Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
The European research project EARLINET-ASOS is analyzing the effects of atmospheric aerosol particles on climate change. By monitoring aerosol concentrations and origins across Europe, scientists aim to improve predictions of climate systems.
Research on ocean acidification reveals that the oceans have become 30% more acidic since the industrial revolution, with predicted pH levels dropping by 0.4 units by the end of the century. This could lead to devastating effects on marine life and ecosystems, including coral reefs and fisheries.
Researchers found that polyalkylimide implants can cause infrequent but sometimes severe immune-related adverse effects, including swelling, hardening, and systemic symptoms, in patients who received these fillers at least 12 months prior.
Researchers have developed new methods to analyze marble intrinsic features, petrography, and physical properties to predict durability and changeability. The study aims to identify the most suitable marbles for construction purposes and prevent decay in European buildings.
Researchers found that arable land and steppe-formation processes can significantly affect global air quality, as evidenced by a dust cloud from southern Ukraine that caused extreme particulate matter concentrations in Central Europe. The study highlights the need for better understanding of dust transport and formation processes, part...
Research finds symmetry and sexual dimorphism in human faces are related to attractiveness, supporting the idea that they signal genetic quality. The study also reveals similar patterns in non-human primates and different human populations, indicating universal signals of quality.
The EuroQUAM inauguration conference in Barcelona showcased cutting-edge results in cold quantum matter, a field with applications in high-precision measurement and quantum information. The conference aimed to stimulate collaborations between experiment and theory, highlighting the high quality of research in Europe.
Researchers from University of Copenhagen conducted a study to identify the most effective diet to help adults stop regaining weight. After a successful initial weight loss, participants followed different diets, including high or low protein and glycemic index foods, for six months, with some receiving additional support.
Scientists investigate impacts of demographic change on European cities, finding parallels between Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany. Empty properties are often the result of redevelopment needs rather than oversupply, while urban planning adaptations are crucial for elderly populations.
Indigenous Polynesian populations face higher cancer mortality rates due to factors like smoking, obesity, and limited access to screenings. Screening programs for breast cancer cover less than half of Pacific women compared to European New Zealanders.
Researchers have developed a test to accurately distinguish between squamous and non-squamous forms of non-small-cell lung cancer based on microRNA levels. This method can improve diagnosis and treatment guide for patients with the disease.
The 1600 Huaynaputina eruption in Peru led to a cold year worldwide, causing crop failures and famine in Europe, China and Japan. The study also reveals exceptional cold winters in Russia, late peach blooms in China, and a record-breaking early freezing date in Japan.
Scientists have identified oil-based paint layers in ancient Buddhist murals from the Bamiyan caves, dating back to the mid-7th century A.D. The findings contradict traditional views of oil painting's origins in Europe, suggesting a longer history of use in Asia.
Freelance creators face unclear legal positions due to disparate jurisdictions, leading to unclear ownership and control of digital exploitation rights. Clearer rules on contract formation and interpretation could resolve these issues.
Roberta, a German robotics project, aims to encourage high school girls to pursue technical trades and university programs. The program has been successful, with 22 regional centers in Germany and plans for European expansion.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation is urging EU countries to continue seeking government recognition and action to address the growing burden of osteoporosis. Despite progress in management, important care gaps remain, including limited access to bone mineral density machines and evidence-based treatments.
The LIREC project aims to develop emotionally intelligent companion technology that can engage humans in the long term. Researchers will study people's perceptions of robots and explore how humans bond with synthetic companions, inspired by human-pet relationships.
Researchers found that the probability of bird migration errors increases with species abundance in Asia, while body size has no effect. The scientists suspect an error in the genetic migratory programme as the cause, rather than weather or other factors.
A recent study published in BJU International found that kidney cancer deaths in Europe have declined by 13% for men and 17% for women between 1992 and 2002, with the largest reductions seen in Austria and Germany. However, the study also reveals significant variations in mortality rates across different countries.
A discussion-based scenario was shared by Lori Unruh Snyder to teach critical thinking about food biotechnology. The exercise helped students understand the conflict between those affected and policymakers, as well as regional opinions impacting the world. By debating pros and cons of biotechnology globally, students enhanced their cri...
A study by Catholic University - Campobasso confirms flavonoids' beneficial effects on human health, particularly on the heart. The research found that rats fed an anthocyanin-rich diet were more resistant to myocardial infarction.
