Articles tagged with Europe
A three-way mating struggle observed in North American lizards has been discovered in a distant European relative, the European common lizard. The species share behavioral and reproductive details, including gaudy colors of males, indicating a potential universal evolutionary pattern among social animals.
New research from Cardiff University reveals that acid rain recovery is much slower than anticipated, with many UK streams still highly acidified. Biological recovery has been particularly poor, harming fish and other aquatic life.
The Clinical Trials Directive has led to a stagnation in clinical trials across Europe, with non-commercial sponsors contributing less than one-fifth of newly started trials. The directive's administrative burdens and cost have also discouraged many commercial and non-commercial organizations from participating.
A study published in The Lancet found that the IPS program is twice as effective as vocational services in establishing people with severe mental illness in competitive employment. IPS involves job searching based on patient preference and continuing support from an employment specialist.
Anastasia Ailamaki, a Carnegie Mellon professor, has been awarded the prestigious European Young Investigator (EURYI) Award. She will receive 1 million euros to establish a research team at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland.
A growing global cancer burden threatens low-to-medium resource countries due to limited health budgets and high communicable disease rates. Europe's successful cancer control policies demonstrate a viable approach that can be extended to these regions.
Recent political decisions in Europe have had a major negative impact on cancer treatment, according to Professor John Smyth. The new European CanCer Organisation (ECCO) aims to address these issues and promote the interests of cancer patients, researchers, and policymakers.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that binge drinking is on the rise in Mediterranean countries, especially among younger adults. The prevalence of binge drinking was highest among men aged 18-24 years, and was more frequent among those with higher education levels.
A new study published in The Lancet found that global under-5 mortality rates have fallen from 110 per 1000 in 1980 to 72 per 1000 in 2005. However, the target of a 67% decline by 2015 is unlikely to be met due to slow progress in sub-Saharan Africa.
New research supports the cardiovascular safety of ACTOS (pioglitazone HCI) and its benefits in improving blood glucose and lipid levels. The study found that therapies including pioglitazone are associated with significant reductions in the risk of stroke or myocardial infarction compared to non-thiazolidinedione therapies.
The second European survey on cancer research funding shows that Europe contributes significantly to global efforts, with a total spend of €3.2 billion in 2004. The report highlights the need for less bureaucracy and over-management to further world-class cancer research in Europe.
CABI's work with the European Commission significantly reduced methyl bromide usage in the EU, from 5.7 million kg to 0.5 million kg, setting a precedent for global pesticide reduction.
The Commission on Social Determinants of Health highlights the significant gaps in health equity across the world, with life expectancies for African and South Asian children being less than 50 years. The report emphasizes that action is needed to address social and political factors contributing to these disparities.
The European land leech Xerobdella lecomtei has become virtually extinct due to human-induced temperature increases in Austria over a 40-year period. The researchers found that rising temperatures led to a drastic reduction in soil moisture, making it difficult for the leech to survive.
A large-scale virtual microscopy slide seminar is held with over 800 pathologists from Europe and worldwide participating. The event features digitized samples of rare cases and a European Virtual Microscopy Network for future collaboration.
A study of over 1050 North American and European musicians found that they are more than twice as likely to die an early death compared to the general population. Long-term drug or alcohol problems accounted for nearly one in four deaths, with some stars continuing to experience higher death rates even 25 years after achieving fame.
Ancient DNA analysis suggests pigs were brought from the Middle East as part of a farming package, leading to their local domestication and eventual spread across Europe. The study sheds new light on the colonization of Europe by early farmers.
Hepatitis E virus has been detected in European pigs and pork products, posing a risk to human health. The disease is often fatal for pregnant women and can be transmitted through direct contact with animals or contaminated food.
SMART-1 has mapped the polar regions, surveyed lunar resources, and investigated potential landing sites. The mission has provided clues on the dynamics of ejecta after impact and laboratory experiments have modeled impacts.
A new study suggests that homosexual civil unions may have existed in France six centuries ago, challenging common assumptions about the history of same-sex relationships. The affrèrement, a medieval legal contract, provided a framework for non-nuclear households and shared characteristics with marriage contracts.
A new study examines how Latino immigrants identify themselves racially in the US, finding a significant share identifies as Latino rather than white. Increasing exposure to American culture leads to a shift towards Spanish racial self-identification, contrasting with earlier European immigrant groups.
