Press releases
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From living heritage to zombie churches
22 mars 2023
Churches are preserved by an antiquarian system that risks killing them instead of keeping them alive. The Swedish State and the Church of Sweden therefore need to define new joint visions and goals to enable the ecclesiastical cultural heritage to be used and developed. This is shown by historian of art Henrik Lindblad in a new doctoral thesis from Uppsala University.
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Uppsala scientists reveal protein synthesis mechanism in Giardia
17 mars 2023
Scientists from Uppsala University have used cryo-electron microscopy to reveal details of the protein synthesis mechanism in the parasite Giardia intestinalis, which causes diarrhoeal disease. The new insights could be valuable for screening specific drugs against Giardia and other protozoan parasites.
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Oldest sea reptile from Age of Dinosaurs found on Arctic island
13 mars 2023
For nearly 190 years, scientists have searched for the origins of ancient sea-going reptiles from the Age of Dinosaurs. Now a team of Swedish and Norwegian palaeontologists has discovered remains of the earliest known ichthyosaur or ‘fish-lizard’ on the remote Arctic island of Spitsbergen.
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Large donation for research into the human immune system
09 mars 2023
Thanks to a gift from an American donor to Uppsala University, Sweden, research into immune reactions in cases of transplantation, autoimmunity and cancer will receive a major boost. The donation, totalling USD 4.5 million, will increase opportunities to develop new treatment strategies in this vital area over the long term.
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Overweight in children increased during the pandemic
08 mars 2023
Overweight and obesity among four-year-olds increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study by Uppsala University involving over 200,000 children in Sweden. The number of children with obesity increased by some 30 percent, and there are large regional differences. The study was published in the journal Acta Paediatrica.
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“You throw up, then you cough, then you feel better or die”
02 mars 2023
Detailed images of illness, death and cancelled activities; these were some of the common themes of children’s drawings during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new study from Uppsala University, in which researchers studied 91 drawings made by children aged between 4 and 6, shows that the pandemic affected the children significantly and that they had extensive knowledge about the disease.
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New artificial model validates antibodies ability to reach the brain
24 februari 2023
A research group at Uppsala University has developed a simple and effective artificial blood-brain barrier model that can be used to determine how well antibody-based therapies can enter the brain. Today animal experimentation is the most common method for testing an antibody’s function and the new model could reduce the need for animal testing.
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Press invitation: Dag Hammarskjöld Lecture with Amina J. Mohammed
15 februari 2023
On 23 February the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J Mohammed, will give the Dag Hammarskjöld lecture in Uppsala. The lecture is open to the public.
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Antibiotics hindered treatment of urinary tract bacteria during the pandemic
14 februari 2023
The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics increased drastically in intensive care at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. At first, this helped patients avoid urinary tract infections and seemed to prevent the growth of most bacteria. However, it also contributed to a sharp growth in enterococci, an antibiotic-tolerant group of bacteria, which rendered the treatment of urinary tract infections more difficult.
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Combination of immune cells could provide clearer prognoses for cancer
08 februari 2023
Thanks to a new prognostic method for detecting cancers including cancer of the large intestine, doctors could provide clearer disease prognoses and predict which patients will respond best to immunotherapy. The method consists of a combination of two types of immune cells that characterise certain forms of cancer. This has been shown in a new study by researchers at Uppsala University to be published in the journal eBioMedicine.
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Early tastings shorten breastfeeding
18 januari 2023
The earlier infants begin to taste small samples of solid food, the earlier they eat more food and stop breastfeeding. This is shown in a new study from Uppsala University and Sophiahemmet University, in which the mothers of 1,251 infants from all over Sweden participated. Almost half of the infants received tastings at the age of four months.
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Perseverant bacteria challenge antibacterial treatment
04 januari 2023
Bacterial perseverance is a new phenomenon that helps explain how bacteria adapt to survive antibiotic treatments. A group of researchers at Uppsala University have studied how individual bacteria react when exposed to different antibiotics. The result underlines the importance of adhering strictly to antibiotic prescriptions.
