Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Aarhus University


Not knowing what to expect can make pain feel worse

A new study from Aarhus University shows that uncertainty in pain expectations can increase pain perception. Researchers found that when the brain is unsure about what to expect, it intensifies pain beyond what's necessary. This discovery may help shape more effective ways to manage pain in the future.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2025

Danish research reveals novel biomarker for autoimmune diseases

Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a method to track disease progression in patients with autoimmune diseases. The new method identifies large immuno-active complexes and can be measured in parallel, increasing capacity and reducing the need for training new staff or investing in equipment.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Translational Autoimmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2025

How do we survive crises – then and now?

A new study published in Science Advances finds that four common resilience strategies - mobility, investment in infrastructure, exchange, and economic adjustment - have varying levels of effectiveness. Mobility and strong social ties proved to be solid protection against crises, while economic adjustment was the least effective strategy.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateJan 20, 2025

Fecal transplantation offers new hope for diabetes patients with severe gastrointestinal issues

A new study from Aarhus University Hospital shows that fecal microbiota transplantation can be a safe and effective treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes and gastroenteropathy. The treatment has significantly improved quality of life and symptoms for participants, offering hope to those with debilitating symptoms.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 8, 2025

3D snapshots unveil the intricate dance of RNA folding

Scientists have captured 3D snapshots of individual RNA nanoparticles in motion, showcasing the dynamic and intricate folding process. This breakthrough uses advanced electron microscopy to study RNA's flexibility, enabling new insights into its structure and potential applications in molecular medicine.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Ants actively combat plant diseases in the ‘AntFarm’ project

Researchers have found that wood ants can reduce plant diseases like scab and apple rot by up to 50% due to the presence of internal antibiotic substances. The AntFarm project aims to cultivate wood ants on a large scale for relocation in organic apple orchards, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMicrobial Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Scientists may have discovered important step in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Aarhus University have decoded part of the bacterial defense mechanism against antibiotics, providing a crucial step towards treating resistant MRSA infections. Understanding the molecular composition of the biofilm-forming protein PSMα1 could lead to new strategies and treatments to prevent biofilm formation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2024

New molecule can mimic the effects of fasting and exercise

Researchers have developed a molecule called LaKe that can mimic the metabolic response to regular exercise and fasting by increasing lactate and ketone levels in the blood. This molecule has the potential to alleviate concentration difficulties, treat brain trauma, Parkinson's, and dementia, and improve overall health.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

New method predicts worsening of chronic kidney disease

Researchers from Aarhus University developed a new method to predict which patients with chronic kidney failure are at risk of losing kidney function over time. The method analyzes acid-base balances in urine samples, revealing early signs of acid buildup that can be harmful to kidney function.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2024

Researchers: No – pet owners do not have better mental health

Contrary to popular assumptions, a new study found that pet ownership does not improve mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, pet owners reported slightly worse mental health symptoms compared to non-owners. However, owning pets may help alleviate loneliness, particularly among individuals living alone.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMental Health & Prevention·TypeSurvey·DateSep 4, 2024

Music can reveal which areas of the brain are affected by aging

A new study from Aarhus University reveals that older individuals' brains work harder to compensate for age-related changes in memory function when listening to familiar music. The study uses classical music by Johann Sebastian Bach to map brain activity and identify potential biomarkers for dementia.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 4, 2024

The evidence is mounting: humans were responsible for the extinction of large mammals

Researchers from Aarhus University conclude that human hunting was responsible for the extinction of at least 161 species of large mammals over the past 50,000 years. The analysis of various research fields, including climate history and genetic estimates, suggests that human hunting was widespread and consistent across the world.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCambridge Prisms Extinction·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 1, 2024

Music sends our brainwaves dancing

A study from Aarhus University and the University of Oxford reveals that listening to music sets off a complex chain reaction in the brain, involving areas for sound, emotions, and memory. This understanding could lead to new interventions for improving cognitive function in individuals with neurological conditions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2024

Giant viruses found on Greenland ice sheet

Giant viruses have been found living on the surface ice and snow of Greenland, regulating algae growth. These viruses, which are larger than bacteria and have a much bigger genome, feed on snow algae and could work as a natural control mechanism to reduce ice melting caused by algal blooms.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

A new study reveals key role of plant-bacteria communication for the assembly of a healthy plant microbiome supporting sustainable plant nutrition

A new study in Nature Communications reveals that symbiotic bacteria play a critical role in modulating the profile of root secreted molecules, influencing the assembly of a symbiotic root microbiome. The findings provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between nitrogen nutrition and plant-bacteria interactions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Insect research is revolutionized by technology

Recent technological breakthroughs enable global insect surveys using sound recordings, images, radar, laser beams, and DNA analysis. This allows for new insights into insect trends and species identification without relying on experts or killing insects.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 6, 2024

Study shows no difference in training methods for hip osteoarthritis

A study comparing progressive resistance training and neuromuscular exercise found no measurable difference in physical function, pain level, or quality of life between the two groups. The results suggest that patient involvement plays a crucial role in choosing an optimal training type for individual patients.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2024

New study: Opioids kill, especially if you're alone

A new study from Aarhus University investigates 327 deaths related to opioid overdoses in Denmark and finds that being alone increases the risk of fatal poisoning. The study also highlights the importance of recognizing sleep as a precursor to opioid poisoning, particularly among young people.

SourceAarhus University·JournalForensic Science International·TypeCase study·DateApr 8, 2024