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University of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences


New technology reveals fast and slow twitch muscle fibers respond differently to exercise

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new technology that allows researchers to study muscle biology on a detailed level. The study found that fast and slow twitch muscle fibers respond differently to exercise training, with hundreds of proteins expressed uniquely in each type. This discovery has implications for ...

Ancient zircon minerals from Mars reveal the elusive internal structure of the red planet

A team of scientists discovered ancient zircon minerals in a Martian meteorite that date back to 4.5 billion years ago, but also contain younger ages suggesting volcanic activity in the northern hemisphere. The zircons' hafnium isotope composition reveals a primitive reservoir in Mars' interior, unchanged since the planet's formation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2020

Hard physical work significantly increases the risk of dementia

A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that people doing hard physical work have a 55-per cent higher risk of developing dementia. Despite previous findings suggesting physical activity reduces dementia risk, this study highlights the importance of 'good' form of physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateOct 26, 2020

Time-restricted feeding improves health without altering the body's core clock

A new study by University of Copenhagen scientists found that time-restricted feeding alters the rhythmic concentration of metabolites in blood and muscle, influencing gene expression and amino acid transport. The study suggests that time-restricted feeding's positive health impact may be driven by diet rather than the body's core clock.

Blonde Scandinavians or well-travelled Southern Europeans? Research busts myths of Vikings

The study sequenced the genome of 442 bone fragments from the Viking Age and found that Vikings had a lot more genes from Southern and Eastern Europe than anticipated. This suggests that the Vikings frequently interbred with people from other parts of the world, contradicting traditional images of them as Nordic blonds.

Biomarker reveals how aggressive biliary tract cancer is in patients

A new biomarker has been identified that reliably predicts the aggressiveness of biliary tract cancer in patients, which could help doctors make informed decisions about chemotherapy. The biomarker, IL-6, has been shown to provide prognostic information not captured by other inflammatory markers already in use.

Scientists sound the alarm: Lockdowns may escalate the obesity epidemic

A trio of Danish researchers warn that lockdowns could lead to an explosion in obesity rates due to increased consumption of high-energy foods and decreased physical activity. The study highlights the need for counter strategies to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity while combatting COVID-19.

Researchers map mechanisms in the largest CRISPR system

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have mapped and analyzed the atomic structure of the Cmr-β complex, a type III-B CRISPR-Cas system. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms behind this complex's immune response against phages and its potential therapeutic applications in fighting antibiotic resistance.

Ancient DNA provides new insights into the early peopling of the Caribbean

A new study using ancient DNA found evidence of at least three population dispersals that brought people to the Caribbean, with genetic differences between early settlers and newcomers from South America. The research suggests that the islands were settled and resettled several times from different parts of the American mainland.

Researchers discover how protein can inhibit cancer development in mice

A new study by the University of Copenhagen's researchers has revealed that the protein PP2A inhibits cancer development in mice by turning off an enzyme called ADAM17. This finding has significant implications for understanding the role of PP2A as a tumour suppressor and exploring potential therapeutic applications.

Researchers find protein that helps cancer cells to survive

A new study has identified a crucial role for the protein RTEL1 in the survival of cancer cells, with potential implications for treating various types of cancer. Researchers found that RTEL1 prevents damaging clashes between DNA replication and transcription processes, and promotes a process called MiDAS, which is common in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 12, 2020

Cholesterol lowering drugs linked to improved gut bacteria composition in obese people

Research finds that statin drugs may modulate disrupted gut microbiota and inflammation in obesity, with improved Bact2 enterotype composition in treated individuals compared to non-treated counterparts. Statin therapy may also have anti-inflammatory effects via improvement of an aberrant gut microbiota.

Researchers discover treatment for spasticity in mice, following spinal cord injuries

A new study by University of Copenhagen researchers shows that administering nimodipine, an already approved drug for high blood pressure, can prevent the development of spasticity after spinal cord injuries. The effect is long-lasting and continues even after treatment has stopped.

Researchers invent method to unlock potential of widely used drug

A new method called Shotgun ion mobility mass spectrometry sequencing (SIMMS2) has been invented to map the structures of heparan sulfates, which play key roles in regulating biological functions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new therapeutics for diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

New drug can ease the side effects of medication against severe depression

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a substance, Lu AF60097, that can regulate serotonin levels in the brain and reduce severe side effects associated with tricyclic antidepressants. This new approach may allow for more effective treatment of severe depression while minimizing potential harm.

Neuroscientists discover new structure of important protein in the brain

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have successfully mapped a novel conformation of LeuT, a bacterial protein similar to neurotransmitter transporters. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism of these proteins and may lead to better drugs for treating conditions such as ADHD, depression, and epilepsy.