A new study has identified an altered expression of specific genes in individuals with obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and liver fibrosis. The research team found that inhibiting the gene expression can reduce liver fibrosis, offering a potential new treatment option.
A 600-million-year-old cyclops-like creature gave rise to the modern eye in vertebrates. Its sedentary lifestyle led to the loss of paired eyes, but remnants of a median eye developed into the pineal gland, regulating circadian rhythms.
A gene variant controlling blood vessel formation in muscles affects endurance and metabolism. High-intensity training can increase blood vessel growth by reducing the gene's activity.
Researchers in Lund have presented a new model for cooperation that will shorten lead times and reduce costs. The Cell and Gene Therapy Navigator tool helps identify imbalances and future bottlenecks in projects.
Researchers found that fungi recycle mycelium based on two clear strategies: wasteful and frugal. The 'wasteful' group leaves behind inactive mycelium, while the 'frugal' group quickly recycles nutrients to preserve them and reduce losses to other organisms. This discovery provides new insights into the carbon cycle and climate.
A study from Lund University found that a climate-friendly diet rich in plant-based foods like wholegrains, legumes, fruit, and vegetables leads to better nutritional status compared to traditional diets. Despite lower meat consumption, most participants achieved sufficient amounts of key vitamins and minerals.
Researchers identified a previously unrecognized metabolic defence mechanism in aggressive brain tumours: a sugar-rich shield that protects tumour cells from ferroptosis. The study found that the sugar shield and lipid droplet storage mechanisms cooperate to evade cell death.
Researchers at Lund University developed a universal method for creating cell-free cartilage structures that guide bone repair without triggering strong immune responses. The successful test in animal models paves the way for human trials and the potential to transform the future of bone transplantation.
A new study from Lund University finds that modifiable risk factors like smoking and high blood pressure can damage brain blood vessels and increase dementia risk. Living a healthy lifestyle may help delay symptom onset in Alzheimer's disease.
A systematic review of 12 million births in 25 European countries found that private hospitals have a significantly higher caesarean section rate than public hospitals. Among low-risk first-time mothers, the increase in caesarean sections is attributed to non-medical factors such as local routines and financial incentives.
A study led by Lund University reveals how a dominant wall lizard species has wiped out several color variants within its population. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 individuals and found that the aggressive 'Hulk' lizards have shifted the balance of colors, leaving only white throat colors remaining.
Researchers have created a library of over 400 immune-related factors to reprogram rare immune cell populations. This technique allows for the systematic discovery of 'recipes' for specific immune cells, offering hope for unresponsive patients and advancing immunotherapy.
Scientists at Lund University have created a new method to directly reprogram glial cells into parvalbumin neurons, which can help regulate brain activity and potentially treat disorders such as schizophrenia and epilepsy. The breakthrough could lead to therapies that replace lost or damaged brain cells in the future.
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine has identified a combination of statins and phenothiazines that shows promise in treating aggressive neuroblastoma. The drug combination was found to impede tumour growth and improve survival rates in laboratory trials with mice.
Researchers at Lund University have discovered a cell's protective mechanism against excessive hydrogen peroxide, a key free radical. The study shows that the channel in the cell membrane closes automatically when high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are detected, preventing damage and cell death.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a compact and elegant way to stretch ultrafast laser pulses using a diffraction grating, allowing for precise control over pulse duration. This enables full characterization in a single shot, without the need for pre-compensation optical elements.
Researchers found that patients with low physical activity levels are at higher risk of developing lymphedema. The study used a lymph scanner to measure tissue water and identified limits for what is considered lymphedema. Regular physical activity may help reduce the risk of lymphedema after head and neck cancer treatment.
A recent study published in PLOS One reveals that over half of teenage girls experience heavy bleeding and 40% have iron deficiency. A simple questionnaire, known as the SAMANTA questionnaire, has been found to accurately identify young girls at risk of iron deficiency, who may also be at risk of anaemia.
A new method uses machine learning and flow cytometry to detect contaminated bathing water, providing faster and more complete answers on water safety. The method has several advantages, including being open-source and able to detect changes in entire bacterial communities.
A new blood biomarker, neurofilament light (NFL), has been shown to accurately predict the extent of brain damage after a cardiac arrest. This breakthrough discovery may transform care for patients in intensive care units, allowing for more informed decisions about their treatment.
Scientists at Lund University have tracked migratory red-backed shrikes using new data loggers, showing precise schedules and minimal variation between individuals. The study provides insight into genetics influencing small bird migrations across continents.
Researchers discovered a fingerprint in the tar used to build the Hjortspring boat, believed to be from an ancient seafarer. The find provides a direct link to the attackers who used the boat over 2,000 years ago.
A new systematic review examines nearly 200 scientific articles to gather knowledge on biophobia, a negative relationship with nature. The study reveals that both external and internal factors contribute to negative emotions towards nature, threatening conservation efforts.
Researchers found elevated levels of lead, arsenic, copper, cadmium, and antimony in metal recycling workers' blood and urine, highlighting the need for better cleaning practices and respiratory protection. The study's results emphasize the importance of monitoring rare earth metals and implementing measures to reduce workplace exposure.
Researchers at Lund University analyzed old air samples collected by the Swedish Armed Forces and found that spore dispersal of northern mosses has shifted four weeks earlier over the past 35 years. Warmer autumns enable mosses to release their spores earlier in spring, with climate conditions from the previous year being the key factor.