A recent molecular analysis of ancestry across Latin America has revealed a marked differentiation between regions, demonstrating a 'genetic continuity' between pre-and post Columbian populations. The research shows that mostly Native and African women and European men contributed genes to the subsequent generations.
MIT researchers used computer analysis and replica construction to demonstrate the feasibility of ancient Pacific trade routes using balsa rafts. The study shows that these rafts could carry up to 30 tons of cargo and had a complex steering mechanism.
A €15 million European Commission-funded project, EDICT, brings together leading experts in membrane proteins to find novel treatments for diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The research aims to map the structure of proteins to identify compounds that could be developed as new treatments.
A recent study published in PNAS found that Spanish brown bears have genetic material from bears in other parts of Europe, challenging the idea of their isolation. The research, led by Anders Götherstam and Cristina Valdiosera, analyzed DNA sequences from prehistoric material and discovered a unexpected pattern.
The banking crisis is attributed to unrealistic expectations of high returns on equity and poor risk management, according to economist Paul J.J. Welfens. The crisis will persist if regulatory systems are not improved and sustainable investment strategies are not promoted.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) welcomes the ESCEO European guidance for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The guidance provides a roadmap for implementing the new FRAX tool based on the WHO technical report, offering case-finding strategies supported by health economic data.
The project aims to develop an artificial immune system that can protect individual robots and the larger collective organism from faults. By sharing information and energy, the robots form a single artificial life-form with enhanced capabilities, such as rescuing earthquake victims.
A fossilized giant rhino bone found in Anatolia reveals animal migrations between Europe and Asia during the Oligocene epoch. The discovery confirms that Anatolia was not geographically isolated, but rather connected to continental Asia by an isthmus.
A recent study by NOAA scientists suggests that changes in ocean-atmosphere conditions may be a primary factor in declining European eel reproduction and survival rates. The North Atlantic Oscillation is believed to be a key driver of these changes, which can impact the development of glass eels, the juvenile stage of the eel population.
The 2008 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is useful for countries without their own monitoring systems, but its global ranking lacks legitimacy and precision within the European Union. The EPI's standardized framework cannot account for regional environmental problems and varying policy contexts.
Researchers found that Asian Indians have higher insulin resistance and mitochondrial function than Northern Europeans, despite being non-obese. This study suggests that urbanization and diet changes may contribute to the increased risk of type 2 diabetes in Asian Indians.
A study found that honey bees invading new areas benefit from the genetic endowment of their predecessors, with functional genes from European bees providing an advantage. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary mechanism behind the expansion of honey bees into temperate regions and their ability to thrive in harsh winter condit...
Research reveals invasive garden ants have already established widely in Europe, with potential for further infestations. The ants' dispersal strategy and originators were found to be limited, suggesting many more infestations may remain undiscovered.
A study found that US adults have a higher prevalence of stroke than Europeans, mainly due to higher rates of stroke risk factors in the US. The gap is more pronounced among poor Americans, who are more likely to have a stroke.
A Cornell-led study comparing 15 African-Americans and 20 European-Americans found proportionately more harmful genetic variations in Europeans. Computer simulations suggest that the first Europeans had smaller and less diverse populations, allowing mildly harmful variations to become more frequent over time.
New research reveals two genetically distinct populations of Atlantic bluefin tuna, raising concerns about current fisheries-management practices and the impact of trans-Atlantic tourism on fish stocks. The study suggests that Mediterranean-spawned fish are flocking to the western Atlantic, potentially making it appear healthier than i...
A recent US survey found that only 29.5% of respondents believed nanotechnology was morally acceptable, while European nations had significantly higher acceptance rates. The study suggests that religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping public views on the technology, with Americans more likely to oppose it due to concerns ab...
The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) offers a unique opportunity for young scientists to expand their knowledge and skills by working on scientific projects. The ECNP Research Grant for Young Scientists provides up to €50,000 funding for projects in neuropsychopharmacology or closely related disciplines.
Columbus, a state-of-the-art European research facility, has been successfully deployed to the International Space Station (ISS) via NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis. The laboratory will enable astronauts to conduct extensive scientific experiments in various fields, including life sciences and space science.
Two European hematologists will pursue research projects in the US through the EHA-ASH International Fellowship Award. Lapo Alinari and Serena Kimi Perna will gain invaluable experience and advance their careers in hematology, with funding support from the American Society of Hematology.
