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Lund University


The world's largest canary

The São Tomé grosbeak is the world's largest canary, measuring 20 cm long and possessing a flat head and large beak. It is found only on the island of São Tomé in the West African Gulf of Guinea and is 50% larger than the runner-up species.

SourceLund University·JournalIbis·DateJun 21, 2017

The role of vitamin A in diabetes

A study suggests that vitamin A plays an important role in the development and function of beta-cells, leading to improved insulin secretion. Researchers found that partially blocking the vitamin A receptor impaired cell survival and insulin secretion, highlighting its potential as a new target for diabetes treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalEndocrine Journal·DateJun 13, 2017

Cholesterol -- a key player at the lung surface

Researchers at Lund University found that cholesterol impacts the molecular structure of the alveoli's surfactant film, influencing its mechanical properties and substance transport. The study provides new insights into the significance of cholesterol for lung surface properties.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2017

Neurons can learn temporal patterns

A study at Lund University reveals individual neurons can learn precise timed intervals, expanding the brain's learning capabilities and potential applications in AI research. This breakthrough may also shed light on autism, ADHD, and language disorders in children.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2017

New defence mechanism against bacteria discovered

Scientists at Lund University have identified a novel defence mechanism that uses thrombin fragments to aggregate and neutralize bacteria and toxins in wounds. This discovery could provide an alternative approach to treating bacterial infections, potentially reducing the reliance on antibiotics.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2017

Bravery may cost fish their lives

A study by Lund University found that bold common roaches, known for their bravery, are twice as likely to be eaten by cormorants. Shyer individuals, on the other hand, survive to a greater extent in the wild. The researchers' focus on behavioral traits rather than morphology provides new insights into predator-prey interactions.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 4, 2017

Nanotubes that build themselves

Scientists at Lund University produced nanotubes from a single building block using molecular self-recognition, enabling controlled transport of substances like acetylcholine. The discovery could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2017

Where does your blood actually come from?

Scientists at Lund University have developed a new understanding of how human blood cells form during embryonic development, showing that endothelial cells undergo dramatic changes to become blood cells. The research provides critical insights into the origins of blood and its regulation in development.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 6, 2017

Finger prosthesis provides clues to brain health

Researchers developed a new method to measure brain health by analyzing neural networks' responses to artificial touch experiences provided by a finger prosthesis. The technique offers precise insights into the cooperation between neurons and can reflect the entire brain's health, providing potential breakthroughs in neurological disea...

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 4, 2017

Electrons used to control ultrashort laser pulses

Researchers at Lund University developed a method to control extreme UV light using strong laser pulses, allowing for precise manipulation of electron dynamics and light properties. This technique has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of light/electron interactions.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 21, 2017

What cancer research can learn from military strategy

Researchers are exploring parallels between military counter-insurgency tactics and cancer treatment, focusing on targeted therapies that harness the patient's own resources. By adopting an intelligence-led approach, clinicians can adapt treatment strategies to tackle evolving tumour genetic codes.

SourceLund University·JournalTrends in Cancer·DateMar 10, 2017

How blood can be rejuvenated

Researchers at Lund University successfully reprogrammed old blood stem cells to function like those of younger individuals, revealing a potential new approach to treating age-related diseases. This breakthrough suggests that epigenetic changes, rather than DNA mutations, underlie the decline in blood cell function with age.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2017

Obesity reprograms muscle stem cells

A new study reveals that obesity reprograms muscle stem cells through DNA methylation changes, impairing insulin sensitivity and metabolism in fully developed muscle cells. The research, conducted by doctoral student Cajsa Davegårdh at Lund University, found that pro-inflammatory genes like IL-32 play a crucial role in this process.

