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News/A RSS feed provided by Umeå Universityen-usThu, 16 Oct 2025 20:55:00 +0200/en/news/building-with-ice_12144231/Building with ice: Umeå researchers explore low-tech Arctic architectureCan ice become a sustainable building material for the future? Researchers at Umeå School of Architecture are exploring exactly that. By combining advanced digital design tools with simple, reusable materials, they are developing new ways of shaping ice into strong, temporary structures – with potential use both in Arctic architecture and in emergency situations.Thu, 16 Oct 2025 09:35:02 +0200<p class="quote-center">Our approach combines parametric design with simple construction methods, showing that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Sustainable formwork for Arctic conditions</h2><p>For centuries, people living in cold climates have used ice and snow to create shelters and temporary constructions. Inspired by this tradition, the Umeå team set out to investigate how such methods could be reimagined for today’s needs. Their work, supported by UmArts’ Small Visionary Projects program, focuses on a modular formwork system built from wood and textile. Instead of pouring concrete, the moulds are filled with fibre-reinforced ice, known as Pykrete, which is both strong and surprisingly versatile.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Testing ideas in practice</h2><p>In January 2025, the researchers built and assembled their prototypes just outside Umeå School of Architecture. Wooden frames, reinforced with custom textile membranes, became the flexible moulds that shaped the ice. The process proved that the system can be built with simple tools and adapted to different designs. But nature was not entirely cooperative: mild winter weather made large-scale experiments difficult.</p><p>“The weather in Umeå gave us challenges, but also valuable insights into how this technique can be further developed for Arctic settings,” says Julio Diarte, assistant professor and project coordinator.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="565e2fbc-2e27-40ee-aa8c-6521ece3bef8" data-contentname="BILD JULIO">{}</div><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Innovation through simplicity</h2><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="42f43baf-0743-4ff9-b50a-b76ee8a96028" data-contentname="BILD illustration">{}</div><p>Behind the apparent simplicity lies a layer of digital innovation. Using computational design and structural simulations, the team tested how fabrics stretch, how curves can be shaped, and how the ice material behaves once frozen. This combination of high-tech planning and low-tech building methods highlights how sustainable design doesn’t always require advanced machinery – sometimes the most innovative solutions are those that can be realised with minimal resources.</p><p>“Our approach combines parametric design with simple construction methods, showing that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand,” says Elena Vazquez, associate professor responsible for digital design and structural simulations.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Looking ahead</h2><p>The project has already shown that ice can be much more than a temporary spectacle in winter festivals. With further research, it could become part of the toolkit for creating emergency shelters or temporary structures in regions where conventional building materials are scarce. Next winter, the team will continue their experiments, refining the formwork and testing its potential on a larger scale. The two researchers behind the project have also presented their findings at the 43rd Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe) Conference in Ankara, Turkey, where they shared their results with an international audience.</p>/en/news/building-with-ice_12144231//en/news/rethinking-arctic-security-in-a-time-of-tension-and-thaw_12145019/Rethinking Arctic security in a time of tension and thawOn 18 September, researchers, policymakers, and experts gathered in Oslo for the Arctic Security Conference 2025 to address one central question: how to manage polarisation and fragmentation in the Arctic. The programme spanned climate change, geopolitical tensions, indigenous knowledge, and hybrid threats, underlining the urgent need for cooperation and research to inform decisions at every level of society.Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:44:36 +0200<h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Young researchers set the tone</h2><p>The day before the main conference, early-career researchers organised and led a series of workshops that set the stage for the discussions to follow. Although these sessions were officially separate, they felt very much like a first day of the conference – full of energy, exchange, and engagement – attracting a large and attentive audience. Their sessions covered a broad range of topics, demonstrating how the next generation of Arctic experts is already shaping the debate and paving the way for the more senior voices who took the floor the following day. One urgent issue was the rise of hybrid threats, with participants emphasising that only strong democratic institutions, social cohesion, and trust can prevent such dangers from undermining societies.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="4ac5d820-031b-4e81-a9a1-3b520cd042eb" data-contentname="BILD Paul">{}</div><p>“It was inspiring to see how early-career researchers were not only participating but actively driving the conversation forward. Their initiative gave the event an energy that carried into the entire conference,” says Paul Schmidt, doctoral student at the Department of Political Science and part of the Arctic Graduate School at Umeå University. His reflections highlight the value of international arenas like this for connecting researchers across borders and disciplines.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Politics in focus</h2><p>The official conference day opened to a packed hall, underscoring the high stakes and widespread interest in Arctic security. Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, Saami Council representative Gunn-Britt Retter, Norwegian MP Ine Eriksen Søreide, and Michael Sfraga, former U.S. Arctic Ambassador-at-Large, all brought perspectives on the state of affairs in the region. The panel painted a nuanced picture of both cooperation and conflict. Particularly notable was Sfraga’s clear statement that the United States would never attempt to purchase or annex Greenland but would respect borders and the rule of law – a message that drew attention as much for its clarity as for its symbolism.</p><p class="quote-center">Security and the environment are interconnected, and both demand stronger research and cooperation.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Democracy and defence</h2><p>Later in the day, Norway’s Chief of Defence, General Erik Kristoffersen, offered a keynote that resonated strongly with the audience. He underlined that while nations must be vigilant, it is neither possible nor desirable to defend against every conceivable threat. Above all, he stressed that democracy must remain central: “No one wants to live in a country where the chief of defence and the chief of police run everyday life. We want to live in a democracy.” His remarks echoed the earlier call for resilience rooted in strong institutions and civic trust, reminding participants that security in the Arctic is ultimately about the kind of society people want to preserve.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Climate challenges overlooked</h2><p>While much of the discussion centred on geopolitics and defence, several speakers warned about the decline in Arctic climate research. With fewer opportunities for cross-border cooperation, nearly half of the Arctic has become a “scientific blind spot.” This lack of data undermines the accuracy of models and makes it harder for communities and policymakers to prepare for long-term environmental change. When participants stepped outside into 20-degree September warmth in Oslo, the reality was impossible to ignore: climate change has not paused simply because international attention has shifted.</p><p>“We must not lose sight of the climate dimension. Security and the environment are interconnected, and both demand stronger research and cooperation,” Paul reflects. His words underline the role that universities such as Umeå can play in bridging science and society, ensuring that Arctic research continues to inform decisions in a rapidly changing world.</p>/en/news/rethinking-arctic-security-in-a-time-of-tension-and-thaw_12145019//en/news/the-nordic-cryonet-symposium_12145845/The Nordic cryoNET showcased the revolution of in situ structural biologyCryo electron microscopy (cryoEM) is an important technique for biomedical researchers to study the structure and function of macromolecular complexes in isolation and inside cells. CryoNET is a Nordic network that aims to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across national borders. A main goal is to help establish state-of-the-art cryoEM as a pillar of Nordic life science research. Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:44:01 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/63266b27920d42269ebc761e07636e3c/img_6445.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/63266b27920d42269ebc761e07636e3c/img_6445.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/63266b27920d42269ebc761e07636e3c/img_6445.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/63266b27920d42269ebc761e07636e3c/img_6445.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/63266b27920d42269ebc761e07636e3c/img_6445.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/63266b27920d42269ebc761e07636e3c/img_6445.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Group photo of the participants of the cryoNET Symposium 2025</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ainhoa Querejeta</span></div></div><p>The symposium, which took place on the 1st to the 2nd of October at Umeå University, brought together 140 at all career stages - from master’s students to professors. Over these two days, invited speakers, selected talks by participants, poster and networking sessions highlighted the latest discoveries in the field.</p><p>What stood out most was the atmosphere: a shared enthusiasm for meeting in person and strengthening the community. As Rooshanie Ejaz, a student supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, noted:</p><p class="quote-center">Since lab work can often be quite independent, events like these are a great opportunity to build connections and feel part of a vibrant community</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/63266b27920d42269ebc761e07636e3c/processed-46b7c7dd-4bca-4d1c-955a-7a8d27fbf6d8.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/63266b27920d42269ebc761e07636e3c/processed-46b7c7dd-4bca-4d1c-955a-7a8d27fbf6d8.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/63266b27920d42269ebc761e07636e3c/processed-46b7c7dd-4bca-4d1c-955a-7a8d27fbf6d8.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/63266b27920d42269ebc761e07636e3c/processed-46b7c7dd-4bca-4d1c-955a-7a8d27fbf6d8.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/63266b27920d42269ebc761e07636e3c/processed-46b7c7dd-4bca-4d1c-955a-7a8d27fbf6d8.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/63266b27920d42269ebc761e07636e3c/processed-46b7c7dd-4bca-4d1c-955a-7a8d27fbf6d8.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Sunanda Chhetri, Irina Gutche, Laura Belot and Lorene Gonnin enjoing the poster session at the cryoNET Symposium.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Sara Sandin</span></div></div><p>Bernt Eric Uhlin, professor at Umeå University who has been involved with cryoNET since its inception, gave a thoughtful reflection:</p><p class="quote-center">I am now retired, but why should I give up my passion?</p><p>His remarks captured the core spirit of the event, driven by genuine passion for research and collaboration. Whether during the talks or informal coffee breaks, that enthusiasm was clear.</p><p>The hall was filled with thoughtful discussions and meaningful exchanges between peers, mentors, and collaborators. A key highlight was the poster session, where PhD students and Postdocs presented their work. While all contributions were impressive, the organisation team is pleased to congratulate our award winners:</p><ul><li><strong>Adriana Chrenková</strong> – Understanding sucrose transport in plants</li><li><strong>Bianca Korse</strong> – Structural basis of GRAF1-mediated membrane tubulation</li><li><strong>Liya Mukhamedova</strong> – Initial stages of enteroviral infections</li></ul><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="d0851952-2fd1-4c40-ae85-86107fd7179e" data-contentname="cryoNET2025_1">{}</div><p>As with any event, the symposium concluded, leaving a strong sense of progress and optimism for what lies ahead. In 2026, the cryoNET symposium will take place in Copenhagen. The cryoNet committee in Umeå extends our sincere thanks to Aarhus University, the University of Copenhagen, Stockholm University, and Umeå University, as well as to our generous sponsors: the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, Wenner-Gren Foundation, Thermo Fisher, UCMR, and MIMS.</p>/en/news/the-nordic-cryonet-symposium_12145845//en/news/molecular-bodyguard-helps-infections-persist_12145023/“Molecular bodyguard” helps infections persistResearchers at Umeå University have identified a key molecular player that helps bacteria survive the hostile environment inside the body. Their study reveals how the protein RfaH acts as a protective shield for bacterial genes — and points to new strategies for fighting persistent infections. Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:14:25 +0200<p>“The human body is a very stressful place for bacteria,” says Kemal Avican research group leader at Department of Molecular Biology and Icelab at Umeå University and leader of the study. “During infection, the immune system attacks, nutrients are scarce, and microbes are exposed to bile salts, acids and heat. We looked at how RfaH helps bacteria deal with that stress by turning on the right survival genes at the right time.”</p><p>Persistent bacterial infections pose a major challenge in medicine: bacteria can linger in the body long after acute symptoms fade, evading immune defenses and surviving antibiotic treatment. In diseases like tuberculosis, this leads to relapse and makes treatment difficult.</p><h3>Keeps critical genes switched on</h3><p>Using <em>Yersinia pseudotuberculosis</em> as a model bacterium that infects the gut, Kemal Avican and his team showed that RfaH is essential for bacterial persistence.</p><p>RfaH acts like a molecular bodyguard, ensuring transcription—the step where DNA is copied into a messenger molecule that guides protein production—runs to completion.</p><p>“The protein hops onto the transcription machinery and helps it stay on track so the full set of genes is read to the end. This makes RfaH an anti-terminator – it prevents the termination of transcription”, explains Kemal Avican.</p><p>“When we removed RfaH, the bacteria's ability to establish long-term infection dropped dramatically!” he adds.</p><h3>Surviving the stress of a hostile environment</h3><p>The researchers found that RfaH production ramps up precisely when bacteria need it most—in late growth stages and when conditions turn hostile.</p><p>In mouse experiments, the difference was stark: nearly all animals became infected with normal bacteria, but only about one in five became infected when bacteria lacked RfaH. This translated to much higher survival rates among the mice.</p><p>Many bacterial genes are arranged in long stretches called operons. Without RfaH, the cellular machinery that reads these genes can stall or stop prematurely. RfaH prevents this, ensuring bacteria can produce surface structures, secrete toxins, and resist stress from the body's defenses.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d5012fe72b7f48cb9a0fabe43f3f6fbb/yersinia_pseudotuberculosis_drfah_salt_kemal_avican.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d5012fe72b7f48cb9a0fabe43f3f6fbb/yersinia_pseudotuberculosis_drfah_salt_kemal_avican.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d5012fe72b7f48cb9a0fabe43f3f6fbb/yersinia_pseudotuberculosis_drfah_salt_kemal_avican.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d5012fe72b7f48cb9a0fabe43f3f6fbb/yersinia_pseudotuberculosis_drfah_salt_kemal_avican.png?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d5012fe72b7f48cb9a0fabe43f3f6fbb/yersinia_pseudotuberculosis_drfah_salt_kemal_avican.png?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d5012fe72b7f48cb9a0fabe43f3f6fbb/yersinia_pseudotuberculosis_drfah_salt_kemal_avican.png?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Atomic force microscopy images of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis cells that lack the RfaH protein growing under high salt condition. As a result of not having RfaH, the bacteria have faulty surfaces which cause them to clump together in a stressful, high-salt environment.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Kemal Avican</span></div></div><p> </p><h3>Insights for future antimicrobial therapies</h3><p>The research revealed that RfaH controls the production of a key component of the surface of bacteria - the O-antigen. Without RfaH, this outer coat becomes defective. But RfaH's influence extends further, activating many “downstream” genes involved in attachment, movement, and nutrient transport.</p><p>RfaH itself is present in many bacteria, including harmless members of the microbiota. That is why genes influenced by RfAH through activation or signaling - downstream genes - could provide promising new selective targets to stop persistent infections, the researchers say.   </p><p>“This antimicrobial approach could disarm pathogenic bacteria without disturbing the beneficial ones”, says Joram Kiriga Waititu, postdoctoral fellow at Department of Molecular Biology, and first author of the study.</p><p>While <em>Yersinia pseudotuberculosis</em> usually causes an infection in humans that can heal on its own, it serves as a valuable model for gut bacteria that can cause long-term or recurrent disease, such as <em>Escherichia coli</em>, <em>Salmonella</em> and <em>Helicobacter</em>. In this way, the findings could pave the way for new strategies to tackle hard-to-treat gut infections.</p><p> </p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="e5e74599-5e42-43a1-8e3d-5a0dec6acbf5" data-contentname="About the study">{}</div>/en/news/molecular-bodyguard-helps-infections-persist_12145023//en/news/new-discovery--bacterial-bubbles-hitchhike-to-reach-the-cell-surface_12145601/New discovery – bacterial “bubbles” hitchhike to reach the cell surfaceResearchers at Umeå University have discovered that the microscopic “bubbles” released by bacteria in our body do not just drift around randomly. Instead, they use the thin protrusions of cells as a transport route to quickly and efficiently reach their target with their contents.Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:41:18 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/c7dbfe4dff834c15a3ecaf17da2c1d5b/anna_arnqvist_lab_2700_230223_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c7dbfe4dff834c15a3ecaf17da2c1d5b/anna_arnqvist_lab_2700_230223_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c7dbfe4dff834c15a3ecaf17da2c1d5b/anna_arnqvist_lab_2700_230223_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/c7dbfe4dff834c15a3ecaf17da2c1d5b/anna_arnqvist_lab_2700_230223_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c7dbfe4dff834c15a3ecaf17da2c1d5b/anna_arnqvist_lab_2700_230223_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c7dbfe4dff834c15a3ecaf17da2c1d5b/anna_arnqvist_lab_2700_230223_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Anna Arnqvist is professor at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">increases the understanding of how bacteria and cells interact</p><p>“This is a mechanism that increases the understanding of how bacteria and cells interact and, by extension, how we understand and fight infections,” says Anna Arnqvist, professor at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University, who led the study.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Drones with delivery</h2><p>All living cells can release nano-sized fluid-filled structures that resemble “bubbles”, so-called vesicles. Bacteria also release such vesicles, and despite their small size, they can carry everything from toxins to proteins and DNA that affects how the receiving host cell reacts.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareleft"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/c7dbfe4dff834c15a3ecaf17da2c1d5b/zia_32.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c7dbfe4dff834c15a3ecaf17da2c1d5b/zia_32.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c7dbfe4dff834c15a3ecaf17da2c1d5b/zia_32.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/c7dbfe4dff834c15a3ecaf17da2c1d5b/zia_32.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c7dbfe4dff834c15a3ecaf17da2c1d5b/zia_32.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c7dbfe4dff834c15a3ecaf17da2c1d5b/zia_32.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Zia Ur Rehman, a postdoctoral fellow in Anna Arnqvist's group when the study was conducted. He is now a researcher at Kohat University in Pakistan</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>private</span></div></div><p>“The vesicles act as messengers between each other and to cells, much like tiny drones that deliver their content,” explains Zia Ur Rehman, first author. He was postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Medichal Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University when the study was carried out.</p><p>While previous research has focused on a better understanding of how cells take up vesicles and what effects they cause, the question of how the vesicles reach the surface of the cell body where the uptake occurs has remained unanswered.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Not moving randomly</h2><p>The new study shows that vesicles near host cells do not just drift around randomly. Instead, they hitchhike on thin, hair-like protrusions on the cell surface, called filopodia. Filopodia are rich in actin proteins and play important roles in cell movement, contraction and sensing of the environment. Anna Arnqvist and her colleagues discovered that vesicles utilize filopodia either by "surfing" along them, much like sliding down a railing, or by being actively pulled inward when the filopodia contract.</p><p>This mode of transport efficiently captures vesicles from the surrounding environment and moves them from the outer edge of the cell to the cell body, where they can internalize and thereby deliver their contents to the host cell.</p><p>Using advanced high-resolution microscopy techniques, the team was able to observe vesicles interacting with filopodia in real time and even measure their speed as they surfed forward or were pulled inward.</p><p>“The speed when they surfed forward was an average of 1 nanometer per second. When they were pulled inward, it was faster, an average of 30 nanometers per second, which means it moved about its own length in one to two seconds,” says Zia Ur Rehman.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Universal strategy in bacteria</h2><p>“Importantly, we saw that the vesicles use the same transport mechanism regardless of which bacterium the vesicles came from, or which tissue the recipient cells belonged to. This suggests that this is a universal strategy that bacteria use,” says Anna Arnqvist.</p><p>Because vesicles mimic the surface of their parent bacteria and carry a wide range of molecules, they can affect host cells in many ways. In addition to delivering harmful substances, the vesicles can act as "decoys" to protect bacteria from attack by the immune system.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Preventing and treating infections</h2><p>Since bacterial vesicles already play a key role in infection biology medicine, for example as delivery systems for drugs or vaccines, this study provides important new knowledge about the very first contact with the host cell.</p><p>“Our long-term goal with the research is to understand how bacterial vesicles hijack host cells and translate this knowledge into new methods that can prevent or treat infections,” says Anna Arnqvist.</p><p>The study has been published in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles. It has been funded by the Swedish Cancer Society. The analyses were carried out at the Biochemical Imaging Centre Umeå (BICU) and Umeå Centre for Electron Microcopy (UCEM) at Umeå University.</p>/en/news/new-discovery--bacterial-bubbles-hitchhike-to-reach-the-cell-surface_12145601//en/news/abisko-stay-strengthens-research-on-digital-statehood_12143605/Abisko stay strengthens research on digital statehoodFor Dr. Michel Rouleau-Dick, three days in Abisko meant more than access to scientific resources—it was also his first encounter with the Arctic landscape, which will shape his research and his life in the North.Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:58:59 +0200<h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Advancing research on digital statehood</h2><p>From 22 to 25 September, Dr. Michel Rouleau-Dick, postdoctoral fellow at the Centre for Transdisciplinary AI and newly appointed Arctic Six Fellow, spent three days at the Abisko Scientific Research Station to develop his research on digital statehood and multi-layered sovereignty. During the visit, he took advantage of the station’s extensive library resources, which provided unique materials to enhance and refine his project.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Connecting with the Arctic environment</h2><p>This stay above the Arctic Circle also allowed Dr. Rouleau-Dick with the chance to familiarise himself with the region, as he only recently moved to the North earlier this year. Besides the scientific work, the Arctic landscape itself became a source of inspiration. An enthusiastic amateur photographer, he explored the area and captured the dramatic seasonal change—from vibrant birch forests in yellow and orange to the snow-covered peaks that surround the station.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="a3226d7c-8c15-4377-9234-a633bb90aeb0" data-contentname="BILD TOP">{}</div><p class="quote-center">Spending time in Abisko has provided me with not only access to exceptional scientific resources but also a deeper connection to the Arctic environment.</p><p>Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Rouleau-Dick noted:</p><p>"Spending time in Abisko has provided me with not only access to exceptional scientific resources but also a deeper connection to the Arctic environment. Experiencing the landscape firsthand adds a new dimension to my research and reinforces my commitment to exploring the complexities of sovereignty in this region."</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="087ddb4c-72d6-4b34-bea9-57b2c2b2d2ec" data-contentname="BILD Abisko">{}</div><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Engaging with ongoing research</h2><p>During his visit, Dr. Rouleau-Dick also attended a lecture by Keith Larson, Director of the Arctic Centre, who shared insights from his long-term research on permafrost thaw. This project, which involves collaborations with high school students in collecting soil samples, demonstrates how Arctic research combines advanced science with local participation.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Looking ahead</h2><p>Returning from Abisko, Dr. Rouleau-Dick brings not only valuable academic insights but also a personal connection to the Arctic environment that will influence his future work. His time at the research station marks a significant step in anchoring his project in the region's realities, blending scholarly investigation with the firsthand experience of the North.</p>/en/news/abisko-stay-strengthens-research-on-digital-statehood_12143605//en/news/when-listeria-bacteria-go-to-fine-dining_12144793/When Listeria bacteria go to fine diningJörgen Johansson, professor of molecular biology at Umeå University, has studied the Listeria bacteria for 25 years. He is following the outbreak at a top restaurant in Stockholm this week with great interest. We ask him five curious questions:Fri, 03 Oct 2025 11:01:18 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/ee5557ec51cb4204948951ba39c5df2a/dag1_mg_07083.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ee5557ec51cb4204948951ba39c5df2a/dag1_mg_07083.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ee5557ec51cb4204948951ba39c5df2a/dag1_mg_07083.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/ee5557ec51cb4204948951ba39c5df2a/dag1_mg_07083.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ee5557ec51cb4204948951ba39c5df2a/dag1_mg_07083.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ee5557ec51cb4204948951ba39c5df2a/dag1_mg_07083.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Listeria can grow on agar plates at incredibly low temperatures. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Eva-Maria Diehl</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">For a healthy individual, it takes an incredible number of bacteria – several billion! – to get really sick</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">How serious is the current outbreak in Stockholm, and what are you following particularly closely in its development?</h2><p>“The outbreak is serious because it has affected so many healthy people in a short period of time. Normally, people who have some form of weakened immune system are affected, such as pregnant women, the elderly and cancer patients. It is also remarkable that it has happened so quickly, from some of those involved, getting the infection to becoming seriously ill."</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/ee5557ec51cb4204948951ba39c5df2a/jorgen_johansson_bild.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ee5557ec51cb4204948951ba39c5df2a/jorgen_johansson_bild.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ee5557ec51cb4204948951ba39c5df2a/jorgen_johansson_bild.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/ee5557ec51cb4204948951ba39c5df2a/jorgen_johansson_bild.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ee5557ec51cb4204948951ba39c5df2a/jorgen_johansson_bild.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ee5557ec51cb4204948951ba39c5df2a/jorgen_johansson_bild.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Jörgen Johansson is professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>privat</span></div></div><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">You have been researching the listeria bacteria for over two decades – what makes it so fascinating from a scientific perspective?</h2><p>“Listeria is a bit like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as it can live in the soil and multiply without any problems. Sometimes, however, it can enter the food chain, usually through dairy production or in fishery products, and then become an extremely aggressive and "successful" pathogen that can have a mortality rate of up to 30 percent.”</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">What do we know today about how Listeria manages to enter the human body and cause disease?</h2><p>“Listeria is probably one of the bacteria that we know best about how it causes disease and how it interacts with the human cell. The bacterium enters the body by eating food contaminated with Listeria and enters the intestinal epithelial layer.”</p><p>“For a healthy individual, it takes an incredible number of bacteria – several billion! – to get really sick. In those cases, the bacteria make their way from the epithelial cells into the bloodstream where they usually spread to the liver and spleen and multiply. In a healthy individual, the immune system takes care of the bacteria, but if you have a weakened immune system, the bacteria can spread into the blood and cause sepsis or get into the brain and cause meningitis. In pregnant women, the bacteria can enter through the amniotic sac to the fetus. The later stages of the infection have a mortality rate of up to 30 percent.”</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Is there something about Listeria in particular that makes it extra difficult to control in food handling?</h2><p>“Listeria can grow at incredibly low temperatures. In my lab, for example, we have grown the bacteria on agar plates that we have placed on ice. Even if you buy a food with few Listeria bacteria, its ability to grow at low temperatures means that after a week or so you can have enormous amounts of bacteria in the food. In addition, it can withstand very high salt concentrations. I usually use Paris as an example where I was a postdoctoral fellow at the Pasteur Institute. Just a few hundred meters away, on certain days you can buy cheese at a food market that is made from unpasteurized cheese. Even if there are few bacteria when you buy it, there can be an incredible number of bacteria if you take it home and eat it after a few weeks.”</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">What about Listeria and antibiotic resistance?</h2><p>“Listeria is still (mostly) susceptible to antibiotics. However, it can be good to be prepared for the fact that it will at some point become antibiotic resistant, which is true for all pathogenic bacteria.”</p>/en/news/when-listeria-bacteria-go-to-fine-dining_12144793//en/news/we-must-protect-both-security-and-freedom_12144314/Police counterterrorism work examined in new thesisHow can society respond to a growing terrorist threat without undermining democracy? This question is at the heart of Susanna Bellander's doctoral thesis at Umeå University. "We must stop viewing security and freedom as a zero-sum game. In times of unrest, we need to protect both, simultaneously," says Susanna Bellander, doctoral student at Unit for Police Work. Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:51:36 +0200<p>Susanna Bellander has been a police officer for 15 years and has worked as an investigator of serious crimes and intelligence operations, as well as with terrorism and counter-terrorism, both operationally and strategically. In her research, she has combined document analysis, interviews with police employees in 2022 and 2025, and a national survey study following the terrorist attack in Stockholm in 2017.</p><p>The results show that security measures are often prioritised at the expense of preventive efforts and democracy-building work. According to Susanna Bellander, there is a clear imbalance, with reactive measures being given better conditions for implementation than democracy-building efforts.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/5b247777fa044554a1e677c137cc9e5e/susanna_bellander2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/5b247777fa044554a1e677c137cc9e5e/susanna_bellander2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/5b247777fa044554a1e677c137cc9e5e/susanna_bellander2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/5b247777fa044554a1e677c137cc9e5e/susanna_bellander2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/5b247777fa044554a1e677c137cc9e5e/susanna_bellander2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/5b247777fa044554a1e677c137cc9e5e/susanna_bellander2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Susanna Bellander, affiliated as doctoral student at Unit of Police Work. Photo: Sophia Nilsson Södertörns högskola.</p></div></div><p>"As a police officer, I have seen the need for strong measures in critical situations. As a researcher, I have learned that long-term security requires something more – a constant awareness of what we risk losing if democracy is compromised in the name of protection," says Susanna Bellander.</p><h3>Vulnerable members of society are hit harder</h3><p>Research also shows that people with a low quality of life, or a weak sense of belonging to Swedish society, are hit harder by fear and reduced trust in the wake of terrorist attacks. This points to the need for inclusive strategies that strengthen the resilience of society as a whole – not just protect against threats. The thesis argues that effective counter-terrorism must be proportionate, responsible and integrated – with a focus on both protection and rights.</p><p>Susanna Bellander has defended her thesis at the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, which she believes is obvious:</p><p>"Terrorism has a profound impact on people's health – from direct victims to emergency services personnel, witnesses and society as a whole. Counterterrorism also has extensive health aspects that are important to study."</p>/en/news/we-must-protect-both-security-and-freedom_12144314//en/news/anne-bridges-virology-and-cardiology-as-new-myocarditis-research-emerges_12142115/Virology and cardiology are combined in new research on the heartMyocarditis is a serious inflammation of the heart muscle that can hit young, healthy people hard—and without warning. In the worst cases, it can lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac death. Researcher Anne Tuiskunen Bäck is working to close key knowledge gaps in diagnostics, risk assessment, and follow-up of patients.Mon, 29 Sep 2025 12:33:02 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/anne_och_amina2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/anne_och_amina2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/anne_och_amina2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/anne_och_amina2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/anne_och_amina2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/anne_och_amina2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Researcher Anne Tuiskunen Bäck and her PhD Amina Hayat.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">it is very important to obtain new knowledge</p><p>“It is very important to obtain new knowledge, so that we can more easily make the correct diagnosis and find risk groups. Most people with myocarditis recover on their own, but some patients develop heart complications. If we can identify these patients early, we could implement preventive measures,” says Anne Tuiskunen Bäck, a specialist in cardiology at Norrland University Hospital and a researcher at Umeå University.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Viruses most common cause</h2><p>You often hear that you should avoid exercise when you have a cold – and there is a good reason: the risk of myocarditis. In the Western world, myocarditis is most often caused by viruses, but bacteria, fungi, parasites, side effects of certain cancer drugs or autoimmune diseases can also be behind it. In the disease, the immune system overreacts and attacks the heart muscle, which can impair the heart's ability to pump blood around the body.</p><p>“No specific treatments exist, and in most cases, the disease is mild and transient. We usually let go of patients completely when the myocarditis appears to have healed and all tests have normalized. We urge them to avoid physical activity for a couple of months, which can be difficult, especially for younger people, to follow,” says Anne Tuiskunen Bäck.</p><p>However, myocarditis can cause long-term complications and, in some cases, become chronic if the inflammation does not heal completely. Over time, the heart loses its elasticity and enlarges, as the heart wall thins when heart muscle cells are replaced by scar tissue. In the most severe cases, this can lead to terminal heart failure, where a heart transplant becomes necessary to survive. Today, there is a lack of knowledge about how to identify early on which patients are at risk of being affected.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/hjartbild_14.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/hjartbild_14.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/hjartbild_14.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/hjartbild_14.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/hjartbild_14.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/hjartbild_14.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Patients who come to the hospital experience symptoms such as unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath and palpitations.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Johnér bildbyrå</span></div></div><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Lack of research</h2><p>Anne Tuiskunen Bäck got the idea for her research project two years ago when her clinic director asked her to look through the clinical management plan for myocarditis patients, which is based on the European Society of Cardiology guidelines.</p><p>“I was surprised; the guidelines were from 2013! Unlike the guidelines for myocardial infarction, which are updated every five years. The lack of updated guidelines is due to the absence of large clinical studies on myocarditis,” says Anne Tuiskunen Bäck.</p><p>In the scientific literature, Anne saw a clear lack of research on how infections affect myocarditis. She also reacted to the lack of communication between virology and cardiology – two fields that would benefit from collaborating more. That is where the interest was sparked.</p><p>“I got involved in how we could improve the routines for long-term follow-up, to identify patients at risk of developing severe cardiac complications and also to look for better tools for diagnosing myocarditis,” says Anne.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Follow-up for 25 years</h2><p>Last year, Anne Tuiskunen Bäck began the extensive work of preparing the clinical study – a process that requires careful planning and extensive administration. Since the study involves data from humans, approval is required from the Swedish Ethics Review Authority, an authority for all clinical research in Sweden. Anne eventually received permission to follow newly diagnosed patients until the year 2050 and previous cases of myocarditis in Västerbotten since 2009.</p><p>The study is now operating at a high level of activity. The newly diagnosed patients (the acute patient group) submit repeated samples during the days they are hospitalized and then at return visits. The other patient group who has had myocarditis previously submits a blood sample via their local health care centre.</p><p>“We will follow each patient for a really long time through medical records regarding their heart health and compare with what we see in their samples to find new diagnostic and risk markers.”</p><p>Anne Tuiskunen Bäck has recently been awarded 500,000 kronor from the Norrländska Hjärtfonden for the research project, an addition that gives the work a new boost. She has recruited Amina Hayat, a specialist in cardiology, as a doctoral student. Amina is responsible, among other things, for contacting new participants in the study. In the Autumn, the research group will be further strengthened when two postdoctoral fellows join to work on the project.</p><p>“The turnout of participants is overwhelming. One 20-year-old even said that it felt like a privilege to be part of the study, that makes it extra fun!”</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/biomedicinsk-analytiker_7295-250513-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/biomedicinsk-analytiker_7295-250513-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/biomedicinsk-analytiker_7295-250513-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/biomedicinsk-analytiker_7295-250513-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/biomedicinsk-analytiker_7295-250513-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c00ba5c48dc341d3a9ec62440fdb461c/biomedicinsk-analytiker_7295-250513-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The patients being followed are asked to provide blood samples. <span class="photo" style="color: #666666; font-size: 0.66667rem; text-wrap-mode: nowrap;">Image</span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 0.66667rem; text-wrap-mode: nowrap;">Mattias Pettersson</span></p></div></div><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">New biomarkers for diagnosis</h2><p>It is difficult to diagnose suspected myocarditis. The doctor performs a physical examination and looks at the patient's symptoms, takes blood samples, an ECG, a cardiac ultrasound and performs an MRI scan of the heart. Early biopsy – a tissue sample from the heart – is the most reliable way to make a diagnosis but is also fraught with several limitations and uncertainties.</p><p>“For this reason, we do it extremely rarely. If the patient is not terminally ill with their heart disease, there is very little benefit in retrieving a biopsy from the heart. That is the reasoning.”</p><p>As a result, the diagnosis is often based on a probability assessment rather than a definitive conclusion. The fact that many cases probably also go under the radar is another reason for the lack of reliable statistics on how many people are affected by myocarditis in Sweden each year.</p><p>The second part of the project focuses on finding new biomarkers for diagnosing myocarditis. Anne Tuiskunen Bäck is investigating whether a blood test can replace tissue tests. She and her colleagues analyse lab samples from the patients, including using metagenomics to find out which virus is involved, and also map the patients' genome to see if genetic factors increase the risk. In collaboration with other research groups, they will study the immune response and metabolomics of the patients at a later stage.</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">Cardiology and virology in combination</h2><p>This is a typical example of a translational project, which means that basic research solves questions raised in the clinic. In this way, Anne Tuiskunen Bäck uses both her knowledge in virology and her clinical competence as a medical doctor. The research is also interdisciplinary and spans virology, cardiology and genetics.</p><p>The study is extensive. It involves several clinics, many colleagues and patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. There are also discussions about scaling up the study to other hospitals in Sweden.</p><p>Cardiology is a dynamic and research-intensive field that naturally interacts with virology, notes Anne Tuiskunen Bäck.</p><p>“It is both exciting and fun to combine two fields. Having one foot in virology and one in cardiology works great – and feels innovative.”</p>/en/news/anne-bridges-virology-and-cardiology-as-new-myocarditis-research-emerges_12142115//en/news/when-trees-become-co-actors_12142895/<description>How can art shift our perception of forests—from raw material to living companions? Through installations and performances in Umeå and abroad, Puerto Rican artist and architect Luis Berríos-Negrón, associate professor at Umeå School of Architecture, explores ways of listening to, nurturing, and co-existing with trees. His work opens new spaces for reckoning with the climate crisis, industrialisation, and colonialism, while reimagining reforestation as a cultural and relational practice. </description><pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:09:57 +0200</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">From Lab to Stage: Guataubá Turns Science into Sensory Experience </h2><p>In December 2024, Berríos-Negrón transformed the UPSC Wallenberg Tree Phenotyping Platform—generally reserved for highly technical plant research—into a space of art and encounter. His performance Guataubá unfolded as a multisensory tree nursery, where sound, movement, and choral voices invited the audience to imagine trees as sentient beings rather than economic resources. Collaborating with Copenhagen-based artist Félix Becker and the Umeå Barockkör, he blurred the boundaries between science and ritual, observation and care. </p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Caudex at Arboretum Norr – An Infrastructure for Tree Care </h2><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="bac50304-74d6-4c1b-bdb2-54bd37662733" data-contentname="BILD Caudex_2">{}</div><p>Earlier this year, Berríos-Negrón unveiled Caudex at Arboretum Norr in Baggböle, Umeå. Developed together with Arboretum staff, the installation is designed as a long-term support structure for “tree nursing”—the practice of listening to and caring for young treelings. To inaugurate this living infrastructure, he staged the performance Trophic Auscultation, featuring local musicians who played alongside the trees in acts of attunement and reciprocity. The work highlights the importance of collaboration between artists, scientists, and the wider community in shaping more sustainable relations with nature.</p><p>“For me, tree nursing is not only about nurturing diversity for young trees, but about learning, again, how to live in co-inhabitancy with forests. It’s a practice of personhood—listening, caring, and recognising that trees are as much actors as humans are in our shared future,” says Luis Berríos-Negrón</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Rethinking Reforestation – Between Puerto Rico, Denmark, and Sweden</h2><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="7694af8c-5cdd-4ef9-80d0-804408e1bc69" data-contentname="Bild Caudex_3">{}</div><p>These works build on Berríos-Negrón’s postdoctoral research, which compares reforestation efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria (2017–2022) with initiatives in Denmark and Sweden. While replanting trees is often framed as a technical fix for global warming and a cornerstone of the “Green Transition,” his work raises deeper questions: Whose knowledge counts in these processes? How can reforestation respond to biodiversity loss without repeating industrial and colonial patterns? By placing different regions in dialogue, he highlights how art can open new ways of seeing and practising reforestation beyond economic and technocratic frames.</p><p class="quote-center">For me, tree nursing is not only about nurturing diversity for young trees, but about learning, again, how to live in co-inhabitancy with forests.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Art as Geo-Aesthetics and Practice of Care </h2><p>Across installations, performances, and video essays, Berríos-Negrón develops what he calls “tree nursing” as both a gesture and a method. By attending to trees as co-actors, his work reimagines reforestation as a geo-aesthetic practice under revision—one that listens to landscapes, acknowledges colonial trauma, and nurtures rituals of care across borders and species. This perspective invites us to rethink not only how forests are managed, but also how humans situate themselves in relation to the more-than-human world. </p><p>Later this autumn, Berríos-Negrón will present these works at the<strong> 6th International Geomedia Conference in Karlstad</strong>, bringing Umeå’s art–science collaborations into an international dialogue. </p></atom:content><link>/en/news/when-trees-become-co-actors_12142895/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/milk-derived-molecule-strengthens-gut-health-even-with-unhealthy-diet_12142933/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/milk-derived-molecule-strengthens-gut-health-even-with-unhealthy-diet_12142933/</guid><title>Milk-derived molecule strengthens gut health even with unhealthy dietA Western diet, rich in fat and poor in fibre, can weaken the gut protective mucosa and increase the risk of infection and inflammation. Now, Umeå researchers have identified a milk-derived molecule that can significantly strengthen the function of the intestinal mucosa and pave the way for new dietary strategies.Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:08:59 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/901353848d8741eba0f0469b1fa4ad09/4_img_3433_kopiera3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/901353848d8741eba0f0469b1fa4ad09/4_img_3433_kopiera3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/901353848d8741eba0f0469b1fa4ad09/4_img_3433_kopiera3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/901353848d8741eba0f0469b1fa4ad09/4_img_3433_kopiera3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/901353848d8741eba0f0469b1fa4ad09/4_img_3433_kopiera3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/901353848d8741eba0f0469b1fa4ad09/4_img_3433_kopiera3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Researcher Björn Schröder and postdoctoral fellow Supapit Wongkuna have identified a milk-based molecule that can significantly strengthen the function of the gut mucosa.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">the molecule can act as as a decoy substrate for mucus-degrading bacteria</p><p>“Our study shows that the milk-derived molecule can act as as a decoy substrate for mucus-degrading bacteria, which helps to protect the host's mucus barrier even in the fibre-deficient conditions, says researcher Björn Schröder, Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, who has led the study.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Positive effects on the gut</h2><p>The molecule in question, casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP), is a protein with sugar molecules that occurs naturally in cheese whey. In studies on mice fed on a "Western diet", Björn Schröder and his team were able to show that CGMP has several positive effects on the gut. It stimulated the production of mucus, made the gut wall less permeable and favoured the growth of beneficial bacteria – especially Bifidobacterium.</p><p>The effects depended on how much sugar was attached to the molecule, a modification called sialylation. The researchers also saw that CGMP increased the amount of small fatty acids in the gut, especially propionate. This fatty acid is known to strengthen the gut protective barrier and contribute to a healthy mucosa.</p><p>“This is a clear example of how something we eat can positively affect the interaction between the body and gut bacteria,” says Supapit Wongkuna, postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, and first author of the study.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Crucial collaboration with industry</h2><p>The study was conducted in collaboration with Arla Foods Ingredients in Denmark, a global player in dairy-based ingredients. The collaboration was crucial for the researchers to have access to tailor-made CGMP fractions with varying levels of sialylation.</p><p>For Arla, the collaboration not only means a contribution to research, but also the opportunity to further develop its ingredients based on scientific results.</p><p>“We are proud to be able to support research that investigates the health-promoting potential of proteins in whey. This study shows that CGMP has value far beyond its traditional uses,” says Ann Bjørnshave, project manager at Arla Foods Ingredients.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Prebiotics for gut health</h2><p>The research highlights the possibility of reusing dairy compounds as a prebiotic food supplement.</p><p>“We see a very promising opportunity to not only counteract the negative effects of a Western diet, but also actively promote gut health and well-being”, says Björn Schröder</p><p>The results are published in the scientific journal Food Research International.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/901353848d8741eba0f0469b1fa4ad09/2_img_3492_besk2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/901353848d8741eba0f0469b1fa4ad09/2_img_3492_besk2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/901353848d8741eba0f0469b1fa4ad09/2_img_3492_besk2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/901353848d8741eba0f0469b1fa4ad09/2_img_3492_besk2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/901353848d8741eba0f0469b1fa4ad09/2_img_3492_besk2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/901353848d8741eba0f0469b1fa4ad09/2_img_3492_besk2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Supapit Wongkuna and Björn Schröder hope for a future new prebiotic.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>[Ingrid Söderbergh]</span></div></div>/en/news/milk-derived-molecule-strengthens-gut-health-even-with-unhealthy-diet_12142933//en/news/arctic-and-sami-research-in-focus-as-university-of-northern-british-columbia-visited-umea-university_12139837/Arctic and Sámi Research in Focus as University of Northern British Columbia Visited Umeå UniversityDr. Paula Wood-Adams, Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), visited Umeå University on 10 September to learn more about current Arctic and Sámi research and to explore potential areas for collaboration.Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:28:44 +0200<p class="quote-center">The Arctic Centre aims to facilitate meetings […] and promote more sustainable and interconnected Arctic research.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Arctic research in focus</h2><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="158ae3ec-c05b-4031-a3b5-34f4f41d1727" data-contentname="BILD UNBC SO">{}</div><p>Throughout the day, Arctic Centre-associated researchers presented projects ranging from the impacts of climate change on ecosystems to health systems in sparsely populated areas, as well as issues related to tourism and security. These insights provided a valuable basis for discussing how international partnerships can strengthen knowledge development for the benefit of remote and Arctic communities.</p><p>"The Arctic Centre aims to facilitate meetings like this, where representatives from other universities can connect with our researchers, find inspiration, and establish the foundation for future collaboration. The visit from UNBC highlights the importance of cross-border dialogue and knowledge exchange, utilising existing platforms such as UArctic to promote more sustainable and interconnected Arctic research," says Simon Oja, Deputy Director of the Arctic Centre at Umeå University.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Sámi and Indigenous research deepens understanding </h2><p>The Várdduo – Centre for Sámi Research – presented its activities and highlighted the importance of Indigenous knowledge in Arctic research. Topics of language, identity, and sustainable community development and cultural revitalisation were discussed, alongside new research that offers a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary circumstances of Sámi communities. These perspectives collectively emphasise the vital role of Sámi research in developing more inclusive and socially relevant Arctic knowledge.</p><p class="quote-center">Sámi research is a crucial aspect of Umeå University’s Arctic profile.</p><p>"Sámi research is a crucial aspect of Umeå University’s Arctic profile. By incorporating Indigenous perspectives, we enhance the research and its societal relevance. International collaborations, such as the one with UNBC, create opportunities for valuable comparisons and mutual learning between Indigenous peoples in different regions of the world," says Kristina Sehlin MacNeil, Deputy Director of Várdduo – Centre for Sámi Research at Umeå University.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">UArctic as a key to collaboration</h2><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="4095e446-bd9a-4f45-aab2-fefec893f470" data-contentname="BILD UNBC PWA">{}</div><p>Discussions included the University of the Arctic (UArctic), an international network of almost 200 member institutions, as a key platform for future collaboration. Through UArctic, researchers at Umeå University and UNBC can build on existing partnerships through thematic networks and the North2North mobility program, while also creating new initiatives in education and research.<br>The visit showcased the diverse research at Umeå University through the Arctic Centre, Várdduo – Centre for Sámi Research, and others. The presentations provided UNBC’s representative with insights into the various perspectives shaping today’s Arctic research landscape. The programme concluded with a meeting involving Deputy Vice-Chancellor Patrik Danielsson, Vice-Chancellor’s Adviser Thomas Olofsson, and Helena Gradin, Assistant Head of Division at the International Office.</p>/en/news/arctic-and-sami-research-in-focus-as-university-of-northern-british-columbia-visited-umea-university_12139837//en/news/carlos-wins-european-best-poster-prize-in-great-competition_12139856/Carlos wins European best poster prize in great competitionWinning a poster award at an academic conference validates your research, showcases communication skills, and boosts future academic prospects. Carlos Hernandez Ortego, doctoral student at Umeå University, returned from Europe’s biggest conference in microbiology winning a prize among 1200 posters. We ask 5 curious questions how he managed to achieve this.Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:45:21 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/9f1f8a8f82ea4304aaeadcb42187d6b1/carlos_besk.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/9f1f8a8f82ea4304aaeadcb42187d6b1/carlos_besk.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/9f1f8a8f82ea4304aaeadcb42187d6b1/carlos_besk.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/9f1f8a8f82ea4304aaeadcb42187d6b1/carlos_besk.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/9f1f8a8f82ea4304aaeadcb42187d6b1/carlos_besk.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/9f1f8a8f82ea4304aaeadcb42187d6b1/carlos_besk.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The FEMS MICRO 2025 poster prize was awarded to Carlos Hernández-Ortego, PhD at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, by the FEMS journal microLife. Pictured left, Dr Clare Taylor presenting the award. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Liza Holiarchuk</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">I had never won a poster prize before</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">How does it feel?</h2><p>“When they first announced the winners in the morning of the last day via email I did not believe my eyes, but I was happy! I did see a sticker on my poster from one of the FEMS journals when I went to remove my poster, apparently, they are interested in publishing our data. This was a good indication, but I still did not expect to get a prize. There were more than 1200 posters, and I had never won a poster prize before, so I thought the chances would be minimal.”