Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has faced criticism for refusing to release documentation on severe adverse reactions, despite a complaint from a father who lost his son to a drug. The EMA's handling of licensing decisions and transparency is being questioned, with some experts calling for more openness.
A study reveals the European Common Fisheries Policy has promoted unsustainable fishing practices, including the expansion of fleets into vulnerable ecosystems. To reverse this trend, experts propose new regulations, such as creating marine reserves and adopting more sustainable fishing methods to protect marine biodiversity.
Archaeologists Alice V. M. Samson and Bridget M. Waller argue that the bared-teeth motif, commonly linked to death and aggression, actually represents social affiliation and benign intent in pre-Columbian Caribbean cultures.
The Hebrew University project will map location, document builders and purposes, and compare common elements of Jerusalem-inspired sites across Europe. The study aims to strengthen Jerusalem's image in Europe and enhance Israel's ties with the continent.
Jason W. Chin receives the EMBO Gold Medal for his groundbreaking work on reprogramming the genetic code, allowing molecular biologists to control and elucidate protein functions with unprecedented precision. His research enables the creation of designer amino acids, opening doors to new applications in protein therapeutics and materials.
The European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) consolidates three major sequence resources, providing free access to over 20 terabases of nucleotide sequence data. The ENA offers improved submission and data-access tools, making it easier for users to share their sequence data.
Research from the ICUROS study reveals that hospitalized vertebral fracture patients have a more substantial decrease in quality of life. This is attributed to co-morbidities and higher severity of fractures among hospitalized individuals.
Researchers from Europe gathered at the European Geosciences Union conference to share experiences and observations about the Icelandic volcanic eruption's ash cloud. The event aimed to compare model predictions with actual cloud movements, potentially leading to a new network for scientists.
Professor Pierre Jean Meunier received the prestigious Pierre Delmas Prize at the World Congress on Osteoporosis 2010 for his major scientific contributions to the study of bone and mineral diseases. The award honors his influential work in osteoporosis research, mentorship, and education.
Researchers found that bioprocessing wheat bran using enzymes and fermentation increased bioavailability of phenolic compounds, making it a better ingredient for nutritionally boosted cereal foods. The study aimed to improve sensory properties and increase European grain fibre intake.
A European consumer study found that people in Finland rated whole grain products higher in healthiness and naturalness compared to other countries. Additionally, health claims had a positive impact on consumers' likelihood of buying cereal products in most European countries, except Italy.
The HEALTHGRAIN Forum aims to promote science-based concepts for healthy cereal production, aiming to reduce healthcare costs and provide added value for companies. The new platform will facilitate knowledge sharing between academia, industry, and public bodies.
The European HEALTHGRAIN consortium established a unified definition of whole grain, considering its industrial practices and nutritional benefits. The new definition includes intact kernels with inedible parts removed, while allowing temporary separation during processing.
The Polygala balansae, a thorny bush up to 1.5m high, has only one population in Spain, found on 1,920m2 Mediterranean scrubland. It is threatened by habitat fragmentation, human settlement, and biological problems due to low reproductive individuals.
A Spanish study led by researchers shows that regular physical activity during adolescence can reduce the impact of a mutated FTO gene on weight and body fat. The study suggests that even modest amounts of exercise, such as one hour per day, can counteract genetic predispositions to obesity.
Research found that short sleep (less than 6 hours) increases mortality risk by 12%, while long sleep (over 9 hours) can be a marker of serious illness. The study of over 1.3 million participants suggests that consistent sleep duration is an additional behavioral risk factor.
The GEO-PICTURES project combines state-of-the-art satellite communication, navigation, and earth observation to provide accurate optical field observations and tagged position, transferred via satellite-optimized protocols. The platform will be developed in Oslo with several partners and hosted on the CERN campus in Geneva.
The Global Alliance of Technological Universities (GlobalTech) addresses pressing global issues like biomedicine, sustainability, and energy security through collaborative research. Members have proposed multilateral student exchange programs and workshops on key topics to foster innovation and solve the 'Grand Challenges'.
A new study found that Hispanic/Latino individuals have varying genetic makeups due to the influence of multiple ancestral populations. The research discovered a significant sex bias consistent with the disproportionate contribution of European male and Native American female ancestry.
