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Newshttps://www.umu.se/A RSS feed provided by Umeå Universityen-usMon, 05 Oct 2026 02:43:09 +0200https://www.umu.se/en/news/why-a-food-poisoning-bacterium-can-cause-severe-wound-infections_12195665/Why a food poisoning bacterium can cause severe wound infectionsThe toxin NheABC, produced by Bacillus cereus, is particularly active in the pH conditions found in open wounds. Researchers at Umeå University found that the toxin damages both cell membranes and mitochondria and helps the bacterium establish infection in wounded tissue.Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:33:38 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/e6c2a1989efd4ef69299c54e070af835/gruppfoto3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e6c2a1989efd4ef69299c54e070af835/gruppfoto3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e6c2a1989efd4ef69299c54e070af835/gruppfoto3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/e6c2a1989efd4ef69299c54e070af835/gruppfoto3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e6c2a1989efd4ef69299c54e070af835/gruppfoto3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e6c2a1989efd4ef69299c54e070af835/gruppfoto3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>New research reveals why a food poisoning bacterium can cause severe wound infections. The research team behind the study. From left to right: Aftab Nadeem, Abdelbasset Yabrag, Naeem Ullah, Anne Yska, and Michael Philips. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Veronica Moscone</span></div></div><p>“Our findings strengthen the view that disease-causing bacteria within the <em>B. cereus</em> group detected in deep or infected wounds should not always be dismissed as harmless contamination,” says Abdelbasset Yabrag, PhD student at the Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, and one of the study's two first authors.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/e6c2a1989efd4ef69299c54e070af835/abdelbasset2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e6c2a1989efd4ef69299c54e070af835/abdelbasset2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e6c2a1989efd4ef69299c54e070af835/abdelbasset2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/e6c2a1989efd4ef69299c54e070af835/abdelbasset2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e6c2a1989efd4ef69299c54e070af835/abdelbasset2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e6c2a1989efd4ef69299c54e070af835/abdelbasset2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Abdelbasset Yabrag is a PhD student at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Veronica Moscone</span></div></div><p>Bacteria belonging to the<em> B. cereus</em> group are found almost everywhere, including in soil, dust and food, and are best known for causing food poisoning. The same group of bacteria can also cause serious infections outside the gastrointestinal tract, including in open wounds. However, it has so far remained unclear which factors enable the bacterium to cause such damage.</p><p>The researchers showed that the NheABC toxin makes small holes in cell membranes and causes significant damage to mitochondria. Experiments using artificial membranes revealed that certain lipids in mitochondria such as cardiolipin enhance the damaging effects of the toxin.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">The wound environment determines the toxin's effect</h2><p>The most surprising finding concerned acidity. The toxin's harmful activity was significantly lower under acidic conditions than at neutral or alkaline pH levels. Chronic wounds can develop a more alkaline environment due to the presence of blood, tissue fluids and metabolic byproducts such as ammonia. This may create conditions that favor bacterial growth and colonization. In a mouse model of wound infection, NheABC contributed to increased bacterial colonization and a stronger local inflammatory response.</p><p>This differs from the MakA toxin produced by the cholera-causing bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which the same research group has previously shown to be activated under acidic conditions.</p><p>“If toxin activity depends on the surrounding environment, this could open up new ways of reducing tissue damage during infections. In the future, it may be possible to target the wound environment itself, rather than focusing solely on the bacterium,” says Aftab Nadeem, researcher at the Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, and senior author of the study.</p><p>The study was carried out in collaboration between researchers at Umeå University, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, and Lund University, and was published in the scientific journal Cell Communication and Signaling.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">About the study:</h2><p>The researchers combined several experimental models, including human cells grown in two- and three-dimensional systems, laboratory-grown mini-guts (intestinal organoids), artificial cell membranes, advanced microscopy, and a mouse model of wound infection.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/why-a-food-poisoning-bacterium-can-cause-severe-wound-infections_12195665/https://www.umu.se/en/news/as-sweden-debates-abortion-reform-researchers-highlight-global-struggles-and-activist-mobilization-for-access_12194506/As Sweden debates abortion reform, researchers highlight global struggles and activist mobilization for accessOn 28 September, the right to safe, legal and free abortion is recognised around the world. A new abortion law is also among the first decisions to be taken by Sweden’s newly elected parliament. At Umeå University, researchers are investigating how activist organisations across the globe work to improve access to abortion care.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 10:58:31 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/11bb4174cd8d488aa63a180c0ebe7daa/goicolea_isabel_0532_200821_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/11bb4174cd8d488aa63a180c0ebe7daa/goicolea_isabel_0532_200821_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/11bb4174cd8d488aa63a180c0ebe7daa/goicolea_isabel_0532_200821_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/11bb4174cd8d488aa63a180c0ebe7daa/goicolea_isabel_0532_200821_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/11bb4174cd8d488aa63a180c0ebe7daa/goicolea_isabel_0532_200821_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/11bb4174cd8d488aa63a180c0ebe7daa/goicolea_isabel_0532_200821_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Isabel Goicolea, Professor in public health at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>“Our research explores not only advocacy for legal reforms, but also the practical support networks that help people access abortion services when legal, social, or geographical barriers stand in the way,” says Isabel Goicolea, professor in public health at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.</p><p>The September 28 campaign originated in Latin America and the Caribbean as part of demands by feminist groups to decriminalize abortion, provide access to safe and affordable abortion services, and to end stigma and discrimination towards people who choose to have an abortion. Today, it is a global initiative across 85 countries.</p><p>“The Latin American feminist movements are a great example of solidarity and activism for making abortion safe, legal and free, through direct accompaniment and advocacy. The mobilization resulted in progressive reforms to abortion policies in countries like Argentina, Colombia and Mexico,” says Isabel Goicolea.</p><p>She points out that there are still many countries in the region with highly restrictive legislation, and that changes in the political landscape can have a big impact on the issue of abortion rights.</p><p>“The sustainability of the legal progress made in many countries is unclear due to the expansion of far-right governments and fundamentalist groups. Such groups also pose threats to activist organizations that provide practical support to those who need an abortion,” says Isabel Goicolea.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">European efforts face different challenges</h2><p>Feminist collectives and activist groups across Europe face different challenges when working to strengthen the right to quality abortion care. Countries like Malta and Poland maintains strict legal prohibitions, but other countries limit access due to barriers such as conscious objections and mandatory waiting periods. Limited access to abortion services for certain groups, for example undocumented migrants, is also an issue in many European countries.</p><p>“As in the American context, in Europe the rise of far-right and fundamentalist groups pose threats to reproductive justice, including access to safe abortion,” says Isabel Goicolea.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Sweden expected to advance reforms and constitutional protection</h2><p>Sweden has recently proposed constitutional protection for abortion rights and reforms to the 1974 abortion law. These reforms would better align abortion care with current medical evidence, including the widespread use of pharmacological abortion, much of which will now be possible to manage at home. This could be especially important for people living in rural and remote areas of the country, where access to specialist clinics is more limited. The parliament is expected to vote around the proposition this autumn and changes are expected to enter into force in 2027.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/11bb4174cd8d488aa63a180c0ebe7daa/ida-linander3.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/11bb4174cd8d488aa63a180c0ebe7daa/ida-linander3.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/11bb4174cd8d488aa63a180c0ebe7daa/ida-linander3.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/11bb4174cd8d488aa63a180c0ebe7daa/ida-linander3.png?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/11bb4174cd8d488aa63a180c0ebe7daa/ida-linander3.png?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/11bb4174cd8d488aa63a180c0ebe7daa/ida-linander3.png?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Ida Linander är docent i folkhälsa och lektor vid Institutionen för epidemiologi och global hälsa.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ida Linander</span></div></div><p>“This new law means a better alignment with both medical evidence and people's real lives. Expanding home-based care matters for geographic equity, but how much it will help will depend on how the law is implemented,” says Ida Linander, Associate Professor at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Legal terminology sparks debate</h2><p>The government inquiry on which the proposal was based recommended that the term ‘woman’ be replaced with ‘the one who is pregnant’, to make it clear that everyone who is capable of becoming pregnant, regardless of legal gender or gender identity, is covered by the Act. However, the Government chose not to proceed with that part of the proposal in the bill, which retains the word ‘woman’. This is now one of the issues on which there is disagreement in the Swedish Parliament.</p><p>“From my own research on trans people's access to care, I'd add that inclusive legal language might be important. If the legislation names only 'women,' trans men and non-binary people who can become pregnant are invisible, which might have consequences for how they can access to abortion,” says Ida Linander.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="e084b71d-8f26-4f84-b79d-d94bd6ec9f24" data-contentname="Contact">{}</div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/as-sweden-debates-abortion-reform-researchers-highlight-global-struggles-and-activist-mobilization-for-access_12194506/https://www.umu.se/en/news/award-winning-research-sheds-light-on-oral-bacterial-interactions_12194453/Award-winning research sheds light on oral bacterial interactionsJan Oscarsson, a researcher in odontology at Umeå University, and colleagues at Karolinska Institutet have been awarded the prestigious IADR/AADOCR William J. Gies Award in the category of Biological Research. The award recognizes the best papers published in the Journal of Dental Research during the previous year.Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:23:58 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/08792d6a53ac4f92b5480733e0ece0ad/jan_oscarsson3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/08792d6a53ac4f92b5480733e0ece0ad/jan_oscarsson3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/08792d6a53ac4f92b5480733e0ece0ad/jan_oscarsson3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/08792d6a53ac4f92b5480733e0ece0ad/jan_oscarsson3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/08792d6a53ac4f92b5480733e0ece0ad/jan_oscarsson3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/08792d6a53ac4f92b5480733e0ece0ad/jan_oscarsson3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Jan Oscarsson, Research fellow at the Department of Odontology at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">It is both an honour and a source of inspiration</p><p>“It is both an honour and a source of inspiration to see our research recognized in this way,” says Jan Oscarsson, researcher at the Department of Odontology, Umeå University.</p><p>The award-winning paper, <em>Aggregatibacter aphrophilus T6SS Effectors in Host-Bacterial Interactions</em>, reveals how bacteria in the oral cavity compete with one another and interact with the body's own cells. The findings provide new insights into the bacterial processes underlying diseases of the tissues that support the teeth and may, in the long term, contribute to new ways of preventing or treating periodontitis.</p><p>The study was carried out in collaboration between researchers at Umeå University and Karolinska Institutet.</p><p>The award includes a prize of USD 1,000 and a commemorative plaque.</p><p>The award is named after William J. Gies, founder of the Journal of Dental Research, and is presented annually to the authors of the best scientific papers published in the journal.</p><p><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00220345251337745" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Link to the Jan Oscarsson’s scientific publication</a></p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/award-winning-research-sheds-light-on-oral-bacterial-interactions_12194453/https://www.umu.se/en/news/under-stress-bacterial-rna-and-proteins-tell-different-stories_12194077/Under stress, bacterial RNA and proteins tell different storiesResearchers at Umeå University have identified stress conditions in which RNA and protein levels diverge in disease-causing bacteria. Under osmotic stress, they traced this mismatch to reduced protein production, showing why RNA alone may not always reveal what is happening in the bacterial cell. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:15:33 +0200<p>During infection, bacteria encounter rapidly changing and stressful environments inside the body. To understand how they adapt, researchers often measure messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries information from genes that can be translated into proteins. While mRNA levels are widely used to monitor bacterial responses, proteins carry out much of the work inside the cell and are influenced by processes that occur after RNA has been produced.</p><p>Scientists have long known that mRNA levels do not perfectly predict protein abundance. What has remained unclear is how that relationship changes under different stresses and across different bacterial pathogens.</p><p>In a new study published in the scientific journal PNAS, researchers compared three human pathogens: <em>Salmonella enterica</em> Typhimurium, Y<em>ersinia pseudotuberculosis</em> and <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>. By exposing them to ten infection-relevant conditions, they investigated whether the relationship between mRNA and protein levels was species-specific or broadly shared.</p><p class="quote-center">The cells can change their plans faster than they can build the things needed to carry them out.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/dd623f67d18b41b795dc3663f095de16/sena_gizem_suer_202609143.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/dd623f67d18b41b795dc3663f095de16/sena_gizem_suer_202609143.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/dd623f67d18b41b795dc3663f095de16/sena_gizem_suer_202609143.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/dd623f67d18b41b795dc3663f095de16/sena_gizem_suer_202609143.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/dd623f67d18b41b795dc3663f095de16/sena_gizem_suer_202609143.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/dd623f67d18b41b795dc3663f095de16/sena_gizem_suer_202609143.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Sena Gizem Süer, Stress Response Modeling PhD student at the Department of Molecular Biology and IceLab, working with bacteria at her lab bench.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Gabrielle Beans</span></div></div><p>Across all three species, mRNA and protein levels generally followed the same trends. However, stresses that triggered the largest changes in gene and protein expression also showed the weakest agreement between RNA and protein levels. In other words, under some of the most challenging conditions, RNA provided a less complete picture of what was happening inside the cell.</p><p>“When bacteria receive a sudden warning from their environment, they immediately start changing the messages inside the cell about what needs to happen next,” says Sena Gizem Süer, PhD student at the Department of Molecular Biology and part of the Stress Response Modeling at IceLab research school at Umeå University and shared first author of the study. “The cells can change their plans faster than they can build the things needed to carry them out.”</p><p>One stress condition stood out: osmotic stress, which occurs when changes in the concentration of dissolved substances around a cell disturb its water balance. Pathogens can encounter such environments in the body, for example in the gut lumen. Genes responding specifically to osmotic stress showed a particularly weak match between mRNA and protein levels in all three bacterial species.</p><p>To investigate why, the researchers combined computational analyses with laboratory experiments. Their analyses pointed to altered translation, the process in which ribosomes read mRNA and build proteins, under osmotic stress.</p><p>The experiments confirmed that bacteria continued to translate mRNA into proteins during osmotic stress, but at significantly reduced levels in both <em>Yersinia</em> and <em>Salmonella</em>.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareleft"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/dd623f67d18b41b795dc3663f095de16/avican_suer_arnoux_20260914-42.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/dd623f67d18b41b795dc3663f095de16/avican_suer_arnoux_20260914-42.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/dd623f67d18b41b795dc3663f095de16/avican_suer_arnoux_20260914-42.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/dd623f67d18b41b795dc3663f095de16/avican_suer_arnoux_20260914-42.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/dd623f67d18b41b795dc3663f095de16/avican_suer_arnoux_20260914-42.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/dd623f67d18b41b795dc3663f095de16/avican_suer_arnoux_20260914-42.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Study authors Kemal Avican, Sena Gizem Süer and Jérôme Arnoux outside of the IceLab interdisciplinary research environment</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Gabrielle Beans</span></div></div><p>“This agreement between computational and experimental approaches strengthened our confidence in the findings”, says Jérôme Arnoux, interdisciplinary postdoctoral fellow at Integrated Science Lab (IceLab) and the Department of Molecular Biology and shared first author.</p><p>Exactly why translation slows remains unclear. The researchers discuss several possible explanations, including changes affecting the cell envelope and the transport of molecules into the cell, but further studies will be needed to identify the underlying mechanism.</p><p class="quote-center">The ultimate goal is to be able to predict bacterial protein levels during infection</p><p>“Researchers often use mRNA as a proxy for what is happening at the protein level,” says Kemal Avican, Research Fellow at the Department of Molecular Biology and senior author of the study. “Our results show that we need to better understand the uncertainty in that relationship, particularly when studying bacterial pathogens under stress and during infection.”</p><p>The researchers are now extending the work to additional stress conditions that resemble environments bacteria encounter during infection.</p><p>“The ultimate goal is to be able to predict bacterial protein levels during infection. That is something we cannot currently do using proteomics alone,” says Kemal Avican.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="289bda38-fcd6-4dea-80e6-e5a37e5195db" data-contentname="Proteomics Fact Box">{}</div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/under-stress-bacterial-rna-and-proteins-tell-different-stories_12194077/https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-visions-for-european-excellence-in-molecular-medicine_12193234/New visions for European excellence in molecular medicineThis week marks the start of the 14th annual meeting of the leading Nordic institutes in molecular medicine, hosted by MIMS at Umeå University. The conference showcases the latest research advances and facilitates multidisciplinary interactions among researchers.Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:59:04 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/eee6123b6e3d42cf9592190bb5d1ee67/dsc003132.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eee6123b6e3d42cf9592190bb5d1ee67/dsc003132.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eee6123b6e3d42cf9592190bb5d1ee67/dsc003132.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/eee6123b6e3d42cf9592190bb5d1ee67/dsc003132.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eee6123b6e3d42cf9592190bb5d1ee67/dsc003132.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eee6123b6e3d42cf9592190bb5d1ee67/dsc003132.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Participants of the strategy meeting between Umeå University, MIMS, EMBL and Nordic EMBL Partnership.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Sofia Nordin / Chillimedia</span></div></div><p> </p><p>The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, MIMS, was established at Umeå University in 2007. It is part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, a union of life science institutes in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden under the umbrella of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). Every year, the partnership holds a conference to meet and discuss the latest developments in molecular medicine and explore possible new collaborations. </p><p>“Since its establishment in 2007, MIMS has helped transform Umeå’s research landscape, attracting outstanding international scientists and creating an environment where researchers can collaborate and thrive. Through MIMS and the Nordic EMBL Partnership, researchers gain access to international networks, training, and perspectives that extend beyond any single institution. This kind of collaboration is essential to keeping European life science research innovative, open and globally leading,” says Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University. </p><p>For Janna Saarela, Director of the Norwegian Centre for Molecular Biosciences and Medicine (NCMBM) and Speaker of the Nordic EMBL Partnership, the meeting demonstrated what the partnership can achieve when its members work together. </p><p>“This is what the Nordic EMBL Partnership is about: bringing together our capabilities, resources and expertise to create a stronger force for European life science. By working together rather than as individual entities, we can help keep Europe at the forefront of global research,” says Janna Saarela. </p><h3> </h3><h3>Spotlight on the Nordic region in life science</h3><p>A particular highlight of this year's meeting is the visit of the new Director General of EMBL, Professor Anthony Hyman. The European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL, was founded in 1974 to balance the strongly US-dominated field of molecular biology. Professor Hyman took up his mandate at the end of March 2026, and this meeting provided an opportunity for bringing the EMBL Director General together with Nordic university leaders, funders, and decisionmakers. This year, the meeting also welcomed representatives from Lithuania and the EMBL node; Vilnius University Life Sciences Centre, who joined the strategic discussions, reflecting the growing engagement of the wider Baltic region in shaping the future of molecular medicine and life science research. This underscores the growing importance of the Nordic region in the European life science landscape, and hosting these high-level discussions positions Umeå University as a convening force for strategic dialogue and collaboration between EMBL and the Nordic molecular medicine community. This platform of discussions creates opportunities for future scientific collaboration, strategic investments, and increased international visibility for Nordic research. </p><p>In his keynote lecture, officially opening the annual scientific meeting of the Nordic EMBL Partnership, Professor Hyman addressed the importance of AI as a driver of the next era of scientific discovery, describing it as a methodological shift that is transforming how key questions in molecular biology are addressed and enabling the generation and testing of increasingly complex hypotheses.</p><p> </p><h3>Framework for scientific excellence </h3><p>At Umeå University, MIMS group leaders use a broad range of genetic, biochemical, computational and cell biological methods to understand pathogenicity, immunity and antibiotic resistance. Their research spans from Nobel-prize winning research into bacterial defence mechanisms (CRISPR/Cas9) to recent breakthroughs in understanding the biology underpinning antibiotic efficacy, new treatment strategy for Chlamydia infection or understanding how TBE virus infects the brain. </p><p>For MIMS, the collaboration with the Nordic EMBL Partnership and EMBL is instrumental for providing a framework for scientific excellence, enabling researchers to engage in cutting-edge collaborations, access international expertise, and contribute to advance molecular medicine that addresses major societal challenges. It also strengthens the international visibility of both MIMS and Umeå University, positioning northern Sweden as an important contributor to molecular medicine and life science research in Europe. </p><p>“Bringing everyone together here in Umeå is an opportunity to take a step back, look at where European life science is heading, and think about what we can achieve together. The Nordic EMBL Partnership provides a strong platform for those conversations, but also for the science itself — connecting researchers, group leaders and institutions and turning shared ambitions into new ideas and collaborations,” says Oliver Billker, Director of MIMS. </p><p> </p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-visions-for-european-excellence-in-molecular-medicine_12193234/https://www.umu.se/en/news/researchers-discover-achilles-heel-of-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria_12192775/Researchers discover Achilles' heel of antibiotic-resistant bacteriaEven highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria become more vulnerable when their cell wall transport system is disrupted, according to a new study from Umeå University. The discovery reveals a previously overlooked weakness that could help researchers develop new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:54:53 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/a5c9a30d9d1146a59bf7f2d78d42ebd8/torrens_gabriel_8983_220926_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/a5c9a30d9d1146a59bf7f2d78d42ebd8/torrens_gabriel_8983_220926_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/a5c9a30d9d1146a59bf7f2d78d42ebd8/torrens_gabriel_8983_220926_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/a5c9a30d9d1146a59bf7f2d78d42ebd8/torrens_gabriel_8983_220926_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/a5c9a30d9d1146a59bf7f2d78d42ebd8/torrens_gabriel_8983_220926_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/a5c9a30d9d1146a59bf7f2d78d42ebd8/torrens_gabriel_8983_220926_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>SSMF-funded postdoctoral researcher Gabriel Torrens and Professor Felipe Cava have shown that resistant bacteria depend on the lipid molecule undecaprenyl phosphate to transport building blocks needed to construct the cell wall. Disrupting this transport significantly weakened the bacteria's resistance.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">The search for new antibiotics remains crucial, but we also need smarter ways to extend the lifespan of the antibiotics we already have.</p><p>“The search for new antibiotics remains crucial, but we also need smarter ways to extend the lifespan of the antibiotics we already have. We wanted to find out whether resistant bacteria could be pushed into an evolutionary dead end, where the very mechanisms that help them survive instead make them vulnerable to existing antibiotics,” says Felipe Cava, Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health challenge. As bacteria evolve resistance to medicines, infections become increasingly difficult to treat, raising the risk of severe illness and death. Now, researchers at Umeå University have identified an unexpected vulnerability in certain resistant bacteria that could potentially be exploited to make them susceptible to antibiotics once again.</p><p>The study, published in Nature Communications, was led by Felipe Cava's research group at Umeå University in collaboration with researchers from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Umeå University Hospital.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/a5c9a30d9d1146a59bf7f2d78d42ebd8/cava_felipe_4155_220422_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/a5c9a30d9d1146a59bf7f2d78d42ebd8/cava_felipe_4155_220422_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/a5c9a30d9d1146a59bf7f2d78d42ebd8/cava_felipe_4155_220422_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/a5c9a30d9d1146a59bf7f2d78d42ebd8/cava_felipe_4155_220422_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/a5c9a30d9d1146a59bf7f2d78d42ebd8/cava_felipe_4155_220422_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/a5c9a30d9d1146a59bf7f2d78d42ebd8/cava_felipe_4155_220422_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Felipe Cava is Professor of Molecular Biology at Umeå University. His research focuses on uncovering new insights into one of the most remarkable bacterial structures: the cell wall.