Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Researchers are exploring new treatments for lung cancer using targeted therapies and personalized care. Studies have shown promising results in improving patient outcomes, including the use of molecular targeted therapies and chemotherapy combinations.
A new study shows radioembolisation to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with advanced HCC, achieving partial response rates of up to 80% and comparable survival rates to systemic therapy. The technique may offer a novel palliative therapeutic approach for those with limited options.
Liver disease is the most prevalent cause of alcohol-related deaths in Portugal, accounting for 28.3% of related deaths. The study also found that alcohol-related diseases account for 1.25% of health expenditure in Portugal, totaling €189.2 million in direct costs.
The European Union has launched a €400 million research program to develop highly precise measurements in healthcare, energy, environmental and advanced technology sectors. The EMRP program aims to bring together the best minds from one research area, creating new foundations for metrology.
The study identified GP130 somatic activating mutations in 65% of inflammatory hepatocellular tumours, revealing a new pathway of tumourigenesis. These mutations also enabled the refinement of molecular classification of hepatocellular tumors.
Olivier Voinnet's groundbreaking research on gene silencing via RNA has opened new perspectives on controlling gene activity, with implications for medicine and genome integrity. His work has also shed light on the molecular arms race between hosts and parasites.
A new study reveals that type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension are associated with higher mortality rates in hepatitis C patients. The research found that metabolic syndrome components, such as diabetes and high BMI, were linked to increased overall and liver-related mortality in HCV-infected patients.
A study by Ecological Society of America reveals the economic costs of invasive species on Europe's ecosystems. The research lists Canada geese and coypu as top invaders causing widespread damage to crops and forests, with estimated annual losses in the UK at €2.8 billion.
The fourth round of data from the Global Project on Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Resistance shows a significant regional variation in drug-resistant TB prevalence. The majority of MDR-TB burden falls in China and former Soviet states, with the highest prevalence reported in these regions.
Researchers found that feeling good encourages individuals to explore values inconsistent with their cultural norms, while feeling bad reinforces traditional stereotypes. This suggests that emotions play a significant role in shaping our cultural identities.
A study published in the Journal of Biogeography found that climate change may lead to longer bird migrations, with some species facing journeys of up to 250 miles longer. This could have significant consequences for birds' survival and ability to adapt.
Researchers confirm the existence of three separate Neanderthal sub-groups in Western Europe, southern Europe, and the Levant, with a fourth group found in western Asia. The study suggests that climate conditions played a significant role in shaping the population's geographical distribution.
The European Society of Cardiology reports that heart failure is the most prevalent chronic cardiac condition in Europe, with 30 million cases identified. Recent improvements in diagnosis and treatment have led to a significant reduction in mortality rates, but challenges persist in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The publication, supported by Eurofungbase and DSM, offers valuable insights into the genomes of Aspergillus species for fungal biologists and medical researchers worldwide. The large-scale annotation projects provide a resource for understanding these organisms and their applications in health, environment, and food.
A recent paper suggests legislation is only part of the solution to Europe's invasive species problem, with a single coordinating body needed to tackle the issue effectively. The European Centre for Invasive Species Management (ECISM) would coordinate activities across Member States and support rapid response and public awareness.
Rising temperatures and mild winters have led to increased outbreaks of bluetongue and other insect-transmitted viruses in European livestock, with devastating consequences for ruminants. The UK successfully suppressed a major outbreak in 2008, but new virus types pose ongoing threats to the region.
A new EU report emphasizes the importance of integrating climate change policies with economic and social issues to achieve effective climate action. The study assesses the degree of climate policy integration in six European countries, revealing significant potential for improvement.
A UK study found South Asians with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy, leading to early vision loss. The study also revealed that South Asian patients were significantly younger when diagnosed with diabetes and developed retinopathy about seven years earlier than White Europeans.
A recent study by ECCO-the European CanCer Organisation analyzed data from the EUROCARE-4 Working Group, revealing a steady rise in cancer survival rates across Europe. The proportion of patients cured of lung, stomach, and colorectal cancers increased significantly between 1988-1990 and 1997-1999.
The Stent 4 Life campaign targets reperfusion therapy with percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) to reduce STEMI patient mortality. It encourages the application of PCI above 600 per million population in Europe, aiming to address most STEMI patients' needs.
