Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
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.
Over half of people with rheumatoid arthritis also have periodontitis, displaying fewer teeth and higher disease activity. Anti-TNF therapy improves periodontal status in RA patients, suggesting a link between the two conditions. Periodontitis may be a risk factor for developing RA, especially in non-smokers.
A new study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) whose symptoms first appear in winter or spring tend to have worse radiographic outcomes at six months compared to those with summer onset. The study suggests environmental factors such as vitamin D deficiency and winter viruses may contribute to this effect.
Research at Spanish airports reveals poor efficiency levels, mainly caused by excessive decentralization of services, leading to missed opportunities for cost savings and increased production. The study suggests concentrating airport operations in a single site to achieve economies of scale.
A study found that 63% of RA patients suffer from psychiatric disorders, with the majority being in the depressive spectrum. Cognitive dysfunction and sleep disorders were also common among patients. Those with depression exhibited more severe RA symptoms, including pain and functional insufficiency.
A new multinational study found that RA individuals in lower GDP countries are more likely to keep working despite higher disease activity and functional disability scores. The probability of individuals continuing work for 2 years was 80%, while the probability of continuing to work for 5 years was 68%. This highlights the significant...
A study found that 92.8% of SLE patients suffer from anxiety and depression, significantly impacting their quality of life. Depression was shown to be the most significant factor, inversely correlated with physical activity and cognitive function.
A new study found that 61.8% of AS patients showed substantial clinical benefit after 5 years on IFX therapy, including reduced arthritis and enthesitis. Patients who completed the trial demonstrated low disease activity, good functional status, and favorable spinal mobility.
A new study found that childless women are diagnosed with chronic arthritides an average of 5.2 years before parous women. The study, which analyzed data from over 500 women, also found that nulliparous women have a higher educational level and may possess a lower disposition to developing arthritis.
A new study found that re-treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who failed initial treatment with rituximab after six months significantly improves clinical responses, including complete remission and EULAR responses. This strategy provides hope for patients classified as non-responders.
A supervised exercise programme improved physical function, reduced steroid need, and decreased depression and anxiety in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients showed significant improvements in HAQ disability index, sit and stand test, and walk time test.
A quarter of active RA patients on CP-690,550 (10mg and 15mg) achieved ACR70 at week 12. The study demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy and statistical superiority to placebo in nearly all clinical outcomes.
A new EULAR study found that patients with elevated MRP8/14 levels are at increased risk of relapse after methotrexate withdrawal. The study suggests that tracking biomarker levels may help predict treatment responses in JIA patients.
A new study suggests that measuring serum levels of myeloid-related proteins 8 and 14 can predict disease activity, treatment response, and diagnose FMF in children and adolescents. The study also indicates a potential link between MRP 8/14 biomarkers and detection of subclinical inflammatory activity.
A new DNA vaccine using IL-10 has been shown to prevent kidney damage in mice with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by inducing antigen-specific tolerance. The study found lower levels of anti-Sm antibodies and significant proteinuria were less common in the vaccinated group compared to the control group.
A recent study found that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis experience significant disturbances in their body clock, leading to worsening of symptoms. The research identified a specific genetic pathway responsible for interactions between the genes regulating the body clock and those exacerbating arthritis symptoms.
Astronomers at the Science and Technology Facilities Council's William Herschel Telescope have confirmed an effective way to search the atmospheres of planets for signs of life. This method uses transmission spectra, which can reveal vital information about a planet's atmosphere, providing clues about potential biological processes.
A new study by Imperial College London aims to use a technology initially developed for the ExoMars mission to process unconventional energy resources. The technique involves using surfactants to liberate organic matter from rock, potentially unlocking an enormous impact on the UK and global economy.
The MELiSSA Pilot Plant, a European Space Agency facility at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, aims to demonstrate Closed Loop Life Support Systems for long-duration space missions. The plant will integrate technologies to recycle food, water, oxygen, and waste over a 2-year period.
Researchers say that improved treatment selection and new therapies could help reduce mortality and rehospitalization rates in acute heart failure. Current treatments have not changed much despite the growing prevalence of heart failure, and the current guidelines emphasize urgent therapy.
The European Spallation Source will be built in Lund, Sweden, with a budget of €1.3 billion. The facility will enable scientists to study the atomic and molecular arrangement of a range of materials at unprecedented detail.