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson, simon ohman jonsson inhousebyran</span></div></div><p>Bacteria are protected by a robust cell wall that helps them survive in harsh environments. The cell wall is also the target of β-lactam antibiotics, a class of drugs that includes penicillins and remains among the most widely used treatments for bacterial infections. Some bacteria, however, have evolved the ability to continue building their cell wall despite antibiotic treatment, making them resistant.</p><p>A well-known example is methicillin-resistant<em> Staphylococcus aureus</em> (MRSA), which causes difficult-to-treat infections worldwide. Over time, these bacteria can acquire additional mutations that further strengthen their resistance.</p><p>The researchers found that resistant bacteria depend on a small lipid molecule called undecaprenyl phosphate, which acts as a conveyor belt for the building blocks needed to construct the cell wall. When this transport system was disrupted, it became considerably more difficult for the bacteria to maintain their resistance.</p><p>In the study, the researchers tracked how MRSA evolved during antibiotic treatment. They identified genetic changes that enabled the bacteria to regain resistance. However, when the transport of cell wall building blocks was disrupted, this evolutionary route was effectively blocked.</p><p>The researchers also found that bacteria carrying new resistance mutations often grew more slowly and were less capable of causing infection.</p><p>“What surprised us was that some mutations that help bacteria survive antibiotic treatment simultaneously create new vulnerabilities. Rather than becoming stronger in every respect, the bacteria appear to be forced into a trade-off,” says Gabriel Torrens, first author of the study and postoctoral fellow at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>The phenomenon was observed not only in MRSA but also in <em>Streptococcus pneumoniae,</em> a bacterium that commonly causes diseases such as pneumonia. This suggests that the same vulnerability may exist across many antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, a group that includes <em>staphylococci</em> and <em>pneumococci</em>.</p><p>The researchers believe the discovery opens a new avenue for future therapies aimed at restoring the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. Its potential to lead to new treatments has already resulted in the filing of a patent application.</p><p>The study was funded by the Swedish Research Council (research environment grant within infection and antibiotics), the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, and the Kempe Foundations. Gabriel Torrens was recruited to Umeå University through the ‘Excellence by Choice’ postdoctoral programme and is currently funded by the Swedish Society for Medical Research (SSMF).</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/researchers-discover-achilles-heel-of-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria_12192775/https://www.umu.se/en/news/first-doctoral-student-from-the-arctic-graduate-school-to-defend-her-thesis_12192632/First doctoral student from the Arctic Graduate School to defend her thesisFour years after its launch, it is time for the first doctoral thesis defence at the Arctic Graduate School at Umeå University. Rebecca Tapper will be the first to defend her thesis. The defence marks an important milestone for a cross-faculty initiative that has brought together doctoral students from different disciplines with a focus on the Arctic and sustainable development.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:38:16 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Rebecca Tapper is a doctoral student at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health at Umeå University. Her thesis, ArctiHealth – Expanding the knowledge of risk management, health effects and experiences of occupational cold exposure, focuses on outdoor work in Arctic climates.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p>Rebecca Tapper's thesis focuses on outdoor work in Arctic climates. Her research has included a review of previous research regarding cold risk management. She has also investigated how preschool-, park and maintenance-, and power grid workers in northern Sweden are exposed to cold climates by using wearable sensors for temperature and workers movement patterns while working outdoors.</p><p>Using wearable sensors, collecting health data and interviews, she has investigated cold-related symptoms, comfort, performance, and how workplaces manage the risks associated with cold exposure. The results show, among other things, that responsibility for managing cold-related risks is largely placed on individual workers rather than on the organisation. Rebecca therefore points to the need for a change in perspective, where working in cold environments should not be taken for granted as a natural circumstance, but recognised as an occupational health risk that needs to be addressed through organisational and preventive measures.</p><p>In the study, participants spent an average of 29% of their working day, equivalent to 2.2 hours, in temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. Around one third reported that they often or always felt cold at work. Cold-related discomfort was also associated with musculoskeletal problems, abnormal cold sensitivity in the hands, and impaired concentration and mobility.</p><p>The results also reveal shortcomings in structured guidance and procedures for procuring work clothing. Women reported negative effects of cold and inadequate protection to a greater extent than men, raising questions about gender equality in occupational protection.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/e6fd6884c4534134a1417dfcf3051c87/park2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e6fd6884c4534134a1417dfcf3051c87/park2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e6fd6884c4534134a1417dfcf3051c87/park2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/e6fd6884c4534134a1417dfcf3051c87/park2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e6fd6884c4534134a1417dfcf3051c87/park2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e6fd6884c4534134a1417dfcf3051c87/park2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 0.66667rem; white-space: nowrap;">Many people who work outdoors are exposed to cold temperatures for several hours each day, the study shows.</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 0.66667rem; white-space: nowrap;">Image: Rebecca Tapper</span></p></div></div><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">An interdisciplinary initiative focused on the Arctic</h2><p>The Arctic Graduate School was initiated by the Vice-Chancellor in 2022 with the task of bringing together and coordinating Arctic research at the University and creating a platform with a focus on sustainable development in the Arctic. The Graduate School is part of the Arctic Centre and brings together doctoral students from different departments and disciplines across all faculties.</p><p>“One part was to try to bring the research together. But another was to try to find a platform where sustainable development could become an important component,” says Linda Lundmark, who has been responsible for the Graduate School.</p><p>Fourteen doctoral students are currently active in the Graduate School. Linda Lundmark highlights the fact that they come from a range of different disciplines as one of the strengths of the initiative.</p><p>“We have recruited broadly from different disciplines. I think that has worked extremely well. And I think it shows that research about, in and around the Arctic is taking place across the entire University,” she says.</p><p>Linda Lundmark also emphasises the importance of the Graduate School being interdisciplinary. Sustainable development in the Arctic encompasses social, ecological, economic and cultural dimensions, and the Graduate School includes research in a wide range of fields.</p><p>“All disciplines have something to contribute. And that is why it is also important that this is an interdisciplinary initiative,” she says.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/e6fd6884c4534134a1417dfcf3051c87/lindalundmark2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e6fd6884c4534134a1417dfcf3051c87/lindalundmark2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e6fd6884c4534134a1417dfcf3051c87/lindalundmark2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/e6fd6884c4534134a1417dfcf3051c87/lindalundmark2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e6fd6884c4534134a1417dfcf3051c87/lindalundmark2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e6fd6884c4534134a1417dfcf3051c87/lindalundmark2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Linda Lundmark is a Associate Professor at the Department of Geography and is responsible for doctoral education within the Arctic Graduate School for Sustainable Development.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Linda Lundmark</span></div></div><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Preparing doctoral students for new ways of conducting research</h2><p>Linda Lundmark also sees the Graduate School as a way of preparing doctoral students for a research landscape in which working across disciplinary boundaries and together with actors outside the University is becoming increasingly important.</p><p>She describes how research funding calls increasingly require researchers to work together to address broad societal issues. For those who continue in academia, experience of collaborating with other disciplines and societal actors can be valuable when applying for research funding. These skills can also be useful outside academia, where, according to Linda Lundmark, doctoral graduates can serve as links between research and the organisations in which they work.</p><p>As part of the Graduate School's courses, doctoral students practise engaging with wider society. Among other things, they identify societal actors who are relevant to their own research, consider how to establish contact with them, and explore ways of working together.</p><p class="quote-center">We have recruited broadly from different disciplines. I think that has worked extremely well. And I think it shows that research about, in and around the Arctic is taking place across the entire University</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Meeting across disciplinary boundaries</h2><p>For Rebecca, meeting doctoral students from other academic disciplines has been an important part of her time in the Graduate School. She describes how different disciplines have their own languages, methods and ways of writing, and how contact with other fields of research has given her the opportunity to view her own discipline from different perspectives.</p><p>“I find gaining insight into this incredibly valuable, because it helps you understand that the science you learn within your own discipline is not the only truth. I think it creates distance and encourages reflection on your own field, helping you to evaluate and navigate the academic world,” says Rebecca.</p><p>Meeting across disciplines has also provided new ways of approaching research questions and helped create contacts and networks. The doctoral students have travelled together, attended conferences and supported one another throughout their doctoral studies.</p><p>The Graduate School also includes joint courses, seminars and international activities. One seminar series is organised together with the universities in Rovaniemi and Tromsø within The Arctic Six. Field trips have also given the doctoral students opportunities to meet researchers and doctoral students at other universities.</p><p>Rebecca also highlights initiatives that the doctoral students themselves have developed during their time in the Graduate School. Together, they have, among other things, re-established APECS Sweden and organised their own interdisciplinary conference for early-career researchers.</p><p>“This would not have been possible if we had not had this interdisciplinary platform to build on,” says Rebecca.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">First to defend her thesis</h2><p>Rebecca will now become the first of the Graduate School's doctoral students to reach the thesis defence. She says that the four years have passed quickly and particularly highlights the sense of community among the doctoral students, despite working in different research disciplines and on different projects.</p><p>“It has been great to go through this journey together, even though we all have such different projects and research disciplines. I really appreciate the friends I have made, the trips and conferences we have attended, and the fact that we have been able to support one another during our doctoral studies,” she says.</p><p>Being the first also means that she will be the first to leave the group.</p><p>“Being the first means that I am now leaving them, rather than them leaving me. Who knows what happens after you have defended your thesis?” says Rebecca.</p><p>For Linda Lundmark, the first thesis defence is an important milestone for the Graduate School.</p><p>“It means everything,” she says.</p><p>She describes a strong sense of pride, while emphasising that Rebecca is the one who has done the work.</p><p>“My part in all of this has been very small. She has done all the work, but I still feel proud. She has done such a fantastic job. And she has been important to the Graduate School by being present and taking part in what we have done,” says Linda Lundmark.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/first-doctoral-student-from-the-arctic-graduate-school-to-defend-her-thesis_12192632/https://www.umu.se/en/news/tiny-proteins-in-the-spotlight-at-a-nobel-symposium-in-umea_12192611/Tiny proteins in the spotlight at a Nobel Symposium in Umeå What roles do some of the smallest proteins play in living organisms? Once overlooked as biological “noise”, microproteins are attracting growing attention as researchers uncover their involvement in processes ranging from development and evolution to health and disease. From 14 to 16 September, leading researchers in the field will gather at Umeå University for a Nobel Symposium dedicated to this rapidly developing area of research.Wed, 09 Sep 2026 08:30:03 +0200<p>Microproteins are tiny proteins that have long escaped researchers' attention. Some are produced from parts of our genetic material that were previously thought not to encode proteins, while others can arise in unexpected ways from the same genetic instructions that produce larger proteins.</p><p>New methods for analysing genetic information and proteins are now allowing researchers to discover microproteins across different forms of life. Research suggests that these small proteins can influence how cells function, how organisms develop and how they respond to their environment.</p><p class="quote-center">What is becoming increasingly clear is that the questions we ask are remarkably similar across plants, animals and microbes.</p><p>The Nobel Symposium Decoding Microproteins – From Basic Biology to Biotechnological Innovations will bring together researchers from around the world to discuss how microproteins can be identified and studied, how they have evolved and what roles they play in different organisms.</p><p>The three-day programme spans research on bacteria, fungi, plants and humans, with topics ranging from fundamental mechanisms and evolution to host–microbe interactions, stress responses and cancer. It will also explore new approaches for discovering proteins hidden in what researchers sometimes refer to as the “dark proteome”.</p><p>“Microproteins have been at the heart of my research for the past two decades, and what is becoming increasingly clear is that the questions we ask are remarkably similar across plants, animals and microbes. By bringing these perspectives together, we can learn how microproteins work and where different organisms offer unique opportunities to understand them,” says Stephan Wenkel, professor at the Department of Plant Physiology and group leader at Umeå Plant Science Centre.</p><p class="quote-center">It's a real privilege to bring together such a global and interdisciplinary group to explore one of biology's newest frontiers, right here in Umeå.</p><p>The symposium is organised by Stephan Wenkel together with Iker Valle Aramburu, MIMS Group leader at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University. Both will present their research during the meeting: Stephan Wenkel on microproteins in plants and Iker Valle Aramburu on the dark proteome in fungi and host–pathogen interactions.</p><p>“It's a real privilege to bring together such a global and interdisciplinary group to explore one of biology's newest frontiers, right here in Umeå,” says Iker Valle Aramburu.</p><p>The symposium takes place on campus at Umeå University from 14 to 16 September. It is the second Nobel Symposium hosted by the university this year, following one in physics on metamaterials in June.</p><p>Participation in the symposium is by invitation only. Journalists interested in covering the symposium are welcome to contact Iker Valle Aramburu and Stephan Wenkel for more information and interview opportunities.</p><p><a href="https://www.upsc.se/about-upsc/events/6654-decoding-microproteins-from-basic-biology-to-biotechnological-innovations.html">More information about the symposium and programme is available on the Umeå Plant Science Centre website.</a></p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/tiny-proteins-in-the-spotlight-at-a-nobel-symposium-in-umea_12192611/https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-ai-methods-make-medical-images-easier-to-interpret_12184980/New AI methods make medical image analysis more reliableDisi Lin has developed new machine learning methods in her doctoral research that incorporate structural information from medical images while also quantifying the certainty of their predictions. "These methods can deliver more reliable analyses and have been tested to identify brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease," says Disi Lin, who is now presenting her doctoral thesis for public defence.Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:15:28 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/0dab1104d41340558ba941858a3390ef/lin_disi_1835_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0dab1104d41340558ba941858a3390ef/lin_disi_1835_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0dab1104d41340558ba941858a3390ef/lin_disi_1835_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/0dab1104d41340558ba941858a3390ef/lin_disi_1835_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0dab1104d41340558ba941858a3390ef/lin_disi_1835_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0dab1104d41340558ba941858a3390ef/lin_disi_1835_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p> Using advanced mathematical and statistical methods, doctoral student Disi Lin has developed machine learning models that incorporate existing knowledge about human anatomy and can indicate how certain, or uncertain, their predictions are.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p>Machine learning enables computers to learn from data and then use that knowledge to make predictions or decisions. Within healthcare, machine learning is used to support tasks such as disease diagnosis, predicting disease progression, treatment planning, and patient monitoring.</p><p>"Applying machine learning to medical images is particularly challenging because datasets are often limited, while the models must be both reliable and interpretable," says Disi Lin, doctoral student at the Department of computing Science, Umeå University.</p><p>In her doctoral research, Lin has addressed these challenges by integrating prior knowledge into machine learning models. This includes using mathematical morphology, a technique that can be used to encourage the learned patterns to form meaningful structures.</p><h3>Classification of Alzheimer’s Disease</h3><p>One of the application areas explored is the classification of Alzheimer’s disease.</p><p>"Alzheimer’s disease is associated with gradual structural changes in the brain, including reduced volume in brain regions that are important for memory and cognition," says Disi Lin.</p><p>Her research combines classical image mathematics with modern machine learning, resulting in models that can identify connected and anatomically meaningful regions more effectively than previous approaches.</p><p>"This makes it easier to relate the resulting patterns to disease-related changes and increases confidence in the assessment," says Disi Lin.</p><p>As part of her thesis, she has developed methods that take into account the fact that neighboring areas in an MRI scan often consist of the same type of tissue. This reduces the impact of random variations and makes the results more stable and reliable.</p><p>"I have also developed methods that not only provide a prediction but also indicate how confident the model is in its prediction. This allows clinicians to see which parts of the analysis are based on robust calculations and which are more uncertain," says Disi Lin.</p><h3>AI with common sense</h3><p>Disi Lin has incorporated prior knowledge about image structure into machine learning models to help computers identify connected and spatially coherent regions. Rather than treating pixels independently, her AI models can focus on the most relevant areas of the brain, making the results more coherent, interpretable, and medically meaningful.</p><p>“These methods can also show how certain the predictions are. This is important in healthcare because obtaining a result is not enough; clinicians also need to know how confident that result is,” says Disi Lin.</p><h3>Further information</h3><p>Please read the full thesis here: <a href="http://umu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2:2090423">Structure-Aware Machine Learning for Medical Image Analysis.</a></p><p>Disi Lin will defend her doctoral thesis on <a href="~/link/65b4a72e2c244638b2a64cad7d4223e9.aspx">Friday the 4th of September. </a> Supervisor: <a href="~/link/6e5ad7e2ae3749eea32f7e8f3e796413.aspx">Tommy Löfstedt</a>, Docent and Associate professor at the Department of Computing Science. </p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Contact Information</h2><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="21cf0049-de79-4a20-89e0-7bd7652b3ad6" data-contentname="contact Disi Lin">{}</div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-ai-methods-make-medical-images-easier-to-interpret_12184980/https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-strategy-targets-one-of-cancer-researchs-toughest-challenges_12183677/New strategy targets one of cancer research's toughest challengesResearchers at Umeå University have developed a new strategy to slow the growth of tumour cells. By targeting the genetic instructions that control the production of a key cancer-related protein, they were able to inhibit tumour cell growth. The findings have been published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:34:34 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/55f08adf53fe49a49864044fee76dbfc/fahreaus-robin-03775-250523-sjn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/55f08adf53fe49a49864044fee76dbfc/fahreaus-robin-03775-250523-sjn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/55f08adf53fe49a49864044fee76dbfc/fahreaus-robin-03775-250523-sjn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/55f08adf53fe49a49864044fee76dbfc/fahreaus-robin-03775-250523-sjn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/55f08adf53fe49a49864044fee76dbfc/fahreaus-robin-03775-250523-sjn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/55f08adf53fe49a49864044fee76dbfc/fahreaus-robin-03775-250523-sjn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Despite decades of research, the cancer protein c-Myc has remained a challenging drug target. Robin Fåhraeus and colleagues now show that cancer cell growth can be slowed by targeting the genetic instructions responsible for producing the protein.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>simon ohman jonsson inhousebyran</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">Approximately 70 percent of cancers overexpress the c-Myc protein</p><p>"Approximately 70 percent of cancers overexpress the c-Myc protein, and therapies that inhibit c-Myc have long been a priority in the search for new cancer treatments," says Robin Fåhraeus, Professor at the Department of Medical Biosciences at Umeå University.</p><p>The c-Myc protein is an oncogene that plays a central role in driving tumour growth. Despite decades of intensive research, it has proven extremely difficult to develop drugs that directly inhibit c-Myc. One major reason is that the protein lacks well-defined binding sites where small molecules can attach and block its function, making it a classic example of an "undruggable" target in cancer research.</p><p>In the new study, the researchers took a different approach. They show that c-Myc mRNA, the genetic blueprint that cells use to produce the protein, can itself be targeted for treatment.</p><p>Using a drug that had previously been tested in clinical trials for a different purpose, the researchers were able to induce the protein MDM2 to bind to c-Myc mRNA. This blocks the production of c-Myc and causes tumour cells to stop growing.</p><p>"Finding new applications for existing drugs is an attractive way to accelerate the development of new treatments," says Robin Fåhraeus.</p><p>The strategy represents a new way of targeting one of cancer research's most challenging drug targets. Rather than attempting to eliminate the protein itself, the method blocks its production at the RNA level. The findings therefore open up new possibilities for drug development, particularly for cancers in which c-Myc plays a crucial role.</p><p>"We hope these findings will pave the way for new treatments for cancers driven by c-Myc. At the same time, we hope to inspire other research groups by showing that mRNA can be used to selectively regulate the production of proteins associated with a wide range of diseases," says Robin Fåhraeus.</p><p>The next steps will include testing the strategy in additional models, evaluating its clinical potential, and further optimising the drug. If successful in future studies, the approach could lead to new treatments for multiple types of cancer in which c-Myc plays a central role.</p><p> </p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-strategy-targets-one-of-cancer-researchs-toughest-challenges_12183677/https://www.umu.se/en/news/screening-can-reduce-colorectal-cancer-mortality-by-more-than-40-percent_12183201/Screening can reduce colorectal cancer mortality by more than 40 percentPeople who participate in colorectal cancer screening may have as much as a 43 percent lower risk of dying from the disease. This is shown by new estimates from researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Umeå University. The findings are based on up to 14 years of follow-up data from the colorectal cancer screening programme in the Stockholm-Gotland region.Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:43:44 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d2df4ac0c35c4db7a1de93e9dbef3cfb/kolorektalcancer3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d2df4ac0c35c4db7a1de93e9dbef3cfb/kolorektalcancer3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d2df4ac0c35c4db7a1de93e9dbef3cfb/kolorektalcancer3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d2df4ac0c35c4db7a1de93e9dbef3cfb/kolorektalcancer3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d2df4ac0c35c4db7a1de93e9dbef3cfb/kolorektalcancer3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d2df4ac0c35c4db7a1de93e9dbef3cfb/kolorektalcancer3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, with a favourable prognosis if detected early. Universal screening has been introduced throughout Sweden, meaning testing is offered to people aged 60–74 every two years.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Panuwat Dangsungnoen</span></div></div><p>Colorectal cancer is among the most common forms of cancer and has a good prognosis when detected at an early stage. Population-based screening has been implemented throughout Sweden and offers testing every two years to people aged 60 to 74. Stockholm and Gotland were among the first regions to introduce routine screening, launching their programme in 2008. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Umeå University have now followed participants for up to 14 years to investigate how screening affects the risk of death from the disease. The study included more than 376,000 individuals.</p><p>“Population-based screening is a public health initiative that affects a large number of people. It is therefore important to evaluate its effectiveness,” says Håkan Jonsson, researcher at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health at Umeå University and one of the scientists behind the study.</p><p>“A previous evaluation of the programme showed that people who received an invitation to screening had a 14 percent lower risk of dying from the disease. We can now show that the reduction in mortality is considerably greater among those who actually participate in the screening programme,” says Johannes Blom, senior consultant and associate professor at the Department of Clinical Research and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">One in three do not participate in screening</h2><p>The researchers compared individuals who were invited to screening between 2008 and 2012 with a control group that was either invited later or not invited at all. They used a statistical method to account for factors that can make the effect of screening difficult to estimate, including the fact that some people in the control group were later given the opportunity to participate and that some people who received invitations chose not to take part.</p><p>“Evaluating the effectiveness of screening can be challenging because of various sources of bias and the lack of individual-level data. In this study, the evaluation was planned from the outset by ensuring the availability of a control group and by collecting all the necessary individual-level data,” says Håkan Jonsson.</p><p>After accounting for these factors, receiving an invitation to screening was associated with a 26 percent lower risk of death from colorectal cancer, while active participation in screening was associated with a 43 percent lower risk of death.</p><p>“Although screening is offered free of charge and the test is simple to complete, around one-third of eligible individuals do not submit a sample. Our study highlights the importance of participating in colorectal cancer screening and shows that it can save lives,” says Johannes Blom.