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University of Copenhagen


New invention saves energy, health, climate

The 'Cleanair' system reduces building energy consumption by up to 25%, saving CO2 emissions and improving indoor air quality. Lab tests have proven its effectiveness in removing various pollutants, including particles, viruses, and volatile organic compounds, making it a game-changer for asthmatics and overall health.

Brain cell communication: Why it's so fast

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that brain cell communication relies on three copies of the 'linking bridge' or SNARE complex to enable rapid fusion of vesicles with membranes. This process allows for simultaneous signal transmission, which is crucial for cognitive functions and overall brain activity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateSep 21, 2010

Dramatic climate change is unpredictable

New research suggests that dramatic climate changes during the ice age were caused by chaos-dynamical fluctuations, making them challenging to predict. The study analyzed ice cores and found that temperature suddenly rose 10-15 degrees in less than 10 years, only to fall drastically and change again.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 30, 2010

Researchers to activate anti-cancer gene

CDX2 is an identity gene that tells a cell it is in the epithelial tissue of the intestine, enabling it to perform its job correctly. Cancer cells deactivate this gene, leading researchers to identify five anti-cancer genes and discover CDX2's role in suppressing colon cancer.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 30, 2010

Artificial enzyme removes natural poison

A man-made chemical enzyme has been used to neutralize glycoside esculin, a toxin found in horse-chestnuts, demonstrating the feasibility of 'Chemzyme' technology. The artificial enzyme's resilience and designability make it a promising solution for various industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalEuropean Journal of Organic Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2010

New molecular signaling cascade increases glucose uptake

Researchers identified a novel protein called SNARK, which plays a key role in regulating glucose transport during muscle contraction and exercise. The study shows that SNARK mediates contraction-stimulated glucose transport, providing an alternative pathway for increasing glucose uptake in individuals with insulin resistance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2010

New tool developed for DNA research

A PhD student at the University of Copenhagen has developed a molecular gauge that can measure DNA structure without disrupting it, using luminescent markers. This tool holds the potential to reveal new insights into DNA function and mechanism, as well as understand how new drugs work.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateApr 6, 2010

Shari'a as discourse

This book brings together scholars to explore the intellectual and legal traditions of Shari'a, examining how it is expressed in a European context. Key findings include the intersection of Shari'a and secular laws, as well as the diverse interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence.

Vitamin D crucial to activating immune defenses

Scientists have discovered that Vitamin D is essential for activating killer cells in the immune system. Without sufficient vitamin D, T cells cannot detect and fight off serious infections. The researchers found that T cells rely on vitamin D to activate and that a lack of vitamin D can lead to immune suppression.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 7, 2010

Soccer reduces risk of falls and bone fractures

A study published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that soccer training increases bone density, muscle mass, and postural balance in both young and older adults. The results suggest that soccer is an effective method for reducing the risk of falls and fractures, particularly among women and elderly men.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateMar 3, 2010

Waking the dead

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have successfully reconstructed an ancient human genome from a 4,000-year-old hair sample found in Greenland. The team's findings provide valuable insights into the genetic makeup and traits of the Inuk people, who were among the first to settle the New World Arctic.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateFeb 10, 2010

Play yourself healthy

A large-scale research project at the University of Copenhagen found that soccer is an effective form of exercise for improving cardiovascular risk factors, including maximal oxygen uptake and blood pressure. Small-sided games also showed significant gains in terms of cardio and strength training.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateFeb 2, 2010

New brain research: Hunger for stimulation driven by dopamine in the brain

Research finds that dopamine in the brain stimulates a craving for new experiences, contributing to addictive behaviors like drug abuse and gambling. The study used PET scans to map brain activity, revealing stronger urges among those with more dopamine, suggesting a link between stimulation-seeking behavior and hormonal activity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2010

The mammoths' swan song revised

Researchers discovered ancient DNA samples in permafrost soil, dating back to between 10,500 and 7,500 years ago, indicating that mammoths and prehistoric horses roamed the area for 2,600-5,600 years longer than previously assumed. This finding sheds new light on the extinction of these species.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2009

New artificial enzyme safer for nature

A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen has successfully produced an artificial enzyme that is tailor-made for any application. The new enzyme speeds up oxidizing processes using Hydrogen Peroxide and operates under humane conditions, making it a promising alternative to traditional oxidizers.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalChemBioChem·DateOct 22, 2009

Women's soccer -- get fit while having fun

A two-year study of 100 untrained adult women reveals that playing soccer improves maximal oxygen uptake, muscle mass, and physical performance compared to running. The study also shows that soccer's fixed time and place make it easier for women to stick to their training than running.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateOct 2, 2009

Melting of the Greenland ice sheet mapped

Researchers have analyzed ice cores from Greenland and small ice caps to show the evolution of the ice sheet over 11,700 years. The findings reveal that changes in elevation cause different temperatures, allowing scientists to use small ice caps as a standard reference for climate history.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2009

More oxygen -- colder climate

A new analytical method developed by researchers at the University of Copenhagen reveals a significant correlation between oxygen content in seawater and global cooling. The study indicates two periods in Earth's history with large increases in oxygen content, which led to temperature decreases and potentially enabled life in deep oceans.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2009

The greenhouse gas that saved the world

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology and University of Copenhagen found that Carbonyl Sulphide, produced by volcanic activity, kept the planet warm, offsetting the weak young sun's energy. This discovery explains how Earth avoided freezing solid and paved the way for life to emerge.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2009

Missing link of cloud formation

A team of researchers from Caltech and University of Copenhagen have discovered a new chemical compound in the atmosphere that may help explain how clouds form over forests. The compound, dihydroxyepoxide, is formed when tree-released hydrocarbons interact with atmospheric compounds, providing a missing link in cloud formation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2009

Live recordings of cell communication

Scientists have recorded live vesicle fusion on the nano-scale using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). This breakthrough allows for real-time measurement of vesicle shape and properties, opening up new avenues for understanding neurological and infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2009

The least sea ice in 800 years

Researchers have reconstructed sea ice extent from 13th century to present using historical records and climate curves. The findings show a significant decrease in sea ice coverage since the start of the 20th century, with some record-breaking low levels in recent years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateJul 1, 2009

A step closer to an ultra precise atomic clock

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in creating ultra-precise atomic clocks using fermions at near absolute zero temperatures. The new method enables the control of fermion interactions and avoids the loss of precision, leading to a three-fold increase in clock accuracy. This advancement has great potential for applications...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 2009

The origin of supernovae confirmed

Researchers have proven that supernovae are caused by the explosion of two dying red supergiant stars, providing a breakthrough in understanding massive star death and the formation of chemical elements. This discovery sheds light on the origin of the universe's heaviest elements.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2009

Major step for drug discovery and diagnostics

Researchers at University of Copenhagen have developed a general method to study membrane proteins, reducing the development time for useful drugs substantially. The method uses amphipols to immobilize membrane proteins on surfaces, allowing for faster and more accurate testing.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2009

Beneath the surface

A team of Danish researchers has discovered the origin of the Baikal Rift Zone, a 2000km long crack in the Earth's crust that created the world's deepest lake. The study shows that the bottom of the crust is flat across Lake Baikal, contrary to previous models, and is instead thinning due to magma intrusion.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2009

Avoiding the hothouse and the icehouse

A study published in Geophysical Research Letters proposes that reducing global fossil fuel use by 20% in 2020 and 60% in 2050 could postpone the onset of the next ice age by up to 170,000 years. By building up ice sheets, scientists can regulate climate and extend current interglacial periods.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 10, 2009