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Lund University


Liquid DNA behind virus attacks

Researchers at Lund University have discovered that viruses can convert their solid DNA to a liquid form, making it easier to infect cells. This temperature-dependent phase transition could lead to the development of new medicines targeting virus DNA, potentially reducing infection capability and spreading.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2014

New learning mechanism for individual nerve cells

Researchers at Lund University have discovered a new learning mechanism in individual nerve cells, which enables the brain to time its reactions and control complex processes like blinking and intelligible speech. This discovery has significant implications for rehabilitation following stroke, autism, ADHD, and language problems.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2014

Intestinal barrier damage in multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Lund University discovered inflammation and changes in the intestinal barrier function early in MS, indicating a potential link to disease progression. The study suggests that damage to the intestinal barrier may prevent the body from ending an autoimmune reaction, leading to chronic diseases like MS.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2014

Nano-forests to reveal secrets of cells

A team of scientists from Lund University has successfully created artificial cell membranes on vertical nanowires, mimicking the curved shape of natural membranes. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into membrane dynamics and target protein interactions in pharmaceutical research.

SourceLund University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 2, 2014

Spinach extract decreases cravings, aids weight loss

A study published at Lund University found that spinach extract containing thylakoids reduces hedonic hunger by up to 95% and increases weight loss by 43%. The study showed improved appetite control, healthier eating habits, and increased weight loss in participants who took the thylakoid extract before breakfast.

SourceLund University·JournalAppetite·DateSep 1, 2014

Toothpaste fluorine formed in stars

Researchers at Lund University found that toothpaste fluorine is formed in stars similar to our sun, supporting a theory about its origins. By analyzing light emitted by stars, they calculated the amount of fluorine present and compared it with predictions.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 21, 2014

Sun's activity influences natural climate change

Researchers have reconstructed solar activity at the end of the last ice age, showing a persistent link between solar activity and Greenland climate. The study suggests that reduced solar activity could lead to colder winters in Northern Europe, while warmer winters are seen in Greenland with greater snowfall.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 18, 2014

Smart bacteria help each other survive

Researchers at Lund University discovered how Haemophilus influenzae bacteria can share iron with each other, increasing their chances of survival and potentially creating new vaccine targets. This interaction has significant implications for the development of vaccines and treatments for respiratory infections.

SourceLund University·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Microbiology·DateAug 5, 2014

Nanoparticles cause cancer cells to self-destruct

Researchers at Lund University have developed a technique using magnetically controlled nanoparticles to selectively kill cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This method has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by reducing side effects associated with traditional therapies.

SourceLund University·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 3, 2014

Unique chromosomes preserved in Swedish fossil

Researchers at Lund University have discovered undestroyed cell nuclei and individual chromosomes in a well-preserved fern fossil from the Jurassic period. The unique preservation is attributed to the sudden burial of the plant in a volcanic eruption, providing valuable insights into ancient evolutionary stability.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2014

DNA reveals new clues: Why did mammoths die out?

A new DNA study suggests that the drastic change in vegetation from protein-rich herbs to less nutritious grass may be behind the demise of mammoths and other large mammals. The study shows that the mammoth steppe was dominated by herbs during the last ice age, which may have led to a decline in animal populations.

SourceLund University·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2014

Quicker method paves the way for atomic-level design

A new X-ray method allows researchers to determine the atomic structure of material surfaces, enabling deeper understanding of catalytic behavior at the atomic level. The method reduces analysis time from ten hours to just ten minutes, paving the way for optimized catalyst design and improved reaction control.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 2014

Imaging autoimmune diabetes

Lund University researchers have created a method to visualize inflammatory processes in the pancreas during type 1 diabetes. This allows them to study the body's response to new treatment strategies and potentially develop a model for human immune system diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetologia·DateJan 29, 2014

Cancer 'avalanche effect' refuted

A research group at Lund University has shown that the 'avalanche effect' theory of cancer development is not correct. Cancer cells can have over 100 chromosomes, but a single initial change does not lead to unstoppable further mutations.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2013

Diabetes link with dementia to be examined

Researchers at Lund University are studying the connection between type 2 diabetes and dementia, specifically focusing on insulin resistance and pericyte cells in the brain. They hope to discover new biomarkers that can signal early stages of dementia in diabetes patients, allowing for potential treatment targets.

New aggressive HIV strain leads to faster AIDS development

A new aggressive HIV strain, A3/02, has been identified in West Africa and is associated with a shorter period of five years from infection to AIDS development. The study also highlights the increasing global spread of recombinant HIV forms, which can be more vigorous and aggressive than traditional strains.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 27, 2013

Study questions hypothermia treatment for cardiac arrest

A recent study led by Lund University researchers has found that therapeutic hypothermia treatment for cardiac arrest is just as effective at a body temperature of 36°C as it is at 33°C, without the increased risk of side effects. This finding has important implications for patient rehabilitation and recovery after cardiac arrest.