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="85aab3db-6ed5-449b-b030-e4719800efad" data-contentname="About the study">{}</div><p><em>This text was translated from Swedish using Microsoft Copilot. The text has been manually reviewed by the author prior to publication.</em></p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/screening-can-reduce-colorectal-cancer-mortality-by-more-than-40-percent_12183201/https://www.umu.se/en/news/northern-swedens-cancer-care-closer-to-international-quality-accreditation_12183076/Northern Sweden’s cancer care closer to international quality accreditationCancer care in northern Sweden has taken another important step towards an internationally recognised quality accreditation as a Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC). A few weeks ago, the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) gave the green light for the next phase of the process: an on-site review visit.Thu, 20 Aug 2026 08:07:48 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/2b6230d9932844d689ccb714d19d09ac/norrlands_universitetssjukhus_-_original_3652783.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2b6230d9932844d689ccb714d19d09ac/norrlands_universitetssjukhus_-_original_3652783.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2b6230d9932844d689ccb714d19d09ac/norrlands_universitetssjukhus_-_original_3652783.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/2b6230d9932844d689ccb714d19d09ac/norrlands_universitetssjukhus_-_original_3652783.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2b6230d9932844d689ccb714d19d09ac/norrlands_universitetssjukhus_-_original_3652783.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2b6230d9932844d689ccb714d19d09ac/norrlands_universitetssjukhus_-_original_3652783.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Since 2025, Region Västerbotten, Umeå University and the Northern Sweden Regional Cancer Centre have worked together within a joint organisational structure to advance cancer care, cancer research and cancer education.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Klas Sjöberg</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">The site visit is an important milestone on the road to accreditation</p><p>“The site visit is an important milestone on the road to accreditation. Throughout the autumn, we will continue our preparations, and staff and managers in the relevant units will receive more information about what to expect,” says Lotta Edvinsson, Director of Umeå Comprehensive Cancer Centre.</p><p>Since autumn 2025, Region Västerbotten, Umeå University and the Northern Sweden Regional Cancer Centre have worked together within a joint organisational structure to advance cancer care, cancer research and cancer education.</p><p>At the end of July, the organisation received confirmation that it had been approved to move on to the next stage of the process towards accreditation as Umeå Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Umeå CCC). This means that OECI’s review team will conduct an on-site visit at Norrland University Hospital in December. During the visit, the reviewers will meet representatives of the organisation and gain a deeper understanding of how care, research and education are integrated within the field of cancer.</p><p>“I am immensely proud of all the staff who contribute to this extensive and important process. Achieving Comprehensive Cancer Centre status is recognition of the high quality that characterises our organisation and of the strong collaboration between care, research and education. At the same time, it opens up new opportunities for development and collaboration at the regional, national and international levels,” says Pia Näsvall, Director of Health and Medical Services at Region Västerbotten.</p><p>CCC accreditation is an internationally recognised mark of quality, demonstrating that care, research and education are well integrated and meet high standards according to European criteria. The goal is to create the best possible conditions for cancer care and cancer research, with patients at the centre.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/northern-swedens-cancer-care-closer-to-international-quality-accreditation_12183076/https://www.umu.se/en/news/knowledge-alone-is-not-enough-many-outdoor-workers-remain-unprotected-against-tbe_12182925/Knowledge alone is not enough: Many outdoor workers remain unprotected against TBEAlthough most outdoor workers in Sweden have a positive attitude towards vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), many remain unvaccinated. A new study from Umeå University and the Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA) highlights the barriers preventing people from getting vaccinated.Fri, 21 Aug 2026 07:42:30 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/istock-5867181123.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/istock-5867181123.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/istock-5867181123.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/istock-5867181123.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/istock-5867181123.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/istock-5867181123.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Awareness of TBE is high and most outdoor workers see the value of vaccination, yet many remain unvaccinated. The findings suggest that practical barriers, such as cost and accessibility, may be just as important as knowledge in shaping vaccination decisions.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Teka77</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">Many outdoor workers recognize the value of TBE vaccination but still choose not to get vaccinated</p><p>“Many outdoor workers recognize the value of TBE vaccination but still choose not to get vaccinated. Our findings suggest that accessibility, cost and support from employers may be just as important as knowledge about the disease,” says Dr. Junwen Guo, Staff Scientist at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health at Umeå University.</p><p>TBE is a potentially serious disease transmitted by ticks. People working in forestry, agriculture, research, hunting and other outdoor occupations may be repeatedly exposed to tick bites.</p><p>A nationwide survey of 1,006 outdoor workers, conducted by Umeå University and the Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA), found that 77 percent had received at least one dose of a TBE vaccine, while almost 86 percent considered vaccination to be valuable.</p><p>Overall, knowledge about TBE vaccination was high. As many as 98.7 percent of participants were aware that TBE can be prevented through vaccination. Despite this, vaccination uptake lagged behind both knowledge and attitudes, with clear differences between occupational groups, socioeconomic groups and geographical regions.</p><p>The participants’ own comments help explain why. Some appeared to assess their personal risk based on whether they had encountered ticks or TBE in their everyday lives. One participant wrote:</p><p>“<em>Despite a lifetime of outdoor activities and outdoor work, I have never seen a tick on myself.</em>”</p><p>Others questioned the relevance of TBE in their area or seemed to have difficulty distinguishing between different tick-borne diseases that are transmitted by the same tick species. One respondent wrote:</p><p>“<em>TBE is not common in this area, whereas Lyme disease is</em>.”</p><p>These comments do not suggest that outdoor workers lack knowledge about TBE. Rather, they point to a more complex issue: people may not perceive their own risk as high enough to justify vaccination.</p><p>For some participants, practical barriers were the main concern. Comments highlighted difficulties in reaching vaccination clinics, scheduling appointments and keeping track of booster doses. One participant wrote:</p><p>“<em>My biggest barrier is having to travel into town to get vaccinated. It takes time and even parking is difficul</em>t.”</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareleft"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/jg_hihgh2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/jg_hihgh2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/jg_hihgh2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/jg_hihgh2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/jg_hihgh2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/jg_hihgh2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Junwen Guo, Staff Scientist at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health at Umeå University</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Natthaphon Sakulvanaporn (BangkokVDO). </span></div></div><p>Cost was another important factor. Nearly half of the respondents said they would be more likely to get vaccinated against TBE if the vaccine were less expensive or subsidized by their employer or public authorities.</p><p>Sweden already has systems in place to manage TBE risks in the workplace. Employers are expected to assess the risk of infection and offer vaccination when needed, and TBE vaccination is particularly recommended for people who work outdoors. However, not everyone who is frequently exposed to ticks is covered by these systems, including self-employed farmers, people who work outdoors part-time and hunters. This raises the question of whether current prevention efforts are reaching all high-risk groups.</p><p>The study also points to another challenge: the geographical expansion of TBE risk. Because vaccination must be given before infection occurs, delays can arise if new risk areas are only identified after an increase in human cases. As ticks and TBE continue to spread into new areas, it becomes increasingly important to identify high-risk individuals early enough for vaccination to provide protection. For outdoor workers, risk depends not only on where they live, but also on where and how often they spend time outdoors.</p><p>The findings raise an important question for TBE prevention:</p><p>“To stay ahead of the disease, we need to identify high-risk groups earlier and make vaccination more accessible. This requires both better tick and TBE surveillance,” says Junwen Guo.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/fasting_jens_rydell_johner2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/fasting_jens_rydell_johner2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/fasting_jens_rydell_johner2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/fasting_jens_rydell_johner2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/fasting_jens_rydell_johner2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bdde29ba879046ad8eea9f0028e78047/fasting_jens_rydell_johner2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection spread to humans through tick bites. The virus is transmitted almost instantly via the tick’s saliva when it bites. There is currently no cure for TBE, making vaccination the most effective way to protect yourself against the disease.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Jens Rydell, Johnér bildbyrå AB</span></div></div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/knowledge-alone-is-not-enough-many-outdoor-workers-remain-unprotected-against-tbe_12182925/https://www.umu.se/en/news/the-swedish-brain-foundation-invests-in-brainpower-in-umea_12182461/The Swedish Brain Foundation invests in brainpower in UmeåSeven research projects at Umeå University will receive a total of SEK 9 million in funding from the Swedish Brain Foundation, as part of its allocation of SEK 190 million to 122 research projects across Sweden.Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:08:55 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/39f10a3863dd49c888157e4c903bb7c4/10174693-brain-disease-therapy_beskuren3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/39f10a3863dd49c888157e4c903bb7c4/10174693-brain-disease-therapy_beskuren3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/39f10a3863dd49c888157e4c903bb7c4/10174693-brain-disease-therapy_beskuren3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/39f10a3863dd49c888157e4c903bb7c4/10174693-brain-disease-therapy_beskuren3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/39f10a3863dd49c888157e4c903bb7c4/10174693-brain-disease-therapy_beskuren3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/39f10a3863dd49c888157e4c903bb7c4/10174693-brain-disease-therapy_beskuren3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The seven projects receiving funding from the Swedish Brain Foundation cover a broad range of key areas within brain research.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mostphotos</span></div></div><p>Both the amount awarded to Umeå University and the university’s share of the national funding, 4.7 percent, are higher than in previous years.</p><p>“The Swedish Brain Foundation’s investment of SEK 9 million in research at Umeå University is a clear recognition of the high quality of our brain research. The increase in our share of national funding also shows that our researchers are highly competitive. These grants provide greater opportunities to develop knowledge that can contribute to future diagnostics and treatments for brain disorders,” says Katrine Riklund, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Umeå University.</p><p>The funded projects cover several important areas of brain research. Among other topics, researchers are investigating the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer’s disease, the brain’s own maintenance processes, and how tick-borne viruses enter the brain.</p><p>This year’s funding allocation from the Swedish Brain Foundation is the largest to date. A total of SEK 190 million is being awarded, nearly SEK 40 million more than last year. The funding is made possible through donations from the public.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Research projects at Umeå University receiving funding</h2><p><strong>Anna Överby Wernstedt, Department of Clinical Microbiology</strong><br>Project: <em>Mapping the Tick-Borne Virus’s Route into the Brain: Can We Stop It?</em><br>Research area: Brain function</p><p><strong>Changchun Chen, Department of Molecular Biology</strong><br>Project: <em>Regulation of Neuronal Proteostasis by Glial Nuclear Hormone Receptors</em><br>Research area: ALS, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders</p><p><strong>Karin Forsberg, Department of Clinical Science</strong><br>Project: <em>Understanding and Stopping ALS: From Misfolded Proteins to Future Treatments</em><br>Research area: ALS, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders</p><p><strong>Michael Dimitriou, Department of Medical and Translational Biology</strong><br>Project: <em>Sensorimotor Aging: Changes in Proprioceptive Signalling, Reflex Connectivity and Motor Function</em><br>Research area: Brain function</p><p><strong>Nina Karalija, Department of Medical and Translational Biology</strong><br>Project: <em>Age-Related Dopamine Loss: A Risk Factor for Future Dementia Pathology?</em><br>Research area: Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and other dementias</p><p><strong>Hugo Lövheim, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation</strong><br>Project: <em>Shingles, Cold Sores, Genes and Dementia: The Role of Neurotropic Herpesviruses in the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease</em><br>Research area: Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and other dementias</p><p><strong>Anders Wåhlin, Department of Applied Physics and Electronics</strong><br>Project: <em>Imaging the Brain’s Maintenance Mechanisms: CSF–ISF Exchange and Vascular Drivers</em><br>Research area: Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and other dementias</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/the-swedish-brain-foundation-invests-in-brainpower-in-umea_12182461/https://www.umu.se/en/news/high-risk-groups-forgo-vaccination-despite-it-being-free_12181961/High-risk groups forgot vaccination despite it being freeAlthough influenza and COVID-19 vaccination are offered free of charge to people at increased risk of severe illness, many still choose not to get vaccinated. A new study from Umeå University shows that the main barriers are not financial or related to distance from vaccination services. Instead, those most likely to forgo vaccination were younger individuals, men, smokers, and people with reduced independence.Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:41:10 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b5ed6ed31a7a4612b0f1d274a902e9a7/sca27202_kopiera_johner3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b5ed6ed31a7a4612b0f1d274a902e9a7/sca27202_kopiera_johner3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b5ed6ed31a7a4612b0f1d274a902e9a7/sca27202_kopiera_johner3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b5ed6ed31a7a4612b0f1d274a902e9a7/sca27202_kopiera_johner3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b5ed6ed31a7a4612b0f1d274a902e9a7/sca27202_kopiera_johner3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b5ed6ed31a7a4612b0f1d274a902e9a7/sca27202_kopiera_johner3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Although influenza and COVID-19 vaccination are offered free of charge to people at increased risk of severe illness, many still choose not to get vaccinated.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Johnér bildbyrå</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">We were surprised to find that where people live played such a small role</p><p>“We were surprised to find that where people live played such a small role. This means we need to target our efforts more towards the groups that continue to opt out of vaccination,” says Urban Johansson Kostenniemi, infectious disease physician and researcher at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University.</p><p>Influenza and COVID-19 continue to cause substantial illness and mortality among older adults and people with chronic diseases. Vaccination is therefore recommended for individuals in medical risk groups and is provided free of charge in Sweden.</p><p>In the study, researchers investigated factors influencing vaccination uptake among high-risk groups in northern Sweden. A total of 600 adult patients from University Hospital of Umeå were included, of whom 450 were recommended vaccination against both influenza and COVID-19.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b5ed6ed31a7a4612b0f1d274a902e9a7/johansson_kostenniemi_urban_5678_221012_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b5ed6ed31a7a4612b0f1d274a902e9a7/johansson_kostenniemi_urban_5678_221012_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b5ed6ed31a7a4612b0f1d274a902e9a7/johansson_kostenniemi_urban_5678_221012_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/b5ed6ed31a7a4612b0f1d274a902e9a7/johansson_kostenniemi_urban_5678_221012_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b5ed6ed31a7a4612b0f1d274a902e9a7/johansson_kostenniemi_urban_5678_221012_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b5ed6ed31a7a4612b0f1d274a902e9a7/johansson_kostenniemi_urban_5678_221012_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Urban Johansson Kostenniemi, infectious disease physician and researcher at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p>Among those who were recommended vaccination, uptake was 52 percent for influenza and 54 percent for COVID-19, somewhat lower than the average in Västerbotten County. Those most likely to forgo vaccination were younger individuals within the risk groups, men, smokers, and people who required assistance with everyday activities from home care services. Surprisingly, characteristics of the local environment played only a minor role. Differences in educational attainment, economic conditions, and geographic location were not associated with vaccination uptake to any substantial extent.</p><p>“We were also surprised that people with multiple health conditions were not vaccinated more frequently than those with only one risk factor. This suggests that many people are unaware of how the overall risk increases when several medical conditions occur at the same time,” says Urban Johansson Kostenniemi.</p><p>The study is based on patient interviews, medical record data, and information from national registers. Researchers examined both individual and societal factors to gain a more comprehensive understanding of what influences vaccination decisions.</p><p>The findings may help improve the targeting of future vaccination efforts. Suggested measures include clearer information for high-risk groups, particularly for people living with multiple health conditions who face an especially high risk of severe disease, as well as opportunities to receive multiple vaccinations during the same healthcare visit.</p><p>“If we can increase awareness of risk among the most vulnerable groups while also making vaccination as convenient as possible, there is great potential to improve protection against serious illness,” says Urban Johansson Kostenniemi.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/high-risk-groups-forgo-vaccination-despite-it-being-free_12181961/https://www.umu.se/en/news/they-buzz-bite-and-spread-disease--but-mosquitoes-are-essential-to-nature_12181232/They buzz, bite, and spread disease – but mosquitoes are essential to natureHundreds of billions of mosquitoes may exist in Sweden. Right now, one of them may even be circling your head as you try to fall asleep on a summer night. Mosquitoes are notorious for their itchy bites and for the diseases some species can transmit. Yet they also play an important role in nature: they pollinate plants, provide food for countless animals, and help keep ecosystems functioning.Sat, 18 Jul 2026 09:42:45 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/ima1857103.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/ima1857103.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/ima1857103.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/ima1857103.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/ima1857103.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/ima1857103.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>For many people, mosquitoes and biting midges are the greatest nuisance of summer. Yet they are also an important part of ecosystems and can provide researchers with valuable clues about how infectious diseases spread.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mikael Svensson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">More than 2,500 mosquito species are found in Sweden</p><p>More than 2,500 mosquito species are found in Sweden. Most belong to groups such as non-biting midges and fungus gnats, which do not bite humans at all. Around 50 species are biting mosquitoes, and it is the females that seek blood meals because they need protein for egg development.</p><p>The most common group of biting mosquitoes in Sweden is the woodland mosquitoes (<em>Aedes</em> and <em>Ochlerotatus</em>). They are most active at dusk and dawn, particularly around Midsummer. Other mosquito groups include malaria mosquitoes (<em>Anopheles</em>), house mosquitoes (<em>Culex</em>), which thrive close to humans, and floodwater mosquitoes (such as <em>Aedes</em> <em>vexans</em> and <em>Aedes</em> <em>sticticus</em>).</p><p>Floodwater mosquitoes are nature’s opportunists. They wait patiently as eggs in the soil until flooding occurs. When it does, they hatch in huge numbers, and within a short time an area can become swarming with millions of hungry mosquitoes.</p><p>Mosquitoes are important vectors of viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can cause disease in both humans and animals. In Sweden, however, we are largely spared from serious diseases transmitted by biting mosquitoes.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Malaria disappeared from Sweden</h2><p>Malaria was once a major public health problem in Sweden, but the disease disappeared as recently as the 1930s. Exactly why is not fully understood, but several societal changes are believed to have played a crucial role.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/bushell-labb2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/bushell-labb2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/bushell-labb2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/bushell-labb2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/bushell-labb2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/bushell-labb2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Ellen Bushell's fascination with the malaria parasite began early. While studying for her master's degree at Imperial College London, she saw the parasite under a microscope for the first time.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Johan Gunseus</span></div></div><p>“Malaria did not disappear for a single reason. Better housing, reduced overcrowding, changes in the landscape, including the loss of wetlands, and increasing urbanization all reduced contact between people and mosquitoes, gradually breaking the chain of transmission,” says Ellen Bushell, researcher at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>Seven mosquito species in Sweden are still capable of transmitting malaria, but researchers consider the risk of the disease becoming established again to be very low. In addition to requiring sustained transmission among humans, the most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, needs a much warmer climate than Sweden currently has.</p><p>“Today, we have both the knowledge and the tools needed to detect and control malaria. That makes it unlikely that the disease could become established in Sweden again,” says Ellen Bushell.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/anopheles_gambiae_mosquito_feeding_1354.p_lores2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/anopheles_gambiae_mosquito_feeding_1354.p_lores2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/anopheles_gambiae_mosquito_feeding_1354.p_lores2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/anopheles_gambiae_mosquito_feeding_1354.p_lores2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/anopheles_gambiae_mosquito_feeding_1354.p_lores2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/anopheles_gambiae_mosquito_feeding_1354.p_lores2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Despite malaria no longer being transmitted in Sweden, seven species of malaria mosquitoes are still found in the country. However, African species such as <em>Anopheles gambiae</em> are absent. This mosquito is the most important malaria vector in regions south of the Sahara.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Wikimedia/James Gathany</span></div></div><p>At Umeå University, researchers conduct internationally recognised malaria research. By studying <em>Plasmodium</em> parasites at the molecular and genetic levels, they aim to understand how the disease develops and spreads. Researchers also investigate the interaction between the parasite and the mosquitoes that transmit it. By mapping the mosquito immune system, they have gained new insights into why some mosquitoes can carry and spread malaria while others are able to fight off the parasite.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes</h2><p>Although malaria no longer occurs in Sweden, mosquitoes can still spread diseases such as Ockelbo disease, also known as Sindbis fever.</p><p>Researchers have mapped how Ockelbo disease circulates among its hosts – birds, mosquitoes, and humans. Professor Magnus Evander and colleagues at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University have shown that the northern house mosquito (<em>Culex torrentium</em>) is particularly efficient at transmitting Sindbis virus, the pathogen that causes the disease.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/culex_torrentium_stor4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/culex_torrentium_stor4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/culex_torrentium_stor4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/culex_torrentium_stor4.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/culex_torrentium_stor4.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/culex_torrentium_stor4.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The northern house mosquito (<em>Culex torrentium</em>) thrives close to humans and can transmit Ockelbo disease (Sindbis fever) and potentially West Nile virus.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Anders Lindström/SVA</span></div></div><p>Professor and senior consultant Anders Sjöstedt at the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, has studied tularemia for many years. During the popular science event <em>Fika efter en forskare</em>, he explained how mosquitoes, especially woodland mosquitoes, can play an important role in disease transmission.</p><p>“Mosquitoes begin life as larvae in water, and tularemia bacteria can infect the larvae. When the mosquitoes develop into adults, they can pass the infection on to humans through their bites. The disease often causes flu-like symptoms, fever, and swollen lymph nodes,” says Anders Sjöstedt.</p><p>Despite being relatively unknown internationally, tularemia is most common in Sweden and Finland, although the number of cases varies considerably from year to year.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">A warmer climate may bring new mosquito species</h2><p>Although tropical mosquito-borne diseases remain rare in Sweden, climate change and growing international mobility have made the issue increasingly relevant.</p><p>In 2023, the Asian tiger mosquito (<em>Aedes albopictus</em>) was detected in southern Sweden. This mosquito is of particular concern because it can transmit diseases including dengue fever and Zika virus infection. According to the National Veterinary Institute (SVA), all detected individuals were believed to have been collected before they could establish or spread further.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/wesula_lwande_olivia_4610_221103_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/wesula_lwande_olivia_4610_221103_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/wesula_lwande_olivia_4610_221103_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/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/wesula_lwande_olivia_4610_221103_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/wesula_lwande_olivia_4610_221103_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/wesula_lwande_olivia_4610_221103_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Originally from Kenya, Olivia Wesula Lwande came to Umeå as a postdoctoral researcher. Today, she studies mosquito-borne viruses that can emerge in new parts of the world.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>West Nile virus has caused outbreaks in several European countries in recent years. Researchers are therefore monitoring closely how both mosquitoes and the pathogens they carry are expanding into new areas.</p><p>“Research on viruses that can spread between animals and humans is important because it helps us detect and prevent future disease outbreaks,” says Olivia Wesula Lwande, researcher at the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University.