Science and research news from across Europe. Covers major discoveries, university leadership, disease burden and costs, and research policy in the region.
The EU referendum focuses on economic issues, with both pro-euro and anti-euro groups campaigning on this aspect. Key findings suggest that the process may fail to promote a full and frank debate if only central issues are addressed.
The Amazon forest, a significant carbon sink, may be slowing global climate change. A new monitoring team, RAINFOR, aims to study the impact of environmental changes on Amazonian forests. The project will analyze data from multiple sites across the basin to better understand productivity and dynamics.
In 19th century US, religion was used to justify white superiority, fueling Manifest Destiny and racial hierarchy. This 'double fantasy' of common identity and divine mission ultimately clashed with social realities, revealing the complexities of White American identity.
Researchers suggest that the concept of teenagers emerged between the 13th and 17th centuries in western Europe. Young people in this age group engaged in various activities such as sports, education, and work, but also faced societal pressures like marriage and violence.
A new, late blight-resistant potato variety developed by Cornell University will be given to Russian company Dokagene Technologies. The potato can also resist golden nematodes, scab, and potato virus Y, making it a valuable resource for Russian farmers.
Researchers used carbon-dating technology to confirm the authenticity of the Vinland Map, dating it to approximately 1434 A.D. The map, if authentic, is believed to be the first known cartographic representation of North America. Its date would establish the history of European knowledge of the lands bordering the western Atlantic Ocean.
The Vinland Map's date has been determined to be around 1434, indicating a strong connection to the Catholic Church's Council of Basel. The parchment analysis provides new evidence supporting the map's authenticity and sheds light on European knowledge of North America during this period.
A US team found that most healthy couples conceive within two years, and fertility in women declines as early as the late 20s. The study suggests delaying assisted reproductive techniques until a couple has failed to conceive naturally for 18-24 months.
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology reports a trend towards more effective and safer treatments in Europe, with a reduction in embryos transferred per cycle. This has led to increased pregnancy rates despite higher multiple births.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that cardiac resynchronisation therapy systems improved NYHA functional class, six-minute walk distance, and quality of life for patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure. The treatment also reduced hospitalisations by 50% and hospital days by 77%.
The study found significant variations in cancer prevalence across European countries, with high rates in Sweden, Switzerland, and Germany, and low rates in Poland, Estonia, Slovakia, and Slovenia. The research team suggests that cancer prevalence is closely linked to economic development and survival rates.
A diet rich in phyto-oestrogen-rich foods like soy and whole grains may protect against certain cancers. Jetlag's impact on hormone regulation could increase breast-cancer risk in flight attendants.
NASA's new Microgravity Science Glovebox will enhance the Space Station's science capabilities by providing a facility for safely working with fluids, flames, particles, and fumes. The glovebox supports low-cost, small investigations from multiple disciplines, including materials science and biotechnology.
The report counters common views on uncontrolled immigration, citing improved information and matching migrants with employer needs. It suggests an auction-based system for migration permits to better match skills and demands.
The EMBO Award for Communication in the Life Sciences promotes active research and public outreach by recognizing innovative science communication. The award is given annually to a winning application that showcases imaginative and original works across various media forms.
A US-Italian study found that women's fertility starts declining before age 30, but not necessarily their overall chance of pregnancy. Meanwhile, men's fertility also begins to decline in their late 30s, but the duration of the fertile window remains unchanged.
A recent study found that Europeans are largely unaware of the genetic modifications in their food products, despite high levels of opposition to GMOs. Consumers tend to bid lower prices for genetically modified foods only when they perceive a significant difference in taste or quality.
The study analyzed tobacco industry documents and found that they lobbied against the Directive 98/43/EC at both EU member state governments and a pan-European level. The investigation's findings highlight the need for effective tobacco control legislation in Europe.
Despite being a significant advancement in Parkinson's disease treatment, only 7% of eligible patients in G5 European countries have received deep brain stimulation therapy. Inconsistent funding support and low awareness among general practitioners are major barriers to access.
The microendoscopy technique uses a tiny endoscope to detect abnormal cell changes in breast ducts, potentially identifying breast cancer up to a decade before it develops. Researchers have had successes with the procedure and plan to use it as a diagnostic tool for high-risk patients.