SourceLund University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 18, 2013

New discovery on early immune system development

Researchers have discovered that the immune system forms in the embryo's yolk sac before blood stem cells, potentially leading to a better understanding of childhood diseases such as leukaemia. The study provides new insights into the development of immune-competent cells and their relationship with blood stem cells.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 12, 2013

Key mechanism behind herpes revealed

Biochemist Alex Evilevitch measures internal pressure of HSV-1, revealing key mechanism behind herpes infection and paving way for new medicine development. The discovery could lead to universal treatment for various viral infections, including cancer-linked viruses.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 2, 2013

Unexpected use of former cancer drug

Researchers at Lund University have found that Zebularine, an old cancer drug, can prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. The treatment also showed promise in curing type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the immune system's reaction to healthy tissue.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 29, 2013

Existence of new element confirmed

Researchers confirm existence of new element with atomic number 115, gaining insight into super-heavy atomic nuclei. The discovery was made using calcium ions to measure photons in connection with the element's alpha decay.

SourceLund University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 27, 2013

Insulin differs between ethnicities, study finds

A new study found that ethnic differences significantly impact insulin response, with East Asians showing improved insulin sensitivity but poorer insulin release. Healthy individuals of all ethnicities maintained normal glucose levels but did so differently, with some groups releasing more or less insulin in response to changes.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJun 27, 2013

Suicide risk factors mapped

A landmark study of the Swedish population found depression (32-fold risk for suicide), anxiety (15-fold risk), COPD (3.05-fold risk) and poor social networks to be significant risk factors. The study also showed that unemployment was a stronger social risk factor among women, while being single was a stronger risk factor among men.

SourceLund University·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJun 10, 2013

Protein block stops vascular damage in diabetes

Researchers at Lund University discovered a substance that prevents atherosclerosis caused by high blood sugar levels. The substance only affects NFAT-activated cells and has no impact on the immune system. This breakthrough offers hope for a targeted treatment to address vascular damage in diabetes patients.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 2013

Immune system to fight brain tumors

Researchers at Lund University have developed a vaccine-based treatment that stimulates the immune system to fight brain tumors, with promising results in animal experiments. The treatment has shown significant effectiveness in curing rats of their brain tumors.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Neuroimmunology·DateMay 30, 2013

A molecular chain reaction in Alzheimer's disease

A team of researchers at Lund University has identified the molecular mechanism behind the formation of Alzheimer's disease-causing plaques. The discovery reveals a self-perpetuating and autocatalytic process that creates cell-killing formations, potentially paving the way for new treatments targeting early stages of the disease.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2013

Breakthrough on Huntington's disease

Researchers at Lund University have prevented early symptoms of Huntington's disease, depression, and anxiety in mice by deactivating the mutated huntingtin protein. This discovery is a major breakthrough and may lead to more accurate treatments for this debilitating disease.

SourceLund University·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMay 23, 2013

Atherosclerotic disease heredity mapped in nationwide study

A nationwide study reveals that heredity plays a significant role in common forms of atherosclerotic disease, with risk highest for individuals with family history. The study found a strong correlation between early-onset aortic atherosclerosis and increased risk of developing the same type of disease.

SourceLund University·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateMay 20, 2013

Possible treatment for serious blood cancer

Researchers at Lund University are testing an antibody-based treatment for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer without a cure. The antibody, BI-505, has shown promising results in cell studies and animal experiments, and a clinical trial is currently underway to test its effects on patients.

SourceLund University·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 6, 2013

New mouse model confirms how type 2 diabetes develops

Researchers created a new mouse model to study the development of type 2 diabetes, using middle-aged mice fed fatty food until old age. The study confirmed that inflammation in pancreatic islets leads to the disease, while DPP-4 inhibitors maintain good insulin production and prevent inflammation.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetologia·DateMay 3, 2013

Unethical advertising at launch of antidepressants

A recent Lund University study analyzed antidepressant ads in the Swedish Medical Journal between 1994 and 2003, finding that 34% were deemed misleading by industry self-regulation. The review process was criticized for being ineffective, with only 0.009% of sales revenue fined for unethical marketing.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 2, 2013

Gastric bypass findings could lead to diabetes treatment

A recent study at Lund University has discovered a key factor behind gastric bypass surgery's ability to rapidly send type 2 diabetes into remission. The researchers found that insulin levels and intestinal hormones increase significantly after the procedure, suggesting a new potential treatment avenue for diabetes patients.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 1, 2013

New research findings on the brain's guardian cells

Researchers have identified a structure deviation in microglia cells, allowing for their visualization and behavior study. This breakthrough enables the monitoring of microglia function over time in rats and mice, with potential applications in studying Parkinson's disease and stroke.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2013