Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Researchers analyzed 43,000-year-old Neanderthal remains at El Sidrón in Spain, revealing significant north-south variations in facial shape. The study suggests that Southern-European Neanderthals had broader faces with increased lower facial heights.
The Corot space mission is scheduled to launch on December 27, 2006, and will detect planets orbiting around other stars. The mission will also probe the secrets of stellar interiors, potentially discovering rocky worlds similar to Earth.
A study found that TV viewing and low physical activity are associated with increased risk of metabolic diseases in children. However, physical activity was inversely related to blood pressure, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and overall risk score. Preventive action may need to target both TV viewing and physical activity separately.
Research reveals that four subspecies of honey bees originated in Africa before migrating to Europe. The study contradicts long-held beliefs about the honey bee's Asian origins.
Researchers found that consuming olive oil significantly reduced oxidative damage and waste by-products in Northern European subjects. The study suggests that olive oil's phenols and other compounds have anti-cancer effects, supporting its inclusion as a healthy food.
The EMBO Installation Grants scheme aims to strengthen science in selected member states by supporting talented life scientists in setting up their research groups. The grantees will receive 50,000 euro annually for three to five years, with networking opportunities through the EMBO Young Investigator network.
Thousands of statin users worldwide are suffering preventable heart attacks due to sub-optimal use or low doses. Researchers found that only 20% of low-dose users experienced significant risk reduction compared to high-dose users.
Research on great tit birds in urban environments found that city songs are shorter, sung faster, and have a higher frequency to overcome noise, while forest songs remain intact. This study supports the acoustic-adaptation hypothesis, suggesting that environmental pressures shape animal communication sounds.
The IDIBAPS project has validated the first prognostic DNA chip, called the IBDchip, which predicts inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) prognosis and treatment response. The chip is a simple device requiring only a small blood sample and can detect 61 genetic mutations.
Primary Care Diabetes is an influential new journal launched in February 2007, covering clinical care, education, nutrition, health services, and psychosocial research related to diabetes. The journal aims to promote the implementation of evidence-based diabetes practices in primary care settings.
A study found that England's national teenage pregnancy strategy has been successful in reducing the number of under-18s conceiving and having babies, with a 3.2% drop in conception rates between 1998 and 2003. The decline was more pronounced in areas with targeted resources and lower educational achievement.
The UK's national teenage pregnancy strategy has led to a steady decline in the number of under-18 conceptions and births, with a drop of about 3.2% between 1998 and 2003. The decline was greater in areas with more targeted resources and in rural and deprived areas.
A powerful analysis reveals that only one-third of high-risk populations in Europe receive seasonal influenza vaccine, resulting in avoidable morbidity and mortality. Implementing EU vaccination recommendations could reduce the number of cases of death and illness from influenza, as well as contribute to flu pandemic preparedness.
A joint European effort, EPICA, reveals a direct connection between Arctic and Antarctic climates through 'bipolar seesaw', driven by Atlantic Ocean currents. This finding has significant implications for global warming research.
Researchers from France and Italy used synchrotron light to investigate the mysterious darkening of ancient Pompeii wall paintings, discovering chemical reactions involving chlorine, mercury, and calcite. The study provides new insights for conservators and preservation of Roman archaeological sites.
The US has failed to promote effective family planning policies due to the Bush administration's inaction. Europe may need to take a lead in revitalizing global commitment to family planning, as population growth poses a greater threat to development than HIV/AIDS in many poor countries.
A study on 776 patients with angioedema without urticaria reported a practical approach to differential diagnosis. The European approach to diagnosis and management of angioedema is encouraged for its effectiveness.
A recent study highlights the need for increased female representation in clinical drug trials, as acknowledged gender differences in treatment effectiveness have not been adequately addressed. The European Medicines Agency's policies have been criticized for failing to develop gender-specific guidelines or strategies.
New data reinforce the safety profile of ENBREL, confirming its efficacy for up to 2.5 years with no significant increase in adverse events. The study also shows that patients who experience interruption in treatment can regain similar positive efficacy results after re-initiating therapy.
The European Union should make vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) mandatory for all girls aged 11-12 years to prevent cervical cancer. The vaccine offers protection against HPV types 16 and 18, responsible for 70% of all cervical cancers.
Historian Simon Burrows disputes popular narrative that Queen's love life sparked revolution, citing evidence of scandalous pamphlets appearing after its start. The queen was unfairly maligned with lavish spending and plotting against the revolution, while sex allegations were baseless.
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.