Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
PETRA III will be one of the world's leading sources for short-wavelength X-rays, enabling innovative research in medicine, materials science, and molecular biology. The new facility will feature 14 experimental stations and a unique combination of light sources, attracting scientists from Germany and abroad.
A new book on fauna and flora in the ALMA region has been published, showcasing unique observations of local species and key initiatives to protect them. The book is a valuable educational resource for students and teachers in northern Chile.
A recent study published in Molecular Ecology reveals that the genetic distribution of brown bears was not solely determined by Ice Age isolation. Instead, human hunting and land use have had a significant impact on their genetics, allowing them to survive and thrive in central Europe during the coldest periods. This new understanding ...
A new study in journal Ecography analyzes Bergmann's rule in European carnivore mammals, partitioning body mass variation into historical and ecological components. The findings show that patterns can be better explained by recent and independent evolution of each species as a response to environmental conditions.
A European Molecular Biology Organization study reveals that traditional gender roles and negative workplace cultures limit women's career advancement. Women publish less, have fewer mentoring opportunities, and are slower to advance due to family responsibilities.
A 7,000-year-old flood is believed to have triggered the expansion of farming across Europe. The study suggests that rising sea levels led to dramatic social change and displaced millions of people.
The new European loess map provides a comprehensive overview of fertile soils in Europe, covering around one-fifth of the continent. The map, created using modern digital information systems, links coordinates and factual information, offering valuable insights for agriculture, soil erosion, and climate history.
The EUCAARI project aims to improve knowledge on the impact of fine particles on climate and air quality. A global network of measuring stations, including those in Brazil, South Africa, China, and India, will collect data on European air through both ground-based and airborne measurements.
The AUA and EAU have released new guidelines for managing ureteral calculi, recommending updated treatment options such as ureteroscopy (URS) for all locations and sizes of stones. The guidelines also identify areas for future research to improve patient outcomes.
A new European study reveals that older people living alone are more likely to experience depression, loneliness, and lower life satisfaction compared to those living with a spouse or others. However, the findings suggest that women in Nordic countries tend to be happier when living alone.
Scientists reveal that the closure of the Rheic Ocean created the supercontinent of Pangaea and the Appalachian Mountains, marking a significant event in Earth's history. The discovery provides new insights into the formation of these geological features and their impact on climate change.
A Queen's University study confirms Darwin's controversial theory that different species can arise unhindered in the same place. Researchers found that tropical seabirds time-share breeding sites, differing genetically over long periods of time, shedding light on species divergence.
Research published in Sexually Transmitted Infections found that nearly one in five young Britons has sex with someone new while abroad, often choosing partners from the UK or Europe to reduce HIV transmission risk. This behavior is associated with risky sexual practices and highlights a gap in healthcare messaging for travelers.
The UK government has failed to deliver on its promise of more flexible working in the NHS, according to a recent article. The Medical Women's Federation argues that this lack of flexibility has led to increased stress and burnout among medical staff, particularly women who make up nearly 70% of medical students.
The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) has selected 18 young scientists from Europe to receive the prestigious Young Investigator Programme. The three-year programme aims to support outstanding young researchers in developing their professional skills and reputation in the scientific community.
SQ109 shows excellent in vitro and in vivo activity against drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB bacteria. The treatment also synergizes with other TB drugs in experimental animal models, offering new combinations with greater activity than current standard care.
The WHO EURO region's Ministerial Forum on tuberculosis must consider the global impact of the disease and take collective action to control poverty and inequality. The authors propose a six-pronged approach to tackle the threat, including addressing trade policies and global poverty.
Researchers have discovered fossilized cashew nuts in Germany, dating back 47 million years, which suggest that the genus Anacardium was once distributed in Europe. This finding indicates that Europe may be an important biogeographic link between Africa and South America, challenging previous theories.
Researchers found that frequent use of household cleaning sprays can raise asthma risk in nonprofessional users, increasing the risk by 30-50% compared to those who rarely or never use such products. Cleaning sprays, especially air fresheners and glass cleaners, had a particularly strong effect.
The Lancet study reveals that nearly a third of pregnancies in Europe end in abortion, while the rate in Africa is significantly lower. The study attributes the decline in abortion rates in Eastern Europe to increased use of modern contraception methods.
Satellite technology has enabled us to monitor the effects of deforestation and climate change. However, there are concerns about the weaponization of space and the creation of space junk.
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.