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Uppsala University


The last day of the dinosaurs

Researchers analyzed fossilized fish bones from the Tanis locality to reconstruct the latest Cretaceous seasonality. The study reveals that the catastrophic extinction occurred during northern-hemisphere spring and affected sensitive life stages of organisms, including dinosaurs.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 23, 2022

More chemicals, fewer words: exposure to chemical mixtures during pregnancy alters brain development

A recent study found that exposure to complex mixtures of endocrine disrupting chemicals during pregnancy can impact children's brain development and language acquisition. The research, conducted in collaboration with multiple institutions, used a novel approach linking human population studies with experimental cell and animal models.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2022

Promising molecule for treatment of COVID-19

Researchers at Uppsala University have designed a molecule that inhibits the replication of coronaviruses, including the new variant, with great potential for developing an antiviral drug. The molecule has been shown to be effective against both old and new variants, offering hope for treatment options.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022

Genomic effects of inbreeding on Scandinavian wolves

Researchers at Uppsala University studied the genomic effects of inbreeding on Scandinavian wolves, finding that 10-25% of original genetic variation was lost after five generations. The study revealed a surprisingly large number of genetic variants disappeared, highlighting the risks of inbreeding in endangered species.

SourceUppsala University·JournalGenome Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

COVID-19 patients may need less oxygen than previously thought

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that all individual COVID-19 patients with low oxygen saturation levels may need lower oxygen flows than previously believed. The study's results suggest that oxygen requirements for severely ill patients are significantly lower than the World Health Organization's estimated 10 l/min.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Why some Darwin’s finch nestlings have yellow beaks

A study published in Current Biology found that a mutation affecting the expression of a key carotenoid pigment gene is responsible for the yellow color of some Darwin's finch nestlings. The genetic basis for this variation was poorly understood, but researchers were able to identify the underlying mechanism using modern genetic tools.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2021

More effective treatment of Alzheimer’s

Researchers at Uppsala University have designed new antibodies that bind to both large and small aggregates of the amyloid-beta protein, potentially providing a more effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The new antibody format is stronger in binding to clumps and can also target smaller aggregates.

SourceUppsala University·JournalTranslational Neurodegeneration·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

New method used to study how cancer cells are organized

Researchers at Uppsala University developed a new method to track individual cancer cells and their offspring over time. The study found that brain tumour cells are hierarchically organised, but with some degree of flexibility, and that drug treatment influences cell organisation. This breakthrough may lead to the development of target...

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2021

Males help keep populations genetically healthy

A new study from Uppsala University reveals that males play a crucial role in maintaining genetic health by eliminating harmful mutations. The research found that selective pressure on males leads to the purging of deleterious mutations, resulting in healthier genes and increased reproductive capacity.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEvolution Letters·DateJun 27, 2021

Decrease in prostate cancer diagnoses due to pandemic

A new study found a 36% decrease in prostate cancer diagnoses in Sweden during the first pandemic wave, with most pronounced declines among men aged 75 and over. The number of patients receiving curative treatment remained unaffected, suggesting that healthcare prioritized cancer care during the pandemic.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Urology·DateApr 29, 2021

Newly discovered immune cell function vital to healing

Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that macrophages, a common immune cell, play a crucial role in re-establishing blood flow in damaged tissue. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for cardiovascular diseases by increasing local concentrations of signal substances in damaged muscles.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 23, 2021

Gut epithelium muscles up against infection

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that the surface layer of the intestinal mucosa can contract in response to bacterial attack, preventing damage and promoting healing. This finding offers a potential solution to treating bacterial gut infections, which affect hundreds of millions worldwide.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2021