Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Researchers discovered an extreme cooling event 12,700 years ago in Western Europe, with sediments revealing a short-term shift in atmospheric circulation. The findings suggest the climate system is not fully understood, with many puzzles remaining to be solved.
At near-absolute zero temperatures, quantum mechanics reveals fascinating phenomena such as Bose-Einstein condensates and entanglement. Researchers discuss recent advances in atomic and optical physics, precision timekeeping with ultra-cold atoms, and the potential for monitoring global climate change.
A UCF professor has developed an oral vaccine that shows high effectiveness against the plague, which could provide a practical solution in the event of a bioterror attack. The vaccine is more expensive to produce than traditional injectable vaccines but offers a cheap and accessible alternative.
Researchers found that warmer temperatures are favouring bird species with southern European ranges, such as the Cirl Bunting and Dartford Warbler, which are becoming more common across Britain. In contrast, northern species like the Fieldfare and Redwing are experiencing declining numbers
Two scientists, Gergely Szakács from Hungary and Monica Bettencourt-Dias from Portugal, will receive annual funding of €50,000 for three to five years. This grant supports their establishment of research groups in Hungary and Portugal.
An international research team developed a model to identify suitable habitats and corridors for the European wildcat. Almost half of Rheinland-Pfalz is considered suitable habitat, enabling a maximum population of 1600 females.
The Hospital Clínic de Barcelona is part of the ICREL project, which aims to analyze the impact of European legislation on clinical trials. The project involves multiple stakeholders and will gather information from surveys to adapt current legislation and identify areas for improvement.
Professors David Naumann and Stan Rosenberg from Stevens Institute of Technology introduced a new programming logic to leverage existing software tools and scale up large software systems in languages like Java and C#. Their work was funded by the National Science Foundation.
Peter J. Ell, director of the institute of nuclear medicine and chair of nuclear medicine at UCL, is awarded the Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award for laying the foundations of nuclear medicine in Europe. The award recognizes his pioneering efforts in developing molecular imaging techniques, including SPECT.
Scientists propose a framework for deciding when and how to intervene in species relocation due to climate change. They suggest bolstering conservation efforts, maintaining species in captivity, or finding new habitats may be inadequate alternatives. The study emphasizes the need to minimize climate change through mitigation.
The European Urology journal has released its new impact factor of 5.634, highlighting the journal's outstanding quality and international profile. This achievement is directly related to the success of the European Association of Urology (EAU), which represents over 16,000 urologists across Europe and worldwide.
A world-leading political philosopher argues that international rules on intellectual property violate human rights by denying access to vital medicines. An alternative licensing system, the Health Impact Fund (HIF), is proposed to render the existing system human-rights compliant.
A 28,000-year-old Cro-Magnoid individual from Southern Italy exhibits anatomical and genetic characteristics similar to those of modern Europeans. The study challenges the long-held assumption that Neandertals are the ancestors of modern Europeans.
Researchers have discovered a potential new drug that 'opens the taps' for hormone release, potentially stimulating new bone growth. The approach involves stimulating parathyroids, tiny glands controlling PTH hormone, which could lead to increased calcium levels and bone formation.
Researchers are investigating new strategies for targeting the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in pain relief and treating conditions like obesity and nicotine addiction. These studies aim to develop new drugs that can selectively target cannabinoid receptors without causing psychoactive side effects.
A Royal Society of Chemistry survey reveals British people take excessively long showers, with women being particularly guilty. Adults in Western Europe typically shower for two to five minutes, but the French and Spanish demonstrate greater restraint in water conservation and concern about washing contaminants into the system.
Common genetic variations affecting nicotine receptors can significantly increase the risk of lifelong nicotine addiction in European American youth who begin smoking before age 17. The study found that possession of a high-risk haplotype can lead to a 1.6-fold to almost 5-fold increase in risk of heavy smoking as an adult.
Recent RNA research reveals new roles in regulating gene expression and structural components, with potential for creating compounds to overcome genetic disorders. The EUROCORES programme brings together European groups to collaborate on RNA quality control and its applications.
The use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has increased nearly twice as much as standard IVF in Europe, according to new data. ICSI is now used more frequently in countries with southern European roots, despite lacking medical evidence that it provides better pregnancy rates than IVF.
Researchers found that songbirds control their songs with superfast muscles that can produce work at frequencies over 100 Hz, a 100 times faster than human blink rate. This discovery suggests these muscles are more common than previously thought and provide precise control of song modulations.
