10 selected Research Luxembourg results – January 2025

17 February 2025

This article was originally in French and German on science.lu 

Long-Term Exposure to Pollutants Affects Heart Health

Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH)

Long-term exposure to environmental pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), contributes to the development of heart disease—this is the key finding of a recent study by the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH). PAHs mainly result from the combustion of organic materials (such as oil and coal), industrial activities, and transportation, and they are also present in cigarette smoke.

Researchers analysed data from 612 participants in the Nutrition, Environment, and Cardiovascular Health (NESCAV) survey, a cross-sectional study conducted in Luxembourg. They used hair samples, a more reliable method than urine sample analysis. The results showed that men exposed to PAHs were more likely to suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol issues, while in women, exposure was associated with metabolic problems, including lower levels of “good” cholesterol and a larger waist circumference. Passive exposure to tobacco smoke was also linked to cardiovascular risks in both men and women.

While these findings need to be confirmed by further studies, they already highlight the need for better pollution management and stronger tobacco prevention measures.

To the press release | To the publication

Parkinson’s Disease: Declining Incidence Rates Observed in Germany

Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg

A new study based on German health insurance data reveals an intriguing trend: the incidence rate of Parkinson’s disease—the rate of new cases—is decreasing. Given Germany’s rapidly aging population, one would expect the incidence rate to rise.

Researchers from the University of Luxembourg and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) analysed data collected between 2006 and 2018 from nearly 450,000 individuals insured by Germany’s largest health insurance provider. Their findings show that the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease has decreased by approximately 20% among those over 50, even after accounting for known risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and traumatic brain injuries. At the same time, the average age at diagnosis has increased despite more effective screening, suggesting that the disease may also be appearing later in life.

Further research is needed to understand this phenomenon.

To the press release | To the publication

Youth: Now Extending Up to Age 39

University of Luxembourg / Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER) / STATEC

A recent publication explores the demographic trajectories of young people, tracing their journey from childhood and adolescence to adulthood, including entry into the workforce and family life.

The study highlights the growing diversity of youth—driven in part by strong migration flows from Europe and beyond—as well as its gradual extension to older ages. Two key aspects of the transition to adulthood are analysed: entering the workforce and starting a family. Today, these milestones are increasingly delayed, and some have become optional. As a result, the definition of youth, which traditionally ended at 25, has been extended to 39 in this study.

Due to population aging, the proportion of young people in the total population has slightly decreased, from 51.4% in 2011 to 50.5% in 2021.

To the press release | To the publication (in French)

Two New Educational Books on Eco-Construction

Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST)

How can we engage with today’s environmental challenges and rethink the urban planning of tomorrow? LIST has published two educational books addressing these complex topics.

The book “Eco-Construction for a Sustainable and Resilient Future” is aimed at high school students and explores urban planning and construction, particularly in terms of CO₂ emissions. According to the press release, it offers concrete solutions for decarbonizing the sector and tackling climate challenges. Readers will find insights into the latest technological advancements and learn how these innovations can transform cities into greener spaces.

The second book, “Bauen für die Zukunft: Nachhaltiges Bauen mit Rücksicht auf den Klimawandel” (Building for the Future: Sustainable Construction with Consideration for Climate Change), is designed for Cycle 4 primary school students. Through real-world examples, it teaches them how to design eco-friendly and sustainable living spaces.

Both books address a major issue of our time: the environmental impact of construction.

To the press release

Breast Cancer: Patients Generally Satisfied with Care in Luxembourg

Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH)

The Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) has shared preliminary results from its national Colive Cancer survey, which examines the experiences of 100 women diagnosed with breast cancer.

According to the findings, 80% of participants reported being satisfied with the information provided by their healthcare teams, with one-third stating they were completely satisfied. When asked to rate the communication of their diagnosis and the support they received, respondents gave an average score of 8 out of 10.

However, the survey highlighted one area where communication was deemed insufficient: side effects. According to the press release, most respondents expressed a desire for more detailed information on this topic, suggesting a potential gap in patient education that healthcare professionals in Luxembourg could address.

