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Lund University


Mucus -- the first line of defense

Research at Lund University reveals that mucus in the saliva stimulates white blood cells to form effective nets of DNA and proteins, capturing and killing bacteria. Patients with aphthous stomatitis and Behçet's disease often lack saliva with this property, highlighting a potential link between mucus and these diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalBlood·DateNov 6, 2015

Breakthrough for electrode implants in the brain

Researchers at Lund University have developed implantable electrodes that capture signals from single neurons without causing brain tissue damage. The electrodes, called 3-D electrodes, are extremely soft and flexible, enabling stable recordings over long periods.

SourceLund University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateOct 8, 2015

Hopes of improved brain implants

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new type of brain implant that uses nanowires to stimulate or capture signals from different areas of the brain. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for Parkinson's disease, depression, autism, and paralysis.

SourceLund University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 29, 2015

Large eyes come at a high cost

Well-developed eyes require between 5% and 15% of an animal's total energy budget, according to a study on Mexican cavefish. The visual system's high energy cost leads to trade-offs with other organ systems in environments where it is not essential.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 11, 2015

Future climate models greatly affected by fungi and bacteria

A 23-year experiment by Lund University researchers found that fungi break down organic materials, releasing carbon dioxide and nutrients, rather than reducing leakage as previously thought. This challenges current policies on land use intended to promote fungi and could have significant consequences for climate models.

SourceLund University·JournalEcological Monographs·DateAug 28, 2015

Savannahs slow climate change

New research reveals that savannahs are a major driver of carbon sequestration globally, outpacing tropical rainforests. The semi-arid ecosystems can control fluctuations in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, and their importance should not be overlooked in climate policy discussions.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateMay 21, 2015

Cognitive problems are common after cardiac arrest

A major international study from Lund University found that half of cardiac arrest patients experience cognitive problems like memory and attention issues. The researchers believe that these issues can be attributed to common risk factors among heart disease patients, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

SourceLund University·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 17, 2015

Moral decisions can be influenced by eye tracking

A study by Lund University researchers found that people's moral responses can be influenced by what they're looking at when making a decision. The findings suggest that the thought process needed to reach a moral position is interlinked with the process of viewing the world.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2015

New carbon accounting method proposed

A new method of carbon accounting has been proposed to provide a fairer way of measuring emissions. The method considers consumption-based accounting and adjusts for technology differences between countries in their export sectors. This results in some countries receiving credits for cleaning up their own production industries.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 10, 2015

Supersonic electrons could produce future solar fuel

Researchers at Lund University successfully tracked supersonic electrons through a light-converting molecule, finding that the conversion of light to chemical energy happens rapidly without energy loss as heat. The study provides insights into constructing molecules for artificial photosynthesis, paving the way for solar fuel production.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2015

Previously unknown effect of vitamin A identified

Researchers discovered that increased levels of retinoic acid reduce blood cell production, while lower levels increase it by 300%. This finding supports the need for pregnant women to limit their vitamin A intake. The study also contributes to the development of artificial blood stem cells for patients with blood disorders.

SourceLund University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 24, 2015

New method for identifying most aggressive childhood cancers

Scientists at Lund University have discovered a way to identify the most malignant tumours in children by studying genetic micro-variation. The study found that the degree of genetic variation between cells is linked to the severity of cancer in children, making it a potential marker for predicting treatment outcomes.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2015

Extra-short nanowires best for brain

Researchers found that nanowires shorter than 2 micrometres cause no harm to the brain tissue, while longer ones lead to inflammation and neurotoxic effects. The study suggests developing electrodes with smaller and more flexible nanowire coatings for safer neural implants.

SourceLund University·JournalBiomaterials·DateJan 15, 2015

Do viruses make us smarter?

Researchers found that endogenous retroviruses, constituting around 5% of human DNA, regulate gene expression and have an important regulatory role in the brain. The study suggests that viruses take a firm hold on cellular machinery over evolution, leading to complex brain functions.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 12, 2015

Oat oil preparation makes you feel fuller

A new study from Lund University reveals a special oat oil preparation can produce greater satiety, leading to reduced energy intake. The unique composition of the oat oil, featuring polar fats, delays fat breakdown and stimulates the release of three key satiety hormones.

SourceLund University·JournalFood & Nutrition Research·DateNov 20, 2014

Cold-induced pain linked to the garlic and mustard receptor

Researchers at Lund University have identified a mechanism that creates cold-induced pain, linking it to the same receptor that reacts to pungent substances in mustard and garlic. This discovery could help those with cold allodynia, a common problem among patients with chronic pain or nervous system diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2014

Shrinking resource margins in Sahel region of Africa

The Sahel region is experiencing a shrinking margin between supply and demand for primary production, driven by population growth and increasing consumption. The study found that the rate of increase in food needs was 2.2% per year, while crop production remained largely unchanged over the past decade.

SourceLund University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 16, 2014

Personalised treatment for stress-related diabetes

Researchers at Lund University have developed a personalized treatment for type 2 diabetes that targets the disease mechanism itself, rather than just its symptoms. The treatment, which uses a drug called Yohimbin, has shown promising results in improving insulin secretion in patients with the genetic risk variant.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 14, 2014

Disputed theory on Parkinson's origin strengthened

The Braak hypothesis suggests that Parkinson's disease begins in the digestive tract and spreads to the brain. Researchers at Lund University have now found direct evidence of this process, tracking the spread of alpha-synuclein protein from the gut to the brain in rat models.

SourceLund University·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateOct 13, 2014