</p><p>“They gave seven prices; one awarded for each of the FEMS different scientific journals. Mine was FEMS microLife.”</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">What was your poster about?</h2><p>“In my poster I tried to summarise my PhD project that I have been working on for the last four years. It is about our discovery of how intestinal bacteria can degrade extracellular ATP, a powerful proinflammatory molecule. We discovered the enzymes responsible for the eATP degradation pathway, and we characterised exactly how they degrade eATP to hypoxanthine. We also showed the implications using mutants and cell cultures. Currently we are also expanding to in vivo mouse models."</p><p>"I think people enjoyed the story because it is well structured and an (almost) completed story. People can easily see the gap in the current knowledge about the topic, and how we filled it with our data. It is also a rather basic research topic, focused on basic knowledge of bacterial physiology, which can attract people from all different fields, in contrast to more specific, more applied kind of science. Our data has potential implications in health, natural environment or industry. Importantly, we have a lot of data on the topic, so most of the questions and concerns of the jury could be addressed.“</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">How have you worked to visualize and communicate your research on the poster?</h2><p>“I made my poster during the course <em>Visualize your Science</em>, a renowned science communication course in Sweden. They are quite successful at helping people generate high-quality posters. The course was very helpful in providing me feedback and advice. In general, I would say that the best way to go when creating a poster is to ask for feedback from a lot of different people. They will always have some useful input on what is unclear or not looking good."</p><p>"Since my project has a lot of data, the decision of what to include and what to leave out on the poster was a big challenge. I tried minimizing the amount of “noise”, keeping things simple, not saturating the poster with data. When you spend half a year to generate a figure, you of course want to add it, but maybe it is detrimental for the whole flow or understanding of the poster. To be able to <em>kill your darlings</em> is important.”</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">What do you think stood out in your poster?</h2><p>“Most posters nowadays have beautiful layout and nice colours. Young researchers are good at those things.  For me, I had to learn design by force, attending courses and looking for examples. I think the winning point was actually my presentation of the poster. Presenting has always felt natural to me. I think the way I explain the data, very simplified and trying to avoid overcomplicated experiments or terms made people engaged and appreciating the poster a lot more. Additionally, not learning what you are going to say by heart and improvise instead, helps to keep things very casual, so people are more relaxed and feel more encouraged to ask questions."</p><p>"I did talk to<em> a lot</em> of people during the poster presentation, and it looked like most of them were interested.”</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">What was the biggest benefit for you with presenting a poster about your research?</h2><p>“I got to know some research teams that work on similar things as my group at Umeå University and we had interesting discussions. I also exchange contact information with them; in case we want to do a collaborative work together. I had long discussions with PIs and journal editors who were interested. To summarise, it was a great opportunity to make new contacts and find new possible collaborators."</p>/en/news/carlos-wins-european-best-poster-prize-in-great-competition_12139856//en/news/intimate-partner-violence-services-fall-short-for-women-with-disabilities_12139505/Intimate partner violence services fall short for women with disabilitiesWomen with disabilities who are exposed to intimate partner violence are doubly affected – both by abuse and by the inadequacy of society's support system. This is shown in a new thesis at Umeå University with recommendations for structural changes.Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:25:49 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/67a664f6227c4458941f4d410d46daeb/anyango_catrine_2523_210908_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/67a664f6227c4458941f4d410d46daeb/anyango_catrine_2523_210908_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/67a664f6227c4458941f4d410d46daeb/anyango_catrine_2523_210908_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/67a664f6227c4458941f4d410d46daeb/anyango_catrine_2523_210908_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/67a664f6227c4458941f4d410d46daeb/anyango_catrine_2523_210908_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/67a664f6227c4458941f4d410d46daeb/anyango_catrine_2523_210908_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Cartrine Anyango, doctoral student at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health. <span class="bildPhotografer" style="white-space: nowrap;"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></p></div></div><p>"Even if there is support, in practice it is not available to everyone. Coordination, inclusion and humanity are needed to build a 'bridge' from violence to safety, justice and dignity," says Cartrine Anyango.</p><p class="quote-left">a bridge from violence to safety</p><p>In her doctoral thesis in public health, Cartrine Anyango has interviewed eleven women with disabilities who have suffered from violence in close relationships, interviewed 18 professionals in support institutions, police, social services, health care and women's shelters and conducted a survey with 1,151 professionals in those institutions.</p><p>The interviewed women described how they had been exposed to several types of violence, both physical and psychological, sexual, digital and financial. It was also about actions directly linked to their disability, such as degrading comments or that help was withheld. It was not only a partner who was responsible for the violence, it could also come from family members, colleagues or assistants.</p><p>Psychological violence was particularly difficult, something that the women felt was often not taken seriously and which could continue even after a relationship ended, for example in the case of shared custody or financial dependence. The women felt unseen and misunderstood when they sought help for abuse.</p><p>Many of the providers stated that they had met women with disabilities who had been subjected to violence. But more than half did not indicate whether they routinely ask women with disabilities about violence. Where  disability specific guidelines existed, they were often not followed.</p><p>"Despite the fact that Sweden is a relatively equal welfare country, society's support system can inadvertently exclude this group if their complex and doubly vulnerable situation is not taken into account," says Cartrine Anyango.</p><p>The thesis concludes that structural changes are needed. Psychological violence must be taken seriously, accessibility to support must be ensured, training of those working in support systems needs to take place and be designed in consultation with women who have experienced different types of violence.</p><p><em>Cartrine Anyango grew up in Nakuru, Kenya. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Maseno university in Kisumu, Kenya and a master’s degree in public health from Umeå University.</em></p>/en/news/intimate-partner-violence-services-fall-short-for-women-with-disabilities_12139505//en/news/jan-researches-the-role-of-bacteria-in-periodontal-disease_12138880/Jan researches the role of bacteria in periodontal diseasePeriodontitis is a common but often overlooked disease. Jan Oscarsson at Umeå University is researching how this can be detected early and treated effectively – using cell and molecular biology methods. We ask him five curious questions.Wed, 10 Sep 2025 08:10:21 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/37d082f09b2b43c182e1f61df4efa3b5/jan_pa_labb3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/37d082f09b2b43c182e1f61df4efa3b5/jan_pa_labb3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/37d082f09b2b43c182e1f61df4efa3b5/jan_pa_labb3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/37d082f09b2b43c182e1f61df4efa3b5/jan_pa_labb3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/37d082f09b2b43c182e1f61df4efa3b5/jan_pa_labb3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/37d082f09b2b43c182e1f61df4efa3b5/jan_pa_labb3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Jan Oscarsson is a researcher at the Department of Odonthology at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">These bacteria gradually break down the tissues that hold the teeth in place</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">What is periodontal disease and what causes the disease?</h2><p>“Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a chronic inflammation of the mouth that is initially caused by bacteria. These bacteria gradually break down the tissues that hold the teeth in place. Due to this inflammation, our own osteoclasts ultimately cause the breakdown of jawbone. The disease is widespread worldwide, especially among the elderly, and one of the biggest risk factors is poor oral hygiene.”</p><p>“When bacteria accumulate around the teeth, the risk of the gums becoming inflamed increases. Over time, an environment is created that is both oxygen-free and rich in proteins – perfect conditions for certain bacteria in the oral flora to grow and worsen the condition.”</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">What is the research focus in your group?</h2><p>“We are studying how bacteria linked to periodontitis can trigger inflammatory processes in the mouth. The focus is both on how the bacteria interact with each other and on identifying genetic markers in particularly aggressive bacterial strains – something that could improve the possibilities for early diagnosis in the future.”</p><p>“As model organisms, we use, among others, <em>Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans</em>, a bacterium that is often found in aggressive forms of periodontitis in younger people. We are also investigating <em>Filifactor alocis</em>, a relatively newly discovered possible pathogen in the oral cavity.”</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">What is the dream goal of the research?</h2><p>“One of our goals is to find reliable markers that make it possible to identify young people who carry particularly aggressive bacterial strains with a simple saliva sample – and thus run an increased risk of developing periodontitis at an early stage.”</p><p>“Another track in the research is about understanding the mechanisms that bacteria use to trigger inflammation. By mapping these processes, we hope to find ways to block them – without having to kill the bacteria, which is the case with antibiotic treatment.”</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Tell us about new knowledge you have developed!</h2><p>“In a study among young people in Västerbotten, we found signs that saliva samples may be sufficient to analyse bacteria linked to periodontitis – a finding that was presented in Mark Lindholm’s doctoral thesis. In collaboration with researchers at Karolinska Institutet, we have also identified a previously unknown toxin and possible virulence factor in the bacterium <em>Filifactor alocis</em>. In a broader research collaboration, which also includes colleagues from the Department of Molecular Biology, we have shown that<em> Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans</em> – a bacterium linked to aggressive forms of periodontitis – can be killed by its closest relative <em>Aggregatibacter aphrophilus</em> via a so-called type VI secretion system. Since <em>A. aphrophilus</em>, that is also found in the mouth, is not associated with the disease, the question arises: could it contribute to better oral health?”</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">Tell us a little about your background!</h2><p>“I grew up in Brån outside of Vännäs and completed my undergraduate education at Umeå University, where I also received my PhD in molecular biology in 1999. After a postdoctoral period at Karolinska Institutet, I have been active in odontology at Umeå University for almost two decades.”</p><p>“My interest in bacterial–host interactions developed towards the end of my undergraduate education, if I remember correctly. I was lucky enough to delve into the subject as a doctoral student under the supervision of Professor Bernt Eric Uhlin – and it has remained a central focus of my research ever since.”</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/37d082f09b2b43c182e1f61df4efa3b5/filifactor_alocis_-_kolonier_pa_blodagarplatta2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/37d082f09b2b43c182e1f61df4efa3b5/filifactor_alocis_-_kolonier_pa_blodagarplatta2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/37d082f09b2b43c182e1f61df4efa3b5/filifactor_alocis_-_kolonier_pa_blodagarplatta2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/37d082f09b2b43c182e1f61df4efa3b5/filifactor_alocis_-_kolonier_pa_blodagarplatta2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/37d082f09b2b43c182e1f61df4efa3b5/filifactor_alocis_-_kolonier_pa_blodagarplatta2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/37d082f09b2b43c182e1f61df4efa3b5/filifactor_alocis_-_kolonier_pa_blodagarplatta2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p><em>Filifactor alocis</em> may be an oral pathogen, but it looks kind and "hearty" when cultivated.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Jan Oscarsson lab</span></div></div>/en/news/jan-researches-the-role-of-bacteria-in-periodontal-disease_12138880//en/news/global-climate-issues-through-an-arctic-lens_12131710/Global climate issues through an Arctic lens as the WMO President visits UmeåThe visit of Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, the President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), to Umeå on 15 August underscores the global significance of the Arctic Centre. Through long-term strategic initiatives, Umeå University’s Arctic research engages directly with international organisations tackling climate change. The visit reaffirms the university’s role in polar science and shows that WMO regard the Arctic as vital to future climate solutions.Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:35:55 +0200<p class="quote-center">When the world’s leading organisations in climate and meteorology choose to visit Umeå University, it shows that we are more than a strong research environment – we are a natural partner in the effort for building a sustainable Arctic</p><p>The Arctic plays a pivotal role as the Earth’s cooling system, and knowledge connects it far beyond its borders. That WMO President Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, who also serves as Director General of the United Arab Emirates’ National Centre of Meteorology, chose to visit the Arctic Centre in Umeå highlights the international relevance and appeal of the university’s research and position in the Arctic.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="c4711aa5-3dfe-4db4-8bff-6ef9b96c1b61" data-contentname="PIC WMO">{}</div><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Arctic research in breadth and depth</h2><p>The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Thomas Olofsson, welcomed the delegation and introduced Umeå University and the Arctic Centre. The programme continued with presentations from researchers showcasing the breadth of Arctic science at Umeå: permafrost hydrology, space weather, ecosystem modelling, and indigenous livelihoods. Key national and European organisations, including the Sámi Council, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, and the European Polar Board, presented other important perspectives.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="f4ed22d7-01d6-4560-94b4-984894013317" data-contentname="PIC WMO audience">{}</div><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">International dialogue for a sustainable Arctic</h2><p>The discussions highlighted the need for stronger international collaboration in preparing for major initiatives such as the International Polar Year 2032–33 and the Emirates Polar Research Programme launch—a clear signal of the country’s ambition to become an active partner in international polar science.</p><p>“When the world’s leading organisations in climate and meteorology choose to visit Umeå University, it shows that we are more than a strong research environment – we are a natural partner in the effort for building a sustainable Arctic,” says Keith Larson, Director of the Arctic Centre.</p><p>He also emphasises the importance of visits like this:</p><p>“By creating meeting places where research connects with society and decision-makers, we can drive forward knowledge that makes a difference. Our ambition is to support societally relevant research and be the primary contact point for those seeking to contribute to a positive Arctic future.”</p><p>The visit underlines the global weight of the Arctic issues discussed in Umeå and the university’s role in bringing together researchers, decision-makers, and societal actors. Through such encounters, new knowledge gains momentum and becomes a catalyst for change – in the Arctic and beyond.</p>/en/news/global-climate-issues-through-an-arctic-lens_12131710//en/news/gonorrhoea-is-spreading-and-outsmarting-antibiotics_12131315/Gonorrhoea is spreading and outsmarting antibioticsThe sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea have increased in the past ten years. No one knows exactly why gonorrhoea is spreading—but experts suspect a mix of better testing and changing sexual habits. At the same time, we face reduced treatment options due to antimicrobial resistance.Wed, 20 Aug 2025 14:41:01 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/cccca061546d43e9bedd877894559fab/tomas_gustafsson.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/cccca061546d43e9bedd877894559fab/tomas_gustafsson.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/cccca061546d43e9bedd877894559fab/tomas_gustafsson.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/cccca061546d43e9bedd877894559fab/tomas_gustafsson.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/cccca061546d43e9bedd877894559fab/tomas_gustafsson.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/cccca061546d43e9bedd877894559fab/tomas_gustafsson.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Tomas Gustafsson is infectious disease physician at Sunderby Hospital and researcher at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Frida jakobsson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">resistance is increasing against the current first line treatment ceftriaxone, which is very troublesome</p><p>“Over the years, the bacteria that cause gonorrhoea has developed resistance to antibiotic after antibiotic and resistance is increasing against the current first line treatment ceftriaxone, which is very troublesome”, says Tomas Gustafsson, infectious disease physician at Sunderby Hospital and researcher at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University.</p><p>Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacterium n<em>eisseria gonorrhoeae</em> (gonococci). It spreads through sexual contact, and it is the second most common sexually transmitted disease (STD). The incubation period is short – from a couple of days to a few weeks.   </p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">No symptoms to infertility</h2><p>The most common symptoms of gonorrhoea are burning or discomfort when urinating and discharge from the urethra, vagina or rectum but can also give throat symptoms. However, many—especially women—may have no symptoms, which makes it easy to spread unknowingly.</p><p>“The disease is quite contagious. The best way to avoid gonorrhoea is to use a condom which also gives protection against other STDs and HIV, but also to get tested if you have symptoms and participate in contact tracing” says Tomas Gustafsson.</p><p>Gonorrhoea is rarely fatal, but if left untreated it can give rise to endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), prostatitis and sometimes septic arthritis.</p><p>“If gonorrhoea is not treated, it can even lead to infertility in women because the infection can cause lasting damage to the reproductive organs”, says Tomas Gustafsson.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Reduced treatment options </h2><p>Gonorrhoea has developed resistance to nearly all antibiotics historically used to treat it, and in recent years antibiotic resistance has increased rapidly.</p><p>Tomas Gustafsson splits his time between treating patients as an infectious disease physician and conducting research at Umeå University. This dual role gives him a unique perspective on the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.</p><p>“I see the consequences of resistant infections firsthand in the clinic,” he says. “That experience is what pushed me to explore new treatment options in the lab.”</p><p>While working with an antibiotic candidate which originally focused on other bacteria, he decided to test it against gonococci. Since then, the focus has mostly shifted towards development of methods to facilitate the drug-development process against gonococci, which are often much more challenging to work with than other bacteria.</p><p>“We are trying to patch up some holes in the drug development pipeline to prevent it from running dry.”</p><p><em><strong>What is the dream goal with your research?</strong></em></p><p>“I guess I share it with most researchers involved in antibiotic development… to see an antibiotic candidate you have worked on, enter the clinic and be used to cure patients. That would be great!”</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/cccca061546d43e9bedd877894559fab/2017-04-13_n._gonorrhoeae_vs_aur_img_56052.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/cccca061546d43e9bedd877894559fab/2017-04-13_n._gonorrhoeae_vs_aur_img_56052.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/cccca061546d43e9bedd877894559fab/2017-04-13_n._gonorrhoeae_vs_aur_img_56052.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/cccca061546d43e9bedd877894559fab/2017-04-13_n._gonorrhoeae_vs_aur_img_56052.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/cccca061546d43e9bedd877894559fab/2017-04-13_n._gonorrhoeae_vs_aur_img_56052.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/cccca061546d43e9bedd877894559fab/2017-04-13_n._gonorrhoeae_vs_aur_img_56052.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Disc diffusion test with an investigational compounds with activity against gonococci.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Tomas Gustafsson</span></div></div>/en/news/gonorrhoea-is-spreading-and-outsmarting-antibiotics_12131315//en/news/who-warns-of-chikungunya-virus-outbreak--5-questions-to-virus-researcher_12129990/WHO warns of chikungunya virus outbreak – 5 questions to virus researcherThis summer, the World Health Organization, WHO, has appealed to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the chikungunya virus, that swept the world twenty years ago. Let us learn more by asking Lars-Anders Carlson, Associate Professor at Umeå University, five questions.Wed, 20 Aug 2025 08:10:01 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/fdd37b07281b4c3f8119c1cf517b2092/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/fdd37b07281b4c3f8119c1cf517b2092/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/fdd37b07281b4c3f8119c1cf517b2092/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/fdd37b07281b4c3f8119c1cf517b2092/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/fdd37b07281b4c3f8119c1cf517b2092/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/fdd37b07281b4c3f8119c1cf517b2092/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Lars-Anders Carlson's group at Umeå University is doing research on the chikungunya virus.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">Luckily, the mosquitos we have in Sweden do not carry the virus</p><p>The cause for concern is new outbreaks reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe (France and Italy). A major outbreak is underway in China, especially in the southern part. The most common symptoms of chikungunya virus infection are fever and muscle and joint pain. Chikungunya virus is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes and cannot be spread directly from person to person.</p><p>The infection is caused by a virus belonging to the alphavirus group. It creates “factories” on the cell surface where its genes are copied when the virus infects a cell. Lars-Anders Carlson's research group wants to understand how these viral factories work, to ultimately help in the efforts to design new antiviral strategies.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Is the chikungunya virus very contagious and how does the virus spread?</h2><p>“Yes, the virus is contagious, but only if you get bitten by an infected mosquito. Luckily, the mosquitos we have in Sweden do not carry the virus!”</p><p>“The viruses are spread through bites by mosquitos of the genus <em>Aedes</em>. Some twenty years ago, it seemed like Chikungunya virus was primarily spread by <em>Aedes aegypti</em>, a tropical mosquito. But in 2006, a massive outbreak took place on the island La Réunion, and scientists could show that the virus, with a minimal mutation, had adapted itself to a new mosquito species, <em>Aedes albopictus</em>. This mosquito, which is known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is more widely spread, which allowed chikungunya virus to also spread more widely, for example to Southern Europe.”</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Is the chikungunya fever dangerous?</h2><p>“Most infections are probably mild, but this is hard to know exactly since many infections probably go undiagnosed. But infections can become more severe. The most devastating consequence is probably severe joint pain which can last for several months. There are also rare reports of chikungunya-caused encephalitis.”</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Is there a cure or vaccine?</h2><p>“As of very recently (2024) there is actually a vaccine, called Ixchiq. It is based on Swedish research from Karolinska Institutet. It is very exciting to see some progress on this. Unfortunately, there is now a temporary restriction on giving this vaccine to people older than 65 due to some side effects observed, so we will see how it develops.”</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Should we be afraid that chikungunya virus reaches Sweden?</h2><p>“That is not my expertise, but my understanding is that it probably will not come here any time soon. However, the <em>Aedes</em> mosquitos are slowly moving up from southern to middle Europe, and only this year I saw that they may expect chikungunya infections in southern Germany.”</p><p>“A related virus called Sindbis virus can sometimes be spread by Nordic mosquitos to cause what in Swedish is called “<em>Ockelbosjukan</em>”, which resembles a milder chikungunya fever. The Norwegians have a fun name for this – they call it <em>bærplukkersyken</em>, the berry-pickers disease.”</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">Why are you doing research about this virus and what is the dream goal?</h2><p>“I am interested in some very fundamental aspects of the virus factories that the virus creates to copy its genes. This machinery is fascinating to me! We are using electron microscopy to create detailed tree-dimensional images of the virus factories and use these images to gradually understand how the factories work. Eventually this might allow us to see how the virus copies its genes at the resolution of individual atoms. We are not quite there yet, so some work remains. Eventually, I think we can get a complete understanding of how they work!”</p>/en/news/who-warns-of-chikungunya-virus-outbreak--5-questions-to-virus-researcher_12129990//en/news/alzheimers-like-disease-in-patients-with-parkinsons_12116038/Alzheimer's-like disease in patients with Parkinson'sOne in ten patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease may have another neurological disease that is more similar to Alzheimer's than Parkinson's. This is shown by a new Swedish study that is based on samples that have been taken from patients in Umeå, Sweden.Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:37:15 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/75469515c45c4d7a8256e964c810d6ea/david_backstrom_120922_spn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/75469515c45c4d7a8256e964c810d6ea/david_backstrom_120922_spn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/75469515c45c4d7a8256e964c810d6ea/david_backstrom_120922_spn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/75469515c45c4d7a8256e964c810d6ea/david_backstrom_120922_spn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/75469515c45c4d7a8256e964c810d6ea/david_backstrom_120922_spn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/75469515c45c4d7a8256e964c810d6ea/david_backstrom_120922_spn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>David Bäckström, neurologist and researcher at Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University<span class="bildPhotografer" style="white-space: nowrap;"><span class="photo">Image</span>Samuel Petterson, Fri Tanke publishing house</span></p></div></div><p>"This is an important result that can change our understanding of the course of the disease and, in the long run, affect the treatment of some patients diagnosed with Parkinson's," says David Bäckström, neurologist, senior lecturer at Umeå University and one of the study's lead authors.</p><p class="quote-left">can change our understanding</p><p>The researchers have performed a so-called α-synuclein seed amplification assay (αSyn-SAA) of cerebrospinal fluid in 140 patients at Norrland University Hospital who had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and similar diseases, as well as in 30 healthy people in a control group.</p><p>The protein α-synuclein is usually linked to Parkinson's disease. Surprisingly, the sampling showed that about ten percent of the Parkinson's patients examined lacked aggregation of this protein, which is otherwise considered a marker for Parkinson's.</p><p>When the researchers examined these α-synuclein-negative patients more closely, they found that they often had typical markers in the cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer's disease, such as amyloid and tau proteins. These patients also showed slightly poorer cognitive ability and balance than normal for Parkinson's patients.</p><p>It seems to be something of an intermediate form of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's that the researchers have now found. It has previously been clinically observed that some patients with Alzheimer's have also shown symptoms similar to Parkinson's. What is new that the researchers can now show is that the similarity is so great that many of these patients have instead been diagnosed with Parkinson's, and that these patients have a specific profile of biomarkers. This may affect how diagnosis and treatment are made in the future.</p><p>"One possible development is that these patients can be treated with drugs used for Alzheimer's. It is at least a track to research further and something that could be tested in drug studies," says David Bäckström.</p><p>The research has been carried out in collaboration between researchers in Umeå, Gothenburg, Sweden, and San Diego in the United States. The study is published in the scientific journal Alzheimer's & Dementia.</p>/en/news/alzheimers-like-disease-in-patients-with-parkinsons_12116038//en/news/doctors-struggle-with-empathy-in-a-high-pressure-work-environment_12103472/Doctors struggle with empathy in a high-pressure work environmentEmpathy is often seen as a natural and essential part of the patient encounter – but reality tends to look quite different. In a new doctoral thesis from Umeå University, doctors describe how not only time pressure, but also the structure of medical education and the culture of the workplace, can make it difficult to live up to the ideal.Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:00:04 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"></div><div class="bildText"><p>Johanna Von Knorring.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p>In her thesis, Johanna von Knorring interviewed medical students, practicing doctors, and patients about how they experience and understand empathy in healthcare. The results show that empathy is relational and constantly changing – and that it is influenced by far more than an individual doctor’s will or personality.</p><p>Participants in the study describe empathy as difficult to define, yet a natural part of a good healthcare encounter. It involves being present, listening actively and meeting the patient as a whole person – not just as a diagnosis. For patients, an empathetic approach can help create safety, trust and greater involvement in their own care.</p><p class="quote-center">There is a clash between what you’ve been taught to strive for and what you’re actually able to do in your daily work.</p><p>Although empathy is considered an ideal, the study highlights how difficult it can be to achieve in everyday practice. Medical students say that empathy is given attention in the early stages of their education, but once they enter the clinical environment, they face a reality shaped by time constraints, documentation demands and a strong focus on technical and medical efficiency – all of which make it harder to remain empathetically present.</p><p>“There is a clash between what you’ve been taught to strive for and what you’re actually able to do in your daily work,” says Johanna von Knorring, doctoral student at the Department of Clinical Sciences and the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Limited space for reflection</h2><p>Experienced doctors also describe how their empathy is negatively affected by the work environment, organisational conditions and a workplace culture that often prioritises efficiency over relational care. Many hope to serve as role models for younger colleagues – but find that there is limited space for reflection and discussion on patient interaction. At the same time, they emphasise that empathy does not disappear, but that it requires ongoing effort and support to be maintained.</p><p>Patients in the study show great understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals but still call for a more person-centered approach – to be seen, heard and taken seriously. For them, empathy is not a bonus but a fundamental part of quality care.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Shared responsibility</h2><p>In summary, the thesis shows that empathy does not simply emerge in the encounter between two individuals. It is shaped by the design of medical education, workplace cultures and the values embedded in the healthcare system.</p><p>“We need to understand empathy as something shaped and reshaped by its context. Creating better conditions for doctors to maintain and develop their empathy is a shared responsibility – one that rests with individuals, educational institutions and healthcare organisations,” says Johanna von Knorring.</p><p><em>Johanna von Knorring’s doctoral project has been funded by the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University and Region Västerbotten. She is also a specialist trainee in oncology and teaches at the medical programme.</em></p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="76ffbd5d-99cb-4b75-b578-63d94a7ce6c7" data-contentname="About the public defence">{}</div><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="74b92039-6a80-4930-ba4f-6ad48cdf6752" data-contentname="Fakta Företagsforskarskolan ENG (standard)">{}</div>/en/news/doctors-struggle-with-empathy-in-a-high-pressure-work-environment_12103472//en/news/vice-chancellor-blogs-on-the-universitys-role-in-conflicts_12103628/<description>The ongoing conflicts in the world have led to requests and demands for both Swedish and foreign universities to take a stand. At Umeå University, students have also organised several demonstrations for Gaza on campus. As the issue may be of interest to more than just the university's employees, Umeå University has chosen to publish the otherwise internal management blog by Vice-Chancellor Tora Holmberg in its entirety here as well:</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2025 17:14:25 +0200</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><h3>The University’s role in international conflicts</h3><p>In light of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine, Umeå University, along with other universities, is under pressure to take a position on the conflict. The University strongly defends freedom and has an important democratic mission. At the same time, it is important to defend the University’s integrity and society’s long-term trust. I admit that, as the Vice-Chancellor, balancing these demands is difficult in times like these.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/0d334d923f464fe0b2abfb4fbcf24fe2/holmberg-tora-5521-250403-mpn6.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0d334d923f464fe0b2abfb4fbcf24fe2/holmberg-tora-5521-250403-mpn6.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0d334d923f464fe0b2abfb4fbcf24fe2/holmberg-tora-5521-250403-mpn6.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/0d334d923f464fe0b2abfb4fbcf24fe2/holmberg-tora-5521-250403-mpn6.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0d334d923f464fe0b2abfb4fbcf24fe2/holmberg-tora-5521-250403-mpn6.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0d334d923f464fe0b2abfb4fbcf24fe2/holmberg-tora-5521-250403-mpn6.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>As a person, it is incredibly difficult to understand the horror and suffering occurring in Gaza, and many independent international groups point to the war crimes, starvation and death that the violence and denied humanitarian aid are causing among Palestinians. The other day I met with students active in support of the Palestinians, and we discussed how, as a university, we should and can respond. The students rightly pointed out how schools and universities are targeted in armed conflicts. As higher education institutions stand for independent, critical analysis, we are easy targets for autocrats.</p><p>I am convinced of the power of knowledge and the importance of open, academic discussions for a democratic society. By defending the university as an independent arena for research and education and international academic cooperation, we provide the foundation for the academic freedom of individual researchers, teachers and students to seek out new knowledge and use an academic approach to express their opinions and their criticisms. This approach also aligns with the principle that universities should be institutionally neutral in political and social questions, which was first articulated in the 1967 Kalven Report from the University of Chicago. Report on the University’s Role in Political and Social Action | Office of the Provost</p><p>This does not mean, however, that as a university and an academic institution, we sit on the sidelines. Umeå University is active in two main ways. We enable research and education to contribute knowledge and we encourage academic discussions that explore current social questions and international conflicts in light of different perspectives. We also serve as a safe haven for teachers and researchers under threat. We do this within the framework of such programmes as Scholars at Risk, a collaboration that we are eager to expand. I believe this is where we can best help, enabling researchers, and hopefully also students, who are at risk in other countries to be able to continue their work.</p><p>Is there more we can do to help within research and education in this case or others? This is something we continue to discuss internally. I also continue to discuss these issues with other vice-chancellors at higher education institutions throughout Sweden.</p><p>Umeå University’s role as a higher education institution is first and foremost to be an independent arena for research and education, where individuals can exercise their academic freedom. It is through the knowledge of our teachers and researches and through our students that the University’s voice can be and should be heard regarding international conflicts.</p><p><em>Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University</em></p></atom:content><link>/en/news/vice-chancellor-blogs-on-the-universitys-role-in-conflicts_12103628/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/prestigious-award-to-umea-molecular-biologist_12102961/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/prestigious-award-to-umea-molecular-biologist_12102961/</guid><title>Prestigious award to Umeå molecular biologist The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Florman Prize to Changchun Chen at Umeå University. The prize sum is 135,000 SEK.Tue, 27 May 2025 13:50:05 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/fd2e73ededa343cea0faed59e51690b6/changchun_chen_23.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/fd2e73ededa343cea0faed59e51690b6/changchun_chen_23.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/fd2e73ededa343cea0faed59e51690b6/changchun_chen_23.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/fd2e73ededa343cea0faed59e51690b6/changchun_chen_23.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/fd2e73ededa343cea0faed59e51690b6/changchun_chen_23.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/fd2e73ededa343cea0faed59e51690b6/changchun_chen_23.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Changchun Chen is associate professor at Department of molecular biology at Umeå University</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">For me it is a signal of encouragement to keep going</p><p>“I feel great! It was totally a surprise since there are so many excellent young scientists at Umeå University and in Sweden who are doing really great research", says Changchun Cheng, associate professor at the Department of molecular biology at Umeå University. “For me it is a signal of encouragement to keep going”.</p><p>The jury’s motivation is “… for having elucidated neural processes that regulate physiological and behavioural adaptations for survival under extreme living conditions using the nematode <em>C. elegans</em> as a model”.</p><p>Changchun Chen is a molecular biologist into basic research and has worked at Umeå University since the beginning of 2018. Using <em>C. elegans</em> as the primary model, he and his group focus on uncovering novel and conserved mechanisms that drive behavioural and physiological responses to stress conditions. This includes hypoxia-induced eating disorders, the remarkable tolerance of certain animals to complete oxygen deprivation, and the neuronal and immune responses to bacterial pathogens.</p><p>“The reason why I use <em>C. elegans</em> as model system in my experiments is that it is one of the simplest animals with a nervous system, yet it is genetically very powerful, with a rich set of tools available for research”, says Changchun Chen.</p><p>Importantly, many genes and cellular processes are highly conserved between <em>C. elegans</em> and humans, which allows researchers to gain molecular insights that can often be translated to more complex systems. Some well-known examples are programmed cell death, RNAi, and microRNAs.</p><p>Before coming to Umeå University, Changchun Chen studied preventive medicine at Shanghai Medical College, followed by a doctoral thesis in yeast genetics at Umeå University under the supervision of Professor Anders Byström, and completed by postdoctoral training at Cambridge UK, studying neural control of aggregation behaviour in <em>C. elegans</em>.</p><p>The prize ceremony will take place on 27 November in Stockholm.</p>/en/news/prestigious-award-to-umea-molecular-biologist_12102961//en/news/fernstroms-prize-to-schroder_12102276/Fernström's research prize to SchröderThe 2025 Eric K Fernström Prize for Young, Particularly Promising and Successful Researchers is awarded to Associate Professor Björn Schröder at the Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, for his significant scientific contributions in the research field of host-microbiome interactions.Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:58:49 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/ccad9eb7c2b84795b8c8076f6bc895a2/schroder_bjorn_5343_190405_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ccad9eb7c2b84795b8c8076f6bc895a2/schroder_bjorn_5343_190405_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ccad9eb7c2b84795b8c8076f6bc895a2/schroder_bjorn_5343_190405_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/ccad9eb7c2b84795b8c8076f6bc895a2/schroder_bjorn_5343_190405_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ccad9eb7c2b84795b8c8076f6bc895a2/schroder_bjorn_5343_190405_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ccad9eb7c2b84795b8c8076f6bc895a2/schroder_bjorn_5343_190405_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Björn Schröder, Department of Molecular Biology and The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden. MIMS. <span class="bildPhotografer" style="white-space: nowrap;"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></p></div></div><p>In its citation, the prize committee at the Faculty of Medicine writes:</p><p>"Björn Schröder's research in the field has focused in particular on the molecular mechanisms through which diet affects the gut via the microbiome. His research group has been able to convincingly show that Western diets disrupt the mucus barrier in the colon through specific microbial and diet-related factors, an influence that increases susceptibility to inflammation. Schröder's work has provided important insights into how diet-related changes in the microbiome impair gut health at the molecular level, and how these changes affect gut barrier functions and immune function."</p><p>The Eric K. Fernström Shipowner Prize for young, particularly promising and successful researchers is given each year to young researchers at each of the six medical faculties in Sweden. In Umeå, the prize winner is appointed by a special committee at the Faculty of Medicine.</p><p>The prize is awarded at Umeå University's annual ceremony in October. The prize money is SEK 100,000. The prize winner will also receive a special diploma at a ceremony in Lund.</p>/en/news/fernstroms-prize-to-schroder_12102276//en/news/maternal-health-and-cardiology-in-focus-for-new-honorary-doctors-of-medicine_12102356/Maternal health and cardiology in focus for new honorary doctors of medicine A professor of gynaecology and obstetrics from Indonesia and a cardiologist from Scotland will be awarded honorary doctorates by the Faculty of Medicine at Umeå University, Sweden, in 2025.Wed, 28 May 2025 10:24:03 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareleft"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/fc211c4284c34b059d4728290f99407e/mohammad_hakimi3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/fc211c4284c34b059d4728290f99407e/mohammad_hakimi3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/fc211c4284c34b059d4728290f99407e/mohammad_hakimi3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/fc211c4284c34b059d4728290f99407e/mohammad_hakimi3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/fc211c4284c34b059d4728290f99407e/mohammad_hakimi3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/fc211c4284c34b059d4728290f99407e/mohammad_hakimi3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Mohammad Hakimi, medical honorary doctor 2025.<span class="bildPhotografer" style="white-space: nowrap;"><span class="photo">Image</span>Wisaksono Adhi, InaHealth, FK-KMK UGM</span></p></div></div><p>Mohammad Hakimi is a professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. His work spans a wide range of areas with a focus on maternal and child health, nutrition, and public health equity. He has increased the understanding of obstetric care, micronutrient deficiencies, non-communicable diseases, and the health consequences of domestic violence. His academic output includes over 300 publications, alongside educational materials and books that have informed public health policy and practice.</p><p>For over three decades, Professor Hakimi has been a central figure in the longstanding collaboration between Universitas Gadjah Mada and the research and education in epidemiology and global health at Umeå University. He has served as a guest researcher and mentor in Umeå, and many of his former students now hold professorships in both Indonesia and Sweden, strengthening bilateral academic ties. This collaboration has resulted in more than 150 joint publications and 15 completed PhD projects.</p><p>"Mohammad Hakimi is a highly respected person in maternal and public health. His research and collaboration with Umeå University has really made a difference both in Southeast Asia and for us," says Patrik Danielson, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Umeå University.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/fc211c4284c34b059d4728290f99407e/bhf_-_prof_nick_mills_20252.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/fc211c4284c34b059d4728290f99407e/bhf_-_prof_nick_mills_20252.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/fc211c4284c34b059d4728290f99407e/bhf_-_prof_nick_mills_20252.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/fc211c4284c34b059d4728290f99407e/bhf_-_prof_nick_mills_20252.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/fc211c4284c34b059d4728290f99407e/bhf_-_prof_nick_mills_20252.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/fc211c4284c34b059d4728290f99407e/bhf_-_prof_nick_mills_20252.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Nicholas Mills, honorary doctor 2025. <span class="bildPhotografer" style="white-space: nowrap;"><span class="photo">Image</span>Stewart Attwood</span></p></div></div><p>Nicholas Mills is an internationally renowned and well-qualified professor of cardiology at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland with approximately 450 publications of his own. During his time as a doctoral student, he spent several occasions in Umeå, where he introduced venous occlusion plethysmography to study the cardiovascular effects of acute exposure to various air pollutants, primarily diesel exhaust.</p><p>Professor Mills has contributed to a well-functioning exchange of doctoral students between Umeå and Edinburgh. He has acted as a mentor for researchers and doctoral students in Umeå, which has resulted in five doctoral dissertations and about thirty scientific articles in prestigious journals. In addition, three doctoral students from Edinburgh have completed parts of their doctoral studies in Umeå.</p><p>"Nick Mills' research methodology has been of great importance for studies of the importance of air pollution for cardiovascular disease, research that has become increasingly relevant and where Umeå is now well advanced. It feels very good that we can now tie him more closely to us,” says Patrik Danielson.</p><p>The honorary doctors will be conferred at Umeå University's annual ceremony in October.</p>/en/news/maternal-health-and-cardiology-in-focus-for-new-honorary-doctors-of-medicine_12102356//en/news/a-blend-of-science-fun-and-nature-scenery-when-postdocs-meet_12100359/A blend of science, fun and nature scenery when postdocs meetIn mid-May, the postdoctoral fellows in the ’Excellence by Choice’ programme at Umeå university gathered for a lunch-to-lunch retreat in Kronlund in Vindeln. The scope of the meeting was to get to know each other, get new insights, and share experiences as an interdisciplinary postdoctoral fellow.Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:20:01 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/postdoc_retreat.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/postdoc_retreat.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/postdoc_retreat.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/postdoc_retreat.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/postdoc_retreat.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/postdoc_retreat.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>In the front: Gabriel Torrens Ribot, Fredrik Almqvist, Joram Kiriga Waititu, and Suvam Roy. In the back: Samuel Agyei Nyantakyi, Túlio Yoshinaga, Antonio Blasquez, Jagadish Mangu, Harshit Malhotra, Dhruv Agrawal, Baptiste Bogard, Ben Johns, and Marta Bally.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">It was inspiring to see how different areas of expertise can complement each other</p><p>“The highlight of the retreat was realizing just how diverse and dynamic the research within our community truly is," says Joram Kiriga Waititu, postdoc in Kemal Avican, Johan Henriksson and Maria Fällman labs at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>He continues:</p><p>"It was inspiring to see how different areas of expertise can complement each other, and it reinforced the idea that meaningful collaboration has the potential to drive real science breakthroughs.” </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/img_0381.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/img_0381.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/img_0381.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/img_0381.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/img_0381.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/img_0381.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Kronlund kursgård is a nature lodge that specialises in offering a quiet, beautiful and relaxing atmosphere.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p>It was an enthusiastic group of eleven postdoctoral fellows who arrived in a minibus at Kronlund kursgård.</p><p>“The venue was super nice! I like peaceful places in the middle of nature like Kronlund. I hope to get back here another time”, says Túlio Yoshinaga, postdoc in Constantin Urban lab at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University, Lo Persson’s group at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and Henrik Jeute at the Umeå County administrative board.</p><p>The uniqueness with the ‘Excellence by Choice' postdoctoral programme in life science is that it aims to cross traditional discipline boundaries. Thus, each postdoc has created and lead a collaborative project under the supervision of at least two principal investigators with different areas of expertise.</p><p>The first ‘EC’ postdoc started in 2022, and the number has summed up to 15 after four international calls. Some postdocs are in the initial stages and some are ready to take the next step in the career, all with different experiences and subjects.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/konferens_2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/konferens_2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/konferens_2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/konferens_2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/konferens_2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/konferens_2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Harshit Malhotra is one of the newest postdoc on board and he explained his research to come.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p>At the retreat everyone presented their project and how they have evolved. The subjects showed a fantastic variety in the field of life science: chemo-optogenetic tools to control cellular processes in bacteria, search for potential drug against the parasite <em>Cryptospodirium</em>, new method to prevent fungi disease in salmonids, the role of protein complexes in regulation of growth and development in plants, the regulation of the host cell epitranscriptome in salmonella infection – to mention a few.</p><p>For sure, a few postdocs could discover potential areas for new collaboration.</p><p>Through games and other activities, the postdocs spend some relaxing time in the afternoon and evening with valuable conversations about life in general and of course about research.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/game_2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/game_2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/game_2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/game_2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/game_2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/game_2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>An exciting pentathlon took place in the afternoon with a lot of laughter.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p>In a final session before going home the next day, UCMR directors Fredrik Almqvist and Marta Bally led a group discussion on future career steps. What opportunities are there after a postdoc? What are my needs in career support? Ho can I navigate to pursue my career in academia or industry?</p><p>It might be important to position yourself for a competitive academic or professional future. The postdocs found this session urgent and were engaged.</p><p>“I learned that I should focus on becoming more independent already after my first postdoc position, says Suvam Roy, postdoc in Eric Libby lab at the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, and Peter Lind lab at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>“This topic is very important for us, and it could have had an even more prominent place in the schedule to ensure everyone has the time and space to share experiences, ask questions, and explore different career paths more deeply,” says Joram Kiriga Waititu.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/grill_12.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/grill_12.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/grill_12.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/grill_12.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/grill_12.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c8e91438d7447c184166dd34c02c6c1/grill_12.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Perhaps it is right there at the edge of the forest by the Vindel River, with a cup of coffee in hand and a new colleague by your side, that the next major scientific breakthrough begins to take shape.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div>/en/news/a-blend-of-science-fun-and-nature-scenery-when-postdocs-meet_12100359//en/news/dna-patterns-provide-key-insights-in-the-diagnosis-of-childhood-leukemia_12080856/<description>The treatment of leukaemia among children could be made more precise with fewer side effects with the help of more accurate methods of diagnosis. A new study led by Umeå University, Sweden, reveals that analyzing methylation patterns in the child's leukemic cells DNA can enhance risk assessment, helping to ensure that only the children who need the most intensive treatment receive it. </description><pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2025 10:57:53 +0200</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><p>"The healthcare system has become much better at saving lives in childhood leukaemia, but the downside of intensive treatments is severe side effects. Our results show that DNA methylation analysis may be a viable way to individualize treatment according to the type of leukemia, with the hope of a better quality of life," says Professor Sofie Degerman at Umeå University, who has led the study with participating researchers from several countries.</p><p>The subtype of leukemia that the researchers in Umeå have studied is T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, T-ALL. The treatment mainly consists of chemotherapy, administered over two years, and in some cases supplemented with a bone marrow transplant. Treatment is usually effective; today, almost nine out of ten children diagnosed with  T-ALL survive. The problem is that the treatment causes side effects in the form of nausea, fatigue, susceptibility to infection and hair loss. In the long term, there is also a risk of heart problems, cognitive impairment, fertility problems and suffering from other cancers.</p><p>The risk of relapse varies within the T-ALL patient group, but it is difficult to determine the risk of relapse with today's methods of diagnosis. This means that many children receive more demanding treatment for safety's sake and thus risk more side effects than they might need. One conclusion of the Umeå researchers' study is that analysis of DNA methylation patterns at diagnosis could contribute to a refined risk stratification to determine which children need which treatment. The method also identifies those patients who respond poorly to current treatments, and these patients may be in need of new treatment strategies.</p><p>"The method is already used in several hospitals in the diagnosis of brain cancer, and our study shows that it could also be implemented for leukemia," says Fernanda S. Hackenhaar, Department of Medical Biosciences at Umeå University, who has contributed to the study's bioinformatic analysis.</p><p>Methylation is an epigenetic process in which chemical groups are added to the DNA sequence,influencing which genes should be expressed and which genes should be silenced. This process occurs in every genome. The methylation pattern varies between different cell types and contributes to cells unique characteristics and properties. If the methylation pattern is disrupted, it can contribute to tumour development. In a way, the DNA methylation pattern acts as a kind of molecular fingerprint, that can provide detailed insights about the properties of the cancer cells.