Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Gene expression varies among African Americans based on European ancestry proportion. Small population differences found in gene regulation compared to individual variations within the same population.
Researchers at UCL developed a new universal test to predict the risk of major depression, which was tested in 6,000 people and found accurate in predicting future episodes. The tool, predictD, could be used by family doctors and local clinics to identify those at risk for whom prevention might be most useful.
A new study reveals invasive garden ants (Lasius neglectus) originated from the Black Sea region and are able to thrive in temperate climates. They can spread rapidly through large potted plants and human movement, posing a significant threat to natural biodiversity.
A recent study published in Cancer Research found that Latina women with higher European ancestry are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. The risk increases by 79% for every 25% increase in European ancestry, regardless of other factors.
The presence of mineral oil in edible oils and foods exceeds recommended safety limits, raising concerns about human health. Analytical campaigns are underway to address this issue and provide toxicological data for improved safety evaluation.
The European Science Foundation's EUROCORES programme enhances European leadership in international marine coring expeditions. The project investigates ocean dynamics, sediment fluxes, and hydrothermal processes to reconstruct sea-level changes and environmental shifts.
A study by NIAID authors identifies common determinants of disease emergence across time and place, including international trade, poverty, and climate change. The research highlights the need for a better understanding of these factors to prepare for future emerging diseases.
The EUROCORES programme TOPO-EUROPE explores Europe's changing topography, combining solid Earth and climate scientists to understand past, present, and future changes. The project aims to refine sea level estimations and inform geological surveys on geothermal energy, seismic hazards, and slope instabilities.
A comprehensive overview of alien species in Europe reveals over 11,000 documented species, with 15% causing economic damages and 15% harming biological diversity. The DAISIE project provides a valuable tool for managing biological invasions in Europe, enabling early detection, eradication, and control methods.
A recent survey shows that nearly a quarter of second-generation Turkish and Moroccan immigrants in the Netherlands drop out of school, while others excel in higher education. The survey attributes the discrepancies to factors such as low parental educational levels, inadequate diversity in schools, and language capacity.
Researchers studied e-mails sent from over 3,000 accounts and found that people don't respond to e-mails randomly, but rather in cycles influenced by their daily routines. The model reveals non-random intervals between e-mails, including times when people are sleeping.
The article reveals substantial inequalities in healthy life years (HLYs) from the age of 50 across EU countries, with GDP and spending on elderly care being key factors. HLYs at 50 are highest in Denmark and Malta for men, and France, Italy, and Spain for women, while lowest in Estonia and Hungary.
A recent study published in European Urology found a significant relationship between prostate inflammation and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men. The study, which analyzed data from the REDUCE trial, revealed that chronic inflammation was associated with higher IPSS scores and a greater degree of LUTS.
The new guidelines prioritize reperfusion therapy and timely emergency response, with a focus on reducing hospital waiting times. By adopting these recommendations, Europe can significantly increase STEMI patient survival rates and reduce fatality numbers.
A European study found that 24% of participants had high blood pressure, with 56% of those unaware of their condition. Less than half of aware individuals had controlled blood pressure. The study suggests a call for better hypertension management and prevention.
A large waist can significantly increase mortality risk by up to 34% in men and 24% in women. The study suggests doctors should measure waistlines as part of standard health checks.
A European study found that many people are unaware of their high blood pressure and struggle to manage it. Despite increasing awareness, only half of those diagnosed have optimal control, highlighting the need for urgent initiatives to address this critical health threat.
The EMBO Young Investigator Programme selects Europe's most talented young researchers. Over three years, they receive financial and academic support to advance their careers through networking events, lab management training, and PhD courses.
Researchers sequenced Öetzi's mtDNA genome, finding that he belonged to a rare or extinct lineage. The study provides an unprecedented look at ancient human ancestry and sheds light on the frequency of genetic lineages over time, revealing potential gaps in knowledge left by the extinction of certain variants.
Recent studies suggest common gene variations, including MYH9, contribute to the elevated risk of kidney disease in African Americans. Variations in the MYH9 gene are found in up to 60% of African Americans with kidney disease, compared to 4% of European Americans.