A new million-year-old skull found in Ethiopia contradicts recent suggestions of a split in the homolineage between Eurasiatic and African populations. The team's detailed analysis shows genetic continuity between populations, indicating movement and mobility between them, consistent with a single species Homo erectus.
The EMBO Young Investigator Programme has received a $2 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to support young researchers in Central Europe. The programme provides financial and networking opportunities to promote Europe's most promising young life sciences researchers.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded a four-year grant of $2 million to the European Molecular Biology Organization. The grant supports six scientists from the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland early in their careers, linking them with EMBO's Young Investigator Programme.
The European CanCer Organisation's Dr Robin Wilson says current evidence supports breast cancer screening's effectiveness in reducing mortality, but acknowledges drawbacks such as false positives and anxiety for women. Countries with full national screening programmes have seen significant benefits, including improved quality of care.
A study of South Asian Canadians found they presented late to hospital, were more likely to have diabetes, but less likely to be smokers than non-South Asians. Despite these differences, the two groups had similar MI mortality and in-hospital outcomes.
Geologists reconstructed the Eridanos Delta's course and discovered that climate influenced its development. Numerical models predict river dynamics over hundreds of years, helping to answer questions about climate change impacts on rivers.
A new study published in Science supports the idea that Asia was the center of origin for key groups of modern mammals, including primates and hooved mammals. The research allows paleontologists to compare fossil sequences from Asia, Europe, and North America during a dramatic period in Earth's history.
Researchers warn that slowing thermohaline circulation could have severe consequences for Europe, including a dramatic drop in temperatures. The phenomenon is sensitive to temperature increases and influxes of fresh water, which could accelerate its slowdown.
Scientists have discovered two significant fossil finds in Europe, shedding light on the early evolution of humans. The oldest relative of all living great apes was found in Germany, while a nearly complete skull of Dryopithecus was uncovered in Hungary.
Paleoanthropologist Geoffrey Clark questions the clear evidence for human 'replacement', suggesting that archaeological findings reveal a more complex mosaic pattern. He proposes an alternative cause for cultural and technological changes, linking them to population density and critical selection pressures.
Three influential organizations of internal medicine physicians unveil a new charter on medical professionalism, outlining three fundamental principles and ten definitive professional responsibilities. The charter aims to promote an action agenda for the profession, addressing challenges in healthcare delivery, technology, and globaliz...
A new theory proposes that exposure to ochratoxin A during pregnancy or early childhood can induce damage to testicular DNA, increasing the risk of testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is more common among people of higher socioeconomic levels, who are more likely to breastfeed.
Researchers have created a new way to calculate 'magic numbers' in sports leagues, taking into account all possible future games. The new method can be applied to multiple sports like hockey and European soccer, providing more accurate predictions of team outcomes.
A geologist proposes that traditional Chinese landscape paintings, emphasizing harmony with nature, may have contributed to China's lack of early adoption of geological principles. This perspective is rooted in the Western European emphasis on geometric perspective as a tool for understanding spatial relationships.
The EU's database protection law could limit access to information, hindering scientific progress and innovation. The US Congress should consider the potential impact on trade and the economy before passing similar legislation.
A recent survey found that patients with breast cancer in Europe have limited knowledge about innovative treatments like Herceptin and HER2 diagnostic testing. This lack of awareness can lead to women not making informed decisions about their treatment, highlighting the need for improved education and communication.
The US FDA's priority review process for cancer drugs is significantly faster than its European counterpart, EMEA. In contrast to the EMEA's average approval time of over two years, the FDA approves cancer drugs on average within six months.
The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) has awarded Matthew Freeman the 2001 golden medal for his significant contributions to molecular biology. The prestigious award recognizes Freeman's groundbreaking work in this field.
The use of asbestos continues to pose a significant health risk, particularly in developing and industrialized countries. According to recent data, millions of people worldwide continue to suffer daily exposure to asbestos, leading to an alarming increase in asbestos-related cancers.
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a purple potato variety that shows promise in resisting the devastating potato blight disease. The variety, grown commercially without using chemicals, could significantly impact the supply of organically-grown potatoes, improving availability and reducing costs for farmers.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a natural parasite that can control leaf-eating slugs, which destroy crops every spring and fall. The parasite, known as Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita, is effective in killing American slugs just as well as the most popular slug poison, metaldehyde.
