Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
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.
A study found a slightly higher rate of major congenital malformations in ICSI children compared to spontaneously conceived children. However, most malformations were minor and corrected by surgery. The researchers also found no significant differences in physical or neurological development between the two groups.
Researchers found that Maori were nearly ten times more likely to experience discrimination than Europeans, leading to poor self-rated health, low mental health, and cardiovascular disease. After controlling for age, sex, deprivation, and racism, the inequalities in health outcomes between Maori and Europeans significantly reduced.
The study found that smaller Eastern European states were more vulnerable to US influence due to their dependence on stronger partners. In contrast, Western European states' public opinions played little role in shaping their foreign policy positions.
The ESF task force identifies three research avenues to generate clean fuels from solar radiation: extending photovoltaic technology, constructing biomimetic devices, and tuning natural systems. These efforts aim to develop sustainable energy supply, reduce human ecological footprint, and mitigate climate change.
A recent study found that differences in HD types across regions play a major role in determining regional survival rates. Analysis revealed no significant difference in mortality risk between EUROCARE-west and the US SEER databases when adjusting for morphology, but morphology accounted for differences in EUROCARE-UK and EUROCARE-east...
The UK is investing in the ExoMars mission to explore the Martian surface and search for signs of past and present life. The mission will also study the planet's geochemistry, water distribution, and geophysics, aiming to identify potential hazards for future human missions.
A new study reveals that the Third Franciscan Order had a favourable attitude towards its members' lifestyle and was driven by voluntary participation. The order's development into a more ordered way of life was not solely due to Church pressure, but also an early expression of desire for monastic reform.
A study found that intercontinental migration from Africa can improve the welfare position of households with migrants by increasing their capital and allowing them to invest in productive activities. This not only benefits the migrant-sending countries but also provides a source of cheap labor for European countries, helping to allevi...
Strong evidence shows that higher taxes and restrictions on alcohol availability can reduce Europe's growing burden of alcohol-related harm. However, EU governments are prioritizing vested interests in free trade over public health.
A study by Saint Louis University found obesity rates were lower in Western European countries compared to Central and Eastern Europe, linked to political changes and environmental factors.
Australian researchers found that caffeine consumption increases agreement with persuasive arguments by boosting systematic processing of the message, leading to better argument recall. This effect could have applied implications in various daily interactions, such as listening to advertisements or attending business meetings.
A recent study by János Kornai examines the changes in Central Eastern Europe, confirming a unique transformation that took place peacefully and rapidly. However, everyday life has seen deep economic troubles and cognitive problems, leading to pain, bitterness, and disappointment for many.
The European Society of Cardiology has released updated guidelines for managing stable angina pectoris, providing recommendations on treatment methods and risk stratification. The guidelines aim to improve the quality of life for European populations affected by cardiovascular disease.
Young Bamileke immigrants from Cameroon are using unorthodox methods to become rich, going against the general ethics of their community. The government's reluctance to address 'feymania' is undermining efforts to control corruption and criminality, strengthening the country's negative image abroad.
The Tobacco Control Scale evaluates 30 European countries' efforts to curb smoking and improve population health. Ireland leads with a score of 74 points, followed by the UK, Norway, and Iceland.
A new study has compared national, European, and US recommendations for statin treatment in British men to prevent cardiovascular disease. The research found that the UK's National Health Service Framework makes the least effective use of available evidence on prevention.
The article examines how George W. Bush's response to 9/11 mirrored the diplomatic approach of President Woodrow Wilson during his era. The author, Lloyd E. Ambrosius, draws parallels between the two leaders' strategies, highlighting similarities in their use of international organizations and multilateral cooperation.
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has released a guidance document on Cardiac Rhythm Management product performance. The ESC proposes a novel approach for assessing individual hazard analysis to prioritize patients in need of field safety corrective actions.
A Europe-wide study aims to identify the key factors contributing to asthma development, with a long-term goal of prevention. The GABRIEL project will analyze genetic and environmental interactions, including the role of urbanization and industrial agents, to better understand this complex disease.
The new movies released by NASA's Cassini mission provide a realistic experience of the Titan landing. The images taken by Huygens' Descent Imager/Spectral Radiometer (DISR) during its plunge into Titan's atmosphere have been converted into movie format, showcasing the probe's descent and the changes it observed in the environment.