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How fat takes over the lymph nodes as we age
21 december 2022
A new study from researchers at Uppsala University presents novel findings on why human lymph nodes lose their function with age and the consequences for the effectiveness of our immune system. The article has been published in The Journal of Pathology.
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Scandinavian wolves carry many harmful mutations
14 december 2022
In a new scientific study, researchers at Uppsala University have shown that Scandinavian wolves carry around 100,000 harmful mutations in their genome. As long as the harmful mutations can be compensated by a healthy genetic variant, this does not need to pose a problem. However, as there has been a high level of inbreeding in the wolf population, the occurrence of double harmful variants has increased with each generation.
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Y chromosome loss may be linked to men's increased risk of severe COVID-19
14 december 2022
Men are at an increased risk of a severe bout of COVID-19 compared to women. Researchers at Uppsala University have now shown that this may be due to loss of the Y chromosome in part of their white blood cells. The findings could eventually be used to assess the risk of developing severe COVID-19 and perhaps to improve treatment.
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Atopic dermatitis in dogs linked to certain parts of the genome
09 december 2022
Using new gene mapping methods, researchers have found connections between atopic dermatitis (eczema) in dogs and several regions of the genome. Some of the genes identified coincide with genes linked to similar problems in humans. The filaggrin gene region, for example, which is regarded as the most powerful risk factor for atopic eczema in humans, has now also been linked to this disease in Labrador retrievers.
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DNA sequence enhances understanding origins of jaws
25 november 2022
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered and characterised a DNA sequence found in jawed vertebrates, such as sharks and humans, but absent in jawless vertebrates, such as lampreys. This DNA is important for the shaping of the joint surfaces during embryo development.
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Old World flycatchers’ family tree mapped
23 november 2022
The European robin’s closest relatives are found in tropical Africa. The European robin is therefore not closely related to the Japanese robin, despite their close similarity in appearance. This is confirmed by a new study of the Old World flycatcher family, to which these birds belong. The study comprises 92 per cent of the more than 300 species in this family.
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Tablet computers make preschool children’s play less creative
21 november 2022
Preschool children's play involving tablets is less creative and imaginative compared to their play involving physical toys. This is shown in a new study by Uppsala University, and the difference is substantial. The results counter occasional claims that new technology would make children more creative.
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Safe surgical access to the central core of the human cochlea verified
08 november 2022
An international team of surgeons and scientists from, among others, Uppsala University has confirmed secure surgical access to the central core of the human cochlea. The research, published today in Scientific Reports, is critical to the first in-human trials of new cell, gene and drug therapies for the inner ear, and will assist with treatment for improving hearing loss and deafness over the long-term.
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A stem cell protein facilitates relapse of pediatric brain tumours
28 oktober 2022
The malignant brain tumour type medulloblastoma can become resistant to therapy which can cause relapse. Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a certain protein that makes tumour cells resting and insensitive to radiation treatment. The research group hopes that the results could eventually lead to better treatments for children that have the highest risk to develop relapses.
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Healthy food systems in focus at Uppsala Health Summit
19 oktober 2022
Food lies at the heart of both health and sustainable development. This year’s Uppsala Health Summit takes on the challenges associated with our food systems and how to make them healthier, more inclusive, equitable and sustainable.
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SSRIs and CBT lead to changes in the brain
18 oktober 2022
Neurochemical changes in the brain differ among patients with social anxiety treated using both SSRIs and CBT, compared to those treated using only CBT. While the combined treatment involving the medicine blocked the serotonin transporters, availability of such transporters increased in patients who only received CBT.
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Widespread variation of inherited retroviruses among Darwin’s finches
13 oktober 2022
Vertebrate genomes are repositories for retrovirus code that was deposited into germ line as inherited endogenous retroviruses during evolution. Researchers from Uppsala University and Princeton University now provide new findings about retroviral establishment and distribution among Darwin’s finches. The findings are being published in Nature Communications.
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PRESS INVITATION: Inauguration of the Alva Myrdal Centre for Nuclear Disarmament
12 oktober 2022
The current nuclear threat is the most serious since the end of the Cold War. How did we get here and what role can the new Alva Myrdal Centre for Nuclear Disarmament play? On 19 October, Uppsala University will inaugurate this highly relevant centre. Speakers at the inauguration include Beatrice Fihn, Executive Director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017, and Rupal N. Me...
