Articles tagged with Europe
The 3rd European Young Investigator Award (EURYI) ceremony honors 25 young researchers from across Europe for their groundbreaking research. The awardees will receive a diploma and €1.25 million in project funding to turn their scientific ideas into reality.
A study by University College London archaeologists found that the humble shoelace tags were more valuable to indigenous Cubans than gold, suggesting a significant shift in trade priorities. The discovery challenges traditional views of gold's value and highlights the importance of alternative materials in pre-Columbian societies.
A 4-year project called CONTENT is investigating the effects of gut infections on growth and development in young children in Latin America. The project aims to develop new diagnostic tools and prevention methods for gut infections, which cause significant deaths and health issues globally.
A study by researchers from the University of Turin found that hospital admissions for acute heart attacks among people under 60 fell by 11% after Italy's public smoking ban was introduced. The decline was largely attributed to reduced exposure to passive smoking, with only a small fraction due to active smoking.
Margaret Foti, AACR CEO, receives the Association of American Cancer Institutes Distinguished Service Award for her leadership and advocacy in advancing cancer research. The AACR has grown to over 24,000 members under her tenure, and she has launched several high-quality journals in the field.
A study explores the diversity of Muslims in Europe, highlighting their inability to form coherent political fronts due to decentralized Islamic structure and ethnic differences. The research suggests that Islam is not a unifying focal point for Western Europeans.
The Enabling Grids for E-sciencE (EGEE) project maintains a global Grid infrastructure that sustains over 1 million jobs per month, with clusters of PCs executing calculations worldwide. The EGEE project involves 91 institutional partners and produces a production-quality Grid middleware distribution called gLite.
Europe outperforms the US in formal technology transfer from public research, with more licenses executed and start-ups established. However, open science measures reveal Europe's actual performance is more nuanced.
A Phase III efficacy study led by Dr. Peter Hillmen found eculizumab significantly improves anaemia and quality of life in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). The treatment also reduces intravascular hemolysis, fatigue, pain, and shortness of breath.
The World Trade Organization is expected to rule on biotechnology-altered foods, with differing perceptions about the 'precautionary principle' leading to trade clashes. The Japan-based Institute for Advanced Studies of the United Nations University calls for international agreement on common approaches to risk assessment.
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics has identified two distinct genetic profiles among modern Europeans, which can be used to control for ancestry in genetic studies. The findings have significant implications for understanding the distribution of genetic variation in European populations and their impact on disease research.
Frank Uhlmann, a Cancer Research UK scientist, receives the 2006 EMBO Gold Medal for his decade-long work on understanding the cell cycle. His discoveries have opened new avenues in cancer treatment and diagnosis. Published over 40 papers, including in high-impact journals like Nature and Cell.
The EMBL/CRG Research Unit will tackle challenging questions in systems biology through a combination of theoretical and experimental approaches. The unit will span from molecules to cells and work with various research techniques.
A study of over 68,000 patients in 44 countries found that Eastern Europeans and Middle Easterners have the highest rates of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from these conditions. The analysis suggests that cardiovascular disease is no longer exclusive to Western, industrialized world.
European blackbirds born in cities exhibit a reduced stress response compared to those from forests, which may be the result of urban-specific selection pressures. This adaptation helps them thrive in concrete habitats around the globe.
A recent study examines the effectiveness of forest certification programs in developing countries, finding that existing demand from North American and European markets has not significantly influenced forest management choices. The book argues that increased commercial support is needed for improved environmental and social practices.
A study of Old World fruit flies found increased frequency of low-latitude inversions in their chromosomes, suggesting protection against warmer temperatures. This rapid genetic shift is detectable even for samples separated by fewer than two decades, highlighting the potential for species adaptation to climate change.
Dr. Catherine Cesarsky has been elected as the new President of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for a three-year term, becoming the first woman to receive this distinction. She brings extensive experience in research and leadership, having previously served as ESO Director General.
New research led by University of Oregon's Douglas Kennett sheds light on Rapa, a French Polynesian Island, revealing a late pulse of colonization around A.D. 1200. The settlement date matches Easter Island's and provides insights into population dispersal mechanisms, highlighting the challenges of environmental degradation.