</p><p>"We are continuing our research to investigate the possibility of including DNA methylation analysis in clinical diagnostics for patients with T-ALL," says Sofie Degerman.</p><p>The current study includes diagnostic leukaemia samples from 348 children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) treated between 2008 and 2020 in the Nordic countries and in the Netherlands. The researchers have used advanced array technology and bioinformatics to analyse the methylation patterns of approximately 850,000 DNA methylation positions in the genome.</p><p>In the study, the researchers have also investigated the gene expression and genetic changes of the leukaemia cells to better understand how leukaemias with different methylation patterns can be treated. This work will continue in future studies with the aim of further improving treatment strategies.</p><p>The research team has also established an epigenetic platform in Umeå in collaboration between Umeå University and Region Västerbotten. This platform facilitates DNA methylation array analysis of both research samples and diagnostic samples, strengthening the possibilities for advanced epigenetic research and clinical diagnostics.</p><p>The study is published in the scientific journal Blood.</p></atom:content><link>/en/news/dna-patterns-provide-key-insights-in-the-diagnosis-of-childhood-leukemia_12080856/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/patrik-danielson-appointed-new-pro-vice-chancellor-at-umea-university_12099772/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/patrik-danielson-appointed-new-pro-vice-chancellor-at-umea-university_12099772/</guid><title>Patrik Danielson appointed new Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Umeå UniversityThe University Board has, on the recommendation of Vice-Chancellor Tora Holmberg, appointed Patrik Danielson as the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor's deputy for the period 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2031. "Patrik has a solid and long experience as a manager and leader at the university. He has also worked successfully on collaboration, which is crucial for conducting research and education of good quality," says Tora Holmberg.Sat, 24 May 2025 12:06:03 +0200<p>The work of producing proposals for the Pro-Vice-Chancellor has been a thorough process. Tora Holmberg took the opportunity to enlist the help of the same recruitment committee that the University Board put together for the recruitment of a new Vice-Chancellor. In this way, the process and the dialogue already established between the Consultative Assembly and the Recruitment Committee could ensure good management.</p><p>The Consultative Assembly, led by Chair Richard Bindler, met Patrik Danielson on 12 March to ask questions and unanimously decided to support the proposal for a new Pro-Vice-Chancellor.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/303e206266c9425c8485934eade164e8/danielson_patrik_05062024_hkn-3_32.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/303e206266c9425c8485934eade164e8/danielson_patrik_05062024_hkn-3_32.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/303e206266c9425c8485934eade164e8/danielson_patrik_05062024_hkn-3_32.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/303e206266c9425c8485934eade164e8/danielson_patrik_05062024_hkn-3_32.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/303e206266c9425c8485934eade164e8/danielson_patrik_05062024_hkn-3_32.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/303e206266c9425c8485934eade164e8/danielson_patrik_05062024_hkn-3_32.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Patrik Danielsson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Umeå University</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p>Patrik Danielson is Professor of Anatomy, Senior Consultant in Ophthalmology and since 2017 Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Umeå University.</p><p>"Patrik's disciplinary background also complements my role in a good way. I am very pleased with this recruitment and look forward to a good collaboration that will provide the best conditions for Umeå University," says Tora Holmberg.</p>/en/news/patrik-danielson-appointed-new-pro-vice-chancellor-at-umea-university_12099772//en/news/diabetesmedicin-ger-hopp-om-ny-behandling-mot-prostatacancer_12097228/Diabetes drug gives hope for new treatment for prostate cancerA drug used to treat type 2 diabetes may also be effective in slowing the progression of prostate cancer. This is shown by an international study in which researchers at Umeå University, Sweden, have participated. The researchers have found that drugs that regulate a particular protein have a key role in reducing prostate cancer recurrence among diabetic patients.Thu, 22 May 2025 11:00:20 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/c07ae8d4ff37449fb4b39748de18c3bf/lukas_kenner2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c07ae8d4ff37449fb4b39748de18c3bf/lukas_kenner2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c07ae8d4ff37449fb4b39748de18c3bf/lukas_kenner2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/c07ae8d4ff37449fb4b39748de18c3bf/lukas_kenner2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c07ae8d4ff37449fb4b39748de18c3bf/lukas_kenner2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c07ae8d4ff37449fb4b39748de18c3bf/lukas_kenner2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Lukas Kenner, visiting professor at Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University.<span class="bildPhotografer" style="white-space: nowrap;"><span class="photo">Image</span>Medizinische Universität Wien</span></p></div></div><p>"This is a significant discovery. For the first time, we have clinical observations showing that prostate cancer patients with diabetes who received drugs targeting the protein remained relapse-free during the period we followed them," says Lukas Kenner, visiting professor at Umeå University and one of the study's lead authors.</p><p class="quote-left">a significant discovery</p><p>The protein that the researchers have studied is called PPARy, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. In diabetes research, PPARy has been extensively studied in view of the protein's role in metabolic processes and insulin sensitivity.</p><p>What the research team, led by Professor Kenner, has now shown is that patients who were treated for prostate cancer and who also had diabetes, who were treated with drugs that regulate the PPARy protein, managed without recurrence of prostate cancer. In studies of cell cultures, researchers also observed that the drug in question, pioglitazone, not only inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells but also drives a metabolic reprogramming of the cancer cells, weakening their ability to grow.</p><p>"The findings are very promising, but further clinical studies are needed to both confirm the results and to investigate whether the treatment can also be used in patients with prostate cancer who do not have diabetes," says Lukas Kenner.</p><p>The research has been conducted as a combination of studies on cells and mice as well as a retrospective study of 69 prostate cancer patients with type 2 diabetes that was followed by the Medical University of Innsbruck in 2014–2023.</p><p>In certain types of cancer, PPARγ can contribute to tumour growth or metabolic changes. The drug, pioglitazone, is a so-called agonist that binds to a PPARy receptor and activates it. Thereby it modulates the signalling pathway and aims to counteract tumour-promoting effects by changing the cellular metabolism but may also reduce inflammation.</p><p>The research group behind the study includes researchers in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The study is published in the scientific journal Molecular Cancer.</p><p>Prostate cancer is the most common cancer-related cause of death among men in Sweden, with over 2,000 deaths per year, almost 400 000 deaths worldwide. Prostate cancer is usually treated with hormone therapy, radiation, or surgery. However, the risk of relapse is relatively high.</p>/en/news/diabetesmedicin-ger-hopp-om-ny-behandling-mot-prostatacancer_12097228//en/news/new-discovery-explains-why-men-more-are-more-affected-from-severe-covid-19_12094879/New discovery explains why men are more affected from severe COVID-19Researchers at Umeå University have found another piece of the puzzle that explains why there are differences in immune responses in women and men when they get sick with COVID-19. This discovery has implications for treatment strategies for severe COVID-19. The study is published in the scientific journal European Journal of Immunology.Tue, 20 May 2025 14:18:38 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/667ad23d8cc2487dbb15c8f190f96dc2/johan-o-constantine-ucmr-7173-250509-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/667ad23d8cc2487dbb15c8f190f96dc2/johan-o-constantine-ucmr-7173-250509-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/667ad23d8cc2487dbb15c8f190f96dc2/johan-o-constantine-ucmr-7173-250509-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/667ad23d8cc2487dbb15c8f190f96dc2/johan-o-constantine-ucmr-7173-250509-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/667ad23d8cc2487dbb15c8f190f96dc2/johan-o-constantine-ucmr-7173-250509-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/667ad23d8cc2487dbb15c8f190f96dc2/johan-o-constantine-ucmr-7173-250509-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Johan Normark och Constantin Urban, Institutionen för klinisk mikrobiologi vid Umeå universitet. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">men are three times more likely to need intensive care</p><p>“Although the total number of cases of diagnosed COVID-19 is similar for men and women, men are three times more likely to need intensive care. Our study contributes to understanding how this sex-related difference in severe COVID-19 arises”, says Johan Normark, infectious disease physician and senior lecturer at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University and one of the researchers behind the studies.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Non-existent to severe symptoms</h2><p>COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The disease was first detected during the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The rapid, global spread led to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p>At least a third of those infected do not experience any symptoms. Of those who do, 80 percent experience mild symptoms and 20 percent experience severe symptoms that may require hospitalization and oxygen support. A small proportion of these becomes critically ill and requires intensive care.</p><p>Severe COVID-19 infections are characterized by an exaggerated and hyperinflammatory reaction of the immune system, especially in the lungs. The severe response can lead to tissue damage and, in the worst case, death. Part of the immune response to COVID-19 is the recruitment and activation of special white blood cells, called neutrophils. Their recruitment and activation occur primarily through the secretion of immune system signaling molecules, called cytokines.</p><p>The underlying mechanisms of why men are at risk of becoming more seriously ill with COVID-19 are not fully known.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Physicians and researchers collaborate</h2><p>To explore this, a translational project led by Professor Constantin Urban was started, where several research groups from Umeå University collaborated with partners at the university hospitals in Umeå and Örebro. Translational research aims to take what is learned in basic research and apply it to the development of solutions to medical problems.</p><p>In the study, blood samples from over 200 Swedish patients with COVID-19 were analyzed. Using the samples, doctoral student Remigius Gröning mapped a comprehensive cytokine profile and doctoral student Emelie Backman quantified molecules that indicate neutrophil activation.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Excessive activation of the immune system in men</h2><p>The results showed that in the samples from patients with severe COVID-19 and needing medical care, there were higher values of cytokines that recruit and activate neutrophils. In addition, there were higher values of neutrophil activation markers.</p><p>“We saw that the increase in the inflammatory cytokine IL-18 was sex-dependent and that the activation of neutrophils was sex-dependent. This was our most interesting finding! On average, both the amount of this cytokine and neutrophil activation markers were higher in blood plasma from men with severe COVID-19 compared to blood plasma from women of the same category”, says Constantin Urban. Excessive recruitment and activation of neutrophils can have fatal consequences and can lead to serious and life-threatening disease.</p><p>According to the researchers, the result is important because other studies are underway that aim to treat symptoms of severe COVID-19 by suppressing neutrophil activation and thus reducing tissue damage in the patients' lungs.</p><p>“In order to further develop this treatment strategy, it is therefore tremendously important to precisely map the difference that occurs in neutrophil responses in men and women with severe COVID-19”, says Constantin Urban.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">The immune system against viruses is complex</h2><p>The study also highlights the complexity of the interactions that characterize the immune system's response to viral infections and how these interactions can affect the severity of the disease. Neutrophils have previously been studied most in bacterial infections, but this study shows that they also play an important role in more severe viral infections.</p><p>In future studies, the research team intends to further delineate the molecular mechanisms behind the discovered sex-related differences in the COVID-19 response and to verify the results of the current study with larger patient groups.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/667ad23d8cc2487dbb15c8f190f96dc2/johan-o-constantine-ucmr-7231-250509-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/667ad23d8cc2487dbb15c8f190f96dc2/johan-o-constantine-ucmr-7231-250509-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/667ad23d8cc2487dbb15c8f190f96dc2/johan-o-constantine-ucmr-7231-250509-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/667ad23d8cc2487dbb15c8f190f96dc2/johan-o-constantine-ucmr-7231-250509-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/667ad23d8cc2487dbb15c8f190f96dc2/johan-o-constantine-ucmr-7231-250509-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/667ad23d8cc2487dbb15c8f190f96dc2/johan-o-constantine-ucmr-7231-250509-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The researchers Johan Normark and Constantin Urban plan to verify the results of the current study with larger patient groups.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div>/en/news/new-discovery-explains-why-men-more-are-more-affected-from-severe-covid-19_12094879//en/news/everyone-is-coughing-right-now_12092195/The cough is in the air - why more people have colds right nowThere is a lot of coughing at the moment and many people think that more people than usual are at home with cold symptoms, but is that really the case and if so, why? Niklas Arnberg is a Professor at Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University and he is trying to answer the questions that are circulating in many workplaces and schools around Sweden right now.Mon, 19 May 2025 08:12:16 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/94a7089ab30f47f1b5e04f8d43fb4950/arnberg_niklas_6157_190815_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/94a7089ab30f47f1b5e04f8d43fb4950/arnberg_niklas_6157_190815_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/94a7089ab30f47f1b5e04f8d43fb4950/arnberg_niklas_6157_190815_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/94a7089ab30f47f1b5e04f8d43fb4950/arnberg_niklas_6157_190815_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/94a7089ab30f47f1b5e04f8d43fb4950/arnberg_niklas_6157_190815_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/94a7089ab30f47f1b5e04f8d43fb4950/arnberg_niklas_6157_190815_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Niklas Arnberg is a Professor at Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University. Photo: Mattias Pettersson.</p></div></div><h3>Right now, many people seem to have a cold and cough, is that the case and if so, what is actually circulating?</h3><p>"It's a combination of several different viruses. We're seeing a lot of the classic cold viruses, like rhinoviruses and enteroviruses, which usually cause runny noses, but also coughs and even pneumonia. But we also see influenza, parainfluenza viruses, common coronaviruses, although not so much COVID-19, as well as some RSV and metapneumoviruses. In other words, there are a lot of viruses contributing to more people coughing and sniffling than we usually see at this time of year."</p><h3>Is it unusual to have so many different viruses circulating at the same time?</h3><p>"Yes, it's actually a bit surprising that there are so many different viruses so late in the year. Usually, by this time, several of them have decreased significantly. One possible explanation is that we are still feeling some pandemic effect. The restrictions during the pandemic affected our exposure to viruses, which in turn has affected the immunity of the population. This has affected the epidemiological patterns and we don't seem to be back in balance yet. Every year is different, but since the pandemic we have seen an unusual amount of disruption in these patterns."</p><h3>Can we do anything to avoid all viruses?</h3><p>"Vulnerable groups in the population should be vaccinated according to the recommendations, but others can also be vaccinated against certain pathogens. Otherwise, the classic advice is to avoid large crowds, wash your hands often and those who are susceptible to infection can also use a face mask."</p><h3>Are we seeing an end to the viruses now?</h3><p>"It should calm down soon, we normally have less virus activity in summer, on the other hand we haven't had a clear peak of COVID-19 this winter, so there could be more during the summer. But most likely the worst should be over soon as it gets warmer and we spend more time outside."</p><p> </p>/en/news/everyone-is-coughing-right-now_12092195//en/news/discovery-opens-up-for-new-ways-to-treat-chlamydia_12091019/Discovery opens up for new ways to treat chlamydiaResearchers at Umeå University, Sweden, and Michigan State University, USA, have discovered a type of molecule that can kill chlamydia bacteria but spare bacteria that are important for health. The discovery opens the door for further research towards developing new antibiotics against chlamydia, the world's most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease with 130 million cases a year.Thu, 08 May 2025 07:30:56 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/769b6dde828f44409c7ec2b909c26361/barbara-magnus-aakriti-6164-250416-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/769b6dde828f44409c7ec2b909c26361/barbara-magnus-aakriti-6164-250416-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/769b6dde828f44409c7ec2b909c26361/barbara-magnus-aakriti-6164-250416-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/769b6dde828f44409c7ec2b909c26361/barbara-magnus-aakriti-6164-250416-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/769b6dde828f44409c7ec2b909c26361/barbara-magnus-aakriti-6164-250416-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/769b6dde828f44409c7ec2b909c26361/barbara-magnus-aakriti-6164-250416-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Magnus Ölander, postdoc in the Sixtlab, sharing exciting findings from an antibiotic discovery project with labhead Barbara Sixt and colleague Aakriti Singh. <br><span class="bildPhotografer" style="white-space: nowrap;"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></p></div></div><p>"No one should have to live with chlamydia. But the problem is that the treatments we have today do not distinguish between dangerous and friendly bacteria. A growing problem is also that more and more bacteria are becoming resistant to today's broad-acting antibiotics," says the study's lead author Barbara Sixt, associate professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, Sweden.</p><p>The bacterium that causes chlamydia, <em>Chlamydia trachomatis</em>, has very special properties. Just like viruses, it invades cells in the human body, which it then reshapes so that they give the bacterium a home where it can grow and multiply.</p><p>"We thought it could be possible to find a way to outsmart the bacterium's lifestyle by interfering with its special properties and its interactions with human cells," says the study's first author Magnus Ölander, former postdoc at Umeå University.</p><p>The researchers searched through large collections of chemical molecules to find molecules that can eradicate the growth of the chlamydia bacterium in human cells in laboratory cultures. More than 60 possible anti-chlamydia molecules were identified. It was a matter of finding molecules that could selectively kill the chlamydia bacterium but at the same time be harmless to human cells and to beneficial bacteria that the body needs to stay healthy. After further refined studies, the researchers were able to identify a particularly potent molecule.</p><p>The molecule in question was found to be able to inhibit the bacterium's ability to produce fatty acids, which are necessary for its growth.</p><p>"There is still a long way to go before we have a new treatment, but this finding may prove very important in developing new antibiotics that are both effective but at the same time gentle on the body”, says Barbara Sixt.</p><p>The research was carried out in collaboration with André Mateus and Björn Schröder at Umeå University, Sweden, and Jeremy Lohman at Michigan State University, United States of America.</p><p>Chlamydia often causes mild symptoms but if left untreated can cause long-term damage to the reproductive organs, especially in women. This can cause chronic pain and infertility and can have consequences for pregnancy and childbirth. Chlamydia may also contribute to the onset of cancer of the cervix and ovaries. Every year, about 25,000 people in Sweden are diagnosed with chlamydia, 130 million worldwide.</p><p>The study is published in the scientific journal PLoS Biology.</p>/en/news/discovery-opens-up-for-new-ways-to-treat-chlamydia_12091019//en/news/umea-university-ready-for-european-collaboration_12090356/<description>On 1 May, it was announced that Umeå University will become a member of a European alliance of nine European universities. The universities in the alliance are roughly the same size, all are distinct campus universities and cooperate with university hospitals, just like Umeå University. All universities are also located in cities with similar geographical conditions to Umeå.</description><pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2025 08:22:49 +0200</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/2025_ec2u_map_-_right_colours_16_92.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/2025_ec2u_map_-_right_colours_16_92.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/2025_ec2u_map_-_right_colours_16_92.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/2025_ec2u_map_-_right_colours_16_92.png?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/2025_ec2u_map_-_right_colours_16_92.png?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/2025_ec2u_map_-_right_colours_16_92.png?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Map that shows participating countries in the EC2U alliance.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>EC2U</span></div></div><p>The Alliance is shortened EC2U and is named European Campus of City-Universities and includes collaboration in education, research and innovation, campus development and various student activities. Cooperation within the Alliance focuses, among other things, on student mobility and strengthening European higher education and research.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/norberg_cath_rine9050_230112_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/norberg_cath_rine9050_230112_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/norberg_cath_rine9050_230112_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/norberg_cath_rine9050_230112_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/norberg_cath_rine9050_230112_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/norberg_cath_rine9050_230112_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Cathrine Norberg, deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>"Together within EC2U, we will be able to facilitate more exciting exchanges for students, and contribute to new research collaborations in a number of areas. This type of long-term European collaboration also provides an opportunity to both strengthen and simplify the utilisation of international elements in both education and research," says Cathrine Norberg, deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education at Umeå University.</p><h3>Alliance for both academia and society</h3><p>The EC2U Alliance is also working on four of the UN Global Goals - Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Peace, Justice and strong institutions - in both education and research. There are currently newly launched Master's programmes in these areas, involving around 80 students from the different universities in the Alliance.</p><p>After all, a university is as much an academy as it is an important societal actor. To utilise this perspective, each university in the alliance will involve a number of local and regional partners. The university's student unions are of course obvious partners for Umeå University. In addition to these, Umeå Municipality, Region Västerbotten, Folkuniversitetet i Umeå, Västerbotten Chamber of Commerce and IKSU are also important.</p><p>Umeå University's participation in the alliance also provides an opportunity to influence the European education and research landscape and work to ensure that academic values are safeguarded.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/holmberg-tora-5539-250403-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/holmberg-tora-5539-250403-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/holmberg-tora-5539-250403-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/holmberg-tora-5539-250403-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/holmberg-tora-5539-250403-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/32a7b0b802114a29b1dde5a877e71f69/holmberg-tora-5539-250403-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>"In times of great unrest and crises both in the world and in Europe's immediate neighbourhood, it is particularly important that we collaborate between universities and that we can strengthen and support each other," says Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University.</p></atom:content><link>/en/news/umea-university-ready-for-european-collaboration_12090356/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/vice-chancellor-tora-holmberg-is-installed-at-the-spring-graduation_12087725/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/vice-chancellor-tora-holmberg-is-installed-at-the-spring-graduation_12087725/</guid><title>Vice-Chancellor Tora Holmberg is installed at the Spring Graduation Ceremony for excellent and merited teachers, ceremony for new doctors and jubilee doctors, banquet and installation of the new Vice-Chancellor Tora Holmberg. It’s time for Spring Graduation at Umeå University. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 11:24:40 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/77f6e502362f4c5bac60b6b73b9bcdc3/varpromotionen-gruppbild_2024_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/77f6e502362f4c5bac60b6b73b9bcdc3/varpromotionen-gruppbild_2024_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/77f6e502362f4c5bac60b6b73b9bcdc3/varpromotionen-gruppbild_2024_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/77f6e502362f4c5bac60b6b73b9bcdc3/varpromotionen-gruppbild_2024_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/77f6e502362f4c5bac60b6b73b9bcdc3/varpromotionen-gruppbild_2024_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/77f6e502362f4c5bac60b6b73b9bcdc3/varpromotionen-gruppbild_2024_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Picture from last years Spring Graduation ceremony. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>On Thursday 15 May, the ceremony for the University's excellent and merited teachers will take place. It is an occasion to celebrate and recognise those who have been appointed from autumn 2023 to autumn 2024, a total of 34 teachers will participate. During the ceremony, each teacher will be presented with a pin and thanked by representatives of the university management, students and the teaching staff.   </p><p>“Teachers are one of the cornerstones of the university's activities. Therefore, it feels good to recognise them on one of the university's most festive occasions. We hope for a good turnout,” says Cathrine Norberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for education on the first- and second-cycle level at Umeå University, and the person representing Umeå University at the ceremony.  </p><p>The ceremony for excellent and merited teachers will be held in Ljusgården on Campus Umeå 12.30–13.15. All interested parties are welcome. </p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Recognising researchers</h2><p>On Saturday 17 May, it is time for the Spring Graduation ceremony in Aula Nordica in Universum on Campus Umeå. Researchers at Umeå University will be honoured. During this year's ceremony, 86 new doctors and 18 jubilee doctors will be conferred, 7 of the jubilee doctors will be present, the rest will be conferred absent. Jubilee doctors are people who received their doctorate 50 years ago.   </p><p>During the ceremony, the doctoral insignia are handed out – the doctoral hat or laurel wreath, doctoral ring and diploma.   </p><p>“We are so proud of the breadth of socially important and innovative research conducted at Umeå University. This is really something to recognise and celebrate,” says Peter Sköld, Master of Ceremonies at Umeå University.   </p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">New Vice-chancellor is installed</h2><p>The academic ceremonies are very traditional. However, one tradition that doesn't happen every year is the installation of a Vice-chancellor – but this year it's time. On 1 April, Tora Holmberg started her position as Vice-chancellor at Umeå University. During the Spring Graduation, the former Vice-chancellor, Hans Adolfsson, will place the gold Vice-chancellor chain around her neck. The chain is a sign of the dignity of the office.  </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/77f6e502362f4c5bac60b6b73b9bcdc3/holmberg-tora-5543-250403-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/77f6e502362f4c5bac60b6b73b9bcdc3/holmberg-tora-5543-250403-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/77f6e502362f4c5bac60b6b73b9bcdc3/holmberg-tora-5543-250403-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/77f6e502362f4c5bac60b6b73b9bcdc3/holmberg-tora-5543-250403-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/77f6e502362f4c5bac60b6b73b9bcdc3/holmberg-tora-5543-250403-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/77f6e502362f4c5bac60b6b73b9bcdc3/holmberg-tora-5543-250403-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Tora Holmberg is new Vice-chancellor since 1 April.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">It feels great to be able to wear the mighty Vice-chancellor chain and be part of one of the university's most important ceremonies.</p><p>Tora Holmberg becomes the ninth Vice-chancellor to be installed in the university's 60-year history.   </p><p>“It feels great to be able to wear the mighty Vice-chancellor chain and be part of one of the university's most important ceremonies. I have only had a short time to get to know Umeå University. This ceremonial act will be an important step in my role as Vice-chancellor,’ says Tora Holmberg. </p><p>The ceremony will take place in Aula Nordica in Universum at Umeå University on Saturday 17 May at 16.00. The entire ceremony is open to the public, and will last 1.5-2 hours. It is possible to watch a live webcast of the ceremony. A banquet for invited guests will follow. </p><p><a title="live.91��ý��" href="/live">Watch the live broadcast at 91��ý��/live. </a></p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="f7aeaf74-affc-4407-8cf3-a5613c2a1464" data-contentname="Facts abour vice-chancellor chain">{}</div>/en/news/vice-chancellor-tora-holmberg-is-installed-at-the-spring-graduation_12087725//en/news/new-cells-in-connective-tissue-open-up-strategy-against-pancreatic-cancer_12081322/New cells in connective tissue open up strategy against pancreatic cancerResearchers at Umeå University, Sweden, have discovered a previously unknown type of connective tissue cells that surround cancer cells in pancreatic tumors. The newly discovered cells counteract tumor development and may therefore be a target for research into new treatments for pancreatic cancer, which is one of the deadliest forms of cancer.Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:21:12 +0200<p>We are still a long way from treatment, but this may show a viable path for further research," says Daniel Öhlund, associate professor at Umeå University and who has ledleader of the current study.</p><p>Pancreatic cancer is one of the cancers with the worst prognosis for survival. This is partly because it is often detected late, and partly because it responds poorly to traditional treatments with chemotherapy.</p><p>Researchers at Umeå University have investigated the connective tissue cells that surround the cancer cells in pancreatic cancer. These cells, called cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF,), play an important role in how the cancer develops. Several types of CAF stimulate the growth of cancer cells and contribute to the cancer cells being resistant to current chemotherapy treatments. They thus make, making the cancer more aggressive and more difficult to treat.</p><p>What the Umeå researchers have found is a previously unknown subgroup of CAF that has opposite properties. This group can instead hold back the cancer and open the way for the body's own immune cells to attack the cancer cells. However, this newly discovered group, called ifCAF – interferon response cancer-associated fibroblasts, (ifCAF), is in the minority among different CAF around the cancer cells.</p><p>"The opening we see is whether it would be possible to stimulate the formation of this newly discovered and kinder cell type around the cancer cells at the expense of the connective tissue cells that make the cancer aggressive," says Daniel Öhlund.</p><p>The researchers at Umeå University are now proceeding to study potential drug substances that can promote the formation of ifCAF cells so that they increase in number and thus slow down the development of the disease. If successful, it could become a target for the development of future drugs. <br>About half a million people worldwide are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer every year<br>The study is published in the scientific journal Cancer Research.</p><p>About half a million people worldwide are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer every year.</p><p>The study is published in the scientific journal Cancer Research.</p>/en/news/new-cells-in-connective-tissue-open-up-strategy-against-pancreatic-cancer_12081322//en/news/ny-sidadiscovery-of-bacterias-defence-against-viruses-becomes-a-piece-of-the-puzzle-against-resistance_12074262/Discovery of bacteria's defence against viruses becomes a piece of the puzzle against resistance Antibiotic resistance is a global health challenge that could overtake cancer mortality within a few decades. In a new study, researchers at Umeå University show that the emergence of resistance can be understood in the mechanism of how bacteria build up defences against being infected by viruses. It is about genes in the bacterium that interfere with the attacking virus's ability to multiply. Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:59:23 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/8a6ef1107f724148a32ea01eefcdcbf5/mir-sanchis_ignacio_3778_190320_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8a6ef1107f724148a32ea01eefcdcbf5/mir-sanchis_ignacio_3778_190320_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8a6ef1107f724148a32ea01eefcdcbf5/mir-sanchis_ignacio_3778_190320_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/8a6ef1107f724148a32ea01eefcdcbf5/mir-sanchis_ignacio_3778_190320_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8a6ef1107f724148a32ea01eefcdcbf5/mir-sanchis_ignacio_3778_190320_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8a6ef1107f724148a32ea01eefcdcbf5/mir-sanchis_ignacio_3778_190320_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Ignacio Mir-Sanchis, Assistant Professor and lead author of the study. <br><span class="bildPhotografer" style="white-space: nowrap;"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></p></div></div><p>"A key to antibiotic resistance might be the use of viruses to kill bacteria, however, the systems that bacteria employ to defence themselves against viruses are unknown. Understanding these systems opens up for research into how we can break down the defence so that serious infection disease can be treated in the future," says Ignacio Mir-Sanchis, Assistant Professor at Umeå University and the study's lead author.</p><p>The Umeå researchers have studied the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which is a common but potentially fatal bacterium in cases such as septic shock and pneumonia. A subgroup of S. aureus has become multi-resistant to antibiotic treatment and thus poses a major danger to public health. In some countries, a quarter of S. aureus is now multi-resistant, in Sweden only one percent.</p><p>However, the bacteria themselves are vulnerable to infection by a type of virus called bacteriophages, or just phages. Throughout evolution, bacteria and phages have undergone an arms race in which phages infect bacteria, which in turn develop mechanisms to resist the attacks. Much of this defence is encoded in the part of the bacteria's genome that can easily be transferred between bacteria, the so-called mobilome. Such a transfer can mean that otherwise harmless bacteria can turn into lethal. This is because the mobilome often carries genes that are responsible for the production of toxins, i.e. toxic substances, and for resistance to antibiotics.</p><p>The research group has been able to identify a specific set of genes in S. aureus mobilome that confer immunity against infection with phages. This finding was possible thanks to Umeå University's cryoelectron microscope. These genes interfere with the ability of phages to spread and multiply. This happens because a key protein expressed by one of the genes forms a structure around an important protein encoded by the phage's genome, thereby blocking the phage's ability to copy its DNA and thus unable to infect more bacteria.</p><p>"The discovery of this mechanism could be a door opener to understand several aspects of bacterial pathogenesis. On the one hand, we now understand better how resistant bacteria defend themselves against viruses. On the other hand, because these set of genes also encode for toxins and antibiotic resistance genes, it may therefore turn out that this is an important piece of the puzzle in the fight against antibiotic resistance," says Ignacio Mir-Sanchis.</p><p>The study is published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.</p>/en/news/ny-sidadiscovery-of-bacterias-defence-against-viruses-becomes-a-piece-of-the-puzzle-against-resistance_12074262//en/news/hello-magnus-what-is-up_12073051/<description>Magnus Evander is in his third year as head of the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University. What is it like to be the head? We ask some curious questions.</description><pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2025 19:08:36 +0200</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/8d248153fee349c8a03057b59de26d04/img_96222.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8d248153fee349c8a03057b59de26d04/img_96222.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8d248153fee349c8a03057b59de26d04/img_96222.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/8d248153fee349c8a03057b59de26d04/img_96222.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8d248153fee349c8a03057b59de26d04/img_96222.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8d248153fee349c8a03057b59de26d04/img_96222.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Magnus Evander pauses time to time for a cup of coffee.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">It is important to try to create an inclusive working climate in the workplace.</p><h3>What are your responsibilities as head of the department?</h3><p>“Our department is quite large with around 100 employees, we have grown by 30 percent in the last five years. I am the head of the entire department, which means that I basically have ultimate responsibility for all our activities. This includes research, teaching, finance, work environment and more.”</p><h3>What is most rewarding about your assignment?</h3><p>“All the commitment that I think my employees at the department have!”</p><h3>What can be challenging?</h3><p>“When many different tasks are piling up at the same time! Then I have to pick tasks one by one and try not to get stressed.”</p><h3>What is your vision for what you would like to achieve during your period as head of the department?</h3><p>“My vision is a well-functioning department where all employees feel that they have the help they need to be able to do a good job and that the employees themselves contribute to the development of the department.”</p><h3>What qualities do you think would be good to have as a head of department?</h3><p>"There are some things that I think you should strive for, but reaching them fully is a utopia. You must be responsible for your leadership and make well-founded decisions. It is important to try to create an inclusive working climate in the workplace. As a head of department, you should communicate in a clear and transparent way, and be adaptable and open to new ideas."</p><p>"Conflicts are something that cannot be avoided and as a manager, it comes with a great responsibility to handle conflicts in a constructive way to make the staff feel good."</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/8d248153fee349c8a03057b59de26d04/img_96182.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8d248153fee349c8a03057b59de26d04/img_96182.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8d248153fee349c8a03057b59de26d04/img_96182.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/8d248153fee349c8a03057b59de26d04/img_96182.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8d248153fee349c8a03057b59de26d04/img_96182.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8d248153fee349c8a03057b59de26d04/img_96182.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Magnus Evander and collegue Vincent Rusanganwa in conversation.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div></atom:content><link>/en/news/hello-magnus-what-is-up_12073051/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/hello-there-marie--success-and-challenges-on-the-path-to-becoming-a-virus-doctor_12064247/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/hello-there-marie--success-and-challenges-on-the-path-to-becoming-a-virus-doctor_12064247/</guid><title>What is up Marie? – Success and challenges on the path to becoming a virus doctorMarie Peter's doctoral studies focus on identifying and characterizing various cellular proteins that play an important role in flavivirus infections. Now the goal is close as she will defend her thesis at Umeå University on 28 March.Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:27:32 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/c951a21c64fe4f9289f9af61d5009122/marie_peters3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c951a21c64fe4f9289f9af61d5009122/marie_peters3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c951a21c64fe4f9289f9af61d5009122/marie_peters3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/c951a21c64fe4f9289f9af61d5009122/marie_peters3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c951a21c64fe4f9289f9af61d5009122/marie_peters3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c951a21c64fe4f9289f9af61d5009122/marie_peters3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Marie Peters is is a PhD student at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå university.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Emma Honkala</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">my excitement may have been heard in most of the department</p><h3>How does it feel?</h3><p>“It was an incredible feeling to have the printed version of my thesis, as so many years have gone into this work. I excitedly waited by the door to receive the delivery and my excitement may have been heard in most of the department!”</p><h3>What has been rewarding in being a PhD?</h3><p>“The nicest thing about being a PhD student was to be able to follow a project the whole way from beginning to end and being able to perform new experiments depending on the different findings. I also think this was a great experience thanks to the support of my main supervisor Anna Överby and co-supervisors Richard Lundmark and Emma Nilsson. They guided me through the process and invested a lot on time on helping me get to where I am. As a PhD I also had the opportunity to go to different international conferences, including American Society for Virology in Columbus, Ohio, and also European congress in virology in Gdansk, Poland, that were very fun and allowed me to connect with different people in my field.</p><h3>What have you been struggling with?</h3><p>“A challenge has been the struggle of doing experiments, as only approximately 50 percent of the experiments were actually successful, which can sometimes be very frustrating . As a fun example I have managed to completely evaporate an agarose gel on accident trying to optimize an assay.”</p><h3>What do you plan to do after your dissertation?</h3><p>“When I have defended my Doctoral thesis, I have the great plan of taking a vacation in which I will watch reality TV shows to give my brain a break from all the thinking and hard work!”</p><p>“Thereafter, I will continue in Anna Överby’s Lab for a couple of months to finish some of the projects I am part of. More long term, I am planning on staying in academia and pursuing a postdoc, where I will hopefully be able to apply the knowledge I have gained during my PhD.</p><h3>What is the research about and your main result?</h3><p>“Like all viruses, orthoflaviviruses have their own proteins, but they also hijack proteins from host cells to survive and multiply. While some of these proteins have been identified, many remain unknown. For this reason, the focus of my PhD thesis was to identify and characterize some of these proteins to in the future be able to use this knowledge for the development of antivirals (as little or no antivirals are available against most orthoflaviviruses).”</p><p>“I worked a lot with understanding the role of Nucleoporins (NUPs) in orthoflavivirus infection. They are a really cool group of proteins that in cells build up the nuclear pore complex that is involved in the transport of RNA and proteins across the nuclear envelope. While their cellular functions are well characterized, their role in orthoflavivirus infection is understudied. With the work I present in my thesis I show that these proteins are indeed important in infection in particular for the replication and translation stages of the viral life cycle.”</p><p><a href="~/link/ec90d35857b945838ff4d0c8d67edb7f.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read about Marie Peter's dissertation event</a></p>/en/news/hello-there-marie--success-and-challenges-on-the-path-to-becoming-a-virus-doctor_12064247//en/news/network-for-clinical-researchers-in-the-northern-healthcare-region_12057316/<description>From a clinical doctoral school to a research network covering the entire northern healthcare region. Anne-Marie Fors Connolly runs the research network, which is expanding to give more clinical researchers access to the knowledge they need to conduct clinical research.</description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:24:13 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><p>Anne-Marie Fors Connolly, Associate Professor and resident in clinical microbiology, started an initiative for a clinical doctoral school, where clinical researchers could gain knowledge and experience on their way to becoming associate docents and research group leaders. The idea came to her after completing ReaL stages 1 and 2 and she felt she wanted to help create a network for clinical researchers.</p><p>"I have a huge interest in leadership, management and recognise the importance of continuous training to keep up the inspiration for clinical research and train the next generation of clinical researchers," says Anne-Marie Fors Connolly.</p><p class="quote-right">I felt a need, and saw a need</p><p>When she became a research group leader herself, she had no leadership training and found it difficult. ReaL 1 and 2 are great courses, but there are other challenges when you work clinically, and she therefore missed that link in the programmes. The Docent School opened up opportunities to bring people together in the same situation and enable networking and finding partners and ideas for new research across professional categories, but also across clinical boundaries.</p><p>"I imagined a research network that would bring together all those who have the potential to become research leaders, but also those who are responsible for conducting clinical research, such as clinical management staff. I felt a need, and saw a need, so I thought I'd start something similar to ReaL, but more informal and more aimed at the region's affiliated researchers," says Anne-Marie.</p><p>The Docent School was born. However, the name has caused some confusion and will henceforth be called the Clinical Research Network in the Northern Healthcare Region (KlinForsk Norr), as it is aimed not only at those who want to become an associate professor, but at all those who are active in clinical research, as well as management functions and research leaders.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Lunch seminars with different themes</h2><p>Once a month, participants are invited to a lunchtime lecture, where Anne-Marie has invited speakers on a wide range of topics. Everything from conflict management, how to create a creative environment, ethics and law or how to write a good application for an ERC Starting Grant and many other useful things that you as a clinical researcher may need to know. Anne-Marie uses the expected study goals that she has set for the network as a starting point, and tries to get lecturers who fit in with each goal.</p><p>In the autumn of 2024, a kickoff was organised down at Scandic Plaza, where participants presented their projects and the challenges they experienced with clinical research. The heads of the departments of Clinical Microbiology and Diagnostics and Intervention, and Göran Larsson, R&D Director at Region Västerbotten, were also present. The day was much appreciated by the participants who gained insight into each other's projects and situations. The idea is to do a similar day in the autumn of 2025, as it is important that the participants get to meet, talk and network in addition to the lectures offered.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">A growing network</h2><p>Anne-Marie started with her own department, where she began pulling strings in her network of contacts, inviting lecturers and clinical researchers to lunchtime seminars. When the Head of Diagnostics and Intervention heard about this, they joined the initiative, and by the end of the year, Medical Biosciences also joined. Now, more departments are joining, and more researchers will have the opportunity to take part in the range of lectures offered by the research network.</p><p>The need among researchers is great, something that Region Västerbotten has also recognised. The ALF committee has therefore decided to invest ALF funds to contribute to administrative support now that the research network is expanding.</p><p>" Career paths for clinically active researchers are important to the ALF committee. The clinical research network in the Northern Healthcare Region has grown organically at NUS from a need from researchers who combine a clinical career with research. The ALF committee sees great potential in what Anne-Marie has initiated within NUS. By spreading this good initiative to the entire Northern Healthcare Region, all clinical researchers can take part in the research network and its competence development efforts," says Göran Larsson, R&D Director at Region Västerbotten.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Today's research will benefit tomorrow's patients</h2><p>From an idea and a need to a research network that will soon cover the entire northern region. The funding will allow the inclusion of all four northern regions, with the idea being that the lunchtime seminars will also be broadcast via Teams.</p><p>" The continued development of the clinical research network in the Northern Healthcare Region creates a meeting arena and a platform that supports clinical researchers at different stages of academic development. I see that spreading the research network to the entire Northern Healthcare Region is a natural step in the further development of this initiative," says Göran Larsson.</p><p>For Anne-Marie, the driving force is that the research being done today will benefit tomorrow's patients.</p><p>" What really drives me is that it is ultimately about conducting clinical research so that we can improve care, and improve diagnostics so that we can better care for our vulnerable patients," says Anne-Marie.</p></atom:content><link>/en/news/network-for-clinical-researchers-in-the-northern-healthcare-region_12057316/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/tbe-detected-in-vasterbotten-county--new-study-examines-virus-spread_12036628/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/tbe-detected-in-vasterbotten-county--new-study-examines-virus-spread_12036628/</guid><title>TBE detected in Västerbotten County – new study examines virus spreadIn the summer of 2024, a unique case of TBE infection was discovered in Västerbotten. A smaller study confirmed that there was virus in ticks on a limited part of Holmön island. Now the study is being expanded to investigate the occurrence of infection and virus in the county. Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:30:54 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/880c36be88de4d1793768ea779d0cb46/fasting_jens_rydell_johner4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/880c36be88de4d1793768ea779d0cb46/fasting_jens_rydell_johner4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/880c36be88de4d1793768ea779d0cb46/fasting_jens_rydell_johner4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/880c36be88de4d1793768ea779d0cb46/fasting_jens_rydell_johner4.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/880c36be88de4d1793768ea779d0cb46/fasting_jens_rydell_johner4.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/880c36be88de4d1793768ea779d0cb46/fasting_jens_rydell_johner4.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Ticks can carry the TBE virus.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Jens Rydell, Johnér bildbyrå AB</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">It is difficult to draw any major conclusions from the first study, as it is such a small data set</p><p>“It is very exciting and also important to find out the situation in Västerbotten”, says Anna Överby Wernstedt, professor at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University.</p><p>In 2024, just under 400 cases of tick-borne encephalitis, TBE, were diagnosed in Sweden. In Västerbotten County, the disease is uncommon, 0–2 cases have been detected annually in the last ten years, and all are considered to have been infected in another county. The summer of 2024 was the first time that Region Västerbotten treated a person who was considered to have been infected in the county.</p><p>Anna Överby Wernstedt has TBE as her main area of research. Within a couple of weeks of the case in Västerbotten becoming known, she and her research team travelled to the island of Holmön just outside Umeå, where the person is suspected of having been bitten by a tick.</p><p>“We learned about the case in August and in September we were on the island to collect ticks to examine. We thought it was important to look more closely at this and we needed to do it as quickly as possible to be able to get hold of some ticks, as the ticks lie down and sleep”, she says.</p><p>The research team has conducted similar studies in southern Sweden, but not in Västerbotten County as there have been no cases before.</p><p>The current study was conducted in a small, limited area on Holmön. Analyses show that there was virus in the ticks, but at very low levels. The study will be expanded during the summer of 2025.</p><p>“It is difficult to draw any major conclusions from the first study, as it is such a small data set. In the new study, the collection of ticks will be expanded to more locations on Holmön, but also to other islands in Västerbotten County, such as Norrbyskär. We will also seek ethical permission to study whether people have been exposed”, says Anna Överby Wernstedt.</p><h3>Different symptoms of the infection</h3><p>Most people who become infected with TBE do not have any symptoms at all, about a third get milder flu-like symptoms that go away within a week. However, some get more serious symptoms such as encephalitis with high fever, severe headache, confusion and possibly convulsions and paralysis.</p><p>“There are very mild strains in Germany that only cause diarrhea and no neurological problems, while there are strains in Russia that cause a mortality rate of 20 percent. The European variant has a mortality rate of 0.5 percent of those who are diagnosed. But only a fraction become ill and hospitalized”, says Anna Överby Wernstedt.</p><p>Through the study that is being conducted, the researchers can characterize the virus that the ticks in Västerbotten County carry. Results are expected in a year.</p><p>“By then we have collected ticks and analysed the samples that we have received, and hopefully blood samples from the people who move around on these islands. Then we can have a better picture of the situation”.</p><p><strong>How should people act based on what we know today?</strong></p><p>“At the moment we know very little. I cannot go out and say that everyone should get vaccinated when there has only been one case and we do not know if this strain is pathogenic and dangerous. We know too little, which is why we are doing this study”.</p><p><strong>How did the virus come to Västerbotten County?</strong></p><p>“We can only speculate. There is TBE in the Vasa region in Finland and it could have come with birds, that is the logical thing to assume, but we have no evidence right now. Humans are not affected by the spread of TBE, we usually say that humans are a dead-end host “,says Anna Överby Wernstedt.</p>/en/news/tbe-detected-in-vasterbotten-county--new-study-examines-virus-spread_12036628//en/news/join-the-one-ocean-expedition_12058479/Join the One Ocean Expedition 2025Master’s or PhD students from Umeå University can apply to participate on a course about Arctic Future Pathfinders. The course take place over a month long voyage upon the ship S/S Statsraad Lehmkuhl across the north-west passage. Take this opportunity for an experience of a lifetime!Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:53:45 +0100<div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="ac449520-8d6f-4814-a8aa-db568cca6b7f" data-contentname="One Ocean summary">{}</div><p> </p><p>As a Master’s or PhD student from Umeå University, you can apply to participate in the course “<strong>Arctic Future Pathfinders – A journey through the Northwest Passage</strong>”, which is part of the One Ocean Expedition. The expedition is based on the ship S/S Statsraad Lehmkuhl, which will take the participants through the north-west passage. Choose Group 1 or 2, depending on when and where you want to go. Take this opportunity for an experience of a lifetime!</p><p><strong>Group 1:</strong><br>Embark in Nuuk, Greenland and depart in Cambridge Bay, Canada. <br>The voyage is between 5 and 29 August 2025.</p><p><strong>Group 2:</strong><br>Embark in Cambridge Bay, Canada and depart in Whittier, Alaska.<br>The voyage is between 2 September and 4 October 2025.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Sailing route</h2><p>Group 1:<br>05.08.2025 Departure from Nuuk, Greenland<br>13.08.2025 Arrival in Pond, Greenland<br>22.08.2025 Arrival in Gjoa Haven, Canada<br>29.08.2025 Arrival in Cambridge Bay, Canada<br>Flight from Cambridge Bay to Yellowknife<br>Flight from Yellowknife to Sweden</p><p>Group 2:<br>Flight from Yellowknife to Cambridge Bay, Canada<br>02.09.25 Departure Cambridge Bay, Canada<br>20.09.2025 Arrival in Nome, Alaska USA<br>04.10.2025 Arrival in Whittier, Alaska USA<br>Flight from Whittier to Sweden</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Application deadline</h2><p><strong>7 April, 2025</strong></p><p>Deadline to nominate to UiT is 15 April, and The Arctic Six will send in the suggestions from all four universities together on 11 April.