The European Society for Medical Oncology has approved a personalized treatment for lung cancer, based on tumor characteristics. This approach promises to improve patient outcomes and reduce toxicity compared to traditional treatments.
Invasive mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki will expand northward due to climate change, affecting native species and ecosystems. The study found temperature affects the abundance and reproductive cycle of the species.
A study examining global hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) rates found significant differences in transplant use between countries and regions. HSCT is most frequently used in countries with higher gross national incomes and governmental healthcare expenditures.
Scientists used DNA barcoding to identify 25% of 'cod' and 'haddock' samples as genetically different species, highlighting a need for transparency in the seafood industry. The study found that smoked fish samples were incorrectly labeled at an 82.4% rate, with some species masquerading as cod or haddock.
The European Association of Urology does not recommend mass screening for prostate cancer in Europe, citing the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Men should be properly informed by their physician about the pros and cons of screening, such as a PSA test.
Two studies presented at the International Liver Congress 2010 found that extracorporeal liver support therapy may not improve overall survival, but shows positive effects on dialysis and severe hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. A significant survival benefit was observed in patient subgroups with hepatorenal syndrome ...
Researchers found that between 93 and 100% of treatment-naïve G1 HCV patients achieved a sustained virologic response after 24 weeks of treatment if they had a fast antiviral response to Telaprevir and Peginterferon. The study showed that a twice daily dose of Telaprevir was as effective as three times a day.
Several urological experts were awarded prestigious medals and prizes for their groundbreaking work, including Prof. Frans Debruyne and Prof. James Catto. The awards recognized their efforts to advance urology through innovative technologies and research.
A German study found that high dose UDCA was not superior to placebo in treating NASH, but showed promise in a subgroup of mildly overweight male patients. This result is significant as the incidence of NASH is increasing with rising obesity levels.
The MODIS Rapid Response System provided near real-time satellite images of the Earth's landmasses, capturing a visible image of Eyjafjallajökull's ash plume over England and the Netherlands. Air travel has been grounded or diverted due to volcanic ash particles posing a risk to airplane engines.
Researchers validate short version of WHO-DAS II as reliable and valid tool to assess disability in patients with depression. The new scale is more suitable for primary care due to its speed and accuracy.
The study found a strong association between the Human Development Index and rates of stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia patients. Countries with higher HDI scores had significantly better outcomes, including reduced risk of relapse and improved leukemia-free survival.
A new report suggests that low solar activity is associated with colder UK winters due to changes in jet stream patterns. The researchers found correlations between weak solar activity and 'blocking' events, leading to north-easterly winds from the Arctic.
Researchers found that dark chocolate reduced damage to blood vessels in cirrhotic patients and lowered blood pressure. In contrast, white chocolate had no beneficial effects on portal hypertension.
Researchers have developed a new, certifiably random number generator using fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. This method ensures private randomness, crucial for secure data encryption and communication, making it difficult to predict the sequence of numbers.
Research papers published in Geophysical Research Letters reveal changing precipitation patterns in Europe, increased gully activity on Mars indicating liquid water, and thick water ice observed in lunar craters near the Moon's north pole. These findings suggest potential impacts on flooding and climate change.
A new Europe-wide strategy for preventing type 2 diabetes has been developed, recommending lifestyle changes such as weight loss and increased physical activity to prevent the disease. The guidelines aim to halve the incidence of type 2 diabetes by implementing evidence-based prevention programs across European countries.
Researchers found that most H5N1 outbreaks occurred at sites with temperatures between 0°C and 2°C, where wild waterbirds congregated along freezing fronts. This congregation created ideal conditions for the transmission of the virus within and between species.
A joint initiative of six European research institutes aims to develop a worldwide database called RoboEarth, where robots can share their experiences and adapt to new surroundings. This will enable robots to perform tasks more quickly and efficiently in healthcare and industry settings.
A new study of 43,596 Danish individuals found no statistically significant link between specific genetic variants and an increased risk of Crohn's disease. The study suggests that the effect of these genetic variants on disease risk is likely to be low, challenging personalized medicine approaches.
A CU-Boulder team has made history by smashing subatomic particles together at unprecedented energies, with a combined collision energy of 7 trillion electron volts. The experiment is aimed at uncovering secrets about dark matter, dark energy, gravity, and the fundamental laws of physics.
