Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
In Europe, strategic cooperation on geological disposal of nuclear waste is crucial for its safe implementation. The IGD-TP platform facilitates stakeholder collaboration to resolve scientific, technological and social challenges.
The European Commission Joint Research Centre is developing high-sensitivity particle analysis to detect nuclear materials in aerosol particles. The new laboratory will increase detection speed and sensitivity by a factor of ten, improving safeguards particle analysis.
awiloc software uses received signal strength data from WLAN transmitters to calculate position without data communications. This technology is integrated into various platforms, including Windows Mobile and Android, with support for iPhone expected by summer.
Ingrid Grummt, a renowned geneticist, has been awarded the 2010 FEBS/EMBO Women in Science Award for her groundbreaking work on transcriptional regulation. The award recognizes not only her scientific achievements but also her commitment to mentoring and inspiring future generations of women in science.
A study of elite cross-country skiers reveals a high prevalence of atrial fibrillation, with rates significantly higher than in the general population. The study identified two key risk factors: slow heart rate at rest and large left atrium size, suggesting that genetic factors may play a role.
One-third of analyzed milk samples exceed EU microbe contamination limits, according to a study by researchers from the University of Valencia. The experts advise against keeping milk in jugs and recommend better cleaning practices for utensils.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that reducing daily salt intake can prevent up to 120,000 fewer cases of heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks. The European Society of Cardiology calls for EU-wide legislation to restrict salt content in processed foods.
New evidence constrains the age of last Neanderthals in southern and western Iberia to 37,000 years ago. This finding counters previous speculations and has significant implications for understanding archaic features found in fossils.
Researchers tracked a virulent strain of MRSA using genome sequencing, shedding light on its spread between South America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The study reveals the bacteria's evolutionary history and patient-to-patient transmission within a single hospital.
Researchers have identified a new form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy caused by recessive ANO5 mutations, which lead to abnormal membrane repair of muscle fibers. This discovery may lead to better treatments for all muscular dystrophies where such abnormalities play a role.
Women with severe obesity may receive assisted reproduction treatment if they can achieve significant weight loss. Smoking is also a concern, as it reduces fertility and increases the risk of miscarriage. The ESHRE Task Force on Ethics and Law suggests balancing patient autonomy with societal responsibilities and future child safety.
A study led by the University of Leicester found that most men in Europe have Y chromosomes tracing back to ancient Near Eastern farmers. This suggests a significant reproductive advantage for farming males over indigenous hunter-gatherer males during this period.
Thierry Coquand, a professor at the University of Gothenburg, has received an ERC Advanced Grant of 1.9 million euros for his research on foundation of mathematics. His work builds upon the concepts developed by Bertrand Russell and Alan Turing over a century ago.
Researchers found that pathological gamblers with Parkinson's Disease exhibited poor decision-making and abnormal social behavior. They performed poorly in the Iowa Gambling Task and showed difficulties in forming close relationships.
Zachary Mainen, coordinator of the Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, receives €2.3M ERC grant to study serotonin's function in the brain and its impact on behaviours such as eating and sleeping. The grant aims to develop novel tools for making definitive tests of serotonin function.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that cocaine use is a growing public health problem in Europe, with 3.1% of sudden deaths related to the drug. The study revealed that even small amounts of cocaine can be toxic due to individual variations in body mass index, age, and other factors.
Spanish scientists have identified three new species of lichens in the Iberian Peninsula, including one previously unknown to science. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting areas with stable ecological conditions, which may serve as indicators of climate change.
Researchers found pigment-stained and perforated marine shells at two Neanderthal sites in Spain, suggesting symbolic thinking and modern behavior. The discovery of red and yellow pigments and cosmetic materials pushes back the debate on Neanderthal cognition.
A new study reveals that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) occurs in distinct geographical clusters across Europe, indicating diffusion through patients moving between hospitals. This suggests that MRSA is mainly spread by patients who are repeatedly admitted to different hospitals.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that British American Tobacco strategically influenced the European Union's framework for evaluating policy options, leading to a system that prioritizes business interests over public health. The study analyzed internal BAT documents and interviewed policymakers to reveal the extent of toba...