A Florida State University researcher is leading an international team to produce a comprehensive history of the Arctic region from the late 19th century to the present. The team, funded by the European Science Foundation, is conducting a comparative international study of Arctic science and its impact on perceptions of the region.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt aim to improve heart healing after a heart attack by promoting cellular regeneration. Micro-RNAs may hold the key to discovering new inhibitors to regulate protein synthesis and activate stem cells.
A new study suggests that racial bias affects face perception, with names significantly influencing how people see multiracial faces. Researchers used a study titled Barack Obama or Barry Dunham? to test the hypothesis that racially-suggestive names would influence participants' perception of identical multiracial faces.
A genome-wide study has uncovered a significant increase in genetic distances towards Northern Europe compared to Central Europe. The analysis of dense single nucleotide polymorphisms across the whole genome found substantial genetic differences between Eastern and Western Finland.
Norhealth is a web-based system monitoring health trends and risk factors in Norway, creating a knowledge base for health strategies. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has developed this leading public health information system in Europe.
Researchers uncover clay bundle filled with metal objects, believed to be one of the earliest examples of African spirit practices in North America. The bundle, dated to around 1700, shows unique design and construction unlike other African-American spiritual practices.
A study of nine world-class mountain climbers found a reduction in white and grey matter in the brain involved in motor activity after high-altitude expeditions to Everest and K2. Despite this, cognitive abilities remained unaffected.
EMBO has honored 59 leading life scientists from Europe and around the world with membership, including eight Associate Members. This recognition highlights the significant contributions of these researchers to the field of molecular life sciences.
The Elsevier journal Vaccine released a comprehensive supplement dedicated to influenza vaccines, supported by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations. Key findings include discussions on pandemic influenza vaccine challenges and the importance of robust global surveillance systems.
Researchers found that Pickleweed can thrive in saline conditions and tolerate high concentrations of boron, allowing for substantial reduction in drainage water volumes. The study suggests a potential solution for growers on California's Westside to reduce environmental impacts and costs associated with disposal.
The RAND Corporation report suggests delegating spending authority to the field level and requiring cross-agency experience for civilians and military officers. The report also emphasizes building success through career-wide training, enhancing foreign culture knowledge, and promoting long-term relationships with local counterparts.
A new study found that wind turbines do not significantly affect the distribution of seed-eating birds and corvids. However, common pheasants were the only species whose distribution was impacted by the turbines. This research is crucial for reconciling EU energy targets with biodiversity conservation efforts.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients can still benefit from dissolving blood clots in the brain up to 4.5 hours after a stroke. The study, known as ECASS 3, involved 826 patients who received either the thrombolytic drug alteplase or a placebo, with better response rates and no increased mort...
A recent study by Ahmad Sattar Khan and Dr. Zora Singh found that combining modified atmosphere packaging with 1-methylcyclopropene can extend the storage life of Japanese plums to up to seven weeks. This breakthrough will allow fruit producers to export plums for longer periods, reducing losses and improving market availability.
The EuroQUASAR programme will develop next-generation quantum standards for precise optical clocks and inertial sensors. Researchers, including Professor Markus Arndt, are working on new methods for quantum interferometry to measure molecular details such as mass and geometry.
A 12-week isoflavone supplement improved brachial artery dilation and reversed endothelial dysfunction in stroke patients. Isoflavone treatment also decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, suggesting reduced vascular inflammatory stress.
Researchers at Durham University found a giant black hole emitting a regular X-ray signal, linking it to smaller black holes. This discovery sheds light on how gas behaves around super-massive black holes as they feed and develop.
The number of alien plant species in Europe has more than tripled over the last 25 years, with 5789 species classified as invasive. The UK, Germany, and Belgium report the highest numbers of naturalized aliens, which can lead to long-term changes in ecosystems and economic costs.
Development models for James Webb Telescope components have successfully passed temperature and vibration tests, allowing engineers to proceed with building actual instrument parts. The Mid-Infrared Instrument, which will operate between mid-infrared wavelengths of 5-28.5 microns, must be kept icy cold due to its extreme sensitivity to...
A study by the European Society for Medical Oncology found substantial variation in the uptake of newer cancer drugs across EU countries. The cost of these drugs is a major barrier to access, and their complexity can make them harder to understand and use effectively.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that thrombolysis can be safely administered up to four and a half hours after an ischemic stroke, without significantly increasing the risk of hemorrhage complications or death. This extends the time window for treatment, potentially benefiting more patients.
