Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
Research reveals a gap between national and local elites' views on EU membership. Local officials and business people feel the accession process is irrelevant to them, posing challenges for implementing agreed conditions of EU membership.
Research finds exotic earthworms alter forest composition, reducing sugar maple seedling cover and plant species richness. Sedge species overpopulates, becoming difficult to control.
A new study by O.R. researchers finds Scandinavian countries exhibit shorter 'time-to-takeoff' for new products, while large European economies lag behind. The authors recommend a 'waterfall strategy' to introduce new products in select countries.
The MagiC VLIW processor is a revolutionary component that enables environment intelligence, allowing for flexible systems to interact with the surrounding environment. It has been successfully integrated into various applications, including audio conferencing and ecographic ultrasound scanners.
Anthony Hyman, group leader at Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, wins prestigious EMBO Gold Medal. His research focuses on microtubules' role in cell division, shedding light on their dynamics and functions.
A European study of over 20,000 deaths in six countries found that end-of-life decisions were common, with administration of drugs to hasten death varying significantly between countries. The study highlights the need for further exploration of end-of-life care practices and attitudes towards physician-assisted death.
Researchers found that quarries serve as refuges for two groups of butterflies that depend on steppe-like habitats. The first group comprises 20 species, nine of which are threatened in the Czech Republic, that thrive in active quarries due to their preference for rocky habitats.
A study published in The Lancet found that carvedilol significantly reduces mortality and improves average life-expectancy by eight years compared to metoprolol. Additionally, carvedilol shows promise in improving ventricular function for patients with heart failure due to coronary artery disease.
A study of 9800 patients in Europe, Israel, and Argentina found that HAART significantly reduced AIDS incidence by 50%, with a 40% reduction in deaths among patients with low CD4 counts. Long-term follow-up is essential to observe changing causes of morbidity and mortality.
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology report shows a trend of increasing availability and efficacy of ART treatments in Europe, with Denmark leading the way in terms of fertility treatment accessibility. The report also highlights declining numbers of embryos transferred per cycle, reducing multiple pregnancies.
The study found that cold-tolerant genera are more likely to survive than drought-tolerant ones. Tree genera are expected to show limited evolutionary adaptability in the face of climatic changes.
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and EMBO have agreed on a framework for cooperation, paving the way for formal agreements among member states. This development is expected to strengthen bioscience research in Europe, with the aim of supporting innovative projects and promoting collaboration.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) presented a new drug, ET743, which has shown promising results in treating advanced ovarian cancer. In a clinical trial, the drug reduced tumors in 47% of patients, with some experiencing complete responses.
A study found that race has a powerful effect on children's perceptions of occupation status, with African American children rating jobs performed by whites as higher in status. This impact was observed even among children from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
The EMBO organization rewards a communicator with a silver medal and 5,000 euros for an imaginative and original work. The prize aims to promote molecular biology studies in Europe and recognize the value of communication skills.
A study by researchers found that proportional representation distances MEPs from their constituents, with most prioritizing party interests over individual voters. The number of visible contacts between MEPs and constituents decreased, indicating a reduced role for constituency work.
A recent study by French researchers found that nearly two-thirds of unplanned pregnancies occurred among women using effective contraception methods like the Pill and IUD. The study suggests that there is often a mismatch between a woman's contraceptive needs and the methods she uses.
Mammography screening has been shown to significantly reduce breast cancer mortality in European countries. Studies found that women aged 40-69 years who received screening had a 44% reduced risk of dying from breast cancer, while those not screened had a 16% reduction.
A study published in MERCURY I showed that CRESTOR 10mg effectively lowered LDL-C levels and enabled over eight out of ten patients to achieve their LDL-C goals. The medication demonstrated superior efficacy compared to atorvastatin, making it a valuable treatment option for managing high cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk.
A survey of 16,500 Europeans in 15 countries shows optimism in biotechnology increasing to levels seen in the early 1990s. Medical applications are broadly supported, while agricultural and food uses are met with skepticism. European attitudes on biotechnology have shifted since 1999, with improvements in some countries.