A study analyzing 8,970 ICSI cycles found that younger women (35 and under) achieved a pregnancy in 50.8% of their first attempts, decreasing to 18.2% by the fifth attempt. In contrast, women over 40 had a lower pregnancy rate of about 20%, consistent throughout four attempts.
Embryos with hereditary disorders should not always be transferred without unaffected ones, experts say. Doctors should discuss decision-making processes and policy before PGD, prioritizing the child's welfare.
The study reveals stark differences in antibiotic resistance between European countries, with major antibiotics being less effective in certain nations. Resistance to oxacillin and cephalosporins is of particular concern, suggesting the presence of MRSA in some countries.
A recent study found that green tea rapidly improves the function of endothelial cells lining the circulatory system. The consumption of green tea resulted in increased brachial artery dilatation, indicating improved endothelial function. This is significant as endothelial dysfunction is a key event in the progression of atherosclerosis.
A combined analysis of European cancer incidence, mortality, and survival reveals encouraging trends. However, variations between countries in healthcare access and treatment policies reflect in different cancer rates.
The study reveals social confrontation between GMO proponents and opponents, with difficulties in defining technical measures for coexistence. Organic farmers face uncertainties in measuring contamination levels and potential damages, leading to reduced cultivation areas.
Archaeologists have discovered a treasure trove of stone tools at a site in West Sussex, revealing a thriving and developed population of northern Europe's last Neanderthals. The tools, which date back to between 35,000 and 42,000 years ago, showcase the group's sophisticated hunting skills and technological prowess.
A new computational tool provides accurate insights into DNA and protein sequence evolution by avoiding systematic errors. The results suggest that sequence turnover is much more common than assumed, with a higher frequency of insertions and lower frequency of deletions.
The University of Manchester will lead a joint planning phase for the Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure, linking European biobanks and managing millions of biological samples. The project aims to counter fragmentation in Europe and facilitate access to valuable resources for biomedical research.
The Hopi community of Orayvi split in 1906 due to the corruption of their ceremonial system, which failed to integrate outside pressure. The community divided by household rather than clan lineage, resulting in the establishment of new villages within a short radius.
EuroDYNA stimulates interaction among Collaborative Research Projects (CRPs) in chromatin structure and gene regulation. The programme creates European momentum behind research into chromatin structure and gene regulation.
A new study found that 30.1% of patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis achieved disease remission with tocilizumab plus methotrexate. The treatment showed significant clinical improvements in efficacy and safety, with low rates of serious adverse effects.
Rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory rheumatic diseases increase cardiovascular risk; EULAR Task Force recommends adapted risk calculators and lifestyle changes to mitigate this risk. Aggressive inflammation suppression also lowers CV risk in patients with these conditions.
RA patients prioritise pain, function, and fatigue when evaluating disease impact; trust in physicians, potential benefits, and payment are key motivators for clinical trial enrolment.
The TRAF1/C5 gene locus is associated with both type 1 diabetes and systemic lupus erythematosus, with a common odds ratio of 1.19 and 1.22 respectively indicating a modest genetic risk factor for these diseases. The study suggests that this genetic pathway may be shared across autoimmune disorders.
Researchers found that infants hospitalized for infection before their first birthday had a higher likelihood of developing JIA or adult rheumatoid arthritis later in life. The study also identified other factors, such as low birth weight and longer gestational periods, that may affect arthritis risk.
Researchers found that RA disease factors and CVD risk factors have a comparable impact on the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. The study, which analyzed data from the CORRONA registry, identified specific RA factors such as nodules, HAQ-DI, and CDAI that increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
Studies find RA patients have a double risk of CVD events compared to the general population. The risk is comparable to that of people with type 2 diabetes. Healthcare professionals should advise patients on healthy lifestyle and early symptoms.
New data from the ATTEST Trial shows that abatacept and infliximab can significantly improve clinical responses in methotrexate-refractory rheumatoid arthritis patients over time. Long-term treatment with these medications yields sustained benefits for managing chronic disease.
A new DNA microarray chip has been developed to predict severe disability and remission in RA patients, using genetic markers. The chip improves the accuracy of clinical scores in predicting functional impairment and disease remission.