New research reveals that European Neanderthals had the capacity for symbolic thinking and possessed sophisticated artefacts around 44,000 years ago. This challenges the conventional interpretation of the Grotte de Fées site in Central France.
The new ACC/AHA/ESC Guidelines outline recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, addressing inconsistencies in previous guidelines. The guidelines provide individualized management based on symptom burden and severity of underlying heart disease.
A University of Cincinnati researcher finds that unions effectively serve as allies for the unemployed, providing support and mobilizing action. However, a precarious balance exists between union interests and those of the unemployed, with socio-economic matters dominating the debate.
A survey found that one-third of Americans reject evolution, a higher figure than in European countries. Fundamentalist religions and politics play a significant role in this disparity.
A new analysis of data from twin satellites reveals that Greenland's ice sheet is losing ice at a rate five times faster than the previous year and a half. The rapid loss of ice primarily affects one shoreline, potentially impacting ocean circulation and global sea levels.
The revised guidelines recommend using risk factors for stroke to determine whether anti-clotting therapy is given to people with atrial fibrillation. Aspirin or warfarin is recommended for patients with certain risk factors, and daily aspirin therapy is suggested for those without stroke risk factors.
The European Young Investigator Awards scheme attracts talented researchers from worldwide. This year's awardees are expected to contribute significantly to building the next generation of leading European researchers.
New research suggests that sudden, rapid global warming drove the dispersal of early primates from South Asia to Europe and then to North America. The whole event happened within about 25,000 years.
Astronomers have observed a massive nuclear explosion on the surface of a white dwarf star, sending gas into space and creating a blast wave that accelerates electrons to nearly the speed of light. The European VLBI Network tracked the outburst using telescopes around the world, revealing a cigar-like shape in the blast wave.
The EU, US, and Iran are engaged in negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, with significant implications for regional stability and global leadership. Dr. Amuzegar argues that hidden agendas and domestic political considerations are complicating the talks.
The Euroscience Foundation will grant the European Science Writers Award in Munich, recognizing exceptional science journalists. The award, worth €3,000, honors those who foster communication between science and the public.
The ESO ELT Project Office will work closely with experts from the scientific community and industry to design a telescope that will improve performance by over tenfold compared to current telescopes. A baseline design is expected to be presented to the ESO Council in late 2006.
The Implementation Action Plan (IAP) outlines key activities for sustainable chemistry, focusing on bio-based economy, energy, and more. The plan aims to realise visionary projects and create a supportive environment for innovation and research.
Researchers found that men with chronic coronary syndrome are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction, with an average time frame of two years between ED symptoms and angina. The study suggests that patients with ED and multiple risk factors should be monitored for heart disease.
A survey found that public funding for cancer research is inadequate in Europe, with an average of €2.56 per person spent compared to $17.63 in the US. The US spends four times as much on cancer research as a percentage of GDP.
Research found a strong association between indoor swimming pool availability and childhood asthma rates across Europe. The study of 190,000 young teenagers from 21 countries showed a 2-3% rise in wheezing and asthma for every indoor pool per 100,000 population.
The CAPANINA project demonstrates how wireless and optical communications can be relayed from high-altitude platforms (HAPs) to bring low-cost broadband connections to remote areas. The system promises data rates 2,000 times faster than traditional modems, with applications ranging from disaster management to environmental monitoring.
The CERN Council has adopted a European strategy for particle physics, providing for European engagement and leadership. This marks an important step for the field, as the world's particle physicists embark on a new adventure with the Large Hadron Collider project.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that routine ECG screening for newborns can identify life-threatening genetic conditions like long QT syndrome, which can be prevented with medication. The cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that this program could save up to 27 lives per year in Italy.
A study predicts Alpine glaciers could disappear within the century due to rising temperatures and precipitation changes. The majority of glacier cover is expected to be lost if summer air temperature increases by three degrees Celsius, with only the largest glaciers surviving in the 22nd century.
The ESC recommends developing joint clinical services with common diagnostic pathways, trained specialists in multiple imaging modalities, and evaluation of tests based on clinical outcomes. This collaboration aims to improve the quality of life of European populations by reducing cardiovascular disease's impact.