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Application</h2><p><a href="https://forms.office.com/e/Ti0wL8VDzB">Fill in the applcation form here</a></p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">About the course</h2><p>The course “Arctic Future Pathfinders – A journey through the Northwest Passage” is a 10 ECTS course for master’s and PhD students. It is linked to Norway’s Arctic Ocean 2050 initiative and the upcoming International Polar Year in 2032/33, aiming to train students and young academics to become essential Arctic researchers. It focuses on inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration competences and anticipatory skills.<br><a href="https://en.uit.no/one-ocean/masters-course">Read more here</a></p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">Background</h2><p>The One Ocean Expedition is a voyage organised by UiT – the Arctic University of Norway, which is one of universities within the Arctic Six collaboration. The Arctic Six has been tasked to nominate four participants from the other Arctic Six universities, one from Umeå University, Luleå University of Technology, University of Oulu, and University of Lapland (Nord university has a separate call).</p><p>Expedition costs and the charter flights to and from Yellowknife will be covered by UiT external funds. Travels to and from Sweden must be covered by the home department or the student.</p><h2 id="info5" data-magellan-target="info5">More information</h2><p>For further information about the course and expedition, see <a href="https://en.uit.no/one-ocean">the UiT website</a>.</p><p>You can also follow the ship and see the sailing route on <a href="https://www.oneoceanexpedition.com/">the One Ocean website</a>.</p>/en/news/join-the-one-ocean-expedition_12058479//en/news/canadas-new-arctic-foreign-policy-presented-at-umea-university_12054032/Canada’s new Arctic Foreign Policy presented at Umeå UniversityUmeå University recently hosted the Canadian Ambassador to Sweden, Jason LaTorre, for a presentation on Canada’s newly launched Arctic Foreign Policy (AFP). The event held on 6 February 2025 gathered Arctic researchers, university leadership, and representatives from multiple research centres to discuss shared challenges and explore collaboration opportunities between Canada and Sweden.Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:00:59 +0100<div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="170b7808-b7bc-4661-ac80-a5188f2182fc" data-contentname="BILD CA/SW">{}</div><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">A shared vision for the Arctic</h2><p>Canada’s new AFP prioritises sustainable development, partnerships with Indigenous communities, and strengthened international cooperation to address the impacts of climate change. Given Umeå University’s strong profile in Arctic research and its active role in global Arctic networks such as the European Polar Board (EPB), The Arctic Six, and the University of the Arctic (UArctic), the institution was a natural choice for the Ambassador’s visit.</p><p>“Canada’s new Arctic Foreign Policy aligns closely with challenges across the Arctic, including Sweden. International collaboration is essential to tackling shared priorities, from climate resilience and security to sustainable community development,” says Keith Larson, Director of the Arctic Centre at Umeå University.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Strengthening Swedish-Canadian collaboration</h2><p>The event brought together a diverse group of researchers and policymakers, including Peter Sköld, Advisor on Arctic issues at Umeå University, and Maria Grigoratou, Executive Secretary for the EPB, who has been based at the university since January.</p><p class="quote-center">The Ambassador’s visit highlights the importance of international partnerships.</p><p>Ambassador LaTorre’s presentation emphasised the potential for deepened cooperation between Canada and Sweden in Arctic research, education, and policy development. Discussions also addressed the shared responsibilities of Arctic nations in tackling urgent issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and the sustainable development of Arctic communities.</p><p>“The Ambassador’s visit highlights the importance of international partnerships. His presentation opens up new opportunities for collaboration between Umeå University and Canadian institutions, allowing us to advance research and develop solutions to the challenges facing the Arctic,” says Peter Sköld.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Umeå University’s role in global Arctic policy</h2><p>The visit reaffirmed Umeå University’s position as a key player in Arctic research and policy discussions. As Sweden’s Arctic University, Umeå remains committed to fostering international dialogue and strengthening partnerships that contribute to sustainable development in the Arctic region.</p><p>With the challenges in the Arctic requiring urgent attention, events like these serve as catalysts for meaningful cooperation. As Canada and Sweden continue to champion sustainability and Indigenous engagement in the Arctic, their collaboration is set to play a vital role in shaping the region’s future.</p>/en/news/canadas-new-arctic-foreign-policy-presented-at-umea-university_12054032//en/news/scilifelab-site-umea-celebrates-16-new-group-leaders_12053865/<description>In February, Umeå welcomed 16 new SciLifeLab Group Leaders, marking an important step in strengthening Umeå’s life science research community. Group Leaders are researchers with key scientific and technological contributions to SciLifeLab’s mission: advancing life science research through national collaboration. </description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:39:58 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/gruppledare_scilifelab_umea_20254.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/gruppledare_scilifelab_umea_20254.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/gruppledare_scilifelab_umea_20254.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/gruppledare_scilifelab_umea_20254.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/gruppledare_scilifelab_umea_20254.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/gruppledare_scilifelab_umea_20254.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>SciLifeLab Umeå's Group Leaders</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">Having this excellence in research and skills gathered here is very important for Umeå</p><p>“With the new Group Leaders, the SciLifeLab and life science community grows stronger in Umeå”, says Linda Sandblad, one of the Group Leaders and the site Director in Umeå.  <br><br>The Group Leaders’ research spans a wide set of life science topics, from diabetes and cancer research, to infection biology and pandemic preparedness, to proteins and DNA sequencing, to the development of sophisticated imaging and computational techniques (to mention a few!).  <br><br>Over SciLifeLab-green princess cakes, the Group Leaders got to meet each other, share their common research interests and goals, and celebrate the years ahead.  </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/scilifelab_nya_gruppledare2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/scilifelab_nya_gruppledare2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/scilifelab_nya_gruppledare2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/scilifelab_nya_gruppledare2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/scilifelab_nya_gruppledare2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/scilifelab_nya_gruppledare2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>SciLifeLab’s new Group Leaders in Umeå celebrated with a SciLifeLab-green princess cake. Annika Johansson, head of unit of <a href="~/link/b3535c2f6803442f8cf20120b93e6074.aspx">Swedish Metabolomics Centre, SMC</a>, cuts the first slice.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div><p>“The Group Leaders has been chosen based on their valuable involvements in infrastructure development, and contributions to shared data resources. Having this excellence in research and skills gathered here is very important for Umeå”, says Linda Sandblad.  <br><br>The Group Leader concept aims to create collaborative communities within the SciLifeLab ecosystem. The key goals are to enhance interdisciplinary research and collaboration, enhance technology development and provide cutting edge research infrastructure </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/gruppledare_scilifelab_umea_20253.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/gruppledare_scilifelab_umea_20253.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/gruppledare_scilifelab_umea_20253.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/gruppledare_scilifelab_umea_20253.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/gruppledare_scilifelab_umea_20253.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ac6dccc4bc6c4916b7b1f0aee47594dc/gruppledare_scilifelab_umea_20253.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>SciLifeLab Umeå's new Group Leaders met over cake to celebrate talk about shared research interests.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div><ul><li>Find all of SciLifeLab Umeå’s Group Leaders <a href="~/link/52e57ab9a42840cb8203dae90538af55.aspx">here</a>. </li><li><a href="https://www.scilifelab.se/news/scilifelab-welcomes-new-group-leaders/">Read more</a> about the national announcement of 213 new Group Leaders all over SciLifeLab’s national sites. </li></ul></atom:content><link>/en/news/scilifelab-site-umea-celebrates-16-new-group-leaders_12053865/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/infectious-disease-specialists-most-exposed-during-the-pandemic_12051521/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/infectious-disease-specialists-most-exposed-during-the-pandemic_12051521/</guid><title>Infectious disease specialists most exposed during the pandemicMedical doctors in infectious disease clinics were significantly more likely to be infected with the SARS-CoV2 virus than doctors with less patient contact. This is shown in a new study at Umeå University. One in five doctors working in infectious disease clinics were infected during the first and second waves of the pandemic in 2020.Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:32:50 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/163bb02b3a234f43af0ef19cdc0f4246/fors_conolly_anne-marie_9878_220405_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/163bb02b3a234f43af0ef19cdc0f4246/fors_conolly_anne-marie_9878_220405_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/163bb02b3a234f43af0ef19cdc0f4246/fors_conolly_anne-marie_9878_220405_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/163bb02b3a234f43af0ef19cdc0f4246/fors_conolly_anne-marie_9878_220405_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/163bb02b3a234f43af0ef19cdc0f4246/fors_conolly_anne-marie_9878_220405_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/163bb02b3a234f43af0ef19cdc0f4246/fors_conolly_anne-marie_9878_220405_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Anne-Marie Fors Connolly, medical doctor and associate professor at Umeå University</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">an important contribution to improving future pandemic management</p><p>“The results highlight the importance of effective protective procedures and vaccination programmes for healthcare personnel during future pandemics. Our findings indicate that occupational exposure is an important risk factor for infection, says Anne-Marie Fors Connolly, medical doctor and associate professor at Umeå University and the study's senior author.</p><p>In a national study led by Umeå University, researchers have examined the risk of different clinical specialties among doctors testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, which caused COVID-19, during the pandemic. The study shows that infectious disease doctors, that is, those who worked in infectious disease clinics, were at the highest risk in 2020. This was especially the case during the first and second waves of the pandemic.</p><p>After infectious disease doctors, geriatric medicine and emergency medicine doctors were at the highest risk of infection compared to doctors with no to little patient contact. Among doctors who worked in infectious disease clinics, one in five, 20.2 percent, were infected in 2020. Among doctors with little patient contact, fewer than one in ten, 8.7 percent, were infected.</p><p>Vaccination clearly reduced the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. The study shows that vaccination programmes for high-risk groups in healthcare are crucial for protecting personnel.</p><p>“Our result is an important contribution to improving future pandemic management and protective measures for healthcare personnel,” says Anne-Marie Fors Connolly.</p><p>The study included data from over 35,000 publicly employed doctors in Sweden between February 2020 and March 2022. Researchers analysed the association between clinical specialty and the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.</p><p>The study was published in the scientific journal Scandinavian Journal of Public Health.</p><p><em>The study was conducted using data from Swedish national registries and the Swedish Municipalities and data from Swedish healthcare (Regionen). It was funded by Region Västerbotten ALF-fonden, MIMS, Kempefonden, Hjärt-Lungfonden and Petrus and Augusta Hedlunds Stiftelse.</em></p>/en/news/infectious-disease-specialists-most-exposed-during-the-pandemic_12051521//en/news/new-knowledge-about-cell-division-with-data-driven-techniques_12047410/New knowledge about cell division with data-driven techniquesResearch from Umeå University paves the way for a quantitative data analysis method to study the cell division process in individual cells. The improved resolution will promote advanced cell analysis in the human body, especially in cases of incorrect cell division such as in the context of cancer.Wed, 28 May 2025 14:28:01 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5549-250130-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5549-250130-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5549-250130-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5549-250130-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5549-250130-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5549-250130-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Can we better distill biological knowledge about the cell out of large data sets? This question is a driving force in Johan Henriksson's research.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">The aim is to discover new unexpected biological patterns</p><p>“We did not get the results we expected! But the study fortunately gave us a better understanding of the genome and how it can be measured when sequencing using transposons, a type of genetically modified mobile gene sequence. The transposons behave differently during cell division and this can be used, among other things, to follow the cell division process”, says Johan Henriksson, research fellow at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>Every organ in the body is built from a large number of different cells, each of which performs different functions. Therefore, it is important to be able to study the cells individually. Even in the early stages of biological science, this was possible using microscopy, but it was limited to studying a maximum of five or ten genes at a time.</p><p>Advanced single-cell methods began to be used in the 2010s and have revolutionized the ability to efficiently count a large number of information-bearing molecules in the cell. The method relies on sequencing to study all (over 20,000) genes in a single cell. Nowadays, it is also possible to study millions of cells, one at a time, and this generates an enormous amount of data.</p><p>Studies of single cells do not need to be based on a hypothesis because no prior selection of genes is needed. This is called a “data-driven” approach, in that the collected data rather than a hypothesis guides the research direction and results.</p><p>“The aim is to discover new unexpected biological patterns, which can lead to new research questions”, says Johan Henriksson,</p><p>However, this comes with two major problems: We are now simply drowning in data and the technology is expensive. This was an important driving force for the research project that Johan Henriksson and his group started. Questions they asked themselves were: If the method is so expensive, how can it be used in a better way? What else can we tell from the data that we had not thought of before?</p><p>One theory was that it would be possible to measure the length of telomeres – DNA structures that form the ends of our chromosomes and protect them. Every time a cell divides, the telomeres become shorter. When they become too short, the cell can no longer divide; it becomes inactive or the genome is damaged, which can transform it into a cancer cell.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5561-250130-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5561-250130-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5561-250130-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5561-250130-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5561-250130-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5561-250130-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Johan Henriksson discusses an experiment with postdoctoral fellows Iryna Yakovenko and Jyoti Verma.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>However, the project did not go as planned. The initial analysis of the data looked promising, but the more data that was analyzed, the more contradictions were noticed.</p><p>“After an intensive hunt for data from other labs, which can now be easily downloaded and compared, our team became desperate. Instead, we began to focus on investigating which other biological factors could affect the telomere length measurement”, says Johan Henriksson.</p><p>The data analysis forced the researchers to pay close attention to details in previous research on telomeres. For example, the expected sequence of human telomeres – repeated DNA sequences of TTAGGG – is also found in other parts of the genome. Furthermore, the telomere is not a perfect repeat of TTAGGG, or a repeat at all. Rather, the telomere model is now so dated and oversimplified that it may actually be counterproductive.</p><p>Advanced sequencing technology has provided new data on the telomere sequence, but it is complex and difficult to interpret. The interpretation is also affected by how the measurement is performed. Johan Henriksson believes that the technique for analyzing genomes from single cells (ATAC-seq) needs to be reevaluated. ATAC-seq uses a type of genetically modified mobile gene sequence, called a transposon, to cut up the DNA into small pieces that can be sequenced.</p><p>“Based on some rather complicated experiments, it turned out that the transposon neither duplicates local DNA as previous research suggests, nor does it seem to chop up the telomere as much as other parts of the genome. Measuring telomere length was simply not possible with this approach”, says Johan Henriksson.</p><p>In another study, the researchers have already used the measurement method to locate a new, unexplored state in T cells that appears to be interesting for immunotherapy, a type of cancer treatment where the body's own immune system is used to fight cancer.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5589-250130-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5589-250130-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5589-250130-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5589-250130-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5589-250130-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/abbf2c8d69b24e3fa93a6e90505f9ab3/henriksson_johan_5589-250130-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Johan Henriksson lab works interdisciplinary in areas from computer science to molecular biology.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div>/en/news/new-knowledge-about-cell-division-with-data-driven-techniques_12047410//en/news/minute-of-silence-and-flag-at-half-mast-to-honour-the-victims-in-orebro_12047008/Minute of silence and flag at half mast to honour the victims in ÖrebroUmeå University participates in a national minute of silence to honour the victims of the school shooting in Örebro and flies the flag at half-mast on campus in Umeå.Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:10:31 +0100<p>"What was not allowed to happen has happened and the whole country mourns with the victims. 4 February 2025 will forever mark a dark day in Swedish history. To honour the victims who never came home to their loved ones, I want to invite everyone across our country to gather for a minute of silence," says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on the government website.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Umeå University participates</h2><p>The government is calling for a national minute of silence at 12.00 on Tuesday 11 February.</p><p>The university management at Umeå University calls on all students and staff to participates. Umeå University will also fly a flag at half-mast at the campus pond on Tuesday, also at the request of the government.</p>/en/news/minute-of-silence-and-flag-at-half-mast-to-honour-the-victims-in-orebro_12047008//en/news/icelab-invites-project-project-proposals_12040412/IceLab opens project call for shared postdoctoral fellowsIceLab invites multidisciplinary research teams to propose projects for a shared postdoctoral fellow, funded by Kempestiftelserna. Project proposals can now be submitted, until May 19th. An information pitch will be given February 12th at 12:00 in KBC Glasburen to hear more about the program during the IceLab Lunch Pitch. Mon, 03 Feb 2025 17:16:14 +0100<p>Researchers working in teams of two or more are encouraged to submit innovative multidisciplinary project proposals as part of this funding call. The initiative aims to foster projects that leverage collaboration across different fields and research methods. Funding will be awarded to three projects, each receiving support for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship. These shared postdoctoral fellows, guided by multidisciplinary research teams from Umeå University or the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, will help turn innovative ideas into impactful research collaborations.</p><p>The Integrated Science Lab (IceLab) will host the selected fellows, providing an interdisciplinary environment where daily interactions with IceLab researchers fuel collaboration and discovery. IceLab fosters exploration across traditional disciplinary boundaries by integrating theoretical, computational, and empirical approaches. Supervising project teams will become IceLab affiliates and, when relevant, connect to Stress Response Modeling at IceLab, a Swedish Research Council-funded excellence center.</p><h3>Information given during the IceLab Lunch Pitch February 12th</h3><p>IceLab invites you to join an information meeting on the call on February 12th, in KBC Glasburen, during the first IceLab Lunch Pitch of the year (<a href="~/link/4b90cd2071af4935b86dcbeb9d8dd71b.aspx">link to event</a>). Martin Rosvall, Professor at the Department of Physics and director of IceLab, will encourage researchers to submit a project proposal and be available to answer any questions about the call. Register in advance if you are interested in attending.</p><p>The deadline to submit project proposals is May 19th. More information can be found on IceLab's website (<a href="/en/icelab/career-and-education/icelab-multidisciplinary-postdoctoral-programme/">link to information on the call</a>).</p>/en/news/icelab-invites-project-project-proposals_12040412//en/news/2024-mims-clinical-research-fellowships-awarded_12042093/2024 MIMS Clinical Research Fellowships awardedThe Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, MIMS, has announced the awardees of the national Clinical Research Fellowship programme 2024. Vanja Lunberg Wiraeus at Gothenburg University and Anne Tuiskunen Bäck at Umeå University receive fellowships to conduct research on immune defects of newborns and viral pathogenesis during myocarditis, respectively.Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:28:36 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Vanja Lundberg Wiraeus at Gothenburg University is one of the award winners.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span> Karolina Thörn</span></div></div><p>Vanja Lundberg Wiraeus is an immunologist at Gothenburg University and a paediatric resident at Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital in Gothenburg, where she has been involved in treating patients with Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI).  </p><p>Following a medical degree and PhD in immunology at Gothenburg University, she focused on setting up a translational workflow to validate genetic findings in children with IEI, a group of immune system disorders that can result in severe infections, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, allergies or even cancer. <br> <br>In her MIMS CRF project, she will work with Emma Haapaniemi at the Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, and assess the effectiveness of the CRISPR correction technique as a personalized treatment for patients with IEI. <br> <br>‘‘I am honoured to receive the MIMS Clinical Research Fellowship, which will advance our research in gene therapy for patients that suffer from serious defects in their immune system. This project aims to evaluate the efficiency of CRISPR correction technique for various T cell defects," Vanja Lundberg Wiraeus says and continues:</p><p>"The MIMS Clinical Research Fellowship grant will give me the opportunity to continue my clinical practise, to see children with different IEIs and at the same time provide samples for gene correction to the lab of my collaboration partner Emma Haapaniemi. The primary goal of her lab is to develop a platform for gene correction technologies for IEIs, and the corrected cells will then be evaluated in our lab for function and safety. As there is no specific treatment for IEI patients, the development of gene therapy is important for a patient specific therapy with less side effects’’. <br><br>‘‘I congratulate Vanja and excited to work on this project with her. Collaborating with Oslo University Hospital and Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital in Gothenburg allows us to gather a sufficient number of patients, which is crucial for studying rare diseases. Our goal is to make this gene correction technique clinically available to the patients. It is great that their hospital has advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP) designated for children, which is perfect for our work on corrected stem cells," says Emma Haapaniemi, Group Leader, MD PhD, Oslo University Hospital. </p><p>She continues:<br>  <br>"We are at a similar career stage, and Vanja’s clinical expertise combined with my research expertise brings complementary strengths to this project. I believe that our synergy will lead to significant benefits for patients. This collaboration marks the beginning of a larger, long-term effort, and we are excited about the potential impact.’’ </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/072719da6dec42a48d8018119d99e72b/anne-tuiskunen-lab_9770-240828-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/072719da6dec42a48d8018119d99e72b/anne-tuiskunen-lab_9770-240828-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/072719da6dec42a48d8018119d99e72b/anne-tuiskunen-lab_9770-240828-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/072719da6dec42a48d8018119d99e72b/anne-tuiskunen-lab_9770-240828-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/072719da6dec42a48d8018119d99e72b/anne-tuiskunen-lab_9770-240828-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/072719da6dec42a48d8018119d99e72b/anne-tuiskunen-lab_9770-240828-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Anne Tuiskunen at Umeå University and Region Västerbotten is one of the award winners.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>Anne Tuiskunen Bäck is a cardiology resident and her research centers on clinical virology and metagenomics. She completed her PhD in medicine on the Dengue virus at the Karolinska Institute and the French Forces Institute of Tropical Medicine (IMTSSA). Her current research focuses on the genetic characterization of virus isolates from patients to better understand the role of viruses in disease progression, adopting a strongly translational, bench-to-bedside perspective. In her MIMS CRF project, she will particularly investigate the genetic diversity and pathogenesis of <em>Nephropathia Epidemica</em> (“sorkfeber” in Swedish), caused by the Puumala virus, and viral myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle. <br> <br>She will work with former MIMS Clinical Research Fellow Anne-Marie Fors Connolly to incorporate an epidemiological dimension into these studies.  Additionally, she shares an interest in metagenomics with MIMS Investigator Laura Caroll at Umeå University, with whom she is engaged in ongoing discussions to explore synergies and potential collaboration. <br> <br>‘‘I am deeply grateful for the MIMS fellowship, which strengthens my ability to pursue interdisciplinary and translational research at the intersection of cardiology and virology. One of my key projects investigates the genetic evolution of the Puumala virus in Sweden over time and space, aiming to better understand its virulence and links to human transmission, ultimately contributing to enhanced public health strategies. Another project focuses on viral myocarditis, a common cause of sudden cardiac death in young individuals, with the goal of improving diagnostics and risk prediction using biomarkers and genetic analysis," Anne Tuiskunen Bäck says. </p><p>She continues: <br>   <br>"The collaborative environment at MIMS aligns naturally with my research, and I look forward to exploring synergies with colleagues such as Anne-Marie Fors Connolly and Laura Carroll’’. <br><br>"I am delighted that Anne Tuiskunen Bäck received the MIMS CRF. As a former MIMS CRF, it has been extremely helpful to my career and research network to participate in the MIMS and EMBL network, and I believe that Anne will have a similar positive and beneficial experience," Anne-Marie Fors Connolly, Associate Professor, MD PhD, former MIMS CRF, Umeå University, says.</p><p>"I look forward to continuing my collaboration with Anne Tuiskunen Bäck, from the established ongoing collaboration focusing on Puumala virus epidemiology; to the newly started collaborative initiative focusing on the risk of myocarditis following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Addressing these questions is critical for improving surveillance strategies and understanding the genetic drivers of PUUV outbreaks, and for improving diagnosis and treatment of myocarditis complications following infections." <br> <br>"I'm really excited about collaborating with Anne, particularly on some metagenomics-related projects, where we can combine our expertise in virology and bacterial bioinformatics. Viral metagenomics is a particularly hot topic right now, and Anne's subject matter expertise will be essential for these projects," says Laura Carroll, Associate Professor, PhD, MIMS Investigator, Umeå University.<br> <br>MIMS Clinical Research Fellowships provide guaranteed research time and fund the fellow’s research up to a total value of 3.2 million SEK.  <br> <br>“We are happy to welcome two new clinical fellows to the MIMS community. Their projects bridge basic and clinical research in two important areas of medicine, which is the aim of our program. They also illustrate how opportunities arise from international collaboration in molecular medicine, which is at the core of our partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL, and its Nordic Partnership,’’ says Oliver Billker, Director of MIMS, Umeå University.</p><p><em>MIMS receives funding from the Swedish Research Council, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the Kempe Foundations and Umeå University to foster the next generation of outstanding researchers in infection medicine. It is the Swedish node in the EMBL network, to which it is connected through the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine. </em></p>/en/news/2024-mims-clinical-research-fellowships-awarded_12042093//en/news/ukrainian-researchers-visited-umea-for-collaboration-and-inspiration_12041064/<description>With Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, most of laboratory research came to a halt. With bombing of institutes, frequent loss of electricity, and nights spent in bomb shelters, the life of the researchers has changed drastically. When most of the teaching and research takes place online, the visit to Umeå University provided not only a break from the war, but a source of inspiration and possible collaborations. </description><pubDate>Fri, 31 Jan 2025 09:03:29 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10111423.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10111423.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10111423.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10111423.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10111423.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10111423.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Annika Johansson, Head of unit at the Swedish Metabolomics Center (SMC) at Umeå university and SLU, introduces the metabolomics research that takes place at SMC. SMC is part of the Metabolomics platform at SciLifeLab. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div><p>"I think this visit will inspire them for the rest of the lives," says Olena Myronycheva, associate senior lecturer at Luleå University of Technology, during their visit to Umeå University. She is behind UNSTE, Ukraine Natural Science Talent Empowerment, a project with the aim of empowering young Ukrainian researchers and training them in natural science topics.<br><br>“Since February 2022, most of our activities and research take place online”, explains visitor Tetiana Konovalenko, who organised the trip to Sweden together with Olena Myronycheva. As part of her PhD thesis, she studies the impact of international projects on higher education in Ukraine, and hopes to use the visit as the basis for her work.<br><br>“I study how research benefits from international cooperation, and the need for connections and collaborations outside of Ukraine is immense right now, as is access to equipment and labs,” she says. </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10110612.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10110612.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10110612.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10110612.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10110612.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10110612.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Linda Sandblad, researcher at the Department of Chemistry, Director for SciLifeLab site Umeå and Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy, introduces the facilities and possible collaboration oppurtunities. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div><p>As a part of UNSTE, several PhD students and young researchers in molecular biology, biotechnology, and plant science at Ukrainian universities, were selected to visit the Swedish universities in the north, spending two days at Umeå University, SciLifeLab and Umeå Plant Science Centre. </p><p>“During my studies and research in Sweden I have always had good collaborations with Umeå and wanted to show the possibilities here to the students. I think they could have many opportunities here,” says Olena Myronycheva.  </p><p class="quote-center">Meeting the researchers and seeing the labs here in Umeå shows us what is possible</p><p>During the two-day visit, they visited several of the labs and infrastructures at the Chemical Biological Center, KBC, learned about opportunities through SciLifeLab and the upcoming SciLifeLab postdoctoral programme, PULSE, Umeå Plant Science Centre as well as connected with researchers here in Umeå and sparked ideas for collaborations. All participants from Ukraine expressed great gratitude to all researchers and staff at Umeå that gave extensive information about advanced research methods and equipment. </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10112222.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10112222.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10112222.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10112222.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10112222.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10112222.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Tobias Sparrman, staff scientist at the NMR facility, introduces the visitors to the techniques and methods used at the unit. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div><h3>We still have a future</h3><p>“The high level of the equipment and labs here are something that I could only dream of in Ukraine right now”, says Alina Kerner, a PhD student at the M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kyiv.<br><br>As part of her PhD, she is researching how certain fungi might help address chemicals that contain fluorine –– chemicals that are often difficult to break down and can be harmful to the environment. “Meeting everyone here in Umeå has been a very happy event and inspirational boost,” she says.<br><br>Her colleague, PhD student Svitlana Bondaruk, who also studies fungi usages in biotransformation, says that “meeting the researchers and seeing the labs here in Umeå shows us what is possible”.<br><br>During the visit, Umeå university also provided information and advice on grants and funding, support which Alina Kerner and Svitlana Bondaruk explains are invaluable in their situation.<br><br>They explain that although they now have access to their laboratories in Kyiv “we experience more or less daily cuts in electricity, and the labs shake due to close bombing”. They share about starting over experiments from scratch when there is an electricity shortage, or if they have to leave for the bomb shelter.  <br><br>“Many times, I’ve brought my laptop to the shelter to continue analysis of data,” says Svitlana Bondaruk.  </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10113092.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10113092.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10113092.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10113092.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10113092.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/68de3c6520fb4415bd4c2065329a1b6d/p10113092.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>From left to right: Alina Kerner, Svitlana Bondaruk, PhD students at the National University of Food Technologies, Keiv, and Daria Pylypenko, associate professor State Biotechnological University, Kharkiv.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div><p>Although the many difficulties in conducting the research, their interest in the science keeps them going, and they hope to one day make an impact in science that reminds the scientific community that Ukraine is still standing. “If I publish a paper in an international journal, the world will see that we are still alive, we are still doing research, and we still have a future,” says Alina Kerner.<br><br>“It has been amazing to see the facilities here in Umeå, the labs and infrastructures. Everyone has been very welcoming, and we are very grateful for the opportunity to visit and ignite collaborations,” says Daria Pylypenko, associate professor at the State Biotechnological University in Kharkiv, Ukraine. </p></atom:content><link>/en/news/ukrainian-researchers-visited-umea-for-collaboration-and-inspiration_12041064/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/vice-chancellor-hans-adolfsson-bids-farewell--the-red-shoes-leave-the-university_12038744/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/vice-chancellor-hans-adolfsson-bids-farewell--the-red-shoes-leave-the-university_12038744/</guid><title /><description>After eight and a half years, Umeå University's Vice-Chancellor Hans Adolfsson is now saying goodbye. The eighth vice-chancellor in the order is moving on to become vice-chancellor of Stockholm University, and will have his last day of work at Umeå University on 31 January 2025. "Umeå University won't leave my heart, that's the way it is," said Hans Adolfsson at the farewell ceremony in Brashörnan in Universum.</description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:59:36 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><p>Brashörnan was filled with guests who, while enjoying canapés and bubbly, were treated to speeches and films summarising Hans Adolfsson's time at Umeå University. Moderator Annakarin Nyberg, Associate professor at Department of Informatics, interviewed the Vice-Chancellor on stage and the first to speak was Pro-Vice-Chancellor Katrine Riklund.</p><p>"You have spent about twenty-one per cent of your active professional life at our university, and if you count all the hours you've worked, that's thirty to forty per cent! And I think you will now be an excellent UMU ambassador, because the story of Umeå University needs to be told far and wide, and Umeå University never leaves your heart, your brain or your red shoes,’ said Pro-Vice-Chancellor Katrine Riklund.</p><p>It is of course difficult to summarise eight and a half years, but University Director Hans Wiklund made a good attempt in his speech and presented a summary of figures and important points.</p><p>"The number of students has increased from 31,000 to 40,500, or by 30 per cent, or converted to three students per day during your term of 3,136 days. Umeå University received the highest rating for the quality assurance of education when UKÄ conducted its institutional review in 2021. The scientific production has increased. Umeå University's share of the research councils' awarded grants has increased in 2024, as have the applications and awarded grants from the European Research Council (ERC). A Nobel Prize. The first, but not the last," summarised Hans Wiklund and continued:</p><p>"The university has climbed up the rankings, most clearly in the area of sustainability, where we have moved from 600th to 200th place out of 1,800 higher education institutions globally. The number of employees has increased from just over 4,200 to just under 4,600 and annual revenue has increased from just over SEK 4 billion to just over SEK 5 billion."</p><p>Hans Wiklund concluded by pointing out that there was also a record result in the 2024 employee survey.</p><p>"The highest ever at Umeå University and the highest of all the universities that have conducted the corresponding survey."</p><p class="quote-center">I remember standing at the whiteboard trying to write down all the actions we would have to take on the morning of 17 March 2020, when we were told to close down the university.</p><p>At the farewell, the moderator Annakarin Nyberg asked about the core values work, which was intensified after some personnel cases and which has since become so successful that other universities have started asking about it. The moderator and vice-chancellor also talked about what it was like to govern a large university during such a unique event as a global pandemic.</p><p>"I remember standing at the whiteboard trying to write down all the actions we would have to take on the morning of 17 March 2020, when we were told to close down the university. You sharpen up even more in such situations and I saw that many around me really grew in their leadership and took an incredible amount of responsibility and made sure that things worked," said Hans Adolfsson.</p><p>The pandemic also featured in Governor of Västerbotten County Helene Hellmark Knutsson's speech, which was pre-recorded because she was elsewhere. The governor thanked the vice-chancellor for helping to win a Nobel Prize for the university during her first year as governor, and ended her speech with a nod to the vice-chancellor's research area:</p><p>"You're also a chemist, and I think that has perhaps also been valuable in creating this fantastic chemistry between you, Umeå University and the whole of Västerbotten County. I think it is a chemistry that will last for a long time to come. Many thanks for your work!" concluded Helene Hellmark Knutsson.</p><p class="quote-center">When you have shown all the progress you have made at Umeå University, you have not stood at the front, you have let the employees stand at the front, but we have seen those red shoes sticking out behind the employees</p><p>A film compiled by Media producer Alekzandra Granath from the Communications Office was also screened, showing how Hans Adolfsson has developed in front of the camera and become more and more playful during his years at the university.</p><p>Anna Ekström, chair of the Umeå University Board, also gave a speech, praising the Vice-Chancellor for all the important work he has done for Umeå University over the years, not least during Russia's invasion of Ukraine and as Chair of the The Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions (SUHF).</p><p>"When you have shown all the progress you have made at Umeå University, you have not stood at the front, you have let the employees stand at the front, but we have seen those red shoes sticking out behind the employees," said Anna Ekström.</p><p>The three student unions - Umeå Medicinska Studentkår (UMS), Umeå Naturvertar- och teknologkår (NTK) and Umeå studentkår (US) - had their presidents in attendance, who together gave speeches and concluded by wishing the vice-chancellor ‘good luck on your journey from the centre of the universe to the periphery’.</p><h3>Punk rock with Renhornen</h3><p>The official farewell ended with Studentkören singing ‘Ein König ist det Wein’ with their own lyrics: ‘So Hasse, yes Hasse, you have been our boss. A thank you to you from us’. At the end of the stage programme, Hans Adolfsson sang Ebba Grön's version of the song ‘Staten och Kapitalet’ with Renhornen. The planning unit also offered its own version of the song ‘Jag mötte Lassie’, with lines like ‘Vi mötte Hasse, vi mötte Hasse och vi såg att tillit fanns. Med hans ledarstil så gick ju jobbet som en dans. Vi mötte Hasse, vi mötte Hasse, kände att det fanns kemi. Med Hans som rektor tändes hopp i vår akademi.’</p><p>This was followed by an open mingle where staff and other guests could have a chat with Hans Adolfsson, who was of course wearing the well-known red shoes for the day. For many, the red trainers have become both a signature and a symbol of the vice-chancellor's open-hearted and highly appreciated down-to-earth leadership style.</p><p>"The spirit of UMU and a pleasant and very successful comprehensive university is what I will tell you when someone asks me what it is like at Umeå University. And Umeå University does not leave my heart, that's how it is," said a happy and moved Hans Adolfsson.</p></atom:content><link>/en/news/vice-chancellor-hans-adolfsson-bids-farewell--the-red-shoes-leave-the-university_12038744/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/the-pool-of-interested-parties_12038754/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/the-pool-of-interested-parties_12038754/</guid><title /><description>Welcome to the The Pool of Interested Parties.</description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jan 2025 10:37:32 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><p>Centre for Ageing and Supportive Environments, CASE, has just launched The Pool of Interested Parties (in Swedish ‘Intressentpoolen’),<a title="The Pool of Interested Parties" href="https://www.case.lu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> case.lu.se/intressentpoolen</a></p><p>The goal is to facilitate communication and cooperation between the academy and the surrounding society. The pool is a resource for:</p><ul><li>Dissemination of information</li><li>Entryways to research studies</li><li>Stakeholders’/interest parties’ involvement in research processes</li></ul><p>For example, The Pool of Interested Parties has already been used in these studies:</p><ul><li>Discrete choice experiment - an element of the Prospective RELOC-AGE project (Nick Christie)</li><li>Homeownership While Aging-How Health and Economic Factors Incentivize or Disincentivize Relocation (Maya Kylén)</li></ul><p>The Pool of Interested Parties is intended to be seen as a shared communication and interconnection resource for researchers in the broad field of age and ageing to reach other societal actors. This resource can be mentioned in your research proposals and applications for ethics review as a concrete way of how communication, recruitment and/or involvement in your project/study will take place.</p><p>The Pool of Interested Parties will be developed successively. We encourage you to nurture, promote and use the pool:</p><ul><li>Once the pool has enough registered members, you will be offered to make use of the pool for a fee</li><li>CASE administrator will manage the pool</li><li>CASE communications officer will assist to promote the pool and develop a yearly newsletter (please share the posts above in your SoMe!)</li><li>The data will be stored at a safe server at Lund University in accordance with ethical principles and the GDPR</li><li>Templates for various mailings will be developed<br>Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions!</li></ul><p><em>Kind regards,</em></p><p>Oskar Jonsson, Susanne Iwarsson, Sigrid Svensson, Lill Eriksson and Steven Schmidt at CASE</p></atom:content><link>/en/news/the-pool-of-interested-parties_12038754/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/the-evolution-of-the-immune-system--love-at-first-sight_12028881/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/the-evolution-of-the-immune-system--love-at-first-sight_12028881/</guid><title>The evolution of the immune system – love at first sightRyo Morimoto unpacks many moving boxes from Germany and sets up snail aquariums while establishing his new laboratory at Umeå University. “I believe I might be the first researcher to introduce snails as an experimental system in Umeå,” he says enthusiastic with a smile.Thu, 09 Jan 2025 14:49:11 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0882-250107-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0882-250107-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0882-250107-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0882-250107-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0882-250107-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0882-250107-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Ryo Morimoto collects snails from the aquarium. His passion lies in basic science, with a focus on unravelling the pathophysiology of various human diseases, which may also have implications for clinical medicine. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">having my own lab for the first time opens exciting opportunities</p><p>Snails offer a simplified perspective on the complexities of human immunity, making them a valuable model for understanding fundamental immune mechanisms. This approach allows him to carve out his own distinct research niche to pursue his scientific interest as a principle investigator.</p><p>“There is fascinating evolutionary science to explore here in Umeå, and having my own lab for the first time opens exciting opportunities,” says Ryo Morimoto, research fellow in the Department of Molecular Biology and Group Leader at the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, MIMS, at Umeå University.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Investigates evolution of immunity</h2><p>Ryo Morimoto investigates the evolution of the human adaptive immune system using a unique lens – non-conventional model organisms. Adaptive immunity is a cornerstone of vertebrate self-defence against pathogens. It emerged relatively recently on the evolutionary timescale, around 500 million years ago, coinciding with the emergence of vertebrates.</p><p>The human immune system has evolved to become highly sophisticated, yet its foundation is built on ancient features. Over time, it has developed intricate fine-tuning mechanisms to minimize the risks associated with adaptive immunity while maximizing its effectiveness. However, this refinement often obscures the ancient core features of adaptive immunity.</p><p>Ryo Morimoto’s current project focuses on a family of enzymes that serve as critical evolutionary building blocks shaping adaptive immunity.</p><p>“We employ a multidisciplinary approach that combines <em>in vitro</em> biochemistry of these enzymes, single-cell omics, advanced imaging, computational genomics, and <em>in vivo</em> techniques. Our goal is to uncover the fine-tuned mechanisms regulating physiological genome editing within the immune system,” says Ryo Morimoto.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0963-250107-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0963-250107-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0963-250107-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0963-250107-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0963-250107-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0963-250107-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Ryo Morimoto is establishing his new lab at Umeå University and is currently looking for a postdoc and a PHD student. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Passion for molecular biology</h2><p>Ryo Morimoto was born and raised in Japan. His passion for molecular biology was sparked during his middle school years.</p><p>“I still remember being 14 or 15 years old, sitting in a science class instantly captivated when our teacher introduced the biochemistry and molecular biology behind cellular respiration,” he recalls.</p><p>Over time, his curiosity expanded to encompass a broad range of life sciences, eventually leading him to enrol in medical school at the University of Tokyo. The university’s strong research focus resonated deeply with Ryo. Early in his studies, he approached professor Takao Shimizu to request a spot in the lab so he could conduct experiments.</p><p>“That is how I spent my mornings, evenings, and weekends – immersed in the lab outside of medical classes! The only time I was not in the lab was when I was hiking in the Japanese mountains. Research became my hobby,” he says with a smile.</p><p>After graduating from medical school in 2011, Ryo completed two years of clinical residency in teaching hospitals, gaining experience across various fields of medicine. He found clinical work deeply rewarding and enjoyed being a physician. However, the cases that stayed with him most were those where modern medicine offered little help – patients for whom no specific treatment existed or where even a correct diagnosis was elusive.</p><p>“It was both serious and frustrating for me. I wanted to do something for these people, to contribute long term by understanding the pathophysiology of diseases through basic science,” Ryo reflects.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Choosing between two careers</h2><p>Ryo realized that while he could make a difference as a medical doctor, his true passion lay in exploring the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying diseases. This led him to pursue a PhD in biochemistry at the University of Tokyo. His doctoral research delved into lipidomics, with a focus on phospholipid metabolism and inflammatory lipid mediators.</p><p>“I was curious about understanding the regulatory mechanisms that drive diversity in biological processes and towards the end of my PhD, I began exploring ways to apply this interest to more<em> in vivo</em> model systems,” Ryo says.</p><p>At a multidisciplinary conference in Berlin, he attended a talk by professor Thomas Boehm, who would later become his postdoctoral supervisor. The presentation described the alternative adaptive immunity found in jawless vertebrates.</p><p>“It was love at first sight. I was completely captivated by the idea.”</p><p>Supported by a prestigious JSPS overseas fellowship, he could move to Freiburg in Germany, to join the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics as a postdoctoral fellow,</p><p>“Not only did I enter a new scientific field, but it was also my first time living outside of Tokyo!” he says.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Uses unusual model organisms</h2><p>Over the following seven years, Ryo focused on studying the evolutionary trajectory of vertebrate adaptive immunity. His research centred on the diversification of anticipatory antigen receptors in jawless vertebrates, particularly the European brook lamprey. It was essential to compare animal models at different stages of evolution. In addition to lamprey, he also worked with other model organisms, such as sharks, zebrafish, and mice.</p><p>The studies provided critical insights into the implications of alternative adaptive immunity for the human immune system. His most important discovery was providing molecular evidence that an enzyme called cytidine deaminase is responsible for the somatic assembly of lamprey’s alternative antigen receptors in their adaptive immunity.</p><p>“Interestingly, the enzyme that belongs to the same family plays a central role in humans for antibody class switching and somatic hypermutation, highlighting the deeply rooted evolutionary function of this enzyme family in adaptive immunity,” Ryo says.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0898-250107-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0898-250107-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0898-250107-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0898-250107-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0898-250107-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0898-250107-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>One of the unusal model organisms is the Water snail,<em> Biomphalaria glabratais. </em>Its native distribution includes the Caribbean. One snail can lay 14,000 eggs during its whole life span, which is 2 years. Every month a new generation is born and it grows to the size of 1-2 centimeters.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">Forms own group in Sweden</h2><p>In 2022, Ryo advanced to project leader within the same research group. This shift made him more conscious of his responsibilities as a team leader, transitioning from a focus on bench work to guiding and supporting others.</p><p>Ryo sought for the next step to establish himself as an independent researcher. While searching for opportunities, he came across an interesting advertisement online for a position at the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, MIMS, at Umeå University in Northern Sweden.</p><p>Fast forward to today; Ryo has been working in Umeå for more than half a year. He thinks that the quiet environment here allows him to focus well on his research and plan the next steps to let his team grow.</p><p>He is also impressed by the friendly and inclusive culture in Sweden and does not miss the constant buzz and stimulation of a big city like Tokyo.</p><p>“I adapted to life in Europe much better than I initially expected. Before leaving Japan, I thought I might return after just a few months or a couple of years. But I find myself still here, well settled in the society!"</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0957-250107-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0957-250107-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0957-250107-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0957-250107-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0957-250107-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d0221110111b400b9d71054381098400/ryo_morimoto-0957-250107-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Ryo Morimoto is taking care of snail's food. Adults in captivity can be fed with lettuce. The young ones are given dried salad in powder form.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildText"> </div></div>/en/news/the-evolution-of-the-immune-system--love-at-first-sight_12028881//en/news/sweden-invests-in-arctic-and-polar-research_12021317/Sweden Invests in Arctic and Polar Research: New Opportunities for Collaboration and Societal ImpactThe Swedish government’s 2025–2028 research bill designates polar research as a strategic national priority, emphasising climate change, geopolitics, and sustainability. The bill underscores Sweden's role in shaping the future of the polar regions. For Umeå University (UMU), Luleå University of Technology (LTU), the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat (SPRS), and the Swedish Centre for the Arctic and Antarctic, this presents a vital opportunity to advance research of societal relevance.Mon, 23 Dec 2024 07:00:08 +0100<h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Umeå University and Luleå University of Technology, together with Polar, lead the way in Polar Research</h2><p>The Swedish Centre for the Arctic and Antarctic establishment in December 2024 marks a new chapter in Sweden’s dedication to polar research. This collaboration builds on a legacy of pioneering Arctic research by bringing together the expertise of UMU, LTU, and the SPRS. The centre was established as a leading platform for research and education in polar regions. The centre promotes interdisciplinary cooperation and contributes to a sustainable future in the Arctic and Antarctic. Supported by the latest research bill, the Centre is uniquely positioned to address urgent challenges such as climate change, sustainability, and geopolitical dynamics in polar regions.</p><p>“This research bill demonstrates the government’s recognition of the importance of investing in research that sheds light on the consequences of climate change and geopolitical shifts in polar regions. Building on our history of impactful research and interdisciplinary initiatives, we look forward to playing a key role at the Arctic Centre by contributing knowledge and fostering collaborations that benefit societal development in the Arctic,” says Keith Larson, Director of the Arctic Centre at Umeå University.