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Norwegian University of Science and Technology


The brain's searchlight

New study sheds light on the brain's 'searchlight' mechanism, where grid cells subtly probe the environment to guide navigation. Researchers used a low-tech method to measure rats' attention and found that grid cell sweeps follow prey, suggesting a more complex brain function than previously thought.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2026

So you thought antiferroelectric materials were always non-polar? Think again!

New study reveals that antiferroelectric materials can exhibit unique properties beyond simple up-down arrangement of electric dipoles. Researchers identified a compound with hybrid ferroelectric-antiferroelectric domain walls, opening new opportunities for energy storage and electronic technologies.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2026

The other road to a mind

A study published in Science reveals that vertebrates build their sensing brains using the same underlying logic, suggesting a set of organizational rules. Researchers observed that fish and humans share a similar arrangement of brain structures, despite their distinct evolutionary paths.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2026

Listening to whales – even when they make no sound

Scientists have discovered a way to track whales using fiber-optic cables by detecting low-frequency pressure waves generated by their movement. This method allows researchers to identify whale tracks even when the animals are not vocalizing, expanding their capabilities for remote sensing applications.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2026

The mystery of the eye disease that can make infants blind

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that doctors in hospitals treating the most premature babies were more likely to diagnose eye disease requiring treatment. This contradicts expectations that these doctors would be over-diagnosing. The researchers are now investigating possible reasons for this difference, in...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalActa Ophthalmologica·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 16, 2026

A strange humming phenomenon

A team of researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology conducted a study on 28 individuals who experience an unexplained buzzing or humming sound. The investigation tested two hypotheses: measuring the sound waves from human-made infrastructure and industry, as well as those produced by nature itself.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPLOS One·TypeSurvey·DateJun 2, 2026

Location matters: Balancing renewable energy and biodiversity in Norway

A new study suggests that expanding Norway's renewable energy could increase habitat loss by up to 28% by 2050. However, avoiding construction in species-rich habitats and using previously developed land can help curb those losses. Meanwhile, rooftop solar has a lower impact on biodiversity compared to ground-mounted solar plants.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCleaner Energy Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2026

Experienced therapists can give psychology students an extra boost

A new study from Norwegian University of Science and Technology suggests that observing experienced therapists can enhance psychology students' ability to talk with patients. Psychology students who observed therapists over 10 weeks improved their ability to form bonds and repair relationships with patients, according to the research.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPsychotherapy Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 7, 2026

Widespread temptations bad news for people with a high risk of diabetes

A recent study found that people with a high genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes are increasingly developing the disease, possibly due to societal changes such as easy access to unhealthy foods and sedentary leisure activities. In contrast, individuals with low genetic risk remained protected throughout the study period.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2026

Here's why seafarers have little confidence in autonomous ships

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study highlights seafarers' concerns about autonomous ships' technical safety, trust in technology, and crew competence. The researchers aim to ensure safer use of advanced technology and increase seafarers' trust in autonomy by addressing the challenges highlighted by the seafarers.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalWMU Journal of Maritime Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateMar 11, 2026

Tundra tongue: The science behind a very cold mistake

Tundra tongue is a common childhood experience where kids freeze their tongues to metal, leading to mild or no consequences. However, in 18% of cases, it results in avulsion, a piece of the tongue being torn off. Researchers found that most cases had no serious harm and suggest warming the metal with water or air to loosen the tongue.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 5, 2026

Doctors and nurses believe their own substance use affects patients

A study of over 3,300 healthcare workers in Sweden found that those who used alcohol and illegal drugs reported providing lower-quality care. The researchers also noted that substance abuse can serve as a maladaptive coping mechanism for managing high workloads, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Nursing Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2026

Study finds no evidence of persistent tick-borne infection in people who link chronic illness to ticks

Researchers studied Norwegians with reported chronic health problems linked to tick bites, finding no objective evidence of persistent infections. The study suggests that physical activity and labour force participation may be more related to symptoms than tick exposure.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2026

What freezing plants in blocks of ice can tell us about the future of Svalbard’s plant communities

Svalbard's polar willow plant community, a critical food source for reindeer, was found to be resilient to icing due to consistent production above-ground during summer warming. The study suggests that even with extensive winter ice encasement, some plants can thrive through increased above-ground production and seed dispersal.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Is it possible to cut CO2 emissions from European agriculture by 40 per cent?

A recent study from Norwegian University of Science and Technology suggests that optimizing production in fertile areas while allowing less productive areas to lie fallow can cut greenhouse gas emissions. By doing so, food production can be maintained while reducing pressure on biodiversity by up to 20%.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 17, 2026

Keeping an eagle eye on carbon stored in the ocean

Researchers at Norway's NTNU are using advanced geophysical methods to improve the accuracy of carbon capture and storage site monitoring. A new laboratory equipped with a mock-up of an undersea storage site allows for real-time testing and validation of monitoring techniques. This breakthrough could reduce costs and improve the effici...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInterpretation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 11, 2026

Girls are happiest at school – for good reasons

A new survey reveals a significant difference between girls' and boys' well-being at school. Girls are found to be happier than boys due to stronger connections with their peers and feeling safe at school. In contrast, boys tend to score lower in academic subjects like reading and science but excel in physical education.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Early Childhood Education Research Journal·TypeSurvey·DateJan 30, 2026

This form of therapy can save enormous amounts of money by getting people with mental health problems back to work more quickly

A new treatment method combining metacognitive therapy and job focus has been shown to significantly reduce absenteeism due to mental illness. By getting people back to work faster, it can save society up to three times as much as it costs.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 22, 2026

“My thoughts end up in the wrong place. They start to get all jumbled up where I should be concentrating.”

Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology conducted an interview study with two students with inattentive ADHD to understand their experiences with autonomous learning. The study found that despite challenges, both students reported increased motivation and joy when given the freedom to choose their learning activit...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2026