Health, Body & Mind

Cells

2024.02.22

3D model: This is how the body’s building blocks are made

Human cells contain ribosomes, a complex machine that produces proteins for the rest of the body. Now the researchers have come closer to understanding how the ribosome works.

Study

2024.02.22

Fewer Ukrainian refugees in Denmark show symptoms of post-traumatic stress

A new study of Ukrainian refugees in Denmark shows a significant drop in the proportion reporting signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But while more are thriving, many are also uncertain about the future.

The brain

2024.02.22

Newly discovered brain cells play a key role in right and left turns

Researchers have discovered a network of neurons in the brain of mice that help them make right and left turns. In the future, the discovery may be used in treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

Weight loss treatment

2024.02.20

With regular exercise, medical weight loss treatment does not have to be permanent

For nearly a year, we have been debating weight loss drugs like Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda and similar products and what happens when people stop taking them. Are they able to maintain weight loss? A new Danish study…

Week Sex

2024.02.07

Week Sex: 6 myths about sexual health

Is herpes always contagious or only during outbreaks? Does the pill cause long-term infertility issues? And was female ‘hysteria’ really treated with orgasms by doctors in the past? Every year, there is an entire week…

Labour

2024.02.05

Globally, women in labour are overtreated. The consequences are dire

Too many women receive oxytocin augmentation and undergo cesarean sections, exposing both women and children to unnecessary risks, a new analysis concludes. The prevalence of overtreatment is shocking, say the…

bones

2024.02.01

45,000-year-old bones shed light on modern humans’ arrival to Northwestern Europe

Based on bones determined to be from Homo sapiens, modern humans, an international research team discovered that modern humans reached Northwestern Europe earlier than we thought, and in a much colder environment.

Climate

2024.01.31

New study reports that Greenland is a methane sink rather than a source

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have concluded that the methane uptake in dry landscapes exceeds methane emissions from wet areas across the ice-free part of Greenland. The results of the new study contribut…

GRANT

2024.01.25

EU to support psychedelic therapy for patients with progressive incurable disease

A new research project is investigating whether the psychedelic drug psilocybin can be used for the psychological treatment of people with incurable illness. Now the EU will support the project with €6.5 million.

biotech

2024.01.10

Breakthrough: Weight loss drug from highly toxic plant can now be produced in yeast

A traditional Chinese medicinal plant has huge potential as a weight loss drug. However, due to the plant’s notorious toxicity, no one has yet succeeded in exploiting it effectively. Researchers from the University of…

DNA

2024.01.10

Discoveries gleaned from human ancient DNA

Four research articles in Nature follow the genetic traces and geographical origins of human diseases far back in time. The analyses provide detailed pictures of prehistoric human diversity and migration, while proposin…

Mental health

2023.12.22

AI can spot suicidal tendencies among young people

An increasing number of young people are attempting suicide. While old methods of assessing risk factors have limited effect, artificial intelligence can help spot the most important warning signs. This is according to …

Metabolism

2023.12.19

When we get older and overweight, we develop metabolic diseases. Now we know why

Obesity and aging increase the risk of diabetes and fatty liver. Scientists have figured out what goes on inside cells and what might help stop these problems.

Precision Medicine

2023.12.13

Don’t expect cost savings from Precision Medicine

While genetic information may lead to better treatments, promises of cost savings are unfounded. Instead, a large additional bill is more likely, according to University of Copenhagen researchers.

Microbiology

2023.11.24

RNA trickery disarms the antiviral CRISPR defenses of bacteria

Bacteria-attacking viruses, known as bacteriophages, use small RNAs to disarm the CRISPR-Cas immune systems of bacteria. This discovery has now been documented by researchers at the University of Copenhagen. The…

air pollution

2023.11.22

Smog from Copenhagen’s Bispeengbuen heads straight into living rooms

A large amount of the heavy automobile pollution from Copenhagen’s Bispeengbuen thoroughfare goes straight into people's homes. This, according to a study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen. A sensor…

The brain

2023.11.09

Previously mysterious part of the brain influences sleep, movement and behaviour

The so-called extracellular space in the brain is unknown to most. Now, a new study suggests that the extracellular space may affect our sleep, motor function and behaviour.

public health

2023.11.06

We can save lives and millions with less nitrate in drinking water

Denmark could save lives and more than $300 million a year by reducing the amount of nitrate in its drinking water. This, according to calculations by researchers from the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University and…

Pregnancy

2023.11.02

Increased risk of stillbirth following infection with covid-19

A large-scale Nordic study reveals that women infected with covid-19 during pregnancy had increased risk of stillbirth. The risk was highest among women infected with the delta variant.

Data Science

2023.10.26

The blind use of AI in healthcare can lead to invisible discrimination

Artificial intelligence can help healthcare systems under pressure allocate limited resources, but also lead to more unequal access. This is demonstrated by a research collaboration between the University of Copenhagen,…