</p><p>Her research focuses on whether Swedish mosquitoes could transmit pathogens that are not yet established in the country, including West Nile virus. The virus naturally circulates among birds but can, under certain circumstances, also infect humans. She is currently studying virus infections in both mosquitoes and birds in Sweden and is experimentally investigating whether wild-caught Swedish <em>Culex</em> mosquitoes could act as vectors.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/mosquito_course_2022_-482.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/mosquito_course_2022_-482.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/mosquito_course_2022_-482.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/mosquito_course_2022_-482.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/mosquito_course_2022_-482.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/eb3dfb2bb78e44f4ae312b3da1f53897/mosquito_course_2022_-482.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>West Nile virus is spread primarily by house mosquitoes. In Sweden, the northern house mosquito (<em>Culex torrentium</em>) is of particular interest to study because it is considered a potentially efficient vector of the virus.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Kristoffer Ahlm</span></div></div><p>At the same time as researchers work to understand and prevent mosquito-borne diseases, it is worth remembering one important fact: nature also depends on the species we would most like to be without.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/they-buzz-bite-and-spread-disease--but-mosquitoes-are-essential-to-nature_12181232/https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-funding-for-targeted-treatment-of-epsteinbarr-virus-cancers_12181188/New funding for targeted treatment of Epstein–Barr virus cancersA Umeå University life science innovation project receives proof-of-concept funding from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and SciLifeLab. The aim is to develop and validate a molecule that can selectively switch off Epstein–Barr virus genes in cancer cells, potentially paving the way for new treatments for EBV-driven brain lymphoma.Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:09:10 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/4f1e74f9aa2c49679f45a9f59c72c3a3/sjoerd_wanrooij_labb_2020_230217_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/4f1e74f9aa2c49679f45a9f59c72c3a3/sjoerd_wanrooij_labb_2020_230217_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/4f1e74f9aa2c49679f45a9f59c72c3a3/sjoerd_wanrooij_labb_2020_230217_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/4f1e74f9aa2c49679f45a9f59c72c3a3/sjoerd_wanrooij_labb_2020_230217_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/4f1e74f9aa2c49679f45a9f59c72c3a3/sjoerd_wanrooij_labb_2020_230217_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/4f1e74f9aa2c49679f45a9f59c72c3a3/sjoerd_wanrooij_labb_2020_230217_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Shoerd Wanrooij and his collegues receive funding for the project "A Precision DNA-Based Tool to Switch Off Epstein–Barr Virus Genes in Brain Lymphoma".</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">It is fantastic to see this work recognized!</p><p>It is fantastic to see this work recognized!,” says Sjoerd Wanrooij, Associate Professor at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University.</p><p>The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infects most people at some point in their lives and usually remains harmless. However, the virus contributes to around 300,000 new cancer cases worldwide each year and approximately 170,000 deaths, including several types of lymphoma as well as stomach and nasopharyngeal cancers. Despite its major impact on global health, there are currently no treatments that specifically target EBV-associated cancers.</p><p>The funding call was highly competitive, with a success rate of just 6 percent. The two-year project brings together the expertise of Professor Sjoerd Wanrooij's research group and Associate Professor Erik Chorell's group at Umeå University, in collaboration with Ka-Wei Tang, Senior Lecturer in Infectious Diseases at the University of Gothenburg.</p><p class="quote-center">Most current cancer drugs act on proteins. This new strategy works one step earlier, directly on viral DNA.</p><p>Most current cancer drugs act on proteins. This new strategy works one step earlier, directly on viral DNA. The research aims to develop a molecule that can selectively switch off cancer-promoting Epstein–Barr virus genes in a form of brain lymphoma while leaving human host cell DNA untouched. By targeting the virus at the genetic level, the researchers hope to establish the basis for a new treatment strategy.</p><p>“The molecule combines a DNA guide with a chemical fragment to selectively switch off genes in the Epstein–Barr virus without affecting healthy human DNA. This level of selectivity has been missing in previous approaches and is what makes the strategy unique,” explains Sjoerd Wanrooij.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/4f1e74f9aa2c49679f45a9f59c72c3a3/alva_abrahamsson_1499_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/4f1e74f9aa2c49679f45a9f59c72c3a3/alva_abrahamsson_1499_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/4f1e74f9aa2c49679f45a9f59c72c3a3/alva_abrahamsson_1499_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/4f1e74f9aa2c49679f45a9f59c72c3a3/alva_abrahamsson_1499_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/4f1e74f9aa2c49679f45a9f59c72c3a3/alva_abrahamsson_1499_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/4f1e74f9aa2c49679f45a9f59c72c3a3/alva_abrahamsson_1499_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p> Alva Abrahamsson, a PhD student in the Department of Chemistry, is one of the early-career researchers whose work contributed to the preliminary findings that laid the foundation for the newly awarded research grant.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p>Much of the preliminary data that made this grant possible came from three early-career researchers who collaborated across three research groups, largely on their own initiative.</p><p>“Their positive energy and dedication were instrumental in building the collaboration and bringing the project to this stage,” says Sjoerd Wanrooij.</p><p>PhD student Alva Abrahamsson refined the chemistry that transformed the original concept into a functional molecule. PhD student Isak Holmqvist demonstrated that Epstein–Barr virus DNA structures can be targeted by this type of molecule in cells. Postdoctoral fellow Namrata Chaudhari developed the two-part design that confers the molecule's selectivity.</p><p>Proof-of-concept funding is designed to help researchers take the crucial step from a promising scientific discovery to a potential product, method, or treatment that can be used in society. In simple terms, it seeks to answer the question: "Can this research idea actually work in practice?"</p><p>If successful, the project could lay the foundation for an entirely new class of antiviral cancer therapies that target cancer-causing viruses at their genetic source.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-funding-for-targeted-treatment-of-epsteinbarr-virus-cancers_12181188/https://www.umu.se/en/news/disturbed-antioxidant-balance-linked-to-the-development-of-hereditary-attr-amyloidosis_12181170/Disrupted antioxidant balance linked to the development of “Skellefteå disease”Researchers at Umeå University have identified changes in the body’s major antioxidant systems in patients with hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis. The findings support the hypothesis that oxidative stress contributes to disease development and also identify new biomarkers that may help detect individuals at increased risk of developing the disease. The results have been published in the journal Biomarker Research.Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:50:33 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/3d901a6d7e40436a91c35d1e4e70c345/anders_olofssons_grupp3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/3d901a6d7e40436a91c35d1e4e70c345/anders_olofssons_grupp3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/3d901a6d7e40436a91c35d1e4e70c345/anders_olofssons_grupp3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/3d901a6d7e40436a91c35d1e4e70c345/anders_olofssons_grupp3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/3d901a6d7e40436a91c35d1e4e70c345/anders_olofssons_grupp3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/3d901a6d7e40436a91c35d1e4e70c345/anders_olofssons_grupp3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Researchers at Umeå University have identified changes in the body’s major antioxidant systems in patients with hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis. From left Anushree Bachhar, Melisnur Sahin, Intissar Anan och Anders Olofsson. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Umeå university</span></div></div><p>ATTR amyloidosis is a serious and progressive disease in which the protein transthyretin, TTR, misfolds and forms amyloid deposits in the body’s tissues. These deposits can damage the nerves, heart, gastrointestinal tract and other organs. In northern Sweden, the disease is relatively common because of the hereditary TTR-Val30Met mutation, which has given rise to the name “Skellefteå disease”.</p><p>Although the genetic cause has been known for many years, it remains unclear why some mutation carriers develop the disease early, others later in life, and some not at all.</p><p>In the current study, the researchers investigated whether the body’s redox balance - the balance between oxidising and reducing processes - may play an important role in disease development. Attention was given to glutathione, GSH, which is one of the body’s most important defenses against oxidative stress.</p><p>The results showed that patients with clinically manifest ATTR amyloidosis had markedly elevated levels of pyroglutamate, PGA, a marker that reflects glutathione metabolism. The researchers also found signs of increased activity of the enzyme IDO1, which is associated with inflammation. Taken together, the findings indicate that disrupted antioxidant balance and inflammatory activation are closely linked to disease development.</p><p>“Our results support a model in which the genetic TTR variant is not the only factor that determines whether and when the disease develops. The body’s ability to maintain a functional redox balance may also be important,” says Anders Olofsson, Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University, who led the study.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">New biomarkers may identify individuals at risk</h2><p>The findings have also enabled the development of a biomarker model based on PGA and the inflammatory marker IDO1. The model can identify individuals at increased risk of developing the disease with an accuracy of approximately 80 percent in women and close to 90 percent in men.</p><p>The results raise the possibility of identifying mutation carriers who are approaching the onset of symptoms and introducing appropriate preventive measures before tissue damage becomes permanent.</p><p>“These biomarkers could become a valuable complement to the clinical monitoring of individuals with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis,” says the study’s first author, Anushree Bachhar, a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">May pave the way for new treatment strategies</h2><p>The findings also strengthen the hypothesis that oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to the disease process. This raises the question of whether treatments that affect the body’s antioxidant defences could slow or delay disease development.</p><p>However, the researchers emphasise that the current study does not demonstrate that antioxidant treatment is effective in ATTR amyloidosis. Clinical studies in which the effects of different interventions are monitored over time will be required to investigate this possibility. Work to initiate such studies is ongoing and is considered a high priority.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/disturbed-antioxidant-balance-linked-to-the-development-of-hereditary-attr-amyloidosis_12181170/https://www.umu.se/en/news/five-questions-about-the-virus-that-still-frightens-the-world_12181029/Five questions about the virus that still frightens the worldHow dangerous is the Ebola virus, and how great is the risk of it spreading beyond Africa? We asked Professor Niklas Arnberg at Umeå University to answer five questions about one of the world’s most feared viruses.Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:48:20 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/578e9733e7b44a57adc538704149b070/doctor_ebola_flickr3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/578e9733e7b44a57adc538704149b070/doctor_ebola_flickr3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/578e9733e7b44a57adc538704149b070/doctor_ebola_flickr3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/578e9733e7b44a57adc538704149b070/doctor_ebola_flickr3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/578e9733e7b44a57adc538704149b070/doctor_ebola_flickr3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/578e9733e7b44a57adc538704149b070/doctor_ebola_flickr3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p> The image shows staff from Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF) transporting the body of a deceased person at an Ebola treatment centre.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>AFP/Getty Images</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">Ebola is once again causing concern in Africa</p><p>Ebola is once again causing concern in Africa. A major outbreak – caused by the Bundibugyo virus – is currently ongoing in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and has also spread to Uganda. At the same time, researchers and healthcare professionals are working intensively to contain the outbreak and develop better methods for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">What makes the Ebola virus so dangerous compared with many other viruses?</h2><p>“Ebola causes a ‘typical’ flu-like illness and diarrhoea, often accompanied by high fever and severe aches and pains. What makes the virus particularly dangerous, however, is that it also attacks blood vessels in various organs, leading to the characteristic bleeding from body openings that is often seen in images of Ebola patients, as well as tissue and organ damage.”</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">What are the biggest challenges for healthcare systems when trying to stop an Ebola outbreak?</h2><p>“The first challenge is providing the intensive care needed by those who become seriously ill. The second is preventing further transmission, including protecting healthcare workers themselves from infection.”</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/578e9733e7b44a57adc538704149b070/arnberg_niklas_3979_210922_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/578e9733e7b44a57adc538704149b070/arnberg_niklas_3979_210922_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/578e9733e7b44a57adc538704149b070/arnberg_niklas_3979_210922_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/578e9733e7b44a57adc538704149b070/arnberg_niklas_3979_210922_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/578e9733e7b44a57adc538704149b070/arnberg_niklas_3979_210922_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/578e9733e7b44a57adc538704149b070/arnberg_niklas_3979_210922_mpn2.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 professor of virology at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå Univeristy.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">How great is the risk that an outbreak in Central Africa could spread to Europe or Sweden?</h2><p>“The risk is very low. There may be occasional imported cases, but I consider the risk of sustained person-to-person transmission in Sweden to be extremely small.”</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">What progress has research made in recent years regarding Ebola vaccines and treatments?</h2><p>“Vaccines have been developed against all Ebola virus species except the one currently spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Efforts are now underway to develop a vaccine against the current Bundibugyo variant as well.”</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">What questions does research still need to answer to better prevent future Ebola outbreaks?</h2><p>“Following the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is better prepared to deal with new Ebola outbreaks. However, we still lack effective antiviral drugs, which highlights the importance of continued basic research. Greater knowledge about Ebola viruses can lead to improved diagnostics, new treatments, and even more effective vaccines.”</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/five-questions-about-the-virus-that-still-frightens-the-world_12181029/https://www.umu.se/en/news/pain-rehabilitation-in-primary-care-can-reduce-healthcare-needs_12181012/<description>A new doctoral thesis from Umeå University shows that pain rehabilitation in primary care can improve health outcomes, reduce the need for healthcare services, and help more people return to work. When several healthcare professions collaborate around the patient, the treatment also becomes more cost-effective than traditional care based on isolated interventions.</description><pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:14:01 +0200</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b8f22265a9414fde983de2211280c067/fysioterapeut_hjalper_patient_med_ryggsmarta_johner3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b8f22265a9414fde983de2211280c067/fysioterapeut_hjalper_patient_med_ryggsmarta_johner3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b8f22265a9414fde983de2211280c067/fysioterapeut_hjalper_patient_med_ryggsmarta_johner3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b8f22265a9414fde983de2211280c067/fysioterapeut_hjalper_patient_med_ryggsmarta_johner3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b8f22265a9414fde983de2211280c067/fysioterapeut_hjalper_patient_med_ryggsmarta_johner3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b8f22265a9414fde983de2211280c067/fysioterapeut_hjalper_patient_med_ryggsmarta_johner3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Physiotherapist help male patient with backache.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Johnér</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">Long-term musculoskeletal pain is a common and costly public health problem</p><p>Long-term musculoskeletal pain is a common and costly public health problem. Many patients seek help in primary care, and the need for effective treatment methods is substantial. The new research shows that interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programmes – where different healthcare professionals work together – can be an important part of the solution.</p><p>The findings show that both sick leave and the need for future healthcare decrease following rehabilitation. The reduction is particularly evident in visits to general practitioners and physiotherapists. This not only improves patients’ quality of life but also enables healthcare resources to be used more efficiently.</p><p>At the same time, the study indicates that it is not only medical needs that determine the level of care patients receive. Socioeconomic factors such as education, obesity, and gender appear to play a significant role in whether a patient is offered rehabilitation in primary care or specialist care.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b8f22265a9414fde983de2211280c067/eklund_katarina_0388_hhouykn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b8f22265a9414fde983de2211280c067/eklund_katarina_0388_hhouykn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b8f22265a9414fde983de2211280c067/eklund_katarina_0388_hhouykn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b8f22265a9414fde983de2211280c067/eklund_katarina_0388_hhouykn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b8f22265a9414fde983de2211280c067/eklund_katarina_0388_hhouykn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b8f22265a9414fde983de2211280c067/eklund_katarina_0388_hhouykn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Katarina Eklund, Physician and previous PhD student at the Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umeå University</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p>“There is therefore a need for clearer clinical guidelines to ensure more equitable healthcare and better access to evidence-based rehabilitation,” says Katarina Eklund, physician and previous PhD student at the Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation at Umeå University.</p><p>The thesis also highlights the importance of a holistic perspective in which biological, psychological, and social factors are taken into account. Early interventions are emphasized as crucial for reducing both individual suffering and societal costs.</p><p>The results are based on four sub-studies combining patient-reported data, registry data, and health economic analyses. By following patients’ health and healthcare utilization before and after rehabilitation, the research was able to demonstrate both the medical and economic effects of the treatment.</p><p>Katarina Eklund defended her doctoral thesis at Umeå University on 28 May.</p></atom:content><link>https://www.umu.se/en/news/pain-rehabilitation-in-primary-care-can-reduce-healthcare-needs_12181012/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/study-from-umea-paves-the-way-for-a-new-drug-against-metastatic-prostate-cancer_12180958/"><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.umu.se/en/news/study-from-umea-paves-the-way-for-a-new-drug-against-metastatic-prostate-cancer_12180958/</guid><title>Study from Umeå paves the way for a new drug against metastatic prostate cancerA new cancer drug may be able to inhibit both tumour growth and the spread of aggressive prostate cancer. This is shown in a study conducted by researchers at Umeå University together with international collaborators, published in the scientific journal Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:25:06 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/c1c88302e6dd49d997e49fdd92fbf71c/pipettering_i_testror3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c1c88302e6dd49d997e49fdd92fbf71c/pipettering_i_testror3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c1c88302e6dd49d997e49fdd92fbf71c/pipettering_i_testror3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/c1c88302e6dd49d997e49fdd92fbf71c/pipettering_i_testror3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c1c88302e6dd49d997e49fdd92fbf71c/pipettering_i_testror3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c1c88302e6dd49d997e49fdd92fbf71c/pipettering_i_testror3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>A new cancer drug may be able to inhibit both tumour growth and the spread of aggressive prostate cancer. The drug is carefully pipetted into test tubes to investigate its effects across a range of concentrations.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Umeå University</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">The new drug has been developed to prevent metastasis</p><p>“The new drug has been developed to prevent metastasis, and we are very pleased and proud that we have been able to identify the mechanisms that drive cancer cell growth, invasiveness, and metastatic spread,” says Maréne Landström, Professor of Pathology at the Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, who led the study.</p><p>Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. In most cases, the tumour grows slowly and is not life-threatening. However, in some patients the disease develops into an aggressive form that spreads to other parts of the body, primarily the lymph nodes and bones.</p><p>The researchers, led by Maréne Landström, have developed a fully human antibody. This means that it is composed entirely of human proteins, making it suitable for use as a therapeutic drug. In preclinical studies, the antibody successfully halted both tumour growth and metastasis in an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The new treatment works through a novel mechanism of action, leading researchers to believe that the risk of side effects may also be reduced.</p><p>The results demonstrate that the treatment performs as intended, marking an important milestone in the development of a new drug for future patients.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/c1c88302e6dd49d997e49fdd92fbf71c/landstrom_marene_7882_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c1c88302e6dd49d997e49fdd92fbf71c/landstrom_marene_7882_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c1c88302e6dd49d997e49fdd92fbf71c/landstrom_marene_7882_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/c1c88302e6dd49d997e49fdd92fbf71c/landstrom_marene_7882_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c1c88302e6dd49d997e49fdd92fbf71c/landstrom_marene_7882_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c1c88302e6dd49d997e49fdd92fbf71c/landstrom_marene_7882_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Maréne Landström is senior consultant (attending) physician and Professor of Pathology at the Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p>“This is a promising step forward, but several important stages remain before the treatment can benefit patients. We still need to conduct additional safety studies, and the treatment must be approved by regulatory authorities in Europe or the United States,” says Maréne Landström.</p><p>The driving force behind this research is the ambition to improve the prognosis and quality of life for men with advanced prostate cancer. The current study has been ongoing for several years and, according to Maréne Landström, its success is the result of contributions from many individuals and organizations.</p><p>An important part of the project has been the collaboration with drug development experts at the SciLifeLab Drug Discovery and Development Platform, who contributed to the development of the antibody on which the study is based.</p><p>The project has also received support from the Umeå Biotech Incubator at Umeå University. In addition, funding from MetaCurUm Biotech AB, a biotechnology company based in Umeå, has been crucial for the development and testing of the new treatment.</p><p>“The next step is to investigate whether this treatment can also be used against other types of solid tumours. We hope that our work will ultimately contribute to the development of a new cancer drug that can benefit patients,” says Maréne Landström.</p><p>The study was funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW), the Erling Persson Foundation, the Kempe Foundations, the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Cancer Society, ALF funding, the Swedish Prostate Cancer Federation, the Cancer Research Foundation in Northern Sweden, and the Faculty of Medicine at Umeå University.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/study-from-umea-paves-the-way-for-a-new-drug-against-metastatic-prostate-cancer_12180958/https://www.umu.se/en/news/hybrid-work-improves-the-work-experience--particularly-for-women_12180560/Hybrid work improves the work experience – particularly for womenThe transition to hybrid work has improved the psychosocial work environment among white-collar employees, according to new research from Umeå University. Positive effects include more accessible leadership, greater autonomy over work tasks, and an increased ability to complete work within regular working hours.Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:00:05 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"></div><div class="bildText"><p>Caroline Corneliusson, doctoral student at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p>“Many organisations offer employees the opportunity to work remotely, but the debate remains active and there is still a lack of research-based guidance on how hybrid work should best be designed. We hope that our findings will support organisations in continuing to develop effective hybrid work arrangements,” says Caroline Corneliusson, doctoral student at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health at Umeå University.</p><p>Hybrid work – combining office-based and remote work – has become increasingly common following the COVID-19 pandemic, but there has been a lack of studies tracking its effects over a longer period of time. The present study is based on survey responses collected in 2017 and 2023 from white-collar employees in a medium-sized Swedish municipality.</p><p>The results show that the overall work experience improved after hybrid work was introduced. The most notable improvements concerned workplace satisfaction, employees’ ability to influence and organise their work, and their sense of being able to complete work tasks during regular working hours. Employees also reported that their immediate manager was more accessible than before.</p><p>“The study was conducted in an organisation with a relatively high level of digital maturity, where all employees were provided with the equipment they needed for their home offices. Interviews carried out within the same organisation indicate that employees find it easier to reach their managers through the various digital communication channels now available,” says Caroline Corneliusson.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Differences between men and women</h2><p>At the same time, the study found that the improvement was not evenly distributed between women and men. Women reported an improved work experience, while no corresponding change was observed among men.</p><p>“This is interesting, but our sample included relatively few men, and there are several other factors that may influence the work experience,” says Caroline Corneliusson.</p><p>The study contributes much-needed knowledge about how hybrid work affects the work environment over time. The results are consistent with previous research suggesting that hybrid work can benefit both employees and employers. This appears to be particularly true in organisations with favourable conditions, such as high digital maturity and well-established flexible working practices.</p><p>“Hybrid work may be a sustainable solution for the future of working life, but more research is needed to understand why the effects differ between groups,” says Caroline Corneliusson.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="024274e5-01f2-4729-9d69-09befc99c24c" data-contentname="About">{}</div><p><em>This article was translated from Swedish with Microsoft Copilot. It has been manually reviewed by the author.