into early Hawaiian society, research shows
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...
Major European project taking steps to protect pollinators
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.
ESC Policy Conference makes recommendations for new EU medical device legislation
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.
Binge drinkers have a decreased ability to learn new verbal information
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.
Driving changes in automotive safety
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.
Putting research into practice to improve health care decisions
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.
GRAPHENE-CA appointed an EU Future Emerging Technology flagship pilot
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.
COST to receive additional $45 million from European Commission
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.
Caves and their dripstones tell us about the uplift of mountains
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.
Spending wisely: ESF publishes first international peer review guide for funding research
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.
Water currents of South Africa could stabilize climate in Europe
Researchers suggest Agulhas Current compensates for North Atlantic salinity decrease, stabilizing Gulf Stream and European climate. Computational models simulate ocean dynamics and signal transmission.
Novel ash analysis validates volcano no-fly zones
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.
ESHRE sets standards for cross-border reproductive care
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 wins the 2011 ECNP Neuropsychopharmacology Award in basic science research
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.
Neuroscientists discover new 'chemical pathway' in the brain for stress
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.
Europe's wildlife under threat from nitrogen
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.
Study reveals increased inequality in stroke deaths across Europe and central Asia
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.
Current biofuels policies are unethical, says report
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.
Low-cost wireless sensor networks open new horizons for the Internet of things
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.
Excessive nitrogen harms the economy and environment -- first Europe-wide assessment published
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.
Starting periods before the age of 10 increases risk of lung complaints in future
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.
Icy meltwater pooling in Arctic Ocean: A wild card in climate change scenarios
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.
Oil prices affect inflation in Spain more than in the euro zone
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.
New studies provide beneficial insights expanding the pool of liver grafts and transplants
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.
Importance of policy action to help reduce HCV-related deaths across Europe by 2025
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.
Green toad inhabited Iberian Peninsula 1 million years ago
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.
Queen's University issues stark warning for the Irish hare
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.
€12 million ($16.9 million) project to develop new tools for malaria control
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.
A new project to study the impact of space weather storms on European power transmission networks
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.
ICUROS study finds international variations in quality of life loss after fracture
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.
New study quantifies total costs of fragility fractures in 6 major European 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.
Europe-wide survey reveals priorities for end-of-life care
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.
ESCEO-IOF Servier Pierre D. Delmas Prize awarded to John. A. Kanis
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.
Queen's University leads €3 million food safety project
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.
Rapid etching X-rayed
Researchers at Kiel University developed a method to track atomic-scale changes during etching and coating, revealing uniform metal removal. The technique enabled detection of reactions within milliseconds, providing insights into industrially employed processes.
European coastal pollution is harmful to seals
A European study found harbour seals in the Elbe estuary have high levels of contamination from industrial activities, dredging, and shipping. This highlights the impact of coastal pollution on marine life.
European guidelines for HIV tropism testing
The European Consensus Group has developed guidelines for HIV tropism testing, which is required before starting maraviroc treatment. The guidelines recommend phenotypic enhanced sensitivity Trofile assay or V3 loop genotypic sequencing for drug-naive patients with toxic side-effects or poor tolerability.
Werner Mueller wins prestigious award from the European Research Council
Dr. Werner Mueller, a Springer editor and professor at Mainz University, has won the European Research Council's ERC Advanced Grant for his work on biosilicate research. His goal is to develop biological supporting structures made of biosilicates that can produce bone tissue in humans.
Life expectancy rising in UK and Europe despite obesity epidemic
Life expectancy is increasing in the UK and Europe, driven by declines in cardiovascular disease deaths. However, the East-West gap remains entrenched, and many questions about the drivers of these trends remain unanswered.
Why Henry Higgins could tell his barrow girl from his fair lady
Research suggests that expert phoneticians' brains have distinct structures and connectivity patterns, correlating with training and innate abilities. The study found that areas responsible for processing speech sounds are shaped before birth, which may influence career choices.
Neanderthals were nifty at controlling fire, says CU-Boulder-led study
A new study reveals that Neanderthals consistently used fire for approximately 400,000 years in Europe, contrary to previous assumptions about their abilities. The findings, based on scores of ancient archaeological sites, show evidence of sustained fire control through the presence of charcoal, heated stone artifacts, and burned bones.
Around 40 percent of hake is mislabeled
A study in Spain and Greece found that over 30% of hake products sold in these countries were mislabelled, with African fish often labelled as European or American. The error benefits middlemen, not African fishermen.
TUM researchers recommend new EU standards for machine strength grading of timber
The TUM team graded over 6,000 timber specimens from ten European countries to determine the influence of origin on strength. They found that some parameters influencing timber properties have yet to be established, but propose classifying timber into three regions based on similar properties.
International Women's Day provides a 'red alert' for women's hearts
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that women are underutilized of guideline-recommended treatments for heart disease compared to men. The disparity is attributed to various factors including age, congestive heart failure, and physician decision-making.