The European Union-funded Infrafrontier project has expanded its network of partners to include six new countries: Canada, Czech Republic, Austria, France, Italy, and the Czech Republic. This international collaboration aims to create an open-access research infrastructure for high-quality mouse models in biomedical research.
Scientists from Queen's University Belfast have successfully boosted the endangered freshwater mussel population through a 12-year cultivation project, releasing over 300 mussels into the wild. The conservation team can track the mussels using Passive Integrated Transponders, allowing for relocation and monitoring of the animals.
A multinational study found that cystic fibrosis patients from EU countries live longer than those in neighboring non-EU countries. The data suggest a higher proportion of patients surviving to age 40 and a larger CF population if demographic profiles were comparable to EU countries.
Astronomers have discovered a temperate exoplanet, Corot-9b, with a mass about 80% that of Jupiter and an orbit similar to Mercury's. The planet is thought to have a temperature range of -20°C to 160°C, making it a significant finding in the study of exoplanets.
Research from Queen's University Belfast reveals that Ireland's ethnic minorities want more autonomy to express their cultures in future events. The study highlights the differences in experiences between those born in Ireland and new ethnic minority communities.
This book brings together scholars to explore the intellectual and legal traditions of Shari'a, examining how it is expressed in a European context. Key findings include the intersection of Shari'a and secular laws, as well as the diverse interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence.
A study of 25,250 patients in Germany found that only half received correct cholesterol targets, with women being more likely to be incorrectly targeted. The researchers estimate that following guidelines could prevent 50-80 fewer heart attacks and deaths per 1000 patients over 10 years
People in seven European countries show positive attitudes toward NoMix toilets, which separate urine from feces to reduce pollution and conserve resources. The innovative technology is well-accepted, with 80% of users expressing support and many willing to use it at work or home.
A new study by Carnegie Institution scientists reveals that many developed countries outsource their carbon emissions to developing countries, with some emitting up to four times more CO2 per person than they consume. The research highlights the need for global climate policy to account for emissions embodied in trade.
Researchers at the ESMO Conference on Sarcoma and GIST discuss exciting new science on rare tumors found in muscle, blood vessels, deep skin tissues, nerves, and joints. Novel treatments are emerging for a large number of sarcoma types, targeting initial molecular alterations driving these tumors.
A Spanish company, Isidro De La Cal-Fresco, has developed a breeding method for the blackspot seabream using EUREKA funding. They have created a commercial diet, Besugo Power, which helps fish grow quicker and healthier, making it possible to produce the fish at a competitive price.
Researchers at the University of Leicester are investigating the ancestry of saffron-producing crocus flowers to improve crop sustainability and quality. By analyzing genetic diversity, they aim to recreate rare varieties using wild plant crosses.
The €3.5M grant will support a four-year project to enhance water and wastewater treatment plant performance, leading to improved surface and ground water quality. Researchers from seven institutions in the UK, Ireland, and Germany will collaborate on this Marie Curie ITN.
A study of 187 top sports arenas in Europe found that many do not have automated external defibrillators or medical action plans in place. The European Society of Cardiology calls for urgent action to improve safety for spectators and players, citing a lack of attention to safety procedures as the main issue.
Researchers found that changes in traditional foods can damage their perceived quality and image. The study analyzed consumer perceptions of 'traditional' and 'innovation' across six European countries.
The European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics will be published by Springer starting in 2010, covering aspects of drug delivery and bioavailability. The journal focuses on pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, and drug development, publishing original articles and conference proceedings.
Visual Analytics enables users to evaluate data more accurately by highlighting patterns and connections that may be overlooked, ultimately leading to reliable decision-making. The technology has significant potential for the financial market, allowing trends and risks to be identified quickly.
A new report suggests that a comprehensive assessment one week after hospital discharge can identify heart failure patients at highest risk for adverse outcomes. This evaluation includes patient history, review of medications, physical examination, laboratory data, and health status assessments.
A nationwide Swedish study found no increased risk of suicide among men diagnosed with early nonpalpable prostate cancer detected by PSA testing. However, those with locally advanced or metastatic disease faced a twice-higher suicide rate compared to the general male population.
A radical change in coordinated network planning and operation is needed for a reliable European grid, highlighting the importance of integrated strategic planning and cross-border coordination. The integration of renewable power sources poses significant challenges, requiring smarter grids to accommodate variable generation.