CO2 GeoNet, Europe's Network of Excellence, presents five years of research and development on geological carbon dioxide storage. The network aims to accelerate CCS deployment and build confidence in various CO2 storage technologies.
The renewal of the European Associated Laboratory Agreement establishes a France-Israel laboratory of neuroscience, fostering joint research projects and collaborative publications. The new agreement aims to promote brain research opportunities in Europe amidst calls for boycotting Israeli academia.
The study showed an overall 19% loss in luminal diameter at 18 months and an angiographic in-stent late loss of 0.48mm at two years, falling between bare metal and drug eluting stents. Patients did not appear to get any in-stent thrombosis.
The third EUROASPIRE survey found that European coronary patients are failing to meet lifestyle, risk factor, and therapeutic targets set out in international guidelines. Key findings include high rates of smoking and obesity, as well as inadequate management of blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A large-scale trial found that diabetic patients with atrial fibrillation have a significantly higher risk of death from cardiovascular causes. The study suggests that aggressive treatment with blood pressure-lowering drugs can reduce this risk, and highlights the importance of identifying undiagnosed AF in diabetic patients.
A new indicator shows climate change is affecting many bird species in Europe, with some benefiting and others declining. The study found that 75% of the species studied are projected to decline due to climate change.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found a genetic link between the MANEA gene, cocaine dependence, and cocaine-induced paranoia. The researchers identified six markers in the MANEA gene that are associated with an increased risk of cocaine-induced paranoia.
A team of scientists discovered the oldest fossil brain in a 300-million-year-old fossilized iniopterygian from Kansas. The brain is symmetrical and has a large lobe for vision, reflecting the fish's massive eye sockets.
The global financial crisis could reduce access to expensive cancer treatments, investment in drug discovery, and support for cancer sufferers and survivors. Cancer Research UK forecasts a 4% drop in income in 2009 compared with 2008.
The European Society of Cardiology has reaffirmed its advice on cardiovascular risks associated with long-haul flights. Studies suggest that flight duration exceeding four hours increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to immobility, dehydration, and reduced oxygen in the cabin.
The SYNTAX study found that CABG is associated with lower rates of repeat revascularization and stroke compared to PCI. Patients with high SYNTAX scores had significantly higher rates of major adverse cardiac events when treated with PCI.
An analysis of European cities found that higher temperatures lead to a significant increase in respiratory-related hospitalizations. For every degree increase above 90% of the maximum apparent temperature, there was a four percent average increase in respiratory-related hospitalizations, especially among the elderly.
A study using African Americans with West African and European ancestry found a strong statistical correlation between genetic admixture and facial traits. The researchers measured distances between specific face landmarks to compare genetically determined admixture with facial feature differences.
Researchers at Indiana University found that women use more non-standard language in texting, such as abbreviations and emoticons, to convey enthusiasm and individuality. In contrast, men tend to use standard language to achieve upward mobility and be perceived as polite.
Research shows Irish children's average weight has increased by 24 kilos since 1948, with growth rates accelerating in the 1970s. The study, published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, suggests current economic downturn may exacerbate obesity trends.
The ALMA Observatory has accepted its first North American antenna, marking a significant milestone in the project. The 12-meter-diameter antenna was delivered by General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies and will enable astronomers to probe phenomena beyond the reach of visible-light telescopes with unprecedented sharpness.
The FAME study found that stents placed using fractional flow reserve (FFR) had a 28% lower incidence of major adverse cardiac events compared to conventional angiography. This technique can distinguish between hemodynamically relevant and irrelevant stenoses, allowing for more targeted interventions.
The European Academy of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology has established 20 'Basic Principles' for safe use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in dentistry. The guidelines cover areas such as justification, optimization, and training to protect patients from excessive radiation.
The new supercomputer will help researchers better understand complex plasma effects in the ITER fusion reactor through advanced computer simulations. The HPC-FF system will be optimized for European fusion scientists' simulation programs and will provide 101 teraflop/s computing power.
A genome-wide study in yeast redefines the concept of promoters, showing most regions produce overlapping transcripts starting at the same promoter. This finding has implications for understanding gene expression and regulation in humans.
