Researchers discovered fungi present in both healthy and diseased lungs, with no difference in composition between individuals with COPD using or not using inhaled steroids. The unique lung environment is dominated by the fungus Candida, which can cause disease when outcompeted.
A new study from the University of Bergen found that positive self-image and self-esteem protect against weight gain in adolescence. The study, which followed 1225 Norwegian adolescents over two years, revealed that body dissatisfaction and a desire to change one's body can impair self-rated health and self-esteem.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme on the surface of Aspergillus fumigatus that breaks down vital molecule NAD, affecting immune cells and weakening the immune system. The discovery may lead to new treatments for fungal infections.
Scientists have discovered genes involved in autoimmune Addison's disease, a life-threatening hormonal deficiency caused by immune system destruction. The discovery could lead to personalized treatment options and may determine the molecular repercussions of predisposing genetic variations.
A new study identifies 13 emerging 'COVID-19 personality types' in humans, including Deniers, Spreaders, Harmers, and Worriers. The research highlights the importance of recognizing individual diversity to foster societal resilience and an ethical COVID-19 agenda.
A new model explains why saturated fats increase blood cholesterol and why this should be dangerous. The 'Homeoviscous Adaptation to Dietary Lipids' (HADL) model suggests that cells adjust membrane fluidity according to changes in diet, leading to a decrease in blood cholesterol levels when consuming polyunsaturated fats.
A recent study published in Maturitas found that UV-radiation can affect the levels of oestrogens and gonadotropins in postmenopausal women, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, cardiac diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers recommend carefully monitoring sun exposure to prevent harm.
A recent study by prof. Tone Bjørge and her team reveals a strong link between in-utero exposures and an increased risk of thyroid cancer later in life. Maternal hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter, and benign thyroid neoplasms are associated with higher risk.
Research by University of Bergen scientists has found that patients with critical COVID-19 often have antibodies blocking interferons, a crucial part of the body's defense system. This finding may explain gender differences in severe COVID-19 cases and offer potential treatment options.
Griselda Pollock, a world-leading figure in feminist and queer interventions in art history, has been awarded the Holberg Prize for her profound influence on the field. She will receive the award of NOK 6,000,000 at the University of Bergen, Norway.
A study of 1225 adolescents found that conversational difficulties with fathers after divorce are strongly connected to increased health complaints. The researchers also observed that closeness to both parents impacts children's health two years after the divorce.
A study led by Professor Halvor Sommerfelt found that kangaroo mother care increased the chance of survival among low-birth-weight infants by 30% in the first month and 25% in the first six months. This intervention is considered easy and inexpensive.
Half of women with heart failure do not receive adequate treatment due to the underlying cause being unrelated to a heart attack, leading to progressive stiffening of the heart. Obesity and high blood pressure are significant risk factors for this type of heart failure in women.
A Norwegian study found that being overweight before age 40 significantly increases the risk of several types of cancer, including endometrial cancer by 70%. Obesity is also linked to an increased risk of postmenopausal breast, renal-cell and colon cancers.
A Norwegian study by the University of Bergen found that obese boys between 8 and their voice break age have double the risk of having children with asthma compared to non-obese peers. The connection is attributed to the development of reproductive cells during this period.
Researchers at the University of Bergen identified new genetic signals regulating infant growth, which may help combat growth-related diseases like obesity and malnutrition. The study found that different BMI-signals exist for children and adults, with varying genetic influences during childhood.
Researchers discovered that cancer cells in the brain communicate with healthy brain cells through synapses, stimulating growth and proliferation. Anti-epileptic medicine may hold a key to curbing this dangerous communication.
Researchers have discovered a clear connection between gum disease and Alzheimer's disease, finding that the bacteria causing gingivitis can move from the mouth to the brain. Brushing teeth and using floss may help slow down Alzheimer's progression, according to the study.
Researchers have shown that human cells can differentiate into different cell types, changing their original function. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for diabetes by influencing glucagon-producing cells in the pancreas to produce insulin instead.
Scientists at the University of Bergen found that glucagon-producing cells in the pancreas can change identity and adapt to produce insulin for damaged or missing cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments where the body produces its own insulin with minimal assistance.
Research suggests that weight gain between childhood and puberty increases the risk of developing asthma later in life, including for future generations. The study found no correlation between weight gain before or after puberty, but rather a link to overall inflammation during this critical developmental period.
A recent EU research project ALEC found that all age groups have declined in starting to smoke except for 11-15 year olds, who increased significantly over the last decade. Young women in Western Europe are particularly at risk, with 40 per 1000 starting to smoke annually.
A recent study found that infants with diabetes can maintain excellent blood glucose control for up to ten years using sulfonylurea tablets, offering a promising alternative to insulin injections. The treatment has been shown to be safe and effective in children worldwide.
Cass Sunstein has made significant contributions to research in constitutional law, democratic theory, and behavioral economics. He was awarded the Holberg Prize for his work, which has had a far-reaching impact on public policy. Meanwhile, Norwegian political scientist Francesca R. Jensenius received the Nils Klim Prize for her outsta...
A Norwegian study found that individuals with normal vitamin D levels can reduce their risk of death from cardiovascular disease by up to 30%. The optimal amount of vitamin D varies from person to person, and measuring levels is advised for those who have experienced cardiovascular disease.