Adalimumab therapy shows promise in treating ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis patients who have failed other treatments. After 12 weeks of treatment, AS patients experienced a mean reduction in BASDAI of -2.4, while RA patients showed a mean reduction in DAS28 of -1.9.
A new study found that low hand bone mineral density is a significant predictor of mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Bone mineral density measured by digital X-ray radiogrammetry was as effective as established means like radiographic damage and functional disability in predicting mortality.
Baminercept alfa, a dual-mechanism inhibitor of the LT-β and LIGHT pathway, has shown improved efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, including reduced swollen joint count and tender joint count. The Phase IIa trial results suggest that baminercept alfa is well-tolerated and may be effective in treating RA
A new two-week self-management programme significantly reduces healthcare visits, pain scores, and health distress in arthritis patients with chronic pain. The programme's benefits were sustained for six months with continued improvements up to a year later.
A new study found that women with severe SLE who received a 6-month course of cyclophosphamide followed by mycophenolate mofetil treatment had preserved ovarian function and fertility. Disease activity was equally controlled in both groups, but patients treated with long-course CYC pulses had a higher risk of amenorrhea.
The prevalence of US osteoprotic hip fracture hospitalizations decreased significantly from 1988 to 2005, from 428 per 100,000 population to 328 per 100,000 in 2005, a decline of 25%. This decrease is attributed to improved awareness, screening, early diagnosis, and treatment.
A systematic step-up DMARD treatment schedule led to remission in 38.8% of early RA patients at week 24 and 52.1% at week 36. The researchers achieved these results through a tightly regulated treatment scheme involving methotrexate, sulfasalazine, adalimumab, and other medications.
Researchers have successfully synthesized the elusive carbene hydroxymethylene (HCOH) molecule, shedding light on its behavior and potential uses in organic chemistry. The discovery, reported in Nature, involved trapping HCOH at extremely low temperatures and observing its decay to formaldehyde through quantum tunneling.
A new study reveals that patients with higher percentages of southern European ancestry are more likely to experience severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) manifestations, including nephritis and increased autoantibody levels. This association was found to be inversely related to northern European ancestry.
A new report by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found significant gaps in advice given to European businesses to prepare for a possible influenza pandemic. The report suggests that most strategic efforts have been directed at preparing public health systems, leaving the non-health sector unprepared.
The European Union's Emissions Trading System has operated well despite its hasty adoption, showing that economic effects are not large. The system allows for banking and borrowing of allowances, making it work more efficiently.
A large European study found that smoking, obesity, and occupational noise are risk factors for age-related hearing loss. In contrast, moderate alcohol consumption was seen to have a protective effect. The study involved 4083 participants and confirmed the importance of avoiding excessive noise exposure.
Researchers have developed two new methods to better estimate the numbers of European Otters and their effects on fish farming industries. Genetic analyses of faeces can prove a promising approach in investigating otter populations. The information can be used to ensure effective nature conservation by calculating fish eaten per pond a...
Researchers from Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research propose five-step action plan to regulate cormorant populations in Europe. A common management strategy is needed due to varying national attitudes towards culling, with some countries opposing the practice.
International researchers discovered that Asian and European honeybees can share information and cooperate through dance language despite their geographical distance. The study showed that the two species can decipher encoded messages correctly after adjustment in a mixed colony.
The 2nd EuroMinScI conference brought together young researchers to present their latest findings on mineralogy, Earth sciences, and the physics-based simulation techniques. Notable awards were given to Olga Narygina and Verity Borthwick for their outstanding work in experimental and theoretical modeling.
A new EC-funded project aims to unite Europe's biological data resources into a sustainable, integrative network for life sciences research. The European Life-science Infrastructure for Biological Information (ELIXIR) project will provide a secure funding mechanism and protect valuable data from insecure or short-term funding.
Researchers found that invasive plant species, such as Buddleia and Oregon grape, have an advantage over native ones due to genetic changes and the absence of natural herbivores. This can lead to a threat to ecological balance and displacement of native species.
A global study found significant differences in the standard of care for osteoporosis across Europe, North America, and Australia. Women in Europe reported lower use of bone-saving drugs and fewer bone density tests than those in other regions, highlighting the need for improved regional comparisons.
A global map shows 'fire scars' on Earth's surface every year since the turn of the Millennium, revealing annual burns of 3.5-4.5 million km2 of vegetation. The data is vital for scientists monitoring global warming and managing forests.