Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Lund University


The moon determines when migratory birds head south

Researchers found that European nightjars begin their autumn migration 10 days after the full moon and synchronize their flight to depart at the same time. The study reveals that moonlight affects the birds' activity patterns, enabling them to hunt more efficiently and replenish energy reserves.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 16, 2019

What if we paid countries to protect biodiversity?

A team of international researchers has developed a financial mechanism to support the protection of the world's natural heritage. The socio-ecological design option proved most efficient in incentivizing additional conservation action, particularly for countries lacking in global conservation goals.

SourceLund University·JournalConservation Letters·DateAug 30, 2019

Fear of predators increases risk of illness

Research at Lund University reveals that prey animals with a weaker immune system have an increased risk of illness due to chronic stress from predator presence. The study found that bold individuals with a greater need for defense exhibit a better immune response.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJul 9, 2019

High rates of opioid prescriptions for osteoarthritis

Researchers found that every fourth osteoarthritis patient was prescribed opioids, with codeine and tramadol being the most commonly used. Despite not being recommended as a first-line treatment, opioids were still given to nearly a quarter of patients, highlighting a significant challenge in addressing osteoarthritis pain management.

SourceLund University·JournalOsteoarthritis and Cartilage·DateJul 8, 2019

Clinical trials beginning for possible preeclampsia treatment

Researchers at Lund University have made significant strides in developing a potential drug to combat preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition affecting millions of pregnant women worldwide. The study's findings confirm the therapeutic effects of alpha-1-microglobulin and suggest a promising path forward for patients with the disease.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 24, 2019

How Sweden went from 'least democratic' to welfare state

A new study by Lund University economist Erik Bengtsson challenges the myth that Sweden became a social democracy due to a tradition of independent farmers and a lack of nobility. Instead, he argues that the temperance movement's organisational culture and free churches played a crucial role in shaping the Swedish welfare state.

SourceLund University·JournalPast & Present·DateJun 14, 2019

Gestational diabetes in India and Sweden

A new study from Lund University found that Indian women are younger and leaner when developing gestational diabetes compared to Swedish women. The researchers identified a gene linked to increased risk in Swedish women but protective effects in Indian women.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateApr 26, 2019

How lifestyle affects our genes

Research at Lund University explores how lifestyle affects gene activity in human tissues, including adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, pancreatic islets, liver, and blood. The study reveals the role of epigenetic changes in disease development and potential novel treatments.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 23, 2019

Bacteria could become a future source of electricity

Researchers at Lund University have achieved a more efficient transfer of electrical current from bacteria to electrodes, paving the way for potential use in biofuel cells and other energy applications. The discovery also sheds light on how bacteria communicate with their surroundings, including other molecules and each other.

SourceLund University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 26, 2019

Jupiter's unknown journey revealed

Researchers used computer simulations to discover Jupiter was formed four times further from the sun than its current position and migrated over 700,000 years. The Trojan asteroids' asymmetry provided key evidence for this migration theory.

Virtual reality could improve your balance, study finds

A new study by Lund University found that virtual reality can help individuals with long-term dizziness shift their reliance from vision to other senses for better balance. The study showed differences in how men and women are affected by VR, with more women needing additional practice to master this skill.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 18, 2019

Identifying the common ground for sustainable agriculture in Europe

Researchers at Lund University have identified 32 key variables that are prioritized by all three groups: researchers, policymakers, and farmers. These variables focus on drivers related to policies, farm management choices, and environmental outcomes. The study highlights the need for alignment between research, policy, and practice t...

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019

Body-painting protects against bloodsucking insects

Researchers found that body-painting provides protection against bloodsucking insects, with white stripes repelling them more effectively. The discovery is based on experiments using plastic models and may have ancient origins, as similar markings were found on Neanderthal cave walls.

SourceLund University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 17, 2019

Plastic waste disintegrates into nanoparticles, study finds

A new study from Lund University investigates the degradation of plastic waste, finding that it can break down into nanoplastics under mechanical stress. The researchers warn that this could lead to adverse consequences for animals and humans, as nanoplastic particles are extremely small and can be ingested by living organisms.

SourceLund University·JournalNanoscale Advances·DateDec 19, 2018

The immune system's supercell -- how it matures

Researchers at Lund University have mapped the maturation process of natural killer cells, which play a key role in fighting cancer and infections. The study found that Notch signaling is essential for NK cell development and function, highlighting its potential as a target for immunotherapies.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateDec 13, 2018

A code for reprogramming immune sentinels

A research team at Lund University successfully reprograms mouse and human skin cells into immune cells called dendritic cells. This breakthrough enables the development of novel dendritic cell-based immunotherapies against cancer. The process is quick, effective, and opens up possibilities for patient-specific treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Immunology·DateDec 7, 2018