Historians detail a burst of fishing from 1900 to 1950 that preceded the decline of bluefin tuna populations in the North Atlantic. The research suggests high fishing pressure played a key role in the species' disappearance.
Heat waves on the continent have doubled and the frequency of extremely hot days has nearly tripled since 1880, according to a new study. The average length of heat waves is now around 3 days, compared to 1.5 days in 1880.
The American Political Science Association (APSA) has recognized outstanding contributions to the study, teaching, and practice of politics with its 2007 awards. This year's winners include notable public servants, journalists, scholars, and researchers who have made significant impacts in their respective fields.
Children with cancer in the UK have shorter survival rates compared to other European countries due to inadequate surveillance and care. Experts recommend rigorous assessment of routine surveillance and primary care to improve childhood cancer outcomes.
The European Patent Office has launched a patent information service in Russia, providing free access to millions of patent documents and stimulating competition and innovation. Russian researchers can now easily find state-of-the-art information, identify new research challenges, and collaborate with foreign partners.
Pawel Walewski, a health editor with Poland's biggest selling weekly magazine Polityka, has been awarded the European School of Oncology's Best Cancer Reporter Award for 2007. The award recognizes his outstanding cancer reporting and aims to promote better quality media coverage of cancer.
Cancer is a major cause of disease and mortality worldwide, requiring a strong political signal for alliance and concerted actions. The Round Table on Health Strategies in the European Union will focus on creating capacity building for effective policies and programs to address cancer.
A new study reveals that Germany's embryo protection law has led to an increase in foetal reductions performed during IVF treatments, resulting in the killing of embryos. The law, which limits embryo creation and transfer, is being criticized by experts for not protecting embryos as intended.
A new study reveals the challenges posed by PGD patients traveling abroad, with concerns over referral processes, counselling, and monitoring. The study highlights inconsistencies in regulation across Europe, with some countries allowing prenatal testing but not PGD.
Scientists have developed a breakthrough understanding of how individual water molecules come together to form ice crystals. This research provides unprecedented resolution and sheds light on the process of heterogeneous nucleation, essential for climate change models and cloud formation.
Researchers investigate the role of pheromones in the mating patterns of European corn borer, finding that overall genetic relatedness is a stronger predictor of mate compatibility than pheromone type. This challenges previous assumptions about the importance of pheromone divergence in speciation.
Genetic analysis reveals Etruscan immigrants came from Anatolia, specifically southern Turkey. The study confirms Herodotus' theory and provides evidence for a genetic continuity between ancient and modern-day Tuscans.
A European multinational study showed that tocilizumab improved symptoms in 43.9% and 22% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, with a 70% improvement observed in over one-fifth, according to the first phase III trial results.
Women with rheumatoid arthritis receive anti-TNF treatments at a higher level of disease symptoms than men, despite similar disease activity measurements. The study suggests that physicians often rely on objective markers rather than subjective measures, leading to unequal treatment.
Treatment with belimumab resulted in a sustained improvement of SLE disease activity in 46% of patients at week 52, according to the study. The novel combined responder index takes into account three measures of disease progression and is associated with biomarker improvements and quality of life enhancements.
A new study has found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms significantly improved during pregnancy, with 40% of patients experiencing a notable decrease in disease activity. Postpartum, 64% of patients remained stable or improved, while only 36% experienced flares.
A multinational review of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) found significant national differences in disease severity, directly related to national health expenditure. The study, QUEST-RA, analyzed data from 100 patients across 21 countries and revealed a negative correlation between disease severity and GDP/health expenditure.
A study at EULAR 2007 found that taking x-rays of the semi-flexed knee is the most reliable and responsive way to determine structural severity in knee OA. Measuring joint space width was shown to be more able to detect change over time or after treatment than other techniques.
A study at EULAR 2007 found that early treatment with a combination of methotrexate and infliximab can induce clinical remission and reduce joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Almost one-fifth (17%) of patients reached clinical remission, while 51% were able to discontinue infliximab treatment.
Preliminary results show that 59% of patients receiving certolizumab pegol 200mg plus methotrexate achieved a 20% improvement in symptoms after 24 weeks, compared to 14% for those taking methotrexate alone. The treatment combination also resulted in higher ACR70 responses and lower discontinuation rates due to adverse events.
