DENTAL CARE In Denmark, infection in the gums, also known as periodontitis, has developed into a common disease. Unfortunately, few people receive the right treatment, simply because too few go to the dentist regularly – possibly because we have to pay for dentistry, the researchers behind a new study argue.
NATURE A new research project from the University of Copenhagen has investigated the state of 29 Danish ant species over the past 120 years, roughly half of all native species. The researchers conclude that most of the species are doing well. They are extremely adaptable, even when faced with climate changes.
GUT BACTERIA Gut bacteria are both positively and negatively influenced by common medicines, new European research shows. Medications that lower cholesterol and blood pressure are associated with a healthier composition and function of gut bacteria, while gastric acid inhibitors and antibiotics interfere with health-promoting bacterial communities.
CANCER The ribosomes, the ‘protein factories’ in our cells, can be altered by cancer genes, a new study from the University of Copenhagen shows. This has implications for our understanding of both normal development and diseases such as cancer.
PLANTS Plants used by the indigenous population in Australia, the Aboriginal people, to fight infection, among other things, may be able to help cancer patients who are no longer susceptible to chemotherapy, a new study from the University of Copenhagen shows.
DRUGS Viruses’ only purpose is to reproduce, but a new discovery at the University of Copenhagen can help prevent that. The discovery is the result of a collaboration between Danish and Swedish researchers who have developed a molecule capable of curbing the spread of coronavirus.
IMMUNE SYSTEM When you have become immune to malaria after having contracted the disease, it seems that the body uses a more efficient protection than if you have been vaccinated against the deadly disease. This is shown in a new study from the University of Copenhagen. The researchers believe the new findings may be used to improve existing malaria vaccines.
NATURAL HISTORY The greatest increase in marine biodiversity on Earth was not due to the explosion of an asteroid, as previously believed. In fact, the explosion caused the development of new animal species to stagnate for a period of time. Instead, the answer as to why marine biodiversity increased suddenly is due to a change in the Earth's climate cycle, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen and Museum Mors.
ANIMALS Traditional Māori knowledge helped Western science discover a new beaked whale species washed ashore in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Danish scientist Morten Tange Olsen, who helped carry out the research, hopes the discovery will highlight the lack of scientific knowledge with regards to the basic biology of most beaked whale species.
GENETICS Advanced algorithms and functional animal studies have revealed a new gene linked to psychiatric disease. The gene, named KLF13, could lead to impaired development of nerve cells in the brain, potentially explaining why the gene is related to schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and epilepsy, according to the researchers behind the new study.
INEQUALITY Marginalised children and youths are admitted to hospital far more often than other children and youths are, new research from the University of Copenhagen reveals. The new study is the first ever to determine the size of this huge disease burden, and the researchers behind the study conclude that more preventive measures should be targeted at this group.
DNA Using a new, advanced DNA-based method, a research team from the University of Copenhagen has mapped the genetic material of the fabled Native American chief, Sitting Bull. The results reveal that he is in fact the great-grandfather of the well-known Lakota member Ernie LaPointe.
DISEASES For the next four years, the research project PREPARE4VBD will develop new knowledge, detection tools and surveillance systems to improve preparedness in Africa and Europe for vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks and freshwater snails to livestock and humans. The project, which is a collaboration between university and ministerial partners in Africa and Europe, has received 6 million euro in funding from EU Horizon 2020.
BIOLOGICAL CLOCK Muscle cells in patients with type 2 diabetes have a disrupted biological clock discover scientists in Copenhagen and Stockholm. The findings suggest that treatments for type 2 diabetes may be more or less effective depending on the time of day they are given.
PANDEMIC In a new study, researchers from University of Copenhagen shows that the phenomenon cell fitness could predict the host immune response to a COVID-19-infection. The discovery could prove to be important for pandemic management.
BRAIN DISEASE Meningitis is a very serious brain infection with limited treatment options. In a new study performed in rats, researchers from the University of Copenhagen present an alternative treatment based on immune cells that helps rinse away toxins that accumulate during the infection.
CANCER Women with certain mutations in BRCA2 have an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. In a new study, researchers from the University of Copenhagen show that BRCA2 requires a specific enzyme in order to repair DNA damage. The result can pave the way for more targeted treatment of a group of cancer patients with mutations in BRCA2.
FREEZING Ice-cold winter swimming and hot visits to the sauna could help the body adapt for extreme temperatures, a new study from the University of Copenhagen Shows. The winter swimmers in the study showed higher heat production in response to cold.
DRUGS Many clinical researchers and companies in the pharmaceutical industry are developing drugs for Parkinson’s Disease aimed at a specific mechanism. But they may not help the majority of patients suffering from the disease, new mouse study from University of Copenhagen suggests.
GENETICS Thousands of years ago, Ancient Siberian societies that were thought to be isolated traded their dogs with outside populations, new research from University of Copenhagen finds. The trading could have happened due to the usefulness of the dogs in hunting, herding and sledding, explains lead author of the study.