A new study reveals that risks to global water security are significantly higher when considering the environmental conditions and governability of areas where moisture evaporates before falling as rain. This approach identifies regions with high water scarcity risk, including those dependent on neighboring countries for upwind moisture.
Researchers from Sweden and Spain have identified an endogamous community in northern Iberia that remained relatively isolated despite centuries of turbulent regional history. The study also revealed the presence of the variola virus, which can offer a new explanation on how smallpox entered Iberia.
Scientists have mapped the global repertoire of genes that determine the male or female sexual fates in Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites. This study reveals key regulators of gene expression during development and identifies novel candidate 'driver' genes, shedding light on the complex biology of malaria transmission.
Researchers have created the first spatial map of malaria infection in the mouse liver using Spatial Transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-sequencing. This discovery sheds light on the parasite's lifecycle, revealing changes in host cell gene expression near infected areas.
A new study from Stockholm University provides fresh insights into the Viking Age monetary system, revealing a flexible pricing system that used both oxen and silver as units of payment. The Forsa Ring inscription describes fines paid in these forms, indicating a more practical and efficient financial system.
A recent study by Stockholm University reveals that warming temperatures can speed up carbon dioxide emissions from ecosystems, but only if the environment is sufficiently moist. This finding highlights the critical role of water in the feedback loop between temperature and ecosystem metabolism.
Astronomers have observed five young massive star clusters in the Cosmic Gems arc galaxy for the first time, revealing details about infant galaxies and globular cluster formation. The study uses gravitational lensing to resolve small scales in the distant galaxy, providing a unique window into the early Universe.
Research from Stockholm University reveals that marsupials possess a not fully evolved form of brown fat, a crucial finding for understanding the origin and regulation of this heat-producing organ. The study suggests that the gene networks required to enable thermogenesis existed before the divergence of marsupials and placental mammals.
Research from Stockholm University found that translocated pied flycatchers retain songs from their ancestral Dutch population while learning those of their new Swedish environment. This suggests that genetics play a role in shaping bird songs.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated how laser light can induce quantum behavior at room temperature, making non-magnetic materials magnetic. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize several areas of society, including information technologies.
A study from Stockholm University found that the Swedish speed premium policy, introduced in 1980, led to a 26% increase in premature birth rates over six years. However, relaxation of the policy to a 30-month window resulted in an 11% decrease in premature birth rates in subsequent years.
A recent study published in Journal of Neuroscience found that the sense of smell is highly influenced by cues from other senses, such as sight and hearing. The researchers used behavioral experiments and brain imaging methods to show how the olfactory brain processes smells, highlighting its unique ability to detect unexpected odors.
A new study reveals that ocean waves re-emit PFAS into the air at levels comparable to other sources, creating a boomerang effect. This cycle transports toxic PFAS back onto land, posing health risks in coastal regions.
Researchers at Stockholm University discovered that sleep affects how old one feels, with insufficient sleep adding 0.23 years to age perception. A study found that restricting sleep for two nights increased participants' perceived age by an average of 4.4 years, highlighting the importance of safeguarding sleep for a youthful feeling.
A study using fMRI found that speaking and listening rely on the same brain regions, but with crucial differences in activity levels across the language network. Regions associated with social processing were more involved when speaking.
A new study from Stockholm University found that pesticide linuron causes significant physiological impacts in frogs, including changes in DNA, growth, metabolism, and reproductive systems. The research highlights the profound transgenerational consequences of environmental pollution on amphibian populations.
Researchers from Stockholm University and University of Neuchâtel discover social bonds in group-living animals develop over time through mutual aid and shared activities. Existing members actively initiate new friendships with recruits, expanding the social network.
Scientists at Stockholm University and KTH have developed organic electronic devices that are cheaper and more sustainable by blending polystyrene with other materials. The technology has the potential to reduce our dependency on critical raw materials in disposable and consumer electronics, leading to a decrease in e-waste.
Astronomers have finally detected a compact source of ionizing radiation at the center of Supernova 1987A, likely a neutron star. The detection was made possible by the James Webb Telescope's high resolution and new instruments, resolving decades-old mystery about the supernova's final product.
A new study sheds light on the complex relationship between forests and the climate system, highlighting the impact of forest emissions on cloud formation and global temperatures. Researchers emphasize the need for improved climate models to accurately represent these interactions.
A new study of ancient DNA in chewed resin from Sweden's Huseby Klev site reveals the diets of 9,700-year-old teenagers, including deer, trout, and hazelnuts. The analysis also shows one individual had severe gum disease.
Researchers at Stockholm University have successfully studied the surface of iron and ruthenium catalysts during ammonia production, shedding light on the reaction mechanism. The findings open up possibilities for developing more efficient materials, which could contribute to a green transition in the chemical industry.
Forest microclimates are weakened by soil droughts, leading to hotter temperatures in forest understories. This can have devastating effects on small tree seedlings and forest biodiversity as a whole.
A new study finds that part-time parental leave fosters better labor market and educational pursuits among newly arrived migrant women in Sweden. The research challenges existing perceptions of parental leave among immigrant mothers, suggesting it can provide a support system during their initial transition period.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened social inequalities in Sweden, particularly among those with low incomes and education. The study found that disadvantaged groups faced higher risks of poor health, economic strain, and reduced access to medical care.
Candida albicans requires proline metabolism to mount virulent infections, according to a new study. Proline is an important source of energy for the fungus, and its breakdown in the mitochondria generates chemical energy similar to glucose.
