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Lund University


Pain relief without side effects with promising technique

Researchers at Lund University have developed a promising new pain relief method using ultra-thin microelectrodes, providing effective and personalized pain relief without common side effects. The study showed that this technique can block pain signals in the brain without affecting other sensory systems or motor skills.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 13, 2021

What makes us human? The answer may be found in overlooked DNA

Researchers at Lund University discovered a previously overlooked part of our DNA that appears to contribute to the development of human and chimpanzee brains. The study found that humans and chimpanzees use a structural variant of DNA in different ways, which plays a significant role in brain evolution.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

More Swedes had COVID jab when they were paid

An international study by Lund University found that offering a small reward of $24 increased COVID-19 vaccination rates among Swedes by 4 percentage points. The vaccination rate rose to 76 percent in the group offered payment, compared to 72 percent in those not receiving incentives.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

Entire genome of common forest pest now revealed

The mapping of the entire genome of the Eurasian spruce bark beetle has provided new insights into its biology and behavior. The analysis reveals that the species has an unusually large number of genes involved in breaking down plant cell walls, but lacks genes to remove toxic substances.

SourceLund University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateSep 29, 2021

New study puts focus on early symptoms of Huntington’s disease

A new study from Lund University reveals that psychiatric and cognitive symptoms emerge at an early stage in Huntington's disease, highlighting the importance of targeting the emotional brain. Researchers identify changes in oligodendrocytes and white matter in the limbic system, suggesting a need for new treatment approaches.

SourceLund University·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateSep 7, 2021

Pandemic restrictions enabled unique bird study

A study by Per Henningsson of Lund University found that birds adapt their speed to navigate through narrow gaps, slowing down as they approach the smallest opening. However, this adaptation comes with a significant energy cost, requiring extra energy to fly at sub-optimal speeds and increasing wing beats.

SourceLund University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

How disorderly young galaxies grow up and mature

A supercomputer simulation reveals that interstellar frontal collisions lead to the maturation of young galaxies. The study shows how these chaotic galaxies eventually form stable spiral galaxies with similar populations of stars as the Milky Way.

SourceLund University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 27, 2021

Does Alzheimer’s disease start inside nerve cells?

A study from Lund University reveals that Alzheimer's protein accumulates inside nerve cells, leading to increased production and potentially devastating effects. The research suggests that targeting misfolded amyloid-beta within cells may be a more effective approach than focusing on plaques outside the brain.

SourceLund University·JournalActa Neuropathologica·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

10 years after obesity surgery: How did life turn out?

Patients who underwent bariatric surgery ten years ago reported that their eating habits and appetite remained affected, with reduced cravings for unhealthy foods. However, they also described struggling to manage their lives, including supporting overweight children, due to ongoing guilt and self-blame.

SourceLund University·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·DateMay 12, 2021

Alzheimer's disease is composed of four distinct subtypes

Researchers have identified four distinct patterns of tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease, each leading to unique symptoms and prognoses. These subtypes include variant one, which primarily affects memory, and variants two, three, and four, which impact executive functions, visuospatial processing, and language ability, respectively.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 29, 2021

May Day: How electricity brought power to strikes

Historical research from Lund University reveals that electrification strengthened professional groups' negotiating power, leading to more strikes over wage increases. The study analyzed 8,000 strikes between 1859 and 1938 and found that technological change was a rare trigger.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of Economic History·DateApr 28, 2021

Muscle gene linked to type 2 diabetes

Scientists at Lund University discovered a key role for the VPS39 gene in regulating muscle stem cells' ability to create new mature muscle cells. The study found that individuals with type 2 diabetes have altered epigenetic patterns and impaired sugar uptake, leading to compromised muscle function.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

Bird blood is a heating system in winter

Researchers discovered that bird blood functions as a central heating system when it is cold, thanks to the presence of mitochondria. The study found that birds produce more heat through their blood cells during winter, challenging the common assumption that shivering and fluffing feathers are the primary methods for thermoregulation.

SourceLund University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 9, 2021

New clinical method could lower risk of recurring heart attacks

Researchers at Lund University developed a new examination method using NIRS and IVUS, which identifies high-risk plaques that cannot be seen with traditional angiograms. The study found that over 14% of treated patients experienced heart disease recurrence within four years, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 11, 2021

Bird parents that receive help live longer

Researchers found that bird parents who get help with childcare live an average of one to two years longer than those who do not. This is because helpers reduce the burden of care on parents, allowing them to reproduce again and again. The study highlights the importance of hard-working helpers in ensuring the longevity of bird parents.

SourceLund University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 9, 2021

Watch: Recycled cotton becomes new fabric

Researchers at Lund University develop a method to convert cotton into sugar, which can be turned into spandex, nylon, or ethanol. The process involves soaking fabrics in sulphuric acid, producing a clear, dark amber-coloured sugar solution with potential uses in various industries.

SourceLund University·JournalWaste Management·DateMar 1, 2021

Ostriches challenged by temperature fluctuations

Research reveals that ostriches face reproductive challenges when temperatures deviate by 5 degrees from ideal conditions, affecting up to 40% egg production and gamete release. A small proportion of females thrive in extreme temperatures, sparking hope for genetic adaptation as a potential solution.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 3, 2021

New gene variant linked to stroke

Researchers identified a new gene variant, MAP3K6, associated with cerebral small vessel disease and stroke in an extended Swedish family. This discovery may lead to better understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind early stroke and potential prevention strategies.

SourceLund University·JournalNeurology Genetics·DateJan 28, 2021

Butterfly wing clap explains mystery of flight

Researchers at Lund University discovered that butterfly wings exhibit aerodynamic efficiency through a unique wingbeat mechanism. The 'wing clap' creates a backward jet that propels the butterflies forward, while also allowing them to stay aloft.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 20, 2021

Model used to evaluate lockdowns was flawed

Researchers from Lund University criticized a model used to evaluate lockdowns, stating it had fundamental shortcomings and couldn't be used to draw conclusions. The Imperial College London model attributed almost all reduction in transmission during spring to lockdowns, with Sweden being an exception that offered a different explanation.

SourceLund University·JournalNature·DateDec 26, 2020

Genes play a role in common knee injury

Researchers at Lund University found that genes contribute more than previously thought to knee injuries, accounting for 69% of cases. The genetic risk was equally high in men and women, suggesting a possible preventive strategy by family members.

SourceLund University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateDec 15, 2020