Articles tagged with Europe
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.
Historian R.M. Douglas's research challenges the notion that British forces used chemical weapons against Iraqis after World War I, citing faulty evidence and official records that contradict these claims. Despite the lack of evidence, the allegations have persisted as a rallying cry for anti-war critics.
A study found that only one-third of US patients meeting guidelines criteria were treated with aldosterone antagonists, compared to 48% in the Euro Heart Failure survey. European clinicians have greater leeway and often push new indications in their practice, leading to a more liberal approach.
Researchers analyzed Y chromosome DNA from human remains on the Canary Islands to determine the origin and evolution of paternal lineages. They found a North African origin for these lineages, which declined due to European colonization and the African slave trade.
EMBO has elected 66 top-life scientists with expertise in various molecular biology fields, including evolutionary and computational biology. The new members come from 16 countries and include 15 female researchers recognized for their contributions to life science research.
A €4.8 million European research project is using computer modelling and laboratory experiments to develop a predictive, cost-effective tool for welding deep-sea gas and oil transportation systems. The MintWeld consortium aims to save lives and money by understanding the process of weld failures.
A team of engineers from the University of Almería has developed a methodology to help meet the EU objective of cutting road deaths by 50% between 2000 and 2010. The researchers have calculated weighted coefficients for reducing accident rates in various geographical areas, using an inverse logarithmic formula.
The MAION, a 30-cm, fixed-wing micro air vehicle with counter-rotating propellers, can make smooth transitions between hover and fast forward flight. This design has potential for both military and civil applications.
The Eurofleets project aims to advance the networking of European research fleets, funded by the European Commission with 7.2 million Euros. Researchers will benefit from access to unique ship time on European research vessels.
A survey of European and Malaysian people found that most believed they were at risk from swine flu due to age or weakened immunity. However, some groups such as homosexuals, prostitutes, and farmers were incorrectly perceived to be at high risk.
A recent study found that only one species of seabird, the European storm petrel, is severely impacted by cohabitation with invasive black rats on Mediterranean islands. The presence of rats has led to a 68% risk of extinction for procellariiforme seabirds.
Preliminary evidence suggests that shortened working weeks may further extend increases in life expectancy and health. Disability prevalence has been falling, with increasing evidence suggesting that people are living better despite an increase in chronic diseases.
Researchers have identified highly radiosensitive patients who can guide personalized radiotherapy, avoiding severe side effects. The study aims to develop a blood test that can predict patient reaction to radiotherapy, enabling tailored treatment and improved tumour control.
A study estimates that excess body weight causes 124,050 new cancers in 2008 across European countries. The proportion of cases attributable to a BMI of 25kg/m2 or more is highest among women and in central European countries.
German researchers have uncovered new details about the heredity of Vitis varieties in cultivation today, potentially breaking a bottleneck in the progress of the wine industry. They discovered a double mutation that could lead to more accurate classification tools and effective marker-assisted breeding methods.
A new study links climate swings in Peru's Andes to those in Europe and North America during the Little Ice Age. The research provides precise ages for glacial moraines, shedding light on global-scale glacier activity and climate patterns.
A new study reveals a link between climate fluctuations in the northern hemisphere and tropical regions. Glaciers in Europe, North America, and southern Peru moved together during the Little Ice Age, suggesting a global-scale pattern of glacier activity and climate change.
Jean-Pol Tassin's pioneering work identified the disruption of nonadrenaline and serotonin neuron interaction as a key factor in addictive behavior. His research highlights the critical role played by monoamine inhibitors in tobacco addiction.
Expert calls for a shift in cancer research priorities, focusing on prevention and non-drug treatments to combat the growing cancer burden. The global cancer cases are expected to rise, and improving early detection and primary prevention strategies hold the potential for significant gains.
Scientists have developed a computer system called DRIVSCO that allows vehicles to learn from their drivers' behavior, detecting unusual driving patterns and generating alarm signals. The system has shown promising results in preventing accidents, particularly at night when visibility is reduced.
Wealthier countries use less energy in buildings due to rating systems, but design challenges remain. Implementing similar programs can create 'green' jobs in the US, according to a new RAND Corporation study.
Mathematicians at the University of Leeds propose that black holes are directly responsible for producing gamma ray bursts, contradicting the orthodox model. The theory suggests that rotating black holes can devour nearby stars, creating long-lasting jets of plasma that produce the high-energy radiation.