</p><p class="quote-center">Arctic Six is a crucial platform where we can collaborate across national borders to tackle major Arctic issues, from climate change to social sustainability</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Arctic Six as a Catalyst for Regional Research</h2><p>Umeå University and LTU are part of Arctic Six, a network of six leading Nordic universities focused on Arctic research. Arctic Six has successfully coordinated large-scale projects on climate resilience and Indigenous community adaptation, creating frameworks that have informed policymaking across the Nordic region. Its ongoing initiatives include innovative collaborations on renewable energy solutions tailored for Arctic conditions. The network is designed to mobilise resources, expertise, and innovation to address the unique challenges of the Arctic region, including climate adaptation and social sustainability.</p><p>“Arctic Six is a crucial platform where we can collaborate across national borders to tackle major Arctic issues, from climate change to social sustainability. As Sofie Eriksson, Member of the European Parliament, aptly noted in an EU plenary debate on December 16th, ‘The Arctic Six […] where universities have joined forces to create a platform for research and education that makes a real difference. Together with government agencies and local communities, they anchor themselves in the realities of everyday life.’ This alignment strengthens our ability to create tangible societal benefits through collaboration,” says Dag Avango, Director of The Centre for the Arctic and Antarctic at LTU and Director of Arctic Six.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Innovative Infrastructure for Polar Research</h2><p>The research bill includes support for Polar Connect, a fibre-optic cable through the Arctic that will significantly enhance Sweden’s digital infrastructure and capacity for climate monitoring. Additionally, the government is preparing to construct a new research icebreaker to secure Sweden’s year-round access to the Arctic, ensuring continued advancements in research and strategic interests.</p><p class="quote-center">The proposed investments [are] creating opportunities for deepened collaborations and research focusing on the populated Arctic and its challenges</p><p>"At Umeå University, we recognise the importance of investments in polar infrastructure as a platform for research. At the same time, the proposed investments are broader, creating opportunities for deepened collaborations and research focusing on the populated Arctic and its challenges. This provides a chance to prioritise societal development and sustainability, key areas for contributing to a resilient future for Arctic communities," says Dieter Müller, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Toward a Sustainable Future</h2><p>The Arctic Centre at Umeå University welcomes the government’s investments as a critical step in strengthening Sweden’s leadership in Arctic research. Strategic collaborations, such as the Swedish Centre for the Arctic and Antarctic and the Arctic Six, empower researchers to tackle the Arctic's pressing challenges and improve the lives of its inhabitants. These collaborations highlight the importance of regional cross-cutting research expertise in shaping our shared global future.</p>/en/news/sweden-invests-in-arctic-and-polar-research_12021317//en/news/new-members-from-umea-university-in-the-swedish-research-councils-scientific-councils_12021283/New members from Umeå University in the Swedish Research Council’s scientific councilsFredrik Almqvist, Sofia Lundberg, and Jörgen Johansson from Umeå University have been appointed as new members of the Swedish Research Council's three scientific councils. The mandate period runs from 2025 to 2027.Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:12:39 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/ad0d005064f043a0b35b3709a8309c1a/vr_kollage3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ad0d005064f043a0b35b3709a8309c1a/vr_kollage3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ad0d005064f043a0b35b3709a8309c1a/vr_kollage3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/ad0d005064f043a0b35b3709a8309c1a/vr_kollage3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ad0d005064f043a0b35b3709a8309c1a/vr_kollage3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ad0d005064f043a0b35b3709a8309c1a/vr_kollage3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Fredrik Almqvist, Sofia Lundberg and Jörgen Johansson.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>The Swedish Research Council has three scientific councils responsible for allocating research funding, as well as following up and evaluating research within their respective subject areas. The following persons from Umeå University were recently appointed new members:</p><p><strong>Fredrik Almqvist</strong>, Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Council for Natural and Engineering Sciences</p><p><strong>Sofia Lundberg</strong>, Professor at Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, Council for Humanities and Social Sciences</p><p><strong>Jörgen Johansson</strong>, Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology, Council for Medicine and Health</p><p>At the same time, <strong>Niklas Arnberg</strong>, Professor at the Department of Clinical Microbiology, was re-elected as a member of the Swedish Research Council's board, and <strong>Charlotte Häger</strong>, Professor at the Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, was re-elected as a member of the Council for Medicine and Health.</p><p><a href="https://www.vr.se/english/just-now/news/news-archive/2024-12-17-new-members-of-the-swedish-research-councils-board-and-scientific-councils-2025-2027.html">Read more on the Swedish Research Council’s website</a> (vr.se)</p>/en/news/new-members-from-umea-university-in-the-swedish-research-councils-scientific-councils_12021283//en/news/research-schools-in-the-infection-field--grand-slam-to-umea_12020136/Research schools in the infection area – grand slam to UmeåThe Swedish Research Council is awarding Umeå University 16 million sek to two national research schools that will contribute to strengthening research competence in Sweden in the field of infection.Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:45:30 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/32cc574582c7435e90b4f80fea7c5742/gruppbild_forskarskolor3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/32cc574582c7435e90b4f80fea7c5742/gruppbild_forskarskolor3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/32cc574582c7435e90b4f80fea7c5742/gruppbild_forskarskolor3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/32cc574582c7435e90b4f80fea7c5742/gruppbild_forskarskolor3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/32cc574582c7435e90b4f80fea7c5742/gruppbild_forskarskolor3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/32cc574582c7435e90b4f80fea7c5742/gruppbild_forskarskolor3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>From left: Louise Lindbäck, project coordinator, Annasara Lenman, the National Doctoral Programme in Infections and Antimicrobials, NDPIA. Fredrik Almqvist, Director of Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, UCMR, and Marta Bally, Nationella forskarskolan i virusinfektioner och pandemier, NDP-VIP.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Anna Shevtsova</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">it is fantastic that Umeå is getting both schools</p><p>“It feels wonderful! Antimicrobial resistance is one of our biggest societal problems and we now have a unique opportunity to address a complex issue from a broad perspective,” says Annasara Lenman, associate professor lecturer at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University. She coordinated the application for the National Doctoral Programme in Infections and Antimicrobials, NDPIA.</p><p>This research school, which will now receive eight million over four years, builds on Umeå University's long tradition of working with this type of research school. Over 700 doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows have participated in the National Doctoral Programme in Infections and Antibiotics, NDPIA, which was run during the period 2014-2024.</p><p>The second research school that will receive the same amount of funding focuses on viruses and pandemics.</p><p>“There has been a long-standing desire from the research community to offer virus-specific education nationally. I am pleased that this school can contribute to meet this,” says Marta Bally, associate professor at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University. She coordinated the application for the National Research School in Viral Infections and Pandemics, NDP-VIP.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Close collaboration between schools</h2><p>The research schools have two different focuses within infection research – antimicrobial resistance then viruses and pandemics, but will still have close collaboration. Overall, they have the same foundation to build on and the same goals in mind. This means that many synergies will be possible and will result in a broad and effective course programme.</p><p>Together, the two schools will form an inspiring educational environment where doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows from all over Sweden are offered advanced courses. An important part of the education will be practical workshops in the latest research methods and techniques.</p><p>To promote collaboration and expand the participants' networks, national meetings and conferences are arranged where participants can present their research and exchange ideas with others in the field.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Several universities involved</h2><p>The research schools are run in collaboration with leading universities in Sweden. Through the collaboration, the schools connect research environments that study all aspects of infection biology, from molecular mechanisms to new methods for diagnostics, vaccine development, clinical studies and societal perspectives.</p><p>“An interdisciplinary and One Health perspective is crucial for understanding complex problems such as antimicrobial resistance and the emergence of pandemics and for finding new and innovative solutions,” says Annasara Lenman.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Umeå strong player</h2><p>Umeå University has invested a lot in infection research in recent years and the field has been one of the priority research areas at the university since 2024 through the Mastering Microbial Infections programme.</p><p>There is a very active community in microbial research within the Umeå Centre of Microbial research, UCMR, which is further strengthened by programmes such as the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, WCMM, Data Driven Life Science, DDLS, and Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, MIMS, which recruit young promising researchers. The schools fit perfectly into this environment.</p><p>UCMR is hosting the new research schools. However, the courses will be held all over Sweden.</p><p>“Umeå University is a strong national player in infection research and it is fantastic that Umeå is getting both schools! This means that we can continue to educate a new generation of researchers who can contribute to Sweden being better prepared for future pandemics and infection threats, says Fredrik Almqvist, professor at the Department of Chemistry at Umeå University and director of UCMR.</p><p><a href="https://www.vr.se/english/applying-for-funding/decisions/2024-06-20-doctoral-programme-grant-within-the-infection-area.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more about the grant</a></p>/en/news/research-schools-in-the-infection-field--grand-slam-to-umea_12020136//en/news/umea-university-joins-european-alliance_12019141/<description>Umeå University is joining a European alliance called European Campus of City-Universities (EC2U). The university will be the ninth university to join. "Being part of a European alliance is today a matter of competition and quality in terms of both education and research," says Cathrine Norberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University. </description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:36:35 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b5783fd594ac4933989d79041b031637/logo_ec2u_-_tagline3.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b5783fd594ac4933989d79041b031637/logo_ec2u_-_tagline3.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b5783fd594ac4933989d79041b031637/logo_ec2u_-_tagline3.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b5783fd594ac4933989d79041b031637/logo_ec2u_-_tagline3.png?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b5783fd594ac4933989d79041b031637/logo_ec2u_-_tagline3.png?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b5783fd594ac4933989d79041b031637/logo_ec2u_-_tagline3.png?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Logotype for European Campus of City-Universities - EC2U.</p></div></div><p>Primarily, membership of EC2U means that students have increased opportunities for mobility and greater choice, but it also means that Umeå University can be involved in influencing the European educational landscape. </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b5783fd594ac4933989d79041b031637/norberg_cath_rine9157_230112_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b5783fd594ac4933989d79041b031637/norberg_cath_rine9157_230112_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b5783fd594ac4933989d79041b031637/norberg_cath_rine9157_230112_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b5783fd594ac4933989d79041b031637/norberg_cath_rine9157_230112_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b5783fd594ac4933989d79041b031637/norberg_cath_rine9157_230112_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b5783fd594ac4933989d79041b031637/norberg_cath_rine9157_230112_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Cathrine Norberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University. Photo: Mattias Pettersson.</p></div></div><p>"Together with the eight other universities, we can safeguard and emphasise the importance of academic and democratic values across national and university borders. This is not unimportant given the situation we find ourselves in, where academic freedom is being curtailed and political control of our higher education institutions has become increasingly tangible," says Cathrine Norberg. </p><p>The EC2U Alliance's work is currently focused on four of the UN's global goals - Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions - in both education and research. There are currently newly launched master's programmes in these areas that include about 80 students from different universities within the alliance.</p><p>Umeå University will be part of the Alliance's various activities at all levels during spring/early summer.</p><p>For more information <a href="https://ec2u.eu/the-ec2u-alliance-welcomes-a-9th-university/">visit EC2U:s webb</a>.</p></atom:content><link>/en/news/umea-university-joins-european-alliance_12019141/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/a-strong-year-for-arctic-research-at-umea-university_12018761/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/a-strong-year-for-arctic-research-at-umea-university_12018761/</guid><title /><description>In 2024, researchers at Umeå University were granted over SEK 70 million in external research funding for projects addressing key societal and environmental challenges in the Arctic. Funding from organisations such as the Swedish Research Council, Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, Formas, and others has strengthened the university's role as the leading Swedish environment for Arctic research.</description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 08:43:40 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><p>"The Arctic is a key region for understanding and addressing global challenges like climate change and the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Our university’s research is crucial for informing sustainable solutions that impact the entire world," says Keith Larson, Director of the Arctic Centre at Umeå University.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Strong Research Projects Focused on the Arctic</h2><p>Twelve major research projects at Umeå University with a strong Arctic focus received external funding in 2024. These projects represent a wide range of topics addressing both local and global challenges.</p><p class="quote-center">The Arctic is a key region for understanding and addressing global challenges like climate change and the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals</p><p>The funded research spans an impressive breadth of disciplines, reflecting the region's diverse and interconnected challenges. From investigating methane emissions in Arctic rivers and the warming effects on shrub ecosystems to addressing gender-based violence in Sápmi and developing sustainable tourism and labour strategies, these projects demonstrate the university’s deep capacity to contribute to addressing societal issues. These research efforts bridge scientific inquiry with artistic expression and policy development, underscoring the strengths of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and addressing its complex Arctic challenges.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Relevant Research for Future Societal Development</h2><p>Arctic research at Umeå University spans all four faculties and addresses local and global challenges significant for future societal development. It covers a vast geography, including northern Sweden, Norway, Finland—Sápmi, and the international Arctic. The Arctic is a human landscape, and researchers living in the region offer unique perspectives and possibilities for co-creating a fair and sustainable Arctic. The relevance of this research extends beyond borders as the Arctic climate, energy, and livelihoods are connected globally.</p><p class="quote-center">The Arctic is not just a regional concern—it is key to understanding and addressing global changes</p><p>"Diverse research is crucial for creating solutions to the complex issues posed by global megatrends. The Arctic is not just a regional concern—it is key to understanding and addressing global changes," says Keith Larson.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Intense Research Environments at Umeå University</h2><p>The funding for these projects reflects the strong research expertise at Umeå University. While the projects are independent initiatives led by researchers in various fields, they collectively strengthen the university's position as Sweden’s Arctic university.</p><p>"Our researchers’ success in securing external funding demonstrates the high quality and societal relevance of their work. It also confirms that Umeå University is a strong environment for Arctic research,” continues Keith Larson.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">An Investment in the Future</h2><p>The approved projects will provide new insights into current challenges and contribute to long-term solutions that can strengthen sustainable development in the Arctic and worldwide.</p><p>With over SEK 70 million in approved research funding in 2024, Umeå University marks another successful year for Arctic research—a significant step forward in understanding and addressing the challenges shaping our planet.</p></atom:content><link>/en/news/a-strong-year-for-arctic-research-at-umea-university_12018761/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/building-bridges-between-the-alps-and-the-arctic_12018640/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/building-bridges-between-the-alps-and-the-arctic_12018640/</guid><title>Building Bridges Between the Alps and the Arctic: Swiss-Swedish Research DialoguesThe Deputy Head of Mission at the Swiss Embassy, Vincent Juillerat, visited Umeå University to discuss collaborations on the effects of climate change in the Arctic and the Alps. The focus was on the role of research in sustainable development, the integration of Indigenous knowledge, and global partnerships. The visit strengthens the ties between Switzerland and Sweden, paving the way for future collaborations in research and policy development.Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:49:31 +0100<h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Swiss Embassy Deputy Explores Umeå University’s Arctic Research</h2><p>On 9–10 December, Vincent Juillerat, Deputy Head of Mission at the Swiss Embassy in Stockholm, visited Umeå University to engage with its leading Arctic research units. This visit underscored the shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration between Switzerland and Sweden, particularly in addressing climate change impacts on ecosystems, tourism, and geopolitical dynamics in the Arctic and Alpine regions.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Strengthening Connections Between the Alps and the Arctic</h2><p>Switzerland and Sweden, though geographically distinct, face similar environmental and societal challenges in their Arctic and Alpine regions. These include the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, sustainable tourism, and integrating Indigenous knowledge into policymaking. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dieter Müller welcomed Juillerat, emphasising Umeå University’s strategic role in Arctic research and its potential to drive collaborative solutions.</p><p>“Arctic research requires global partnerships to succeed. Through dialogue with international actors like the Swiss Embassy, we strengthen the connections needed to address the complex challenges facing the Arctic today,” said Dieter Müller.</p><p class="quote-center">Arctic research requires global partnerships to succeed</p><p>Juillerat’s visit provided a comprehensive overview of Umeå University’s contributions to Arctic research, highlighting its leadership in the <strong>Arctic Six</strong> network and its role as the new host of the <strong>European Polar Board</strong>. These initiatives exemplify the university’s commitment to linking research, policy, and sustainable development.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">From Research Insights to Policy Impact</h2><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/8c7037ef684c456cb8ef770714c729e7/larsson_keith_8437_180110_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8c7037ef684c456cb8ef770714c729e7/larsson_keith_8437_180110_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8c7037ef684c456cb8ef770714c729e7/larsson_keith_8437_180110_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/8c7037ef684c456cb8ef770714c729e7/larsson_keith_8437_180110_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8c7037ef684c456cb8ef770714c729e7/larsson_keith_8437_180110_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8c7037ef684c456cb8ef770714c729e7/larsson_keith_8437_180110_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Keith Larson, director of the Arctic Centre at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>The program featured a keynote discussion by Keith Larson, Director of the <strong>Arctic Centre</strong>, who highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to Arctic challenges. Larson’s presentation explored how collaborative research can inform policy and drive solutions in the rapidly changing Arctic environment. This discussion set the stage for a broader exchange of ideas between Umeå University researchers and their Swiss counterparts.</p><p>Pär Byström, Director of the <strong>Climate Impacts Research Centre</strong>, provided a detailed analysis of climate change effects on Arctic ecosystems. He emphasised the interconnected changes in temperature, precipitation, and vegetation, linking these to Arctic lakes' browning and fish communities' shifts. Byström also stressed the increasing importance of winter research in understanding these dynamics.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Indigenous Perspectives in Arctic Research</h2><p>A significant focus of the visit was integrating Indigenous knowledge into Arctic research. Kristina Selin MacNeil presented the work of <strong>Várdduo – Centre for Sámi Research</strong>, Sweden’s only Sámi research centre. She highlighted the importance of incorporating Sámi culture, history, and language into studies of the Arctic, particularly in addressing contentious regional issues. Juillerat expressed a strong interest in the challenges of recognising Indigenous perspectives and rights in policymaking.</p><p>“The inclusion of Indigenous knowledge is crucial for developing sustainable and equitable Arctic policies,” noted Keith Larson, underscoring Várdduo’s contributions to interdisciplinary approaches and policy-relevant research.</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">Shared Interests in Tourism and Security</h2><p>Dieter Müller drew parallels between the Arctic and Swiss Alps' tourism sectors, emphasising the need for sustainable strategies in these environmentally sensitive regions. Additionally, Paul Schmidt addressed the Arctic’s growing geopolitical significance, highlighting the importance of fostering stability and international cooperation.</p><p>Linda Lundmark showcased the <strong>Arctic Graduate School</strong>, an initiative preparing early-career researchers to tackle the Arctic's complexities through innovative, interdisciplinary approaches.</p><h2 id="info5" data-magellan-target="info5">A Pathway to Future Collaboration</h2><p>The visit concluded by reaffirming the shared interests and mutual goals between Switzerland and Sweden. Both countries recognise the critical role of research in addressing global environmental and societal challenges. The dialogue reinforced Umeå University’s position as a hub for Arctic research and a key player in fostering international partnerships.</p><p>Looking ahead, the Swiss Embassy and Umeå University aim to explore joint activities to strengthen our shared research agendas.</p>/en/news/building-bridges-between-the-alps-and-the-arctic_12018640//en/news/understanding-the-spread-of-animal-infections--prevent-the-next-pandemic_12017600/Understand the spread of animal infections and prevent the next pandemicThe PANDASIA project aims to increase our understanding of how diseases that spread between animals and humans – take the step from animals to humans. It is this type of transmission that is often behind new pandemics. Umeå researcher Henrik Sjödin is participating in the large European project that focuses on Thailand in Southeast Asia.Fri, 13 Dec 2024 14:11:35 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/bc87fc687d5e4c148befa85d5d1bf4d1/ima1494443.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bc87fc687d5e4c148befa85d5d1bf4d1/ima1494443.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bc87fc687d5e4c148befa85d5d1bf4d1/ima1494443.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/bc87fc687d5e4c148befa85d5d1bf4d1/ima1494443.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bc87fc687d5e4c148befa85d5d1bf4d1/ima1494443.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bc87fc687d5e4c148befa85d5d1bf4d1/ima1494443.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>BViruses can spread from animals to humans, and bats are an example of a host animal.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Johnér Bildbyrå AB, Jens Rydell</span></div></div><p>Zoonotic spillover means that a disease or infectious agent is transmitted from animals to humans. Viruses, bacteria or parasites that previously only existed in animals can infect humans through changes or opportunities for contact. It occurs through direct contact with animals, through food or through vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, or bats. The process is central to the emergence of many new infectious diseases, including pandemics such as influenza, SARS, MERS and COVID-19.</p><p>"Within PANDASIA, we investigate the socio-ecological mechanisms behind viral zoonotic spillover. The goal is to identify strategies to reduce the frequency of spillovers and the risk of pandemics through better knowledge, preparations and preventive targeted efforts," says Henrik Sjödin, researcher at the Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine at Umeå University.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Special focus on Thailand</h2><p>PANDASIA stands for "Pandemic Literacy and Viral Zoonotic Spillover Risk at the Frontline of Disease Emergence in Southeast Asia to Improve Pandemic Preparedness" and is mainly funded by the EU through Horizon Europe and by UK Research and Innovation. It is a collaboration between several research institutes in Europe and Thailand, and is led by researcher Hans Overgaard at the Norwegian University of Environmental and Biosciences.</p><p>"The project is concentrated in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on studying preliminary stages of disease outbreaks in high-risk environments in Thailand, where data collection and field studies are combined. We want to understand the risks along gradients from natural environments to rural and urban areas, where human activity meets natural ecosystems," says Henrik Sjödin.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Mathematical models of spillover</h2><p>Henrik's research group in Umeå plays a central role in modeling and analyzing the complex processes behind zoonotic spillover. To understand these mechanisms over both time and space, the group uses mathematical and quantitative models.</p><p>"We study ecological, evolutionary, sociological and epidemiological factors from a One Health perspective, which connects the health of people, animals and ecosystems."</p><p>Specifically, Henrik and his colleagues develop models based on data and empirical observations from the other research groups in the project.</p><p>"Our models function both as a tool for understanding the processes and as a platform for simulating scenarios and testing different strategies to reduce the risk of zoonotic spread."</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Starting to achieve results</h2><p>The Umeå group has been involved from the beginning and participated in the work of designing the application for funding from Horizon Europe. The project has been in the upstart phase, but now the researchers are starting to see concrete results. Among other things, they have identified several interesting research tracks that they are now delving into.</p><p>"For example, we investigate how socio-ecological factors affect the distribution of important host species in relation to anthropogenic activities within tropical regions, how stress levels in ecosystems and species can increase the risk of pathogens, as well as how viral properties develop evolutionarily to enable spread between species - including to humans. At the same time, we look forward to the next project phase, where we expect more and clearer results."</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Collaboration requires communication</h2><p>Collaboration is essential in a multidisciplinary project like this. It requires good coordination, open communication and a willingness to learn from each other.</p><p>"It is incredibly inspiring to work together with experts from different fields and combine our knowledge to reach common goals. We hope that the research within the project with joint efforts can contribute with concrete tools and guidelines to identify and prevent future potential pandemics."</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/bc87fc687d5e4c148befa85d5d1bf4d1/sjodin_henrik_0569_200131_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bc87fc687d5e4c148befa85d5d1bf4d1/sjodin_henrik_0569_200131_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bc87fc687d5e4c148befa85d5d1bf4d1/sjodin_henrik_0569_200131_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/bc87fc687d5e4c148befa85d5d1bf4d1/sjodin_henrik_0569_200131_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bc87fc687d5e4c148befa85d5d1bf4d1/sjodin_henrik_0569_200131_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bc87fc687d5e4c148befa85d5d1bf4d1/sjodin_henrik_0569_200131_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Henrik Sjödin has a background in ecology and theoretical ecology. Several of the processes within infection research, the project and especially within one-health have clear ecological aspects. It is about how pathogens, such as viruses or malaria parasites, interact with their environment, to how socio-ecological systems work – including the interaction between wild hosts, disease vectors (such as mosquitoes), humans and human activities. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div>/en/news/understanding-the-spread-of-animal-infections--prevent-the-next-pandemic_12017600//en/news/eu-invests-68-million-in-umea-researchers_12014634/EU invests 68 million in Umeå researchersHow can we fight deadly viruses, turn nuclear waste into valuable resources, and create almost limitless digital storage? These are just a few of the challenges Umeå University researchers have received EU funding to tackle.Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:22:24 +0100<p>Looking at the outcomes of the 2023 funding calls, 20 research projects at Umeå University will share nearly €5.9 million (around SEK 68 million) in support from various EU research programmes. These projects address some of the most urgent issues of our time, including sustainability, health, technological innovation, and societal security.</p><p>EU funding gives researchers at Umeå University the opportunity to advance their pioneering work, develop innovative solutions, and collaborate with leading organisations across Europe and globally.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Interested in the projects?</h2><p>Click on the expandable headings below to discover more about the research and the specific goals our researchers are working towards.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/ccbbaf29109b4007833291cc362108fe/kamenos_nick_5124_220518_sjn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ccbbaf29109b4007833291cc362108fe/kamenos_nick_5124_220518_sjn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ccbbaf29109b4007833291cc362108fe/kamenos_nick_5124_220518_sjn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/ccbbaf29109b4007833291cc362108fe/kamenos_nick_5124_220518_sjn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ccbbaf29109b4007833291cc362108fe/kamenos_nick_5124_220518_sjn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ccbbaf29109b4007833291cc362108fe/kamenos_nick_5124_220518_sjn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Nicholas Kamenos, professor at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, is one of the Umeå University researchers awarded EU funding. His research focuses on collaborations aimed at better equipping us to face climate change and improve the management of the world’s water resources.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Simon Jönsson, Inhousebyrån</span></div></div><p> </p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">HORIZON EUROPE</h2><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Scientific Excellence<br><br></h2><h3>European Research Council (ERC) – Starting Grant</h3><p class="foldable">MagneticTWIST: Twisted light could revolutionise data storage</p><p><strong>For decades, magnetism has been the cornerstone of data storage, from cassette tapes to hard drives. Researcher Nicolò Maccaferri is now testing an innovative idea that could, in theory, offer us virtually limitless storage capacity.</strong></p><p>He is investigating a phenomenon known as 'twisted light' – light that not only moves forward but also spins around its axis, much like the way Earth rotates on its axis while orbiting the Sun.</p><p>As light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, it can influence the magnetism in hard drives. By directing short pulses of twisted light with extreme precision at the nanometre (one billionth of a metre) scale, it may be possible to manipulate magnetism in new ways never considered. This breakthrough could enable vast amounts of data to be stored on tiny surfaces, all while maintaining speed and efficiency.</p><p>Maccaferri has received research funding to explore this idea and demonstrate that it is indeed possible to control magnetism with twisted light. If successful, this technology could transform data storage and processing, with significant potential for applied research fields such as cryptography, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.</p><p><a href="~/link/6d85dab80f72466f86b1d24a8dcc5847.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Nicolò Maccaferri</a>, assistant professor at the Department of Physics, has received just over 2 million euros for the project. </p><h3>Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Postdoctoral Fellowships</h3><p class="foldable">EnteroInfection: One step closer to stopping viruses</p><p><strong>Enteroviruses, like polioviruses, do more than infect cells – they transform them into "virus factories." Researchers are uncovering how these viruses hijack cellular structures to replicate, bringing us closer to discovering ways to stop them.</strong></p><p>The project EnteroInfection focuses on how enteroviruses exploit autophagy – the cell’s recycling process – to create an environment conducive to viral replication. A key player in this process is the viral protein 2C, which assembles virus components at the right location within the cell.</p><p>Researchers have found that autophagosomes, cellular structures usually responsible for cleanup, are instead repurposed to house proteins crucial for the virus’s strategy. By integrating insights from cell biology, biochemistry, and structural biology, the team seeks to map how these proteins contribute to viral replication.</p><p>Using tools like cryo-electron microscopy and mass spectrometry, the researchers aim to uncover methods to block viral infections. Their findings could pave the way for new treatments for virus-related diseases.</p><p>Postdoctoral fellow <a href="~/link/72a62eb8c42a4b759a48da25e9a7c9bd.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marie Sorin</a> and research leader <a href="~/link/516fa112a87b429188cd28ea9d945b03.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lars-Anders Carlson</a> at the Department of Medical Chemistry and Biophysics have received nearly 207,000 euros for the project.</p><p class="foldable">EBOVmembrinteract: Advancing treatments for deadly viruses</p><p><strong>Filoviruses, including Ebola, rank among the deadliest pathogens, with emerging species posing increasing risks. Researchers are exploring how these viruses invade our cells and why some are more dangerous, aiming to develop effective treatments.</strong></p><p>The EBOVmembrinteract project focuses on the virus’s surface glycoproteins – proteins essential for attaching to and entering host cells. These glycoproteins are decorated with specific viral carbohydrates that seem to influence how efficiently the virus spreads.</p><p>Using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry and biophysical analysis, researchers are investigating how these carbohydrates affect the virus's ability to enter and exit host cells. Understanding these mechanisms could help identify ways to block infection, paving the way for new treatments.</p><p>The project’s findings have the potential to significantly enhance global efforts to combat these deadly viruses and bolster preparedness for future outbreaks.</p><p>Postdoctoral fellow <a href="~/link/64e9baccdb0546a894dbf346220a702d.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Malgorzata Graul</a> and research leader <a href="~/link/1c0a359d7b484a57887181ad3ee98fab.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marta Bally</a> at the Department of Clinical Microbiology have received nearly 207,000 euros for the project.</p><p class="foldable">CryoARC: Mapping virus factories to develop new treatments</p><p><strong>Alphaviruses, transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical regions, cause severe diseases in humans. In the CryoARC project, researchers are exploring how these viruses create small “factories” on the surface of cells to replicate and spread infection.</strong></p><p>The virus forms tiny spherical structures, known as spherules, where it rapidly multiplies. By mapping how these factories are built and how they function, the researchers aim to develop new drugs that block the virus’s replication, offering protection against these diseases.</p><p>A central tool in this research is cryo-electron microscopy, which allows scientists to study the virus at the nanoscale. By uncovering which components of the cell’s machinery the virus exploits to build its factories, the team hopes to identify ways to disrupt its spread.</p><p>The CryoARC project could become an important step forward in combating diseases caused by alphaviruses, providing new tools to protect people in vulnerable regions.</p><p>Postdoctoral fellow Dinesh Dhurvas Chandrasekaran and research leader <a href="~/link/516fa112a87b429188cd28ea9d945b03.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lars-Anders Carlson</a> at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics have received just over 222,000 euros for the project.</p><p class="foldable">MitoDNASen: Towards healthier ageing</p><p><strong>Could mitochondria hold the secret to healthier ageing? Researchers in the MitoDNASen project are diving into these vital parts of our cells to find ways to combat age-related diseases and harmful inflammation.</strong></p><p>When our cells face stress, such as DNA damage or shortened telomeres, they can enter a state where they stop dividing. This process, called senescence, is a natural defence mechanism that prevents the development or spread of cancer. However, as senescent cells accumulate in the body, they can trigger inflammation and contribute to conditions like arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.</p><p>The MitoDNASen project investigates how mitochondrial DNA changes during this process. The researchers have found that mitochondria play a much larger role than previously understood in driving the inflammatory responses linked to these diseases. By unravelling how mitochondrial DNA is affected during senescence, they hope to develop new treatments that mitigate the negative effects of these cells and promote better health in older individuals.</p><p>The project holds the potential to become a key piece in alleviating diseases caused by cellular ageing, ultimately improving the quality of life for many.</p><p>Postdoctoral fellow <a href="~/link/3b2fafef2d7d471194bea369ed694e92.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Valentin L'Hôte</a> and research leader <a href="~/link/29452e085fb743ef84fb904db7e09944.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sjoerd Wanrooij</a> at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics have received nearly 207,000 euros for the project.</p><p class="foldable">ATOPS: Using light and magnetism to revolutionise electronics</p><p><strong>What if magnetism could be controlled by light at unprecedented speeds? Researchers at Umeå University are pursuing this groundbreaking idea, with the potential to unlock faster, more energy-efficient technologies.</strong></p><p>The ATOPS project investigates how ultrafast light pulses, lasting just a few femtoseconds (one quadrillionth of a second), can influence magnetic properties. The aim is to create faster and more precise electronic devices by using light to manipulate magnetism.</p><p>The researchers are focusing on MnPd2, a material with unique electronic and magnetic properties that can be controlled with light. They believe it has the potential to accelerate data storage and improve information processing efficiency.</p><p>Using advanced optical methods, the team hopes to demonstrate how MnPd2 can enable ultrafast magnetic control. If successful, their work could pave the way for next-generation technologies, including quantum computing.</p><p>Postdoctoral fellow <a href="~/link/0ea2755dfb0c4c1b83b40040274d0298.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lakshmi Das</a> and research leader <a href="~/link/6d85dab80f72466f86b1d24a8dcc5847.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nicolò Maccaferri</a> at the Department of Physics have received nearly 207,000 euros for the project.</p><p class="foldable">UNID: One light source to transform multiple industries</p><p><strong>Imagine a lighting solution that is sustainable, cost-effective to produce, recyclable, and versatile enough to be used in healthcare, packaging, architecture, and fashion. Too good to be true? Light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) could make it a reality.</strong></p><p>LEC technology relies on a simple layer of organic materials mixed with electrolytes, enabling the creation of thin, flexible, and biodegradable light sources that emit a soft glow. However, LECs have faced challenges, including short lifespans and low efficiency. This is due to the ions that power the light also degrading the organic material.</p><p>Researchers in the UNID project are working intensively to understand and control this process, aiming to extend the lifespan and improve the efficiency of LEC lighting. If successful, this groundbreaking technology could offer not just a sustainable light source but also transform multiple industries by making lighting both eco-friendly and cost-efficient.</p><p>Postdoctoral fellow <a href="~/link/0ce03f4a681e4f598c1e24ab87a2802b.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anton Kirch</a> and research leader <a href="~/link/6fb653224d8b4dc9b1f903f2945a1183.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ludvig Edman</a> at the Department of Physics have received just over 222,000 euros for the project.</p><h3>Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Doctoral Networks</h3><p class="foldable">ENDAMR: Fighting antibiotic resistance</p><p><strong>Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing global health threats, contributing to millions of deaths each year. The ENDAMR project is empowering young researchers with the tools and knowledge to better understand and tackle the rise of resistance – an effort that could ultimately save lives.</strong></p><p>As part of the EU Doctoral Networks, ENDAMR provides PhD students with the opportunity to participate in international, interdisciplinary research. Participants not only contribute new insights into antibiotic resistance, but also gain skills for future careers in both academia and industry, with a focus on entrepreneurship, teaching, and science communication.</p><p>The research within ENDAMR spans several key areas. One team is investigating how antibiotic resistance affects bacteria in the gut microbiome and exploring microbiome-based treatments to help control infections. Another team is mapping the spread of resistance between bacteria, examining the genetic and environmental factors at play. Additionally, researchers are studying mechanisms such as tolerance and heteroresistance, aiming to develop more effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. The project also explores the potential of antibiotic combinations to improve patient care and reduce the risk of resistance.</p><p>The ENDAMR project is training a new generation of researchers who are committed to developing innovative solutions to combat antibiotic resistance – today and for the future.</p><p><a href="~/link/faa3434db59e461ea19ee62305e8468f.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Andre Mateus</a> at the Department of Chemistry has received nearly 294,000 euros for his part of the project.</p><h3>Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – MSCA and Citizens</h3><p class="foldable">ForskarFredag: A chance to explore the world of science</p><p><strong>What does a scientist actually do? How does research shape our daily lives? During ForskarFredag, Sweden’s largest science festival, the public gets to meet researchers, participate in exciting experiments, and discover why science matters for society.</strong></p><p>Held annually across the country and online, ForskarFredag invites people of all ages to explore science under the motto: "Researchers are ordinary people with extraordinary jobs." From debates and science shows to hands-on experiments, the festival offers something for everyone. Children and young people can even "borrow a researcher" for their classrooms or join real citizen science projects.</p><p>As part of the EU’s European Researchers’ Night, the festival shines a spotlight on how research helps tackle global challenges. This year’s theme focuses on sustainable development and future technologies, with activities developed in collaboration with research projects from across Europe.</p><p>ForskarFredag is coordinated by the non-profit association Vetenskap & Allmänhet, which has been connecting organisers nationwide since 2006 to create an inspiring and educational celebration of science for all ages.</p><p><a href="~/link/7e966bc84b3147e98c92fe6a682befd6.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gabrielle Beans Picón</a>, staff scientist at Curiosum, has received nearly 15,000 euros for her contribution to this initiative.</p><h3>Research infrastructures</h3><p class="foldable">Infra4NextGen: Gathering data and young voices for a better Europe</p><p><strong>The Infra4NextGen project aims to make it easier for policymakers to access and use social science data. By bringing together information scattered across national registries, the project seeks to support a stronger, more sustainable Europe in the wake of the pandemic.</strong></p><p>The Next Generation EU recovery fund is all about building a better future – greener, more digital, healthier, fairer, and more resilient. But achieving these goals requires reliable data that is easy to interpret and use. This is where Infra4NextGen steps in.</p><p>Led by the European Social Survey (ESS), the project brings together top social science institutions to collect, harmonise, and share data. This information will be accessible to policymakers, analysts, and even the public. Interactive tools and training materials will also be created to make the data as useful as possible.</p><p>A special focus is on Europe’s youth. Their voices will help shape discussions around the EU’s priorities, ensuring young people’s perspectives are part of the decision-making process for a more inclusive future.</p><p><a href="~/link/c17837c3cd1c4dd7be9c757ce798cca3.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mikael Hjerm</a>, professor at the Department of Sociology and Swedish coordinator for the European Social Survey, has received just over 105,000 euros for his part in the project.</p><p class="foldable">AQUASERV: Pooling resources for a sustainable blue economy</p><p><strong>Our waters are vital to life and livelihoods, but protecting them requires a collective effort. The AquaServ project is creating a network that allows researchers and businesses across the EU to share tools, facilities, and expertise to study and improve sustainable water management.</strong></p><p>This initiative will provide access to cutting-edge resources – from lab equipment to expert advice – for those working on freshwater and marine ecosystems. Whether online or on-site, these resources will help accelerate discoveries and solutions for managing our seas and lakes sustainably.</p><p>Beyond research, AquaServ is focused on ensuring a lasting impact. Networking, training programmes, and outreach activities will ensure that the project’s benefits extend well beyond its funding period, empowering not only researchers but also policymakers and technical teams.</p><p><a href="~/link/1c54b05d535a47f1be96058a78c51334.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nicholas Kamenos</a>, professor at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, has received just over 272,000 euros for his part of the project. </p><p class="foldable">IRISCC: Joining forces to tackle climate change</p><p><strong>Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges of our time. Addressing it requires a deep understanding of the complex factors at play – from extreme weather events to social and economic impacts. This is where IRISCC aims to make a difference.</strong></p><p>IRISCC is an EU initiative that unites leading research infrastructures from diverse scientific fields to create a shared platform. This platform will enable researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to exchange data and resources, driving sustainable solutions to climate challenges.</p><p>The project will develop a comprehensive catalogue of research resources, including a collaborative lab for transdisciplinary studies and demonstrators showcasing the benefits of integrated approaches. IRISCC will also offer targeted services for policymakers and risk management professionals.</p><p>The goal is to accelerate research, make resources accessible to all, and support faster, more effective action against climate change. All data will be openly available and aligned with FAIR principles to benefit both research and policymaking.</p><p><a href="~/link/1c54b05d535a47f1be96058a78c51334.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nicholas Kamenos</a>, professor at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, has received just over 113,000 euros for his part of the project. </p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness<br><br></h2><h3>Cluster 1: Health</h3><p class="foldable">NEMESIS: Protecting against hormone-disrupting chemicals</p><p><strong> Certain chemicals in the environment can disrupt metabolism and increase the risk of diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. The Nemesis project aims to develop new insights and practical tools to understand and counter these risks.</strong></p><p>Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), found in products ranging from plastics to cosmetics, can interfere with essential bodily functions. Studies show these chemicals affect organs like the liver and pancreas, contributing to conditions such as atherosclerosis and diabetes. Exposure during critical early life stages can be especially harmful, with potential effects passed on to future generations.</p><p>The Nemesis project brings together experts from diverse research fields to investigate how EDCs impact human health. Researchers will explore whether these chemicals alter gut bacteria composition, which can influence metabolism, and develop biomarkers for early detection. The project will also create new testing methods to reduce reliance on animal studies.</p><p>By involving the public and key societal stakeholders, Nemesis aims to ensure that the research findings inform future decisions on chemical management, ultimately protecting health and reducing the risks associated with harmful chemicals in our environment.</p><p><a href="~/link/84d5d1bf2f1347ac9bada1a53dccec48.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sophia Harlid</a>, docent at the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, and <a href="~/link/d37c9f9f78844576951856007aa294c3.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marie-Therese Vinnars</a>, assistant professor at the Department of Clinical Sciences, have received just over 212,000 euros for their part of the project.</p><h3>Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space</h3><p class="foldable">ELECTRA: Electrification could make cement production fossil-free</p><p><strong>Cement and lime are essential building materials, but their production is a major source of global CO₂ emissions. The Electra project explores whether electric heating could replace fossil fuels in the process, potentially cutting emissions to near zero.</strong></p><p>Instead of burning fuel to heat limestone to the necessary temperature of up to 2,000 degrees Celsius, Electra aims to use electricity from renewable energy sources. This shift could enable fossil-free production of cement and lime. The technique, currently under development and upscaling, is flexible enough to suit both new factories and retrofitted older facilities. Researchers estimate it could eliminate fuel-based emissions entirely in these industries, cutting total carbon dioxide emissions by more than 90 percent.</p><p>Given cement’s global importance as a construction material, this innovation could significantly lower the industry’s carbon footprint. Electra is also accelerating the transition to electric-powered production through scalable platform solutions designed for rapid implementation.</p><p>If successful, the project could revolutionise cement and lime manufacturing, bringing us closer to a fossil-free future.</p><p><a href="~/link/61c32be3ebc749be9cd649259dbbdfc1.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Markus Broström</a>, professor at the Department of Applied Physics and Electronics, has received just over 201,000 euros for his part of the project.</p><h3>Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment</h3><p class="foldable">ILLUQ: Addressing the threats from thawing permafrost in the Arctic</p><p><strong>The rapid thawing of permafrost due to climate change is releasing harmful substances that pose a significant threat to both people and infrastructure in the Arctic. The interdisciplinary Illuq project seeks long-term solutions to mitigate these risks.</strong></p><p>Currently, permafrost covers over a fifth of the Northern Hemisphere’s landmass. As it thaws, large amounts of organic material and hazardous substances, including heavy metals and microorganisms, are released. This creates serious risks for both human and animal life, as well as local infrastructure, with far-reaching consequences for public health, the economy, and society.</p><p>While these challenges are well-recognised, they have often been studied in isolation, resulting in solutions that fail to address the full scope of the issue. The Illuq project takes a holistic approach, bringing together researchers and local communities to develop effective tools and knowledge to tackle future Arctic challenges.</p><p>The project aims to deliver concrete results for managing the risks associated with thawing permafrost, including its impact on health, pollution, and infrastructure – and contribute to a more sustainable future in a rapidly changing world.</p><p><a href="~/link/78dc524dac6e4e67a10673fb3f073101.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Matthias Siewert</a>, associate professor at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, has received just over 330 000 euros for his part of the project.</p><h3>European Partnerships</h3><p class="foldable">The META Trial: Hoping to prevent diabetes in people living with HIV</p><p><strong>People living with HIV are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. In Tanzania, researchers are studying whether metformin, a medication for type 2 diabetes, can prevent or delay diabetes in this group.</strong></p><p>Launched in October 2021 in Dar es Salaam, the study is a randomised, placebo-controlled trial in people on antiretroviral therapy with pre-diabetes. Participants are being followed for three years to evaluate whether metformin reduces the risk of diabetes in this high-risk group.</p><p>The study is a collaboration between Tanzanian and European researchers, conducted in close partnership with Tanzanian health authorities.</p><p>The project aims to determine metformin’s effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, while also generating valuable knowledge to inform future health policies and manage the dual challenges of diabetes and HIV in Africa.</p><p><a href="~/link/20fa79b0f27649c99d3cf9c285e26364.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Anni-Maria Pulkki-Brännström</a>, associate professor at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, has received nearly 76,000 euros for her part of the project.</p><h3>Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence</h3><p class="foldable">WIDE AcrossEU: Collaboration to strengthen research capacity across the EU</p><p><strong>Through the WIDE AcrossEU project, researchers in the Czech Republic, North Macedonia, and Ukraine are receiving support from Sweden and Finland to build capacity and foster networking. The goal is to improve their chances of participating in the EU’s largest research programmes.</strong></p><p>Spanning 40 months, the project focuses on enhancing skills and creating new opportunities for researchers in "widening countries" – nations that have historically had lower participation in EU research programmes.</p><p>By mapping the researchers' needs and offering training and networking opportunities, the project aims to increase their ability to engage in EU-funded projects. It also seeks to help these countries better utilise the research and infrastructure already funded through regional EU programmes like ERDF and Interreg.</p><p>In the long term, WIDE AcrossEU hopes to contribute to a more equal and inclusive research environment in Europe, where more people can both contribute to and benefit from EU collaborations in research and innovation.</p><p><a href="~/link/ba62272c8d2c4885ad0805d3382ad56b.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Agneta H. Plamboeck</a>, EU expert at the Research Support and Collaboration Office, has received nearly 135,000 euros for her part in the project.</p><h3>Euratom Research and Training Programme</h3><p class="foldable">MaLaR: New method turns nuclear waste into a resource</p><p><strong>Nuclear waste poses a significant environmental challenge, but the Malar project is pioneering a sustainable solution. Researchers aim to develop a method that manages nuclear waste while recycling valuable metals – a breakthrough in resource management.</strong></p><p>The project focuses on lanthanides, rare earth metals vital for technologies like mobile phones, electric vehicles, and wind turbines. Traditional methods of extracting these metals from nuclear waste are costly and inefficient. By utilising innovative 3D structures made from 2D materials, the project seeks to revolutionise the process, making it more efficient and eco-friendly.