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University of Copenhagen


Promising new compound for treating stroke

Researchers have designed a new chemical compound that binds 1,000 times more effectively to the target protein in the brain than current drugs, reducing cell death by 40% in animal models. The compound also improves motor function and passes through the blood-brain barrier.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2012

Research prevents eco-fraud

The AuthenticFood project aims to develop reliable analysis methods to determine a food product's geographical origin and organic status. By analyzing the chemical composition of fruits and vegetables, researchers can trace differences between conventional and organic growing methods.

A lake fauna in a shot-glass

A Danish research team has developed a new DNA-based method to monitor rare and threatened animal species in freshwater environments, showing it can be effective even for extremely rare populations. The study found a clear correlation between DNA detection and population density, enabling the estimation of population sizes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateDec 11, 2011

Nano-tech makes medicine greener

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a nano-tech method to test new medicines in extremely small volumes, allowing for faster and cheaper drug development. The technique uses self-assembling systems made from biological materials, significantly reducing environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 3, 2011

Dirt prevents allergy

Researchers at University of Copenhagen found that children born vaginally with diverse gut bacteria have lower risk of allergies. The study suggests that early exposure to a variety of bacteria is crucial for a healthy immune system, contradicting the long-held notion that bacteria are a threat to public health.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 2, 2011

Tracing the first North American hunters

Researchers have pushed back the timeline of North America's first known hunters to at least 14,000 years ago, revealing a longer period of large mammal hunting and potentially contributing to their extinction. The discovery was made through DNA analysis of a spearhead found in a mastodon remains.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2011

New world record for Danish nano researchers

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have achieved a world record in nano research by tracking the largest contraction in an inorganic molecule ever recorded. The study used time-dissolved X-ray scattering to measure the contraction of Iridium atoms, resulting in a 62% increase over the previous record.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateSep 12, 2011

New record for measurement of atomic lifetime

Researchers have measured the lifetime of an extremely stable energy level of magnesium atoms with great precision, achieving a record-breaking 2050 seconds. This is the longest lifetime ever measured in a laboratory and has significant implications for the development of ultra-precise atomic clocks.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 7, 2011

New piece to the puzzle of brain function

Scientists have discovered a new binding site on the most common subtype of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which could lead to the development of better medicines for psychiatric disorders. The findings challenge existing scientific ideas and provide a general mechanism that applies across the receptor family.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalInternational Journal of Neuroscience·DateAug 19, 2011

Quantum optical link sets new time records

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have successfully maintained entanglement between two gas clouds of caesium atoms for up to an hour using controlled laser light. This breakthrough enables quantum communication and has potential applications in ultra-precise measurements, including studying human brain activity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 17, 2011

Large variations in Arctic sea ice

Researchers uncover large variations in Arctic sea ice extent over the past 10,000 years, revealing that current amounts are likely less than half of those seen during the Holocene Climate Optimum. The team's findings suggest changes in wind patterns contribute to climate-driven ice loss.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateAug 4, 2011

Cancer gene therapy from camels

Scientists have successfully used camel blood-derived nanobodies to target and kill cancer cells expressing specific markers. The approach involves attaching the nanobodies to nanoparticles that deliver a killer gene, preventing non-specific cell killing and improving safety.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJul 14, 2011

Malaria parasites use camouflage to trick immune defences of pregnant women

Researchers have discovered that malaria parasites employ camouflage to avoid detection by the immune system in pregnant women. This allows the parasite to infect the placenta, putting both the mother and unborn child at risk. The study provides insight into the complex ways in which malaria evades the human immune response.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 2011

Vitamin D increases speed of sperm cells

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found a positive correlation between serum vitamin D levels and sperm motility in healthy men. Laboratory stimulation with activated vitamin D also increased forward movement of human spermatooza, sparking new hypotheses about the role of vitamin D in male reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMay 25, 2011

Novel ash analysis validates volcano no-fly zones

A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Iceland developed a protocol for rapidly providing air traffic authorities with data on volcanic ash risks. The new method can provide safety assessment information in under 24 hours, reducing the difficulty faced by aviation authorities during eruptions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2011

What's your intestinal bacteria type?

Scientists from the University of Copenhagen have discovered three distinct clusters of intestinal bacteria, known as enterotypes, which affect digestion, energy metabolism, and drug absorption. These enterotypes are independent of nationality, gender, and age, providing a new biological fingerprint for personalized medicine.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2011