A recent study in Finland found that reindeer grazing reduces tree and understorey roots, particularly in the upper 0-5 cm of soil, and changes root structure, which may impact water and nutrient uptake. This could have significant effects on forest carbon and nutrient cycling.
A nationwide Finnish registry study investigated medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in breast cancer patients receiving antiresorptive treatment. The study found that 12.6% of patients developed the condition, with associations between dental procedures and its risk. The findings emphasize the need for close collaboration betw...
A new study led by the University of Oulu has shed light on the formation of Kelvin-Helmholtz waves at the edge of Earth's magnetic shield, where the solar wind interacts with the magnetosphere. The research reveals that asymmetric wave activity is caused by the draped magnetic field, leading to varying damping effects.
People with early-onset Alzheimer's disease experience a growing range of health problems, particularly depression, dizziness, and headaches, years before diagnosis. Identifiable changes in health conditions emerge mainly closer to disease onset, suggesting different mechanisms underlying early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers identified fundamental limits on quantum batteries' reliability, balancing power and stable energy delivery. Intermediate-range interactions charging scheme can provide a useful compromise between high power and stable operation.
Researchers have identified alpha-1 antitrypsin as a potential target for preventing spontaneous preterm birth. A recent study found that mothers carrying a specific variant of the SERPINA1 gene had shorter pregnancies, and treatment with human alpha-1 antitrypsin prevented preterm birth in mice.
A new study found that people with Parkinson’s disease have altered extracellular vesicles in their stool samples, suggesting changes in microbial communication. The study suggests that these vesicles could serve as biomarkers for the disease and potentially reveal new therapeutic targets.
A large international study found that premature birth increases emotional and behavioral problems in children, but sensitive parenting can mitigate these effects. Sensitive parent-child interaction is associated with fewer emotional and behavioral problems years later.
A Finnish study found that habitual coffee consumption is associated with healthier body composition, lower visceral fat, and greater skeletal muscle mass. In both men and women, higher coffee consumption was linked to lower circulating levels of branched-chain amino acids, a key biomarker for insulin resistance.
A new study reveals that wolves from different regions have distinct skull shapes shaped by their environment and human activities. The research highlights the importance of considering local adaptations in wolf reintroduction and conservation plans to ensure success.
The FutSteel project aims to develop a model integrating electric arc furnace technology into the existing hot rolling production chain, supporting the transformation of Finland's steel industry to low-carbon production. The research project, led by the University of Oulu and SSAB, will start in June 2026 and run for three years.
A study of 60 pregnant women found associations between maternal factors and microbiota-derived extracellular vesicle profiles in amniotic fluid. Maternal overweight and obesity were linked to lower proportions of certain bacterial groups.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open followed 264 mother-infant pairs to assess the anatomy of the upper lip frenulum and its relation to breastfeeding difficulties. The research found no association between the anatomical characteristics of the upper lip frenulum and breastfeeding problems.
A large-scale genetic study has identified 73 previously unknown genetic regions associated with the risk of lumbar spinal stenosis, as well as 15 known loci. The findings may help explain why some people develop symptomatic spinal stenosis while others remain unaffected.
Researchers from Finland discover that bumble bees can solve novel problems by combining objects in new ways, similar to the famous 'box-and-banana' experiment with chimpanzees. The bees were not trained and had no prior experience with the solution.
A randomized trial investigated the effect of early paracetamol treatment on preterm infants' ductus arteriosus. The study found that paracetamol accelerated closure in 75% of infants compared to 35% in the placebo group.
A recent study published in Depression and Anxiety found that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sufficient sleep are crucial for protecting mental health in middle age. Replacing sedentary behavior with light activity produced smaller benefits compared to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, highlighting the importance of i...
Research suggests that commonly used anemia medications can inhibit tumor growth and prevent new blood vessel formation, offering a potential dual approach to treating both conditions. The findings open up new possibilities for treating cancer in patients with anemia, who currently face separate treatment goals.
A Finnish study found that partners of women with gestational diabetes are more likely to have chronic diseases and mental health disorders. Lifestyle and socioeconomic factors also play a role in their increased risk, highlighting the importance of family-level preventive measures.
A new study reveals how responsive Greenland's ice sheet is to climate change, with widespread methane release linked to an episode of warming around 4,000 years ago. The findings highlight the role of recent ice margin fluctuations on subglacial carbon cycling, with implications for global methane budget assessments.
A new study published in BMC Medicine found that the experimental drug ZED1227 inhibits the activity of the transglutaminase 2 enzyme, reducing immune responses triggered by gluten. The results suggest that the drug has effects beyond the gut, dampening whole-body immunometabolic responses.
Scientists have developed a method to track increased movement of brain fluids during sleep without invasive procedures. This allows for the study of how sleep enhances brain cleaning processes.
A new study from the University of Oulu suggests that large swings in bedtime could double the risk of serious cardiac events. Inconsistent bedtimes were strongly associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events, especially among those who get less than eight hours of sleep.
Researchers modelled the structure of the magnetic field and cosmic radiation throughout the Laschamps excursion. The results show that cosmic radiation penetrated the atmosphere at record levels, with regions where it could freely enter irradiating a major fraction of the Earth's atmosphere.
A new study found that simple approaches to promoting physical activity, such as online or print-based advice, can increase activity by an average of one hour per week at a cost of less than one euro per participant. However, the study highlights a significant gap in measuring the costs and real-world impacts of such interventions.
A study by the University of Oulu reveals that PXR activation by chemicals like rifampicin can increase SHBG production, influencing testosterone levels and sex hormone availability. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the impact of everyday chemicals on hormonal systems.