The study analyzed data from 2000 to find large regional variations in stroke and heart disease-related deaths across Europe. Mortality rates for ischemic heart disease (IHD) were lower in southern and western countries, while cerebrovascular disease (CVD) mortality was reduced in the center of Western Europe.
A new study reveals that rheumatoid arthritis results in significant economic impact due to early retirement, with up to two-thirds of costs outside the healthcare sector. Patient access to disease-modifying biologic drugs is limited, particularly in Western Europe.
Naama Barkai receives the award for her work on chemotaxis, embryonic development, and cellular transcription programmes. Her research has revolutionised the field of systems biology and significantly changed how scientists think about complex biological processes.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that Andean potatoes were introduced to Europe around 1700, while Chilean potatoes became popular 34 years earlier, contradicting previous theories about their origins.
A recent genetic study has confirmed that the domestic cat's family tree is rooted in the Fertile Crescent, a region in the Middle East. The study found that over 11,000 cats from around the world were genetically clustered into four groups corresponding to European, Mediterranean, east African, and Asian regions.
BepiColombo, a joint ESA-JAXA mission, will make the most comprehensive study of Mercury ever, revealing its composition, magnetosphere, and origin. The mission consists of two spacecraft: MPO and MMO, carrying instruments to study the planet's surface and internal structure.
Fine particulate matter pollution linked to increased death rates from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Adopting the WHO standard of 10 µg/m3 could delay up to 7% of early deaths, while meeting the US EPA standard of 15 µg/m3 would only delay 1.6%. Reducing PM2.5 levels can also save billions in healthcare costs.
Researchers provide first genetic dissection of European American population structure, identifying key genetic variants that can correct for population substructure in disease association studies. By using a panel of 300 markers, researchers can determine whether observed associations are genuine or false-positives.
A comprehensive genetic analysis supports the 'Columbian theory' of syphilis's origins, suggesting the pathogen was introduced to Europe by Columbus and his men. The study found that the venereal syphilis-causing strains originated most recently and were closest relatives to strains causing yaws in South America.
A study analyzing 9 EU countries found significant variations in healthcare treatment costs, with prices ranging from €1290 to €8739 per patient. The cost differences between Eastern European and other EU member states create opportunities for cross-border trade.
A study found that adopting four healthy behaviors, including quitting smoking and exercising regularly, can add 14 extra years to a person's life. Researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 participants and found that those who adopted all four behaviors had a significantly lower risk of death compared to those who did not.
Researchers isolated the signal of ocean global warming by analyzing historical temperature records. Volcanic loading in Hawaii triggered earthquakes with divergent mechanisms. Climate scientists found anticorrelated precipitation patterns between China and Brazil, suggesting oceanic circulation triggers abrupt climate events.
Bone skates were an early means of human-powered transport, with a recent study supporting their origins in Southern Finland. The use of bone skates limited energy consumption by 10% in winter, but only slightly in other North European countries.
The new ecosystems approach to fishery regulation requires consideration of various uses of maritime resources and interactions between different sectors. The study highlights the need for interactive decision-making processes to promote versatile use of information about the maritime environment.
A recent study assesses global brain-computer interface (BCI) research, finding that BCI technologies are rapidly growing and approaching first-generation medical practice. The report predicts significant influence on the medical device industry and accelerated growth in non-medical arenas, including gaming and robotics.
Researchers studied how Christianity brought written material from Mediterranean to NW Europe, including Biblical weights, measures, and glossaries. They aimed to understand various forms of transferring Greek and Roman knowledge about the natural world.
A recent study found that only 14% of arm pain is likely to be caused or aggravated by arm straining activities, contradicting previous data from Labour Force Surveys. The survey results indicated that nearly half of respondents experienced arm pain in the past year, with many attributing it to their job.
Experts warn that the European Water Framework Directive lacks a comprehensive approach to monitoring and addressing chemical pollution in rivers. The current priority list of substances is deemed inadequate, and researchers advocate for prioritizing effects rather than just chemicals.
A new study by the University of Helsinki finds that EU forests are expanding and absorbing large amounts of carbon, with an average annual absorption of 126 teragrams between 1990 and 2005. The expansion of forests in certain countries, such as Finland and Lithuania, has even more than offset national emissions.