Articles tagged with Europe
The Planck space telescope has returned its first images of the sky, mapping tiny differences in microwave radiation left over from the Big Bang. This improved data will allow scientists to better understand the structure of the universe when it was about 400,000 years old and test theories about cosmic inflation.
The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology emphasizes the need to address mental health issues due to work-related stress and increasing economic troubles. The prevalence of mental disorders is expected to rise, affecting millions worldwide.
The first results of the European survey show that breakthrough cancer pain episodes are frequent, short-lived, and intensely painful, with 96% described as moderate to severe. The study suggests that fast-acting pain relief routes like intranasal opioids could be more effective for BTCP, improving patient compliance.
Multiple sclerosis patients taking TYSABRI reported significant improvements in both physical function and psychological well-being. After six TYSABRI infusions, patients experienced reduced symptoms and improved quality of life, as measured by the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29) and the 12-item Short Form Scale (SF-12).
Research highlights striking differences in national prevention policies and cardiovascular mortality rates across EU countries, with Hungary and Greece showing highest rates. The study also found noticeable disparities in risk factor prevalence and CHD prevention policies among the 16 participating countries.
Wind energy could account for 30% of Spain's overall energy production by 2030, according to a study. The proposal also suggests a mix of solar energy and gas turbines to achieve this goal, while reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, the sector has generated 226% more jobs in the European Union since 2003.
A study found average PM2.5 micro particle levels in European hospitals to be 3.0μg/m3, with half being between 2.0 and 7.0μg/m3. This suggests exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is 'low' across the continent.
The periurethral suspension technique results in significantly greater continence rates at 3 months after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). The median/mean interval to recovery of continence was also statistically significantly shorter in the suspension group.
New research suggests that Europe's first farmers migrated into central and Eastern Europe around 7,500 years ago, bringing domesticated plants and animals with them. The study analyzed DNA from hunter-gatherer and early farmer burials, finding little evidence of a direct genetic link between the two groups.
Currently only 1% of European patients with implantable cardiac devices are being remotely monitored. Telemonitoring reduces physician workload while maintaining patient safety through early detection of silent arrhythmias.
The survey enrolled 2438 patients with a mean age of 68 years, showing characteristic differences between those receiving CRT-P and CRT-D devices. Demographic and economic factors play a significant role in device selection, with younger patients, men, and those with ischaemic aetiology more likely to receive a CRT-D device.
A significant decline in heart attack mortality rates has been observed in Europe over the past 25 years, primarily due to organisational changes in the pre-hospital phase. The successful implementation of these measures can lead to a reperfusion rate of over 75% and reduce mortality to below 5%.
NC State will offer intensive language training courses in Arabic, Chinese, Urdu, Persian, and Russian. The program aims to prepare military leaders for global conflict by providing them with hands-on experience in critical languages and cultures.
The new guidelines identify six different clinical groups of pulmonary hypertension, with a focus on treatment strategies and risk stratification. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (group 1) is the only group provided with specific drug therapy and an evidence-based treatment algorithm.
A collaborative effort is needed to tackle cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Europe, focusing on lifestyle changes and risk factor management. The European Heart Health Charter has established a roadmap for countries, while guidelines from the Joint European Societies' Task Forces provide practical guidance.
The GRACE registry study analyzed 43,018 ACS patients to determine the optimal revascularisation strategy for unprotected left main coronary disease. PCI is now the most common revascularisation strategy, preferred in higher-risk patients, while CABG is often delayed and associated with the best 6-month survival.
Smoking causes an estimated 0.7 million deaths per year in the European Union, with 23 years of life lost on average for those dying before age 70. Quitting smoking can reduce this risk, although a quarter of smokers will still die from tobacco-related causes if they continue
Researchers uncover 25 marine shell beads from Morocco and Algeria dating back 70,000-85,000 years, suggesting early humans wore and traded symbolic jewelry. The discovery confirms the oldest form of personal ornaments, adding to similar finds in Africa, Israel, and South Africa.
A new study by University College London scientists reveals that the ability to digest lactose first evolved in dairy farming communities in central Europe around 7,500 years ago. This genetic change enabled early Europeans to drink milk without getting sick, providing a survival advantage.
The CRIMALDDI project, led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, aims to coordinate European and international antimalarial drug discovery efforts. The project will develop a prioritized roadmap and 5-year action plan to deliver on this roadmap.