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The vulnerability of surrogate mothers in a global market
11 oktober 2022
A new dissertation on surrogacy highlights Thai women's experiences of having acted as surrogate mothers. The dissertation shows the women's vulnerability in a global surrogacy industry, but also provides a more nuanced picture of what makes women seek surrogacy and how they relate to the process.
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Widespread metabolic dysregulation in different organs in type 2 diabetes
07 oktober 2022
Using state of the art techniques, researchers from Uppsala University have shown that the metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes was much more disturbed than previously known, and that it varied between organs and with the severity of the disease. The study, which is a collaboration with Copenhagen University and AstraZeneca, among others, has been published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.
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Weighted blanket increases melatonin
03 oktober 2022
A new study from Uppsala University shows that using a weighted blanket at bedtime increases melatonin in young adults. This hormone increases in response to darkness, and some evidence suggests that it promotes sleep. The findings are published in the Journal of Sleep Research.
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400 years of political science in Uppsala
30 september 2022
On 1 October this year, it will be 400 years since Johan Skytte founded a professorship in eloquence and political science. His intention was to strengthen the state administration by providing the highly qualified diplomats and civil servants that Sweden needed to maintain its position as a European great power. The Johan Skytte Professorship is the oldest active chair in political science in the world. To mark the 400th anniversary, a lectur...
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Higher temperatures make it difficult for fig tree pollinators
23 september 2022
Researchers from Uppsala University and elsewhere have been studying the effect of rising temperatures on the lifespan of pollinating fig wasps. The findings show that the wasps lived much shorter lives at high temperatures, which would make it difficult for them to travel the long distances between the trees they pollinate.
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Strong link between gut bacteria and metabolites
23 september 2022
There are strong links between bacteria living in the gut and the levels of small molecules in the blood known as metabolites. Such is the finding of a new study led by researchers from Uppsala University and Lund University, which is now published in the journal Nature Communications.
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Hjärnäpplet award goes to Johan Elf and Özden Baltekin
08 september 2022
In just 30 minutes, their test can determine which antibiotic is required to treat a urinary tract infection. Johan Elf and Özden Baltekin are recognised for their innovation, which will help reduce antibiotic resistance and advance personalised care.
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Genetic background associated with physically active lifestyle
07 september 2022
In a large international study, researchers at Uppsala University have identified DNA regions that are associated with physical activity or leisure screen time. The findings confirm that physical activity is beneficial for health and suggest that a more sedentary lifestyle can be explained by how muscles respond to exercise.
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The University to hand over human remains to Arjeplog’s Sami association
07 september 2022
Uppsala University is now handing over the remains of a man contained in the University’s collections to Arjeplog’s Sami association. He will be interred at a ceremony in Arjeplog on 9 September, along with other remains contained in Lund University’s collections.
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New model forecasts birth dates
06 september 2022
Since its launch in October last year, the Pregspect website has been used by approximately 18,000 pregnant women. Mikael Elinder, associate professor at the Department of Economics, is one of the researchers behind the service, which calculates personalised birth forecasts.
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Blood clot formation in cerebral cavernous malformations
23 augusti 2022
In the condition known as cerebral cavernoma, lesions arise in a cluster of blood vessels in the brain. In a new study from Uppsala University, researchers show that blood coagulation and blood clot formation are very relevant for the disease and that antithrombotic therapy may be beneficial for cavernoma patients.
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Game to help children with cancer
15 augusti 2022
Children with cancer can find radiotherapy distressing. A research group at Uppsala University is currently developing a computer game to prepare children for therapy and hopefully make it less scary.
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Hundreds of large habitat shifts have shaped life on Earth today
05 augusti 2022
An international team led by Uppsala University researchers has uncovered that eukaryotes (organisms with a cellular nucleus) have made hundreds of big leaps from sea to soil and freshwater habitats, and vice versa, during their evolution. The results, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, also provide insights into what the habitats of our ancient microbial ancestors looked like.
