Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
The female European badger's ability to conceive during pregnancy is enabled by a reproductive strategy called embryonic diapause and superfetation. This unique trait allows females to mate with multiple males, benefiting them regardless of social system, according to Oxford biologists.
Women's heart health is underestimated due to differing risk factors compared to men. The European Society of Cardiology recommends considering age as a significant factor in diagnosis and treatment planning for women.
Despite more than 79% approval rate, Europe only approves a limited number of orphan drugs due to concerns about quality, efficacy and safety. Only 18 orphan drugs were approved between 2000-2004, often under exceptional circumstances.
The Planetary Society and ESA celebrate the imagined rugged beauty of Venus with the winning entries in the 'Postcards from Venus' art contest. The Grand Prize winner, Tatianna Cwick, age 17, has won a trip to the European Space Operations Centre. Other winners include Yoo-Hong Sun, age 9, and Alejandra Gonzalez Quintana, Spain.
The L'ORÉAL-UNESCO awards recognize pioneering work in immunology, molecular pathology, and genetic disorders. The laureates will receive a $100K prize and international recognition for their contributions to human health.
The United States and Venezuela lead the world in national pride, with Americans scoring 17.7 out of 25 and Venezuelans scoring 18.4. Both countries formed their identities through conflicts that bound their people together, creating a shared sense of patriotism.
Research found surgically menopausal women experience significantly increased risk of low sexual desire, decreased pleasure, and orgasmic difficulties. Women with low sexual desire were less likely to engage in sex and dissatisfied with their partner relationship.
The European Union has faced a staggering €169 billion economic burden due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), accounting for 12% of all healthcare expenditures. CVD resulted in 2 million deaths and 4.4 million people being severely hampered by daily activities, highlighting the need for policy makers to prioritize research spending.
Researchers have discovered new biodiversity hotspots in underground environments, home to unique and diverse species of terrestrial cave fauna. These discoveries shed light on the vast and largely unexplored world of subterranean ecosystems.
Two Dutch researchers, Gerard Roelfes and Jan van Esch, receive funding from ERA-Chemistry for their projects on DNA polymer-based nanostructures and self-organizing nanopatterns. These innovative materials have potential applications in asymmetric catalysis, programmable reactions, and biosensors.
A Dutch study published in European Heart Journal reveals that 43% of total heart attacks had been clinically unrecognised. Women are more likely to have atypical symptoms and may be less likely for their symptoms to be recognized by doctors.
PULMOTENSION aims to uncover underlying molecular pathways of PH, identify distinct targets for anti-remodelling therapy and test new treatment options in preclinical and clinical trials. The combined expertise in PULMOTENSION extends from gene mutation discovery to therapeutic regimen establishment.
A new guide for junior doctors suggests that napping as short as 20-45 minutes can provide positive benefits for shift workers. This guidance aims to improve the survival and recovery of medical professionals working night shifts, ensuring better patient care.
Researchers propose using over 8,000 barges to pump saltwater onto ice sheets in the North Atlantic, creating a thicker sea ice layer that could help strengthen the down-welling current. This method aims to reduce the impact of global warming on northern Europe's climate.
The European Space Agency's workshop on telemedicine for Africa aimed to demonstrate the relevance of space technology in improving and complementing African health service structures. The event highlighted the need for a comprehensive picture of opportunities for telemedicine via satellite services, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
The NYAS China Conference showcased groundbreaking research on chemical biology, infectious diseases, genomic medicine, and neuroscience. Experts discussed innovative approaches to drug development, disease treatment, and brain growth, highlighting the importance of global collaboration.
African remains found in Campeche, Mexico, provide earliest physical link between the African Diaspora and the New World. The discovery, dating back to the late-16th century, sheds light on the early transatlantic slave trade.
Minister Gehrer addresses key challenges in European R&D, including the timing of the new Framework Programme and the need for a strategy to stimulate innovation. She also emphasizes the importance of reducing red tape and promoting entrepreneurship and risk-taking through life-long learning.
Researchers have re-dated two Neandertals from Vindija Cave, Croatia to between 32,000 and 33,000 years ago. This new age range sheds light on the chronological overlap between Neandertals and modern humans in Europe.