Researchers found a link between African-origin genetic markers and decreased insulin sensitivity in children, suggesting a genetic basis for the disparity. The study also highlights the importance of genetic factors in understanding and preventing type 2 diabetes in black communities.
A new study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science reports that Europe's population will likely continue to shrink despite increasing birthrates. The timing of childbirth is cited as a key factor, with women delaying births for longer periods, reducing potential mothers and contributing to negative population momentum.
Research by Roger Vickerman suggests that planned short-term immigration boosts the UK labor market with workers taking lower-skilled jobs, allowing indigenous workers to move up the career ladder. This mobility also benefits home countries through remittances and skills acquired abroad, contributing to increased productivity upon return.
The region is facing a major public health crisis with an estimated 1 million individuals already infected, mostly through injecting drug use. Improved measures are urgently needed to prevent further HIV spread and protect vulnerable populations.
Researchers at Zengen discovered that synthetic alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (a-MSH) has an anti-inflammatory effect in celiac mucosa, which may control the inflammatory response and limit epithelial damage. This finding could lead to a medical treatment for Celiac disease, currently managed only with a strict gluten-free diet.
The EU's Framework Program invests €17.5 billion in research projects to enhance industry competitiveness and improve citizens' quality of life. European research co-operation expands beyond borders, with partnerships with US and other countries.
A professor at Stanford University suggests a genetic mutation triggered modern human behavior, contradicting the majority of anthropologists. Genetic analysis of the foxp2 gene supports his theory, suggesting it evolved around 50,000 years ago.
The European Commission will present its research policy and funding activities at the AAAS meeting, aiming to create a European Research Area (ERA) with better coordination and cooperation. The EU's goal is to boost competitiveness and improve citizens' quality of life through significant resources mobilized via the Framework program.
The EMBO project aims to improve teacher training through international exchange and hands-on activities in labs. A facility will be established at EMBL Heidelberg to offer practical classroom materials and resources.
AstraZeneca has submitted an application to the European Health Authorities for a new indication for Seroquel in treating manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. The company's clinical trial programme showed strong and positive results, confirming Seroquel as an ideal first-line agent for this condition.
Two studies found that invasive species have significantly fewer parasites than their native competitors, allowing them to outcompete and devastatingly impact native ecosystems. This advantage is due to the poor match between parasite hosts in new environments.
A study of 97 healthy men aged 22-80 found significant age-related decreases in semen volume and sperm motility. Semen quality is a proxy for fertility, suggesting that men may become progressively less fertile as they age.
A recent study reveals that Icelanders are more genetically diverse than previously thought, with higher rates of nucleotide differences and population admixture. This contradicts earlier claims of genetic homogeneity, which were largely based on flawed data and errors in publicly accessible databases.
The study found that ocean circulation plays a less significant role in climate change, while atmospheric circulation has a major impact on temperature differences between Europe and North America. The Rocky Mountains contribute significantly to the temperature contrast by creating a persistent wave in winds downstream.
Wolfgang Baumeister and Riitta Hari develop cryoelectron tomography to visualize molecular complexes in cells, while Nikos Logothetis studies the basis of visual awareness in trained monkeys. These advances may provide insight into changes during synaptic activation and social cognition.
Researchers discovered that palm leaves emit specific floral notes to attract pollinating weevils during the flowering season. This finding suggests a shift in flower-to-leaf function in plants, opening new questions about pollination system evolution.
The World Health Organization is strengthening its anticancer initiatives by tackling corporate influence and improving the handling of expert declarations. Several prominent scientists have raised concerns about inappropriate corporate influence on the International Agency for Research on Cancer, prompting changes to be made.
A meta-analysis of over 1 million participants from 61 studies found that lower blood pressure is strongly linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular causes, including stroke and ischemic heart disease. The study suggests that even small reductions in average blood pressure can lead to significant improvements in health outcomes.
Researchers pinpoint high concentrations of air pollutants in eastern US, Europe, and China using data from NASA and European Space Agency satellites. The pollutants vary by season, affecting human health and air quality.
Scientists analyzed 40 years of daily weather data to understand the NAO's two-week cycle and its effects on European winters. They found that positive NAO events lead to milder winters, while negative events bring colder temperatures and more precipitation.