Researchers identify a consistent seismic pattern suggesting a recurrence time of 1,500-2,500 years for the 1356 Basel earthquake. This discovery could help safeguard infrastructure and fine-tune emergency procedures before a potential major earthquake strikes.
E-BioSci aims to provide complete searchable combinations of information available to every scientist globally. The platform leverages partnerships among EMBO, CINES, CSIC, DIMDI, EDINA, EMBL-EBI, and ingenta plc to offer a vast research library.
Exanta demonstrated improved safety and tolerability compared to warfarin in treating patients with medium to high risk for stroke and systemic embolism. The phase III SPORTIF programme enrolled over 6,200 patients and showed promising results. Exanta is being investigated as a simpler alternative to warfarin treatment.
A study of French data from 1987-1997 found that heart attack deaths peak on weekends among young and middle-aged men. The exact reason for this is unknown, but strenuous activity during the weekend may contribute to increased risk.
Researchers studied Naples Yellow samples from historical paintings and identified differences in physical structures using X-ray and synchrotron diffraction studies. This technique can help narrow down the origins of unidentified artworks and potentially verify their pedigrees.
A three-year comparative case study found that UK banks stayed away from the market, while others like Citibank entered with enthusiasm. The British absence can be attributed to a lack of cultural ties with CEE and insufficient capital strength.
Exanta, a novel oral anticoagulant, has demonstrated comparable efficacy to warfarin or low molecular weight heparin in preventing blood clots. The European phase III trial showed that Exanta is effective and well-tolerated for VTE prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery.
The number of multiple births per embryo transfer decreased from 29.6% to 26.3% in Europe between 1997 and 1998. The proportion of twin deliveries fell from 25.8% to 23.9%, while triplet births declined from 3.6% to 2.3%.
A new study, involving over 400 families from four European countries, has found no evidence of emotional problems among ART parents. The research also revealed that ART fathers have a warmer and less authoritarian relationship with their children.
A new study has found that children conceived through assisted reproduction have stable and satisfying marriages, psychologically healthy parents, and well-adjusted children. The research also suggests that the absence of a genetic link between fathers and children does not interfere with developing positive relationships.
A study by Prof. Arnold Labrie explores how desire for purity emerged as a response to societal changes, masking a preoccupation with the impure. The concept of purity is closely tied to order and excludes those deemed 'impure', reflecting underlying tensions between traditional values and emerging modernities.
The top 50 chemical producers saw a six percent increase in sales to nearly $400 billion, with Europe accounting for 54 percent of international sales. Capital spending decreased by 16 percent, while research and development spending rose nearly two percent.
The book analyzes the accumulative effects of industrial development over 40 years, showing changes in pollution patterns and potential risks to agricultural food production. Historical studies of heavy metal pollution are used to illustrate how spatial patterns have changed over time.
The report reveals big variations between countries, with France, Germany, and the UK carrying out more than half of all IVF treatments. Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands have the highest availability of IVF treatment, resulting in a significant number of children being born through IVF.
The Johan Skytte Prize recognizes Professor Scharpf's work on multilevel governance, European Union legitimacy, and the use of game theory. He proposes limiting federal authority to market and currency questions to increase the union's effectiveness and legitimacy.
Research analyzing births in Malta and Western Europe from 1890 to 1995 found a strong association between lower birth rates for boys and colder climates. The study suggests that warmer climates favor the birth of boys, possibly due to temperature affecting fertility and sex ratios at birth.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute awards a four-year grant to expand training programs for Central and Eastern European, former Soviet Union, and Baltic scientists in specialized symposia, laboratory courses, and visiting lectureships. Over 500 participants have benefited from similar grants in Latin America.
Historians discovered that local landlords and castle owners wielded significant power until around 1150, forming a third power block alongside clergy and territorial princes. They found seven monasteries were founded within 15 years, based on reciprocal obligations between aristocracy and clergy, leading to social stability.
New radiocarbon dating reveals Neandertals coexisted with early modern humans in central Europe for thousands of years, casting doubt on theories of extinction and migration. The findings also suggest potential genetic exchange between Neandertals and modern humans.