Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
A new European consensus definition of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) reveals a high prevalence, with 38% of men and 36% of women affected. The MetS is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality rates, particularly in diabetic women, highlighting gender-specific risk factors.
The PREAMI study found that perindopril significantly reduces the risk of death, hospitalization for heart failure, and cardiac remodelling in elderly patients after acute myocardial infarction. Perindopril reduced these outcomes by 59% and cardiac remodelling by 64%, with consistent benefits across predefined subgroups.
The European Society of Cardiology reports a growing problem of child obesity in Europe, with overweight and overt obesity affecting nearly all countries. Scientific evidence shows that this early onset is linked to increased risk factors such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
The SIRIUS II clinical trial demonstrated dose-dependent favorable hemodynamic effects and improvements in cardiac output and dyspnea score in patients with acute decompensated congestive heart failure (ADHF). Ularitide was well-tolerated, preserving kidney function during treatment.
Researchers have discovered the closest living descendant of the extinct giant deer, a species that once roamed the UK. The fallow deer was found to share key characteristics with the ancient animal, including flattened antlers and similar skull and teeth features.
A recent international survey found that nearly 90% of Europeans are aware of heart failure, but only 3% can identify its symptoms. The study also revealed major misconceptions about the condition, including the notion that it is a normal consequence of aging or that modern drugs cannot prevent its development.
Children in southern Italy face a constellation of risks including high school dropout rates and low youth employment. The region also struggles with low vaccination uptake rates, leaving kids vulnerable to preventable diseases.
A study by Newcastle University and Aberdeen University found that EU farming subsidies favor rich, core regions in Germany, UK, France, and Netherlands over poorer, peripheral regions. The researchers recommend redistributing funds from Pillar One to Pillar Two to boost rural economies in poorer nations.
Key findings highlight the importance of including women in clinical trials due to differences in response to drug therapy, such as higher levels of adverse reactions and varying mortality rates. This lack of data affects treatment strategies, with many drugs prescribed to women adapted from studies conducted mainly in men.
A new report by the European Society for Medical Oncology reveals that female lung cancer death rates in Europe are still rising, despite a 16% increase between 1990-2001. However, trends in some countries and among younger women show a decline, suggesting future hope for reducing this epidemic.
Scientists are using genomics to create a new type of hemoglobin that can be used in blood transfusions. This innovation has the potential to reduce contamination risks and make blood transfusions safer for people in emerging countries.
This study sheds new light on the ideological positioning of Catholics in relation to the constitution, education, and the Dutch nation. It reveals how attention shifted from church-state relations to faith-politics debates.
The European Commission's Heart Health Conference aims to promote cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention measures across Europe. The conference concluded with key actions for member states and the EC to implement to improve cardiovascular health in Europe, emphasizing the need for a long-term approach through public health strategies.
New research by Dr Jan Bogg at the University of Liverpool reveals a strong perception that NHS managers do not view part-time workers for career advancement in the same way as full-time staff. This is one reason why women are underrepresented in senior positions, with men occupying more authoritative and influential roles.
A report from the ESHRE committee reveals a significant rise in ICSI cycles, overtaking IVF techniques as the most commonly used assisted reproductive technology. The increase in ICSI cycles may be linked to shifting causes of infertility, with male subfertility potentially on the rise.
A newly discovered invasive parasite is destroying the small sunbleak minnow's ability to spawn, potentially threatening freshwater ecosystem diversity and stability. The parasite, found in Asian gudgeon fish, causes near 100% failure in successful spawning, wiping out local populations over several generations.
Research by Professor de Swiet reveals that women over 35 face a higher risk of maternal mortality, pulmonary embolism, and chronic health problems. He advises women seeking motherhood between 25-35 years old for the best outcomes.
Reproductive tourism in Europe allows for diverse ethical and religious views to coexist peacefully. The existing diversity in fertility laws enables people to seek treatment abroad, promoting personal freedom and democratic decision-making.
Researchers found that neutral grasslands recover faster than chalk grasslands, which take at least 50 years to re-establish. Soil compaction and vehicle damage contribute to the long-lasting damage, highlighting the need for effective control measures to manage these areas.
Researchers found that volcanic aerosol particles and sulfuric acid reduce methane production in wetlands, leading to a cooling effect. This mechanism may have played a role in past climate changes, with potential impacts on modern Earth's atmosphere.