A new study from the University of Bergen shows that impairment in mitochondria may actually protect the brain in Parkinson's disease. Brain cells with decreased complex I levels are less likely to contain Lewy bodies, abnormal protein-aggregates that characterize Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at the University of Bergen found that young people with intestinal worms have a 4 times higher risk of developing asthma and allergies than others. Interestingly, their parents are generally unaffected by the parasite.
Researchers at the University of Bergen find that NTZ deactivates activated Beta-catenin in prostate and colon cancer cells, stopping their growth. The discovery could lead to faster development of new treatments for these cancers.
Researchers at the University of Bergen found no negative effects from annual influenza vaccination on developing natural immunity. Annual vaccination actually provides a better first line defence against infection, without preventing natural immunity.
A Norwegian study reveals that general practitioners lack cultural competency when dealing with patients from diverse backgrounds. Researchers emphasize the need for mandatory cultural training in medical education to address these gaps.
Researchers at the University of Bergen have found that asthma medicine can halve a patient's risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study analyzed over 100 million Norwegian prescriptions and discovered a link between asthma medicine and reduced Parkinson's risk.
Researchers at the University of Bergen have successfully transformed skin puncture cells from diabetes patients into insulin-producing cells. The goal is to transplant these cells under the skin, potentially replacing insulin shots and blood sugar measurements.
A Norwegian study found that increasing Body Mass Index above one unit from first to second pregnancy drastically increases the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women with BMI less than 25 in first pregnancy showed a strongest risk associated with weight gain, while overweight women who reduced their BMI by more ...
A Norwegian study from the University of Bergen has identified key mechanisms behind Parkinson's disease, which may lead to future treatments. The research suggests that mitochondrial DNA damage is a primary cause of the disease, and that healthy brain cells can compensate for this damage by producing more DNA.
A Norwegian ground-breaking study reveals that the mouth and anus do not originate from a common blastopore as previously thought. The research suggests that the formation of either organ is a consequence of how each embryo is organized during early development.
A Norwegian diet intervention study found similar health effects of diets high in carbohydrates or fats, with substantial improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors. The study suggests that the quality of food is more important than the quantity of fat or carbohydrates, and that most healthy people can tolerate a high intake of satur...
A national cohort study found that young cancer survivors (diagnosed before age 25) have a more than two-fold increased risk of suicide compared to their non-cancer peers. The study, led by Maria Winther Gunnes, analyzed data from over 1.2 million people born in Norway between 1965 and 1985.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that climate change was not a primary driver of technological innovation among Stone Age humans. Researchers analyzed animal remains from South Africa's southern Cape, finding that human populations were able to absorb changes to the climate through resources like long-distance contact and ...
A Norwegian study found workaholics scored higher on psychiatric symptoms than non-workaholics, with 32.7% meeting ADHD criteria and 25.6% having OCD. The research highlights the need for further investigation into neurobiological deviations related to workaholic behavior.
A study of over 20,000 participants found that videogame addiction is associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and depression. Younger, single men are particularly at risk, using gaming as an escape from unpleasant feelings and restless bodies.
Researchers at the University of Bergen have identified PET scanning as an effective tool for improved oil production and CO2 storage. The technology uses radioactive tracers to visualize the flow of liquid or gas in rock samples, increasing the efficiency of CO2 storage and oil production.
Researchers at the University of Bergen have found a link between a gene defect and Alzheimer's disease, identifying protein PITRM1 as a crucial factor in disease development. The study suggests that reduced levels of this protein may lead to increased amyloid deposition in the brain.
A team of researchers has identified a protein called PITPNC1 that characterizes aggressive cancer cells. This protein enables cancer cells to spread through the blood vessels by penetrating tissue, allowing for earlier detection and potentially more effective treatments.
Stephen Greenblatt, an American author and literature professor, has been awarded the prestigious Holberg Prize for his distinctive role in literature and influential voice in the humanities. The prize recognizes his scholarship's impact on literary studies, history, and cultural criticism.
A team of researchers has developed a new method to measure ecosystem sensitivity to climate variability by analyzing satellite data gathered over the past 14 years. The Vegetation Sensitivity Index (VSI) reveals ecologically sensitive regions with amplified responses to climate changes in various parts of the world.
Research by Professor Cecilie Svanes of the University of Bergen has identified three development factors that influence lung aging. Children born during winter months or exposed to severe respiratory infections at a young age are more vulnerable to lung damage.
According to a Norwegian study of male cancer patients diagnosed under the age of 25, many male cancer patients have problems reproducing. The researchers found that male cancer survivors are three times as likely to turn to assisted fertilization to have children as males with no cancer diagnosis.
Researchers found similar patterns in engraved ostrich eggshells across different sites, indicating the sharing of symbolic material culture. This exchange enabled groups to adopt and adapt new technologies and cultures, contributing to the survival and development of Homo sapiens.
Researchers have developed a new analysis method to distinguish between stroke patients with language problems, enabling more individualized treatment. The method uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and combines information about brain lesions and activity patterns.
A study by University of Bergen researchers found that cruise tourists spend less during port visits, regardless of shopping opportunities. In contrast, land tourists spend significantly more on Sundays and holydays. The study also revealed that repeat visitors tend to return as either land or cruise tourists, not the other way around.