</p><p>This innovation simplifies the separation of lanthanides from nuclear waste, enhancing waste management and enabling the recycling of valuable metals. The project brings together leading European institutions, including Umeå University, known for its expertise in material design.</p><p>With its cutting-edge approach, the Malar project addresses the dual challenge of nuclear waste and sustainable materials, paving the way for a greener, resource-efficient future.</p><p><a href="~/link/e5bfd959cf0447518516facc70f06a65.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alexandr Talyzin</a>, professor at the Department of Physics, has received nearly 567,000 euros for his part of the project.</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">ERASMUS+</h2><p class="foldable">CriticalMaking: Fighting digital misinformation through hands-on teaching</p><p><strong>In a world where misinformation spreads quickly online, educators need practical tools to help their students separate fact from fiction. The CriticalMaking project is giving teachers the skills and confidence to do just that.</strong></p><p>Through creative 'makerspaces' – hands-on learning environments – educators in science, technology, engineering, and maths will explore real-world scenarios and learn how to use experiments to counter false information. This practical approach equips teachers with tools to fight misinformation not just through arguments but through demonstrations, inspiring their students to think critically about the information they encounter online.</p><p>Part of the EU Digital Education Action Plan, CriticalMaking is also about building a sustainable future. The project will develop teaching materials and training programmes for teachers and policymakers, helping Europe’s educators prepare the next generation for the digital age.</p><p><a href="~/link/15c6c555ca8e401280f3c537a5cc19a9.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Madelen Bodin</a>, associate professor at the Department of Science and Mathematics Education and director of Curiosum, has received nearly 215,000 euros for her part in the project.</p><p class="foldable">Good Game: Promoting better mental health in esports</p><p><strong>While esports offer exciting opportunities, they also present significant mental health challenges. The Good Game project aims to combat these issues by developing and implementing targeted interventions across Europe.</strong></p><p>Esports, where individuals or teams compete in popular video games, has grown rapidly, attracting players of all levels. However, research highlights that the pressure, long training hours, and competitive environment can negatively impact players’ mental well-being. As such, new tools and strategies are needed to support mental health within esports.</p><p>The Good Game project will develop an online-based psychoeducational intervention, combining psychological education with practical tools. The programme targets both amateur and professional players and consists of modules focused on emotion management, sleep improvement, mental training, and coaching for players, coaches, and parents.</p><p>The goal is to provide players and their support networks with the tools to manage the psychological challenges of esports, fostering a more sustainable and positive future for everyone involved in this rapidly growing field.</p><p>Michael Trotter at the Department of Psychology has received nearly 30,000 euros for his part in the project.</p>/en/news/eu-invests-68-million-in-umea-researchers_12014634//en/news/umea-university-climbs-in-global-sustainability-ranking_12014614/<description> The QS Sustainability Ranking is an annual ranking of the world's universities that tries to measure the universities based on the UN's global sustainability goals. Umeå University climbs over two hundred places compared to the outcome last year to rank 214 in the world and 48 in Europe, out of a total of around 1,750 ranked universities. </description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Dec 2024 10:19:19 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/91b70958139b40ad96ad35ab5e849c34/wiklund_hans_6615_200305_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/91b70958139b40ad96ad35ab5e849c34/wiklund_hans_6615_200305_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/91b70958139b40ad96ad35ab5e849c34/wiklund_hans_6615_200305_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/91b70958139b40ad96ad35ab5e849c34/wiklund_hans_6615_200305_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/91b70958139b40ad96ad35ab5e849c34/wiklund_hans_6615_200305_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/91b70958139b40ad96ad35ab5e849c34/wiklund_hans_6615_200305_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Hans Wiklund, University Director at Umeå University. Photo: Mattias Pettersson.</p></div></div><p>"Without placing too much emphasis on exact rankings, it is gratifying that this year we are taking a big step up in the rankings. It shows that our systematic environmental and climate work is producing results. I think that our strength as a university is that we always want to start from current knowledge, and that we have competent and committed staff and students who want to contribute to sustainability and climate through wise choices and decisions," says Hans Wiklund, University Director at Umeå University.</p><p>The QS Sustainability Ranking ranks universities in the world based on the UN's global sustainability goals, and divides the results into three main areas; Environmental impact - the university's research and education in the environment and climate, and the university's own climate work. Social impact - the institution's research, education and work in equality, health, collaboration and similar areas. The third part is called Governance and focuses on the university's work with transparency and attitudes.</p><p>Within the three, Umeå University increased significantly in Environmental Impact, where, for example, Environmental Research rose to position 25 in the world compared to last year's 276. In the main area of Social Impact, Umeå University also climbed more than 100 places to position 237 compared to last year's 355. There, the Health & Wellbeing category stands out with a 30th place in the world. And in the third, Governance, we are ranked for the first time and place 226.</p><h3>A help in environmental and climate work</h3><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/91b70958139b40ad96ad35ab5e849c34/redin_lisa_0483_230315_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/91b70958139b40ad96ad35ab5e849c34/redin_lisa_0483_230315_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/91b70958139b40ad96ad35ab5e849c34/redin_lisa_0483_230315_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/91b70958139b40ad96ad35ab5e849c34/redin_lisa_0483_230315_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/91b70958139b40ad96ad35ab5e849c34/redin_lisa_0483_230315_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/91b70958139b40ad96ad35ab5e849c34/redin_lisa_0483_230315_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Lisa Redin, Environmental coordinator at Property Management Office at Umeå University. Photo: Hans Karlsson.</p></div></div><p>"Together with the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking, the QS sustainability ranking also serves as an aid in our climate and environmental work. It highlights our strengths and the areas of improvement we need to focus on in the future. ‘The fact that we have drawn up a climate budget during the year and will follow it up with a climate report from 2022 onwards has played a role in our climb in the QS Sustainability Ranking this time. However, to rank higher, we need to, for instance, offer more comprehensive environmental and sustainability training to our employees," says Lisa Redin, Environmental coordinator at Property Management Office at Umeå University.</p><p>"This year, we have particularly risen in terms of social sustainability, where Student Health Service's activities, including campaigns and good communication, play a major role in the positive improvement.", says Lisa Redin.</p><p>In the list of Swedish universities, Umeå University is ranked sixth out of the 16 ranked Swedish universities, <a href="https://www.topuniversities.com/sustainability-rankings?countries=se">here is the full list of Swedish universities</a>. Read the <a title="https://www.topuniversities.com/sustainability-rankings" href="https://www.topuniversities.com/sustainability-rankings">full QS Sustainability Ranking</a>.</p></atom:content><link>/en/news/umea-university-climbs-in-global-sustainability-ranking_12014614/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/distinguished-teaching-award--nominate-candidates-for-the-award_12014580/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/distinguished-teaching-award--nominate-candidates-for-the-award_12014580/</guid><title>Distinguished Teaching Award – Nominate candidates for the awardAll faculty staff and students are invited to nominate candidates for the Faculty of Medicine's Distinguished Teaching Award 2025. Nominations must be received no later than February 28th.Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:59:07 +0100<p>The award aims to encourage teachers to make good pedagogical contributions in first-cycle and second-cycle education. The award may be presented to an individual teacher or to several teachers. Teachers are defined as professors, associate professors, lecturers, research assistants, part-time fixed-term teachers and guest teachers.</p><p>The award winner(s) will have made a well-documented pedagogical contribution and demonstrated excellence in the following areas:</p><ul><li>pedagogical development work</li><li>interaction with students</li><li>collaboration with colleagues</li></ul><p>Decisions on award winner(s) are made by an evaluation committee consisting of the chair and a teacher representative from the Strategic Board for Education, a teacher representative appointed by the Faculty Board and a student representative from the Umeå Medical and Health Sciences Students' Union. The committee will take gender equality into account when evaluating the nominations.</p><p>Award amount: SEK 50,000</p><p>Nomination: <a title="Nominate" href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=-aZLWjH1Mk-UZzmPGead5JIzmxwFahFDvBuEHp8TC1JUOTFRRkQ3VjBXOUpaUkpaRU5GNldMOE81Ri4u&route=shorturl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Link to nomination</a></p>/en/news/distinguished-teaching-award--nominate-candidates-for-the-award_12014580//en/news/combines-her-residency-position-with-research_12014093/<description>Elin Hahlin started as a research aspirant during the medical programme and is now a research resident at Vindeln Healthcare centre – being the first one within primary care. This means that she is training to become a specialist in general medicine and at the same time can continue with her doctoral studies in virus research. The system for career paths, which was developed in Umeå, enables doctors to combine research and clinical work throughout their professional life.</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:06:27 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/f5281006fd144622ac9966c5441d7191/elin_hahlin_besk3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f5281006fd144622ac9966c5441d7191/elin_hahlin_besk3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f5281006fd144622ac9966c5441d7191/elin_hahlin_besk3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/f5281006fd144622ac9966c5441d7191/elin_hahlin_besk3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f5281006fd144622ac9966c5441d7191/elin_hahlin_besk3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f5281006fd144622ac9966c5441d7191/elin_hahlin_besk3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Elin Hahlin is a resident physician and a doctoral student in Niklas Arnberg's group at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Anja Hansen</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">a great way to continue with both clinical work and research</p><p>Elin Hahlin has always been interested in research, but thought it was something she would do later in her career. Already during the first year of the medical programme, she was introduced to the programme for research aspirants.</p><p>“I found a project to work on, applied and got to work in the same research group for eight weeks, three summers in a row. I enjoyed myself incredibly well and continued during my studies as a project assistant and was also able to base my T10 work on the research,” she says.</p><p>In the last semester of the medical programme, Elin Hahlin got a doctoral position in the same group. Her project is about understanding how enteric viruses, which cause stomach flu, enter the body, cause disease, and how they interact with the body's natural functions and defences against infection.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Job combination secures both tracks</h2><p>As she wanted to combine research with clinical work, the natural path was to apply for research internship (forskar-AT) after her medical degree. This means that the regular clinical internship is extended by research time, which is done in periods between the clinical placements.</p><p>“This possibility is particularly important for those who work with translational research,” says Elin Hahlin.</p><p>After the clinical internship, she had more research time than clinic time, a "do it yourself" job, as Elin calls it, which can get complicated in the long run with different employers. She worked as an assistant doctor in primary care one day a week for six months, and general medicine is what attracts her most about the medical profession.</p><p>“Clinically, it is the most enjoyable type of medical work, with the patient contact during reception time and the opportunity to follow the patient over a long period of time. I am curious and want to know how it goes! I also think it is interesting with different diseases and ages, says Elin Hahlin.</p><p>The opportunity to specialize in general medicine and at the same time continue with the thesis work, opened through a regionally funded research residency position (forskar-ST) at Vindeln's health center. It is part of the system of career paths and is aimed at those who have relatively far left to the defence and are at residency level.</p><p>“The programme means that you do not have to opt out of one to invest in the other. It is a great way to continue with both clinical work and research,” says Elin Hahlin.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Promotes recruitment and research in primary care</h2><p>Elin Hahlin is the region's first research resident in primary care, which means that she divides her working time between clinical work and research. In research, she now has a lot of time in the laboratory at the university and works two days a week at Vindeln's healthcare centre. She also sees that the system of career paths can pave the way for more people who want to combine a clinical and academic career, especially in primary care, where recruitment needs are great.</p><p>“I believe that this type of programme makes it easier to recruit to primary care, not least smaller health care centres, and at the same time strengthens primary care with research. There are many researchers who want to focus more on general medicine and primary care, but there is sometimes a lack of connection to the health centres,” she says.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Future opportunities and plans</h2><p>Elin is now in her first year of specialization, with about a year and a half left until her dissertation. After that, there are more steps in the career programme.</p><p>“I really want to continue with both the clinic work and research. I like the freedom to mix both, and eventually hope to add some teaching.”</p><p>She is leaning towards shifting to research that is closer to the needs of primary care.</p><p>“Virus research interests me, but it can be done in different ways, for example investigating the presence of different viruses. To bring the work together a little more, it would feel good to do research in the area where I work clinically,” concludes Elin Hahlin.</p></atom:content><link>/en/news/combines-her-residency-position-with-research_12014093/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/new-cancer-fund-millions-for-umu-research_12003345/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/new-cancer-fund-millions-for-umu-research_12003345/</guid><title /><description>The Swedish Cancer Society has decided to give approximately 30 million SEK in the autumn call to ten research projects at Umeå University.</description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Dec 2024 11:12:37 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><ul><li>Anna Arnqvist Björklund. Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, 1,8 Million SEK to the project: <em>Helicobacter pylori - Molecular mechanisms that promote persistent infection which can cause damages to the host cell and development of gastric cancer</em><br><br></li><li>Martin Cohn, Department of Molecular Biology, 3 Million SEK to the project: Molecular understanding of the childhood cancer syndrome Fanconi Anemia - potential for therapeutic opportunities.<br><br></li><li>Sofie Degerman, Department of Clinical Microbiology, 2,4 Million SEK to the project: <em>DNA methylation as a tool to personalize the treatment of T-cell malignancies.</em><br><br></li><li>Sophia Harlid, Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, 2,4 Million SEK to the project: <em>Environmental exposures during windows of susceptibility and implications for breast cancer risk and prevention.</em><br><br></li><li>Andreas Josefsson, Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, 3 Million SEK for the project: Development of novel treatment predictive methods for high-risk prostate cancer – markers for early and acquired resistance mechanisms in clinical samples.<br><br></li><li>Beatrice Melin, Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, 6 Million SEK for the project: <em>Understanding glioma etiology - a complex disease requires diverse approaches to therapy.</em><br><br></li><li>Tufve Nyholm, Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, 3 Million SEK for the project: <em>Understanding the characteristics of prostate cancer through imaging - paving the way for intensified radiotherapy.</em><br><br></li><li>Silvia Remeseiro, UCMM, 3 Million SEK for the project: <em>New targets to blockneuron-to-glioma synapses in glioblastoma: disrupting malignant gene regulatory networks.</em><br><br></li><li>Pernilla Wikström, Department of Medical Biosciences, 3,75 Million SEK for the project:<em> Metastasis heterogeneities provide possibilities for personalized therapy of patients with aggressive prostate cancer.</em><br><br></li><li>Sara Wilson, Department of Medical and Translational Biology, 3 Million SEK for the project:<em> Identifying druggable targets of nerve-tumor interactions.</em><br><br>In total, The Swedish Cancer Society distribute 887 Million SEK to approximately 200 research projects all over Sweden.</li></ul></atom:content><link>/en/news/new-cancer-fund-millions-for-umu-research_12003345/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/the-boards-proposal-for-a-new-vice-chancellor_12013008/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/the-boards-proposal-for-a-new-vice-chancellor_12013008/</guid><title /><description>The University Board has decided to propose to the Government to appoint Tora Holmberg, current Deputy Vice-Chancellor at of Uppsala University, as the new Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University. "I’m very pleased that the University Board, with the support of the Consultative Assembly, has proposed Tora Holmberg as the new Vice-Chancellor. Tora Holmberg meets all the requirements we have set in the recruitment process in an excellent way," says Anna Ekström, Chair of the Umeå University Board.</description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Dec 2024 08:55:43 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/12b93e983b56452e98a9ea713ad33688/anna_tora_1884_241205_mgg2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/12b93e983b56452e98a9ea713ad33688/anna_tora_1884_241205_mgg2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/12b93e983b56452e98a9ea713ad33688/anna_tora_1884_241205_mgg2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/12b93e983b56452e98a9ea713ad33688/anna_tora_1884_241205_mgg2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/12b93e983b56452e98a9ea713ad33688/anna_tora_1884_241205_mgg2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/12b93e983b56452e98a9ea713ad33688/anna_tora_1884_241205_mgg2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Anna Ekström, Chair of the Umeå University Board, and Tora Holmberg, Professor at Uppsala University. Foto: Malin Grönborg</p></div></div><p>It has been a solid process that began in April with the Board establishing a requirements profile. In the recruitment process, teachers and other employees, union representatives and student representatives had the opportunity to ask their questions at the Hearing Assembly in October . Today, the University Board has decided to propose to the government to appoint Professor Tora Holmberg as Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University.</p><p>"Of course, it feels fantastic to be proposed as the new Vice-Chancellor of such a large and prominent university as Umeå University. If the government appoints me, I will take on the task with curiosity and energy," says Tora Holmberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Professor of the Department of Sociology, Uppsala University.</p><p>As Chair of the University Board, Anna Ekström has also chaired the recruitment committee, which has otherwise consisted of Professor Eva Malmström Jonsson, Professor Sverker Sörlin, Associate Professor Görel Granström, William Nordberg, student, Umeå Student Union of Science and Technology, and Associate Professor Peter Lindström, and representative of the trade unions.</p><p>"Our requirements included being able to combine inspiring and strategic academic leadership with the assignment of head of a public authority, but we also emphasised that a vice-chancellor of Umeå University has a special role as it is a comprehensive university in northern Sweden, with all that entails in terms of demands and expectations for talent acquisition and close collaboration with society. With her experience and background at Uppsala University, Tora Holmberg meets these requirements well.”, says Anna Ekström, Chair of the Umeå University Board.</p><p>Other areas that were pointed out in particular during the recruitment process were that we are in a time when academic freedom and the university’s autonomy are more important than ever. It is therefore important that we have a vice-chancellor who can stand up for academic freedom and who can defend the University's role in society. It was also emphasized that Umeå University is an Arctic university and an important part of contributing to an educated population that is the cornerstone of a resilient and open society.</p><p>"In Tora Holmberg, we have found the qualities we are looking for in a modern leader and vice-chancellor. She has a solid academic background, and her five years as Deputy Vice-Chancellor with program responsibility at Uppsala University have given her good insight into the governance of a large university. We’re convinced that she will build on Vice-Chancellor Hans Adolfsson's way of leading and governing – close to the organisation, with open doors and high ceilings.", says Anna Ekström, Chair of the Umeå University Board.</p><p>The appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University is made by the Government on the basis of a proposal from the University Board. <a href="~/link/dda7178292af43b88edd763d40de7aa6.aspx">Learn more about the Vice-Chancellor recruitment process.</a></p></atom:content><link>/en/news/the-boards-proposal-for-a-new-vice-chancellor_12013008/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/erc-funding-for-research-on-ageing-brain_12011571/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/erc-funding-for-research-on-ageing-brain_12011571/</guid><title /><description>Alireza Salami, a Wallenberg Fellow at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology, has received an ERC Consolidation Grant. This prestigious funding will support Alireza’s research on the molecular basis of cognitive decline in aging over the next five years.</description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:24:41 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/2d8198beb5df40e287c15ad3d407843a/alireza_salami4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2d8198beb5df40e287c15ad3d407843a/alireza_salami4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2d8198beb5df40e287c15ad3d407843a/alireza_salami4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/2d8198beb5df40e287c15ad3d407843a/alireza_salami4.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2d8198beb5df40e287c15ad3d407843a/alireza_salami4.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2d8198beb5df40e287c15ad3d407843a/alireza_salami4.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p><span class="bildPhotografer" style="white-space: nowrap;"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mikael Stiernstedt</span></p></div></div><p>“This funding will enable us to conduct one of the largest and most comprehensive MRI and PET studies, along with a pharmacological intervention, across the adult lifespan, with the overarching goal of mitigating cognitive decline in older adults, says Alireza Salami.</p><p>The fact that cognitive ability deteriorates with age is something that many people experience, even in the absence of dementia. However, identifying the modifiable brain mechanisms underlying this decline – and, crucially, finding ways to delay it – remains a significant challenge. Key factors such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which are essential for cognitive function, play a central role in this process</p><p>Past research has largely focused on isolated aspects of the dopaminergic system, overlooking its multifaceted nature and interactions with noradrenaline. Alireza Salami and his research group will adopt a holistic approach by studying the dopamine system in its entirety, from dopamine production to signalling  and its interaction with noradrenaline . The goal is to uncover how various aspects of neurotransmitter systems as well as their interactions alter with age. Moreover, they aim to determine whether pharmacological interventions can restore maladaptive functions in neurotransmitter systems and thus improve cognition in some older adults.</p><p>The ERC Consolidation Grant is a awarded by the European Research Council,ERC. It aims to support promising researchers at a pivotal stage in consolidating their own independent research team or program.</p><p>Applications are evaluated by a panel of international experts. The assessment is based on the scientific excellence of the research and the excellence of the researcher.</p><p>Alireza Salami has previously received grants from Swedish Research Council, the Banks of Sweden, and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation for the DYNAMIC project which examines functional and molecular basis of cognitive decline in aging using cutting edge neuroimaging methods. </p></atom:content><link>/en/news/erc-funding-for-research-on-ageing-brain_12011571/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/discovery-may-open-new-way-to-attack-prostate-cancer_12012007/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/discovery-may-open-new-way-to-attack-prostate-cancer_12012007/</guid><title /><description>A special protein can play a key role in the fight against certain types of prostate cancer. This is shown in a study by an international research group led from Umeå University. Until now, treatments have involved blocking the protein in question that builds a so-called signalling pathway, but now the researchers show that by instead doing the opposite and activating the protein and signalling pathway, the cancer is counteracted.</description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:37:13 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d2ecaed643754181a9c8bdb0e3eb0349/lukas_kenner2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d2ecaed643754181a9c8bdb0e3eb0349/lukas_kenner2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d2ecaed643754181a9c8bdb0e3eb0349/lukas_kenner2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d2ecaed643754181a9c8bdb0e3eb0349/lukas_kenner2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d2ecaed643754181a9c8bdb0e3eb0349/lukas_kenner2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d2ecaed643754181a9c8bdb0e3eb0349/lukas_kenner2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Lukas Kenner, Guest professor at the Department of Molecular Biology <br><span class="bildPhotografer" style="white-space: nowrap;"><span class="photo">Image</span>Medizinische Universität Wien</span></p></div></div><p>"Our results show that by activating the signaling pathway, not only does the growth of the tumour be slowed down, but the immune system is then stimulated to actively fight tumour cells," says Lukas Kenner, visiting professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>The protein in question is called glycoprotein 130, GP130. It acts as a receptor on the surface of cells. When the GP130 is activated, it sends signals inside the cell via a chain of events, a signaling pathway, that controls how certain genes are expressed.</p><p>A special molecule that is activated by this signaling pathway is called STAT3. It is a so-called transcription factor; It acts as a switch that turns genes on or off, and it thus affects how the cell behaves. The STAT3 molecule plays a critical role in the development and spread of tumor cells. Consequently, research has hypothesized that blocking GP130, thereby disrupting the associated signaling pathway, would inhibit STAT3 activity and, in turn, suppress cancer growth.</p><p>Surprisingly, the current study shows the exact opposite. The researchers instead activated GP130 and with it the signaling pathway in the prostate of genetically modified mice. They could then see that the result was that the growth of the tumour was clearly slowed down in the mice due to the activation of Stat3. Studies of tissue samples from prostate cancer patients also supported these results. There it was possible to see that those high levels of GP130 positively correlated with better survival.</p><p>"In the long term, this opens up the possibility for a promising new treatment option for mainly certain forms of aggressive prostate cancer that are currently difficult to treat," says Lukas Kenner.</p><p>The researchers are now proceeding with more studies to be able to confirm the results. More research is needed before we can test the method in studies on patients. The study has been led by Lukas Kenner, visiting professor at Umeå University, together with Stefan Rose-John, at the University of Kiel, Germany. The Swedish part of the research group has also been led by Jenny Persson, professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>The study is published in the scientific journal <em>Molecular Cancer</em>.</p></atom:content><link>/en/news/discovery-may-open-new-way-to-attack-prostate-cancer_12012007/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/increased-allocation-of-research-funding-strengthens-the-universitys-research_12011739/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/increased-allocation-of-research-funding-strengthens-the-universitys-research_12011739/</guid><title /><description>When Umeå University sums up this autumn's allocation of research grants, it is clear that the university's researchers have been more successful than last year, which will strengthen the university's research for many years to come.  "It is gratifying that the information we have received so far points to an increased allocation in several areas," says Katrine Riklund, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University.  </description><pubDate>Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:12:06 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/c96cfa17ef36446482ed5f8f853caf18/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c96cfa17ef36446482ed5f8f853caf18/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c96cfa17ef36446482ed5f8f853caf18/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/c96cfa17ef36446482ed5f8f853caf18/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c96cfa17ef36446482ed5f8f853caf18/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c96cfa17ef36446482ed5f8f853caf18/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Lars-Anders Carlson, Associate professor at Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, was one of all researchers  at Umeå University that recieved research grants this autumn. Photo: Mattias Pettersson.</p></div></div><p>The Swedish Research Council's funding for applied educational science stands out as one of the biggest successes. Almost 14 per cent of national research funding in the field went to Umeå University, an increase of five percentage points from last year. This puts the university in second place after the University of Gothenburg.</p><p>Other areas have also received larger allocations from the Swedish Research Council this year, based on Umeå University's share in the country. <em>Science and Technology</em> shows an increase of 2.2 percentage points, <em>Medicine and Health</em> 1.8 percentage points and <em>Humanities and Social Sciences</em> 1.9 percentage points.</p><p>Within Humanities and Social Sciences, Umeå University receives 8.5 per cent of the national allocation. <em>Natural Sciences and Engineering</em> and <em>Medicine and Health</em> have both so far received around 6 per cent of the national research funding from the Swedish Research Council, and in total, researchers at Umeå University have so far received SEK 229 million.  </p><h3>Forte increased and Cancerfonden decreased </h3><p>Researchers at Umeå University also received increased support from Forte. This year, the university was awarded just over SEK 42 million, which corresponds to around six per cent of the national grants. Last year, the proportion was 3.3 per cent and the amount was SEK 36 million. </p><p>On the other hand, the Swedish Cancer Society's support decreased by 4.5 percentage points compared to last year. Despite the decrease, the total allocation of SEK 35.8 million puts Umeå University in fifth place among Sweden's higher education institutions.</p><p>Finally, Riksbankens Jubileumsfond allocated just over SEK 15.7 million to four projects at the university, which corresponds to 4.2 per cent of the national grants and sixth place in the country. It is difficult to compare this with the previous year, when the research programme Det nya framtidslandet received an unusually large grant for research on the transformation of society in 2022, while the university was only awarded one smaller project in 2023.  </p><h3>Good outcome on EU funding  </h3><p>EU funding has also gone well so far this year, with four projects approved by the European Research Council (ERC) and other collaborative projects within the EU totalling just over EUR 9 million. However, far from all of the allocations there have been decided, which means that there will probably be more positive decisions from the EU. </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/c96cfa17ef36446482ed5f8f853caf18/riklund_katrine_5219_211006_mpn5.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c96cfa17ef36446482ed5f8f853caf18/riklund_katrine_5219_211006_mpn5.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c96cfa17ef36446482ed5f8f853caf18/riklund_katrine_5219_211006_mpn5.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/c96cfa17ef36446482ed5f8f853caf18/riklund_katrine_5219_211006_mpn5.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c96cfa17ef36446482ed5f8f853caf18/riklund_katrine_5219_211006_mpn5.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c96cfa17ef36446482ed5f8f853caf18/riklund_katrine_5219_211006_mpn5.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Katrine Riklund, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University. Photo: Mattias Pettersson.</p></div></div><p>"Overall, I think we are on the right track and that the efforts we are making to strengthen research are producing results. We would also like to take this opportunity to extend our congratulations to Lars-Anders Carlson, who received an award from both the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and from the Swedish Research Council's allocation for research in interdisciplinary research environments." concludes Katrine Riklund.   </p><p>"I am convinced that all the knowledge that this research money contributes to will help to make the world a better place tomorrow."</p></atom:content><link>/en/news/increased-allocation-of-research-funding-strengthens-the-universitys-research_12011739/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/umea-university-focuses-on-recruiting-students-from-europe_12010797/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/umea-university-focuses-on-recruiting-students-from-europe_12010797/</guid><title>Umeå University focuses on recruiting students from EuropeUmeå University's international students are very satisfied with studying here. This is shown, among other things, by the International Student Barometer survey, where Umeå ranks high in the following categories: living, support, and overall satisfaction. Now, the university aims to increase the number of international students even further, with a particular focus on students from the EU/Europe.Mon, 02 Dec 2024 10:19:13 +0100<p> </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/6b586d289ce9400a968526d67b61715a/madrid_13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/6b586d289ce9400a968526d67b61715a/madrid_13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/6b586d289ce9400a968526d67b61715a/madrid_13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/6b586d289ce9400a968526d67b61715a/madrid_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/6b586d289ce9400a968526d67b61715a/madrid_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/6b586d289ce9400a968526d67b61715a/madrid_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Francine Ferretti Horst and Gabriel Quintanilla Madroñal from Umeå University at the recruitment fair FIEP in Madrid 18 November 2024.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Benedetta Mascalchi</span></div></div><p>Francine Ferretti Horst works as a project coordinator at the International Office on a two-year project to attract more European students to Umeå University.<br> <br>The initiative includes having a greater physical presence in Europe. Recently, Umeå University participated in a student recruitment fair in Madrid. Soon, the university will head to Germany for recruitment fairs in Frankfurt, Berlin, and Hamburg. Fairs are also planned in February and March in Barcelona and Milan, as well as a return visit to Madrid. Other Swedish institutions such as Stockholm University, Chalmers, Linköping University, and Jönköping University also participate in these recruitment fairs.<br> <br>"The advantage of being present at a fair is meeting students face-to-face. It's also good to be visible where other institutions are. It puts Umeå University on the map in these new contexts. We try to bring an alumnus to each fair, i.e., a student who has previously studied at Umeå University," says Francine Ferretti Horst.<br> <br>In Madrid in November, Gabriel Quintanilla Madroñal from Madrid participated and shared his experiences of studying in Umeå. Gabriel did an Erasmus exchange at Umeå University in 2023.<br> <br>The students Francine and Gabriel met were interested in the university's programmes offered in English and were also very curious about life in Umeå:<br> <br>"It's a fantastic experience to be part of the beginning of the students' journey. Going abroad to study a master's or bachelor's program is a big decision. We want to build a relationship with our prospective students and give them the support they need so that they feel they have made a well-thought-out choice when they choose Umeå University," says Francine Ferretti Horst.</p><h3><br>Support throughout the whole journey</h3><p>Umeå University wants to support students throughout their study journey; from the first meeting with a prospective student at, for example, a fair, through the application and admission process, to when the student is on-site and studying, and even later when the student graduates and enters the job market.<br> <br>"A holistic perspective is important for recruitment, retention, and intake. Therefore, the support functions we have at our university, such as general study guidance, programme guidance, student health, and support for students with disabilities, are extremely important. The importance of our buddy programme is also something that is often mentioned by our international students," says Francine Ferretti Horst.<br> <br>The International Office, in consultation with the university's faculties, has identified five EU countries to focus on within the project, with Spain, Germany, and Italy being three of them. The other countries are France and the Netherlands.<br><br>"We will focus on a physical presence in these countries, but that doesn't mean we exclude other European countries when we focus on student recruitment. We also participate in digital fairs, organize our own webinars, and conduct search engine advertising campaigns focusing on all countries within the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. There are also plans for more on-site events at embassies together with other Swedish institutions," she continues.<br> <br>Another part of the student recruitment initiative towards Europe is to collaborate with faculties, departments, and programmes to gather strengths around international student recruitment. In October, the International Office conducted a workshop together with the Faculty of Science and Technology to identify what efforts are currently being made at different levels and how to better collaborate to attract international students. The workshop was very appreciated. Now, a similar workshop is planned with the Faculty of Social Sciences. In the future, other faculties and units will also be contacted with a request for a similar workshop.<br><strong> <br></strong><br><strong>Recruitment fairs – autumn 2024 and spring 2025:</strong><br>18/11 Madrid<br>30/11 Frankfurt<br>4/12 Berlin<br>6/12 Hamburg<br>24/2 Madrid<br>27/2 Barcelona<br>3/2 Milan<br> <br><a title="recruitment fairs" href="~/link/44c682c48d174662a7bc5d9b81c11835.aspx">Read more about the recruitment fairs</a></p><p><a title="international student barometer" href="~/link/7f857e6321fc47cf90a6bfb01aba2a26.aspx">More about Umeå University's results in the International Student Barometer</a></p>/en/news/umea-university-focuses-on-recruiting-students-from-europe_12010797//en/news/immune-system-dna-holds-key-for-multiple-disease-personalised-therapies_12010781/Immune system DNA holds key for multiple disease personalised therapiesSome people naturally have higher levels of proteins that protect them from covid-19. New studies at Umeå University of our immune system may pave the way for more personalised treatments of both covid-19 and autoimmune disorders.Tue, 03 Dec 2024 08:59:33 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/8c2429a9167e4b0f9e4e6ac44b958363/ionut_sebastian_mihai2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8c2429a9167e4b0f9e4e6ac44b958363/ionut_sebastian_mihai2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8c2429a9167e4b0f9e4e6ac44b958363/ionut_sebastian_mihai2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/8c2429a9167e4b0f9e4e6ac44b958363/ionut_sebastian_mihai2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8c2429a9167e4b0f9e4e6ac44b958363/ionut_sebastian_mihai2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8c2429a9167e4b0f9e4e6ac44b958363/ionut_sebastian_mihai2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Ionut Sebastian Mihai, doctoral student at the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Linda Pommer</span></div></div><p>In his doctoral research at Umeå University and the Industrial Doctoral School, Ionut Sebastian Mihai has explored how our body's defense system works at the smallest level to find new ways to treat diseases like covid-19 and autoimmune disorders.</p><p>One of his findings involves natural proteins, called serpins, that can block the SARS-CoV-2 virus – the virus responsible for covid-19 – from entering human cells. Remarkably, some individuals naturally have higher levels of these proteins.</p><p>“Think of these proteins as gatekeepers that keep the virus out. This discovery could lead to new treatments that enhance these gatekeeper mechanisms in other people,” says Ionut Sebastian Mihai.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Enhances natural defenses</h2><p>Serpins work by inhibiting a specific enzyme which the virus uses to enter cells. Individuals with higher levels of serpins in their lung cells may therefore have increased resistance to covid-19. This finding suggests potential avenues for developing treatments that enhance natural defenses against the virus.</p><p>Ionut Sebastian Mihai's research has also shed light on other critical components of the immune defense system, which is like a complex army with different types of soldiers, each playing a unique role in protecting us from illnesses. One of these soldiers is a special type of white blood cell that helps coordinate the body's response to threats, called T cells. Ionut Sebastian Mihai has identified important "commanders" within these white blood cells, directing how they grown and respond to infections.</p><p>“Understanding these cells at the DNA and RNA levels can help us find ways to develop vaccines and medicines that can boost the immune system when it is weak or calm it down when it is overactive,” says Ionut Sebastian Mihai.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">More effective treatments</h2><p>The new research results could lead to therapies tailored to each person's unique immune system, making treatments more effective with fewer side effects.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/8c2429a9167e4b0f9e4e6ac44b958363/sem_image_22.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8c2429a9167e4b0f9e4e6ac44b958363/sem_image_22.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8c2429a9167e4b0f9e4e6ac44b958363/sem_image_22.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/8c2429a9167e4b0f9e4e6ac44b958363/sem_image_22.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8c2429a9167e4b0f9e4e6ac44b958363/sem_image_22.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8c2429a9167e4b0f9e4e6ac44b958363/sem_image_22.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Image taken in the lab of an active T cell.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ionut Sebastian Mihai</span></div></div><p>“For people whose immune systems mistakenly attack their own bodies, for example, as seen in autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, this research offers hope for treatments that can correct these mistakes. Same goes for hard to deal infections and certain types of cancer. The secret is in the genes and the environment.”</p><p>Ionut Sebastian Mihai has also studied how certain viruses spread in the brain and identified signals in the immune system that help these infections progress. These findings could contribute to methods for preventing or treating severe brain diseases caused by viruses.</p><p><em>Ionut Sebastian Mihai’s doctoral project has been funded by the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University and Sartorius Stedim Data Analytics.</em></p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="11385cae-8252-405e-ab51-c6c6b5b782db" data-contentname="About the doctoral thesis">{}</div><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="74b92039-6a80-4930-ba4f-6ad48cdf6752" data-contentname="Fakta Företagsforskarskolan ENG (standard)">{}</div>/en/news/immune-system-dna-holds-key-for-multiple-disease-personalised-therapies_12010781//en/news/new-microscope-will-reveal-3d-cell-structures-at-nanoscales_12010819/New microscope will reveal 3D cell structures at nanoscales Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy (UCEM) recently inaugurated an advanced microscope which will contribute greatly to research in several life science fields. The new instrument is a FIB-SEM (Focused Ion Beam – Scanning Electron Microscope), specifically designed to reveal thin layers of cells whilst operating at extremely low temperatures, enabling detailed studies of biological samples at the nanoscale.Wed, 04 Dec 2024 09:33:54 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/2dc289fc3d224c2abf5b3d3fe5347f3a/aquilos2_invigning24.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2dc289fc3d224c2abf5b3d3fe5347f3a/aquilos2_invigning24.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2dc289fc3d224c2abf5b3d3fe5347f3a/aquilos2_invigning24.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/2dc289fc3d224c2abf5b3d3fe5347f3a/aquilos2_invigning24.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2dc289fc3d224c2abf5b3d3fe5347f3a/aquilos2_invigning24.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2dc289fc3d224c2abf5b3d3fe5347f3a/aquilos2_invigning24.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Erin Schexnaydre, staff scientists at UCEM, shows the new FIB-SEM instrument "Aquilos 2". The microscope can image biological samples at nanoscales, whilst the sample is kept at freezin -180 degrees Celsius.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Anna Shevtsova</span></div></div><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Operating at -180°C </h2><p>Here in Umeå, we are used to freezing conditions, but in the labs at Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy (UCEM), they take the cold one step further.  <br> “Having cells frozen to very low temperatures preserve the biological structures within them, such as proteins, and allows us to study the functions of these proteins”, explains Erin Schexnaydre, staff scientist at UCEM, who will be the manager of the new instrument, named Aquilos 2.  <br> <br>Before the microscope is put to use, samples are frozen to below -180 °C. This is done in a rapid cooling process, preventing ice crystals from forming in the sample which would otherwise cause damage to the sensitive biological structures. <br><br>“However, the sample is at this stage too thick to be directly imaged by an electron microscope," says Erin Schexnaydre, “which is why we need the combination of both the focused ion beam and the electron microscope.” </p><p>By using a beam of charged particles – ions, Aquilos 2 can create thin layers of frozen samples – called cryo-lamella. Cryo-lamella can be as thin as 200 nanometers, which is 500 times thinner than human hair, and much thinner than the average size of a human cell. This technique opens the cell for detailed studies of its inner structures in 3D and is ideal for obtaining detailed images of the interior of cells.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Round-the-clock science </h2><p>Although purchase was finalised already at the end of last year, it has been a long wait for the new microscope to be up and running. Following some necessary room reconfigurations, the instrument is now in use and was celebrated with a cheerful inauguration at UCEM and a contest of the best electron microscope image. </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/2dc289fc3d224c2abf5b3d3fe5347f3a/aquilos2_invigning13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2dc289fc3d224c2abf5b3d3fe5347f3a/aquilos2_invigning13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2dc289fc3d224c2abf5b3d3fe5347f3a/aquilos2_invigning13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/2dc289fc3d224c2abf5b3d3fe5347f3a/aquilos2_invigning13.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2dc289fc3d224c2abf5b3d3fe5347f3a/aquilos2_invigning13.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2dc289fc3d224c2abf5b3d3fe5347f3a/aquilos2_invigning13.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Cheerful mood at UCEM as the new FIB-SEM microscope "Aquilos 2" was inaugurated in November. It was celebrated with drinks and a competition of the best electron microscopy image.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Anna Shevtsova</span></div></div><p>“Aquilos 2 is designed to use the ion-beam overnight, which increases the throughput of cryo-lamella production and thus the collection of data,” says Erin Schexnaydre. Obtaining more data quicker allows the researchers to explore complex biological structures more efficiently, opening doors to new scientific discoveries. <br><br>Who has access to the new microscope? “Anyone at Umeå University, or collaborators in SciLifeLab, who have projects requiring this microscope can be trained by the UCEM staff to use the new instrument,” says Erin Schexnaydre, who hopes it will come in good use for many exciting research projects.</p>/en/news/new-microscope-will-reveal-3d-cell-structures-at-nanoscales_12010819//en/news/peter-skold-appointed-chair-of-the-european-polar-board_12009801/Professor Peter Sköld appointed chair of the European Polar BoardUmeå University is strengthening its Arctic profile. Professor Peter Sköld, former Director of the Arctic Centre and now an advisor to the Vice-Chancellor on Arctic affairs, has been elected Chair of the European Polar Board (EPB), an independent organisation that drives strategic priorities in the Arctic and Antarctic. Starting on January 1, 2025, the EPB Secretariat will be based at Umeå University. Thu, 28 Nov 2024 14:27:49 +0100<p>Peter Sköld has been an important figure at the EPB since 2018, initially serving as a delegate alongside Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dieter Müller and since 2020 as a member of the Executive Committee. During his time on the committee, he has focused on integrating social science and humanities perspectives into the organisation’s work.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d96fc1ee79e947f2b3717dfc6de40008/skold_peter_2840_210914_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d96fc1ee79e947f2b3717dfc6de40008/skold_peter_2840_210914_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d96fc1ee79e947f2b3717dfc6de40008/skold_peter_2840_210914_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d96fc1ee79e947f2b3717dfc6de40008/skold_peter_2840_210914_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d96fc1ee79e947f2b3717dfc6de40008/skold_peter_2840_210914_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d96fc1ee79e947f2b3717dfc6de40008/skold_peter_2840_210914_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Peter Sköld, advisor to the Vice-Chancellor on Arctic and International Affairs and the new Chair of the EPB.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>He has also played a key role in relocating the EPB Secretariat from The Hague to Umeå. In addition, efforts are now being intensified to collaborate with the European Commission in establishing the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO) in connection with the Arctic platform currently under full development at Umeå University. </p><p>"Leading the EPB is an inspiring task," says Peter Sköld. "It is crucial to strengthen interdisciplinary perspectives to address the complex challenges faced by the polar regions, both environmentally and socially."</p><h3>Umeå University – A Growing Force in Polar Research</h3><p>By establishing the EPB Secretariat in Umeå, the university is solidifying its position as a significant actor in polar research and international collaboration.</p><p>"The relocation of the EPB Secretariat to Umeå is a recognition of the university’s expertise and our commitment to polar research," continues Sköld. "It opens up new opportunities for collaboration and innovation, both for our researchers and with our international partners."</p><p>EPB comprises 31 member organisations from 22 countries and works to strengthen European coordination in polar research through information sharing, infrastructure optimisation, and joint initiatives. With Peter Sköld as Chair and the EPB Secretariat at Umeå University, the university is well-positioned to tackle future challenges and opportunities in polar research.</p>/en/news/peter-skold-appointed-chair-of-the-european-polar-board_12009801//en/news/vr-millions-to-dismantle-virus-factories_12006740/<description>A project at Umeå University is among those that receive the most in the country in the Swedish Research Council's call for interdisciplinary research environments.</description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Nov 2024 10:29:14 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><p>The project Dismantling virus factories with Lars-Anders Carlsson at the Department of Medical Chemistry and Biophysics as project leader can look forward to a total of SEK 30 million from the Swedish Research Council during a six-year period from the grant Grants to interdisciplinary research environments.</p><p>Earlier this Autumn, it became clear that Lars-Anders Carlsson will receive SEK 24 million, for his research on viruses from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.</p><p><a href="https://www.vr.se/english/applying-for-funding/decisions/2024-06-20-grant-for-interdisciplinary-research-environments.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more at the Swedish research Council webpage</a></p></atom:content><link>/en/news/vr-millions-to-dismantle-virus-factories_12006740/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/a-week-free-from-violence_12007222/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/a-week-free-from-violence_12007222/</guid><title>A week free from violenceThe Faculty of Medicine at Umea university wants to give this week attention as an important indicator of base values and we take the opportunity to present Isabel Goicolea, professor at the department of Epidemiology and Global Health, whose research to a great deal concerns gender based violence.Wed, 20 Nov 2024 10:59:12 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareleft"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/cb7d8a0b7f6a48158809cd9f8492b708/goicolea_isabel_0501_200821_mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/cb7d8a0b7f6a48158809cd9f8492b708/goicolea_isabel_0501_200821_mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/cb7d8a0b7f6a48158809cd9f8492b708/goicolea_isabel_0501_200821_mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/cb7d8a0b7f6a48158809cd9f8492b708/goicolea_isabel_0501_200821_mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/cb7d8a0b7f6a48158809cd9f8492b708/goicolea_isabel_0501_200821_mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/cb7d8a0b7f6a48158809cd9f8492b708/goicolea_isabel_0501_200821_mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Professor vid Institutionen för epidemiologi och global hälsa</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p><strong>Isabel, please tell us a bit about your research and how it relates to this particular week! </strong></p><p>Our research (because it’s not only I) deals with how social and health care services respond to gendered violence. We, for example, analyse the reasons behind why despite all the efforts to incorporate routine questions about violence within health care and social services, few women disclose ongoing violence to health care professionals or social workers.</p><p>Trust is a crucial aspect here: women need to trust health care and social services’ professionals to be able to tell their stories, they need to feel validated and that they get the support they need. Unfortunately, and despite the motivation and great work of many professionals, there are many challenges to developing and sustaining trust in welfare institutions, and without such trust it becomes impossible to disclose violence and to accept support. That is what we are studying: what challenges trust between victims/survivors of violence and welfare institutions and how can we enhance trust.</p><p><strong>How can the university in general and the faculty of medicine in particular work to help prevent gender based violence?</strong></p><p>It is crucial to recognize that such violence exists and affects students and staff at the university. Even more, we need to acknowledge that certain characteristics of academia, like hierarchies, authority, power, contribute to sustain gendered violence, and make it harder for victims/survivors to denounce.</p><p>We need to make sure that victims/survivors of gendered violence in academia can complain and that when they do, they feel listened to, trusted, validated and supported. But also, that the burden is not put on victims/survivors to be brave and denounce; instead it should be a shared responsibility between all of us to make academia a safer environment, one where we all feel compelled to complain if we think something is unfair or wrong, and where we all contribute to minimizing the hierarchial and power structures that sustain gendered  violence. The higher in the hierarchy the more responsibility we should have to speak up and contribute to eliminate gendered violence.</p><p>The other important aspect is that at the Faculty of Medicine we have the responsibility to train the next generation of health care professionals: they need to finish their education knowing that responding to gendered violence is also the responsibility of the healthcare system, and what they can do within the health care system to better support victims/survivors of gendered violence. We are integrating teaching on gendered violence, both to understand its pervasiveness, gendered roots, its global impact, as well as what works when it comes to health care responses. This is a particularly important contribution, since gendered violence is also a health problem, and victims/survivors of violence reach health care services more often than any other public institutions.