A new study led by researchers from the University of Granada reveals that climbing time to exhaustion is the sole determinant of high-level sport climber performance. The study analyzed physiological parameters and found no significant differences between expert and elite climbers except in these two areas.
A recent study found that the Cold War's economic isolation led to a decline in introduced bird species in Eastern Europe, while Western Europe experienced an increase. The research highlights the importance of preventing exotic species importation to prevent ecosystem disruption.
Researchers have developed an early warning system to defend rare Jersey cows against the spread of bluetongue disease. By analyzing meteorological data and midge activity, the team can predict when the disease-carrying midges are likely to reach the UK and Channel Islands.
A systematic review found IAD to be as effective as continuous androgen deprivation while improving survival rates and sexual potency. The approach has been a valid treatment option for nonmetastatic PCa cases, offering key tolerability and quality of life benefits.
Researchers found that coordinated conservation efforts across national borders can achieve higher results and save up to 45% of costs compared to uncoordinated plans. The study estimates a potential savings of $67 billion for the Mediterranean region's biodiversity conservation efforts.
A RAND study examines five directions for NATO to take: refocusing on Europe, the greater Middle East, fragile states, nonstate threats, or a global alliance of liberal democracies. The alliance may need to combine various roles to stay relevant and avoid overextending itself.
A new study suggests that medical liability concerns may be driving doctors to overprescribe antibiotics in healthcare settings. The research found a strong correlation between antibiotic use and attorney density in European countries, but no such link with physician density.
A new supplement provides essential reference and set of tools for evidence-informed health policymaking. The series addresses four broad areas and contains 17 support tools from renowned experts.
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology has won a contract for a European knowledge and innovation community, focusing on sustainable energy systems. The consortium plans to develop a climate-neutral energy supply by 2050 and create 65 energy patents and 90 new products in the field.
The LHC has successfully recorded its first proton collisions, providing a crucial benchmark for the accelerator's performance. The ALICE experiment detected 284 collisions at an energy of 450 GeV, confirming previous measurements and laying the groundwork for future experiments.
A new report by the Economic and Social Research Council highlights the importance of volunteering in promoting employment and social inclusion. Key findings include successful examples of how volunteering helped individuals gain skills and find jobs.
The study found that European plant communities are becoming more homogeneous, with rare species becoming extinct and phylogenetic diversity decreasing. This loss of uniqueness makes it harder for biological communities to adapt to environmental changes.
EMBO has awarded 50,000 euro grants to 5 scientists to establish research groups in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Portugal. The grantees will join the prestigious network of EMBO Young Investigators and integrate into the European scientific community.
A study found that 77% of male pigs in Europe are castrated without anesthesia, despite EU regulations requiring the practice to be done within the first seven days of life. This is a concern as it can lead to animal suffering and health issues.
A large prospective study of over 20,000 Dutch men and women aged 20-65 found that accurately measured BMI and waist circumference can predict the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease. The associations between BMI and waist circumference with heart disease were equally strong, explaining half of all fatal and one quarter ...
Researchers found that the Big Freeze was triggered by a sudden freshwater pulse from Lake Agassiz in North America, which diluted the North Atlantic conveyor belt and led to rapid temperature drops. The climate took centuries to recover.
European cancer mortality has declined steadily, but large variations exist among countries and sex. The decline is largely driven by a decrease in tobacco-related cancers, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer.
The use of implantable devices for treating heart failure increased substantially in Europe between 2004-2008, but disparities in device adoption remain. Device therapy, including ICDs and CRT, has gained acceptance as an adjunct to traditional drug treatment, with significant benefits in reducing mortality and morbidity.
A survey of eight European countries found that school closures significantly reduce illness transmission, with a 10% decrease in contacts. Closing schools may have a greater impact on disease transmission during a pandemic, potentially reducing transmission by up to 21%.
MS patients experience high levels of withheld anger due to nervous system damage, not disease severity. This can disrupt interpersonal relationships and have negative effects on physical health, including high blood pressure and vascular disorders.
New research reveals that European forests and grasslands can only compensate for 15% of the continent's carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning. Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural land and peat-lands cancel out almost all carbon sink, leaving a net effect of only 2%.