The study highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to manage the invasion of johnsongrass, which threatens the benefits of GMOs in Argentine soybean cultivation. The authors emphasize the importance of considering policy implications beyond deforestation to protect agro-biodiversity.
According to a new study, type 1 diabetes cases in children under five years are expected to double by 2020 if current trends continue. The researchers found an overall increase of 3.9% per year, with the highest rates seen in children under 5 and those between 10-14 years old.
A recent study has mapped the spread of HIV-1 subtype B across Europe, revealing that popular tourist destinations like Greece, Portugal, and Spain are major sources of infection. The research found that viruses can be transmitted through travelers, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts beyond national borders.
A University of Haifa research team has been awarded a European Union grant to investigate the role of synaptic proteins in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. The project aims to create disease models using deliberate damage to protein function, with potential implications for understanding autism and schizophrenia.
Research found that Andean women's uterine artery blood flow and oxygen delivery are higher than European counterparts at high altitude, resulting in larger babies. The study suggests genetic adaptation allows Andean mothers to adapt to the high-altitude environment, protecting their fetuses from reduced growth.
World-renowned virologist Professor Albert Osterhaus emphasizes the importance of preparedness in the face of swine-origin flu. He stresses that there is room for improvement in influenza vaccine production and that adequate stockpiles of antibiotics, antivirals, and vaccines are crucial for effective treatment.
A 3D kidney atlas has been created to help diagnose and treat renal diseases more effectively. The atlas, part of the European Renal Genome Project, will aid in understanding genes that play a key role in renal diseases and other data on anatomy.
The European Society of Cardiology's joint consensus document on catheter ablation for ventricular arrhythmias emphasizes the need for more clinical trials and registries to determine its long-term impact. Key unanswered questions include the efficacy, comparative success rates of drug and ablative therapies.
A 30-year follow-up study found that smoking significantly increases the risk of death and cardiovascular disease, with heavy smokers facing a substantial increase in mortality rates. The study, which included over 54,000 participants, highlights the long-term impact of smoking on health and longevity.
Regular exercise has been shown to improve markers of heart disease in post-CABG patients, event-free survival rate in coronary patients compared to stent angioplasty, and endothelial function in heart failure patients. The benefits were seen regardless of age, with improvements in physical capacity, lipids, inflammation, and endotheli...
A new study by the Baker Institute at Rice University suggests that US and Canadian shale gas production, along with alternative natural gas supplies from Iraq and other sources, can counterbalance Russia's energy influence over Europe. The research recommends enhanced energy security measures, including natural gas storage capacity an...
A recent study by Dr. Santosh Khokhar at the University of Leeds found that immigrant populations in Europe replace healthy components of their native diet with processed and fast foods, leading to higher levels of fat, salt, and sugar. Younger generations are particularly vulnerable to unhealthy eating habits, which can increase the r...
The SCAAR registry study analyzed 47,967 patients who received drug eluting stents (DES) between 2003 and 2006. The results found no significant difference in late mortality between DES and bare metal stent (BMS) groups.
The IMPAKT Breast Cancer Conference is a groundbreaking collaboration between the European Society for Medical Oncology and Susan G. Komen for the Cure to accelerate breast cancer research. The conference aims to bring together world leaders in translational research to discuss cutting-edge treatments.
Researchers discuss personalized treatment options for early-stage lung cancer, using targeted therapies and cancer vaccines. A gene signature is being used to predict which patients will benefit from an immune-boosting vaccine designed to target MAGE-A3 protein.
Researchers present new techniques for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, improving 5-year survival rates from 10% to 70%. A new factor that correlates with clinical parameters may also help indicate patient prognosis.
A French study analyzed mortality rates in three-quarters of the European population, concluding that the virus likely originated outside Europe. The research found high synchronicity among the 14 studied countries, with a peak in October-November 1918.
A team of researchers has uncovered the first step in the recycling of a crucial molecular tag that ensures correct gene expression. This mechanism, called nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), helps protect against genetic diseases such as thalassaemia and Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.
A study of 971 patients found VAP accounted for almost half of nosocomial infections, with a crude mortality rate of 35%. Anticipative antimicrobial therapy may be a potential intervention to avoid VAP in mechanically ventilated patients.