FELICS, a unique electronic infrastructure project funded by the European Union, offers unrestricted access to prominent biological databases. This initiative provides critical support for BRENDA and CheBI, facilitating navigation of the biological knowledge space for scientists.
A survey by the European Society of Cardiology found that care for adults with congenital heart disease in Europe is suboptimal, with many specialist centres failing to meet basic standards. The report identifies key areas for improvement, including the need for more trained healthcare professionals and specialized equipment.
A study evaluated European countries' preparedness plans against WHO's checklist, finding that surveillance planning was good but maintenance of essential services, putting plans into practice, and public-health interventions were less well prepared. The implementation of these interventions was unclear in many plans.
A recent study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found considerable gaps in pandemic preparedness across Europe. The report analyzed national plans and concluded that increased cooperation is needed to ensure effective response to a pandemic.
A European cyber infrastructure network is being developed to keep Europe at the forefront of computational science. The ESF Forward Look study aims to provide a conclusive guide for policy makers on what researchers need to maintain Europe's leading position.
A new three-year project is investigating the earliest development of sea fisheries in Northern Europe, with a focus on the critical period between 950AD and 1050AD. Researchers are analyzing fish bones from archaeological sites across the region to understand the impact of intensive sea fishing on medieval trading patterns.
Despite growing evidence, many European countries only vaccinate high-risk groups against infant pneumococcal disease (IPD), while the US adopted universal vaccination in 2000. Universal vaccination of infants and young children reduces risk and provides indirect herd protection for unvaccinated community members.
Regional climate model simulations indicate a significant increase in extreme precipitation events in Alpine regions and northern European locations above 45 degrees latitude. In Scandinavia, unusually strong events once expected to occur every century will now occur at 20-40 year intervals.
A new EU project aims to explore the impact of prenatal exposure to food and chemicals on adult diseases. The NewGeneris study will analyze DNA and proteins in women and their newborn children from across Europe to identify potential biomarkers for increased risk of cancer or immune disorders.
The European School of Oncology task force recommends a multidisciplinary approach to managing metastatic breast cancer, prioritizing patient psychological wellbeing and disease-specific treatment goals. Patients with MBC should be offered psychosocial support and involved in decision-making.
The Nice Manifesto outlines seven key goals to improve breast cancer care in Europe, including increasing screening programs, supporting research, and expanding breast unit accreditation. The manifesto represents a promise to improve breast cancer care for all patients across Europe.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that mental disorders are common in Lebanon, with a prevalence equivalent to that in Western Europe. Only one out of every 10 individuals with mental disorders received treatment, highlighting the need for improved mental health care in Lebanon.
A breakthrough project in the Netherlands dramatically improved patient care for breast cancer patients by implementing structured best practices. The initiative reduced waiting times to under a week and increased pre-operative multidisciplinary consultations, leading to more clear-cut diagnoses and fewer unnecessary operations.
Researchers have developed a method to detect super-salty, submerged eddies called Meddies using sensor data from U.S. and European satellites. These warm, deep-water whirlpools play a significant role in carrying salty water from the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic, affecting global ocean circulation and climate change.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends that patients taking Clopidogrel should continue their treatment as advised by their physicians. Stopping the anti-clotting drug without consulting a doctor may pose serious risks, according to the ESC.
The European Science Foundation's Forward Look aims to develop a research strategy for higher education, examining its relationship with social and economic change. The study will also explore the need for equal opportunities and social justice in higher education.
Researchers studied the retreat of a massive Scandinavian Ice Sheet to gain insights into its dynamics and potential implications for Greenland and Antarctica. The study found that ice sheets in different parts of the world can react differently to global warming, with some growing larger while others rapidly disappear.
This study aims to create a self-evolving scientific agenda to tackle future challenges in European food systems. The changes driven by technological advancements, environmental regulations, and consumer pressure will profoundly alter the landscape.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed ultra-efficient embedded architectures using probabilistic technology, achieving significant gains in energy efficiency. The new approach outperforms traditional CMOS-based architectures, with some applications showing reductions of over 560.