The ESF launched EuroBioFund to bring together funding bodies and life sciences researchers for coordinated research strategy development. The initiative aims to facilitate joint research initiatives, organize research communities, and shape a new funding way in Europe.
Injuries are the third leading cause of death in Europe after cardiovascular disease and cancer, causing significant socioeconomic inequalities in death rates. The authors call for investment in safety measures, including legislation, enforcement, media campaigns, and education to address these inequalities and reduce injury rates.
Research reveals rheumatoid arthritis significantly impacts patients' sexual activity, with fatigue and functional limitation being key predictors. The study highlights the need for increased attention to this often taboo topic in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing sexual problems as part of general RA care.
A new study found that steroid injections can improve pain and stiffness in patients with late-stage hip osteoarthritis. The treatment was more effective than placebo in primary and secondary endpoints, offering hope for patients who have not responded to conservative therapy.
New research suggests that treatment with TNF inhibitors reduces cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accidents, in rheumatoid arthritis patients. However, a separate study found an increased risk of serious infections in patients treated with TNF inhibitors.
The study found that HAQ responsiveness decreases with increasing RA duration, suggesting an irreversible disability component. This makes it challenging to detect functional improvement and distinguish it from placebo effects.
Researchers have identified a potential new treatment target for children's muscle disease, where heat shock protein HSP60 plays an active role in controlling inflammation. This discovery could lead to therapies aimed at expanding T-cells with regulatory capacities reacting to HSP60, potentially contributing to disease remission.
The study found that the PTPN22 gene risk variant is associated with increased articular damage progression in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The researchers also discovered a link between the T allele carrier status and the annual rate of radiographic damage progression.
Long-term data from a study showed that abatacept treatment significantly slowed the progression of structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients who had an inadequate response to methotrexate. The effect was seen at year 2 and continued into the second year, suggesting progressive improvement.
A double-blind phase III study found tocilizumab improved signs and symptoms of active rheumatoid arthritis by 80.3% at 24 weeks, compared to 25.0% for methotrexate. The treatment was well-tolerated, with few adverse events reported.
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) is urging governments to recognize the extraordinary burden of rheumatic diseases, which affect over 100 million Europeans. The campaign aims to secure a disability-specific EU directive to prevent discrimination across all services.
A recent study involving 56 children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) found that tocilizumab improved symptoms in 68% of patients, with over 85% showing a 50% improvement rate. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with only two serious adverse events reported.
The TEMPO extension trial found that adding Enbrel to methotrexate improved clinical remission rates, reduced disease activity, and enhanced quality of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study showed significant benefits in patients who had not achieved adequate response with methotrexate monotherapy.
A recent study found that methotrexate can delay and prevent the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in patients. Patients who showed a positive anti-CCP test benefited the most from the treatment, indicating a lower risk of developing full-blown RA.
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology reports that assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have led to the birth of over 3 million babies worldwide. The number of ART cycles has increased by 100,000, with the total estimated at one million a year, resulting in approximately 200,000 ART babies born annually.
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has developed core recommendations for rheumatology care in Europe, focusing on key disease areas such as musculoskeletal disorders and gout. These guidelines aim to enhance the standard of care across the continent and provide valuable resources for healthcare professionals.
The European Commission has allocated €12 million to the AGRON-OMICS project, a collaborative research effort aiming to enhance understanding of plant growth and development. The project will focus on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, exploring molecular components controlling growth and their interactions.
Rheumatic diseases are a leading cause of pain and disability in Europe, affecting approximately 100 million people. The European Science Foundation has set out a research strategy to address this issue, proposing five key recommendations to prioritize research and improve treatments.
A recent fraudulent attempt at IVF treatment highlighted the need for improved patient identification methods. The study found that 37% of clinics experienced or suspected cases of patient identity fraud, with many lacking adequate safeguards.
The global MRSA problem is escalating, with increasing rates in Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands. The authors warn of the threat of community-acquired MRSA, which can evolve into 'fitter' strains combining antimicrobial resistance with transmissibility and virulence.