Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
The Global Technology Confidence Index reached a new high in Q4 2004, driven by strong increases in Latin America and North America. Meanwhile, executives prioritize innovation management and technology alignment for business growth.
Dr. Fraser Mitchell's study analyzes tree pollen to reconstruct primeval forests, concluding that grazing animals did not exert a significant impact on forest structure. This challenges current European forest conservation policy, which promotes closed canopy deciduous forests, and suggests that primeval forests may have been more open.
The European Skeletal Dysplasia Network (ESDN) enables doctors to submit patient data and x-rays to a secure portal, where it's referred to experts in six countries for accurate diagnoses. The system overcomes geographical barriers and brings together scarce clinical resources for rare conditions.
A new study from Newcastle University has led to the introduction of ten organic potato varieties, suitable for various national palates and cuisine, across Europe. The Blight-MOP project has successfully developed 'designer composts' to increase yields by up to 40% while introducing blight-resistant potatoes on supermarket shelves.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine reveals that environmental factors are a major contributor to higher blood pressure among African Americans, contradicting the long-held assumption of a genetic predisposition. The research found significant variations in hypertension rates across different populations worldwide.
Kwaanza, a spiritual and family-based celebration, is gaining popularity among Caribbean communities as an alternative to Christmas. Young people from the region express cynicism towards Christmas's emphasis on consumer culture, instead embracing Kwaanza's focus on family unity and community.
EMSELEX, a new drug for treating overactive bladder, has shown efficacy in reducing incontinence episodes by up to 77% compared to placebo. The medication, selective for the M3 receptor, also improves symptoms such as urinary frequency and urgency.
A new study on the Lienzo de Quauhquechollan painting reveals that it depicts a campaign of conquest through Guatemala by Spanish conqueror Jorge Alvarado in 1527-1529. The indigenous map provides a unique perspective on the Spanish conquest, challenging the traditional European bias in historical accounts.
Researchers analyzed eight Greenland ice cores to uncover the history of the North Atlantic Oscillation, a weather system controlling climate patterns in Europe and the eastern US. The study found that one core site matches historic records, providing a potential record of NAO behavior centuries earlier.
The Hudson's Bay Company's pursuit of profits led to ecological stress, habitat destruction, and the decline of beaver populations. The company's focus on fur trading also introduced European farming methods and crops, altering the Northwest landscape and human population dynamics.
A European study has found a persistent three-decade increase in childhood cancer incidence, with rising rates in all tumour types. The study also shows that survival rates have improved substantially over the past three decades, with 5-year actuarial survival rates reaching 75% for children in western Europe.
A study published by University of Toronto researchers found that Canada receives only 10% of US foreign investment, compared to over half received by Europe. To improve Canada's productivity performance and attract more investment, experts say it is a difficult challenge for policymakers and academics.
Researchers found that increasing physical activity among premenopausal women can significantly lower body mass index, percent of body fat, and other weight-related measurements. Low-folate diets may contribute to the high rate of heart disease in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly among men aged 30-50 years.
A European network aims to enhance coordination of innovation-driven research in catalysis and sustainable chemistry. The initiative seeks to increase efficiency and strengthen the field's position on the European research agenda.
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research published five English-language books examining Dutch culture from 1650 to 2000. The books cover topics such as science, art, music, literature, education, religion, and urbanization.
The World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control aims to reduce tobacco use through measures such as banning advertising, warning labels, and smoke-free places. European countries are called upon to swiftly ratify the treaty to combat lung cancer and protect public health.
The Initiative for Science in Europe (ISE) is an independent platform for organizations committed to scientific and technological development. ISE aims to provide a common forum for advocating independent scientific advice in European policy-making and stimulating the involvement of European scientists in shaping science and technology...
Fishermen in North Sea face severe economic consequences from discarding unwanted fish and marine life back into the ocean. The study proposes restricting access to certain areas and adapting fishing gear to reduce discards, with allocated incentives for compliant fishermen.
Increased investment in radiotherapy can significantly improve cure rates for European cancer patients. In the UK and Netherlands, calls for increased funding led to substantial improvements. However, under- utilization of radiotherapy is common in many EU countries due to inadequate infrastructure and staffing.
