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Lund University


Unique study shows how bats maneuver

Researchers at Lund University have made a groundbreaking discovery about bat flight techniques, revealing that they turn on the upstroke of their wings to navigate. This new understanding has significant implications for the development of next-generation drones.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateNov 8, 2018

Researchers solve the mystery of the bird from Atlantis

A new study by Lund University researchers has found that the Inaccessible Island rail, also known as Atlantisia, flew to its island habitat from South America around 1.5 million years ago. This discovery contradicts a previous theory suggesting the bird's inability to fly was an ancient trait.

SourceLund University·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateNov 1, 2018

Scientists refine the search for dark matter

Researchers from Lund University have developed a more effective technique to search for dark matter in the universe. By analyzing larger amounts of data generated at CERN, they hope to find signs of new particles that could connect visible and dark matter.

SourceLund University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 29, 2018

Can we limit global warming to 1.5 °C?

A special issue published in Energy Efficiency Journal outlines how carbon emissions can be reduced through demand-side approaches, including transport sector strategies such as telecommuting, public transport, and vehicle electrification.

SourceLund University·JournalEnergy Efficiency·DateOct 25, 2018

New blood test detects early stage pancreatic cancer

Researchers have developed a new blood test that can detect pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages with 96% accuracy, providing a potential breakthrough for earlier diagnosis and treatment. The test uses an antibody microarray to identify specific immune-regulatory proteins and cancer-associated antigens.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 17, 2018

Link between appendicitis and allergies discovered

A new study from Lund University and Skåne University Hospital found that children with allergies have a lower risk of developing complicated appendicitis. The study compared outcomes for 605 children with and without IgE-mediated allergy, finding a significant association between the two.

SourceLund University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 7, 2018

Small birds fly at high altitudes towards Africa

Researchers at Lund University tracked the flight height of two small bird species migrating from Scandinavia to Africa, finding they flew as high as 3,950m. The study used a data logger to measure acceleration, air pressure, and temperature during flight, revealing the birds' altitude adjustments in response to changing wind conditions.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateAug 6, 2018

Study highlights genetic risk of heart failure

A new population study in Sweden has found that genetic heritage is the dominant factor when it comes to heart failure in families. The study, led by Magnus Lindgren, found a 45% higher risk of heart failure in adoptees with at least one biological parent suffering from the condition.

SourceLund University·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJul 12, 2018

Watch: Insects also migrate using the Earth's magnetic field

Researchers at Lund University found that certain nocturnally migrating insects can explore and navigate using the Earth's magnetic field. The study used a flight simulator with a system of magnetic coils to investigate how the Bogong moth knows in which direction to fly, revealing its use of both visual landmarks and the magnetic field.

SourceLund University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 21, 2018

Sea urchins see with their feet

Researchers at Lund University have found that sea urchins can perceive objects within a limited range of sizes, up to 30-70 degrees around them. This ability is sufficient for the animal's basic needs and behavior, despite having poor eyesight compared to humans.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 12, 2018

The health effect of air pollution from traffic

A new study by Lund University suggests that removing exhaust fumes from a smaller European city could prevent 55-93 premature deaths and reduce cases of childhood asthma, bronchitis, and dementia. The study found that even below EU air pollution levels, negative health effects exist.

SourceLund University·JournalEnvironment International·DateJun 4, 2018

Dolphin algorithm could lead to better medical ultrasounds

Researchers have developed an algorithm inspired by dolphin echolocation, which can disentangle overlapping signals and provide more precise information on object shape. This breakthrough technology could improve medical ultrasound imaging and measure organ membrane thickness, among other applications.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMay 31, 2018

Hope for new treatment of severe epilepsy

Researchers at Lund University discovered a new approach to treat severe epilepsy by targeting a specific brain area, reducing seizure activity. This breakthrough method, using chemogenetics, may pave the way for improved treatment options for thousands of people in Sweden affected by the disease.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2018

Birds migrate away from diseases

Researchers at Lund University found that migratory birds have a less variable immune system than sedentary birds, possibly due to the reduced diversity of pathogens in their breeding grounds. This adaptation could provide a survival advantage, as dealing with multiple pathogens is often difficult for birds when they first encounter them.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 10, 2018

How birds can detect the Earth's magnetic field

Researchers at Lund University discovered that Cry4 protein in birds' eyes is a key magnetoreceptor, providing constant levels throughout the day. This finding supports the idea that other animals have magnetic receptors and may aid in developing new navigation systems.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 6, 2018

Chance is a factor in the survival of species

A recent study by Lund University found that chance plays a significant role in local species survival, sometimes overriding conservation initiatives. The researchers also discovered negative frequency-dependence, which counteracts the role of chance and helps rare species recover.

SourceLund University·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateMar 26, 2018