A new drug therapy called VX-770 has shown promising results in improving the quality of life for cystic fibrosis patients. Early trials have demonstrated a 50% decrease in sweat salt concentration and a 10% increase in lung function, offering new hope for this devastating disease.
The University of Chicago Medical Center study found that the complexity of care and on-call duties can detract from residents' medical education, regardless of hours worked. Residents experience sleep loss, longer shifts, and reduced educational time when assigned to more patients.
The Balzan Foundation has awarded four prestigious prizes in 2008 for outstanding contributions in Visual Arts, Moral Philosophy, Preventive Medicine, and Science of Climate Change. Maurizio Calvesi, Thomas Nagel, Ian H. Frazer, and Wallace S. Broecker received the awards with a total prize money of one million Swiss Francs.
A new study found that a once-weekly diabetes treatment formulation provides better blood sugar control and weight loss compared to twice-daily dosing. Patients who received the once-weekly treatment had significantly improved HbA1c levels and greater reductions in body weight.
The European Society of Cardiology has released updated guidelines for ST elevation infarction, emphasizing the importance of hospital networks and efficient ambulance services. The guidelines also provide recommendations for selecting primary PCI versus fibrinolytic therapy and incorporating antithrombotic co-therapies.
The new guidelines focus on improving diagnostic accuracy and prognostic evaluation of patients with PE. In high-risk cases, immediate thrombolytic treatment is recommended to save lives, while in low-risk cases, anticoagulants are used to prevent future episodes.
The 2008 ESC guidelines cover acute and chronic heart failure, prioritizing treatment implementation and palliative care. The document identifies gaps in evidence and aims to focus future clinical research on important issues.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast are developing new sensory devices to help people with Parkinson's disease and stroke patients control their movements. The devices will provide sensory information through eyes, ears, or touch, allowing the brain to learn to guide movements in a more controlled way.
A study published in Nature describes the use of DNA analysis to pinpoint the geographic origins of individuals from a sample of Europeans. The research revealed striking genetic maps of Europe, allowing for precise classification of individuals by region.
Researchers discover ancient urban civilization in the Amazon, with clusters of 150-acre towns and smaller villages organized in spread out 'galactic' patterns. The settlements were heavily influenced by historic human activity, contradicting long-held stereotypes about early Western versus New World settlements.
EMBO recognizes Juergen Tautz for his outstanding public communication activity on honeybees, exploring their life and evolution, and promoting research through various media and educational initiatives.
A new study published in European Urology found that patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy experienced higher levels of dissatisfaction and regret, particularly African-American patients. Longer follow-up periods were also associated with increased regret.
A study published in European Urology found that vardenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, is more efficacious when used on-demand in men with erectile dysfunction following bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. On-demand use of vardenafil was associated with significantly greater erectile function and sexual intercourse completion rates ...
Axel Meyer, a prominent German evolutionary biologist, has won the 2008 EMBO Award for his efforts to communicate complex scientific topics to the general public. He is recognized for his concise and opinion-strong articles on current issues like brain drain and science funding.
Researchers found that bluetongue virus can survive the winter by surviving in the eggs of Culicoides midges, or by overwintering in livestock barns. The virus can also spread through transplacental infections from an infected pregnant animal to its fetus.
A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found Brazilian children are five times more likely to develop eye lesions by four years old, with vision compromised in 87% of cases. The researchers believe infection with virulent genotypes prevalent in Brazil contribute to the severity of clinical symptoms.
A recent study identified a bluetongue virus strain that originated in sub-Saharan Africa, rather than Europe. The discovery was made through multi-centre sequence analysis of the full genome of the virus strain and its comparison to other BTV strains.
Researchers investigated physiological methods used by well-trained runners to control exercise intensity and avoid exhaustion. They found that heart rate response scales with race distance, indicating athletes actively manage their body's increasing strain.
A new study has pinpointed genetic variations in European Americans, which may help isolate the genetic basis for disease and population variation. By analyzing DNA data from 1,521 individuals, researchers identified 200 positions within the DNA helix that capture much of the genetic diversity in this complex population.