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University of Turku


Researchers create new color-changing material—could be used in anti-counterfeit markings on banknotes and passports

Researchers have developed a new material called davyne that changes color in the near-infrared region, invisible to the human eye, which could be used as an anti-counterfeit tag in banknotes and passports. The material's color-changing mechanism is similar to hackmanite, and its near-infrared activity can be switched on and off.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 4, 2026

Finnish intervention program reduces children's anxiety and improves functional ability — effects are still evident after two years

A randomized controlled trial shows that an internet-based Master Your Worries programme significantly reduces anxiety symptoms and improves functional ability in children, even after two years. The study found the positive effects of therapy to be greatest among children with more severe symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 17, 2026

Horse owners' personality and attachment style shape how they interact with and care for their horses

A new study found that horse owners' psychological characteristics, including attachment styles and personality traits, shape how frequently they ride, train, and spend quality time with their horses. Owners who spent more time with their horses tended to be more emotionally connected, while those with higher avoidant attachment styles...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAnthrozoös·DateJun 12, 2026

Oceanic Regime shifts affect subarctic moth communities — Impacts divide species into winners and losers

A recent study found that oceanic regime shifts are affecting subarctic moth communities, with some species benefiting from warmer temperatures while others decline. The study, conducted at the University of Turku in Finland, suggests that moths play a crucial role in the fragile subarctic ecosystems, and their populations can fluctuat...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateMay 28, 2026

Screen time among children and adolescents has increased over three decades – especially after COVID-19 pandemic

A new systematic review found that screen time use among children and adolescents has dramatically risen over the past three decades, with a clear increase occurring after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The review analyzed 60 peer-reviewed studies and found that older children and adolescents reported higher screen time than young...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalClinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMar 30, 2026

Lower hemoglobin levels can offer several health benefits

A new study by Finnish researchers found that lower hemoglobin levels within the normal range may be beneficial for glucose metabolism and cardiovascular health. The study, conducted on 64 adults, revealed an association between lower hemoglobin levels and improved physical fitness, heart health, and reduced liver fat.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAnnals of Medicine·DateMar 25, 2026

Next-generation OLEDs rely on finetuned microcavities

Researchers at the University of Turku developed a unified theory guiding the design of more efficient and sustainable devices. The work reveals that squeezing light too tightly inside OLEDs can reduce performance, and optimal efficiency is achieved through a delicate balance of material and cavity parameters.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateFeb 19, 2026

AI can evaluate social situations similar to humans

A new study from the University of Turku found that AI systems can accurately evaluate social features from images and videos, comparable to human evaluations. The researchers compared AI's evaluations with those made by over 2,000 humans, showing that AI's results were consistently accurate.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalImaging Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 5, 2025

Long-standing mystery in molecular biology solved: Cells measure RNA tails with a molecular stopwatch

Cells use a stopwatch-like mechanism to measure the length of messenger RNA (mRNA) tails, achieving molecular accuracy in vital processes like gene expression. The discovery reveals that two proteins, CPAC and Nab2, set the tail's length by timing their interaction, with the final length determined by a race between their speeds.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 28, 2025

Nature experiences bring depth and meaning to life

A new Finnish study reveals that nature experiences play a significant role in people's long-term well-being, particularly in boosting self-acceptance and purpose in life. The research found that younger and older participants alike valued the sense of connection with nature, which helped them tap into their own values and agency.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPeople and Nature·DateAug 26, 2025

Vaccines trigger rapid lymph node responses

Researchers discovered that vaccines induce changes in stromal cells of draining lymph nodes within hours, priming the landscape for immune responses. Different vaccines activate lymph node stromal cells differently, with some inducing specific effects on lymphatic endothelial cells.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScience Immunology·DateAug 18, 2025

Brain biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease can be detected as early as middle age

A Finnish population study reveals that middle-aged individuals can have high levels of blood-based biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study found a link between kidney disease and higher biomarker levels in middle age, as well as an association between the APOE ε4 gene and older age biomarker concentrations. Further r...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·DateJul 14, 2025