Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found that one in five children in Sweden is overweight, with urban areas experiencing lower rates of obesity compared to smaller towns and rural areas. The study also highlights the link between low levels of education and overweight children.
Gyorgy Buzsaki and two Hungarian scientists receive the Brain Prize for their work on neuronal circuits in the cerebral cortex. Their research has contributed to a better understanding of clinical conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, anxiety, and dementia.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases article explores possible explanations for NDM-1 cases in Balkan countries. Authors suggest two hypotheses: independent emergence or import from the Indian subcontinent via medical tourism.
The European Space Agency has approved a £400 million mission to study extra-solar planets, led by UCL, to look for signs of life in nearby star systems. The Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory (EChO) will use a 1.2 meter telescope to analyze the atmospheres of habitable planets and search for biomarkers.
The Global Human Settlements Layer (GHSL) uses advanced algorithms to automatically analyze medium resolution satellite data, providing fast and precise mapping of built-up areas worldwide. This enables regular monitoring of human settlement changes and improved damage analysis in disaster-stricken areas.
The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has created a European nuclear security training centre to train first responders at the EU level. The centre offers a balanced approach between theoretical lectures and hands-on sessions, covering topics such as nuclear forensics and radiological crime scene management. International col...
Karolinska Institutet, a leading medical university in Sweden, has attracted top American researcher Juleen Zierath with its high-quality research environment and competitive ERC grant. She focuses on improving diabetes health through clinical research.
Carol V. Robinson has pioneered the use of electrospray mass spectrometry for structural studies of large protein assemblies. Her research has opened up a new area of mass spectrometry and inspired future generations of women in science.
Researchers found that inhaling red mud disaster dust is unlikely to cause serious health problems, but may lead to irritation and coughing. The study suggests that the large size of the particles makes them less likely to be inhaled deeply into the lungs.
Research by the Autonomous University of Barcelona reveals that young Spanish people are taking longer to transition into adult life. The study found that the average age at which young people gained full independence rose from 22-24 in 1981 to 28-30 in 2001, a six-year delay.
Studies reveal marine ferromanganese crusts as potential mineral resources, while CO2 emissions from volcanic lakes are also highlighted. Additionally, progressive uplift of the north Tibetan Plateau is confirmed since the middle Miocene, with implications for geological processes and catastrophic events.
Despite significant improvements in childhood cancer survival rates, research funding is inadequate and collaboration among countries is limited. The report calls for increased EU funding to support a Europe-wide clinical trials network and the creation of a European Childhood Cancer Epidemiological Registry.
Baden-Wuerttemberg invested 4.4% of its GDP in research and development, earning it the title of Europe's most innovative region. The state will present its success stories and future potentials on energy efficiency at the meeting.
Researchers have proposed a new model to explain how the Neolithic front slowed down as it moved towards northern Europe. The study suggests that the farmers' dispersal and reproduction were limited by the high density of hunter-gatherers in the region.
Researchers have created a new framework for analyzing key genetic variations that were previously overlooked. The study analyzed the genomes of 185 individuals and identified 22,025 deletions and 6,000 other structural variants.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society publishes two important position statements covering common management problems in post-reproductive health, including hormone therapy options for Cardiovascular disease and Osteoporosis. The statements provide summary recommendations for clinicians to manage menopause-related symptoms.
The Open Research Area Scheme in Europe has successfully funded joint projects addressing key social and economic issues like climate change, child welfare, and market uncertainty. Researchers will study public attitudes to climate change, critically review children's policies, and develop new forecasting methods for economic processes.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast are developing discrete self-aligning flat antennas for satellite broadband and TV, promising to reduce power consumption and weight. The project aims to create a completely self-contained solid-state self-steering antenna that can operate in various frequency ranges.
The European Diabetes Research Network, funded by the EU, will investigate the possible role of virus infection in causing type 1 diabetes. The network aims to develop a vaccine to prevent diabetes in children and improve diagnosis and patient care.
Stefan Jentsch receives prize for discovery of ubiquitin's role in genome maintenance and DNA repair, while Edvard and May-Britt Moser win for grid cells discovery that enables spatial navigation and memory.
A study by Spanish researchers found that long-term unemployment has a negative impact on future salaries in Europe, particularly in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. The study analyzed employment mobility and relative losses to salary over seven consecutive years and found that these countries had the most significant effects.
The EurocanPlatform project aims to find more effective ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. By combining resources and expertise, researchers hope to identify patients at risk for cancer and adapt therapies to individual circumstances.
A recent study suggests that European seasonal temperatures have been affected by volcanic eruptions, solar activity, and greenhouse gas emissions since the 17th century. The research team used climate models and historical data to reconstruct past climate scenarios, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of climate change.
A team of European researchers has generated a comprehensive digital gene expression atlas for the developing mouse embryo, revealing tissue-specific and overlapping gene networks. The atlas includes data for over 15,000 genes in hundreds of anatomical structures and provides insight into developmental processes.
A European study found that consuming at least eight portions of fruit and vegetables daily reduces the risk of death from ischaemic heart disease by 22% compared to those who consume fewer than three portions. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 participants in eight European countries.
Research reveals that smoking is behind 40-60% of the gender gap in mortality across Europe. The study found that deaths related to smoking and respiratory diseases were significantly higher for men than women.
