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Uppsala University


One specific gene explains many diseases

A genetic difference in the FADS1 gene affects levels of LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, as well as the risk for allergies, inflammatory diseases, and certain types of cancer. This imbalance is thought to have evolved over time due to changes in human diet.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 7, 2016

Watching how plants make oxygen

An international team of researchers visualized the process by which plants split water to produce oxygen using X-ray free-electron laser technology. This breakthrough enables the study of oxygen molecule formation and paves the way for the development of efficient clean hydrogen fuel devices.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·DateNov 21, 2016

Cooking and masculinity in Sweden

A Swedish study explores how everyday domestic cooking relates to masculinity, finding that it serves as a means of appreciation, self-fulfillment, and social connection. Cooking is seen as a key aspect of male homosociality and fathering responsibilities, with men valuing the act of cooking as much as sharing meals.

SourceUppsala University·JournalThe Sociological Review·DateNov 21, 2016

Upsalite® inhibits bacteria without penicillin

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that Upsalite has strong bacteriostatic effect on Staphylococcus epidermidis, an opportunistic bacterium causing hospital-acquired infections and acne. This finding opens up possibilities for development of materials inhibiting bacterial growth without antibiotics.

SourceUppsala University·JournalACS Omega·DateNov 18, 2016

Magma movements foretell future eruptions

Researchers from Uppsala University have analyzed crystals from recent eruptions to understand magma plumbing systems beneath Mt. Cameroon volcano. The findings suggest that shallow magma pockets play a crucial role in priming the volcano for eruption, increasing the likelihood of explosive eruptions.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 7, 2016

The psychology behind climate change denial

Research finds climate change denial correlates with political orientation, authoritarian attitudes, and a tough-minded personality. Climate change is often framed as a threat to the poor or weak, which may not be convincing for those who prioritize hierarchical power structures.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateOct 4, 2016

Biobank storage time as important as age

A new study from Uppsala University found that biobank storage time is a crucial factor in medical research, rivalling the importance of blood donor age. The researchers analyzed 380 samples from 106 women, isolating the impact of storage time to show its significant influence on test results.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateSep 5, 2016

How honeybees do without males

A study found that isolated Cape honeybees in South Africa reproduce asexually, with female workers laying eggs fertilized by their own DNA. This unique behavior is linked to genetic differences at several genes, enabling social parasitism and population survival.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 9, 2016

Why animals court their own sex

A recent study by Uppsala University researchers reveals that same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) is more common than thought and may have benefits in the opposite sex. SSB was found to increase reproductive performance in siblings of the opposite sex, suggesting a genetic mechanism driving its prevalence across various animal species.

SourceUppsala University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMay 12, 2016

Small birds' vision: Not so sharp but superfast

Research by Uppsala University and colleagues found that small passerine birds have ultra-rapid vision, with some species able to detect changes at rates of up to 146 Hz, outpacing human vision by 50 Hz. This fast vision is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation for detecting moving insects.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 18, 2016

Syntax is not unique to human language

Researchers found that Japanese great tits use specific rules to combine calls and convey compound messages, demonstrating non-human syntax. The study suggests that syntax may be a general adaptation to social complexity in communication systems.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2016

Evolution silences harmful mutations

New research from Uppsala University shows that organisms can quickly compensate for the negative effects of synonymous mutations by introducing new mutations. This study provides insights into why these mutations are detrimental to bacterial growth and survival.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 17, 2016