</em></p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/hybrid-work-improves-the-work-experience--particularly-for-women_12180560/https://www.umu.se/en/news/fewer-behavioral-problems-among-three-year-olds-who-received-iron-supplementation-as-infants_12180551/<description>Healthy, breastfed infants who receive iron supplementation show fewer aggressive behaviors at the age of three compared with children who did not receive supplementation. This is shown in new research from Umeå University. However, more research is needed before iron supplementation can potentially be recommended for all infants.</description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:36:36 +0200</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/61a10e3d8014424fa7fdd7df83cf7532/ima2200033.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/61a10e3d8014424fa7fdd7df83cf7532/ima2200033.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/61a10e3d8014424fa7fdd7df83cf7532/ima2200033.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/61a10e3d8014424fa7fdd7df83cf7532/ima2200033.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/61a10e3d8014424fa7fdd7df83cf7532/ima2200033.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/61a10e3d8014424fa7fdd7df83cf7532/ima2200033.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Children who received iron supplementation as infants showed fewer behavioral problems than the placebo group at the age of three.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Johnér Bildbyrå AB, Plattform</span></div></div><p>“Our results are promising, but more well-designed studies are needed to account for factors such as genetic influences and environmental conditions during childhood that may affect children’s behavior,” says Anna Chmielewska, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/61a10e3d8014424fa7fdd7df83cf7532/anna-chmielewska-2-240616-jnm2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/61a10e3d8014424fa7fdd7df83cf7532/anna-chmielewska-2-240616-jnm2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/61a10e3d8014424fa7fdd7df83cf7532/anna-chmielewska-2-240616-jnm2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/61a10e3d8014424fa7fdd7df83cf7532/anna-chmielewska-2-240616-jnm2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/61a10e3d8014424fa7fdd7df83cf7532/anna-chmielewska-2-240616-jnm2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/61a10e3d8014424fa7fdd7df83cf7532/anna-chmielewska-2-240616-jnm2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Anna Chmielewska, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Johanna Nordström</span></div></div><p>The study included 221 healthy, full-term children in Sweden and Poland. Half of the children were randomly assigned to receive a low daily dose of iron supplementation between the ages of 4 and 9 months, while the other half received a placebo. At the age of three years, the children were followed up and assessed for aggressive and externalizing behaviors, attention difficulties, and withdrawn behavior. The group that received iron supplementation showed fewer behavioral problems than the placebo group.</p><p>“It is remarkable that the group receiving iron supplementation did not have a lower risk of iron deficiency, yet they still experienced certain positive effects from the supplementation,” says Anna Chmielewska.</p><p>Iron status is usually assessed through a blood test. However, such tests do not reflect iron availability in the brain, where iron deficiency may occur before it becomes detectable in the blood.</p><p>“We lack biomarkers that can show how much iron is available in the brain. At the same time, we know that iron is crucial for the development and functioning of brain cells,” says Anna Chmielewska.</p><p>Anna Chmielewska’s research group will now conduct a follow-up study of the same children at the age of eight years to determine whether the effects persist. The hypothesis is that improved iron availability in the brain leads to fewer behavioral problems.</p><p>“The first three years of life are critical for brain development. We also know that one in five children under the age of five has iron deficiency. I hope our findings will contribute to recommendations that help prevent serious behavioral problems in children,” says Anna Chmielewska.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="4e731275-f8f7-4d21-ad0e-b37e06363ba1" data-contentname="About">{}</div><p><em>This text was translated from Swedish using Microsoft Copilot. It has been manually reviewed by the author.</em></p></atom:content><link>https://www.umu.se/en/news/fewer-behavioral-problems-among-three-year-olds-who-received-iron-supplementation-as-infants_12180551/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/new-mechanism-behind-breast-cancer-metastasis-uncovered_12180347/"><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-mechanism-behind-breast-cancer-metastasis-uncovered_12180347/</guid><title>New mechanism behind breast cancer metastasis uncoveredResearchers at Umeå University show that the protein METTL3 helps breast cancer cells spread. By regulating the release of molecules, METTL3 makes it easier for tumors to invade surrounding tissue and form metastases. The discovery reveals a previously unknown function of METTL3 and could influence future cancer treatments. The study has been published in Science Advances.Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:30:59 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/42899b680bbc435e9167610663f0f0e7/francesca-aguiolo-lab-9647-251215-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/42899b680bbc435e9167610663f0f0e7/francesca-aguiolo-lab-9647-251215-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/42899b680bbc435e9167610663f0f0e7/francesca-aguiolo-lab-9647-251215-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/42899b680bbc435e9167610663f0f0e7/francesca-aguiolo-lab-9647-251215-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/42899b680bbc435e9167610663f0f0e7/francesca-aguiolo-lab-9647-251215-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/42899b680bbc435e9167610663f0f0e7/francesca-aguiolo-lab-9647-251215-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Research is teamwork. From left: postdoctoral researcher Kanchan Kumari, research associate Margalida Esteva, associate professor Francesca Aguilo, staff scientist Devi Bhattarai, and  postdoctoral researcher Poonam Baidya.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">We discovered that METTL3 has a different function</p><p>“We discovered that METTL3 has a different function, which may be just as important for cancer progression as the one previously known,” says Margalida Esteva Socias, research assistant at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University and co–first author of the study.</p><p>METTL3 is a well-studied protein that regulates chemical modifications of RNA in the cell. By adding molecular marks to RNA, it helps control which genes are active. Abnormal METTL3 activity has been linked to several types of cancer, and drugs targeting its function are already being tested in clinical trials.</p><p>In the new study, the researchers show that METTL3 in breast cancer cells relocates from its usual location in the nucleus to the cytoplasm. There, it becomes part of a transport system that cancer cells use to release molecules into their surroundings.</p><p>The researchers found that METTL3 supports this transport system and increases the secretion of proteins that enable cancer cells to invade tissue and spread. When METTL3 was removed, the cells released fewer such proteins, became less invasive, and partly lost their ability to degrade surrounding tissue.</p><p>Importantly, these effects could not be reproduced by blocking the protein’s enzymatic activity alone, suggesting that METTL3 also drives cancer through mechanisms other than RNA modification.</p><p>The research team also demonstrated that reduced METTL3 levels inhibited tumour growth and delayed the formation of lung metastases.</p><p>“Our results indicate that in some cancers, it may not be sufficient to block the enzymatic activity of METTL3. Fully inhibiting its tumor-promoting effects may require strategies that eliminate the entire protein or disrupt its interactions within the cell,” says Francesca Aguilo, associate professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University and principal investigator of the study.</p><p>The study provides new insights into how cancer cells reshape their environment to invade tissue and spread. The next step is to understand how METTL3 is relocated from the nucleus and whether the same mechanism is involved in other types of cancer.</p><p>The study was led by researchers at Umeå University in collaboration with several international partners, including Universitat de Barcelona, Hannover Medical School, and Lund University.</p><p>The research was funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the Swedish Research Council, Umeå University, the Kempe Foundations, the Cancer Research Foundation in Northern Sweden, and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-mechanism-behind-breast-cancer-metastasis-uncovered_12180347/https://www.umu.se/en/news/call-open-for-proposals-to-mirai-ri-week-2026_12179611/Call for Proposals: MIRAI Research and Innovation Week 2026 in JapanResearchers at Umeå University are invited to submit proposals for the MIRAI Research & Innovation Week, which will take place in Fukuoka, Japan, on 8–11 December 2026.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:52:46 +0200<div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="b9a07b78-1278-4c67-9d59-61a16ccb603c" data-contentname="Call for proposal R&I Week 26">{}</div><p>All academics from a MIRAI university can submit a proposal. There are several formats available (ex/host a workshop, give a presentation, run a round table discussion).</p><p>The topic of your proposal can be narrow in scope, or wider, you decide, but should keep within the <strong>four academic focus areas</strong> of MIRAI. The sessions selected will be available in parallel on day 2 and 3 (Wed and Thurs) of the conference.</p><h3>How to Apply</h3><p>Please submit a brief proposal including:</p><ul><li>Session title</li><li>Proposed format and duration (30 or 60 minutes)</li><li>Short description (max. 150–200 words)</li><li>Names and affiliations of organizers (at least one from Sweden and one from Japan)</li><li>Any additional relevant merits (if applicable)</li></ul><p><strong>Application deadline:</strong> 15 July 2026<br>The notification of results is expected in early August 2026 (week of 3 August), depending on the number of proposals received by the initial deadline.</p><p>The submission URL: <a href="https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/kMq7uy3nVc">Proposal Submission MIRAI R&I Week 2026</a><br><a class="documentIcon" href="https://cdn.mirai.nu/wp-content/2026/06/RI-Week-Call-for-Proposals_Thematic-Deep-Dive-Sessions_ver0616.pdf">Download the call for proposal</a></p><p>Full Call for <strong>Proposals MIRAI Research & Innovation Week 2026</strong> and a draft programme for the conference is found here:<br><a href="https://www.mirai.nu/pages/randi-week-2026">www.mirai.nu/pages/randi-week-2026</a></p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/call-open-for-proposals-to-mirai-ri-week-2026_12179611/https://www.umu.se/en/news/mims-clinical-research-fellowships-2026-awarded_12179418/<description>The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) has announced the winners of its national Clinical Research Fellowship (CRF) program for 2026. MIMS awards Clinical Research Fellowships to clinicians with a recent PhD and a strong research background. </description><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:24:56 +0200</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/95c061472ec045068bc8d26be4641297/wernstedt_overby_anna__3290_190312_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/95c061472ec045068bc8d26be4641297/wernstedt_overby_anna__3290_190312_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/95c061472ec045068bc8d26be4641297/wernstedt_overby_anna__3290_190312_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/95c061472ec045068bc8d26be4641297/wernstedt_overby_anna__3290_190312_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/95c061472ec045068bc8d26be4641297/wernstedt_overby_anna__3290_190312_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/95c061472ec045068bc8d26be4641297/wernstedt_overby_anna__3290_190312_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Biträdande universitetslektor vid Institutionen för klinisk mikrobiologi Enhet: Avdelningen för virologi</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p> </p><p>An international panel of clinical and basic researchers has awarded the fellowship to three clinicians. </p><p><strong>Inga Rimkute</strong> at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, proposed a project to identify effective tools for prevention of human norovirus infections. Collaborator for the project is Marta Bally, Associate Professor at Umeå University.  </p><p><strong>Sara Cajander</strong> at Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, proposed a project to examine longitudinal immune dysregulation and experimental immune modulation in human inflammatory disease. Collaborator for the project is Johan Normark, Associate Professor and clinician at Umeå University and Umeå University Hospital. </p><p><strong>Victor Yman</strong> at Södersjukhuset and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, proposed a project to improve serological tools for precision mapping of virus-specific and cross-reactive antibodies for next-generation arbovirus diagnostics and surveillance tools. Collaborator for the project is Mattias Forsell, Professor at 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 mio SEK.  Since the establishment of the fellowship programme in 2009, MIMS has awarded 16 research fellowships to clinicians at university hospitals across Sweden. </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></atom:content><link>https://www.umu.se/en/news/mims-clinical-research-fellowships-2026-awarded_12179418/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/a-new-lens-to-lung-repair-with-meaghan-flagg_12179057/"><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.umu.se/en/news/a-new-lens-to-lung-repair-with-meaghan-flagg_12179057/</guid><title /><description>We spoke to virologist and stem cell biologist Meaghan Flagg who joins The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) at Umeå University as a new EMBL-style group leader. She is joining the MIMS with a mission to understand, and ultimately treat, the severe lung damage caused by emerging respiratory viruses. </description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:20:43 +0200</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/09b0af7d276044b3a3329d6bb99eceee/meaghan_flagg3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/09b0af7d276044b3a3329d6bb99eceee/meaghan_flagg3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/09b0af7d276044b3a3329d6bb99eceee/meaghan_flagg3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/09b0af7d276044b3a3329d6bb99eceee/meaghan_flagg3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/09b0af7d276044b3a3329d6bb99eceee/meaghan_flagg3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/09b0af7d276044b3a3329d6bb99eceee/meaghan_flagg3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Meaghan Flagg, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Group Leader at MIMS</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Lauran Zoppa</span></div></div><h3> </h3><h3>Can you tell us a bit about your scientific background and what first drew you to your research field? </h3><p><br>I have a longstanding interest in viruses, how they cause human disease, and how certain host processes, such as the immune response, can contribute to disease pathogenesis. For my PhD, I studied how HIV infection disrupts intestinal epithelial homeostasis, contributing to disease progression. Through this work I gained an appreciation for the central role that epithelial stem cells play in maintaining tissue function, and how disruptions to these stem cells can drive disease.  <br>Starting my postdoctoral fellowship during the COVID-19 pandemic, I shifted focus to the lung, studying how SARS-CoV-2, and later other emerging respiratory viruses including highly pathogenic avian influenza and Nipah virus, damage alveolar epithelial stem cells.  <br>Now as a group leader, I am excited to work at the intersection of virology and epithelial stem cell biology to understand how emerging viruses cause severe disease, and how we might develop new treatments aimed at promoting tissue repair to improve patient outcomes. </p><h3><br>What attracted you to MIMS and Umeå? </h3><p>In my work, I aim to integrate clinical data and human-derived model systems as much as possible to increase the likelihood of uncovering translationally relevant insights. For establishing my group, I was searching for a place with a focus on infectious disease, high containment facilities, access to human clinical samples, and a highly collaborative environment facilitating collaboration between basic researchers and clinicians. MIMS, together with the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University, offers all of these resources together with a local and international network of young investigators, creating a supportive and productive environment to launch my independent research program. </p><h3>What are the main research questions your group will focus on at MIMS, and why are they important? </h3><p>My group will focus on how emerging respiratory viruses such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus cause severe disease with the aim of identifying novel therapeutic strategies to treat infections. Lower respiratory tract infections are among the top ten leading causes of death globally, but there are little to no therapeutics that are effective once patients develop severe disease. Epithelial stem cells play a critical role in tissue repair, and dysfunctional tissue repair contributes to poor patient outcomes including long-term compromised lung function and death.  <br>My group will evaluate how viruses and the immune response affect the ability of epithelial stem cells to repair the lung after injury. We will use human organoid systems and animal models to identify deregulated repair processes that can be modulated with host-targeted therapeutics. </p><h3>How do you hope to build collaborations within MIMS, the Nordic EMBL Partnership, and the wider scientific community in the region? </h3><p>The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the wide range of disease severity resulting from respiratory virus infection on a population level. The same applies for influenza, which can cause disease ranging from mild upper respiratory tract symptoms to pneumonia and respiratory distress. Collaboration with human genetics experts at FIMM and NCMBM would allow us to test how genetic variation impacts respiratory virus pathogenesis.  <br>Secondly, respiratory viruses can also cause neurologic manifestations under certain conditions, but it is unclear what factors influence this.  <br>Via collaboration with neuroscience experts at DANDRITE we can evaluate how differential immune responses or other factors impact respiratory virus neurovirulence. I am looking forward to the upcoming Nordic EMBL Partnership meeting to facilitate in-person discussion of potential collaborative projects. </p><h3>Beyond the bench</h3><p>When she is not in the lab, Meaghan is likely on a mountain. An avid rock and ice climber, skier, and mountain biker, she brings the same appetite for challenge to her leisure time as she does to her science. </p></atom:content><link>https://www.umu.se/en/news/a-new-lens-to-lung-repair-with-meaghan-flagg_12179057/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/professor-at-umea-university-appointed-swedens-new-state-epidemiologist_12172696/"><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.umu.se/en/news/professor-at-umea-university-appointed-swedens-new-state-epidemiologist_12172696/</guid><title>Professor at Umeå University appointed Sweden’s new State EpidemiologistAnders Johansson, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Senior Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Infection Control at Umeå University, has been appointed Head of Department with the role of State Epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency of Sweden.Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:36:32 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d00338dca9d648ee927575932bc49015/f_johansson_anders_0936_230602_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d00338dca9d648ee927575932bc49015/f_johansson_anders_0936_230602_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d00338dca9d648ee927575932bc49015/f_johansson_anders_0936_230602_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/d00338dca9d648ee927575932bc49015/f_johansson_anders_0936_230602_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d00338dca9d648ee927575932bc49015/f_johansson_anders_0936_230602_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d00338dca9d648ee927575932bc49015/f_johansson_anders_0936_230602_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Anders Johansson is a Professor of Infectious Diseases and Senior Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Infection Control at Umeå University. He has now been appointed Head of Department with the role of State Epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency of Sweden.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>simon ohman jonsson inhousebyran</span></div></div><p>“I would like to warmly congratulate Anders Johansson on his appointment. It is an important role for Sweden and an honour for Umeå University,” says Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University.</p><p>Anders Johansson is a highly regarded researcher who became professor in 2023 at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University. He has participated in popular science events on topics such as antibiotic resistance and COVID-19 and was a frequently consulted spokesperson on pandemic-related issues, both within the university and in the media.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Takes office on 1 October</h2><p>In its press release, the Public Health Agency of Sweden states that several highly qualified candidates applied for the position and that Anders Johansson was selected following an overall assessment:</p><p>“Among other areas, Anders Johansson has worked on antibiotic resistance, vaccine protection and biological preparedness. He has also served as an expert for several key authorities and held leadership roles in crisis management at both regional and national levels,” the press release states. It also includes a statement from Director-General Olivia Wigzell:</p><p>“We are pleased to announce that Anders Johansson will take up the position. He has excellent leadership skills and many years of experience as an associate professor and subsequently professor of infectious diseases, as well as a specialist in both infectious diseases and infection control. In his role as Head of Department and State Epidemiologist, Anders Johansson will lead and develop the agency’s communicable disease control work and promote continued collaboration with universities and regional authorities,” says Director-General Olivia Wigzell.</p><p>Anders Johansson will take up his position as Head of the Department for Communicable Disease Control and Preparedness, with the role of State Epidemiologist, on 1 October.</p><p><a href="https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency-of-sweden/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more on the website of the Public Health Agency of Sweden</a></p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/professor-at-umea-university-appointed-swedens-new-state-epidemiologist_12172696/https://www.umu.se/en/news/international-experts-gather-in-umea-for-course-on-mosquito-borne-diseases-in-a-warming-climate_12177042/International experts gather in Umeå for course on mosquito-borne diseases in a warming climateHow is climate change affecting the spread of mosquito-borne viruses? Could diseases such as dengue fever and West Nile virus become more common in Europe? These questions are at the heart of a course at Umeå University, 8–12 June, where international researchers and doctoral students will explore how mosquito-borne diseases spread and how they can be prevented.Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:37:05 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-30_besk3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-30_besk3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-30_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/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-30_besk3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-30_besk3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-30_besk3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Anders Lindström, researcher at the National Veterinary Institute (SVA), in the field. Journalists are welcome to participate during the course’s field component on 9 June, with opportunities to interview both participating researchers and doctoral students from around the world.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Kristoffer Ahlm</span></div></div><p>“Several of the viruses covered in the course, including dengue, Zika and chikungunya, are on the WHO list of pathogens with the potential to cause future epidemics or pandemics. This makes the field particularly urgent,” says Olivia Wesula Lwande, researcher at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University and course coordinator.</p><p>Mosquitoes are major vectors of viruses, bacteria and parasites that can cause disease in both humans and animals. While tropical mosquito-borne diseases remain rare in Sweden, climate change and increased global mobility have made the issue more pressing. In recent years, viruses such as West Nile virus have caused outbreaks in several European countries, and researchers are closely monitoring how both viruses and mosquito species are shifting their geographical ranges.</p><p>“Research on zoonotic viruses in mosquitoes is crucial, as it helps detect and prevent future disease outbreaks,” says Olivia Wesula Lwande.</p><p>The course combines lectures with hands-on training in both field and laboratory settings. Participants will learn how to identify mosquito species, collect mosquitoes in the field, and apply modern methods for pathogen surveillance and analysis. The course also highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration, spanning biology, medicine, public health and environmental science.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-6_besk2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-6_besk2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-6_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/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-6_besk2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-6_besk2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-6_besk2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>PhD students working in the field.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Kristoffer Ahlm</span></div></div><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-482.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-482.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-482.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-482.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-482.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8f446e923d7149b98ee1d20187ed8f51/mosquito_course_2022_-482.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Back in the laboratory, the captured mosquitoes are examined under the microscope.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Kristoffer Ahlm</span></div></div><p>The course is organised by the National Doctoral Programme in Virus Infections and Pandemics (NDP-VIP), funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR). NDP-VIP aims to strengthen education and recruitment of doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers in virology and pandemic preparedness. The programme is a collaboration between nine Swedish universities and is coordinated from Umeå University, where it is affiliated with the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR). Learn more about NDP VIP: <a href="https://ndp-vip.se/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit ndp-vip.se</a></p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/international-experts-gather-in-umea-for-course-on-mosquito-borne-diseases-in-a-warming-climate_12177042/https://www.umu.se/en/news/fernstrom-research-prize-awarded-to-brain-tumour-researcher_12178028/Fernström Research Prize awarded to brain tumour researcherThe 2026 Eric K. Fernström Prize for young, particularly promising and successful researchers is awarded to Associate Professor Silvia Remeseiro at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology for her groundbreaking research combining 3D genomics, epigenetics, and cancer neuroscience to understand how neurons drive glioblastoma growth.Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:01:27 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/582629d6a1ce44b6b6e81b4913732b5f/remeseiro-13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/582629d6a1ce44b6b6e81b4913732b5f/remeseiro-13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/582629d6a1ce44b6b6e81b4913732b5f/remeseiro-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/582629d6a1ce44b6b6e81b4913732b5f/remeseiro-13.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/582629d6a1ce44b6b6e81b4913732b5f/remeseiro-13.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/582629d6a1ce44b6b6e81b4913732b5f/remeseiro-13.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The Fernström Prize is awarded to Associate Professor Silvia Remeseiro for her groundbreaking research combining 3D genomics, epigenetics, and cancer neuroscience to understand how neurons drive glioblastoma growth.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Privat</span></div></div><p>“My first reaction was a mix of gratitude and excitement! It is incredibly rewarding to see our work recognized,” says Silvia Remeseiro, Associate Professor at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>“This award is especially meaningful because it highlights the importance of our line of research, which bridges various disciplines and opens new directions for understanding the complex interactions between neurons and glioblastoma cells from a unique perspective. Looking ahead, it gives visibility and momentum to our research and motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries, with the goal of translating our discoveries into new therapeutic strategies for patients with this devastating brain cancer.”