Research found ovarian cancer rates levelling across Europe, with declining incidence and mortality rates in northern countries, particularly among younger age groups. In contrast, southern and eastern European countries saw increasing cancer incidence and mortality rates.
A new study reveals that 8 out of 10 patients with serious mental illnesses are satisfied with their Seroquel treatment, experiencing improved positive and negative symptoms. This is attributed to its effectiveness and favorable side effect profile, leading to better compliance and outcomes.
Experts call on EU politicians to improve cancer treatment access, modernize healthcare through increased funding and reduced bureaucracy. The European CanCer Organisation highlights the need for political will to translate scientific discovery into practical treatments.
María Blasco, a Spanish scientist, was awarded the EMBO Gold Medal for her groundbreaking research on telomeres and cancer. Her work has led to significant discoveries on telomerase RNA component, interplay with DNA repair and cell cycle, and chromatin epigenetics.
A collaboration between pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare agencies, and researchers led to a significant reduction in epoetin-associated pure red-cell aplasia. The incidence decreased by 83% after improvements were made in storage and handling of the drug.
A Vancouver study found significant reductions in public injection drug use and litter after the opening of a medically supervised safer injecting facility. The clinic saw an increase of 500 daily users, consistent with previous feasibility studies.
A Mediterranean diet rich in plant foods and fish, combined with physical activity, moderate alcohol use, and nonsmoking, was found to lower all-cause death risk by 23%, coronary heart disease risk by 37%, and cancer risk by 22%. Having all four low-risk factors resulted in a 65% reduced death rate.
The European common frog has a complex breeding strategy where males engage in clutch piracy, fertilizing eggs left unfertilized after the initial encounter. This behavior leads to a greater percentage of fertilized eggs and clutches with multiple fathers.
A recent study demonstrated that SPIRIVA significantly reduces COPD exacerbations, improving patient quality of life and reducing healthcare costs. The medication also prolongs the time to first exacerbation and significantly lowers health resource utilization.
A genetic variant associated with increased heart disease risk emerged rapidly in the ancient European population around 24,000 years ago. The high-expression variant is linked to a mutation hotspot in MMP-3's regulatory DNA.
A recent study analyzed skeletal data from thousands of skeletons in northern Europe and found that average height declined slightly during the 12th-16th centuries and hit an all-time low during the 17th-18th centuries. The study suggests climate change, urbanization, and inequality as contributing factors to this decline.
The study group report emphasizes the need for systematic screening by 12-lead ECG to identify hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other lethal cardiovascular diseases. The consensus document advocates for a common European screening protocol based on 12-lead ECG to prevent sports-related sudden death.
Patients with atrial fibrillation are at increased risk for stroke and clotting complications, yet a significant percentage do not receive recommended clot-preventing medications. Asymptomatic patients should instead receive simple rate controlling drugs like beta-blockers, digitalis or verapamil.
The European Society of Cardiology awarded Ireland's Minister for Health and Children the Gold Medal for his efforts to move cardiovascular disease up the political agenda. The Minister has led initiatives in public health and medical arenas, including heart health promotion and data registration standards.
Emselex(R) has been proven to improve overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms without causing significant adverse events. The treatment has shown efficacy in reducing urinary urgency and urge incontinence, making it a promising new option for patients.
Heat waves in Europe and North America are projected to intensify, leading to more severe impacts on human society. The study finds that the frequency and duration of heat waves will increase, posing significant threats to public health.
A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that farmed salmon have significantly higher levels of flame retardants, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), than wild salmon. Wild Chinook salmon from British Columbia showed the highest average PBDE levels.
A petition from 52 leading European scientific organisations calls for the acceleration of establishing a European Research Council (ERC). The petition stresses the importance of involving the European scientific community and adhering to strict criteria of scientific excellence.
The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership has opened an African office in South Africa, aiming to boost the continent's medical research capacity. The partnership will fund clinical trials for new treatments and vaccines against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Climate modeling reveals that Antarctica's isolation allows the Gulf Stream to dictate warm conditions over Europe. The Antarctic circumpolar current separates the continent from warm subtropical waters, reducing its impact on global climate.
Studies suggest that farming spread rapidly across Europe, with early Neolithic farmers bringing crops from Anatolia. Archaeological evidence suggests a 'revolution' period for agriculture in northwest Europe.