Researchers at Stockholm University have discovered a unique ion transporter, SLC9C1, that activates in response to chemo-attractants, triggering increased sperm motility. This finding provides new insights into the intricate mechanisms governing fertilization.
Regular snoozers who get an extra half hour of sleep show no negative effects on night sleep, mood, or cognitive abilities. In fact, they tend to wake up feeling more alert and quick-thinking.
A Swedish study finds that fathers' parental leave is associated with a 34% decrease in alcohol-related hospitalizations among fathers, as well as smaller decreases over time. The policy change led to increased fathers' use of parental leave, which may explain the observed health benefits.
Researchers found a significant connection between biological particles and the formation of ice in Arctic clouds. The study's innovative approach revealed correlations with variables like snow cover and temperature, shedding light on the prevalence of fungal spores and their impact on climate models.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect microRNA targets at the level of single cells, allowing for detailed study of gene regulation. This breakthrough enables researchers to follow microRNA targeting of thousands of RNAs during biological processes, revealing surprising complexity in each cell.
Researchers reconstruct skin and skeletal muscle transcriptomes from extinct species, shedding light on gene regulation and de-extinction efforts. The study's findings have implications for studying pandemic RNA viruses and reviving extinct species like the Tasmanian tiger and woolly mammoth.
A new study by Stockholm University reveals the number of relatives Swedes have varies greatly, with most living relatives found between ages 30 and 40. The study used Sweden's unique population registers to create kinship networks, showing that younger people have more relatives in their ascending line.
Researchers tested memory abilities of bonobos and humans in a series of experiments, finding that humans can learn to distinguish short sequences nearly immediately, while bonobos struggle to retain information and exhibit difficulty learning sequences.
A subpolar Atlantic plankton species was found in the central Arctic Ocean during the Last Interglacial period, indicating summers were ice-free. This discovery has implications for understanding Arctic climate dynamics without sea ice.
The four-year Bio-LUSH project optimizes biomass value chains and develops green processing methods to extract high-quality fibers from diverse plants. The initiative supports the establishment of a sustainable bio-fibrous economy in Europe by utilizing underexplored biomass feedstocks.
IceCube researchers have produced an image of the Milky Way using neutrinos for the first time, suggesting that cosmic ray interactions are more intense in the galaxy's center than previously thought. This achievement is made possible by advancements in Machine Learning, enabling deeper analysis of the data.
Two closely related butterfly species have evolved distinct adaptations to cope with changing seasons. The small white butterfly is a 'summer specialist,' reproducing well but struggling in winter, while the green-veined white butterfly is a 'winter specialist,' thriving in cold conditions.
A team of physicists and astronomers discovered a multiply-imaged lensed Type Ia supernova, dubbed SN Zwicky, which offers a unique opportunity to explore the properties of foreground galaxies and dark matter. The extreme magnification of SN Zwicky provides an unprecedented chance to study distant Type Ia supernova explosions.
Reduced emissions during the pandemic led to decreased concentrations of short-lived cooling particles, but not greenhouse gases. This resulted in stronger climate warming due to the 'masking effect' being lifted. The study suggests a complete transition to renewable energy could lead to rapid 'unmasking' of aerosols.
Astronomers from Stockholm University detected the first radio emission of a Type Ia supernova, providing evidence for helium-rich circumstellar material. The discovery sheds light on the origins of these explosions and their role in measuring the expansion of the Universe.
Researchers at Stockholm University developed porous crystals made from pomegranate extract to capture and degrade pharmaceutical molecules in municipal wastewater. The new material, named SU-102, showed promising results in removing pollutants using both adsorption and photodegradation methods.
Researchers found that the Alba morph in female Colias butterflies evolved once near the last common ancestor over 1.2 million generations ago. The genetic basis of Alba was identified as a regulatory region in DNA, maintained through gene flow and balancing selection.
The Blue Food Assessment paper highlights the potential of aquatic foods to address nutrient deficiencies and cardiovascular disease. Policymakers can explore online tools and blue food policies to improve national food systems' performance and sustainability.
The James Webb Space Telescope has enabled the detection of compact structures of star clusters inside galaxies, known as clumps. Researchers have studied the link between clump formation and galaxy growth in distant galaxies, providing new insights into the early stages of galaxy formation.
A new study on ancient Scandinavian genomes reveals a surprising increase in variation during the Viking period, indicating intense gene flow from eastern Baltic region, British-Irish Isles, and southern Europe. The gene pool bounced back after the Viking period, with northern Scandinavian gene pool showing a rare genetic component.
A new study from Stockholm University found that bladderwrack in the Baltic Sea emits significant amounts of methane, which can offset the uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide by these algae. The study measured greenhouse gas fluxes over several seasons and found that macroalgae habitats are net carbon sinks.
A systematic review of 45 studies found that generous parental leave is protective against poorer mental health, including depressive symptoms and burnout, particularly among mothers. The benefits are associated with longer duration of leave and paid/unpaid leave schemes, continuing into later life for mothers.
A new study reveals that child labor plays a significant role in preserving forest cover in southwestern Ethiopia. However, the economic-environmental synergy of smallholder shade coffee production is compromised by an undesirable reliance on child labor, leading to negative effects on children's schooling.
Researchers at Stockholm University discovered that plants use different combinations of LACCASEs to create specific lignin chemistries, allowing them to resist climate challenges. This adaptation enables plants to grow tall and survive extreme weather conditions.