</p><p>In its citation, the prize committee at the Faculty of Medicine states:</p><p>“Silvia Remeseiro has established an internationally competitive research environment at Umeå University within molecular medicine, bioinformatics, and cancer biology. Through innovative multi-omics approaches and advanced glioblastoma models, her research has provided new insights into how communication between neurons and tumour cells drives tumour growth and aggressiveness. Furthermore, her work has identified gene regulatory networks and transcription factors that govern the crosstalk between neurons and tumour cells, opening new avenues for future treatments targeting epigenetic mechanisms.”</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/fernstrom-research-prize-awarded-to-brain-tumour-researcher_12178028/https://www.umu.se/en/news/how-vibrations-induced-by-snoring-may-contribute-to-sleep-apnea_12177978/How vibrations induced by snoring may contribute to sleep apneaSnoring is not just a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea – it may also contribute to the disease. Researchers at Umeå University show that the vibrations affect how muscle cells produce and manage energy. This, in turn, may weaken the muscles of the upper airway, making them more likely to collapse during sleep.Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:29:27 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/73093036772a46fbae91e4f7e937f682/img_14802.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/73093036772a46fbae91e4f7e937f682/img_14802.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/73093036772a46fbae91e4f7e937f682/img_14802.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/73093036772a46fbae91e4f7e937f682/img_14802.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/73093036772a46fbae91e4f7e937f682/img_14802.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/73093036772a46fbae91e4f7e937f682/img_14802.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The Laboratory for Vibration Biology, a unique research environment established with support from the Kempestiftelserna.  From left to right: Farhan Shah (group leader), Abdullah Azmi (visiting researcher from King’s College London), Roger Widmark (technical specialist), and Yu-Cheng Qian (postdoctoral researcher).</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p>Snoring has long been regarded as a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, but our findings suggest that the vibrations themselves may contribute to the disease process by damaging muscle tissue and impairing cellular energy metabolism,” says Farhan Shah, Associate Professor at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology at Umeå University.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Linking patient samples to a laboratory model</h2><p>A key strength of the study is that the researchers link findings from patient samples to a newly developed laboratory model that mimics snoring vibrations in muscle cells. Using this model, they were able to demonstrate how repeated vibrations affect the cells’ ability to sense mechanical load, regulate energy production, and maintain normal cellular function.</p><p>The research was conducted at Umeå University's Laboratory for Vibration Biology, a unique research environment established with support from the Kempe Foundations. The laboratory combines expertise in muscle biology, mechanobiology, mitochondrial function, and vibration research to investigate how physical forces influence cellular function, tissue adaptation, and disease. The experimental vibration model was developed and validated by postdoctoral researcher Yucheng Qian together with the technical team consisting of Roger Widmark, Anders Bäckström, and Per Utsi.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/73093036772a46fbae91e4f7e937f682/img_14833.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/73093036772a46fbae91e4f7e937f682/img_14833.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/73093036772a46fbae91e4f7e937f682/img_14833.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/73093036772a46fbae91e4f7e937f682/img_14833.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/73093036772a46fbae91e4f7e937f682/img_14833.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/73093036772a46fbae91e4f7e937f682/img_14833.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Yu-Cheng Qian (postdoctoral researcher) operating a customized vibration platform that enables precise control and monitoring of vibration frequency and amplitude in cell-based experiments.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Investigates other vibration-related injuries</h2><p>Beyond sleep apnea, the findings may also have implications for other vibration-related conditions. Understanding how cells respond to mechanical vibration is a central focus of the Laboratory for Vibration Biology. One example of a vibration-related disorder is hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), an occupational condition caused by long-term exposure to vibrating tools such as drills and chainsaws., says Farhan Shah.</p><p>While the present study focused on snoring vibrations and sleep apnea, the research group investigates how mechanical stimuli and disease states influence muscle health across a range of conditions, including cancer cachexia, ageing, prolonged immobilization, occupational vibration exposure, and spaceflight. A common theme of the research is understanding how cellular energy metabolism and mitochondrial function determine muscle adaptation, resilience, and disease progression.</p><p>The results have been published in the journal Mitochondrion.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/how-vibrations-induced-by-snoring-may-contribute-to-sleep-apnea_12177978/https://www.umu.se/en/news/melissa-bondy-appointed-honorary-doctor-at-umea-university_12177766/Melissa Bondy Appointed Honorary Doctor at Umeå UniversityThe Faculty of Medicine at Umeå University has appointed Professor Melissa Bondy, epidemiologist at Stanford University, as an honorary doctor. She receives the distinction for her long-standing commitment to underrepresented voices in epidemiology and for her distinguished collaboration with Umeå University.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:17:25 +0200<p>“This is a person who generously shares her vast knowledge and actively brings researchers together to foster new collaborations,” says Beatrice Melin, Professor of Oncology at the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, who nominated Melissa Bondy for the honorary doctorate.</p><p>Melissa Bondy is Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at Stanford University and has previously served as a visiting professor at Umeå University. In addition to her successful research career, she has made significant contributions as a mentor to early-career researchers and students, for example by identifying relevant projects and collaborative opportunities.</p><p>“I am deeply honored by this appointment and look forward to visiting Umeå University again,” Melissa Bondy writes in an email.</p><p>Melissa Bondy’s research focuses primarily on cancer and the role of genetics in the development and progression of different types of the disease. She has collaborated with Beatrice Melin for more than 20 years, including work aimed at understanding why brain tumors arise. Their joint research has demonstrated, among other findings, that genetics plays an important role in the development of gliomas, a type of brain tumor that originates in the cells that surround and support nerve cells in the brain.</p><p>“If we understand how a brain tumor develops, there is also an opportunity to find new ways to detect it early or develop new treatments. These discoveries have provided us with a genetic map of glioma development, an aggressive form of brain tumor. This increases our understanding of the biological processes involved in brain tumor development,” says Beatrice Melin.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="90411689-e217-4384-9f58-8079195390bf" data-contentname="Annual Celebration Ceremony">{}</div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/melissa-bondy-appointed-honorary-doctor-at-umea-university_12177766/https://www.umu.se/en/news/umea-university-professor-awarded-prestigious-nih-grant_12177279/Umeå University professor awarded prestigious NIH grantDespite decades of research, we still do not fully understand how some of our most widely used antibiotics kill bacteria. Now, Professor Felipe Cava at Umeå University has received a prestigious NIH grant to solve this puzzle using new technology in close collaboration with a leading US researcher.Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:43:13 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/c4a42b22d8964342a557b3f53e5be3b8/cava_felipe_4155_220422_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c4a42b22d8964342a557b3f53e5be3b8/cava_felipe_4155_220422_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c4a42b22d8964342a557b3f53e5be3b8/cava_felipe_4155_220422_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/c4a42b22d8964342a557b3f53e5be3b8/cava_felipe_4155_220422_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/c4a42b22d8964342a557b3f53e5be3b8/cava_felipe_4155_220422_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/c4a42b22d8964342a557b3f53e5be3b8/cava_felipe_4155_220422_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Professor Felipe Cava receiving the NIH fgrant highlights the strength of Umeå University’s international research environment in infection biology and the value of long-term collaboration.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson, simon ohman jonsson inhousebyran</span></div></div><p>“It feels very rewarding. This grant builds on several years of work in my lab, particularly the development of technologies that allow us to study the bacterial cell wall in unprecedented detail,” says Felipe Cava, professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>He adds:</p><p>“It also reflects a long and highly productive collaboration with Associate Professor Tobias Dörr at Cornell University, which has been central to shaping the project. We came close in a previous round, so we refined our ideas and strengthened the science. Seeing that persistence pay off is very satisfying.”</p><p>Beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin, are among the most widely used treatments for bacterial infections. They target the bacterial cell wall, which is essential for survival. While we know these drugs block the enzymes that build the wall, how this ultimately leads to cell rupture remains unclear. In this project, Felipe Cava and Tobias Dörr aim to understand what happens inside the cell once wall construction is disrupted and how this process leads to cell death.</p><p>“By combining genetics, cell biology and biochemistry, we will track how the cell wall is remodelled and destabilised during treatment. We aim to build a more complete picture of how these antibiotics work,” says Felipe Cava.</p><p>The grant enables the team to tackle this challenge in ways not previously possible. A key limitation in the field has been the lack of tools to observe how the cell wall breaks down during treatment.</p><p>“In my lab, we recently developed a high‑throughput approach that changes this. For the first time, we can analyse not only intact cell wall material but also the fragments released as it is dismantled. These fragments are highly informative, as they reflect the processes that ultimately lead to bacterial lysis and death.”</p><p>This approach will now be applied at scale, in combination with genetic and systems-level analyses to map bacterial responses to antibiotics under different conditions. Beyond advancing fundamental knowledge, the work could reveal new vulnerabilities in bacterial pathogens and guide the development of improved antibiotics or compounds that enhance existing treatments, an urgent need as antimicrobial resistance continues to rise.</p><p>Felipe Cava’s collaboration with Tobias Dörr dates back to their postdoctoral days.</p><p>“We were both at Harvard around the same time. Early on, we realised we were interested in similar questions but approached them from different angles, which made collaboration a natural next step.”</p><p> </p><p>Since then, their labs have co-authored numerous papers. Felipe Cava’s group focuses on the biochemical and genetic basis of cell wall structure, while Tobias Dörr’s group specialises in antibiotic mechanisms and tolerance – together linking molecular detail with broader physiological responses.</p><p>“This project is the culmination of that collaboration, with shared experiments, regular discussions and lab visits, including Tobias’s visit to Umeå in 2023 and my visit to Cornell in 2024. Interestingly, this is our first joint grant, which makes it especially meaningful.”</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Highly competitive funding in biomedical science</h2><p>NIH R01 grants are among the most competitive in biomedical research, with success rates typically around 10–15%. For researchers outside the US, the bar is often even higher, as proposals must demonstrate clear added value beyond the US research landscape.</p><p>The project directly addresses antimicrobial resistance, one of the most pressing global health threats. By understanding in detail how beta-lactam antibiotics ultimately cause bacterial death – and why they sometimes fail – new strategies can be developed, including “antibiotic adjuvants” that enhance the effectiveness of existing drugs.</p><p>The grant is ca. 3M USD to share between the two researchers and it runs for five years. The project highlights the strength of Umeå University’s international research environment in infection biology and the value of long-term collaboration.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/umea-university-professor-awarded-prestigious-nih-grant_12177279/https://www.umu.se/en/news/study-shows-how-the-fetal-environment-may-reduce-the-risk-of-type-1-diabetes_12176110/Study shows how the fetal environment may reduce the risk of type 1 diabetesResearchers at Umeå University have shown in a new study that the environment in the womb can leave lasting imprints on the immune system and influence the risk of developing type 1 diabetes, even when genetic background is the same. The findings refine our understanding of how genetic and early environmental factors interact in autoimmune diseases.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:27:24 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b188eae927f248dc8089eaca50116b5d/lejon_renman_labb_260601-jnm5.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b188eae927f248dc8089eaca50116b5d/lejon_renman_labb_260601-jnm5.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b188eae927f248dc8089eaca50116b5d/lejon_renman_labb_260601-jnm5.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b188eae927f248dc8089eaca50116b5d/lejon_renman_labb_260601-jnm5.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b188eae927f248dc8089eaca50116b5d/lejon_renman_labb_260601-jnm5.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b188eae927f248dc8089eaca50116b5d/lejon_renman_labb_260601-jnm5.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Professor Kristina Lejon and research engineer Emma Renman show that the environment in the womb can shape immune system development and help reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes, independent of genetic factors. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Johanna Nordström</span></div></div><p>“Our results from a mouse study suggest that the maternal immune system influences how the offspring’s immune cells mature and function, beyond what genetics alone can explain,” says Kristina Lejon, Professor at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University, who led the study.</p><p>The study is based on a well-established experimental model using mice that spontaneously develop type 1 diabetes, known as NOD mice. The researchers transferred NOD embryos into females of another mouse strain (B6). This approach allowed them to investigate how the fetal environment – independent of genetics – affects immune system development and the subsequent risk of disease.</p><p>NOD mice that developed in B6 females showed around a 50 percent lower incidence of type 1 diabetes compared with NOD mice carried by NOD females. At the same time, the degree of inflammatory infiltration in the pancreas was comparable between the groups, suggesting that the difference lies in how the immune response is regulated rather than whether inflammation occurs.</p><p>When the researchers examined the immune systems of these mice, they observed long-lasting changes. The immune system appeared more balanced, with an increased number of cells that dampen excessive immune responses and altered patterns of self-reactive antibodies. This in turn may reduce the likelihood of disease development.</p><p>The researchers were able to rule out genetic differences and postnatal influences from the maternal gut microbiota as explanations for the effect.</p><p>“One possible explanation is instead that antibodies transferred via the placenta influence how the immune system is programmed early in life,” says Emma Renman, research engineer at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University.</p><p>“This shows that maternal factors can shape the offspring’s immune system in a deeper way than previously understood,” says Kristina Lejon.</p><p>The study raises new questions about whether similar mechanisms may influence disease risk in humans, and how early factors during pregnancy could potentially contribute to preventing autoimmune disease.</p><p>The study was conducted at Umeå University and funded by the Odd Fellow Order and Umeå University.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/study-shows-how-the-fetal-environment-may-reduce-the-risk-of-type-1-diabetes_12176110/https://www.umu.se/en/news/more-than-300-international-masters-graduates-celebrated_12175538/More than 300 international master’s graduates celebrated at Umeå UniversityOn 27 May, Umeå University celebrated more than 300 graduates from over 40 international master’s programmes at its annual Graduation Ceremony. Aula Nordica was filled with pride as students, staff, family, and friends gathered to honour this year’s graduating class and the journeys behind their success.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:12:08 +0200<p>During the festive ceremony, students from around the world marked the near completion of their studies and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Cathrine Norberg delivered the graduation address, offering both encouragement and practical advice as the graduates prepare for their next steps.</p><p class="quote-center">Thank you for enriching our university with your presence and for contributing with your knowledge and valuable new perspectives that make Umeå University even stronger.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9885_260527_mgg.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9885_260527_mgg.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9885_260527_mgg.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9885_260527_mgg.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9885_260527_mgg.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9885_260527_mgg.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Deputy Vice-Chancellor Cathrine Norberg delivers an address to the 2026 international master's graduates.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Malin Grönborg</span></div></div><p>”You have reached an important milestone in your lives, and should be really proud of yourselves,” said Cathrine Norberg. “I want to thank you for enriching our university with your presence and for contributing with your knowledge and valuable new perspectives that make Umeå University even stronger. My hope is that your thirst for knowledge will continue. Your future workplaces need people like you who are innovative, who think critically, who are equipped with knowledge, who care for others, and who want to make a difference.”</p><h3>A student perspective on the journey</h3><p>Each year, a student is nominated to represent the graduating class by delivering a speech at the ceremony. This year’s student speaker was Marcos Cardoso de Souza from Brazil, graduating from the Master’s programme in Public Health.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9908_260527_mgg.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9908_260527_mgg.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9908_260527_mgg.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9908_260527_mgg.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9908_260527_mgg.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9908_260527_mgg.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Marcos Cardoso de Souza, the 2026 Graduation Ceremony student speaker, pointed out in his public health classroom, there were people from seventeen different countries provided a cultural mix that opens your mind to different points of view. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Malin Grönborg</span></div></div><p>In his speech, he reflected on the challenges he faced before coming to Umeå and the diversity of the student group within his programme.</p><p class="quote-center">Always trust yourself and your capability. You will make it through!</p><p>”Over these years of studying here, I have had the opportunity to meet so many people of diverse backgrounds and cultures,” said Marcos Cardoso de Souza. ”In my public health classroom, there were people from seventeen different countries. It provided a culture mix that opens your mind to different points of view. I wish you all the next step to be smooth and linear, gently towards your desirable future. But if it takes more time than expected, always trust yourself and your capability. You will make it through!”</p><h3>An alumni perspective on education and intellectual freedom</h3><p>This year’s alumni speaker was Jessica K. Ljungberg, who earned her PhD in Public Health and Clinical Medicine at Umeå University in 2006. She is now Professor of Engineering Psychology at Luleå University of Technology. Her research focuses on attention and memory, as well as how distractions such as noise affect performance, alongside areas such as ageing, brain plasticity, and lifelong learning.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9934_260527_mgg.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9934_260527_mgg.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9934_260527_mgg.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9934_260527_mgg.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9934_260527_mgg.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d0ae7ca4d5514069b35ee65e4dbaee5c/graduationceremony_ceremony-9934_260527_mgg.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>2026 Graduation Ceremony alumni speaker Jessica K. Ljungberg delivered a heartfelt and motivational speech.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Malin Grönborg</span></div></div><p>In her speech, she highlighted the role of universities as spaces for free thinking, curiosity, and critical reflection.<br><br>“Universities gave me something larger than a career, it gave me freedom. The freedom to think, to ask questions, to collaborate with people from other cultures and disciplines. Your background does not define your limits. Your uniqueness matters. Your voice matters. The world needs people who dare to think freely. Education is not about building a career, it is about becoming a freer human being,” said Jessica K. Ljungberg.</p><h3>A dynamic celebration shaped by international diversity</h3><p>The ceremony also included three performances by the Umeå Student Choir, an ensemble closely connected to both university ceremonies and Umeå’s cultural life. The formal programme was followed by a reception, where students and guests gathered to celebrate and capture memories at a popular photo booth.<br><br>The new graduates from a wide range of degree programmes and backgrounds came together, reflecting the strong international dimension of Umeå University. As they now take the next step, they carry with them knowledge, experiences and networks that will connect them to Umeå for years to come.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/more-than-300-international-masters-graduates-celebrated_12175538/https://www.umu.se/en/news/ec2u-forum-2026-highlights-collaboration-and-quality-education_12174955/EC2U Forum in Turku highlights collaboration and quality educationThe European Campus of City-Universities (EC2U) Alliance annual forum took place at the University of Turku, Finland, from 18 to 21 May 2026. The event brought together more than 500 staff, students, partners and stakeholders from across Europe to exchange ideas, strengthen collaboration and discuss the role of high-quality education in building a stronger Europe. The next EC2U Forum will be held in Umeå in April 2027.Tue, 26 May 2026 09:10:15 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/day_2_-_group_photos._drone-22.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/day_2_-_group_photos._drone-22.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/day_2_-_group_photos._drone-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/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/day_2_-_group_photos._drone-22.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/day_2_-_group_photos._drone-22.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/day_2_-_group_photos._drone-22.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Over 460 delegates from all EC2U member universities gathered on site at the EC2U Forum in Turku, Finland (18–21 May 2026), alongside 60 participants joining online.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>EC2U</span></div></div><p>Organised under the theme “<strong>Shaping European Futures through Quality Education,</strong>” the <a title="10th EC2U Forum" href="https://www.ec2u.eu/ec2u-forum-university-turku">10th EC2U Forum</a> provided a platform for discussions on current challenges, the development of future collaborations and the strengthening of networks across the Alliance’s universities and partner cities. Umeå University was represented by a delegation of 40 researchers, staff and students, including three representatives from Umeå Municipality.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/lexelius_peter_5113_231129_mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/lexelius_peter_5113_231129_mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/lexelius_peter_5113_231129_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/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/lexelius_peter_5113_231129_mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/lexelius_peter_5113_231129_mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/lexelius_peter_5113_231129_mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Peter Lexelius, EC2U Project Coordinator.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>"The forum gave us a valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives with colleagues from across Europe and explore new avenues for collaboration in education and research, with a view of creating a fairer, more equal and sustainable world,” says Peter Lexelius, EC2U project coordinator at Umeå University.</p><h3>Advancing quality education via collaboration and student engagement</h3><p>The themes of the EC2U Forums are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s programme focused on the importance of high-quality education and addressed topics such as sustainability, wellbeing, multilingualism, inclusion, accessible education, talent retention and active European citizenship.<br><br>As part of the Forum programme, the EC2U Student Challenge brought together ten groups of students who worked collaboratively on themes including equitable and accessible learning, digital transformation and the future of education, and sustainability and employability. Each group developed a poster presenting their ideas and proposed solutions, which were shared during the Voice of Students poster walk session. </p><p class="quote-center">The most valuable part for me was the exchange of knowledge, with students and staff from different backgrounds sharing experiences to build a better European future.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/img_0257.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/img_0257.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/img_0257.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/img_0257.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/img_0257.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/img_0257.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Karina Eremin participated in the EC2U Student Challege which resulted in the <em>Voice of Students</em> poster session on 21 May 2026.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>David Meyers</span></div></div><p>“The most valuable part for me was the exchange of knowledge, with students and staff from different backgrounds sharing experiences to build a better European future,” says Karina Eremin, student in the International Business and Economics programme at Umeå University and one of ten students from the Umeå delagtation.<br><br>“The discussion on employability and supporting local communities stood out,” she continues. “Universities face similar challenges but take different approaches, which pushed us to think beyond our own context and find solutions together.” </p><p>At the Forum, the outcomes of local EC2U Think Tank sessions were presented and discussed, highlighting the role of education systems in developing digital skills and promoting digital citizenship. The discussions also emphasised the importance of addressing existing power structures in language use and strengthening cultural competences to support inclusion and mutual understanding. These insights will form the basis for future policy recommendations within the Alliance.</p><h3>Team Umeå wins EC2U Science Contest semi-final</h3><p>The Forum also hosted the semi-final of the EC2U Science Contest, where teams of researchers and doctoral students from Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Germany), the University of Turku and Umeå University developed solutions to challenges submitted in advance by the public. One question the teams had to answer in less than 60 seconds was, “If AI suddenly became human, what would it do first and why?”</p><p>Following a very close vote, Team Umeå was selected as the winner and will advance to the final in 2027, where they will compete against teams from the University of Pavia and Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași.<br><br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/l7NNk-3CJrE?si=Y317ivAmFRNsxvX4&t=140">Watch the Science Contest recording on the EC2U Youtube channel</a></p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/ec2u_-_day_3_competition-54.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/ec2u_-_day_3_competition-54.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/ec2u_-_day_3_competition-54.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/ec2u_-_day_3_competition-54.