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Aarhus University


It pays to increase energy consumption

Researchers at Aarhus University found that using 10% more energy for heating can save 10% on the bill while reducing carbon dioxide emission. They developed an intelligent management system to optimize building operations, predicting energy prices and environmental impact.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEnergy and Buildings·DateMay 31, 2016

Social objects in the brain

Researchers used LEGO bricks to investigate symbolic object engagement, finding brain areas associated with social cognition and language activation when attending to model meaning. Special activation patterns were observed for models built with own group members versus others

SourceAarhus University·JournalNeuroImage·DateMay 11, 2016

A calcium pump caught in the act

The study reveals that the calcium pump uses energy from ATP to transport calcium ions into the cell, a process crucial for muscle function and heart health. This insight could lead to the development of new drugs targeting this enzyme to alleviate ionic imbalances associated with disease.

SourceAarhus University·JournalStructure·DateMay 9, 2016

Children with ADHD sleep both poorly and less

A new study from Aarhus University found that children with ADHD take longer to fall asleep at night and experience more disturbed sleep. The researchers also discovered that children with ADHD tend to fall asleep faster during the day than their peers, which may be a compensatory behavior for not being able to doze off during the day.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateMay 4, 2016

Slow worms react quickly to climate change

Researchers exposed small worms to artificial climate change, finding that a half-degree warmer soil caused rapid genome changes. The study provides insight into evolution's ability to adapt to climate change, suggesting it may be more resilient than previously thought.

SourceAarhus University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 27, 2016

Play as a field for research

The PLAYTrack project aims to investigate how play supports children's learning and skills. The project will develop new methods to examine the impact of play on human development, collaboration with industry partners and institutions.

Changing the world, 1 fridge at a time

One third of global food is lost or wasted, causing environmental harm and contributing to global warming. Individual actions, such as checking fridge contents before shopping and adjusting consumer choices, can significantly impact sustainability.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience·DateApr 22, 2016

Are humans the new supercomputer?

A recent study by Jacob Sherson and his team at Aarhus University found that humans excel in approaching problems heuristically and solving them intuitively, a skill computers struggle with. The research used an online game called Quantum Moves to analyze player solutions and identified common features in human intuition.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2016

Sweet, tasty and healthy -- the new essence of juice?

Researchers at Aarhus University found that adding lime to fruit juice with stevia and β-glucans increases its nutritional value while promoting a sensory experience. The study's results show that the combination of ingredients can balance out the bitter aftertaste of stevia and improve the overall taste.

SourceAarhus University·JournalFood Research International·DateMar 29, 2016

Deadly stars

A team of scientists has found that a star similar to the Sun could potentially create a massive eruption known as a superflare, which could have devastating effects on Earth. The research used data from nearly 100,000 stars to show that superflares are likely formed through the same mechanism as solar flares.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 24, 2016

Common painkillers are more dangerous than we think

A new study reveals that older types of arthritis medicine, like Diclofenac, are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, similar to other NSAID types taken off the market. The study recommends reduced consumption and alternative treatments for patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 17, 2016

New mothers with postpartum psychiatric disorders face increased risk of suicide: Study

A comprehensive study has found that new mothers with postpartum psychiatric disorders are at a four times higher risk of death from natural or unnatural causes compared to those without the disorder. The research highlights the need for medical staff to be aware of the risk and ensure proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent suicide.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 7, 2016

Influenza viruses can hide from the immune system

Researchers discovered that influenza viruses can hide from the immune system by using a protein that masks the virus, making it harder for the body to detect and fight. This finding has implications for developing treatments against influenza and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2016

Oregano may reduce methane in cow burps

A four-year project aims to investigate the effect of supplementing dairy cows with organic oregano on reducing methane emissions. The goal is to show a 25% reduction in methane production through the addition of oregano, benefiting both the climate and organic farmers.

Wholesome wholegrain

A study by Aarhus University found that wholegrain foods, such as rye bread, contain bioactive compounds called benzoxazinoids. These substances have been shown to pass through the gut wall and circulate in the body, potentially regulating the immune system.

Danish cannabis is stronger than ever

The concentration of THC in Danish cannabis has tripled over 20 years, reaching an average of 28% per cent in recent samples. This significant increase is attributed to the growing trend of skunk farms in Denmark, which provide high-quality cannabis plants with elevated THC levels.

Rewilding the future

A new study synthesizes research on trophic rewilding, outlining key priorities for rewilding science. The study concludes that species reintroductions and ecological replacements can restore lost food-web cascades with strong ecological effects.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

Simpler method for measuring viral infections in bees

Researchers at Aarhus University have created a model that groups the incidence of viral infections into four categories, allowing beekeepers to easily assess the severity of infections. This simplified system benefits both scientists and beekeepers, enabling them to make informed decisions about disease prevention and breeding.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 26, 2015

Cause of viral infection of the brain mapped out

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine has identified a genetic defect in the immune system that can lead to fatal brain inflammation in some people infected with the herpes virus. The discovery may also shed light on other types of viral infections, such as meningitis and influenza.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 20, 2015

Bold research into recycling CO2

Researchers at Aarhus University are working with international partners to find ways to convert CO2 into valuable materials. The goal is to make CO2 a sustainable resource, potentially even using it as a raw material for future manned missions to Mars.

Our environment shapes our language

Researchers found that environmental and social factors shape participants' use of SOV vs SVO syntax when communicating events, with iconicity playing a key role. The study also showed that adapting to interlocutors' lead and frequent event types influence syntactic patterns.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCognition·DateSep 30, 2015

The Danish nitrogen budget in a nutshell

A national nitrogen budget for Denmark shows significant reductions in nitrogen emissions from agriculture, but other sectors like energy production and transport remain major contributors. New initiatives, such as organic farming expansion and electric vehicles, aim to further reduce nitrogen losses.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 30, 2015

Fewer patients die at fully accredited hospitals

A new study published in International Journal of Quality in Health Care found an association between hospital accreditation and mortality rate among patients. Hospitals that fully met the requirements of the Danish Healthcare Quality Programme had a significantly lower mortality rate compared to those that only partially met the stand...

SourceAarhus University·JournalInternational Journal for Quality in Health Care·DateSep 24, 2015

Upslope migration of tropical plants due to climate change

A new study by Aarhus University researchers found that plant communities on the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador have shifted upwards by more than 500 meters over the last two centuries. This dramatic shift is attributed to climate change and human-induced land cultivation, which has reduced precipitation and glacier coverage.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2015