Researchers are rediscovering the achievements of Arabic-speaking scientists who made groundbreaking advancements in chemistry during the 8th to 13th centuries. Their work, which was previously overlooked in the Western world, is now being recognized as a major contributor to the emergence of modern science and medicine.
Experts from Germany are sharing their butterfly monitoring methods with China, Australia, and Israel to track changes in butterfly populations. The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research has been working with butterflies for years, using them as indicators of habitat health.
Researchers from seven nations installed a new deep-sea observatory in the Norwegian Arctic to study mud volcano eruptions and their effects on the environment. The observatory will provide insights into the dynamics of gas eruptions and their consequences for biological communities on the seafloor.
A public survey in Europe found that most people overestimate the life-saving benefits of breast and prostate cancer screening. The study's findings highlight the need for accurate screening messages to include risks associated with overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
The Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) is a new visual language for graphically representing biological information, aiming to make complex models accurate, efficient, and easy to understand. Developed by researchers worldwide, SBGN will benefit systems biologists working on various biochemical processes.
The spread of modern humans into Europe led to a greater emphasis on small sources of protein, including fish. Growing human populations put pressure on their environments, likely contributing to this shift.
A survey conducted in Ohio found that Latin Americans were viewed most negatively by residents, with poor ratings on characteristics such as wealth and intelligence. In contrast, Asian immigrants received high marks for being self-sufficient and Europeans were seen as the most fitting in with American culture.
The EMBO organization has introduced a new private pension plan for its fellows, providing a benefit package tailored to the needs of highly mobile scientists. The plan allows contributors to continue in the plan as they move from country to country, offering flexibility and portability.
A new electronic device, developed by Queen's University Belfast's ECIT team, will enable complex imaging of clouds at short wavelengths, providing unprecedented data on atmospheric conditions. This breakthrough is expected to lead to more accurate global weather forecasts and valuable insights into climate change.
A study found that many coronary angioplasty procedures in developing countries exceed the known dose reference level, highlighting the need for patient dose estimations and management. The research aims to introduce these concepts to interventional radiologists and cardiologists in these countries.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified a sap-sucking psyllid called Aphalara itadori as a potential biocontrol agent to combat Japanese Knotweed. The plant, which costs £1.5 billion to control in Britain, is a single clone and lacks population resistance.
A growing number of British academics claim that EU regulations are hindering their ability to conduct clinical research, with some facing delays of over 2 years due to excessive paperwork. Researchers argue that the current system requires lengthy protocols and multiple forms, leading to administrative burdens.
Lars Jansen, a young researcher from the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, has been awarded an EMBO Installation Grant to establish a new research group in Portugal. The grant provides funding and support to help him develop his research infrastructures and integrate into the European scientific community.
A €3 million EU grant will support an international research project on hospital quality and safety in European countries. The study, starting in 2010, aims to explore the relationships between organisational and cultural characteristics of hospitals and their impact on clinical effectiveness, patient safety, and experience.
The Eurocancercoms project aims to establish a single, efficient network for cancer communication in Europe by creating a 'one-stop shop' for the whole cancer community. The new website will provide searchable databases for clinical trials and guidelines, as well as promote best ways of disseminating cancer science across Europe.
A letter to The Lancet criticizes the British National Party's use of a white doctor in their election campaign, which could have influenced voters and damaged relationships with ethnic minority patients. The authors argue that doctors' neutrality should not be used to promote political parties.
Research shows a significant increase in people with Alzheimer's and dementia among the 'oldest old', aged 90+, in Europe. The prevalence of dementia standardized on the Italian population was 22.9%, with higher rates in women, increasing with advancing age.
A new study suggests that financial crises can lead to rises in suicides and homicides, but government investments in labour market protections could mitigate these effects. The research estimates that soaring stress brought on by job losses could prompt a rise in suicide rates, particularly in European Union countries.
A recent study by UCSF scientists has identified a specific region of genes linked to perfect pitch in people of European ancestry. The researchers found that multiple genes contribute to perfect pitch and that different genes may be associated with different ethnic backgrounds.
By analyzing the factors behind the Large Blue's extinction and success, researchers propose using modified countryside management techniques to mitigate climate change. These methods can include letting grass grow longer to maintain soil temperature, providing a breathing space for threatened species to adapt or migrate.