Liver cirrhosis mortality rates have increased significantly in Scotland, England and Wales, doubling the European average. The authors attribute this to rising alcohol consumption, particularly wine and spirits, as well as other factors like obesity and hepatitis C.
A new study shows that the net benefits of eating wild Pacific salmon outweigh those of eating farmed Atlantic salmon when considering chemical contaminants. Regional differences in contaminant levels make some farmed salmon safer choices than others.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has awarded $14 million to 28 international researchers in the Baltics and Eastern Europe over a five-year term. The grants will support research in various fields, including neuroscience and infectious diseases, and provide resources for equipment, supplies, and training opportunities.
A team of bio-archaeologists confirms the existence of human activity in northern Europe dating back approximately 700,000 years. The findings were made using a newly-refined technique of amino acid analysis and published in Nature.
A new study reveals that Europeans are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of seafood, with 79% citing importance in purchasing decisions. Consumers prefer eco-labels and want reassurance on sustainability, driving demand for environmentally responsible seafood.
The EMBO/HHMI Startup Grants will provide resources and ongoing support for six promising scientists in Central Europe. The initiative aims to strengthen the scientific pipeline in the region, building on previous programs that supported established science.
The EMBO/HHMI Startup Grants program aims to establish promising young scientists in Central Europe with resources and space. The joint initiative provides ongoing support for researchers after the grant period ends, helping to strengthen science in the region.
Research finds that bystanders are more responsive in dangerous emergencies, even with a second observer present. The classical bystander effect was replicated only in low-danger situations, but not in high-danger scenarios.
The PULSE collaboration has achieved outstanding scientific results by studying pulsars to test fundamental laws and understand extreme conditions. They discovered the first known double pulsar, confirming Einstein's general theory of relativity.
The Lancet highlights the need for validated research involving homeless people to expand and improve healthcare services. Addressing this data gap is crucial to sharing health advances with society as a whole.
Research published in The Lancet suggests that light to moderate alcohol consumption may have little to no health benefits, outweighing the potential harms. Professor Rod Jackson's findings emphasize that there is no 'safe' window for drinking, and individuals should avoid consuming alcohol altogether.
A large-scale study has found that trained volunteers and laypeople can safely use defibrillators to save the lives of cardiac arrest victims. The study showed a significant increase in survival rates for patients in urban areas, with potential to save up to 15 out of 100 lives within an 8-minute response time.
The ESC has issued a policy statement on reperfusion therapy for STEMI treatment, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and timely initiation of therapy. The statement recommends prioritizing primary PCI and thrombolytic treatment within three hours of symptom onset.
The new ice core analysis provides insights into Antarctic climate and greenhouse gas concentrations during the most recent warm period, known as Marine Isotope Stage 11. This analog warm period occurred between 420,000 and 400,000 years ago and shares similarities with our current warm period due to similar Earth-Sun configurations.
A new European study predicts increased flooding in areas like the UK and River Rhine by up to 50% and 25% respectively by the end of the century. The STARDEX project uses advanced statistical techniques to analyze climate trends, enabling more precise predictions of extreme weather events.
A major study by the European Society of Cardiology links chronic noise exposure to an increased risk of heart attacks, particularly in men and women under 70. The study found that general environmental noise increased risk by nearly 50% for men and three-fold for women, while workplace noise levels affected men's risk but not women's.
A recent study analyzing ancient DNA from skeletons of early European farmers found that they did not contribute heavily to the genetic makeup of modern Europeans. Six out of 24 skeletons showed rare genetic signatures, suggesting that early farmers left only a minor genetic legacy in central Europe.
Researchers find strong water vapor feedback contributing to warming in Central and Northeastern Europe. The study shows that manmade greenhouse gases are responsible for a smaller portion of the warming, while rising cloudiness and evapotranspiration play a larger role.
The new Clinical Trials Directive has led to differences in the scope of revised legislations across EU member states, with only a few adding provisions for non-commercial trials. The directive also simplifies the conduct of academic clinical trials but poses challenges for future pan-European multi-centre studies.
Colorectal cancer affects millions across Europe, with a rapidly aging population highlighting the need for improved screening and prevention strategies. Researchers highlight irinotecan combined with 5-fluorouracil as an effective treatment regimen.