The European Society of Cardiology will hold a Joint Scientific Forum on optimal diabetes management in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Experts will explore the link between diabetes and heart disease, and discuss treatment strategies for Asian patients.
Research published in Genome Biology found that Mexicans prioritize partners with Native American and European ancestry, while Puerto Ricans prefer those with African and European heritage. Ancestry has a stronger influence on romance than previously thought, with non-random associations of genes across generations.
A Spanish study detects counterfeit euros using optical mouse sensors, with 79% of 2008 European coins found to be two-euro coins. The system compares images captured by the sensor with reference images from genuine coins, allowing for accurate detection.
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) report suggests that policy makers can see higher rates of return and stronger economic growth by incorporating ecosystem services into investment strategies. By restoring and managing ecosystems, countries can generate significant income and jobs.
Astronomers have discovered that Sun-like stars with planetary systems tend to have lower levels of lithium than those without planets. The study, which analyzed 500 stars, found that planet-bearing stars had less than 1% of the lithium present in other similar stars.
The EU has funded a 3-year project called CAMbrella to study complementary medicine, with TUM university hospital coordinating the 12-nation initiative. The network will focus on building international cooperation and fostering patient needs, legal conditions, and terminology.
A prospective case-control survey found that male factor infertility is associated with a higher rate of medical comorbidities, as objectively scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index. The study suggests that men with male factor infertility may be less healthy than age-comparable fertile men, regardless of their underlying causes.
Spanish researchers found the last European hadrosaurs in the Iberian Peninsula, coexisting with evolved species and primitive members. The fossils, including a newly discovered lambeosaurine, suggest a connection between Asia and Europe during the Late Cretaceous period.
Archaeologists at Fernbank Museum of Natural History have discovered unprecedented evidence of De Soto's path in Georgia, including rare glass beads and metal artifacts. The findings suggest a probable stop near McRae, Ga., and provide a significant link to the infamous conquistador's journey through Native communities.
A large study found that PSA velocity has little predictive value for determining the outcome of a first prostate biopsy. However, a rapid rise in PSA levels may still suggest prostatitis or prostate cancer, warranting further evaluation. The findings suggest that clinical judgment should be used to guide biopsy decisions.
The Alps are constantly rising in height, despite being eroded at the same rate, due to climate-driven uplift. Researchers used rare isotopes to prove this phenomenon, showing that mountains erode concurrently with their growth.
The EMBO Young Investigators Programme identifies top European young life scientists, offering academic and financial help to set up independent research labs. The selected 17 young group leaders work in nine countries, with an average age of 36 and four women, and will benefit from various activities including mentorship and networking.
Applying reflective films to orchard floors increases fruit size and color, leading to increased profits for apple growers. The use of these films can result in a 26% increase in fruit picked at first harvest, meeting European Union grade standards.
The European Society of Cardiology is addressing the growing need for improved CVD management in Asia through events that promote an integrated approach. The region faces a significant challenge due to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, which accounts for up to 50% of deaths related to CVD.
The 'Red Alert for Women's Hearts' conference aims to address the need for gender-specific research in cardiovascular health. Key findings include low representation of women in clinical trials and a lack of data on their specific cardiovascular pathology, leading to incorrect application of male data.
A study of 2332 patients with chronic heart failure found that participation in clinical trials was associated with improved survival rates. The study suggests that being prepared to take part in a trial may be a marker for better compliance and acceptance of treatment.
Researchers have confirmed that the Greater Noctule bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus) inhabited northeastern Spain during the Late Pleistocene period. The discovery of fossils at the Abríc Romaní site in Barcelona sheds light on the species' wider geographical range, which has declined due to vegetation reduction.
A European study found that 1,088 women (10% of the sample) use longer-lasting IUDs as their primary long-acting reversible contraceptive method. Women over 30 who do not want more children and are looking for a long-term solution are most likely to use this method.
Research estimates cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality rates in patients receiving dialysis, finding that noncardiovascular death is the most common cause. The study suggests that excess mortality in patients starting dialysis may not be specific to cardiovascular deaths.