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University of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences


New sleep molecule discovered: “It shows just how complex the machinery of sleep is”

Researchers have discovered a new sleep molecule, microRNA-137 (miR-137), that regulates hypocretin levels for normal sleep. The study found that miR-137 is associated with hypocretin regulation and sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and insomnia.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2022

Research discovery reveals how a cancer cell resists radiation treatment

Cancer cells employ a unique defense mechanism to evade the effects of radiation treatment by exploiting an enzyme called Caspase-activated DNase (CAD). Removing CAD from cancer cells increases the effectiveness of radiotherapy. Researchers hope their discovery can lead to the development of targeted drugs to enhance cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2022

Lockdowns did not significantly affect young people’s mental health

A new study from the University of Copenhagen concludes that lockdowns did not have a significant impact on young people's mental health, with some short-term decline. Young people with depressive symptoms showed improvement in mental health after lockdowns, contrary to previous assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeSurvey·DateMar 8, 2022

Scientists characterize the imbalanced gut bacteria of patients with myocardial infarction, angina and heart failure

Researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of 1,241 middle-aged individuals and found that about half of the bacterial species were modified by drug treatment, while 75% of disturbances occurred in early stages of overweight and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiome may play a role in heart disease development

Treatment for Parkinson’s could now get even better

A new study from the University of Copenhagen has made significant breakthroughs in treating Parkinson's disease by targeting specific neurons in the brainstem. By stimulating excitatory neurons in the caudal area of the pedunculopontine nucleus, researchers were able to restore normal walking function in mice with Parkinson's symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022

Overlooked disease: Tens of thousands of people have problems at work

A new study from the University of Copenhagen finds that people with migraine or frequent tension headaches face significant difficulties at work, including memory and decision-making problems. The study highlights the importance of workplace accommodations and support for those affected by these conditions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Industrial Ergonomics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Scientists dive deep into the different effects of morning and evening exercise

A comprehensive study of exercise performed at different times of the day has identified distinct health-promoting signaling molecules produced by the body in an organ-specific manner. The findings suggest that exercising at the right time can optimize health benefits, particularly for individuals at risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2022

Common drugs affect our gut microbiome differently, with good and bad impacts on health

Research shows that common medicines have distinct effects on gut bacteria, with some having beneficial and others detrimental impacts. The study found associations between certain medications and changes to the gut microbiome, particularly with statins and gastric acid medication.

Well-known drug could help the most severely affected Covid-19 patients in intensive-care departments

A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that prostacyclin treatment reduced damage to vital organs and halved mortality rates among critically ill Covid-19 patients. The research team hopes to investigate larger patient populations in future studies.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2021

Ancient Aboriginal bush medicine could improve modern day cancer treatment

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a natural substance, a flavonoid, that can inhibit cancer cells' ability to defend themselves against chemotherapy by targeting efflux pumps. This could lead to more effective treatment and potentially even combat antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalBiomolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

A breakdown in communication -- mitochondria of diabetic patients can’t keep time

A team of international scientists has shown that skeletal muscle cells from people with type 2 diabetes have a different circadian rhythm, leading to altered mitochondrial metabolism. The study suggests that considering cellular rhythms when prescribing treatments for type 2 diabetes could optimize their effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

New COVID-19-discovery could predict patient death or hospitalization

Researchers from University of Copenhagen discover a protein analysis that can predict COVID-19 patient death or hospitalization with high accuracy, predicting 78.7% of hospitalizations and 93.9% of non-serious infections. This discovery has the potential to save lives by identifying high-risk individuals.

Frontrunner target for Parkinson’s Disease may only be relevant for small fraction of patients

A recent study suggests that targeting alpha-synuclein protein in Parkinson's disease may not be sufficient to cure most patients. Instead, resolving brain inflammation caused by dysfunctional interferon-beta receptor signaling may hold the key to developing more effective treatments.

Ancient humans traded dogs for their usefulness

Researchers found that ancient Siberian human populations interacted with outside dog populations at least 2,000 years ago, suggesting dogs were traded as goods. The study reveals that modern dog breeds like Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies maintain significant ancestry from a lineage established prior to 9,500 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateSep 24, 2021

Sudden cardiac episodes could be caused by deadly cocktail

Researchers discover that sudden cardiac episodes are caused by a combination of genetic mutations and chemical modifications in heart cells. The study uses new technology to manipulate the protein, demonstrating that phosphorylation can affect its function, particularly when paired with mutations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Researchers' algorithm to make CRISPR gene editing more precise

Researchers have developed a new method to select efficient gRNA molecules for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, achieving high efficiency and precision. The algorithm uses deep learning and large datasets to predict the efficiency of gRNAs, promising improved outcomes in genetic disorders and biotechnology applications.

Stem cell drugs surprise researchers: Could lead to better drugs in the future

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen conducted a study on stem cell transplantation, revealing that one drug is more effective than previously thought due to its impact on cell signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to improved drugs for both stem cell mobilization and HIV treatment.

Researchers find the secret behind maintaining a healthy weight loss

A new study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals the key to maintaining long-term weight loss in people with obesity. Combining moderate-intensity exercise with appetite-inhibiting medication yields significant health benefits, including reduced blood sugar levels, improved fitness ratings, and muscle mass preservation.

Bacteria and viruses infect our cells through sugars: Now researchers want to know how they do it

A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals how sugar molecules bind to cell receptors, activating the immune system in autoimmune diseases. The discovery also sheds light on the development of Alzheimer's disease, identifying a potential natural sugar that binds to the Siglec-3 receptor.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2021

The Milky Way may be swarming with planets with oceans and continents like here on Earth

Researchers from the GLOBE Institute at University of Copenhagen found that water may be present during planet formation, applicable to Earth, Venus, and Mars. The study suggests that planets with similar building blocks and temperature conditions as Earth may have oceans and continents.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateFeb 22, 2021

New study: Malaria tricks the brain's defence system

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have made a groundbreaking discovery about malaria, showing that the parasite can cross the blood-brain barrier using a mechanism employed by immune cells. This breakthrough provides new insights into the disease process behind cerebral malaria and its severe neurological consequences.