</p><p><strong>If you would pick one of the activities this week in Västerbotten, what would you recommend?</strong></p><p>It is great that there are many, and with different focus, because gendered violence touches many arenas. I would suggest joining the demonstration on the 25th of November, which is a great way to show support for eliminating gendered violence, and it is a demonstration that unites many cities around the world on that day.</p><p>The 25th of November has been celebrated by feminist activists since 1960 in honour of the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country's ruler, Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).</p><p>Participating on the demonstration in Umeå is also a way to show support for the feminist shelter movement (Kvinno and Tjejjouren), and to recognize that it was feminist activism that put, and struggles to keep, this problem in the agenda.</p>/en/news/a-week-free-from-violence_12007222//en/news/umea-university-hosted-scilifelab-leadership-for-a-full-day-tour-of-local-facilities_12006806/Umeå University hosted SciLifeLab Leadership for a Full-Day tour of Local Facilities Last week Umeå University hosted the new director for SciLifeLab, Jan Ellenberg, and SciLifeLab board chair Ylva Engström, for a full-day visit of Umeå and our facilities. The day included tours of the local research infrastructures, lunch with representatives of the University and meetings with the staff scientists who make the infrastructures accessible for national users within life science. Tue, 19 Nov 2024 08:40:24 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The new director for SciLifeLab, Jan Ellenberg, and SciLifeLab board chair Ylva Engström, visited Umeå for a full-day tour of infrastructures and meetings with members. Seen here with Tobias Sparrman, Jurgen Schleucher and Gerhard Gröbner in the NMR Core facility. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">The staff is key in running the infrastructures for the greater good of life science research</p><p>SciLifeLab, a national wide resource of sophisticated technologies and expertise available to researchers in life science, has since 2022 expanded with several local sites in Sweden, including Umeå.  By connecting the already existing cutting-edge infrastructures at Umeå with the national network, our community of researchers in areas such as biomedicine, ecology and evolution expands. <br> <br>As of this summer, SciLifeLab has a new director, Jan Ellenberg, who visited the site in Umeå for a full day of activities. The site director Linda Sandblad, Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry and director of Umeå Center for Electron Microscopy (UCEM), kicked the day off with an introduction of SciLifeLab in Umeå, highlighting the strengths of the infrastructures being integrated with two universities, Umeå University and SLU, as well as Region Västerbotten through University Hospital of Umeå (Norrlands Universitetssjukhus, NUS).  </p><p>“Meeting Jan Ellenberg on site in Umeå was important for us. Jan’s experience of international research infrastructure development for life science is valuable for the continued development here in Umeå. Now, when he knows both staff scientists and our facilities, we can work more effectively together”, says Linda Sandblad. </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_22.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_22.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_22.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_22.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_22.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_22.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Tobias Sparrman and Jurgen Schleucher shows Jan Ellenberg one of the many state-of-the-art instruments at NMR. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div><p><br> Tours of infrastructures started at the Swedish NMR Centre, followed by a meeting with Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden (CBCS), tours of Swedish Metabolomics Centre (SMC) and the Data Science Node, including High Performance Computer Center North (HPC2N), National Bioinformatic Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), and Data Driven Life Science (DDLS). Although much to see, there was still room for coffee and visits in some of the labs where the life science research takes place.  </p><p>“The staff is key in running the infrastructures for the greater good of life science research, and meeting the people who do the work at the sites is very important and something I cherish”, Jan Ellenberg said, stressing the importance of working together across the sites in order to both overcome shared problems, and achieve shared ambitions and goals. <br> <br>During the lunch with Umeå University representatives, including vice-chancellor Hans Adolfsson, and Mikael Elofsson, Dean at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Ellenberg took the opportunity to present himself and his visions for how SciLifeLab and Umeå will strenghten its connections further. Jan Ellenberg provides great inspiration on how infrastructure and large scall research projects can synergise”, said Linda Sandblad.  </p><p>The lunch followed with facility tours at Clinical Genomics and UCEM. To summarise the visit, the delegation from SciLifeLab met with staff from Umeå University, to identify possibilities and map out ideas for the future, in order to make life science infrastructures accessible to as many as possible.  </p><p>“I feel that here in Umeå you have realised that there is much to gain from working together, with people coming together from different departments and areas of expertise, in order to create the infrastructures and facilities that are needed for the good of life science research”, Jan Ellenberg concluded.  </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_32.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_32.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_32.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_32.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_32.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b0bfe9b349884b85b48537a0645cd864/scilifelab_visit_32.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Annika Johansson, Head of Unit at the Swedish Metabolomics Centre (SMC) shows Jan Ellenberg and Ylva Engström the lab in Umeå. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div>/en/news/umea-university-hosted-scilifelab-leadership-for-a-full-day-tour-of-local-facilities_12006806//en/news/kbc-days-strengthens-interdisciplinary-collaboration_12005601/<description>The two-day annual conference of the Chemical Biological Centre (in Swedish “Kemiskt Biologiskt Centrum”, KBC) at Umeå University and SLU took place last week. In a celebration of interdisciplinary research and collaboration, the KBC invited keynote speakers, awarded researchers, young scientists, as well as infrastructure and industry representatives, to share their ideas and results, under the theme of “Sensing”. </description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 2025 09:27:51 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_2_rf3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_2_rf3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_2_rf3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_2_rf3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_2_rf3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_2_rf3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>This year's edition of the KBC DAYS highlighted the theme "sensing", which was celebrated by invited keynote speakers. Here we see Dr. David McKee from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, and the Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø, who spoke about how the Arctic's light cycles affect marine life.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">Offering time to connect meant that people stayed together and really did talk</p><p>The KBC, an interdisciplinary research centre in collaboration between Umeå University and SLU, brings together life- and natural sciences, medicine and physics. Hosted in the KBC-building, the centre offers an innovative scientific environment, accommodating several research infrastructures. For 15 years in a row, the KBC Days conference has been a forum for discussing research, whilst highlighting research achievements, awards, and new faculty members at KBC. </p><p>“The KBC days bring together researchers at the university from different backgrounds, offering an opportunity to share knowledge across different research fields and to build interdisciplinary collaborations”, says Rachel Feeney, doctoral student at the Department of Molecular Biology, and part of the organising committee for KBC Days 2024.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="e2ed39ea-e7d3-4b8d-bc13-821334396c08" data-contentname="kbc days 2">{}</div><p>This year's KBC Days showcased cutting-edge research spanning everything from the light cycle in the Arctic, the noisy environment that plants live in, to intricate details of cell walls and the use of biomaterials in healthcare diagnostics, and much more. The first-mentioned topic was brought into a new light by invited keynote speaker David McKee, from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, and the Arctic University of Norway. He noted that:<br>“It is not an uncommon ambition to want to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, but it is notoriously difficult to do it well. I think the KBC Days approach is exemplary, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to take part in this fantastic event”. <br> <br>In-between the sessions with presentations, participants could learn more about the infrastructures at KBC, interact with representatives from the industry, and share ideas over a cup of coffee.</p><p>“Offering time to connect meant that people stayed together and really did talk! I think the social element is crucial in fostering new collaborations”, says David McKee. </p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Pitches and dinner </h2><p>The first day featured a session where doctoral students had the possibility to present either a poster or a 2-minute “Elevator Talk” of their research. The best talk, chosen by a committee, was awarded a travel voucher sponsored by the Umeå-based company Agrisera. </p><p>“Presenting in front of people scares me a lot, but I think it’s good to practice, because in science we always have to present our work”, says Sophia Hernandez, doctoral student at the Department of Molecular Biology, who won the Elevator Talk prize for her talk about the usage of the Nobel Prize-winning tool CRISPR for characterising malaria parasites. Sophia says she enjoyed the challenge of condensing her research into a few minutes: “it made me think about the really important aspects of my study”.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_3_as2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_3_as2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_3_as2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_3_as2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_3_as2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_3_as2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>During the doctoral session, PhD students from KBC gave "Elevator Talks", where Sophia Hernandez at the Department of Molecular Biology won a travel grant sponsored by Agrisera. Here with Joanna Porankiewicz-Asplund from Agrisera and Stefan Björklund, coordinator at KBC and professor at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Anna Shevtsova</span></div></div><p>The participants also voted on the best PhD Poster, which was awarded to Trung Nguyen at the Department of Chemistry, for his poster about sensing water on Mars.  <br> <br>The first day finalised with the conference dinner, where participants could continue to connect and celebrate awards given throughout the year and at the conference.</p><p>“The sounds of so many conversations filling the air while everyone shared a meal over candlelight was really special”, says David McKee to the organisers of the KBC Days.   </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_5_rf2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_5_rf2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_5_rf2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_5_rf2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_5_rf2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_5_rf2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The first day of the conference was finalised with a candle-lit dinner in the KBC-building.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Panel discussion and inclusivity </h2><p>During the second day, the KBC infrastructures presented the state-of-the-arts techniques offered in Umeå, and Umeå Postdoc Society arranged both Pitch presentations and a panel discussion on career paths. </p><p> “I think my favourite thing was hearing the range of presentations by the researchers, as it really highlights the broad range of research carried out in KBC”, says Ciaran Gilchrist, Postdoc at the Department of Molecular Biology, who won a prize for his Pitch Presentation about multidrug resistance. He shared the prize, sponsored by Umeå Biotech Incubator, with Ilian Giordano Ponce Pineda, Postdoc at the Department of Plant Physiology. </p><p>Gilchrist, enthusiastic by the recognition, says that:<br>“I've always enjoyed communicating my research to people, but I tend to be a bit nervous when it gets closer to the presentation – so it's really nice to receive a prize for something I enjoy!”.  </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_6_rf3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_6_rf3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_6_rf3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_6_rf3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_6_rf3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_6_rf3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Umeå Postdoc Society arranged a session with “Postdoc Pitches” and an apprechiated panel discussion about career paths. The panel consisted of Nora Lehotai (Science Manager at MIMS), Dimitry Malyshev (Staff scientist, Department of Physics), Tulio Teruo Yoshinaga (EC scholar, Clinical Microbiology), Anton Kirch (MCSF scholar, Department of Physics), Sofia Mayans (Director of Business Development Diamyd Medical) and Fariba Mansourizadeh (Staff scientist, Department of Molecular Biology). The discussion was moderaded by Najat Dzaki (Postdoc Department of Molecular Biology).</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_7_rf3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_7_rf3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_7_rf3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_7_rf3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_7_rf3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d2286743e94742e78c435bcbc6463f8b/kbc_days_2024_7_rf3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Ilian Giordano Ponce Pineda (left, postdoc at the Department of Plant Physiology) and Ciaran Gilchrist (middle, postdoc at the Department of Molecular Biology) won prizes for the Pitch Presentation. The prize was sponsored by Umeå Biotech Incubator (UBI) and handed out by Tobias Tovedal, business coach at UBI.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div><p>Being interdisciplinary is one of the strengths of the KBC community, it is a challenge is to ensure that all research areas are represented in the conference schedule, both in terms of the local presenters and the invited keynote speakers.  </p><p>“To ensure that we have as fair representation as possible, the organising committee is formed of represenatives from the different departments within the KBC community”, Rachel Feeney explains.  <br> <br>Events like the KBC Days 2024 can only be possible by the combined efforts of the research community, and through the generous support of sponsors, whose contributions ensured a successful event. As the KBC looks forward to the future year to come, this year’s success stands as a testament to interdisciplinary collaboration in driving scientific progress and innovation. <br> <br>For more details on the sessions, keynote speakers and other highlights from the KBC Days 2024, please visit <a href="~/link/caa8d45e916e4395834e7f51e2e7eded.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KBC Days 2024 Event Page</a>. <br> </p></atom:content><link>/en/news/kbc-days-strengthens-interdisciplinary-collaboration_12005601/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/nanoplastics-can-impair-the-effect-of-antibiotics_12005299/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/nanoplastics-can-impair-the-effect-of-antibiotics_12005299/</guid><title /><description>Minuscule particles of plastic are not only bad for the environment. A study led from Umeå University has shown that the so-called nanoplastics which enter the body can impair the effect of antibiotic treatment. The results also indicate that the nanoplastics may lead to the development of antibiotic resistance. Even the indoor air in our homes contains high levels of nanoplastics from, among other things, nylon, which is particularly problematic.</description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 10:28:49 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/e9e821a549de4415955e50f1176d9717/lukas_kenner2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e9e821a549de4415955e50f1176d9717/lukas_kenner2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e9e821a549de4415955e50f1176d9717/lukas_kenner2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/e9e821a549de4415955e50f1176d9717/lukas_kenner2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e9e821a549de4415955e50f1176d9717/lukas_kenner2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e9e821a549de4415955e50f1176d9717/lukas_kenner2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Lukas Kenner, gästprofessor vid Institutionen för molekylärbiologi</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Medizinische Universität Wien</span></div></div><p>"The results are alarming considering how common nanoplastics are and because effective antibiotics for many can be the difference between life and death," says Lukas Kenner, professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University and one of the researchers who led the study.</p><p class="quote-left">The results are alarming</p><p>Nanoplastics are plastic particles that are smaller than a thousandth of a millimetre. Due to their smallness, they can float freely in the air and have the ability to enter the body where they can affect vital functions.</p><p>In the study, led not only by researchers in Umeå, but also by scientists based in Germany and Hungary, the authors have focused on how some of the most common nanoplastics interact with tetracycline, which is a common broad-spectrum antibiotic. It turned out that there was significant accumulation of the antibiotics on the surfaces of the nanoplastic particles. You could say that the nanoplastics absorb antibiotics. </p><p>The nanoplastics in question come from common types of plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and nylon. They are commonly found in packaging and textiles. Indoor air contains about five times as much nanoplastics as outdoor air, partly due to particles released from textiles.</p><p>One risk that the researchers point out is that the binding to nanoplastics can lead to the antibiotics "hitchhiking" with the nanoplastic in the bloodstream and being transported to other places in the body than they are intended for. This can both reduce the targeted effect of the antibiotics and risk enabling the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When antibiotics accumulate in unintended areas, sub-lethal doses can spur bacterial mutations, selecting for antibiotic-resistant strains.</p><p>The researchers used advanced computer models to analyze how the nanoplastics bind to tetracycline. It turned out that the bond was particularly strong to nylon –  one of the substances that is most abundant in nanoplastics in indoor air.</p><p>"Although more research is needed to shed light on the connections and possible measures, we can conclude from our results that nanoplastics are a health risk that should be taken more seriously," says Lukas Kenner.</p><p>The study, which is published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports, has been led by Lukas Kenner at Umeå University, Barbara Kirchner at the University of Bonn in Germany and Oldamur Hollóczki at the University of Debrecen, Hungary. The sub-study on the binding of nanoplastics to antibiotics has been led by Nikola Zlatkov Kolev at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University. Lukas Kenner has recently taken up the position of visiting professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University and continues his research on nanoplastics and health effects. </p></atom:content><link>/en/news/nanoplastics-can-impair-the-effect-of-antibiotics_12005299/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/apply-to-cancer-research-school-before-30-november_12001615/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/apply-to-cancer-research-school-before-30-november_12001615/</guid><title /><description>The application of The Cancer Research School (15 ECTS) is ended at the 30 of November so apply as soon as possible to keep your seat. </description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:24:50 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><p>Who can apply: both clinical and pre-clinical doctoral students in public health, epidemiology, bioinformatics, statistics, genetics, and biomedicine.</p><p>Dead line: 30 November 2024</p><p>Submit your application to <a title="E-mail" href="mailto:info.cancerresearchschool@91��ý��">info.cancerresearchschool@91��ý��</a></p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">About the Cancer Research school</h2><p>Are you a PhD student in cancer research and looking to enhance your expertise in cutting-edge methodologies, including molecular epidemiology and observational study plans leveraging biobank and registries accessible in Sweden?</p><p>Funded by The Swedish Cancer Foundation, the Cancer Research School at Umeå University offers a flexible and unique opportunity to expand your knowledge. The program consists of five courses and one individual project, totaling 15 ECTS credits. Courses are available online, with occasional on-site activities. You will also have access to individual mentoring from our teachers and the opportunity to draft an additional paper for your PhD. The program is designed with flexibility, allowing you to complete it by the end of your PhD studies, and you can earn credits for each completed course.</p><p>The school also provides accommodation for students traveling long distances and lunch for all participants during on-site courses. Additionally, there will be three networking meetings to foster collaboration and discussion among participants and teachers.</p><p><a title="Read more" href="~/link/cef4f9f7fb1f4b25b06454735f63d034.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more</a></p></atom:content><link>/en/news/apply-to-cancer-research-school-before-30-november_12001615/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/record-number-of-people-interested-in-studying-come-to-visit_12000462/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/record-number-of-people-interested-in-studying-come-to-visit_12000462/</guid><title>Record interest in the open houseÖppet hus on 6 November is Umeå University's opportunity to show what it's like to study at one of Sweden's largest universities. High school students and others interested in studying from Ljusdal to Kalix arrive with forty buses and get information about everything from programmes and student rooms to entertainment and training opportunities, as well as the chance to visit the Arts Campus. And it's another attendance record with over 3,800 registered and over 4,000 visitors in total.Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:08:55 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/f38e793e55ed4211b8908714285ef917/lofgren_susanna_4312_231004_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f38e793e55ed4211b8908714285ef917/lofgren_susanna_4312_231004_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f38e793e55ed4211b8908714285ef917/lofgren_susanna_4312_231004_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/f38e793e55ed4211b8908714285ef917/lofgren_susanna_4312_231004_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f38e793e55ed4211b8908714285ef917/lofgren_susanna_4312_231004_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f38e793e55ed4211b8908714285ef917/lofgren_susanna_4312_231004_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Susanna Löfgren, project manager at the Communications Office at Umeå University. Photo: Hans Karlsson.</p></div></div><p>"It's a solid programme that meets the more than four thousand people interested in studying, teachers and study and career counsellors who come to visit. There will be over one hundred and thirty information sessions on study programmes, and a lot of university staff are working to the last minute on the preparations," says Susanna Löfgren, project manager at the Communications Office at Umeå University.</p><p>In addition to lectures on different programmes, visitors are invited to try out various activities and clever experiments. Guided tours are also offered to the Artistic Campus by the river and the Iksu training facility, as well as the neighbouring Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), which is also present in Lindellhallen at Umeå University. Student and career counsellors and other staff also receive their own skills development during a lunch meeting with the university's education leaders.</p><p>"We know from our evaluations that the open house is both an appreciated and effective way of communicating our activities, so even though it's a lot of work and a lot of people involved from Umeå University, it's really worth all the effort. It is also very rewarding to meet all those interested in studying, who are often very curious about both student life and what it is like to study at a university," says Susanna Löfgren.</p><p>One part of student life that always gets a lot of attention is student housing, and the municipal housing company Bostaden is therefore also on site, showing what a student room looks like and telling everything about how the prospective students should go about solving the housing issue.</p><p>"Students are a very important target group for us and for us it is very valuable to meet prospective students, partly to tell them about our more than 4,200 student housing units, but also to hear their thoughts and expectations. At our stand, the focus is on getting as many people as possible to join our housing queue and we also show what a student room looks like in real size. Of course, we also take the opportunity to welcome all young people to our beautiful city," says Anders Hugosson, Marketing Manager at Bostaden.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/f38e793e55ed4211b8908714285ef917/oppethus_7971_221109_lgn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f38e793e55ed4211b8908714285ef917/oppethus_7971_221109_lgn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f38e793e55ed4211b8908714285ef917/oppethus_7971_221109_lgn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/f38e793e55ed4211b8908714285ef917/oppethus_7971_221109_lgn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f38e793e55ed4211b8908714285ef917/oppethus_7971_221109_lgn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f38e793e55ed4211b8908714285ef917/oppethus_7971_221109_lgn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The student room in real size at Öppet hus 2023. Photo: Lizette Gunnesson.</p></div></div><p>"We look forward to welcoming all these visitors to the university and hope that everyone who comes will have an informative and inspiring day. Our hope is that many will be so inspired that they will return in a year or two as students at Umeå University or at another university," says Susanna Löfgren.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="e5be002c-0911-49df-9d68-3914f06756cb" data-contentname="Öppet hus 2024 engelska">{}</div>/en/news/record-number-of-people-interested-in-studying-come-to-visit_12000462//en/news/persson-millions-for-intestinal-research_11998529/Persson millions for intestinal researchBjörn Schröder's research group has received SEK 6 million in grants from the Erling Persson Foundation for research on the intestinal microbial modulation of mucus in ulcerative colitis.Mon, 28 Oct 2024 16:51:05 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/ae192f41493e43708a08e34a498afb40/schroder_bjorn_5343_190405_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ae192f41493e43708a08e34a498afb40/schroder_bjorn_5343_190405_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ae192f41493e43708a08e34a498afb40/schroder_bjorn_5343_190405_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/ae192f41493e43708a08e34a498afb40/schroder_bjorn_5343_190405_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ae192f41493e43708a08e34a498afb40/schroder_bjorn_5343_190405_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ae192f41493e43708a08e34a498afb40/schroder_bjorn_5343_190405_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Björn Schröder, professor and research groupl leader. <br><span class="bildPhotografer" style="white-space: nowrap;"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></p></div></div><p>Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon that is becoming increasingly common in industrialized countries. Because the exact cause of the disease is still unknown, current treatments are primarily focused on symptom relief rather than offering a cure. Notably, people with ulcerative colitis often exhibit an imbalanced gut microbiota and deficiencies in the protective mucus layer.</p><p>The research in Björn Schröder's group at the Department of Molecular Biology and the Laboratory of Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden – MIMS focuses on the sticky mucus layer that covers the surface of the intestine and protects against the billions of microorganisms, which could otherwise lead to infections and inflammation. The project aims to elucidate the interaction between this gut flora and mucus defects that have been observed in people with ulcerative colitis. The research is carried out in collaboration with researchers at the Department of Clinical Sciences and the Department of Food and Nutrition Science to study the impact of bacteria and diet on the course of the disease. The hope is to identify which bacteria are beneficial for mucus function and thus eventually lead to the development of a new generation of probiotics to prevent and treat ulcerative colitis.</p><p>The project will run for three years. </p>/en/news/persson-millions-for-intestinal-research_11998529//en/news/proteins-are-key-when-antibiotic-resistance-spreads_11997030/Proteins are key when antibiotic resistance spreadsAntibiotic resistance is a growing public health problem globally. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that some bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics have the ability to spread the resistance to other bacteria via secretion systems. A new thesis at Umeå University analyzes how special proteins are used in this process where antibiotic resistance spreads.Tue, 22 Oct 2024 08:43:49 +0200<p>"The results contribute to a deeper understanding of the system for how genetic material is transported from one bacterium to another. This is important for understanding how bacteria can spread, among other things, antibiotic resistance. Hopefully, this research can become a small piece of the puzzle in the work to eventually find drugs that can prevent this spread", says Annika Breidenstein, PhD student at the Department of Medical Chemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University.</p><p>Modern medicine is based on access to antibiotics that can counteract infectious diseases and enable operations such as transplants and many cancer treatments. Without effective antibiotics, one would often get serious, sometimes life-threatening, infections after surgical procedures.</p><p>In recent decades, more and more bacteria have stopped responding to antibiotics; they have become resistant. This is due to the overuse of antibiotics, not only in healthcare but also in animal husbandry, where healthy animals are given antibiotics to prevent disease in tightly packed environments. In addition to developing antibiotic resistance, many bacteria can also spread this resistance to other bacteria. This takes place with the help of a protein machinery known as the type IV secretion system.</p><p>Annika Breidenstein's thesis focuses on these systems. Since there are many different types of bacteria, the main question was what these different secretion systems have in common and in what ways they differ.</p><p>Most of the genetic material of bacteria is packed into a long, circular DNA molecule. However, type IV secretion systems and antibiotic resistance are often found on extra, more mobile DNA called plasmids. A study in the thesis deals with how plasmids are prepared for transport to other bacteria with type IV secretion systems. For this, a protein called relaxase is needed, which binds to the plasmid. X-rays were used to produce a detailed picture of a relaxase that binds DNA. The relaxase binds better to DNA when it is assisted by another protein and it was also investigated how these two proteins interact.</p><p>Usually DNA, and thus also plasmids, consists of two strands. However, the relaxase only binds to one of the strands, and it is only this that is transported to the next bacterium. Annika and the research group she is part of suspected that a protein called PrgE is important for this process, as they believed that it binds this particular single-stranded DNA. Therefore, they also produced images of this protein, which showed exactly how the protein binds to DNA. However, PrgE was found to bind to both single- and double-stranded DNA. The conclusion was that PrgE does not have the expected function and is not directly involved in DNA transport.</p><p>The question remained - what all type IV secretion systems have in common. To answer this, the researchers used new bioinformatics methods, which partly use artificial intelligence. Using a database they created for the purpose, they were able to identify which proteins generally look the same in all known type IV secretion systems. Using this knowledge and artificial intelligence, a model of what a type IV secretion system could look like was built. With the help of this, it will be possible to better understand the secretion systems that are currently not known much about, but which we know are important in hospital infections.</p><p><em>Annika Breidenstein grew up in Germany and did her master's degree in infection biology at Uppsala University.</em></p>/en/news/proteins-are-key-when-antibiotic-resistance-spreads_11997030//en/news/systems-for-quality-in-medical-research_11993671/Systems for quality in medical research The Faculty Board of the Faculty of Medicine has established a quality system for research at the faculty to develop and ensure the quality of research. Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:33:28 +0200<p>The Faculty of Medicine's quality system for research is based on Umeå University's policy for quality development and quality assurance of research. The policy, in turn, is based on both the common framework for higher education institutions' quality assurance and quality development of research that the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions (SUHF) has developed and on Umeå University's vision, which was adopted by the University Board on 2019-04-03.</p><p>Umeå University's policy includes the following four components of quality work:</p><p>A. Culture of quality in research<br>B. Resources for quality in research<br>C. Strategic choices and priorities for research development and renewalD. Follow-up, analysis and evaluation</p><p>The Faculty of Medicine's organisation and governing documents, such as rules of procedure and decision-making and delegation of authority, describe both the line organisation and the division of responsibilities and roles within the faculty. Through the faculty's current organisation and governance, strengths, development opportunities and weaknesses are identified.</p><p>An example of this is that the faculty management is represented in several of the faculty's meeting bodies, which provides a close link between the faculty and department levels and good opportunities for discussion about quality work in research at different levels.</p><p><a title="To Quality System " href="~/link/f9d4c52081b5426aab609aa5b64fbd69.aspx">To Quality System</a></p>/en/news/systems-for-quality-in-medical-research_11993671//en/news/important-new-funding-for-research-on-virus-factories_11994805/Important new funding for research on virus factories Lars-Anders Carlson is receiving SEK 24 million from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation to understand how the virus factories that are built up in our cells work. "I remember the first meeting we had before the application with everyone involved over Zoom, it was in the middle of a brunch on my holiday in September 2023 and the coffee got cold, but it was worth it," says Lars-Anders Carlson, Associate professor at Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics. Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:49:48 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/ce9a18c25793425ca607e0ce9f45cafa/carlson_lars-anders_620_13092024_hkn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ce9a18c25793425ca607e0ce9f45cafa/carlson_lars-anders_620_13092024_hkn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ce9a18c25793425ca607e0ce9f45cafa/carlson_lars-anders_620_13092024_hkn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/ce9a18c25793425ca607e0ce9f45cafa/carlson_lars-anders_620_13092024_hkn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ce9a18c25793425ca607e0ce9f45cafa/carlson_lars-anders_620_13092024_hkn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ce9a18c25793425ca607e0ce9f45cafa/carlson_lars-anders_620_13092024_hkn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Lars-Anders Carlson is receiving SEK 24 million from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation to understand how the virus factories that are built up in our cells work. Photo: Hans Karlsson</p></div></div><p>The project Lars-Anders Carlson will lead is called <em>Conserved concepts and divergent details of membrane-bound viral replication organelles</em> and he explains it briefly as follows:</p><p>"When the virus enters a cell, it must use the cell to replicate. But to do that, it has to rebuild inside the cell and optimise the cell to become what we can call a virus factory. The project aims to understand how this virus factory inside an infected cell is organised and how it works."</p><p>Viruses can infect both humans and animals and lead to a wide range of diseases, such as Covid and TBE, and the team will study and compare the virus factories of two major groups of viruses spread by mosquitoes and ticks.</p><p>"Our research is curiosity-driven basic research on a key part of the virus life cycle. In the long run, we hope to contribute with pieces of the puzzle that can lead to new forms of treatment."</p><h3>From California to Umeå</h3><p>One of the main reasons why Lars-Anders Carlson conducts his research in Umeå is due to the advanced electron microscopes that Umeå University can offer today. Lars-Anders Carlson's scientific journey otherwise started at Uppsala University, he did his PhD in Munich and his postdoc at the National Institute of Health in Washington DC and at the University of California in Berkeley, before moving to Umeå in 2016 for a position at the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM).</p><p>"What we will do with the electron microscopes is to take three-dimensional close-ups of the viruses and thus learn more. Now I'm really looking forward to getting started and hiring and bringing new PhD students and researchers into the project!"</p><h3>Research is teamwork</h3><p>Lars-Anders Carlson emphasises that research is a team effort and wants to highlight everyone involved, mentioning Anna Överby Wernstedt, Department of Clinical Microbiology, and Richard Lundmark, Department of Medical and Translational Biology, both at Umeå University. From Karolinska Institutet, Gerald McInerney, Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, and Benjamin Murrell, Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, are involved. Within the project, they will also collaborate with Andreas Carlson, Department of Mathematics, University of Oslo, who will create mathematical models.</p><p>"The great thing about receiving a grant from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation is that it is such a clear stamp of quality; each project is evaluated by at least four or five international experts in the respective field and must <em>have such high scientific potential that they have the possibility of leading to future scientific breakthroughs</em>. The fact that they have chosen our project as one of the best feels very good, of course. This will be so damn fun!"</p>/en/news/important-new-funding-for-research-on-virus-factories_11994805//en/news/new-findings-on-stem-cells-and-development-of-cancer_11993062/New findings on stem cells and development of cancerA study led by Umeå University, Sweden, presents new discoveries about how stem cells develop and transition into specialised cells. The discovery can provide increased understanding of how cells divide and grow uncontrollably so that cancer develops.Thu, 10 Oct 2024 10:15:43 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/7969a602231041e59d8fc5ec89275b6a/sandhya_malla_och_kanchan_kumari3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7969a602231041e59d8fc5ec89275b6a/sandhya_malla_och_kanchan_kumari3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7969a602231041e59d8fc5ec89275b6a/sandhya_malla_och_kanchan_kumari3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/7969a602231041e59d8fc5ec89275b6a/sandhya_malla_och_kanchan_kumari3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7969a602231041e59d8fc5ec89275b6a/sandhya_malla_och_kanchan_kumari3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7969a602231041e59d8fc5ec89275b6a/sandhya_malla_och_kanchan_kumari3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Two of the researchers behind the study, Sandhya Malla and Kanchan Kumari, in the Aguilo lab.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Poonam Baidya</span></div></div><p>"The discovery opens a new track for future research into developing new and more effective treatments for certain cancers," says Francesca Aguilo, associate professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University and leader of the study.</p><p>All cells in the body arise from a single fertilized egg. From this single origin, various specialized cells with widely differing tasks evolve through a process called cellular differentiation. Although all cells share the same origin and share the same genetic information, specialized cells use the information in different ways to perform different functions. This process is regulated by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms.</p><p>In the current study, researchers have studied embryonic stem cells from mice to understand how the cells transition from a versatile state to become specialized cells. A key player in this process is the protein LSD1. It is overexpressed in many cancers and is therefore an important goal in cancer treatment research. Several clinical trials are testing to inhibit the LSD1 protein's ability to modify gene expression.</p><p>However, the study shows that LSD1 not only affects gene expression in the way previously assumed by altering histones, i.e. proteins around which the long DNA helixes of chromosomes are coiled, but LSD1 also acts as a scaffold, a support structure for other proteins that control DNA methylation. The researchers were able to see that even when LSD1's enzymatic function was inhibited, its support ability could still maintain DNA methylation patterns necessary for cell differentiation and proliferation. Abnormal DNA methylation is strongly associated with cancer.</p><p>The results suggest that, for cancer treatments to be effective, it may not be enough to simply target blocking LSD1's enzymatic activity. Treatments may also need to focus on also attacking LSD1's supporting role.</p><p>"So far, this is basic research, so there is a long way to go and it is too early to make any promises about new treatments, but it could be an important step for continued cancer research," says Francesca Aguilo.</p><p>The study has been led from Umeå University in collaboration with various institutions including the University of Pavia, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Universidad de Extremadura, and others. It is published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.</p><p>The study is funded by the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Cancer Society, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the Kempe Foundations.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/7969a602231041e59d8fc5ec89275b6a/aguilo_francesca_6437_201021_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7969a602231041e59d8fc5ec89275b6a/aguilo_francesca_6437_201021_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7969a602231041e59d8fc5ec89275b6a/aguilo_francesca_6437_201021_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/7969a602231041e59d8fc5ec89275b6a/aguilo_francesca_6437_201021_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7969a602231041e59d8fc5ec89275b6a/aguilo_francesca_6437_201021_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7969a602231041e59d8fc5ec89275b6a/aguilo_francesca_6437_201021_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Francesca Aguilo has led the study.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-left">too early to make any promises</p><p>"So far, this is basic research, so there is a long way to go and it is too early to make any promises about new treatments, but it could be an important step for continued cancer research," says Francesca Aguilo.</p><p>The study has been led from Umeå University in collaboration with various institutions including the University of Pavia, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Universidad de Extremadura, and others. It is published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.</p><p>The study is funded by the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Cancer Society, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the Kempe Foundations.</p>/en/news/new-findings-on-stem-cells-and-development-of-cancer_11993062//en/news/children-line-up-to-build-a-bacteria-in-3d_11991220/Children line up to build a virtual bacteria in 3DUmeå researcher Kemal Avican participated in Curiosum's researcher's night within the ForskarFredag initiative September 27th. Kemal and his team adapted a VR simulation tool developed with InfraVis into an outreach prototype for exploring bacteria with children. Here Kemal shares his experience of the event and offers some tips for inspiring children in science. Tue, 08 Oct 2024 15:43:53 +0200<p class="quote-center">It was amazing to see kids queuing and patiently waiting for a long time to see the bacteria!</p><h3><strong>What did you do during the event?</strong></h3><p>"We generated a 3D model of bacteria within a Metaverse environment in collaboration with Mattis Lindmark from Humlab, Umeå University and InfraVis. This was a pilot project to simulate gene expression regulation in pathogenic bacteria under different conditions. We then realized this could be a great pedagogical tool for teaching bacterial genetics and physiology. We created this prototype of 3D bacteria for the public to see what happens in different compartments of bacteria when they face changes in the environment."</p><h3><strong>What was a highlight from the event?</strong></h3><p>"I was happy to see the huge interest in the organization, reflecting the curiosity in society. At our station, I expected some interest since kids enjoy 3D games, but the enthusiasm was beyond my expectations. It was amazing to see kids queuing and patiently waiting for a long time to see the bacteria."</p><h3>How did you feel after the event?</h3><p>"After the event, I felt incredibly satisfied and proud of my team and collaborators. It was rewarding to see the high level of interest andengagement from the public, especially the kids. Their enthusiasm and curiosity about our 3D bacteria model paid off the work we put into the project."</p><p><h3>What did you learn from your experience?</h3><p>"I learned that younger kids are incredibly adept at building bacteria in the Metaverse. Their creativity seems less constrained by the rules of our reality, which often limits our own creativity. This experience showed me how important it is to create an environment where imagination can grow without limits."</p><h3>Do you have any tips for a researcher starting out in outreach at ForskarFredag?</h3><p>"Be ready for a large number of visitors, especially kids who are eager to learn and interact. Break down complex scientific ideas into simpler, more digestible pieces to make them accessible to a broader audience and use tools that kids love."</p>/en/news/children-line-up-to-build-a-bacteria-in-3d_11991220//en/news/ndpia--important-player-at-the-infection-biology-arena_11990087/NDPIA – an important player at the national infection biology arenaThe National Doctoral Programme in Infections and Antibiotics, NDPIA, covers infection biology in a broad sense, from humans and animals to plants and is a success story. Since the first student enrolled in 2014, the research school has hosted more than 700 PhD student and postdoc members.Thu, 03 Oct 2024 15:22:30 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1045-240927-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1045-240927-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1045-240927-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1045-240927-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1045-240927-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1045-240927-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>In the NDPIA research school, Debra Milton works closely with the project coordinator, Hanna Eriksson.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center"> I hope that NDPIA has played a small role in their continued interest in research</p><p>With a solid experience from running two prior research schools at Umeå University, Professor Debra Milton was appointed director of the research school in 2020.</p><p>“I absolutely enjoy this work! I meet so many amazing scientists and learn new state-of-the-art techniques in infection biology,” says Debra Milton, professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>NDPIA was initiated by The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, MIMS, in Umeå. Professors Bernt Eric Uhlin and Åke Forsberg organised a joint application between six national universities and institutes for a 2013 Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) call for funding a research school focused on infection biology.</p><p>The application was successful, and the six Swedish partner universities received an initial 15 million SEK to establish and run the new research school. In 2016, the funding was prolonged for another 5 years with an additional 10 million SEK. In 2021, a further extension for use of the funding through 2024 was granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Åke Forsberg was the first national director from 2013-2019.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1061-240927-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1061-240927-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1061-240927-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1061-240927-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1061-240927-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1061-240927-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Current NDPIA director Debra Milton gets very involved in the courses; she is creative and has lots of ideas aiming to meet the needs of young researchers. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Good reputation</h2><p>PhD students and postdocs enrolled at a Swedish university or at one of NDPIA’s international partners and studying infection biology and/or antibiotics are welcome to apply for a membership in NDPIA.</p><p>The NDPIA-organized courses are a core activity of the programme and are either free of charge or co-funded by NDPIA. Each course enrols 25-40 members, and the students may receive ECTS credits at their home university for their participation.</p><p>“Our courses are often fully booked and very well received. We have a good reputation; a good token is that the students participate in more than one course and the courses receive interest from international students,” says Debra Milton.</p><p>Throughout the years, the courses have been held in many different sites within Sweden.</p><p>“Now, we hold the courses most often at a venue, which allows the students to focus on a topic for 3-5 days and to present poster presentations. We have experienced that hosting a course at a conference centre leads to a relaxed atmosphere with more time to network and to discuss with other participants and lecturers, who are national and international experts within the course topic. In this way the students build up their scientific network. That is quality time!”</p><p>By attending the NDPIA courses, students have stated that they have gained new ideas and directions for their research and some students have established new research collaborations with other labs in Sweden or international labs.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/ndpia-ai-course-2024-workshop.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/ndpia-ai-course-2024-workshop.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/ndpia-ai-course-2024-workshop.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/ndpia-ai-course-2024-workshop.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/ndpia-ai-course-2024-workshop.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/ndpia-ai-course-2024-workshop.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Assistant Professors Paul Jensen from University of Michigan, USA, and Mark Hendricks from Whitman College, USA, held a workshop in automated science during the NDPIA course "AI Applications in Infection Biology." The exercise involved finding the best set of catapult factors that resulted in a launched ball landing as close to an arbitrary target as possible. The students trained a Gaussian Process regression to try and model the experiment space.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hanna Eriksson</span></div></div><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Designing state-of-the-art courses</h2><p>A lot of work is put in to designing these courses from scratch, and this is a major part of Debra Milton’s work as director. This work is something she does alongside her teaching at the university. Debra Milton gets very involved in the courses; she is creative and has lots of ideas aiming to meet the needs of young researchers.</p><p>“I review many articles to find new and hot topics in infection biology. For instance, a new course we gave this year was entitled ‘AI Applications in Infection Biology,’ which introduced the students to methods on how to use AI in the lab via three hands-on workshops. Other popular course titles are ‘Microbiota and Health,’ ‘Basic and Applied Phage Biology,’ and ‘Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance.’”</p><p>She continues:</p><p>“My vision has been to offer a portfolio of high-quality courses in infection biology that are given biannually. Now, we have seven courses on rotation, and we keep adding new courses. A course on CRISPR-Cas9 applications in infection biology is on my list to develop for the future.”</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/ndpia-amr-course-2024-lecture.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/ndpia-amr-course-2024-lecture.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/ndpia-amr-course-2024-lecture.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/ndpia-amr-course-2024-lecture.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/ndpia-amr-course-2024-lecture.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/ndpia-amr-course-2024-lecture.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Professor Diarmaid Hughes from Uppsala University gives a lecture on "Resistance from a microbe perspective" during the NDPIA course "Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance" - one of the most popular courses held at Stora Brännbo in Sigtuna, 2024.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hanna Eriksson</span></div></div><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Teamwork and cherry-picking</h2><p>However, designing and organizing a course is a team effort and Debra’s helping team is critical for producing a quality course and for finding top international scientists to provide the lectures. National expert researchers on the course topic, who are willing to help, work together with NDPIA to create a course schedule with possible lecturer names.</p><p>“We cherry-pick national and international renowned scientists to invite, but as the professors are always super busy, it is important to have a pool of names for each lecture.”</p><p>In addition to designed courses, NDPIA subscribes to training courses in graphic design to visualise science and to a suite of 26 on-demand courses with topics from designing an experiment to advancing a career provided by Nature Masterclasses from Springer Nature.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1049-240927-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1049-240927-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1049-240927-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1049-240927-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1049-240927-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/85945fd4e8ea4ce18180f96f3f36c9a0/debra_och_hanna_1049-240927-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Every course is documented in a booklet.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Generous support strengthens infection research</h2><p>Furthermore, by co-funding of travel and accommodation costs, NDPIA supports short research stays in Sweden or abroad, and participation in the biannual National Infection Biology Meeting. This conference is an important network meeting for all NDPIA members and is organized jointly with the Swedish National Infection Biology network and the Swedish Society for Microbiology.</p><p>“I do believe what is most unique with our research school is that the financial support from the Swedish Research Council has been so generous and has allowed us to strengthen the national, and even international, network for Swedish infection biologists to attract young scientists to this field of research.”</p><p>At the end of this year, Debra Milton retires and Annasara Lenman, associate professor at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University, will become the new director of the research school.</p><p>“For sure I will miss my job, but I will also find time for other things! I will take up sewing again, cooking, read books especially on history, and learning Swedish more profoundly. Also, a reunion party with my old school friends last summer made me dream of moving back to the US.”</p><p>Right now, Debra Milton’s last task is to write the NDPIA ten-year report. Through the years, as many as 740 PhD students and postdocs have enrolled as members.</p><p>“What is interesting, is that most of our members are still doing research, not necessarily as assistant or associate professors but as staff scientists at universities or employed in companies. I hope that NDPIA has played a small role in their continued interest in research.”</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">Uncertain future for NDPIA</h2><p>Reflecting on the future, Debra Milton thinks that funding will be a challenging issue, and a new funding source is crucial. This past Spring, the Swedish Research Council opened a new call for funding for a research school within infection biology.</p><p>“Hopefully, our NDPIA application will be a success and we can continue helping to strengthen the national and international network for infection biology in Sweden.”</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildText"> </div></div>/en/news/ndpia--important-player-at-the-infection-biology-arena_11990087//en/news/reform-provided-better-access-to-health-care-in-ecuador_11990530/Reform provided better access to health care in EcuadorA significant improvement in the population's access to health care resulted from a major health care reform in Ecuador. At the same time, the fee for health care decreased for large groups of the population, but not for everyone. This is shown in a new thesis at Umeå University, Sweden. Tue, 01 Oct 2024 14:29:56 +0200<p>Over a ten-year period, between 2007 and 2017, the Government of Ecuador carried out a comprehensive reform of the health system with the aim of reducing socio-economic disparities in health care and achieving universal coverage of health care by all residents of the country.</p><p>In a thesis at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health at Umeå University, Edy Quizhpe has evaluated the effects of the reform.