To strengthen the results, Colive Cancer continues to recruit participants.

To the press release

The “Mammography Program” Helps Detect Breast Cancer Early

Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH)

The Health Directorate and the Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Group at the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) have jointly published a report evaluating the “Mammography Program” (PM), the national organised breast cancer screening program. This is the first evaluation of its kind.

The report shows that the PM is effective in detecting cancer at earlier stages—when tumors are smaller, less invasive, and therefore harder to identify—compared to cases detected outside the program. This effectiveness highlights the importance of the PM in early detection, which improves treatment outcomes and increases recovery rates.

As part of the PM, mammograms (X-ray imaging of the breast) are reviewed by two independent radiologists. This approach helps identify one in five breast cancers that might have been missed by a single reader. Not only does this process enhance cancer detection, but it also reduces the number of false positives—incorrect diagnoses of cancer where none exists.

To the press release | To the publication (in French or German)

Income Only Partially Influences Eating Habits in Luxembourg

STATEC

STATEC analysed how household food budgets are allocated based on consumption location (restaurant, cafeteria, takeout, etc.), point of purchase (supermarket, local market, etc.), and product type, in relation to income levels.

The study compared the lowest 20% of households by income (1st quintile) with the wealthiest 20% (5th quintile). Lower-income households tend to shop more at discount stores but do not necessarily eat less healthily.

Wealthier households purchase more from supermarkets and spend more on dining out. Meanwhile, lower-income households allocate a larger share of their food budget to items such as white and red meat, sugary drinks, oils and fats, and processed foods. In contrast, higher-income households spend more on sweets, eggs and dairy products, and fish.

To the publication (in French)

Head and Neck Radiochemotherapy Disrupts the Oral Microbiome

Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg

A recent publication by the University of Luxembourg and Saarland University sheds light on the dynamics of the oral microbiome during radiochemotherapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma—the most common type of head and neck cancer, affecting the skin and mucous membranes.

Researchers investigated the interaction between the oral microbiome (present in the mouth and throat) and the development of radiation-induced mucositis (inflammation caused by radiotherapy) in patients undergoing radiochemotherapy. Oral mucositis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and digestive tract.

Their findings support the hypothesis that both radiochemotherapy and the cancer itself influence the composition of the oral microbiome. Microbial markers identified in patients who later developed high-grade mucositis should be further evaluated in independent cohorts to assess their potential as specific biomarkers.

To the publication

Purchasing Power in Luxembourg Is Rising Despite Inflation

STATEC

A recent analysis by STATEC examines the evolution of purchasing power and savings rates by standard of living in the Grand Duchy. The conclusion: purchasing power is increasing despite inflation, particularly for the wealthiest households.

Incomes have risen significantly, driven in part by wage indexation and various policy measures. However, despite this improvement, households in the lower income quintiles still struggle to save money. Savings are highly unequally distributed, with the wealthiest households accounting for 80% of total savings since 2021.

When looking at disposable income (income after taxes, social contributions, and other mandatory charges), rising expenses weigh more heavily on low-income households. The share of income allocated to consumption decreases as living standards increase. Lower-income households are also more affected by rising energy and food prices.

To the publication (in French)

Quality Governance Increases Trust in Politics

STATEC

A study by STATEC examines the relevance of the model used in the OECD survey on trust in institutions and politics. The study highlights the significant role of governance quality as a predictor of public trust, meaning trust increases with the quality of governance.

These three dimensions—trust in politics, trust in institutions, and governance quality—are used to rank countries globally. Denmark ranks at the top with the highest average trust scores, while Colombia is at the bottom. According to the authors, Luxembourg achieves a very respectable score.

Currently, 29% of the world’s population lives in a democracy, a sharp decline since the 2000s. Additionally, there is a global polarization of political opinions. Given these concerning trends, research in this area is more important than ever.

To the press release | To the publication

Author: Diane Bertel

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