A recent study found that taking regular breaks while sitting can lower waist circumference and decrease inflammation. The research analyzed data from over 4,700 people and discovered that those who took more breaks had smaller waists and improved cardio-metabolic function.
A European study funded by the ECDC and coordinated by EpiConcept found that one dose of the pandemic flu vaccine provided good protection against H1N1 influenza, particularly in people under 65 and those without chronic conditions. The authors suggest that future studies should focus on the new trivalent vaccine for the 2010-11 season.
The study aims to assess how hip replacement affects older adults' ability to work, thereby easing financial pressure on pension systems. The research will examine data from various studies to compare patients who received a hip replacement with those who didn't.
Research confirms the genetic relationship between Hungarian and Turkish apricot cultivars, providing valuable data for breeders and growers. The study reveals that Turkish germplasm contributed to the development of desirable Hungarian apricot cultivars, with a connection dating back 300 years.
Scientists from Technical University of Munich are investigating how robots can help workers pack large TV sets, reducing costs and improving competitiveness. The CustomPacker project aims to create a safer and more efficient packaging station through human-robot cooperation.
Marine biotechnology has the potential to address critical future challenges such as sustainable food and energy, new drugs and health treatments, and industrial materials. The European Science Foundation predicts that with the right actions taken now, Europe could become a global leader in marine biotech by 2020.
A new study finds that even small changes in troponin levels can forecast worsening outcomes in heart failure patients, with accuracy comparable to traditional risk-factor prediction models. The introduction of highly sensitive troponin assays has improved detection and allowed for the identification of high-risk subgroups.
A European research team has developed a form of therapy to treat Alpha-mannosidosis, a rare childhood disease causing mental retardation and hearing loss. The therapy, called Lamazym, aims to replace the missing enzyme in cells, increasing life expectancy and quality of life.
The MEDEA+ Trusted Secure Computing project has developed a family of components and software to efficiently secure computers, communications, and multimedia devices. These innovations include integrity management, user identification/authentication, and privacy management.
The European Science Foundation forecasts the need for powerful new accelerator facilities to tackle fundamental questions in nuclear physics, focusing on energy, health, and environmental problems. This will enhance skills in advanced techniques transferred to industries, ensuring access to expertise in low-carbon energy, medical diag...
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) welcomes the EU Council's Conclusions on chronic diseases, which call for coordinated measures to address these conditions. EULAR highlights the importance of innovative approaches, patient-centred policies, and integrated healthcare systems to manage musculoskeletal diseases.
Polar research is fragmented in Europe, requiring mainstreaming into the European Research Area to address global scientific questions and climate change impacts. The European Polar Board urges a broad strategy for investment in research activities for long-term European benefit.
The European Society of Cardiology stresses that lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking are major contributors to heart disease. The summit advocates for a harmonized strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease through policies supporting healthy lifestyles.
A French study found that men's smoking rates have decreased by 15% since the mid-1980s, resulting in a predicted decline of 10-15% in coronary heart disease deaths. In contrast, women's smoking rates have increased, leading to a predicted rise of up to 4.9% in heart disease mortality rates.
Six scientists from Croatia, Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey will receive the 2010 EMBO Installation Grants for 3 years. They will be integrated into the prestigious EMBO Young Investigator programme with networking opportunities and career development programmes.
The EUREKA ITEA 2 project developed advanced technologies to exploit multicore architectures, enabling substantial performance improvements for high-performance computing. The ParMA technology has established new goals in modelling and simulation, accelerating research in various domains.
The MOD-E-GAP project aims to develop next-generation internet infrastructure with increased bandwidth of 100 times current capacity. Led by the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre, the project brings together leading industrial and academic organisations across Europe.
John Boerstler, a University of Houston MPA graduate student, has been awarded the Marshall Memorial Fellowship to develop knowledge of transatlantic institutions and issues. He will participate in a 24-day program in Europe, learning from local counterparts and expanding his ability to interact with experts in transatlantic relations.
The Euro-BioImaging project will develop a comprehensive plan to construct and operate a set of complementary imaging infrastructure facilities across Europe. This will enable scientists to access state-of-the-art imaging technologies, receive training, and facilitate the translation of basic results to medical applications.
A study of 88 Parkinson's outpatients found that 72% experienced fatigue or excessive daytime sleepiness, with 60% of fatigued patients also experiencing EDS. Fatigue was more common in those without EDS, while EDS worsened with dopamine agonist treatment.
The European Science Foundation recommends creating a CERN-like Institute for Mathematics to bridge the gap between math research and industry, promoting collaboration and innovation. This would enable small and medium enterprises to access expertise and funds, driving economic growth and job creation.
A 13-year study reveals that natural reforestation in the Pyrenees is benefiting the endangered Cypripedium calceolus orchid by enabling its recovery and stabilization. The research highlights the positive impact of landscape changes on forest species at the edge of their range.
A large Scottish study has found tricyclic antidepressants increase CVD risk by 35%, while SSRIs show no association. Lifestyle changes can offset medication risks.
Declining sperm counts and testosterone levels are contributing to reduced fertility rates worldwide. At least one in five young men in Europe have subfertile semen quality, while testicular cancer and developmental abnormalities also rise. Poor sperm quality is linked to poorer IVF success rates.