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Lund University


New method increases life span of donated brain tissue

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new method that extends the viability of donated brain tissue from people with epilepsy to 48 hours. This allows them to study gene therapy treatment and acquire more data from a small number of patients, bringing treatments closer to the patient without direct testing.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2018

Paradigm shift in the diagnosis of diabetes

A new classification of diabetes has been discovered, which can predict the risk of serious complications and provide tailored treatment suggestions. The study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, reveals that type 2 diabetes consists of several subgroups, each with unique characteristics.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 1, 2018

New link between gut bacteria and obesity

Researchers at Lund University found that certain amino acids in blood are connected to obesity and gut microbiome composition. The study analyzed 674 participants and identified metabolites linked to BMI, including glutamate and BCAA, which interact with intestinal bacteria.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 23, 2018

How cells are able to turn

Researchers have demonstrated that cells navigate using molecular force from within, enabling them to turn and potentially leading to the development of new drugs. This discovery was made possible by the study of integrins, which are essential for cell interactions.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2018

Hybridization can give rise to different genome combinations

Swedish researchers study hybridization of Italian sparrows from Crete, Corsica, Sicily and Malta, finding independent events between house sparrow and Spanish sparrow. The populations have distinct genetic compositions due to limitations on genetic combinations, with certain genes always inherited from the house sparrow.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 18, 2018

Novel hypothesis on why animals diversified on Earth

A novel hypothesis proposes that animal diversification resulted from a revolution within the animals' own biology, rather than in surrounding chemistry. Cells with stem cell properties are vital for multicellular life, and tumor cells have developed mechanisms to maintain these properties despite high oxygen levels.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 18, 2018

Life under the surface in live broadcast

Scientists at Lund University have developed new systems to study microorganisms in the ground using microchips, revealing complex ecosystems and interactions between microbes and their environment. The technology allows for real-time analysis of microbial processes, enabling researchers to better understand soil structures and functions.

SourceLund University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateDec 7, 2017

Species in the north are more vulnerable to climate change

New research challenges common perception that polar species are best at adapting to changing temperatures. Acclimation is most effective at temperate latitudes, with slow seasonal changes allowing for optimal adaptation. This could alter our understanding of which species are most vulnerable to climate change.

SourceLund University·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateNov 16, 2017

The pros and cons of large ears

Researchers at Lund University found that large ears increase air resistance in bats, making flight less energy-efficient. However, they also provide better hearing and generate more lift, which is crucial for echolocation. The study suggests that evolution has made a compromise between flying efficiency and optimal echolocation ability.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateNov 13, 2017

Depressed fathers risk not getting help

A new study from Lund University reveals that depression among new fathers may be more common than previously thought and often goes undetected. The established screening method for depression in mothers is found to work poorly on men, with symptoms such as irritability and low self-control being overlooked.

SourceLund University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Psychology·DateNov 6, 2017

How bees find their way home

Researchers identified 'speed neurons' and 'direction neurons' in the bee brain that work together to create a memory for navigation. This ability is crucial for bees, as they rely on it to return to their hive after foraging trips.

SourceLund University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 17, 2017

New study changes our view on flying insects

Researchers at Lund University have discovered an optimal speed for certain insects when they fly, consuming the least amount of energy. Flying slowly or fast requires the most effort, with a moderate speed of 2-3 meters per second being the most energy-efficient.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 29, 2017

Plant substance inhibits cancer stem cells

Researchers at Lund University have successfully isolated and studied the plant compound damsin, which inhibits the growth and spread of cancer stem cells. The study's findings suggest that damsin and its synthetic analogue ambrosin may contribute to the development of new drugs against cancer stem cells.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 27, 2017

Brain damage in fish affected by plastic nanoparticles

A recent study conducted at Lund University has found that brain damage can occur in fish due to exposure to plastic nanoparticles. The research shows that these tiny particles can accumulate in the brains of fish and cause behavioural disorders, including slower eating rates and reduced exploration.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 25, 2017

Celebrity fossil reveals all for science

Agnostus pisiformis, a small but well-preserved trilobite-like arthropod, has been used to create detailed sculptures revealing its complete anatomy. The fossil provides valuable insights into ancient life and ecosystems, shedding light on the ecology and mode of life of this extinct species.

SourceLund University·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateSep 15, 2017

Differences in aggression among people with dementia

Researchers found that individuals with frontotemporal dementia were physically aggressive earlier and exhibited more severe behavior towards strangers compared to those with Alzheimer's disease. The study of 281 deceased patients revealed a significant difference in the manifestation of aggression between the two groups.

SourceLund University·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateSep 13, 2017

Jackdaws flap their wings to save energy

Researchers at Lund University discovered that jackdaws minimize energy consumption when flapping their wings by creating multiple small vortices. This unique phenomenon could lead to more efficient flight in birds and potentially influence aircraft design.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateAug 11, 2017

Improved analysis of kidney cancer

A research team at Lund University has discovered that gene expression in normal tissue varies depending on the location within the kidney. This variation affects the accuracy of comparisons between tumour cells and healthy tissue, leading to a better understanding of kidney cancer subtypes.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 11, 2017

Bacteria never swim alone

Researchers found that algae and bacteria can form flocks at very low concentrations of individuals, enabling them to sense each other's presence and affect each other. This discovery could increase our understanding of how microorganisms infect their host animals and the evolutionary basis for flocking behavior among bacteria.

SourceLund University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 14, 2017

Birds' migration genes are conditioned by geography

A new study found that willow warblers' genetic make-up determines their migration patterns depending on where they breed in the summer. The researchers discovered significant differences in over 200 genes between birds breeding in southern and northern Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic States.

SourceLund University·JournalEvolution Letters·DateJul 6, 2017

Through fossil leaves, a step towards Jurassic Park

Using infrared spectroscopy and statistical analysis of organic molecules in fossil leaves, researchers have solved long-standing questions about extinct plant relationships. The study reveals that ancient plant species grouped according to well-established botanical relationships, shedding light on their evolution.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 4, 2017

Birds become immune to influenza

Researchers found that water birds, particularly mallards, develop significant immunity and resistance to other variants of the low-pathogenic influenza A virus after infection. This means they can partially protect themselves against future infections, including virulent strains like H5N1 or H5N8.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 30, 2017

Surprisingly exact timing of voluntary movements

A new study reveals that people are capable of controlling the exact timing of their blinking, a movement previously thought to be automated. This discovery challenges previous assumptions and highlights the importance of the cerebral cortex in controlling movements at will.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 29, 2017