Potato late blight, a mutated funguslike pathogen, is affecting global potato production, causing brownish lesions that turn healthy plants into mush. The disease has spread globally, with Russia experiencing devastating yields, and experts warn of dire consequences for food security.
The lack of harmonization in European clinical trial regulations is jeopardizing progress in state-of-the-art treatment strategies, denying patients the benefits of advances. This is particularly concerning in complex fields like cancer research, where multi-disciplinary and multi-modality treatment is required.
The US child-care system faces significant shortcomings, including fragmented funding, low quality of care, and limited access to education-focused models. European countries offer alternative models, such as France's free public childcare system and Denmark's focus on working parents.
The study reveals striking differences in employment rates across Europe, with Greece having ten times more people working in agriculture than the UK. Non-working households are common in many EU countries, but married women's employment rates do not affect this trend.
The study reveals significant variations in family forms across Europe, with Italy having the largest households and Sweden's smallest. British men are more likely to be in partnerships than Italian men by their mid-twenties.
A new set of principles aims to simplify sales law for European consumers and retailers, reducing differences between countries. The Utrecht rule proposes that consumers can choose between repair and exchange, while other transactions follow the quickest and cheapest solution.
The EMBO World Programme fellowship scheme supports scientists from non-European countries to visit European laboratories for a six to nine month period. The program aims to foster collaborations and strengthen research between European and home countries.
A European seal plague outbreak may claim up to 10,000 harbor seals in 2002, with mortality rates varying from 15-58 percent among regions. The virus is spread through coughing and is thought to have been introduced by migrating harp seals.
A new study published in PNAS found that the stomach-dwelling H. pylori bacterium has been present in humans for at least 11,000 years, with genetic variations consistent with Asian migration to the New World. The research provides strong evidence supporting the theory that migrating Asians introduced the bacteria to South America.
A recent study predicts that the 2002 European seal plague outbreak may claim up to 10,000 harbour seals in Denmark and Sweden alone. The researchers used mathematical models to compare the 2002 findings to a previous 1988 outbreak, predicting similar impacts on the population.
A new study on Chinese immigration in Europe reveals that the primary motivation is financial gain, enabling migrants to generate employment and wealth. Chinese migrants are highly mobile once they arrive, often changing countries to find better conditions.
A study by University College London found that countries with stronger 'buckle up' laws experienced significant increases in seat belt use, up to 64% more respondents reporting use in 2000. Positive attitudes toward safety equipment played a key role in this shift.
A new programme, GOALS, has been developed to help cancer patients discuss their condition with family, friends, and colleagues. The five-step protocol focuses on identifying the right place and moment for conversation, acknowledging emotions, and developing a strategy to open discussion.
Key findings from the ESMO Congress emphasize the need for better care and communication in cancer treatment. Patients must be informed and involved in their treatment decisions, while healthcare professionals should prioritize empathy and understanding. A European cancer patient coalition is proposed to amplify patients' voices.
A study by Professor Lesley Fallowfield found that psychosocial discussions are often overlooked in cancer treatment consultations. Training can help doctors and nurses discuss personal and sexual issues comfortably and sensitively, improving patient outcomes.
A study by Professor Lesley Degner found that Canadian women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer fare better emotionally and socially due to their positive attitude towards illness. The most important information patients want is 'What are my chances of a cure?' and 'How far has my disease spread?'.
New data confirm KEPPRA's sustained antiepileptic effect over 7.13 years, with a high retention rate of 54.3%. The incidence of adverse events is similar to previous studies, ensuring the safety and tolerability profile for KEPPRA.
A large multicenter clinical trial will randomly assign patients with tibial fractures to either reaming or non-reaming surgical groups. Surgeons will assess participants at six weeks, three months, and one year to determine the success of the operation.
Amanda Fisher has been awarded the prestigious EMBO Gold Medal for her exceptional work in European molecular biology. The award recognizes her achievements as a role model for scientists in Europe.
The top-ranked company, Genentech, is praised for its alignment of work culture and personal values, as well as its commitment to translating scientific discoveries into medicine. Millennium Pharmaceuticals ranks second, with a strong focus on attracting leading scientists and providing them with the tools to practice their science.