</p><p>A number of positive effects were observed: access to health care has improved significantly and social inequalities have decreased. We are now much closer to universal coverage of health care. This is a major improvement especially for socially vulnerable groups.</p><p>The evaluation also shows reduced expenses for health care fee for many households. At the same time, the reform has led to increased political involvement in health issues.</p><p>However, there are still problems. One is that the inequality between the indigenous population and the rest remains. Another is that people who are uninsured still have to pay high fees for health care. There is also concern about health care becoming a commodity and about the system's long-term financial sustainability.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/eaca6302feb346cb81fd7c094004e6b9/edy_quizhpe3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eaca6302feb346cb81fd7c094004e6b9/edy_quizhpe3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eaca6302feb346cb81fd7c094004e6b9/edy_quizhpe3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/eaca6302feb346cb81fd7c094004e6b9/edy_quizhpe3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eaca6302feb346cb81fd7c094004e6b9/edy_quizhpe3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eaca6302feb346cb81fd7c094004e6b9/edy_quizhpe3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Edy Quizhpe.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Paola Floril</span></div></div><p>"For further development, it is important that health care's dependence on fees can be gradually reduced, as well as ensuring sufficient resources and achieving a balance between public and private interests so that public health is prioritised over economic gain," says Edy Quizhpe,</p><p><em>Edy Quizhpe is a doctor with many years of experience working in the health system in Ecuador.</em></p>/en/news/reform-provided-better-access-to-health-care-in-ecuador_11990530//en/news/arctic-centre-hosts-collaborative-event-for-the-arctic-five_11989340/Arctic Centre hosts collaborative event for the Arctic FiveOn 25 September 2024, the Arctic Centre hosted a meet-up for all members of the Arctic Five at Umeå University. The meet-up took place at A Working Lab in Universum and was held to welcome the new Arctic Five Chairs, as well as introducing everyone to the Arctic Centre, and encourage collaboration.Fri, 27 Sep 2024 11:34:05 +0200<p>The meet-up consisted of presentations from the Arctic Centre staff and the attending members of the Arctic Five, as well as a joint lunch and interesting conversations. Arctic Centre’s Director Keith Larson initiated with an introduction where he presented the Arctic Centre, the vision for it, and how the Arctic Centre can support the Arctic Five members. He mentioned that the goal for the Arctic Centre is to support the researchers, highlight their activities, and be a meeting place for cross-disciplinary collaboration.</p><p>– Our vision is to be a centre where inter- and transdisciplinary thinking, research and collaboration is the norm, Larson says.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="9ea7c5c2-31d3-406c-99f9-b9c52ad7397b" data-contentname="PIC A5 meet-up KL">{}</div><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Arctic Centre is a supporting resource</h2><p>After a lunch break and some conversations, the staff of the Arctic Centre presented themselves and what they can do for the Arctic Five members. The message was clear that the Arctic Centre is a supporting resource for the researchers, ready to help with promoting their research endeavours related to both the Arctic Five and the Arctic. It can be everything from organising a seminar or event, to help highlighting activities and research successes.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Five newly appointed Arctic Five Chairs</h2><p>The Arctic Five has a wide range of members, from students, Doctoral students and established researchers who are Chairs, Fellows, and involved in different working groups. Earlier this year, the Arctic Five <a href="~/link/a3fa082c69f24f288e498ae4ddec6857.aspx">appointed five new Chairs</a> from Umeå University. These five new Chairs are Danielle Wilde, Björn Norlin, Daniel Metcalfe, Armando Perez Cueto and Niklas Eklund. One of the purposes of the Arctic Five meet-up was to welcome them to their new chairships.</p><p>The new Chairs all hope that their chairship will lead to stronger and larger networks, collaborations, and relations between the Arctic Five universities, as well as between the actors and stakeholders outside academia.</p><p>“I hope that we can use this money and these two years to even more strengthen the networks that we already have, and to try to to be more active and do something more concrete within the research project”, says Björn Norlin, Associate professor of History and Education, and Arctic Five Chair.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="9725acfe-7a81-424e-94e8-839b5ccd80ea" data-contentname="Fakta A5">{}</div>/en/news/arctic-centre-hosts-collaborative-event-for-the-arctic-five_11989340//en/news/study-unveals-a-novel-protective-mechanism-in-bacterial-cell-wall_11988669/Study unveals a novel protective mechanism in bacterial cell wallResearchers from Umeå University, Sweden, and Cornell University, USA, have discovered a widespread mechanism in bacteria that enhances the bacteria's defense against environmental threats. The discovery, which may be important for research into developing new treatments, shows how a specific crosslinking mode in the peptidoglycan cell wall inhibits the activity of certain cell wall degrading enzymes, and thus protects the bacteria.Thu, 26 Sep 2024 19:47:46 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/3939c3ad0aa243aea14db8b537710a95/sara_laura.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/3939c3ad0aa243aea14db8b537710a95/sara_laura.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/3939c3ad0aa243aea14db8b537710a95/sara_laura.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/3939c3ad0aa243aea14db8b537710a95/sara_laura.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/3939c3ad0aa243aea14db8b537710a95/sara_laura.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/3939c3ad0aa243aea14db8b537710a95/sara_laura.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Two of the researchers behind the study, Sara Hernandes and Laura Alvarez at the Department of Molecular Biology.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Umeå universitet</span></div></div><p>Bacteria are protected by the peptidoglycan cell wall, which helps them withstand internal turgor pressure and external damages such as such as attacks from other bacteria and viruses. To grow and stay strong, bacteria need a balance of enzymes that build up and break down the cell wall. An important type of enzyme that break down the peptidoglycan chains are the lytic transglycolases. However, the regulatory mechanisms governing them have remained elusive until now.</p><p>The study, led by Felipe Cava's laboratory at Umeå University in collaboration with colleagues at Cornell University in New York, reveals that a specific type of crosslinking in the cell wall, known as LD-crosslinking, inhibits the activity of the lytic transglycolases.</p><p>This has major biological consequences. For example, some bacteria use this type of enzymes to release cell wall fragments that modulate the host immune system. Some bacteria and viruses also use this type of enzymes to kill other bacteria. By controlling the activity of these enzymes, bacteria can potentially protect themselves from the immune system and attacks from other bacteria and viruses.</p><p>"The discovery fills an important gap in the understanding the role of LD-crosslinking in cell wall homeostasis," says Felipe Cava, professor at Umeå University. "We have shown that bacteria can improve their protection against environmental threats, including phage attacks, through a single structural modification in their cell wall”.</p><p>The discovery provides new insights into bacterial cell wall homeostasis and opens potential avenues for developing novel antibacterial therapies.</p><p>"By targeting LD-crosslinking, new treatments could be designed to weaken bacteria's defenses, making them more vulnerable to antibiotics and immune responses," says Laura Alvarez, researcher at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University and first author of the study.</p><p>The study, which is published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, is funded by the Swedish Research Council, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the Kempe Foundations.</p><p><em>Felipe Cava is Professor of Infection Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University and affiliated senior group leader with the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR) and the Integrated Science Lab (Icelab) and SciLifeLab.</em></p>/en/news/study-unveals-a-novel-protective-mechanism-in-bacterial-cell-wall_11988669//en/news/fish-researcher-studying-saprolegnia-fungi-infection-in-salmonids_11987787/Develops a new method to prevent fungi disease in salmonidsIn May, Túlio Yoshinaga from Brazil started his ‘Excellence by Choice’ postdoctoral fellowship in Professor Constantin Urban lab at Umeå University. His research is about saprolegnosis - a fungi disease that affect freshwater fishes and causes huge problems in aquaculture especially in salmonids. Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:14:00 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/df7dd20f9aaf4aa9910d9715d68fbf5b/yoshinaga-tulio_6998_240605-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/df7dd20f9aaf4aa9910d9715d68fbf5b/yoshinaga-tulio_6998_240605-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/df7dd20f9aaf4aa9910d9715d68fbf5b/yoshinaga-tulio_6998_240605-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/df7dd20f9aaf4aa9910d9715d68fbf5b/yoshinaga-tulio_6998_240605-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/df7dd20f9aaf4aa9910d9715d68fbf5b/yoshinaga-tulio_6998_240605-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/df7dd20f9aaf4aa9910d9715d68fbf5b/yoshinaga-tulio_6998_240605-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Túlio Yoshinaga, Excellence by Choice' postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University. Túlio's main supervisor is Constantin Urban and Co-supervisors are Lo Persson. SLU,  and Henrik Jeute.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">I saw the opportunity to return to fish research, which I have a great passion for</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Tell us more about what your research focusing on!</h2><p>“Our aim is to develop methods to treat or prevent saprolegnia infection in salmonids. We are establishing the <em>in vitro</em> culture of the fungi in our laboratory. After that we will perform RNA sequencing to identify essential genes involved in growth, pathogenicity or metabolism and based on their RNA sequences, we will use the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knockout those genes. Later we will try to find organic compounds which inhibit or interfere with these genes.”</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">How did you end up in Northern Sweden and at Umeå University?</h2><p>“I was looking for internation experience. My supervisors always advised me to do that in order to be competitive and establish a research career. I saw this position at Umeå University to work with saprolegnia. During my PhD, we always had problems with saprolegnia infection in our egg incubators. At that moment I saw the opportunity to return to fish research, which I have a great passion for, and get the international experience that I wanted.”</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">What are your first impressions of Umeå and its university?</h2><p>“I was surprised how quiet and peaceful Umeå is, and I like it … During my master and Phd studies, I lived in a quiet place like here. It was where we maintained our fish for the experiments. I love that place! Umeå University is great, everything is easily accessible, I can walk to the university from home, something that was not possible in São Paulo.”</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">What is your driving force to do research in life science?</h2><p>“I aim to learn novel techniques, some of them has not being established in fish and I can be the pioneer. I like to do what nobody is doing. Furthermore, I like to know what is being done in mammals that can be applied for fish research. Sometimes we also discover something in fish that was unknown in mammals.”</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">What is challenging and rewarding respectively with being a researcher?</h2><p>“Hm… I believe that the most challenging thing about being a researcher is to overcome the frustration. Sometimes we will make mistakes or something unexpected happen ending in bad experimental results. I try not to be upset about my own failures … I try to learn and move forward with it.”</p><p>“The most rewarding thing is the joy and the happiness when we get good results, and we can publish a real good work. My supervisor from Japan told me always try to go for the home run. The Japanese people likes baseball.”</p><h2 id="info5" data-magellan-target="info5">Where do you see yourself in five years?</h2><p>“I want to be professor or a researcher running my laboratory and supervising master and PhD students. All my research knowledge should be passed forward… I have research ideas for grants and other research involving fish and it will be nice to continue my work here. We still have so much to discover.”</p><h2 id="info6" data-magellan-target="info6">What is your academic background?</h2><p>“I am a biologist and got my master and PhD from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo in Brazil. My research was the immune rejection involved in reproductive biotechnologies in salmonids. We established immunosuppressive treatment capable to avoid immune rejection to improve the germ cell transplantation technique in Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout.</p><p>“After my PhD, I worked as a cellular and molecular specialist in a startup company. I was responsible to perform several genetic modifications in porcine cells capable to escape from the immune system. Later, these cells will be used to breed animals through somatic nuclear transfer technology to breed animals to serve as donors for organ transplantation in humans.”</p><h2 id="info7" data-magellan-target="info7">What do you like to do in your free time?</h2><p>“I stay at home most of my free time. I like to cook, my speciality is Japanese rice curry, ramen, and other Japanese dishes. Also, I like to play solo games, but there are few games that I play online with my brothers in Brazil. Currently I am playing chess, I learned chess when I was eight years old, and I loved it. During the weekends I do some hikes around my neighbourhood.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/df7dd20f9aaf4aa9910d9715d68fbf5b/yoshinaga-tulio_6973_240605-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/df7dd20f9aaf4aa9910d9715d68fbf5b/yoshinaga-tulio_6973_240605-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/df7dd20f9aaf4aa9910d9715d68fbf5b/yoshinaga-tulio_6973_240605-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/df7dd20f9aaf4aa9910d9715d68fbf5b/yoshinaga-tulio_6973_240605-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/df7dd20f9aaf4aa9910d9715d68fbf5b/yoshinaga-tulio_6973_240605-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/df7dd20f9aaf4aa9910d9715d68fbf5b/yoshinaga-tulio_6973_240605-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Túlio Yoshinaga. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div>/en/news/fish-researcher-studying-saprolegnia-fungi-infection-in-salmonids_11987787//en/news/antibiotic-usage-can-damage-the-protective-mucus-layer-in-the-gut_11983995/Antibiotic usage can damage the protective mucus layer in the gut Researchers at Umeå University and Tartu University have found that a history of repeated antibiotic use causes defects in the normally protective mucus barrier of the gut, due to antibiotic-driven alterations in the microbiota. In a further study in a different collaboration, the researchers found a bacteria-independent mechanism through which antibiotics can damage the mucus barrier directly. Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:56:23 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/019e793d682b417dba4fc84bee5475a7/rachel_and_bjorn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/019e793d682b417dba4fc84bee5475a7/rachel_and_bjorn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/019e793d682b417dba4fc84bee5475a7/rachel_and_bjorn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/019e793d682b417dba4fc84bee5475a7/rachel_and_bjorn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/019e793d682b417dba4fc84bee5475a7/rachel_and_bjorn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/019e793d682b417dba4fc84bee5475a7/rachel_and_bjorn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Rachel Feeney, PhD Student, and Björn Schröder, Docent in infection biology, the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Anna Shevtsova</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">This further supports the notion that antibiotics should be administered in a responsible manner</p><p>The results have been published in the scientific journals Gut Microbes and Science Advances.</p><p>“Together, these two studies suggest that antibiotics can damage the mucus layer through at least two independent mechanisms, and that they may have long-lasting effects through an altered gut bacteria. This further supports the notion that antibiotics should be administered in a responsible manner,” says Björn Schröder, Docent in Infection Biology in the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>While antibiotics are undoubtedly an invaluable resource for fighting bacterial infection, it is becoming increasingly clear that they can also present a serious risk to our health if overused or misused, including causing problems in our guts. Previous research has shown the consequences of short-term antibiotic treatments on the intestinal environment, but it is less clear how repeated antibiotic use in past years can affect our guts.</p><p>To address this question, Björn Schröder and his group at Umeå University teamed up with a research group at Tartu University in Estonia, who have built a deeply characterised cohort of individuals that provided stool samples and health records.</p><p>The researchers selected individuals who had taken at least five courses of antibiotics in the past, but not within six months before the stool collection, and compared their microbiota composition to individuals who had not taken any antibiotics within the last ten years.</p><p>“The analysis revealed changes to the gut bacteria composition, even though the antibiotics were taken a long time ago. These results indicate that repeated antibiotic use has a lasting effect on gut bacteria composition that can persist at least months after the last treatment,” says Kertu-Liis Krigul, PhD student at Tartu University.</p><p>After transplantation of the human microbiota into mice and using specialised methods to analyse the mucus function in the gut, the researchers found that the function of the mucus layer was disrupted in mice transplanted with bacteria from humans with a history of repeated antibiotic use. Expansion of the mucus was reduced, and the mucus layer became penetrable, allowing bacteria to move closer to the intestinal lining.</p><p>“Looking at the bacteria present in the gut in more detail, we could see that bacteria known to feed on the mucus layer were present at higher levels in these mice. This further supports a role for the gut bacteria in determining how well the mucus barrier can function,” says Rachel Feeney, PhD student at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>A separate study carried out in another international collaboration, further showed that antibiotics can also directly disrupt the mucus barrier in a gut bacteria-independent manner.</p><p>By giving the antibiotic vancomycin to normal and ‘bacteria-free’ mice, the researchers were able to show that this antibiotic can act directly on the mucus barrier, independent of the gut bacteria. Complementary experiments on intestinal tissue were carried out at Umeå University and showed that the antibiotic could disrupt the mucus expansion within a few minutes of application.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/019e793d682b417dba4fc84bee5475a7/histologibild2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/019e793d682b417dba4fc84bee5475a7/histologibild2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/019e793d682b417dba4fc84bee5475a7/histologibild2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/019e793d682b417dba4fc84bee5475a7/histologibild2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/019e793d682b417dba4fc84bee5475a7/histologibild2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/019e793d682b417dba4fc84bee5475a7/histologibild2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Histology image. The image shows the mucus layer (the blue band) which protects the intestinal wall (pink) against bacteria and more (dark blue at the top of the image). The blue cells in the intestinal wall are mucus-producing so-called goblet cells.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rachel Feeney</span></div></div>/en/news/antibiotic-usage-can-damage-the-protective-mucus-layer-in-the-gut_11983995//en/news/growing-data-driven-infection-research-community-in-umea-_11983322/Growing data-driven infection research community in Umeå The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) welcomes Chinmay Dwibedi as new Group Leader! Wed, 11 Sep 2024 07:55:14 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/1b6926891c3a4cbbb89a35e77af6656f/chinmay_dwibedi.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/1b6926891c3a4cbbb89a35e77af6656f/chinmay_dwibedi.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/1b6926891c3a4cbbb89a35e77af6656f/chinmay_dwibedi.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/1b6926891c3a4cbbb89a35e77af6656f/chinmay_dwibedi.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/1b6926891c3a4cbbb89a35e77af6656f/chinmay_dwibedi.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/1b6926891c3a4cbbb89a35e77af6656f/chinmay_dwibedi.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Chinmay Dwibedi, doktorand vid Institutionen för klinisk mikrobiologi</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>[Fotograf saknas]</span></div></div><p>As of September 2024, <strong>Chinmay Dwibedi</strong> started his new position as a Group Leader at MIMS and a DDLS fellow in the research area of epidemiology and biology of infection. The Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) program is coordinated by SciLifeLab and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation to train and recruit the next generation of life scientists who can create a strong computational and data science base and strengthen competencies in today’s research society.</p><p>Chinmay Dwibedi received his PhD in microbial genomics from Umeå University while performing his research at the Swedish Defense research agency [FOI]. After a year spent in the industry, where he worked on developing live biotherapeutic from human fecal material, he moved to University of Gothenburg for his postdoc period. There, he worked with Prof. Fredrik Bäckhed and Prof. Anders Rosengren where he contributed to the development of next generation probiotics and combined human gut microbiota profile with pathophysiology to develop precision drug response in individuals with prediabetes and type-2 diabetes.</p><p>Chinmay’s lab, located at the Department of Clinical Microbiology, will focus on high resolution metagenomic analysis to explore functional differences among bacteria strains and investigate adaptive evolution of gut bacteria in response to changes in the host.</p>/en/news/growing-data-driven-infection-research-community-in-umea-_11983322//en/news/pressure-sensing-by-muscles-is-a-promising-new-target-for-treatments_11982823/<description>A new study from Umeå University, Sweden, shows that the body's muscles sense mechanical pressure. This new discovery has important implications for movement neuroscience and may improve the design of training and rehabilitation to relieve stiff muscles.</description><pubDate>Sat, 14 Sep 2024 10:16:42 +0200</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/ce02291c68f245b1bf11d9244bc6ee5f/dimitriou_michael_8433_171130_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ce02291c68f245b1bf11d9244bc6ee5f/dimitriou_michael_8433_171130_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ce02291c68f245b1bf11d9244bc6ee5f/dimitriou_michael_8433_171130_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/ce02291c68f245b1bf11d9244bc6ee5f/dimitriou_michael_8433_171130_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/ce02291c68f245b1bf11d9244bc6ee5f/dimitriou_michael_8433_171130_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/ce02291c68f245b1bf11d9244bc6ee5f/dimitriou_michael_8433_171130_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Michael Dimitriou, Department of Medical and Translational Biology.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>"The results provide an important piece of the puzzle in understanding what information our nervous system receives from muscles," says Michael Dimitriou, associate professor at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology, Umeå University and the researcher who led the study.</p><p class="quote-left">important piece of the puzzle</p><p>The study focuses on muscle spindles which are the main sensory receptors for proprioception. This is the ‘hidden sixth sense’ about the mechanical state of the body and is crucial for the proper control of movements. </p><p>In the study, the researchers applied different levels of pressure on forearm muscles of awake volunteers, while recording signals from nerve fibers of muscle spindles located in the pressed muscle. When the participants' hands were still, the muscle spindles reacted strongly to muscle pressure, suggesting that pressure alone is a sufficient stimulus for these receptors.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Enhanced response</h2><p>The study also showed that when the hand was in motion, the pressure significantly enhanced the spindles' response to muscle stretch. This finding challenges the current understanding that muscle spindles only respond to stretch.</p><p>These discoveries could lead to significant advances in treating neuromuscular conditions, optimizing athletic training, and refining physical therapy techniques. For instance, better understanding of how muscle spindles detect pressure could provide new methods for managing muscle cramps or improving muscle recovery after injury.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Triple-eight technique</h2><p>The researchers also found that when they suddenly removed pressure from muscles, the activity of spindles dropped rapidly below normal levels. Because spindle signals reflexively increase muscle contraction and stiffness, weaker spindle signals are typically associated with less muscle stiffness. This finding led the researchers to propose the “triple-eight” technique for quickly relieving muscle stiffness.</p><p>It is well known that massage and trigger-point therapy can help alleviate muscle pain and stiffness. However, the underlying mechanisms have been unclear.</p><p>“If you don’t know why an effect happens, it is hard to optimize this effect. In our study, we show that applying local pressure for just eight seconds and then suddenly removing it leads to a strong inhibition of spindle activity, especially if this is done twice in a row”, says Michael Dimitriou.    </p><p>The ‘triple-eight’ technique involves using a small object or finger to apply low to moderate levels of pressure over a sore or stiff muscle area for eight seconds, releasing pressure for eight seconds, and reapplying pressure for another eight seconds, followed by a slow stretching of the relaxed muscle.</p><p>“Anyone can use the ‘triple-eight’ technique for quickly reducing muscle stiffness," says Michael Dimitriou.</p><p>The study is published in the scientific journal Cell Reports. </p></atom:content><link>/en/news/pressure-sensing-by-muscles-is-a-promising-new-target-for-treatments_11982823/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/altered-blood-markers-detected-in-individuals-with-periodontitis_11979157/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/altered-blood-markers-detected-in-individuals-with-periodontitis_11979157/</guid><title>Altered blood markers detected in individuals with periodontitisIndividuals with periodontitis have altered concentrations of various proteins in their blood, according to a new study from Umeå University, Sweden. These findings pave the way for research into biomarkers for periodontitis and the underlying causes of the disease. Severe periodontitis affects about one in ten Swedes and, in addition to tooth loss, can also be linked to other diseases.Thu, 05 Sep 2024 13:37:42 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/41e4180930a34096ac838670749152b0/bildmontage_parodontit3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/41e4180930a34096ac838670749152b0/bildmontage_parodontit3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/41e4180930a34096ac838670749152b0/bildmontage_parodontit3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/41e4180930a34096ac838670749152b0/bildmontage_parodontit3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/41e4180930a34096ac838670749152b0/bildmontage_parodontit3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/41e4180930a34096ac838670749152b0/bildmontage_parodontit3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The image on the left shows a upper front tooth in an individual with periodontitis. On the right is an X-ray of the same tooth, revealing a significant reduction in the tooth's bone support. Normally, the jawbone level would be at the green line, but it has now receded to the red line. Consequently, the tooth root has almost no attachment to the jaw.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Elin Kindstedt </span></div></div><p>“By identifying the blood biomarkers that may be crucial for the development of severe periodontitis, we can proceed to research drugs that specifically aims to slow down the disease progression,” says Pernilla Lundberg, periodontist and professor at the Department of Odontology at Umeå University, who led the study.</p><p>Periodontitis involves inflammation of the gums that leads to the breakdown of the supporting tissues around the teeth and can, in severe cases, result in tooth loss. Individuals with severe periodontitis are also more often affected by other serious diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and rheumatism, but the mechanisms behind these connections remain unclear.</p><p>Researchers at Umeå University have now shown that individuals with periodontitis exhibit a unique inflammatory protein profile in their blood. The findings indicate, among other things, that severe periodontitis is associated with significantly reduced levels of a protein called EGF -epidermal growth factor, which is crucial for wound healing. The levels of a protein associated with cardiovascular disease, OLR-1 -oxidized low-density lipoprotein 1, are also significantly lower in individuals with severe periodontitis compared to healthy individuals.</p><p>Today, one in ten Swedes suffers from severe periodontitis, a number that has remained unchanged since the 1970s, despite extensive efforts in preventive dental care and a marked improvement in overall dental health. Currently, there are no methods to predict which individuals are at risk of developing severe periodontitis.</p><p>“Thanks to the large number of participants in the study, the results are highly accurate, and we can use the material to continue finding more clues,” says Pernilla Lundberg.</p><p>Previous research has shown that there is a strong hereditary component behind periodontitis, but the specific genes involved are still unknown. The researchers at Umeå university are now analyzing DNA from all participants in the study to identify genetic changes that may be linked to the development of severe periodontitis. By combining genetic and biological markers for periodontitis, it may become possible in the future to identify individuals at high risk of developing the disease. This would also enable tailored treatments that target the specific factors crucial for the development of periodontitis and the associated disease risks.</p><p>The current study, PerioGene North at Umeå University is based on extensive data collected from approximately 1,000 individuals within the Public Dental Service in the County counties of Västerbotten and Gävleborg between 2007 and 2019.</p><p>The study is published in the scientific journal “Journal of Dental Research.</p><p><a title="To project" href="~/link/63432e13dae444a6bb22720b3034a495.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Red more at the project's website.</a></p>/en/news/altered-blood-markers-detected-in-individuals-with-periodontitis_11979157//en/news/two-young-researchers-receive-erc-starting-grant_11981097/<description>Two researchers at Umeå University have been awarded ERC Starting Grants – a research programme that aims to support promising young researchers at the beginning of their careers. They are Iker Valle Aramburu, a new MIMS group leader who is affiliated with the Department of Molecular Biology, and Gerard Rocher-Ros, who will start research at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG) after the new year. </description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Sep 2024 13:24:05 +0200</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/dd1144c1999040a38c7752b76357157d/aramburu_iker_288_28082024_hkn6.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/dd1144c1999040a38c7752b76357157d/aramburu_iker_288_28082024_hkn6.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/dd1144c1999040a38c7752b76357157d/aramburu_iker_288_28082024_hkn6.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/dd1144c1999040a38c7752b76357157d/aramburu_iker_288_28082024_hkn6.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/dd1144c1999040a38c7752b76357157d/aramburu_iker_288_28082024_hkn6.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/dd1144c1999040a38c7752b76357157d/aramburu_iker_288_28082024_hkn6.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Iker Aramburu, Department of Molecular Biology. Photo:Hans Karlsson</p></div></div><p>“I am extremely happy and honored to receive such a prestigious grant that will help advance our research on microproteins. During the application process,I have learnt a lot  and I am very grateful to everyone who contributed with their feedback and advice”, says Iker Valle Aramburu. </p><p>The project he has been awarded funding for, ‘Illuminating the dark microproteome in innate immunity’, is about identifying and studying the role of microproteins in innate immune cells. </p><p>“Microproteins are small proteins that provide a pool of unexplored new players in different biological processes. I will focus on innate immune cells to further understand how our bodies tailor a regulated immune response against different pathogens”, says Iker Valle Aramburu.</p><h3>“Provides generous resources”</h3><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/dd1144c1999040a38c7752b76357157d/pic2_gerard3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/dd1144c1999040a38c7752b76357157d/pic2_gerard3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/dd1144c1999040a38c7752b76357157d/pic2_gerard3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/dd1144c1999040a38c7752b76357157d/pic2_gerard3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/dd1144c1999040a38c7752b76357157d/pic2_gerard3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/dd1144c1999040a38c7752b76357157d/pic2_gerard3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Gerard Rocher Ros, will start research at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG) in the beginning of 2025. Photo:Private</p></div></div><p>Gerard Rocher-Ros has been awarded funding for the project ‘A mechanistic understanding of Arctic River methane emissions’, which focuses on methane emissions in rivers. He was also <a href="~/link/f655c9d8e7a7449586979ad027281d50.aspx">a finalist in the international Frontiers Planet Prize earlier this year</a>, with a similar project. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that causes global warming and is largely emitted from aquatic ecosystems, and with climate change, emissions in the Arctic are increasing rapidly.</p><p>“But we do not know how methane emissions from rivers are responding. In this project, I will combine large scale experiments with mathematical models to predict future emissions of methane from Arctic rivers”, says Gerard Rocher-Ros.</p><p> “This ERC grant provides generous resources and a long timeframe to develop large projects that otherwise are not possible to tackle. It is a unique opportunity to start my independent scientific career like this, even though it is a bit overwhelming to suddenly have a team to manage from after being just a postdoc”, says Gerard Rocher-Ros.</p><p> </p><h3>About the ERC Starting Grant</h3><p>The ERC Starting Grant is a research funding awarded by the European Research Council (ERC). It is designed to support promising young researchers at the beginning of their careers who wish to establish their own research team or program.</p><p>Applications are evaluated by a panel of international experts. The assessment is based on the scientific excellence of the research and the researcher's potential.</p></atom:content><link>/en/news/two-young-researchers-receive-erc-starting-grant_11981097/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/test-for-nurses-from-all-corners-of-the-world_11979191/"><guid isPermaLink="false">/en/news/test-for-nurses-from-all-corners-of-the-world_11979191/</guid><title>Test for nurses from all corners of the worldEvery year, around 50 nurses from countries outside the EU/EEA undergo a practical knowledge test at Norrland University Hospital under the auspices of the Department of Nursing. The vast majority are approved for a Swedish license, and some of them stay in Umeå but to a lesser extent.Mon, 02 Sep 2024 11:30:00 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"></div><div class="bildText"><p>Samira Keykhosravi, Parisa Enayati, Jean de Dieu Mwizerwa och Angela Cantiga.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>For nurses from an EU/EEA country, the EU Directive on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications applies. After they have submitted an application to the National Board of Health and Welfare, which proves education and language skills, they then receive their license. The road is longer for nurses from other countries. The National Board of Health and Welfare decides who will either take a supplementary programme of two or sometimes three semesters, or a theoretical and practical knowledge test together with practical service. For the latter, the applicant must, among other things, be able to speak the language and have knowledge of the Swedish healthcare system.</p><p>If they pass the theoretical test, which is run from Gothenburg, a practical knowledge test awaits them at a clinical training center. In Umeå's case, it is carried out at Clinicum Betula at NUS. Here, in a natural environment, they get to show their skills through, among other things, injections, blood culture and suction treatment of the upper respiratory tract. Once both tests have been passed, they will have to arrange three months of practical service in a hospital or other health care facility with nurses.</p><p>Mitzie Nordh, lecturer at the Department of Nursing, is head of unit at Clinicum Betula, an activity that is shared with the Medical Programme. Here, the practical test has been carried out since the autumn of 2021. "We have been quite active and have graduated about 150 nurses since the start. It's a nice assignment, which really enriches our business," says Mitzie Nordh. "Many have had a job as an assistant nurse here in Sweden and have found a job directly as a nurse. Once they have arrived at the licence, they can be guided by the Healthcare Handbook if necessary.</p><p>One who completed the test in August 2024 is Jean de Dieu Mwizerwa from Rwanda, who has settled in Umeå and who will do an internship here: "I was a little nervous at the beginning of the test, but it got better and better over time. And it wasn't anything that was particularly difficult. Samira Keykhosravi and Parisa Enayati from Iran think that the basics of the profession are roughly the same in Sweden, but that there are differences in different materials. This is what Angela Cantiga from the Philippines says: "There, it is common for the patient to pay for different materials.</p><p>All four have previously worked for a few years as nurses in their countries of origin, for example in intensive care and surgery. After the test, they have to wait for the results to be announced. The assessment documents are sent to the responsible person in Gothenburg, who will notify the participants as soon as possible. Anyone who has not passed the test will have two chances to retake it.</p>/en/news/test-for-nurses-from-all-corners-of-the-world_11979191//en/news/the-pandemic-strategy-did-not-affect-antibody-occurrence_11973216/The pandemic strategy did not affect antibody occurrenceA new study from Region Kronoberg and Umeå University has followed how antibodies against the virus that causes COVID-19 developed in blood donors throughout the pandemic. The results show that the antibody development in the Swedish population is comparable to countries with stricter restrictions. The relationship between antibodies and factors such as age, sex and blood group has also been investigated.Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:16:53 +0200<p>Clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine at Växjö Central Hospital acted quickly. Even before the virus began to spread in Sweden, they began testing blood donors for COVID-19. The early start and scope of the analysis, which included over 20,000 samples, has provided the region with a unique research material that follows the development of antibodies from the start of the pandemic in March 2020 to June 2022.</p><p>"We were able to follow developments and give an indication to our infection control doctor about how the spread of infection looked in the region. At the same time, we can now investigate the link to gender, age and blood groups," says Annika Petersson, head of operations and first author of the study.</p><p>Previous studies have investigated the relationship between antibodies, age and sex in patients. This study is one of the few on blood donors and it also describes the influence of blood groups, including the Rh system, which makes the results particularly significant.</p><h3>More common in younger people</h3><p>The study revealed several interesting results. It showed that the presence of antibodies was more common in younger people, but lower in Rh-negative individuals and those with blood group AB.</p><p>"Antibodies play an important role in the ability to create a good immunological response to infections," explains Kim Ekblom, senior physician at Clinical Chemistry and associate professor at Umeå University.</p><p> "Studies show that optimal activation of the immune system is crucial to fight the virus effectively. It is possible that the immune system of people with blood group AB and those who are Rh-negative is not optimally structured to face SARS-CoV-2, which may explain the lower incidence of antibodies in these groups.”</p><p>The study likewise showed that despite the fact that the antibodies tended to decrease slightly faster in older individuals as well as women and for certain blood groups, they remained in the body for a long time, indicating a lasting immunity in many individuals.</p><h3>Antibody levels were not affected</h3><p>The study is unique in its kind, as it is the only published study from Sweden that follows antibody levels over a longer period of time and on such a large sample of the population. The study provides important insights into the effects of the Swedish pandemic strategy.</p><p>"Our conclusion is that the Swedish strategy of not implementing a lockdown during the pandemic had no major effect on the prevalence of antibodies in the population," says Annika Petersson.</p><p>"If you compare with countries such as Austria or the United States, the spread of infection in the population was similar.</p><p>The study contributes valuable knowledge about how SARS-CoV-2 antibodies vary and persist in different parts of the population. The findings could help refine strategies for monitoring and understanding immunity in the community, as well as provide insights that could be useful in future pandemic management.</p><p>(The text was originally published by Region Kronoberg)</p>/en/news/the-pandemic-strategy-did-not-affect-antibody-occurrence_11973216//en/news/changes-in-the-brain-detected-in-severe-pms_11972091/Changes in the brain detected in severe PMSIt is possible to see changes in both brain function and structure in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which is a severe form of PMS. This is shown in a new doctoral thesis at Umeå University, Sweden. The changes in the brain can persist even after the premenstrual period.Tue, 20 Aug 2024 13:43:29 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d900e502aad449cc859f446eb622a5d7/stiernman_louise_2345_140524_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d900e502aad449cc859f446eb622a5d7/stiernman_louise_2345_140524_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d900e502aad449cc859f446eb622a5d7/stiernman_louise_2345_140524_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d900e502aad449cc859f446eb622a5d7/stiernman_louise_2345_140524_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d900e502aad449cc859f446eb622a5d7/stiernman_louise_2345_140524_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d900e502aad449cc859f446eb622a5d7/stiernman_louise_2345_140524_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Louise Stiernman. <span class="bildPhotografer" style="white-space: nowrap;"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></p></div></div><p>"The results bring us closer to a biological explanation for why women with severe PMS are more prone to have strong emotional reactions to things in their environment during the premenstrual phase. It's about certain parts of the brain becoming more active," says Louise Stiernman, doctoral student at Umeå University.</p><p class="quote-left">strong emotional reactions</p><p>In her thesis, Louise Stiernman and the research group she is part of at the Department of Clinical Sciences at Umeå University have conducted four studies of women with premenstrual dysphoric syndrome, PMDD, which is a form of severe PMS. The studies have been carried out with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to be able to follow the activity in the different parts of the brain.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Increased activity</h2><p>It turned out that women with PMDD have increased activity in parts of the brain that are important for assessing the emotional significance of environmental factors as well as co-ordinating appropriate behavioral responses to them. The pattern was evident in the period before menstruation. The researchers also found support that activity in certain key areas is linked to an altered regulation of the receptor that is sensitive to metabolic products of progesterone. This has long been hypothesized in research but has not previously been shown in humans.</p><p>One of the studies in the thesis shows that increased activity in the amygdala was linked to lower gene expression of a protein that determines how sensitive the main receptor for the neurotransmitter GABA is to progesterone metabolites. The amygdala is a part of the brain that is heavily involved in detecting emotionally relevant stimuli and participates in generating emotion. The role of the receptor in question is to suppress the activity of brain cells, and it is also a target receptor for alcohol, certain anti-anxiety medications, and anesthetics. The conclusion of the study is that women with PMDD are likely to have an aberrant regulation of this receptor type, which causes an imbalance in brain activity during periods when hormone levels fluctuate.</p><p>"A surprising discovery was that it was possible to see that the brain's function also differed during the part of the menstrual cycle when the test subjects felt well, and that this was linked to how severe PMDD they had. In addition, we saw that the structure of the brain, i.e. the thickness of the cerebral cortex, was smaller in women with PMDD, which indicates more long-lasting effects on the brain," says Louise Stiernman.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Cause and effect</h2><p>It is unclear what these findings mean; what is cause and what is effect. It is possible that underlying, innate differences in brain structure and function cause a vulnerability to experiencing severe mood symptoms under certain conditions. Another possibility is that the recurrent experience of severe premenstrual symptoms or stress over time affects how the brain is composed and how it functions.</p><p>"It is important to investigate in the future whether these differences increase the risk of other mental disorders and whether it is possible to treat with drugs," says Louise Stiernman.</p><p>Around 60,000 women in Sweden suffer from premenstrual dysphoric syndrome, PMDD, which is the most severe form of PMS. Women with PMDD experience severe mood symptoms during the period before menstruation, when levels of progesterone are high.</p><p>Three of the studies were conducted in Umeå and included 29 women with PMDD and 27 women without premenstrual symptoms. The study on brain structure included 89 women with PMDD and 42 women without premenstrual symptoms, and was conducted in Uppsala and Umeå.</p>/en/news/changes-in-the-brain-detected-in-severe-pms_11972091//en/news/fallopian-tubes-can-be-safely-removed-during-sterilization_11971883/Fallopian tubes can be safely removed during sterilizationWomen whose Fallopian tubes are removed during sterilization via laparoscopy have only marginally more surgical complications than those whose tubes are simply cut. This is shown by a study carried out by researchers at the University of Gothenburg and Umeå University. The removal, salpingectomy, is a safe procedure that can help protect against future ovarian cancer.Mon, 12 Aug 2024 08:00:03 +0200<p>Ovarian cancer is a relatively rare yet serious disease with an insidious progression, lacking early symptoms. Late detection means that the prognosis is often poor. According to WHO around 440,000 women in the world are diagnosed each year.</p><p>In more than half of cases, the cancer appears to start in the Fallopian tubes before spreading to the ovaries. Women who undergo sterilization can already be offered salpingectomy. The procedure is known as opportunistic salpingectomy and is established practice in gynecological surgery for pathological changes.</p><p>Until now, however, it has not been known whether the procedure entails more surgical complications, which may lead to many women opting out. The current study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, looked specifically at surgical complications.</p><h3>Little difference between the groups</h3><p>Almost a thousand women who were due to be sterilized via laparoscopy took part in the study and were randomly assigned to receive either standard sterilization in which the Fallopian tubes are cut (499 women) or extended surgery with salpingectomy (473 women).</p><p>Complications of tubal surgery can include bleeding during surgery, prolonged pain, urinary tract infections, wound infections, and hernias.</p><p>Among those participants whose Fallopian tubes were removed, 8.1% experienced a complication within eight weeks of the procedure, compared to 6.2% of those participants whose tubes were cut. In this context, this is classified as an accepted difference without clinical significance.</p><p>The time taken for the procedure differed somewhat. The average time was 45 minutes when the Fallopian tubes were removed, compared to 29 minutes when they were cut.</p><h3>Benefits for both society and individuals</h3><p>The study was carried out by researchers at the University of Gothenburg and Umeå University, in cooperation with the Swedish National Quality Register of Gynecological Surgery (GynOp). The study thereby has a broad base with participants from the majority of Sweden’s operating gynecological clinics.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"></div><div class="bildText"><p>Annika Idahl, Associate Professor, Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>The lead author is Annika Strandell, Associate Professor at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg and Consultant Gynecologist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.</p><p>“Every case of ovarian cancer we can avoid is a big win for society and for those women who would otherwise have been affected. Surgery to remove Fallopian tubes during sterilization could provide an opportunity to prevent many new cases of cancer,” she says.</p><p>Co-investigator in the study is Associate Professor Annika Idahl, Umeå University.</p><p>“We are also studying hormonal effects in women whose Fallopian tubes have been removed during sterilization, including whether menopause occurs earlier with a risk of undesired health effects. This aspect of the research requires a longer follow-up period, and the first results are expected within a few years,” Idahl says.</p><p>Article: <a title="Article about cubar occlusion" href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(24)00193-5/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Salpingectomy versus tubal occlusion in laparoscopic sterilisation (SALSTER): a national register-based randomised non-inferiority trial</em> </a></p><p><strong>Contacts:</strong></p><p>Annika Idahl, Associate Professor at Umeå University<br>Tel: +46 703 23 15 13<br>E-mail: annika.idahl@91��ý��</p><p>Annika Strandell, Associate Professor at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg<br>Tel: +46 700 90 44 54<br>E-mail: annika.strandell@vgregion.se</p>/en/news/fallopian-tubes-can-be-safely-removed-during-sterilization_11971883//en/news/possible-explanation-for-link-between-diabetes-and-alzheimers_11963412/Possible explanation for link between diabetes and Alzheimer'sPeople with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and other adverse cognitive health issues problems. A new study conducted at by Umeå University, Sweden, shows that the reason for the correlation may be that people with type 2 diabetes have more difficulty getting rid of a protein that potentially increases the likelihood of contracting the disease.Fri, 09 Aug 2024 10:48:42 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/70548e6d55104a938e2a34a4b009faf8/diabetes_aldre3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/70548e6d55104a938e2a34a4b009faf8/diabetes_aldre3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/70548e6d55104a938e2a34a4b009faf8/diabetes_aldre3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/70548e6d55104a938e2a34a4b009faf8/diabetes_aldre3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/70548e6d55104a938e2a34a4b009faf8/diabetes_aldre3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/70548e6d55104a938e2a34a4b009faf8/diabetes_aldre3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p><span class="bildPhotografer" style="white-space: nowrap;"><span class="photo">Image</span>Caiaimage</span></p></div></div><p>"The results may be important for further research into possible treatments to counteract the risk of people with type 2 diabetes being affected by Alzheimer's," says Olov Rolandsson, senior professor at the Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine at Umeå University, research leader and first author of the study.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Important components</h2><p>The substances that the researchers have studied are two so-called beta-amyloids, which are among the most important components of the plaques found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.</p><p>The researchers measured the concentrations in the blood of the beta-amyloids Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 as well as of an the enzyme that breaks down the beta-amyloids in a test group with type 2 diabetes and in a healthy control group. The two groups were given infusion of glucose for four hours, which induced acute hyperglycaemia among the participants in both groups, i.e. high blood sugar levels, after which repeated samples were taken from the subjects.</p><p>Immediately after the infusion of the sugar solution, the groups had similar values. Soon, the values of beta-amyloids fell sharply in the control group, while the values of the amyloid-degrading enzyme rose. Among the group with type 2 diabetes, there were no changes, i.e. the levels of beta-amyloid did not decrease, nor was there be an increase in the enzyme that breaks down amyloid. </p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Increase risk</h2><p>The results indicate that the body in people with type 2 diabetes do not have the same ability as healthy people to take care of beta-amyloid, which could increase the risk that it is then stored in the brain and causes cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer's.</p><p>"More research is needed to confirm the results of this limited study. Hopefully, in the long term, it can also lead to new treatments. But the findings underline the importance of preventing type 2 diabetes as far as possible and that people who do have it should avoid having episodes of high blood sugar," says Olov Rolandsson.</p><p>The study was conducted on ten people with type 2 diabetes and eleven people without diabetes in the control group. The participants were aged 66–72 years.</p><p>The study is published in the scientific journal Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.</p>/en/news/possible-explanation-for-link-between-diabetes-and-alzheimers_11963412//en/news/umea-professor-elected-to-embo-membership-_11965535/Umeå Professor elected to EMBO Membership Professor Oliver Billker is one of the newly elected EMBO Members on the 60th anniversary of EMBO, joining the community of more than 2,100 EMBO Members and Associate Members. Fri, 09 Aug 2024 07:32:28 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/97c975745de845108ac4494dcee96872/billker-oliver-7307_240605-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/97c975745de845108ac4494dcee96872/billker-oliver-7307_240605-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/97c975745de845108ac4494dcee96872/billker-oliver-7307_240605-mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/97c975745de845108ac4494dcee96872/billker-oliver-7307_240605-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/97c975745de845108ac4494dcee96872/billker-oliver-7307_240605-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/97c975745de845108ac4494dcee96872/billker-oliver-7307_240605-mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Oliver Billker.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p> </p><p>The EMBO Membership initiative started in 1964 and since then, life scientists from Europe as EMBO Members, or from outside Europe as EMBO Associate Members, have been invited to join this community to guide EMBO programmes and activities. Membership is awarded based on the researchers’ significant contribution to life science research and innovations positively impacting human life.  </p><p>EMBO Director Fiona Watt said: “The new EMBO Members and Associate Members have made immense contributions to fundamental life science research, and, in many cases, their work has paved the way for innovations that have improved lives and livelihoods around the world. As EMBO marks its 60th anniversary, we celebrate the pivotal roles played by the EMBO Membership in strengthening international life science research and contributing to the EMBO Programmes and activities. I send my warmest congratulations to all those elected.” <br> <br><strong>Four Swedish researchers are elected to EMBO Membership in 2024<br></strong><strong>Oliver Billker</strong>, Professor at Umeå University, Director of The Laboratory for Molecular Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and Researcher at SciLifeLab, heading one of the DDLS Research Areas<br><strong>Maria Falkenberg</strong>, Professor at University of Gothenburg <br><strong>Tuuli Lappalainen</strong>, Professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Director of the National genomics infrastructure (NGI) at SciLifeLab<br><strong>Mats Nilsson</strong>, Professor at Stockholm University <br><br> <br>Professor<strong> Oliver Billker</strong> remarks: “I am delighted by this recognition for our work, which really was the effort of dozens of students, postdocs and collaborators. EMBO is a pillar of Europe’s life science community, with its broad spectrum of courses, awards and publications.  I look forward to working with my colleagues in supporting the activities of this wonderful organization.” </p><p> </p><p><strong>More information: </strong><br>EMBO press release: <a href="https://www.embo.org/press-releases/outstanding-scientists-elected-to-embo-membership/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Outstanding scientists elected to EMBO Membership</a> <br>SciLifeLab press release: <a href="https://www.scilifelab.se/news/scilifelab-researchers-elected-to-embo-membership/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SciLifeLab Researchers Elected to EMBO Membership </a></p><p> </p><p> </p>/en/news/umea-professor-elected-to-embo-membership-_11965535/