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Lund University


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

Virus-like particles provide vital clues about brain tumors

Researchers at Lund University have discovered that exosome molecular profiles reflect the aggressiveness of brain tumours, offering a new approach for diagnosis and treatment. The study's findings suggest that exosomes could serve as biomarkers to guide patient care and monitor treatment response.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2013

New view of origins of eye diseases

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new method to investigate the importance of biomechanical factors in the central nervous system. The study found that when the biomechanical balance is disturbed, as happens in eye diseases such as retinal detachment and glaucoma, the normal function of the retina is lost, resulting in se...

SourceLund University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateApr 3, 2013

Why sticking around is sometimes the better choice

A meta-analysis of 62 studies across 48 species found that sticking around to care for offspring is the better choice for some males when faced with infidelity. Males tend to be more accepting of offspring fathered by other males in species where risk is low or caring doesn't harm reproductive success.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 27, 2013

Researchers form new nerve cells – directly in the brain

New technique allows for direct reprogramming of human cells into nerve cells, opening possibilities for treating Parkinson's disease and other conditions. Researchers at Lund University have made a breakthrough in the field of cell therapy by successfully reprogramming skin cells and support cells into nerve cells.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2013

Reversing blood and freshening it up

Researchers have successfully rejuvenated the blood of mice by reprogramming their stem cells, reversing epigenetic changes that occur with age. This breakthrough could potentially lead to new treatments for diseases such as leukemia, where cancer often originates in older, damaged bone marrow.

SourceLund University·JournalBlood·DateMar 25, 2013

New clues in hunt for heredity in type 2 diabetes

A new study by Lund University researchers has found that epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, can influence the function of insulin-producing cells and alter genetic risk variants for type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that these modifications may play a key role in the development of the disease.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetologia·DateMar 19, 2013

Fish migrate to safer environments

A new study from Lund University in Sweden shows that roach fish migrate to surrounding streams and wetlands to escape cormorant predators, highlighting the first evidence of migration as a strategy to avoid predation. The researchers used innovative tracking methods to determine which fish were eaten by cormorants.

SourceLund University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMar 1, 2013

Towards a new moth perfume

Researchers from Lund University have identified a single gene mutation that produces an entirely new scent in moths. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly pest control methods.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2013

Reduced sea ice disturbs balance of greenhouse gases

A new study by Lund University researchers reveals that reduced Arctic sea ice is causing a significant disturbance to the balance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This change has far-reaching consequences for the global climate, as plants and oceans absorb half of the carbon dioxide released into the air through human activities.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 18, 2013

New findings on mortality of individuals with schizophrenia

Researchers found individuals with schizophrenia have shorter life expectancy due to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Women with schizophrenia were particularly vulnerable, facing a threefold higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a 1.7 times greater chance of cancer-related death.

SourceLund University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 21, 2013

Breakthrough for solar cell research

Researchers from Lund University have made a significant breakthrough in solar cell technology, demonstrating the potential for nanowires to produce 13.8% efficient energy. The nanowire solar cells can absorb sunlight more efficiently than traditional silicon cells, offering higher efficiency at a lower cost.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateJan 18, 2013

New findings on killer bacteria's defence

Researchers at Lund University discovered that antibodies in the immune system can be turned around by certain bacteria, affecting their recognition and neutralization. The study shows that this phenomenon varies depending on the severity of the infection, with more serious diseases having the correct antibody orientation.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 14, 2012

Stimulating brain cells with light

Scientists at Lund University are using optogenetics to investigate the behavior of transplanted brain cells in a model of Parkinson's disease. The study aims to determine whether light can be used to reinforce dopamine production and improve the effectiveness of nerve cell transplantation.

Genetic protection against arsenic

A study found that a gene variant producing efficient arsenic metabolism is common among Atacameño Indian villagers in Argentina, reducing health risks associated with high levels of arsenic. The research suggests human evolutionary adaptation to environmental toxins may vary among populations.

SourceLund University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 16, 2012

Language learning makes the brain grow

A three-month intensive language study led to significant brain structure changes in language learners compared to non-language students. The hippocampus and cerebral cortex areas expanded in size, correlating with improved language skills, highlighting the cognitive benefits of language learning.

SourceLund University·JournalNeuroImage·DateOct 8, 2012

Stop diabetes with insulin tablets

A new study suggests that oral insulin may prevent or delay the onset of type 1 diabetes among individuals with autoantibodies against insulin. The study found that participants who took oral insulin had a delayed development of type 1 diabetes compared to those who took placebo capsules. The delaying effect was attributed to the immun...

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 19, 2012

Migratory moths profit from their journey

A new study reveals that migratory insects, such as the Silver Y moth, can survive and thrive in Northern Europe during the summer, thanks to abundant food supplies. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about insect migration and highlights the importance of monitoring these species for pest control and ecosystem balance.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 13, 2012

Immune system protein could explain pancreatitis

A new study published in Gastroenterology suggests that the immune system protein NFATc3 plays a significant role in the development of acute pancreatitis. The researchers found links between NFAT and trypsinogen activation, neutrophil recruitment, and tissue damage in mice.

SourceLund University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 31, 2012

Gender bias in leading scientific journals

Researchers at Lund University found that a lower percentage of women than men are invited to write articles in top science journals. This results in women being less visible and having reduced career advancement opportunities. The authors call for increased inclusion of women in invitation-only sections.

SourceLund University·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2012

Saving the Baltic Sea

Researchers from Lund University call for abandonment of geo-engineering efforts to mix oxygen into the Deep Baltic due to unforeseen effects. The Baltic Sea is experiencing hypoxia, and while geo-engineering schemes promise short-term improvements, they are also potentially dangerous.

SourceLund University·JournalNature·DateJun 28, 2012

Half of inhaled diesel soot gets stuck in the lungs

A new study reveals that over half of inhaled diesel soot particles remain in the body, penetrating deeper into the lungs. This finding has significant implications for public health and may lead to the establishment of guidelines for soot particle limits in outdoor air.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Aerosol Science·DateJun 27, 2012

Knowing yeast genome produces better wine

Researchers decode Dekkera bruxellensis genome, gaining insights into its impact on wine taste. The study enables wine producers to control flavor development, leading to potential cost savings and new wine tastes.

SourceLund University·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateJun 4, 2012

New stem cell found in the brain

Scientists at Lund University have identified a new stem cell type in the adult brain that can form various cell types, including neuronal cells. The discovery holds promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases and stroke by harnessing the stem cell's repair mechanisms.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2012

Meat eating behind humans' spreading over the globe

A study by Lund University researchers reveals that meat-eating is linked to the timing of weaning in mammals, which may have contributed to human population expansion globally. The study found that carnivorous species, including humans, have shorter breast-feeding periods than herbivores and omnivores.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 20, 2012