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University of Copenhagen


Exploring the polysaccharide composition of plant cell walls in succulent aloes

Researchers investigated polysaccharide composition of hydrenchyma tissue in 93 different species of aloes to understand connection with medicinal use, phylogeny, growth form, distribution, and leaf morphology. The study found that polysaccharide composition primarily correlates with growth form and leaf morphology.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2023

Modern arms technologies help autocratic rulers stay in power

A large study reveals that access to modern military technology substantially reduces the probability of democratisation of authoritarian regimes. The spread of ground-breaking 29 military technologies in all independent states from 1820-2010 confirms connections between state's access to specific weapons, economy, and form of government.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThe Economic Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2023

Researchers: drop the notion that more hours spent studying guarantees higher educational quality

A new study at the University of Copenhagen found that increased study hours do not necessarily lead to better educational outcomes. Students reported spending time on tasks without feeling engaged or retaining information. The researchers suggest qualitative surveys to better understand study engagement and quality.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalSociological Research Online·DateDec 8, 2020

Mold now associated with food quality

A study by the University of Copenhagen found that Danes associate purity with naturalness, preferring foods with visible mold to those with long shelf lives. This trend suggests a shift in attitudes towards food purity, with consumers prioritizing natural ingredients and visible signs of spoilage.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalSociology·DateSep 10, 2020

Hydrogen vehicles might soon become the global norm

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new catalyst that can produce cheaper and more sustainable hydrogen-powered vehicles, reducing reliance on precious materials like platinum. The breakthrough could make hydrogen vehicles more durable and scalable, leading to a potential shift towards sustainable transportation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 24, 2020

How to improve climate modeling and prediction

Climate models struggle with reducing uncertainty in global temperature predictions and predicting tipping points, which pose a major threat to modern societies. A new review outlines a more effective approach to perform better climate simulations and extract more information from models.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateJul 31, 2020

Setting up an alarm system in the Atlantic Ocean

Scientists are working on establishing an early warning system for sudden changes in the Atlantic Ocean's sea currents. These changes can impact global temperatures and climate patterns. By monitoring temperature and density metrics, researchers aim to detect subtle shifts before they become catastrophic.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJul 15, 2020

Alaskan volcano linked to mysterious period with extreme climate in ancient Rome

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have found evidence suggesting that a megaeruption of an Alaskan volcano, Okmok, may be responsible for widespread climate change in ancient Rome and Egypt. The eruption is believed to have occurred around 43 BCE, causing temperatures to drop by as much as seven degrees Celsius.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2020

Bizarre new species discovered... on Twitter

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen's Natural History Museum of Denmark have discovered a new species of parasitic fungus on American millipedes, found via a shared photo on Twitter. The newly discovered fungus, Troglomyces twitteri, is part of the Laboulbeniales order and has never been documented before.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalMycoKeys·DateMay 15, 2020

Viruses from poo can help combat obesity and diabetes

A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that transplanted intestinal contents could be effective against obesity and type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that obese mice with unhealthy lifestyles gained significantly less weight and avoided type 2 diabetes when they received viruses transplanted from the stool of lean mice.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalGut·DateMay 4, 2020

Healthy climate news: Fava beans could replace soy

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that fava beans can be processed into a concentrated protein powder using a unique method called wet fractionation, which increases protein content and improves digestibility. Fava beans are also more climate-friendly than soy due to local cultivation and reduced genetic modification.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalFoods·DateApr 16, 2020