An international team mapped alien plant invasions across Europe, finding highest risks in agricultural and urban ecosystems. The study revealed a consistent pattern of invasion levels across European regions, with low levels in natural grasslands and Mediterranean vegetation.
Postgraduate students from UAB and UPC will conduct an experiment in microgravity to investigate the behavior of cells involved in drug assimilation. The research aims to improve medical treatments for astronauts and better understand drug mechanisms, with potential applications in diseases like cancer and AIDS.
The revised RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours) guidelines aim to ease workloads in clinical trials by reducing the number of lesions to be assessed and providing new guidance on tumor burden measurement. The updated criteria also refine disease progression definitions and incorporate modern imaging techniques.
A three-year study using gene knock-out technology aims to discover why C. difficile causes severe disease and kills more people. The HYPERDIFF study will lead to better tests, treatments, and possibly a vaccine.
A study analyzing death rates among men of working age in post-communist countries found that mass privatization was associated with a 12.8% increase in deaths. However, countries that implemented slower reforms experienced lower mortality rates and fewer social costs. The authors conclude that caution is needed when macroeconomic poli...
The study found that there is no single answer to integration models, as trends vary across domains and countries. For instance, French second-generation migrants are more likely to attend university but drop out, while German children of Turkish parents face educational disadvantages but have a fair chance at skilled jobs.
A study of 32 European countries reveals over 12,000 measles cases in two years, mainly among unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children. Suboptimum vaccination coverage raises doubts about the 2010 elimination goal, with countries like Switzerland and Germany struggling to achieve high coverage rates.
Scientists from CNRS and University of Reading applied linked rainfall-runoff and Integrated Catchment Model of Nitrogen (INCA-N) models to simulate daily flow and nitrate dynamics in the Garonne watershed. The study found that 75% of the NO3-N river load came from arable farming in the lowlands.
The Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) will coordinate two European health research projects on malaria and diabetes. The Mephitis project aims to find new anti-malarial compounds, while the MITIN Project applies bioinformatics to understand complex diseases like diabetes.
A study found that individuals diagnosed with panic attacks or disorder have a significantly increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and suffering a heart attack, particularly among those under 50 years old. However, the research also showed that people with panic disorders face a reduced risk of dying from heart conditions.
The conference highlighted the importance of international cooperation to address global challenges like climate change. Successful collaborations, such as the EPICA project, demonstrated the benefits of large-scale research partnerships.
The EUROCORES HumVIB program investigates the impact of country-specific factors on individual values, attitudes, and behavior across Europe. The program aims to understand how cultural, social, political, and economic contexts shape human behavior, with potential implications for policy-making and bridging the gender gap.
A team of scientists led by Professor Chris Elliott is developing new tests to detect chemical contaminants in food and animal feed. The Conffidence project aims to provide simple, inexpensive, and rapid methods to detect a wide range of toxins, including pesticides, heavy metals, and plant natural toxins.
The European Perinatal Health Report provides comprehensive data on mortality, low birthweight, preterm birth, and other factors affecting pregnancy outcomes. The report highlights significant variations in perinatal health across Europe, with some countries having rates significantly higher than others.
The EMBO Installation Grants provide three years of funding and support to seven talented researchers from Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. The grants aim to strengthen science in selected member states and foster their scientific and professional development.
A study of 404,654 people found that those diagnosed with panic attacks were more likely to develop coronary heart disease (CHD) and suffer a heart attack, particularly in younger individuals. However, the risk of dying from CHD was reduced among all age groups who had been diagnosed with panic attacks.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends echocardiography as the first-line test for patients suspected of cardiovascular disease. Echocardiography provides accurate images of the heart's chambers, valves, and coronary arteries, allowing for diagnosis and prognosis without invasive procedures.
The study of human fossils from Sima de la Palomas reveals the persistence of Neandertals until around 40,000 years ago. This challenges the idea that they were quickly displaced by modern humans, indicating a more complex picture of contact and coexistence between different human populations.
Research reveals high Sephardic Jewish ancestry in Iberian populations, suggesting significant religious conversion events. Low diversity in North African lineage indicates recent arrival after 711 AD conquest.
The International Society of Andrology, European Association of Urology, and other scientific organizations have formulated new recommendations on late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) treatment. These guidelines emphasize the importance of addressing symptoms such as erectile dysfunction and low testosterone levels in aging men.