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University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences


New insights into autism and the brain

A study combining three brain scans found a higher number of dopamine D2 receptors in autistic brains, suggesting a link between the dopamine system and autism. The researchers also found that the dopamine system affects communication between brain regions differently in autistic participants.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalEuropean Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 21, 2026

High-intensity interval training boosts muscle power plants

A new study shows that high-intensity interval training increases the number of mitochondria and expands the active membrane, enhancing energy production and potentially improving endurance. The findings, published in the University of Southern Denmark, also suggest that muscle mitochondria are more adaptable than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalDiabetologia·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2026

New research: No trace of DMT in the rat brain’s serotonin system

A new study by researchers from the University of Southern Denmark has found no evidence of naturally occurring DMT in the adult rat brain, even when its breakdown was inhibited. The study used highly sensitive methods to detect trace substances and examined whether administered DMT could be stored in serotonin neurons.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalNeuropharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Depression more common among women with gynecological disorders

A new study from the University of Southern Denmark reveals that depression is significantly more common among women with gynaecological disorders—both before and after receiving a diagnosis. The study highlights the need for earlier detection and a more integrated approach between somatic and psychiatric care.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2025

Tattoos may be linked to an increased risk of cancer

Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark found that tattooed individuals are more frequently diagnosed with skin and lymphoma cancers compared to those without tattoos. The study suggests that chronic inflammation in the lymph nodes triggered by tattoo ink may lead to abnormal cell growth and an increased risk of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2025

Danish diabetes medicine increases the risk of severely debilitating eye condition

Two independent studies from University of Southern Denmark confirm that patients with type 2 diabetes who take Ozempic are at increased risk of developing damage to the optic nerve, leading to severe and permanent loss of vision. The risk doubles compared to those not taking Ozempic.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Retina and Vitreous·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2024

Empowering Socially Vulnerable Children: Improved health knowledge and well-being after a 10-week Residential Stay incorporating a Football-Based Health Education Programme

A 10-week residential stay for socially vulnerable children improved their physical, mental and social well-being, increasing it to national average. The addition of a football-based health education programme further enhanced health knowledge, particularly on physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Promising results in cancer treatment with immunotherapy and Danish technology

Researchers have developed a new treatment combining immunotherapy with lab-cultivated T-cells from patients' blood, which significantly inhibits triple-negative breast cancer growth and metastasis. The treatment has shown promising outcomes in animal models, but further testing in humans is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2024

Older adults with alcohol use disorder experience improved quality of life through alcohol treatment

Recent research from the University of Southern Denmark suggests that even modest reductions in alcohol consumption and participation in treatment can improve quality of life for older adults aged 60 and above with notable alcohol intake. A study utilizing data from the Elderly Study found significant improvements across all domains, i...

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalAlcohol Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2023

New study aims to break the taboo surrounding spirituality

A new study has revealed that Danes experience strong spiritual needs, including finding inner peace and giving to others, which should be integrated into the healthcare system. The study, based on a questionnaire survey of over 100,000 Danes, shows that these topics are highly valued and essential for patients' well-being.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateMar 13, 2023

Reducing screen time increases physical activity in children

A family-based randomized controlled trial by University of Southern Denmark researchers found that reducing recreational screen media use increases daily physical activity in children. Children in the intervention group showed an average of 45 minutes more physical activity per day compared to those in the control group.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 23, 2022

For young people with meniscal tears, surgery and exercise are equally effective

A new study published in NEJM Evidence reveals that exercise and patient education can provide similar results as surgery for young people with meniscal tears. The research compared surgical and non-surgical treatment options among 121 young individuals and found no significant difference in outcomes between the two groups.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalNEJM Evidence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 2, 2022

Football and team handball training may increase health span and, ultimately, lifespan

A Danish-Swedish study found that football and team handball training have a positive effect on telomere length and mitochondrial function in women, potentially increasing their health span and lifespan. The research involved 129 healthy women and showed that elite football players had longer telomeres compared to untrained controls.

Football Fitness gives an important boost to health in women treated for breast cancer

A study by the University of Southern Denmark found that Football Fitness improves balance, strengthens muscles, and increases bone density in women treated for breast cancer. The 12-month training program reduced the risk of falls and broken bones, making everyday activities easier.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateApr 26, 2021

Music intervention and mindfulness reduces the effect of mental fatigue

A new study found that music-intervention (binaural beats) and 4 weeks of daily mindfulness training significantly reduced the effect of mental fatigue on sustained attention. The experienced mindfulness group performed better than others, indicating that practicing mindfulness helps focus and handle stressful situations.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Cognitive Enhancement·DateMar 6, 2020

Understanding unexplained low blood sugar in children: More than normal variation

Researchers have identified four novel genes related to glucose metabolism that appear to explain unexplained low blood sugar in at least four families. The discovery may lead to the development of a novel drug against diabetes. However, more studies are needed to confirm the exact functional significance of these genetic mutations.

Football scores a health hat-trick for 55- to 70-year-old women with prediabetes

A new study from the University of Southern Denmark shows that football is a surprisingly efficient type of physical training for female prediabetes patients, resulting in broad-spectrum improvements in cardiovascular, metabolic and musculoskeletal fitness. The exercise intensity and effects were similar in women and men, with impressi...

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateAug 19, 2019

55- to 70-year-old women and men with prediabetes get stronger bones with football training

A new study found that twice-weekly one-hour football training sessions combined with dietary guidance significantly improved bone health in untrained 55-70-year-olds with prediabetes. After 16 weeks, the participants showed marked improvements in clinically important sites, including a 3.2% increase in femoral neck bone mineral content.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateJul 27, 2018

Girls with high level of vitamin D have stronger muscles

A new study has found that girls with high vitamin D levels have stronger muscles than those with low levels. The association was not found in boys, and researchers are unsure why girls benefit more from vitamin D. Vitamin D is an important source of muscle strength, but the exact mechanism is still unclear.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 14, 2018

Football training in school greatly improves girls' fitness and health

In-school football training has been shown to improve the physical fitness and health of schoolgirls aged 10-12, including those with no prior experience. The study found significant reductions in blood pressure, improvements in muscle strength and balance, and enhanced jumping performance.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateJun 7, 2018

Recreational football an absolute winner for 55- to 70-year-olds with prediabetes

A 16-week study found that combining recreational football training with dietary guidance significantly improves physical fitness, reduces blood pressure, and promotes healthier weight loss. This innovative intervention demonstrates the potential for exercise and diet to prevent type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and elderly individuals.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateMay 29, 2018

New meta-analysis: Recreational football is broad-spectrum medicine

A new meta-analysis finds that 3-6 months of football training twice a week improves cardiovascular fitness by 3.51 mL/min/kg, lowers fat mass and resting heart rate, and reduces blood pressure in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Football is considered broad-spectrum medicine for lifestyle disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJan 24, 2018