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Umea University


Ice may release more iron than climate models predict

A Umea University study finds that ice actively accelerates the dissolution of iron minerals, potentially releasing more iron than current environmental models account for. This could have significant cascading effects on ecosystems, particularly in polar and mountain regions.

SourceUmea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2026

Routine scans may reveal tumor aggressiveness in head and neck cancer – without additional tests

A new study suggests that medical imaging can capture the molecular activity of particularly aggressive head and neck tumors, opening new possibilities for more precise diagnosis and treatment planning. The research team found that tumors driven by activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway exhibit distinct patterns on PET/CT scans.

SourceUmea University·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 13, 2026

New research reveals cell proteins that drive severe viral infections

Researchers at Umeå University have identified NUP98 and NUP153 as key host factors in orthoflavivirus infection, which replicates in the cytosol of human cells. The proteins play a crucial role in viral replication and protein production, and their interaction with viral RNA regulates structural and non-structural protein ratios.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2026

Images and risk communication boost motivation for better heart health

A study from Umeå University found that visualizing ultrasound images of atherosclerosis, combined with a motivational dialogue, increases motivation to improve lifestyle habits and take preventive medication. This results in lower estimated risk of cardiovascular disease and better development of risk factors over time.

SourceUmea University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 15, 2026

The protein that helps cancer cells survive treatment

Researchers at Umeå University have discovered a key protein that helps cancer cells survive treatment by blocking apoptosis. The study provides a deeper understanding of how proteins interact within the cell, which could lead to new cancer therapies targeting Bcl-2 and its protective function.

SourceUmea University·JournalACS Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2026

Gut microbiota differs in children with rare food allergy

Children with rare food allergy FPIES exhibit atypical gut microbiota compared to healthy peers, according to a new Umeå University study. The analysis of stool samples revealed differences in bacterial composition associated with FPIES, which may contribute to the development of more individualized strategies for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2026

Adult children’s unemployment is associated with the depression risk of older parents in India

A new study from Umea University reveals that adult children's unemployment is strongly associated with the depression risk of older parents in India. The research, based on extensive data from the Longitudinal Ageing Survey of India, shows a clear link between child employment and parental mental health.

SourceUmea University·JournalSSM - Population Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2026

Capsule technology opens new window into individual cells

Researchers developed a capsule-based method to analyze individual cells through multiple experimental steps, overcoming a long-standing limitation in cell research. The technology, called semi-permeable capsule technology, allows scientists to keep cells' DNA intact and analyze hundreds of thousands of cells simultaneously.

SourceUmea University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

From chemical curiosity to key piece in cancer research

Scientists at Umeå University found that i-DNA forms in living cells and acts as a regulatory bottleneck linked to cancer. The protein PCBP1 controls its resolution, which can block replication and increase DNA damage risk if not done properly. This discovery opens new avenues for drug development by targeting i-DNA handling.

Reshaping gold leads to new electronic and optical properties

By changing the physical structure of gold, researchers can drastically change its interaction with light, leading to enhanced electronic behavior and improved absorption of light energy. This study demonstrates the potential of nanoporous gold as a new design parameter for engineering materials in advanced technologies.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2026

Large parts of the tropics overlooked in environmental research

A comprehensive study from Umeå University reveals that humid lowland forest ecosystems receive disproportionate attention, while colder and drier regions are severely underrepresented. This imbalance can lead to policy decisions based on incomplete or misleading science, affecting climate-vulnerable ecosystems.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2026

“Molecular bodyguard” helps infections persist

A key molecular player, RfaH, has been identified as a protective shield for bacterial genes, enabling them to survive the hostile environment inside the body. The protein ensures transcription runs to completion, making it an anti-terminator that prevents premature termination of gene expression.

SourceUmea University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

Cell death in microalgae resembles that in humans

Scientists at Umea University have observed programmed cell death in microalgae, similar to humans, revealing a more ancient and widespread pathway. This discovery challenges the evolutionary origin of programmed cell death (PCD) and has potential implications for managing harmful algal blooms and improving biotechnology.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2025

Ice dissolves iron faster than liquid water

In a new study, researchers from Umeå University found that ice at minus ten degrees Celsius releases more iron from common minerals than liquid water at four degrees Celsius. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles increase dissolution, releasing organic compounds and fuelling further chemical reactions.

SourceUmea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2025

Sweden’s most powerful laser delivers record-short light pulses

Researchers at Umea University have demonstrated a custom-built laser facility generating ultrashort laser pulses with extreme peak power and precisely controlled waveforms. The Light Wave Synthesizer 100 (LWS100) spans 11 meters in length, capable of producing 100 terawatts for a few millionth of a billionth of a second.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2025

Discovery opens up for new ways to treat chlamydia

Researchers at Umeå University and Michigan State University have found a type of molecule that can kill chlamydia bacteria without harming human cells or beneficial bacteria. This breakthrough discovery opens the door for developing new antibiotics against chlamydia, the world's most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease.

SourceUmea University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 8, 2025

Adjusting trees’ internal clocks can help them cope with climate change

A new study from Umeå University reveals that trees' circadian clocks regulate growth and seasonal events. Adjusting clock-associated genes could help trees synchronize with changing climates, improving forestry management. The study also has implications for global vegetation models predicting forest growth and carbon storage.

SourceUmea University·Journalnpj Biological Timing and Sleep·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2025

Scientists unlock one of the toughest biomaterials and discovers clues to pollen’s expiration date

Researchers at Umea University discovered a way to break open protective walls of pollen grains without damaging the inside cell and its components. The study found that essential proteins for maintaining energy production were absent from mitochondria, potentially explaining why pollen grains have limited lifetimes.

SourceUmea University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Discovery may open new way to attack prostate cancer

Researchers activate glycoprotein 130 and its associated signaling pathway to slow down tumor growth in prostate cancer, stimulating immune system to fight tumour cells. Studies of tissue samples from prostate cancer patients show positive correlation with better survival rates.

SourceUmea University·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2024

Nanoplastics can impair the effect of antibiotics

A study from Umea University reveals that nanoplastics can absorb and accumulate antibiotics, reducing their targeted effect and risking the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The researchers found a strong bond between nylon nanoplastics and tetracycline, a common broad-spectrum antibiotic.

SourceUmea University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2024

New findings on stem cells and development of cancer

Researchers at Umea University have discovered how embryonic stem cells transition into specialized cells, highlighting the importance of LSD1 protein in cancer development. The study suggests that targeting only LSD1's enzymatic activity may not be enough for cancer treatments to be effective.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024