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/ec2u_-_day_3_competition-54.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/ec2u_-_day_3_competition-54.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Team Umeå from left to right: Hanna Söderlund, Associate Professor, Language Studies; Jesper Enbom, Associate Professor, Media and Communications; Manju Maharjan, Doctoral Student, Plant Physiology; Kristina Lejon, Professor, Immunology; and Jerker Fick, Associate Professsor Chemistry (not seen in photo).</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>EC2U</span></div></div><h3>Umeå to host the 2027 Forum</h3><p>The Forum in Turku also marked the starting point for the next EC2U Forum, which will be held in Umeå on<strong> 12–15 April 2027</strong>. As the eleventh Forum and the first to be hosted in Umeå, preparations are already well underway in close cooperation with local and regional stakeholders. Approximately 500 delegates are expected to attend.</p><p class="quote-center">We are proud to host the next Forum and warmly invite the EC2U community to join us in creating an open, inclusive and meaningful event.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/norberg_cath_rine9157_230112_mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/norberg_cath_rine9157_230112_mpn.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/norberg_cath_rine9157_230112_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/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/norberg_cath_rine9157_230112_mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/norberg_cath_rine9157_230112_mpn.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/norberg_cath_rine9157_230112_mpn.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.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>“The EC2U Forum is an important platform for strengthening collaboration and advancing high-quality education and research," says Cathrine Norberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education at Umeå University. <br><br>"It reflects Umeå University’s commitment to working together with partners, students and society to shape knowledge that contributes to a sustainable and democratic future," she continues. "We are proud to host the next Forum and warmly invite the EC2U community to join us in creating an open, inclusive and meaningful event. We also encourage participants to experience the culture, environment and natural surroundings of Umeå and northern Sweden."</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/day_2_-_group_photos-24.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/day_2_-_group_photos-24.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/day_2_-_group_photos-24.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/day_2_-_group_photos-24.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/day_2_-_group_photos-24.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b29ac6a32709416c8f9b621117230a8e/day_2_-_group_photos-24.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Umeå delegation at the EC2U Forum 2026 in Turku, Finland.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>EC2U</span></div></div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/ec2u-forum-2026-highlights-collaboration-and-quality-education_12174955/https://www.umu.se/en/news/whole-organ-3d-imaging-reveals-remaining-insulin-producing-cells-in-type-1-diabetes_12174867/Whole organ 3D imaging reveals remaining insulin producing cells in type 1 diabetesResearchers at Umeå University have conducted a unique three-dimensional mapping of an entire human pancreas. The study shows that insulin-producing cells can remain long after the onset of type 1 diabetes – a finding that suggests the disease progression is more complex than previously assumed.Mon, 25 May 2026 07:48:35 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/e3862f35da31471dbbcf09ba8ecd6a6e/image_1_3d2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e3862f35da31471dbbcf09ba8ecd6a6e/image_1_3d2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e3862f35da31471dbbcf09ba8ecd6a6e/image_1_3d2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/e3862f35da31471dbbcf09ba8ecd6a6e/image_1_3d2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e3862f35da31471dbbcf09ba8ecd6a6e/image_1_3d2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e3862f35da31471dbbcf09ba8ecd6a6e/image_1_3d2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Three‑dimensional images of entire human pancreases in which the islets of Langerhans are stained for insulin (red). Despite the marked difference between the pancreas from the non‑diabetic and the type 1 diabetic donor, the latter still contained hundreds of thousands of insulin‑producing cells.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ulf Ahlgren</span></div></div><p>“Our results suggest the pancreas can retain β cells – those insulin‑producing cells that are typically destroyed in type 1 diabetes – in a way that has not previously been recognized,” says Ulf Ahlgren, Professor at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>Using advanced imaging technologies, researchers at Umeå University have created the first complete 3D map of an entire pancreas from a donor with late‑onset type 1 diabetes, at a microscopic resolution. The analysis revealed that while traditional islets of Langerhans were largely depleted of β-cells, a substantial number of insulin‑producing cells still remained outside the islet structures. These were primarily found as individual cells or as small clusters of b-cells, in which the cells were distanced from all other endocrine cell types. In total, the researchers identified hundreds of thousands of insulin‑positive objects.</p><p>“The fact that these cells are located outside the islets and are more numerous than the islet‑associated β-cells, i.e. in inversed proportions compared to non-diabetic subjects, suggests that they may either be more resistant to destruction or that new β-cells can be formed,” says Ulf Ahlgren.</p><p>The researchers argue that analyses traditional islet-focused analyses risk underestimating how many β-cells actually survive in type 1 diabetes. The new findings point to a previously overlooked cellular reservoir that could, in the long term, become a target for novel therapeutic strategies.</p><p>“The ability to study individual cells throughout an entire organ and from all angles has the potential to change how we think about β‑cell loss,” explains Ulf Ahlgren. “If certain regions of the pancreas promote β‑cell survival, understanding these microenvironments could help guide the development of therapies that stabilize, or even expand the remaining b-cells in type 1 diabetes.”</p><p>Doctoral student Joakim Lehrstrand also emphasizes the importance of broadening the perspective.</p><p>“This work shows that we must look beyond the islets when studying β‑cell biology in type 1 diabetes,” he says.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/e3862f35da31471dbbcf09ba8ecd6a6e/joakim_och_ulf3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e3862f35da31471dbbcf09ba8ecd6a6e/joakim_och_ulf3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e3862f35da31471dbbcf09ba8ecd6a6e/joakim_och_ulf3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/e3862f35da31471dbbcf09ba8ecd6a6e/joakim_och_ulf3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e3862f35da31471dbbcf09ba8ecd6a6e/joakim_och_ulf3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e3862f35da31471dbbcf09ba8ecd6a6e/joakim_och_ulf3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>PhD student Joakim Lehrstrand (foreground) and Professor Ulf Ahlgren at a so‑called light sheet fluorescence microscopy, one of the techniques they use to create three-dimensional images of the pancreas in diabetes. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Björn Morén</span></div></div><p>The research group believes that whole‑organ 3D imaging will become a key tool in future studies of type 1 diabetes and other pancreas related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and pancreas cancer. The method makes it possible to identify specific regions or even individual cells throughout the entire organ, something that has previously been extremely difficult using conventional techniques. These regions can then be isolated for further molecular analyses.</p><p>“Hopefully, this will help us understand whether and how β-cells and their microenvironment differ within the pancreas in diabetes,” says Ulf Ahlgren.</p><p>The results have been published in Science Advances.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/whole-organ-3d-imaging-reveals-remaining-insulin-producing-cells-in-type-1-diabetes_12174867/https://www.umu.se/en/news/key-takeaways-from-scilifelab-infrastructure-day-in-umea_12174277/Exploring the infrastructure landscape and data management challenges: key takeaways from SciLifeLab Infrastructure Day in UmeåSciLifeLab Infrastructure Day gave participants a clearer picture of the infrastructures and support systems available for life science research in Umeå. At the same time, the event highlighted both the complexity of today’s research data landscape and the ongoing efforts to make it easier to navigate, particularly during the panel discussion on data management where the audience played an active role in shaping the conversation.Tue, 19 May 2026 14:09:42 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_114338.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_114338.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_114338.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_114338.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_114338.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_114338.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Participants of the SciLifeLab Infrastructure Day 2026 at Umeå University</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Anna Shevtsova</span></div></div><p>For one day, a little over 130 researchers, technical staff and support functions gathered at Umeå University to discuss the infrastructures behind modern life science research. Participants from SciLifeLab, SLU, Umeå University and Region Västerbotten came together around a shared question: how can research infrastructures and data management better support science?<br>Throughout the day, participants moved between infrastructure pitches, presentations and poster sessions showcasing a broad range of technologies, infrastructures and support functions linked to life science research. Some were connected to the national SciLifeLab network, while others represented local initiatives and research environments from Umeå University, SLU and Region Västerbotten.<br>Overall, SciLifeLab Infrastructure Day offered participants both a clearer understanding of the infrastructure available within the national SciLifeLab network and a space for new conversations around future collaboration. The event reflected both the complexity of today’s research landscape and the ongoing efforts to build systems that allow researchers to spend more time on science and less time navigating fragmented infrastructures.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_102017.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_102017.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_102017.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_102017.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_102017.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_102017.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Participants of the SciLifeLab Infrastructure Day 2026 at Umeå University are mingling during the poster session</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Anna Shevtsova</span></div></div><p><br>While the day covered a wide range of infrastructures and technologies, one part of the programme focused specifically on the growing challenges connected to research data management. Vivien Horváth Wallemberg fellow, who joined Umeå University in 2025 commented on the day:</p><p class="quote-center">“I think the day was great and it was a very good opportunity to hear about the available infrastructure at Umeå University, especially for someone like me who recently joined as a group leader. I thought the topic of the panel discussion was very important and timely and it seemed that the facilities and responsible staff are aware of the challenges that we face when it comes to data storage and analysis, especially sensitive data, and I hope that in the future they will actively work on trying to find solutions.”</p><h3><br>When research data becomes difficult to manage</h3><p><br>One of the most engaged discussions of the day centred on the practical realities of working with research data. The panel discussion highlighted challenges many researchers recognise: fragmented systems for storing and accessing data, increasing legal and security requirements, and the amount of time needed to organise data correctly throughout a project.<br>The panel brought together perspectives from several parts of the infrastructure landscape. Dr. Björn Nystedt represented NBIS, the national bioinformatics infrastructure, while Dr. Björn Torkelsson discussed the role of the high-performance computing infrastructure HPC2N and member of NAISS. Dr. Nicolas Delhomme, Coordinator for Data and Computational Support within the Wallenberg Initiative for Forest Research (WIFORCE), spoke about the challenges he is currently facing in research data management in connection with the establishment of the new data and computational support centre for WIFORCE.<br>Dr. Kelly Swarts reflected on the challenges researchers face when generating and organising large amounts of data in practice and said that she spent a lot of time at the beginning of her project thinking through and drafting a clear plan for how the data her research would be managed and used. Elisabeth Mach, legal officer at Umeå University, also highlighted how legal and ethical requirements surrounding research data are an important part of research workflows and that should not be overviewed.<br>Throughout the session, the audience contributed through Mentimeter questions that helped shape the discussion in real time. The format illustrated how many different competences are involved in supporting modern research data management, from bioinformatics and computing infrastructure to legal expertise and practical research experience.</p><h3>A need for simpler systems</h3><p>Several participants including members of the panel, described current data management systems as difficult, fragmented and time-consuming. A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the need for more coordinated solutions that allow researchers to spend less time navigating systems and more time focusing on science.</p><p class="quote-center">“There is a need to simplify how researchers work with data”</p><p>was a message that was expressed by Teresa Frisan and agreed by both panel and participants.The discussions also pointed toward ongoing national efforts to improve coordination between infrastructures, support functions and data systems. Shared platforms, national registries and improved support services were highlighted as important steps toward making research data easier to handle securely and efficiently, particularly when sensitive data are involved. Several speakers also pointed to ongoing efforts to improve coordination between infrastructures, support functions and data systems. Shared platforms, national registries and improved support services were highlighted as important steps toward making research data easier to handle securely and efficiently, particularly when sensitive data are involved. At the same time, it was noted that researchers also need to understand the importance of following institutional guidelines and regulations, and of attending relevant training and courses in data management to ensure good research practice.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_133414.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_133414.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_133414.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_133414.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_133414.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2421721080e54550ac1851d9b568d8f0/img_20260511_133414.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Members of the panel discussion on Data Management at the SciLifeLab Infrastructure Day, 11 May 2026, at Umeå University. From left to right: Nicolas Delhomme (Coordinator for data and computational support for WIFORCE), Björn Nystedt (NBiS, UU), Kelly Swarts (DDLS Fellow, SLU & UMU), Elisabeth Mach (Legal Officer at Legal and Infromation Management Office UMU), Björn Torkelsson (Assistant Director of HPC2N, UMU)</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Anna Shevtsova</span></div></div><h3>Connecting local research to national infrastructure</h3><p>Beyond the discussions on data management, the event also highlighted SciLifeLab Site Umeå role within the national SciLifeLab network. Through the network, local expertise is connected to shared large-scale infrastructures and services across Sweden, allowing researchers access to technologies, support and collaborations beyond their own institutions.<br>Throughout the day, the conversations reflected both the opportunities and the growing complexity of modern life science research. More importantly, they showed how collaboration between researchers, infrastructures and support functions is becoming increasingly essential in a research landscape shaped by growing amounts of data.<br>Throughout the day, the conversations reflected both the opportunities and the growing complexity of modern life science research. More importantly, they showed how collaboration between researchers, infrastructures and support functions is becoming increasingly essential in a research landscape shaped by growing amounts of data.<br>The event was originally aimed at users, postdocs and young PIs. Still, several infrastructure representatives joked that the intended audience seemed somewhat difficult to spot in the room.<br>One thing became clear during SciLifeLab Infrastructure Day, it is that modern life science research no longer depends only on producing data — but also on understanding how to work with it together. The challenge for future events may simply be convincing even more PhD students, postdocs and young group leaders to step away from the lab bench for a day and join the conversation.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/key-takeaways-from-scilifelab-infrastructure-day-in-umea_12174277/https://www.umu.se/en/news/hereditary-amyloidosis-not-linked-to-increased-risk-of-aortic-valve-disease_12173602/Hereditary amyloidosis not linked to increased risk of aortic valve diseaseThe association between amyloidosis and aortic valve stenosis has attracted considerable international attention. However, when researchers at Umeå University investigated the hereditary form of amyloidosis known as Skellefteå disease, they found no evidence of an increased prevalence of aortic valve disease.Mon, 18 May 2026 10:37:48 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/hjartbild_13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/hjartbild_13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/hjartbild_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/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/hjartbild_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/hjartbild_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/hjartbild_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p> Research at Umeå University has shown that the hereditary form of amyloidosis known as Skellefteå disease does not increase the risk of aortic stenosis, in contrast to previous findings on non-hereditary wild-type amyloidosis.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Johnér bildbyrå</span></div></div><p>“Our findings were expected based on clinical experience, but needed to be investigated to provide greater clarity, including with regard to potential differences between various types of amyloidosis,” says Kurt Boman, lead author, consultant cardiologist and internal medicine specialist, and Professor Emeritus at the Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine at Umeå University.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/kurt_boman2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/kurt_boman2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/kurt_boman2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/kurt_boman2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/kurt_boman2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/kurt_boman2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Kurt Boman, consultant cardiologist and internal medicine specialist, and Professor Emeritus at the Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ola Westerberg</span></div></div><p>Amyloidosis is a rare condition in which proteins produced by the body misfold and accumulate in organs such as the heart, nerves, and kidneys. These deposits disrupt normal organ function and can, over time, lead to serious damage.</p><p>In recent years, several international studies have highlighted a link between aortic valve stenosis and amyloidosis. Some studies have found that 11–20% of patients who underwent surgery for aortic stenosis also had amyloidosis. However, these cases involved a specific form of the disease known as wild-type amyloidosis, a non-hereditary variant.</p><p>In northern Sweden, a hereditary form of amyloidosis known as Skellefteå disease is present. This has raised the question of whether a similar association exists between this condition and aortic stenosis.</p><p>A research group at Umeå University led by Kurt Boman has conducted a cross-analysis of the surgical registry and the amyloidosis registry at Umeå University Hospital to investigate the co-occurrence of aortic stenosis and amyloidosis.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/jonas_wixner_0y7a2463_light2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/jonas_wixner_0y7a2463_light2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/jonas_wixner_0y7a2463_light2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/jonas_wixner_0y7a2463_light2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/jonas_wixner_0y7a2463_light2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/94d34118864641299e8c3aceeafb2846/jonas_wixner_0y7a2463_light2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Jonas Wixner, physician at the Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span> Elin Berge</span></div></div><p>The results indicate that the prevalence of aortic stenosis in patients with hereditary amyloidosis does not appear to exceed the expected baseline prevalence in the general population of northern Sweden.</p><p>“The hereditary form differs in several key aspects from non-hereditary amyloidosis, particularly in terms of age and sex distribution, and likely also in other underlying mechanisms,” says Jonas Wixner, physician at the Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine at Umeå University.</p><p>The findings have been published in the journal European Journal of Internal Medicine.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/hereditary-amyloidosis-not-linked-to-increased-risk-of-aortic-valve-disease_12173602/https://www.umu.se/en/news/routine-scans-may-reveal-tumour-aggressiveness-in-head-and-neck-cancer--without-additional-tests_12173341/Routine scans may reveal tumour aggressiveness in head and neck cancer – without additional testsMedical imaging routinely used in cancer care may hold far more biological information than previously thought. An international study involving Umeå University guest professor Lukas Kenner shows that PET/CT scans can capture the molecular activity of particularly aggressive head and neck tumours, opening new possibilities for more precise diagnosis and treatment planning.Wed, 13 May 2026 08:57:47 +0200<p>Most head and neck cancers are so-called squamous cell carcinoma, that affect tissues of the mouth, throat and larynx. Tumours that are HPV-negative – that is, not caused by the human papillomavirus, HPV – tend to be aggressive and difficult to treat. Reliable markers that predict how these cancers will progress, and how they might respond to therapy, have been lacking. However, a new study suggests that medical imaging already in use may also be useful for identifying and monitoring high‑risk tumours.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/004859d157de4f0a8cddba61c8b2c8db/lukas_kenner2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/004859d157de4f0a8cddba61c8b2c8db/lukas_kenner2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/004859d157de4f0a8cddba61c8b2c8db/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/004859d157de4f0a8cddba61c8b2c8db/lukas_kenner2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/004859d157de4f0a8cddba61c8b2c8db/lukas_kenner2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/004859d157de4f0a8cddba61c8b2c8db/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.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Medizinische Universität Wien</span></div></div><p>“Imaging has traditionally been used to determine where and how large a tumour is,” says Lukas Kenner, guest professor at Umeå University and corresponding author. “Our results show that the images also contain information about the tumour’s molecular behaviour, meaning how aggressive it is.”</p><p>Normally, the aggressiveness of a tumour would be determined through biopsies, which are small tissue samples from the tumour that are examined with a microscope. However, biopsies are invasive, time-consuming, and only sample small parts of the tumour, so the most aggressive regions can sometimes be missed. In this study, the research team analysed tumour samples together with clinical PET/CT imaging from patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancer. They found that tumours driven by activation of the Hedgehog signalling pathway, a key regulator of cancer growth, exhibit distinct patterns on PET/CT scans. These tumours accumulate more of the tracer used in imaging, reflecting higher biological activity and poorer prognosis. To test whether imaging also reflects treatment effects, the researchers blocked the Hedgehog pathway in laboratory experiments. Tumour growth slowed, and the PET/CT signal changed in parallel, mirroring the patterns seen in patients in the clinic.</p><p>“This is particularly encouraging because it suggests we may be able to monitor biological treatment response non-invasively,” Kenner says.</p><p>By combining molecular multi-omics with quantitative imaging analysis, the study establishes a framework linking tumour biology to radiological features. Such approaches are expected to contribute to AI-supported cancer diagnostics and more individualised therapy decisions.</p><p>“Before this can be used clinically, prospective studies are needed,” Kenner notes. “But the work shows how integrating imaging and molecular data can move precision oncology forward.”</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="912a2683-b4e8-48a5-ba97-70f511969a2c" data-contentname="About the study">{}</div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/routine-scans-may-reveal-tumour-aggressiveness-in-head-and-neck-cancer--without-additional-tests_12173341/https://www.umu.se/en/news/umea-professor-on-unusual-hantavirus-outbreak-with-human-to-human-transmission_12173235/Umeå Professor on unusual hantavirus outbreak with human-to-human transmissionHantaviruses are typically transmitted from animals to humans, but in the outbreak aboard the cruise ship *MV Hondius* in the Atlantic, an unusual virus variant capable of spreading between people is involved. Three people have died and several others have fallen ill on board, where passengers are now being kept in isolation. Additional cases have now been detected in the United States and Switzerland among former passengers.Wed, 13 May 2026 08:35:38 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/6ee1a7f63b1e484fac178237448b3945/ahlm_clas_9436_230131_hkn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/6ee1a7f63b1e484fac178237448b3945/ahlm_clas_9436_230131_hkn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/6ee1a7f63b1e484fac178237448b3945/ahlm_clas_9436_230131_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/6ee1a7f63b1e484fac178237448b3945/ahlm_clas_9436_230131_hkn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/6ee1a7f63b1e484fac178237448b3945/ahlm_clas_9436_230131_hkn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/6ee1a7f63b1e484fac178237448b3945/ahlm_clas_9436_230131_hkn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The hantavirus found in Sweden is the Puumala virus, which causes nephropathia epidemica (bank vole fever). Professor Clas Ahlm’s research focuses on studying the disease mechanisms of nephropathia epidemica, as well as immune responses during acute infection and long-term immunity.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p>Is this an outbreak that people in Sweden need to worry about? We put our questions to Professor Clas Ahlm, senior consultant and professor of infectious diseases at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University, who studies the hantavirus variant found in Sweden.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">What is currently known about the hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship *MV Hondius*?</h2><p>“The outbreak on board the *MV Hondius* cruise ship has been caused by Andes virus, a rarer and more aggressive type of hantavirus found in South America. The virus is spread via rodents and can cause severe illness with serious lung involvement and a high mortality rate, even with advanced hospital care.”</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">How does this virus differ from the hantaviruses found in Sweden?</h2><p>“Unlike the hantaviruses found in Sweden – primarily Puumala virus, which causes nephropathia epidemica (bank vole fever) – Andes virus can, in rare cases, be transmitted between humans, usually through close contact. This feature makes the outbreak more serious, although its transmissibility is still significantly lower than that of well-known airborne viruses such as influenza and coronaviruses.”</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">How is hantavirus transmitted, and how common is human-to-human transmission?</h2><p>“To our knowledge, only the type of hantavirus found in South America, Andes virus, can be transmitted between humans. Close or prolonged contact is required for such transmission.”</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Is there a risk that this variant could reach Sweden, for example through travel?</h2><p>“Yes, the virus has a relatively long incubation period, around two weeks and in some cases up to six to eight weeks. This means that infected individuals may travel to other regions or countries, potentially leading to secondary cases, where the infected person transmits the virus to others. However, the risk of further spread is considered low if exposed individuals take appropriate precautions.”