A new technique called laparoscopic inversion esophagectomy (LIE) has been developed to improve the removal of diseased tissue from the esophagus. LIE eliminates technical obstacles that plagued the original procedure, allowing for faster recovery and fewer complications.
Research by Dr Amy Ferketich and Dr Philip Binkley found that men and women with heart disease in the US experience high levels of psychological distress, with only a third seeking mental health support. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 individuals with different forms of heart disease, highlighting the need for clinicians to c...
The study found that global new TB cases increased by 1% in 2003, but detection rates improved to 45% by 2003, reaching 60% by 2005. Treatment success rates were over 80% since 1998, with variation among regions.
The Antares programme uses permanent deep-sea seismic sensors to monitor local and global earthquakes, improving risk assessment systems and studying submarine activity. The project overcomes challenges of instrument resistance and coherence between equipment and electronic systems.
A survey of 291 oncologists from 55 countries found that increased funding for research and clinical research were the top priorities for improving cancer care. Oncologists also emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation and medical training to enhance treatment outcomes.
Heavy smoking is associated with a four-fold increase in major cardiovascular events, emphasizing the need for enhanced policies and individual support. The European Society of Cardiology advocates for smoke-free environments and access to quitting resources.
The UK's chronic need to recruit health professionals from overseas is exacerbating the brain drain in English-speaking sub-Saharan Africa. Experts suggest increasing training of doctors and nurses in the UK and providing practical assistance to African countries affected by loss of health professionals.
The Mladec assemblage is the oldest directly dated substantial collection of modern human remains in Europe, dating back approximately 31,000 years. The fossils confirm that early modern humans emerged in Central Europe during the Aurignacian period and provide valuable insights into their ancestry.
The ESC has released new chronic heart failure guidelines featuring practical recommendations for diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of CHF. The guidelines highlight significant developments in CCF management, including the use of natriuretic peptides and device-based therapies.
Researchers have precisely identified the pigments used to illustrate seven Gutenberg Bibles using non-invasive analytical techniques. The study provides chemical data that could help preserve and restore these historic treasures, offering insights into printing practices of early Europe.
A Dutch study found that non-cardiac drugs affecting heart electrical activity increase sudden cardiac death risk by three times. Anti-psychotics and GI medications were most closely linked to this increased risk.
A newly discovered lungless salamander in Korea has significant implications for the understanding of amphibian evolution and biogeography. The species, named Karsenia koreana, is distinct from other lungless salamanders and sheds light on their historical distribution across Asia and Europe.
A Neandertal femur found in France suggests that the transition from Middle Paleolithic to Upper Paleolithic marked a shift to greater mobility among humans. Close competition for food and space persisted with hyenas during this period, indicating a more complex human landscape.
A large European study found that only 60% of patients with heart failure were treated according to the ESC guidelines for the five most commonly used cardiac drugs. Adherence to treatment guidelines was independently correlated with patient outcomes, including hospitalization rates and time to readmission.
A recent study found that only three out of 21 streptokinase preparations met the minimum requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia, highlighting the need for stricter calibration and monitoring. The lack of reliable testing methods and inadequate post-marketing control allow substandard drugs to enter the market.
Recent Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences article highlights the alarming rate of vertebrate invasions between Europe and North America. With a 25% chance of invasion for each introduced animal, precautions like port inspection and exotic wildlife regulations are crucial to combat invasive species.
The European Space Agency recommends a mission that combines key technologies from BeagleNet, ExoMars and NASA to search for life on Mars. The rover will include instruments to study seismic phenomena and a drill capable of penetrating the surface.
Lupin flour, a common ingredient in some foods, may cause an allergic reaction in people with peanut allergies. Those with peanut allergies are advised to avoid all products containing lupin until further testing can confirm its safety.
The PIONEER project investigates the role of nutritional, environmental, and endogenous regulators in determining puberty onset. The study aims to identify settings where individuals are at high risk of developing precocious puberty.
