News about Nature and environment

Twenty years on, biodiversity struggles to take root in restored wetlands

While the restoration of natural areas is high on political agendas, a comprehensive new study from the University of Copenhagen shows that – after more than two decades – biodiversity growth has stalled in restored…

Conservation strategies aided by assessment of global genetic diversity

In Nature News & Views by Nogués-Bravo, D. and Rahbek, C. (2025)

Nordic biodiversity took center stage in Copenhagen

On 11-12 December 2024, University of Copenhagen hosted a workshop in the nordic biodiversity framework with researchers from Iceland, Finland, and Denmark on advancing nordic collaboration for biodiversity protection.

Two new DFF grants on arctic research awarded to Globe researchers

Two new grants to explore the adaptations and use of ancient sled dogs in SW Greenland and recent demographic changes in Arctic whales

High school students promoted to real researchers

Besides helping to collect samples or spot butterflies for research projects — non-professionals can now conduct actual laboratory work alongside professional researchers. Together with Danish high schools, the…

‘Vegetarian’ salmon might lead the way to better health for humans and fish

Plant-based salmon feed aims to make salmon production more sustainable. This can result in better fish for dinner, and knowledge about gut bacteria can also impact more sustainable feed for other farm animals.

‘Vegetarian’ salmon might lead the way to better health for humans and fish

Plant-based salmon feed aims to make salmon production more sustainable. This can result in better fish for dinner, and knowledge about gut bacteria can also impact more sustainable feed for other farm animals.

‘Vegetarian’ salmon might lead the way to better health for humans and fish

Plant-based salmon feed aims to make salmon production more sustainable. This can result in better fish for dinner, and knowledge about gut bacteria can also impact more sustainable feed for other farm animals.

Congratulation Christos!

Christos Theodorou was successfully awarded the PhD degree.

Hussam new Head of Section

Hussam Nour-Eldin takes over as Head of Section in Molecular Plant Biology from 1 October 2024. Link to Hussams Research Group at PLMOL Congratulations!

Rosa Lopez Marques becomes Professor in Plant Membrane Biotechnology

Professor Rosa Lopez Marques investigates the small, invisible processes that are crucial for plant survival. In her new position, she aims to raise awareness of how cell membranes could be the key to more robust plants…

Congratulations LIne!

PhD defence by Line Lykke Hansen on 13 September 2024.

New DNA Evidence Reveals How Early European Farmers Shaped Forest Ecosystems

Study traces ancient impact of early farmers on Central European forests using cutting-edge sedimentary DNA analysis.

Researchers investigate the environmental safely of promising new biotechnological pesticides

Biotechnological pesticides are a promising alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. But we have limited knowledge of how toxic they are to other organisms in the environment beyond regulatory assessments. A new…

New knowledge about a fungus that turns 60-80% of the flies in your home into zombies

How can a fungus take over a fly's behavior? An international group of researchers with participation from the University of Copenhagen hopes to find out with the help of a new genetic map of a unique fungus that…

Cloud forests with Prof. Kelly Tonello

The word "cloud forest" may sound foreign to many, but it is an important and essential ecosystem for biodiversity and surrounding ecosystems, albeit a small one on the global scale.

Climate change and land use impact local bird populations

Based on millions of bird observations, a new study shows how shifts in climate and land use are reshaping bird communities across Denmark.

Climate change and land use impact local bird populations

Based on millions of bird observations, a new study shows how shifts in climate and land use are reshaping bird communities across Denmark.

New podcast with Riikka Rinnan

New podcast with Riikka Rinnan VOLT's centerleder, Professor Riikka Rinnan, var for nylig inviteret til at deltage i en dansk podcast "Videnskab fra Vilde Hjerner", hvor hun diskuterede centerets formål samt…

The complexity of moss-cyanobacteria symbiosis

When people hear of symbiosis, they tend to think of it as an inherently positive term describing an equally benefiting relationship. However, symbiosis is traditionally defined as different species living together in…

Unveiling the Muddy Realities in Earth's Rapid Transformations

Unveiling the Muddy Realities in Earth's Rapid Transformations

Congratulations Laura!

In front of colleagues and family, Laura Dethier successfully defended her PhD thesis entitled ‘From soil to plant: Exploration of beneficial bacteria from a Danish natural soil’. Laura before the defense in the main…

Congratulations William!

In front of colleagues, family and friends, William Thomas Wajn successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled ‘Engineering Saccharomyces cerevisiae for glucosinolate biosynthesis'. William after the PhD defence with the…

Researchers document a tipping point for marine anoxia

Coastal anoxia cascaded on the early Earth because of a tipping point for marine anoxia. Yet, the risk is runaway anoxia is smaller today