The 3D-EM Network of Excellence aims to image macromolecules and molecular machines at atomic resolution, fostering innovation in European EM research. The network will provide training, a structural database, and user-friendly software to enhance structural analysis.
Analysis of Croatian skeletal remains reveals only four cases of neoplastic disease, with all three conditions being benign. The study highlights the increasing incidence of cancer due to increased life expectancy and lifestyle factors.
Researchers analyzed over 750 fossils to discover that modern humans experienced a quadrupling of survival rates among older adults. This trend is believed to have contributed to population expansions and cultural innovations, as well as strengthened social relationships and kinship bonds.
Karol Zyczkowski and Wojciech Slomczynski found that citizens in different EU countries will have unequal influence on Council of Ministers decisions. They propose a fairer solution called the Jagiellonian Compromise, where voting power is proportional to population, giving smaller states equal weight.
Eastern European countries like Slovenia and Hungary are achieving high IVF success rates comparable to the West, making them attractive options for fertility tourism. The availability of affordable treatment options has increased due to cheaper drugs, bringing costs down.
Research by Dr. Dumoulin and team found that ICSI significantly impacts embryo growth rates, with male embryos growing slower than females originating from IVF. The study suggests that ICSI's influence on growth rates may persist beyond the pre-implantation stage.
Darifenacin significantly improves quality of life for people with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, enabling them to undertake household tasks, socialise, work, and travel. The medication reduces the number of weekly incontinence episodes by up to 77% and shows comparable CNS and CV safety to placebo.
The European Commission has approved the combination of Herceptin and Taxotere as a first-line treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer, significantly improving median life expectancy by over one-third. The therapy also showed high response rates, with 61% of patients responding to treatment.
A new study highlights the significant burden of environment on child health in Europe, with outdoor and indoor air pollution, inadequate water and sanitation, lead exposure, and injuries causing substantial deaths and disabilities. The findings emphasize the need for interventions to reduce children's exposure to unsafe environments a...
Researchers found that women over 35 have limited chances of conceiving naturally, with only half the number of births made possible through assisted reproduction. The study suggests that women under 35 should be patient, while those over 35 should consider more aggressive fertility treatments.
Recent studies sponsored by GSK have shown mixed results for paroxetine's safety and efficacy in children. The company faces criticism for 'off-label' prescribing, despite a lack of published trials demonstrating its benefits. GSK is urged to disclose all relevant documents related to paroxetine use in minors.
Research reveals that European trees are limited in their ability to track climate changes, with many species occupying less than half of their suitable range. This limitation is attributed to dispersal restriction, suggesting that most species will struggle to adapt to future warming.
Research found that women's intercourse frequency increased during fertile days, peaking at ovulation. The study of 68 women over three months showed a 24% increase in intercourse during fertile days compared to the rest of the cycle.
The oldest Antarctic ice core has been analyzed, revealing eight ice ages and warmer periods over the past 740,000 years. The study's findings suggest that without human influence, the present warm period could last at least another 15,000 years.
Astronomers using the European AVO Virtual Observatory have discovered a whole population of obscured, powerful supermassive black holes in the GOODS survey fields. The team found thirty objects, which they believe were underestimated by a factor of two to five.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has launched a new charitable foundation with the goal of making the best treatment available to every cancer patient. The ESMO Foundation will provide much-needed funds for education, research, and patient care.
A worldwide increase in diabetes is forecasted to lead to a renal disease explosion. FOSRENOL, a new phosphate binding medication, has been shown to be effective in managing hyperphosphataemia, a condition associated with ESRD. The study highlights the need for new treatments to manage serious complications of dialysis.
Researchers found large ozone trends in low latitudes and the Southern Hemisphere, indicating the ozone smog problem has expanded globally. The study suggests that increasing energy use worldwide causes large-scale ozone increases, reducing global air quality.
A team of European astronomers discovered a massive star surrounded by a huge accretion disc, pushing the understanding of high-mass star formation. The large disc, resembling a flared disc seen nearly edge-on, is associated with an hour-glass shaped reflection nebula and reveals details about star formation processes.
The European Society of Cardiology is calling for consistency across Europe in terms of data collection and analysis in cardiology. The CARDS meeting aims to agree European data standards, enabling local, national and international comparisons of data using set standards.