A study in Spain found a 17% increase in maternal deaths since 1996, with the highest death rates among foreign women and those aged 35-44. The risk of death rose exponentially with maternal age, highlighting the need for epidemiological monitoring and studying causes to prevent deaths.
Biocatalogue.org provides a centralized registry of curated life science Web Services, enabling researchers to discover and use biological tools for treatments of H1N1 flu and cancer. The service is expected to significantly accelerate research in the medical, agronomical, and pharmaceutical fields.
The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) has renewed its publishing partnership with Elsevier for five years, with the flagship journal Journal of Hepatology being published monthly. EASL is a leading liver association in Europe, promoting research and education in hepatology.
The July issue of European Urology reviews prostate cancer screening studies, highlighting the need to balance mortality reduction with overdiagnosis risks. The EAU adopts the conclusions of the ERSPC study and recognizes the benefit of screening for mortality reduction.
A study found that over 20,000 European patients travel across borders for fertility treatment annually, citing quality concerns and legal restrictions. The majority of respondents were seeking assisted reproduction treatment, with countries like Italy, Germany, and France having the highest number of cross-border patients.
A study published in The Lancet found that excessive alcohol consumption in Russia is responsible for more than half of all premature deaths among adults, with men being particularly affected. The researchers analyzed data from three Russian cities and found that alcohol use was linked to an increased risk of deaths from accidents, vio...
The Lancet report reveals that 3.8% of global deaths are attributable to alcohol, with the majority being caused by injuries, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver cirrhosis. Men drink more than women, and the risk is higher in developing countries.
Leading European scientific institutions are linking up their polar research through a new framework agreement, aiming to improve international teams and collaborative efforts. This will facilitate the launch of joint funding calls, share scientific data, and host scientists in each other's research stations.
The Prostate Cancer Translational Research in Europe meeting showcased ongoing research efforts to identify biomarkers, genetic variants and new therapeutic options. Researchers discussed the importance of collaboration between clinicians and scientists to streamline current efforts and avoid duplication.
Long-term endurance sport participation increases the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation. Research efforts are focused on preventing and treating arrhythmias through techniques like CPVA and deconditioning.
Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) are at risk of sudden incapacitation while driving. A new consensus statement recommends driving restrictions based on the type of ICD and individual patient risk. The guidelines aim to balance patients' independence with safety concerns.
The European Heart Rhythm Association's (EHRA) White Book reveals significant disparities in arrhythmia treatment across Europe. The book highlights differences in guideline implementation, trained physicians, and implantation rates, with some countries having no reimbursement for ICD or pacemaker therapy.
The European Heart Rhythm Association recommends increasing remote monitoring of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices to enhance patient safety and reduce physician workload. This approach allows for immediate identification of device malfunctions and physiological changes, enabling timely interventions and cost-effective care.
A €12 million European Union-funded study led by the University of Manchester aims to tackle tumour hypoxia, a critical factor hindering effective cancer treatment. Researchers will investigate how hypoxia affects cell behavior and develop targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.
The University of Oklahoma has presented comprehensive recommendations for modernizing the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) to improve weather monitoring, forecasting, and warning systems. The goal is to strengthen public safety and support the growth of Croatia's economy during times of global environmental change.
Researchers have discovered evidence of woolly mammoth survival in Britain until around 14,000 years ago, challenging conventional beliefs about their extinction. The findings, published in the Geological Journal, suggest that climate change may be a likely explanation for their disappearance.
A team of astronomers led by Nanda Rea used European Space Agency satellites to study the eruptions of a rare magnetar, SGR 0501+4516. The object underwent hundreds of small bursts over four months, emitting high-energy X-rays during its outburst phase.
The University of Leicester has launched G-STEP, a business-facing service that harnesses space technology for earth-bound benefits. Researchers are working with businesses and public sector organisations to provide value-added services exploiting environmental data from the GMES system.
Researchers found that anakinra treatment restored the deficient IL-18 response of natural killer cells and improved clinical parameters in patients with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA). The study suggests a potential new treatment strategy for children with newly-diagnosed SoJIA.
Rheumatology patients want more information and open dialogue about their sexual health with healthcare professionals, but face barriers due to nurse embarrassment. Nurses agree that patient-initiated conversations are preferable, but often hesitate to share their expertise.