A study published by Lund University suggests that tattoos could be a risk factor for melanoma. Researchers found a 29% increased relative risk among tattooed individuals compared to non-tattooed individuals. The link may be due to the immune system's response to tattoo ink, which can lead to exposure to potential carcinogens.
The discovery of five new bacteriophages in Lund University's Botanical Gardens' ponds has significant implications for phage research and treatment of bacterial infections. The newly-discovered phages were isolated using a motile E. coli strain, which was specifically designed to attract the viruses.
A new study shows that AI-assisted interviews can diagnose mental illnesses with higher accuracy than traditional rating scales. The AI assistant Alba was able to differentiate between diagnoses that often overlap and received positive feedback from participants for its empathic and supportive user experience.
A 30-year study in southern Sweden finds that rising spring temperatures have doubled the incidence of avian malaria, with a specific period from May 9 to June 24 being particularly critical. The researchers believe that warmer years trigger blood-sucking insects to seek out nests, allowing parasites to thrive and spread disease.
A new study by Lund University researchers has discovered the key to preventing spaghetti disintegration in boiling water. The findings show that gluten acts as a 'safety net' for regular pasta, preserving its starch structure during cooking. In contrast, gluten-free pasta relies on precise cooking conditions to maintain its structure.
A study found a significant increase in type 1 diabetes cases among children under five and young adult men in Sweden during the Covid-19 pandemic. The incidence of diabetes increased by 12% in 2021 and 9% in 2022 compared to previous years, with no clear connection between Covid-19 infection and diabetes.
New research explains why antibody-based drugs become too thick to be injected at high concentrations. Understanding the role of electrical charges, researchers can now predict behavior and develop more stable formulations.
A new study from Lund University maps the hidden highways of the sky, revealing how environmental factors and species interaction affect animal distribution in the aerial habitat. The research highlights the importance of understanding the air as a dynamic environment that requires adaptation to preserve flying animals.
A team at Lund University has discovered a surface protein, SLAMF6, that helps leukemia cells evade the immune system. The researchers developed an antibody to block this mechanism, restoring the immune system's ability to kill cancer cells in laboratory trials and mice.
Scientists have made significant progress in developing iron-based solar fuel systems, which could pave the way for cheaper and more sustainable fuels. The study reveals new mechanisms that enable efficient charge transfer between light-absorbing molecules and acceptor molecules, reducing energy losses and increasing efficiency.
Research reveals that young robins reduce their nighttime activity and food intake when exposed to tawny owl calls, leading to slower energy buildup and poorer physical condition. This adaptation helps them balance the risk of predation against the need to replenish energy reserves.
A Lund University AI model analyzed mammograms to identify breast cancer patients at high risk of armpit metastasis, suggesting that 41.7% of axillary surgeries could be avoided. The study's findings have the potential to revolutionize breast cancer treatment by enabling more personalized care and reducing unnecessary surgeries.
A large meta-study of over 12,000 participants reveals that APOE ε4 genotype, female gender and advanced age are significant risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. The study confirms previous research and provides highly reliable prevalence estimates.
Researchers at Lund University created a digital cognitive test to diagnose Alzheimer's disease in primary care, providing early diagnosis and accurate treatment options. The test measures various aspects of cognitive impairment, increasing the accuracy of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.
A new study from Lund University shows that migratory birds are most efficient at an intermediate flying speed, with energy conversion efficiency reaching up to 15% of metabolic energy. This discovery helps construct more accurate models of bird flight and explains how small birds complete transcontinental journeys.
Researchers at Lund University identify genetic toolkit to program dendritic cell subtypes for targeted cancer treatment. The discovery could lead to more precise and powerful immunotherapies by supplying patients with tailored dendritic cells.
Researchers at Lund University found that specific sequences within non-coding genome help shape the developing human brain. Disrupting these sequences leads to abnormalities in gene activity and brain organoid growth, highlighting their importance in regulating genes and development.
The study of Gribshunden's preserved artillery reveals insights into the technology and tactics used by European explorers in their quest for global domination. The discovery sheds light on why Denmark failed to compete with Iberian powers in colonizing the Americas, instead focusing on consolidating rule over the Baltic region.
The study found a significant reduction in mortality while waiting for a new heart, despite increased waiting times. Technological advances and improved healthcare practices are credited with the improvements.
An international research team has identified epigenetic biomarkers that can predict which individuals with type 2 diabetes are at risk of cardiovascular disease. The study used DNA methylation as a way to identify these biomarkers in blood, and found over 400 sites with altered DNA methylation.
Researchers at Lund University are advancing knowledge about lipid nanoparticles, which could guide them to the right destination within cells. The technique has potential for treating cancer, genetic disorders, and neurological conditions.
Researchers at Lund University have identified a potential therapeutic breakthrough for melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. By targeting mitochondrial energy production and protein synthesis, existing antibiotics and inhibitors can effectively eliminate cancer cells while sparing healthy skin cells.
Researchers at Lund University have discovered a new signalling pathway that protects against hypertension by activating a compensatory mechanism in blood vessel cells. The study found that the mice were protected against hypertension by activating this pathway, which suggests potential for future complementary blood pressure medicines.
Researchers at Lund University discovered three gene variants associated with a significantly increased risk of blood clots in the leg. These genetic mutations can lead to a 10-30% higher risk of venous thrombosis and are found in various populations worldwide.
A new study by Greer Jarrett reveals that Vikings sailed farther away from Scandinavia and took routes farther from land than previously believed. The research identified a decentralized network of ports on islands and peninsulas that played a central role in trade and travel during the Viking era.