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DNA Gives Clues to Clean and Effective Energy Production
19 juli 2022
Researchers from several universities, including Uppsala University, have, by studying helical molecules in the body such as DNA, received clues as to how energy production in fuel cells can be made more efficient without admixture of carbon dioxide and heavy metals. The new research shows how the helical molecules, found naturally in all oxygen-dependent life, catalyses energy production in the cells.
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Y chromosome loss causes heart failure and death from cardiovascular disease
14 juli 2022
Loss of the Y chromosome in blood cells of men is associated with disease and mortality, but no clear causal relationship has previously been identified. Now, researchers from Uppsala University show in an international study in the journal Science that loss of the Y chromosome in white blood cells causes development of fibrosis in the heart, impaired heart function and death from cardiovascular diseases in men.
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Ancestral genetic variation essential for rapid evolution of Darwin’s finches
08 juli 2022
In a study, published in Science Advances, an international team of researchers have identified 28 gene regions that have been particularly important in the evolution of Darwin’s finches. These genetic variants do not represent recent mutations but constitute ancestral genetic variation that has accumulated over time as different species of Darwin’s finches have evolved with striking differences in beak morphology.
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New data on violent political protest in UCDP
08 juli 2022
Violent political protest has become increasingly common across the globe, with the Middle East and Africa displaying the trend most often. This is shown in a new study conducted by peace researchers at Uppsala University. In conjunction with the study, violent political protest has as of now been introduced as its own fourth category in Uppsala University’s conflict database, known as UCDP.
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New hypothesis about crocodiles’ ears may help people with impaired hearing
04 juli 2022
Impaired hearing affects over 1.2 billion people worldwide. But crocodiles, who live almost as long as humans and can surpass 70 years of age, have good hearing throughout their lives. One reason is because crocodiles can create new hair cells, and a research group from Uppsala University is now on the path to finding out why. Hopefully, knowledge from the world of crocodiles will be able to help people with impaired hearing.
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Municipal housing policy influences refugee reception
30 juni 2022
Municipalities can use their local housing policy to influence the extent to which refugees are able to settle in the municipality in the long term. While certain municipalities offer refugees permanent housing contracts, others only provide temporary contracts that make it difficult for individuals to stay and establish themselves in the municipality. These are the conclusions of a new study led by the Institute for Housing and Urban Research...
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Iceland volcano eruption opens a rare window into the Earth beneath our feet
29 juni 2022
The recent Fagradalsfjall eruption in the southwest of Iceland has enthralled the whole world, including nature lovers and scientists alike. The eruption was especially important as it provided geologists with a unique opportunity to study magmas that were accumulated in a deep crustal magma reservoir but ultimately derived from the Earth’s mantle (below 20 km).
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Oral contraceptives and hormone therapy increase the risk of stroke
28 juni 2022
A new study from Uppsala University shows that oral contraceptives and hormone therapy at menopause increase the risk of stroke. The increased risk is greatest during the first year of treatment and then declines. The study, which is now published in Stroke, is based on data from over a quarter of a million women from the UK Biobank database.
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Major increase in conflict-related deaths – approaching record levels of 2014
27 juni 2022
New data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) at Uppsala University show that at least 119,000 people died in organised violence in 2021. This is an increase of 46 per cent compared to the previous year, and the highest number since 2015.
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New inherited retroviruses identified in the koala genome
13 juni 2022
Historic virus infections can be traced in vertebrate genomes. For millions of years, these genomes have been repositories for retroviruses that incorporated their code into germline cells and were inherited as endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Researchers from Uppsala University now provide new findings about retroviral establishment in the koala genome. The findings are being published in the journal PNAS.
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Bioarchaeological evidence of very early Islamic burials in the Levant
09 juni 2022
A new study combining archaeological, historical and bioarchaeological data provides new insights into the early Islamic period in modern-day Syria. The research team was planning to focus on a much older time period but came across what they believe to be remains of early Muslims in the Syrian countryside.
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Newly discovered coronavirus common in bank voles
03 juni 2022
Researchers from the Zoonosis Science Center at Uppsala University have identified a new coronavirus. Their study of approximately 260 bank voles caught around Grimsö, Örebro County, shows that the virus is well established in Sweden’s red-backed voles. The finding has been published in the journal Viruses.