Research suggests that a breastfeeding mother's breast temperature may protect her newborn from hypothermia due to its broad contact surface. This discovery could provide an evolutionary explanation for the development of external breasts in humans.
A large registry study in Finland found that 70% of antipsychotic medication use among older adults was off-label. Risperidone and quetiapine were the most commonly used medications off-label. The study highlights the need for alternative treatments and clearer guidelines for monitoring metabolic side effects.
Researchers at the University of Oulu have developed new bio-based resins that match or exceed the performance of fossil-based counterparts. The resins are produced from biomass-derived platform chemicals and offer a critical sustainability advantage: chemical recyclability.
A new study from the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital found that parental concern is a significant medical indicator, identifying most children with sudden and severe illness. Clear or strong concern from parents correctly identified as many as 91% of seriously ill children.
A new study from the University of Oulu found that nighttime exposure to traffic noise is associated with changes in blood cholesterol and lipid-related metabolites in adults. Exposure to night-time traffic noise levels of around 50 decibels (dB) and above showed measurable changes in blood lipids, including cholesterol-related markers.
Researchers at the University of Oulu have identified genes associated with an increased risk of pneumonia, including those related to nicotine dependence in older adults. The study used genetic data from over 600,000 individuals to examine causal relationships between smoking, obesity and pneumonia risk.
A large-scale genetic study has identified 34 genetic regions associated with the risk of allergic conjunctivitis, revealing a complex interplay between genes and environmental factors. The study found that genes influence the severity and recurrence of symptoms, but do not cause the condition alone.
A large longitudinal study found that prolonged physical inactivity increases the body's stress burden by midlife. Engaging in regular physical activity, especially in adulthood, appears to protect against this effect. The study suggests that exercise habits throughout adulthood play a crucial role in coping with long-term stress.
Researchers at the University of Oulu have developed a pine-bark-based water-treatment medium that efficiently removes antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals from wastewater treatment plant effluent. The method uses modified pine bark and combination materials, achieving removal efficiencies in the tens of percent to over 90%.
The SUSA project is driving digital transformation in European healthcare education by delivering 20 bachelor's and 26 master's programs with advanced digital health competencies. This pan-European effort aims to graduate 6558 students and upskill 660 professionals, fostering interoperability and attracting top talent.
A study conducted at the University of Oulu found that senior corporate executives are more likely to commit financial crimes if their parents have previously been charged and convicted. The researchers analyzed nearly 76,000 CEOs and board members and found a strong association between parental convictions and executive misconduct.
Mosses have been found to remove metals from water by utilizing the help of their microbial symbionts. The key to this process is the cooperation between the moss and its endophytes, which enhance metal tolerance. Mosses from polluted environments were found to host more beneficial microbes that facilitate metal removal.
The University of Oulu's 6G Flagship programme is a leading initiative in next-generation wireless communication, accelerating innovation through real-world testing. With over 240 partnerships and collaborations across the globe, the programme addresses critical challenges in spectrum management, AI-driven radio access networks, and more.
A nationwide study in Finland finds that widows and widowers from cohabiting relationships face higher mortality risks, especially after accidental deaths. Forming a new relationship reduces mortality compared to living alone, with marriage associated with lower mortality for both men and women.
A new study reveals that persistent organic pollutants accumulate in tissues of sheep and their lambs from birth, transferring to the developing fetus. Concentrations of POPs in lamb tissues averaged 30–103% of those measured in the mothers.
The new white paper outlines how next-gen networks can sense trouble, remain online, and learn from failure through distributed intelligence. It describes a cognitive loop where the system perceives, readjusts its state, interprets anomalies, and acts with purpose to turn vulnerability into valuable knowledge.
Professor Marko Huhtanen's research introduces a new method for compressing images by leveraging the best features of multiple well-known compression methods. The technique enables the removal of rigidity in traditional approaches, allowing for more precise control and adjustment during compression.
Mehdi Bennis, a leading researcher in wireless communication, has been recognized as one of the world's Highly Cited Researchers. His work on semantic communication and its potential to transform future mobile networks is gaining traction. The recognition highlights the importance of fundamental research in advancing the field.
The RamanProSeq project develops novel optical technology for sequencing individual protein molecules, offering unprecedented accuracy in understanding protein structures and functions. This technology has potential applications in personalized medicine, early disease diagnostics, and drug development.
A recent study by University of Oulu researchers reveals significant shifts in Arctic tundra vegetation, with crowberry expansion and bilberry decline dominating the region. This long-term trend is likely linked to climate change and extensive reindeer grazing, which suppresses taller shrub growth.
Researchers discovered that bacteria living in Norway spruce needles can transform soluble gold into solid particles. The findings suggest that certain spruce-associated bacteria can facilitate the formation of gold nanoparticles inside needles, which could lead to environmentally friendly mineral exploration methods.
Researchers have developed lightweight aerogel beads that can absorb oils and organic solvents from water, as well as nanocellulose foams for wireless telecommunications technologies. These bio-based materials offer a sustainable alternative to fossil-based materials, reducing signal losses and enabling novel future technologies.
A new study from the University of Oulu, Finland, found that reindeer grazing can buffer ecosystem functions, such as carbon exchange, under changing climate conditions. The results provide perspective on the role of reindeer in sustaining biodiversity in northern ecosystems.
A study by the University of Oulu found that adolescent ADHD symptoms affect adult income indirectly, through education and other psychiatric disorders. The study revealed a 25% decrease in incomes among individuals with both ADHD and ODD, highlighting the importance of preventive services and investments in education and mental health.