SourceLund University·JournalBMC Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017

Those who help each other can invade harsher environments

A new study from Lund University and international researchers reveals that cooperative breeding of offspring is key to successful colonization in harsh environments. By sharing genes, helpers and offspring benefit from monogamous breeding females, enabling species to invade previously inaccessible areas.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 20, 2017

Gut bacteria may play a role in Alzheimer's disease

A study from Lund University found that intestinal bacteria can accelerate the development of Alzheimer's disease in mice. The researchers discovered a direct causal link between gut bacteria and the disease, suggesting that modulating the gut microbiota through diet and probiotics could prevent or delay its onset.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 10, 2017

Malaria mosquitos sensitive to horseradish

Researchers at Lund University discovered that malaria mosquitos are sensitive to horseradish, similar to the effects of heat on vertebrates. This finding suggests a shared molecular mechanism underlying temperature sensing in insects and animals.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 9, 2017

The oxygen content increased when the Earth was covered in ice

A recent study found that oxygen levels in the air began to rise around 2.4 billion years ago, coinciding with global glaciation and a single supercontinent called Kenorland. The research suggests that volcanic activity on this massive landmass may have contributed to the unstable climate leading to fluctuations in oxygen levels.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2017

How 1000 new genetic variants were discovered in blood groups

A recent study by Lund University researcher Mattias Möller has identified 1000 new genetic variants in blood group genes, which could have negative effects during blood transfusions. The discovery was made possible by developing a new computer program to process the genomes of 2504 people, providing insights into human genetic variation.

SourceLund University·JournalBlood Advances·DateJan 26, 2017

How solvents affect the skin

Researchers studied how solvents affect skin molecules, revealing changes in fluid state and interactions with added components. The findings improve understanding of molecular mechanisms, enabling more efficient regulation of skin properties.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2017

Viruses in the genome important for our brain

A study by Lund University researchers reveals that retroviruses in the human genome can affect gene expression, potentially contributing to brain development and neurological diseases. The viruses, known as endogenous retroviruses, can act as docking platforms for proteins like TRIM28, influencing protein production.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 12, 2017

CRISPR editing in pancreatic cells reduced cell death and increased insulin secretion

Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to remove an enzyme that regulates the diabetes-associated TXNIP gene, leading to reduced cell death and increased insulin production in genetically modified pancreatic beta cells. The study also found that histone acetyltransferases play a crucial role in regulating the TXNIP gene.

SourceLund University·JournalThe International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology·DateDec 1, 2016

Underwater Stone Age settlement mapped out

Researchers at Lund University have mapped out an exceptionally well-preserved Stone Age site in southern Sweden, shedding light on the lives of Mesolithic humans. The discovery includes a 9,000-year-old pick axe made from elk antlers, indicating mass fishing and a semi-permanent settlement.

SourceLund University·JournalQuaternary International·DateNov 14, 2016

Association between sugary diet and coronary artery disease

A study from Lund University found that consuming high amounts of added sucrose increases the risk of myocardial infarction by about a third. The researchers analyzed data from over 26,000 participants and found no correlation between sugar intake and cardiovascular disease for those following general dietary recommendations.

SourceLund University·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateNov 3, 2016

Ten months in the air without landing

Researchers at Lund University found that common swifts spend 10 months in the air, migrating and hibernating without landing. The birds' physiology is still not fully understood, but the discovery provides new insights into animal behavior.

SourceLund University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 27, 2016

Stem cells also rust

A Lund University research team identified high levels of reactive oxygen species in newly generated blood stem cells from pluripotent stem cells, damaging their function. The researchers developed a cocktail to reduce oxidative damage, resulting in over twenty times more blood stem cells that could grow.

SourceLund University·JournalStem Cells·DateOct 25, 2016

ENSO threatens food supply in southern Africa

Research from Lund University finds that ENSO leads to increased shortages of food and animal feed in rural areas of eastern and southern Africa. The study calculates the impact of carbon dioxide absorption by vegetation on food production and predicts a worsening situation as weather phenomena become more frequent.

SourceLund University·JournalClimatic Change·DateOct 14, 2016

Small-scale agriculture threatens the rainforest

A recent study by Lund University reveals that small-scale farmers in Indonesia are leading to biodiversity decline and ecosystem disruption. The researchers found that the adoption of monoculture farming practices results in short-term financial gains but long-term environmental costs.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2016

How cells move

A study by Lund University researcher Pontus Nordenfelt reveals how cells move using integrins, actin, and an adaptor protein. The technique enables measuring mechanical force acting on integrins, which could lead to targeted drugs to strengthen the immune system against infections.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2016

Type 2 diabetes and obesity -- what do we really know?

A review of the current knowledge on the causes of type 2 diabetes and obesity reveals a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The study highlights the importance of epigenomic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, in modulating gene expression and disease risk.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2016