The European Cancer Research Funding Survey reveals Europe spends seven times less on cancer research per person than the USA, leading to inadequate prevention and clinical research funding. The survey calls for increased funding to translate cancer research into patient benefit and prevent brain drain in clinicians and scientists.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of timely thrombolysis and PCI, with a focus on reducing delays in treatment. They also highlight the benefits of primary PCI over thrombolysis in certain situations.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched a new initiative called Women at Heart to improve the handling of women with cardiovascular disease. The initiative aims to highlight the growing burden and under-appreciation of women's heart disease, and promote better understanding and treatment among medical professionals.
A study found that 19.8% of European home care elderly patients used at least one potentially inappropriate medication, with regional variations and associations with factors like polypharmacy and depression. Differences between Eastern and Western Europe highlight the need for targeted interventions.
The US exports nitrogen pollution beyond its borders, with most deposits found near their sources. The study estimates that the US loses track of nearly 6 million metric tons of nitrogen emissions each year, which are possibly transported to Western Europe.
The study found marked differences among countries, with Turkey, Brazil, and Mexico showing the highest number of women faculty. Despite increasing numbers of female physicians, disparities persist in specialties like rheumatology, influenced by factors such as family vs. career emphasis and cultural norms.
A new study has mapped the domesticated pig's wild origin, showing that domestication took place in several different geographical regions in Europe and Asia. The technology for domesticating wild boars is believed to have spread across the world, rather than domesticated wild boar itself.
Scientists attribute high frequency of CCR5-Ä32 mutation in Scandinavia and Russia to protection from lethal, viral haemorrhagic fevers that occurred during the Middle Ages. The disease provided selection pressure for the mutation, which explains its highest frequency in these regions today.
A study by Professor Francis Green found no evidence to suggest that successive generations of workers have higher expectations from their jobs, leading to disappointment. The investigation suggests a general trend of falling well-being among British and German workers, but fails to explain the decline in Germany.
A Carnegie Mellon study discovered that participants appearing near the end of juried competitions receive higher marks from judges. The serial position effect may apply to everyday evaluations such as job interviews and student exams.
A study of six European countries found significant variations in end-of-life nontreatment decisions, with medication being the most frequently forgone treatment. Low-technology interventions were also common, particularly among older patients outside hospital settings.
A recent study found that the LRRK2 gene mutation is associated with Parkinson's disease in several families, indicating a genetic component of the disease. The mutation was identified in 22 out of 42 family members who carried the G2019S mutation, and all shared a common ancestral pattern.
A recent meta-analysis of 200 surveys found little cross-cultural variation in public perception of science, highlighting the need for coherent theories to explain public attitudes. The study also explored differences in how diverse cultures regard science, with Americans showing a lack of understanding and acceptance of new technologies.
The audio file captures the tone of Huygens' antenna as it changes frequency in response to signal strength fluctuations during descent. The tone shifts dramatically at 43 seconds, indicating the probe's touchdown on Titan's surface.
A study found significant variations in antibiotic use across European countries, with higher rates in southern and eastern regions. The research suggests that population-based studies are needed to understand the motivations behind antibiotic use and develop effective strategies to reduce resistance.
Researchers found that devolved administrations have acquired more policy-making resources and clearer priorities to influence EU policy, but may face challenges due to civil servant access limitations. The study highlights the growing importance of devolution in UK's EU policy, with potential impacts on agricultural and rural policies.
A collaborative study found evidence of TB and leprosy co-infection in ancient bones across Europe, suggesting that TB overtook leprosy as a more aggressive disease. The findings imply that the decline of leprosy may have been linked to the rise of TB, which brought a speedier death due to opportunistic co-infection.
The EMBO/HHMI Startup Grants will provide up to six grants of $50,000 per year for three years, with an additional $25,000 per grant from participating countries and EMBO. The initiative aims to strengthen science in Central Europe by offering resources and career opportunities to young independent scientists.
A third of European cancer patients use CAM, with women, younger patients, and those with poor prognosis using it more often. The most commonly used CAM therapies were herbs, homeopathy, and spiritual therapies.
A European Society of Cardiology consensus report recommends regular physical examination, detailed medical history investigation, and a 12-lead ECG for all young athletes involved in organized sport. This could potentially cut sports-related cardiac deaths by 50%-70% if implemented across Europe.
A recent Stanford study has identified a link between genetic differences in African-Americans and an increased risk of hypertension. The research, which analyzed the genetic profiles of over 270 individuals, suggests that specific genes in regions near chromosomes 6 and 21 may contribute to high blood pressure risk in African-Americans.