A study found that 36% of refractory SLE patients remained well after undergoing B-cell depletion therapy, with median duration of B-cell depletion being 4 months. Patients with low baseline serum C3 levels and anti-ENA antibodies were more likely to flare after treatment.
Astronomers have witnessed the death of a very massive star by observing two celestial explosions at exactly the same position in the sky. The most likely explanation for the 2004 explosion was a giant outburst of the star, which was later confirmed by the final death of the same star.
The new guidelines provide up-to-date information on best practices and practical recommendations for diagnosing, assessing, and treating arterial hypertension. The update is based on a thorough review of scientific data from large clinical trials and observational studies.
The Lancet Editorial emphasizes the need for dramatically increasing legal organ donations to meet demand, as punitive measures only drive organ trafficking further underground. The Iranian model of paying and caring for donors is considered the gold standard, but its commercialization raises moral concerns.
The NWO Spinoza prize is awarded to Dutch researchers who make groundbreaking contributions to their field. This year's winners are Prof. Deirdre Curtin (law), Prof. Marcel Dicke (ecological entomology), Prof. Leo Kouwenhoven (physics), and Prof. Wil Roebroeks (archaeology), each receiving €1.5 million.
A study by Klaus Wertenbroch and colleagues found that people spend less in real terms when using foreign currencies with lower face values, and more when using higher face values. This occurs because consumers evaluate transactions based on nominal differences rather than real purchasing power.
Researchers analyze ancient multiple graves, suggesting that Upper Paleolithic groups in Europe may have practiced ritual human sacrifice. The findings provide insight into the complexity and symbolism of these societies.
The EU ETS has achieved its goal of limiting CO2 emissions and placed a price on carbon, with the value of traded volume estimated at €14.7 billion. A global framework for managing climate policy is required to address global greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists have long debated the birthplace of the European potato. New genetic information reveals that remnants of early potatoes are of Andean and Chilean origin, with possible hybrids. This finding challenges previous assumptions and has implications for breeding programs.
A report by European Society for Medical Oncology reveals stark inequalities in access to cancer treatment globally. Key findings include that Austria, France, and the US have high uptake of new cancer drugs, while countries like New Zealand, Poland, and South Africa have low uptake.
A common genetic variation on chromosome 9p21 is linked to a substantial increase in risk for heart attack, with individuals carrying the variation having a 1.64-fold greater risk of suffering a heart attack. The study found that approximately 21 percent of individuals of European descent carry two copies of the genetic variation.
A study on European blackbirds found that urbanization favors sedentary males, with those exhibiting lower migratory disposition having an earlier onset of reproductive season. This is due to the advantages of sedentariness and earlier territory establishment for males in terms of reproductive success.
Conservation efforts in US and Mexico may be increasing loggerhead and Kemp's ridley turtles visiting UK waters. The research team attributes the increase to protective measures, such as turtle excluder devices in fishing nets.
A study published in Science reveals that massive volcanic eruptions 55 million years ago led to a five-to-six-degree Celsius jump in ocean temperatures, linked to the creation of the North Atlantic Ocean. The prehistoric activity released over 2,000 gigatonnes of carbon into the atmosphere, similar to today's greenhouse gas emissions.
Research by Erik Trinkaus suggests that early modern Europeans exhibited Neandertal traits, reflecting both African and Neandertal ancestry. The analysis indicates a small behavioral difference between groups, suggesting they saw each other as social equals.
A national smoking ban in Ireland resulted in a significant reduction in air pollution in pubs, with an 83 percent decrease in airborne carcinogens. The ban also improved the respiratory health of bar workers, particularly non-smoking employees, who showed improvements in cough and phlegm production.
Over a dozen countries have adopted national indoor smoke-free policies, including Ireland and New Zealand, making progress in protecting people from second-hand smoke. The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has helped galvanize global commitment to clean-air policies and tobacco control initiatives.
Dr Alwyn Ruddock's extraordinary claims about her research on John Cabot's voyages to America have been explored by Dr Evan Jones of the University of Bristol. Ruddock's findings suggest that Cabot explored a large section of the American coastline, claiming it for England in the process.
A randomized trial found that Crataegus Extract WS1442 safely prolongs the lives of congestive heart failure patients, reducing cardiac-related deaths by 20%. The study involved 2,681 patients and confirmed the safety of the compound, which is currently approved for use in some European countries.