Two studies have clarified the risk factors for mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis C virus, revealing a higher rate of infection in infant girls. The studies found that time in labor, internal fetal monitoring devices, and maternal history of injection drug use were associated with transmission.
Key decision-making tools were highlighted to improve patient outcomes, while patients and healthcare professionals stressed the importance of timely access to quality screening, diagnostic tests, and treatment. Experts emphasize the need for a unified voice to address systemic inequalities in cancer care across Europe.
Ira Mellman, a leading expert in cell biology, has been elected an Associate Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) for his groundbreaking research on immune responses and cell polarity. This recognition is a testament to his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and collaboration.
The EMBO Young Investigator Programme identifies and supports outstanding young life scientists in Europe, providing a range of benefits to enhance their research and reputation. The programme has a highly competitive selection process with a 13% success rate, supporting 70 talented researchers.
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBO) has elected 40 outstanding researchers to its membership. The selected scientists are recognized for their groundbreaking work in the life sciences disciplines. They will provide valuable scientific input to the organization, maintaining EMBO's high standards of excellence.
A European study found that PCBs and DDT may damage sperm DNA, leading to higher levels of DNA fragmentation in men exposed to high levels of these pollutants. However, the researchers found no dramatic effects on human fertility and emphasized the need for further research.
EPFL researchers used Photonic Force Microscopy to track Brownian fluctuations of a single particle at microsecond time scales and nanometer length scales, validating the corrected form of the standard theory. This validation underlines the importance of dynamical effects in Brownian motion at very small time scales.
Scientists on the IODP Tahiti expedition are analyzing fossil corals to study past global sea level changes and their impact on climate. The research aims to understand the effects of human activity on Earth's environment by examining coral records from a tectonically stable region.
A comprehensive study of mental disease in Europe found that 27% of the EU population experiences at least one mental disorder. The report highlights critical gaps in knowledge and under-treatment of mental disorders, emphasizing the need for coordinated research and better funding.
Dario Alessi, a young European researcher, receives the EMBO Gold Medal for his outstanding contributions to cell signalling and signal transduction. His work has had a significant impact on understanding inherited diseases and is recognized as one of the world's top cited scientists in biology and biochemistry.
An international study found that 21% of coronary patients continued to smoke, with younger patients and those with angina less likely to quit. The survey highlights the need for more effective smoking cessation programs, particularly among younger patients and those with lower education levels.
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of healthy weight and exercise in preventing heart disease. Studies show that moderate physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, while a balanced diet and weight management can also help mitigate the impact of existing heart conditions.
A national study found that black immigrants' health deteriorates the longer they live in the US, primarily due to racial discrimination. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 black immigrants, shows that those born in Europe have the poorest health, while those from Africa and South America fare better.
The European food sector is facing increasing energy requirements due to growth in feed production, consumption per capita, and transport distances. Despite some sectors like the dairy industry showing improvements in energy efficiency, the net balance remains negative.
The partnership aims to stimulate and accelerate European research into beta cell function and survival, aiming to move towards a cure for diabetes. Approximately 194 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, with the number expected to exceed 333 million by 2025.
A study examining the health of over 2,900 black immigrants reveals that those born in Europe experience poorer health outcomes than U.S.-born blacks, while those from Africa and South America fare better. The research highlights the negative impact of racial discrimination on health.
A new study demonstrates that improved patient selection methods lead to significantly better therapy outcomes for patients with suspected neurally-mediated syncope. The study used implantable loop recorders and found a lower recurrence rate in patients who received pacemaker therapy.
The University of Liverpool is leading a major €17 million European tissue engineering project, funded by the European Commission. The project aims to develop cost-effective methods for generating precise tissue types specific to individual patients.
The article highlights the significant disparity in cardiovascular disease (CVD) knowledge and treatment among European women. Women are more likely to develop CVD ten years after men, but it is also more lethal when it occurs suddenly, such as one year after a heart attack.
Acute heart failure is a significant concern, affecting approximately 30% of acute coronary syndrome patients, with female patients showing higher prevalence rates. Hospitalizations for heart failure are comparable to myocardial infarctions, with high mortality rates during hospitalization and follow-up.
The EuroAction project demonstrates a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors through a family-based, behavioural approach. Patients and partners achieved improvements in lifestyle, cardiovascular risk factors, and medication use, including increased physical activity and healthier diets.