</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">What symptoms does hantavirus cause, and is there reason for concern?</h2><p>“The symptoms of hantavirus infection are flu-like, including fever, general malaise, and often body aches and headaches. Depending on the type of hantavirus, either the lungs or the kidneys are primarily affected. Currently, there is no vaccine and no specific treatment for hantavirus infection.</p><p>“There is no reason for concern among the general public. However, this event highlights the importance of strong preparedness within both society and the healthcare system to rapidly detect and manage unusual infectious disease outbreaks.”</p><h2 id="info5" data-magellan-target="info5">Tell us about the hantavirus research underway at Umeå University!</h2><p>“At Umeå University, several research projects are ongoing, focusing on hantaviruses, including studies of disease mechanisms, immune responses during acute infection and immunity, as well as ecological aspects. Researchers at Umeå University are also involved in international collaborations aimed at developing vaccines and future treatments.</p><p>“My research focuses on the disease mechanisms of nephropathia epidemica, immune responses during acute illness, and long-term immunity. We aim to answer questions such as: What happens in the body during infection? How can we treat the disease, alleviate its course, and prevent severe illness and death? Does infection confer lifelong immunity, and can we develop vaccines that protect against hantavirus infection?”</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/umea-professor-on-unusual-hantavirus-outbreak-with-human-to-human-transmission_12173235/https://www.umu.se/en/news/land-power-and-culture-in-focus-at-arctic-arts-summit-in-umea_12173445/<description>As the Arctic is reshaped by climate change and growing geopolitical tensions, artists, researchers and policymakers will gather in Umeå for Arctic Arts Summit 2026. Under the theme “Land, Power, Art”, the summit will explore how arts and culture shape the understanding of societal change in the Arctic. </description><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 15:45:45 +0200</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><p>From 16–18 June 2026, the fourth edition of Arctic Arts Summit will take place in Umeå. The summit aims to strengthen dialogue between culture, politics and society across the Circumpolar North. </p><p>The programme combines international discussions and policy issues with a broad cultural programme. Representatives from Indigenous communities, academia, politics and the arts will meet in plenarysessions, while concerts, exhibitions, literary events and film screenings take place across the city. </p><p>- Discussions about the Arctic are often framed through security, climate change and natural resources. But large parts of the Arctic are also lived-in regions with cities, infrastructure, cultural life and communities where people build their everyday lives. The Arctic is often portrayed as something remote and temporary, despite the fact that many northern communities are long-term societies shaped by the people who live there. Arctic Arts Summit also wants to highlight the people, cultures and lived experiences that shape the Arctic,” says Keith Larson at Arctic Centre at Umeå University, one of the summit’s co-organisers. </p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">A meeting place for Arctic culture — both onsite and online</h2><p>A dedicated “Off-Summit” programme will give smaller cultural actors and grassroots organisations the opportunity to connect their own activities to the international network gathered in Umeå. </p><p>Beyond the physical meeting, Arctic Arts Summit continues through a digital platform featuring conversations, essays, online events and reports on Arctic arts and cultural policy. </p><p>The deadline for registration is 15 May 2026. More information is available through <a href="https://arcticartssummit.com/">Arctic Arts Summit 2026. </a></p><p>Arctic Arts Summit 2026 is co-hosted by Viermie K, Umeå Municipality, Region Västerbotten, the Swedish Arts Council, Umeå University and the Arctic Arts Summit Secretariat. </p></atom:content><link>https://www.umu.se/en/news/land-power-and-culture-in-focus-at-arctic-arts-summit-in-umea_12173445/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/early-career-researchers-trained-in-interdisciplinarity-in-abisko_12172955/"><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.umu.se/en/news/early-career-researchers-trained-in-interdisciplinarity-in-abisko_12172955/</guid><title>Early career researchers prepared for interdisciplinary collaboration in AbiskoHow are strong collaborations built between researchers from different disciplines? At Abisko Scientific Research Station, 29 early career researchers gathered to practice working across disciplinary boundaries and understanding each other’s research.Mon, 11 May 2026 15:26:30 +0200<div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="5be2f60a-d293-4121-8457-5dcc1ebf0eab" data-contentname="Ice drill">{}</div><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Arctic challenges require multiple perspectives</h2><p>Climate change, shifting ecosystems, and societal change in the Arctic affect the environment, communities, and economies at the same time. Understanding these challenges often requires knowledge from several research fields working together. At the same time, many researchers mainly work within their own disciplines, using their own methods and scientific language.</p><p>That was the starting point for the CIRC Early Career Interdisciplinary Workshop in Abisko. The workshop brought together researchers from Umeå University, SLU Umeå, Uppsala University, and the University of Gothenburg, among others. The event was organised by researchers from the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science at Umeå University with support from the Climate Impacts Research Centre, CIRC.</p><p>– Many of today’s research questions and funding calls require collaboration across disciplines. That is why it is important that researchers early in their careers have opportunities to meet and develop an understanding of each other’s perspectives and ways of working, says Keith Larson, Director of the Arctic Centre at Umeå University.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Describe your research with a limited vocabulary</h2><p>An important part of the workshop focused on making research easier to understand for people from other disciplines. In the application process, participants were asked to describe their research using only the “one thousand most common words”. The goal was not to simplify the research itself, but to make it understandable to researchers from other fields.</p><p>During the week, participants took part in exercises where they explained key concepts to each other, discussed shared challenges, and developed new research ideas together. The workshop concluded with a “collaboration challenge”, where groups rapidly developed interdisciplinary research proposals.</p><p>The exercises highlighted how researchers often work on similar questions, while using very different methods and language depending on their discipline. A central part of the workshop was therefore finding shared ways to understand each other and work together.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="689a7994-d05c-45a4-8861-d24da1a5de99" data-contentname="Workshop Abisko_EN">{}</div><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">New networks and ideas in Abisko</h2><p>The week also showed that interdisciplinary collaborations need both time and spaces for people to meet. In addition to seminars and group exercises, participants were introduced to the research environment in Abisko through presentations at Naturum Abisko Visitor Centre.</p><p>These presentations became a way to test research ideas outside participants’ own disciplines and practice making their research relevant and understandable to a broader audience.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/5c95c524c72341f89c9ed7000ec427e5/ima1791933.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/5c95c524c72341f89c9ed7000ec427e5/ima1791933.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/5c95c524c72341f89c9ed7000ec427e5/ima1791933.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/5c95c524c72341f89c9ed7000ec427e5/ima1791933.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/5c95c524c72341f89c9ed7000ec427e5/ima1791933.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/5c95c524c72341f89c9ed7000ec427e5/ima1791933.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Aurora borealis.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Johnér Bildbyrå AB, Matilda Holmqvist</span></div></div><p>The workshop also created space for conversations and shared experiences outside the formal programme. These informal moments often help accelerate new ideas and collaborations.</p><p>For many participants, the week in Abisko became a first step towards new research networks and future collaborations across disciplinary boundaries. At the same time, the workshop highlighted something becoming increasingly important in research: complex societal challenges often require both specialised expertise and the ability to work together across disciplines.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/early-career-researchers-trained-in-interdisciplinarity-in-abisko_12172955/https://www.umu.se/en/news/umea-university-on-stage-at-the-ec2u-science-contest_12172666/Umeå University on stage at the EC2U Science Contest – watch live and voteOn 20 May 2026, the EC2U Science Contest will take place during the EC2U forum in Turku, Finland. Three teams will compete in a live science contest that combines research, creativity and audience engagement. The Umeå team comprises five researchers: Kristina Lejon, Jerker Fick, Hanna Söderlund, Jesper Enbom and Manju Maharjan. Thu, 07 May 2026 09:56:00 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/3ed8a34343984c97b995d202897ea35a/sciencecontestteamet.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/3ed8a34343984c97b995d202897ea35a/sciencecontestteamet.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/3ed8a34343984c97b995d202897ea35a/sciencecontestteamet.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/3ed8a34343984c97b995d202897ea35a/sciencecontestteamet.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/3ed8a34343984c97b995d202897ea35a/sciencecontestteamet.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/3ed8a34343984c97b995d202897ea35a/sciencecontestteamet.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The Umeå University team competing in the EC2U Science Contest 2026, streamed live from Turku on 20 May.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hanna Söderlund</span></div></div><p>In the competition, they will be up against teams of researchers from the University of Turku and Friedrich Schiller University in Jena (Germany). The competition will be streamed live on YouTube. Students and staff at Umeå University, as well as the general public, are welcome to watch online and vote.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="8c4c82bd-ce1a-4333-9bbf-b43c6880ca43" data-contentname="Fact box SC 2026">{}</div><p>Manju Manharjan, a doctoral student in plant physiology at Umeå Plant Science Centre, shares her thoughts on being part of the Umeå team in the EC2U Science Contest:<br><br>"I feel very proud and honored to be part of the Umeå team for the EC2U Science Contest. Even though it’s my first year in Umeå, I’ve already had the opportunity to join such an exciting event. I’m looking forward to collaborating closely with my team, tackling challenges together, and learning from other teams at the center. At the same time, I’m excited to visit the vibrant city of Turku and experience its culture."</p><h3>What is the EC2U Science Contest?</h3><p>The EC2U Science Contest is a fast‑paced, interdisciplinary competition where teams of five researchers are given the same question and a limited amount of time to agree on an answer before presenting it to the audience.<br><br>The questions are submitted in advance by the public and can explore scientific, societal or ethical topics, as well as curious “what if?” scenarios. There is no set format for the answers. The focus is on clear reasoning, collaboration and the ability to explain complex ideas in an engaging way.<br><br>Both the audience and an international jury award points based on clarity, logic, creativity and entertainment value. The contest is held in English and broadcast online, allowing audiences to take part from anywhere in the world.</p><h3>Meet the Umeå University team</h3><p>Umeå University will be represented by a multidisciplinary team of five researchers in the EC2U Science Contest 2026. Together, they bring different academic perspectives to the stage and collaborate under time pressure to tackle questions submitted by the audience.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/umea-university-on-stage-at-the-ec2u-science-contest_12172666/https://www.umu.se/en/news/skytteansk-prize-awarded-to-distinguished-heart-and-lung-researchers_12172382/Skytteansk prize awarded to distinguished heart and lung researchersThe Royal Skytteanska Society (Kungl. Skytteanska Samfundet) has decided to award the Margareta and Eric Modig Prize for 2026 to Professor Stefan Söderberg and Professor André Nyberg at the Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University. The prize recognizes outstanding medical research, with a particular focus on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.Mon, 04 May 2026 16:10:27 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/020c447d13ba4c5d8b3182cc6c8e88b6/soderberg_stefan_9579_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/020c447d13ba4c5d8b3182cc6c8e88b6/soderberg_stefan_9579_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/020c447d13ba4c5d8b3182cc6c8e88b6/soderberg_stefan_9579_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/020c447d13ba4c5d8b3182cc6c8e88b6/soderberg_stefan_9579_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/020c447d13ba4c5d8b3182cc6c8e88b6/soderberg_stefan_9579_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/020c447d13ba4c5d8b3182cc6c8e88b6/soderberg_stefan_9579_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Stefan Söderberg.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p>“I am overwhelmed and deeply grateful. This award recognizes the long‑term research trajectory at Umeå University which, based on the MONICA and Västerbotten projects, has followed the development of cardiovascular disease over time. My research group and I are sincerely thankful for the opportunity to build upon the work laid by visionary researchers during the 1980s and 1990s,” says professor Stefan Söderberg, a physician and professor of cardiology at the Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine at Umeå University.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Focus on cardiovascular risk factors</h2><p>He is awarded the prize for his long-standing and influential contributions to research in cardiovascular and respiratory medicine. His clinically oriented and registry-based research has played a significant role in the development of new clinical practices and guidelines, including in the areas of pulmonary hypertension and cardiovascular risk assessment.</p><p>Through extensive scientific publishing, strong research funding, and leadership roles in major research collaborations, he has had a substantial impact both nationally and internationally.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Research on COPD and physiotherapy</h2><p>Professor André Nyberg, a physiotherapist and professor of physiotherapy, receives the prize for his innovative and clinically relevant research in physiotherapy and respiratory disease, with a particular focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/020c447d13ba4c5d8b3182cc6c8e88b6/nyberg_andre_2503_230620_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/020c447d13ba4c5d8b3182cc6c8e88b6/nyberg_andre_2503_230620_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/020c447d13ba4c5d8b3182cc6c8e88b6/nyberg_andre_2503_230620_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/020c447d13ba4c5d8b3182cc6c8e88b6/nyberg_andre_2503_230620_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/020c447d13ba4c5d8b3182cc6c8e88b6/nyberg_andre_2503_230620_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/020c447d13ba4c5d8b3182cc6c8e88b6/nyberg_andre_2503_230620_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>André Nyberg</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>“It is a great honour to receive the award. The distinction is not only a personal recognition, but also an important acknowledgement of the research we conduct and something that provides stronger conditions for our continued work. I share this award with my research group and our collaborators, whose commitment and efforts have been crucial to the results we have achieved,” he says.</p><p>André Nyberg's research has contributed to the development of new assessment methods and exercise interventions with clear benefits for patients, and is characterized by high scientific quality and strong international impact. He is also actively involved in international research networks and within the European Respiratory Society.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">About the prize</h2><p>The prize amounts to SEK 200,000 per recipient. The awards will be presented at the Royal Skyttean Society’s annual ceremonial meeting on 22 May 2026, and the recipients will deliver ceremonial lectures in connection with Umeå University’s annual celebration in October.</p><p><a href="https://skytteanskasamfundet.se/en/about-the-association/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Royal Skyttean Society</a>, based in Umeå, is one of Sweden’s 18 royal academies and works to promote science and culture, with a particular focus on the development of northern Sweden.</p><p>Further information: <a href="mailto:camilla.sandstrom@umu.se">Camilla Sandström</a>, Vice President, Royal Skyttean Society</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/skytteansk-prize-awarded-to-distinguished-heart-and-lung-researchers_12172382/https://www.umu.se/en/news/call-for-application-global-solutions-olympiad-2026_12172360/Call for Application: Global Solutions Olympiad 2026 in JapanMIRAI invites Master’s and PhD students from MIRAI member universities in Japan and Sweden to form international, interdisciplinary teams and develop innovative, feasible solutions to pressing global challenges. Application deadline: 16 August 2026.Mon, 11 May 2026 11:25:08 +0200<h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Empowering the next generation to co-create solutions for global challenges</h2><p>This team-based Olympiad is designed to foster cross-border collaboration, creative problem-solving, and real-world impact, and is directly connected to the <strong>MIRAI Research & Innovation Week 2026</strong>, to be held in <strong>Fukuoka, Japan, 8–11 December 2026.<br></strong></p><h3>Why Participate?</h3><ul><li>Collaborate in international, interdisciplinary student teams</li><li>Tackle real societal challenges linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals</li><li>Gain experience in innovation-driven research and solution design</li><li>Present your work to an international audience at MIRAI R&I Week 2026</li><li>Winning teams are invited to Fukuoka with travel and accommodation covered</li></ul><h3>Challenge Tracks</h3><p>Teams will choose one of the following four challenge areas:</p><ul><li><strong>Health and an Ageing Population (SDG 3)</strong></li><li><strong>Climate Adaptation, Disaster and Risk Management (SDG 13)</strong></li><li><strong>Resilient Cities and Communities: Governance and Urban Planning (SDG 11)</strong></li><li><strong>Energy Conversion and Storage Materials for a Sustainable Future (SDG 7)</strong></li></ul><p>Each challenge calls for bold, evidence-based ideas that integrate perspectives from multiple disciplines and are relevant to both Japan and Sweden.</p><h3>Programme Overview</h3><ul><li>Online kick-off workshop: Late August / early September 2026</li><li>Team working phase: Two weeks in mid-September 2026</li><li>Final deliverable: Solution brief or pitch video</li><li>Winner announcement: Early October 2026</li><li>Final presentation: MIRAI Research & Innovation Week, Fukuoka (December 2026)</li></ul><h3>Eligibility at a Glance</h3><ul><li>Master’s or PhD students at MIRAI member universities in Japan or Sweden</li><li>Teams of up to four students (self-organised)</li><li>English as the working language</li><li>Strong commitment during the programme period</li></ul><h3>Application Deadline</h3><p>16 August 2026, 23:45 CEST <br>Apply as a team via the<a title="Online application form: Global Solutions Miriad" href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=i0BTVM2mHkyLEBi1APtUTjDj6iFIqkxLq0MpvBhgsqlUNFBTSU9GWFlXTzQ2OTNZVEcxSlNUWjVEQi4u&route=shorturl"> online application form</a></p><p><a class="documentIcon" title="Call-for-Applications-MIRAI-Global-Solutions-Olympiad_FINAL.pdf (171 kB)" href="~/link/14caa2998d8141e5b02e1475f16b509a.aspx">Call-for-Applications-MIRAI-Global-Solutions-Olympiad_FINAL.pdf (171 kB)</a></p><p>Students are encouraged to review the full call carefully and contact their MIRAI contact persons before submitting their application.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/call-for-application-global-solutions-olympiad-2026_12172360/https://www.umu.se/en/news/mistletoe-extract-shows-no-effect-in-patients-with-advanced-pancreatic-cancer_12172211/Mistletoe extract shows no effect in patients with advanced pancreatic cancerNew research shows that palliative patients with pancreatic cancer neither live longer nor experience improved quality of life when taking mistletoe extract in addition to standard cancer treatment, compared to placebo.Mon, 04 May 2026 10:09:23 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/3f7b4968486b48c599e3ec3497f92fa3/pallilativ_vard3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/3f7b4968486b48c599e3ec3497f92fa3/pallilativ_vard3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/3f7b4968486b48c599e3ec3497f92fa3/pallilativ_vard3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/3f7b4968486b48c599e3ec3497f92fa3/pallilativ_vard3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/3f7b4968486b48c599e3ec3497f92fa3/pallilativ_vard3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/3f7b4968486b48c599e3ec3497f92fa3/pallilativ_vard3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p> A new study led by Kathrin Wode, a researcher and consultant physician in oncology and palliative medicine at Umeå University, shows that mistletoe extract has no effect on either survival or the well-being of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>plainpicture. Johnérs bildbyrå</span></div></div><p>“Previous research has shown promising results for mistletoe extract as a complementary treatment for this patient group, but our findings indicate that it has no effect on either survival or patients’ quality of life,” says Kathrin Wode, researcher and specialist physician in oncology and palliative medicine, PhD at the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, Umeå University.</p><p>Mistletoe extract is one of the most widely used plant-based medicinal products in Europe, but scientific evidence for its effectiveness against cancer remains limited. The MISTRAL study was conducted between 2016 and 2022 at Umeå University and nine Swedish oncology clinics and investigated the effectiveness of mistletoe extract as an adjunct treatment for patients receiving palliative care for pancreatic cancer. The researchers examined, among other outcomes, patient survival, quality of life, weight loss, and the use of corticosteroids.</p><p>“This is a patient group with a poor prognosis and a heavy symptom burden. There is a great need for gentle treatment options, which is why we wanted to investigate whether mistletoe extract could be helpful as an adjunct therapy,” says Per Fransson, Professor at the Department of Nursing, Umeå University.</p><p>“The study is quite unique because it focuses on complementary medicine rather than standard cancer treatment. It is also the first placebo-controlled study of mistletoe extract to examine both survival and quality of life,” says Roger Henriksson, Senior Professor at the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, Umeå University.</p><p>The study included 290 patients with pancreatic cancer, who were randomised to receive either injections of a mistletoe preparation or placebo. The study was double-blind, meaning that neither the patients nor the researchers knew who received mistletoe extract and who received placebo. Previous results in 2024 showed no improvements in survival in the group receiving mistletoe extract compared to the placebo group. The new results showed that there were also no improvements in survival or quality of life.</p><p>“Based on our study results, there is no clinical reason to recommend adding mistletoe extract in the treatment of pancreatic cancer,” says Kathrin Wode.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/3f7b4968486b48c599e3ec3497f92fa3/wode_kathrin_2137_220524_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/3f7b4968486b48c599e3ec3497f92fa3/wode_kathrin_2137_220524_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/3f7b4968486b48c599e3ec3497f92fa3/wode_kathrin_2137_220524_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/3f7b4968486b48c599e3ec3497f92fa3/wode_kathrin_2137_220524_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/3f7b4968486b48c599e3ec3497f92fa3/wode_kathrin_2137_220524_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/3f7b4968486b48c599e3ec3497f92fa3/wode_kathrin_2137_220524_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Kathrin Wode, researcher and specialist physician in oncology and palliative medicine, PhD at the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/mistletoe-extract-shows-no-effect-in-patients-with-advanced-pancreatic-cancer_12172211/https://www.umu.se/en/news/lars-nyberg-is-a-top-ranked-neuroscientist--ranked-eighth-in-sweden_12171771/<description>Lars Nyberg, Professor of Neuroscience, has been named the eighth leading researcher in neuroscience in Sweden by Research.com. In the global ranking, he is ranked 333rd in the world – a recognition that confirms his long-standing and successful research career.</description><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:58:38 +0200</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><p>Lars Nyberg’s research focuses on the brain and functional brain imaging, with a particular interest in the link between brain functions and various memory processes. As early as the 1980s, he helped launch the <em>Betula research project – ageing, memory and dementia</em> – in which participants were followed for over 30 years to study how memory changes over time.</p><p>In 2025, Lars Nyberg was awarded the Bengt Winblad Prize for his research in geriatrics, with a primary focus on how the brain and memory change with ageing. Now, less than a year later, his work is receiving further recognition through Research.com’s international ranking – with a place amongst the top ten neuroscientists in Sweden.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/bb82efde6dfa407ba24c988a9c42b808/nyberg_lars__mg_3975_160610_ebe2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bb82efde6dfa407ba24c988a9c42b808/nyberg_lars__mg_3975_160610_ebe2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bb82efde6dfa407ba24c988a9c42b808/nyberg_lars__mg_3975_160610_ebe2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/bb82efde6dfa407ba24c988a9c42b808/nyberg_lars__mg_3975_160610_ebe2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bb82efde6dfa407ba24c988a9c42b808/nyberg_lars__mg_3975_160610_ebe2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bb82efde6dfa407ba24c988a9c42b808/nyberg_lars__mg_3975_160610_ebe2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Lars Nyberg, professor, Institutionen för diagnostik och intervention och UFBI.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Elin Berge</span></div></div><p>“Receiving this feedback on the impact of our work from Research.com is very encouraging for me and also reflects the excellent efforts of my colleagues in various research projects,” says Lars Nyberg.</p><p> </p><p>The full list is available on <a href="https://research.com/scientists-rankings/neuroscience/se"><strong>Research.com</strong></a></p></atom:content><link>https://www.umu.se/en/news/lars-nyberg-is-a-top-ranked-neuroscientist--ranked-eighth-in-sweden_12171771/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/umea-university-researchers-shaping-arctic-knowledge_12171727/"><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.umu.se/en/news/umea-university-researchers-shaping-arctic-knowledge_12171727/</guid><title>Umeå University researchers shaping Arctic knowledge through UArctic’s thematic networksResearchers at Umeå University are playing an active role in shaping Arctic research and collaboration through UArctic’s thematic networks, a key international platform that connects expertise across disciplines and regions.Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:41:25 +0200<p class="quote-center">We see great potential for even more researchers at Umeå University to engage in and benefit from these networks.</p><p>These networks often function as small international research platforms, where collaborations, projects and ideas begin to take shape. This often happens long before they develop into larger funded initiatives.</p><p>With more than 60 thematic networks covering areas from climate and biodiversity to culture, health and governance, UArctic provides a structure for collaboration that is presented annually through the Year in Review publications.</p><p>The reports highlight how research communities contribute to Arctic knowledge. They also show that Umeå University is not only participating but, in several cases, helping to lead and develop these efforts.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Strong contributions across research fields</h2><p>Umeå University researchers are engaged in a wide range of thematic networks spanning the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.</p><p>In the Thematic Network on Northern Tourism, Umeå University is a key contributor, building on a strong research tradition while continuing to shape the field of Arctic tourism. Today, researchers from Umeå play an active role in advancing both knowledge development and international collaboration within the network.</p><p>Umeå is also strongly represented in the Arctic Sustainable Arts and Design (ASAD) network. Professor Cindy Kohtala, based at Umeå Institute of Design, serves as Vice-Lead of the network. The Institute will host an international workshop in 2026, further strengthening Umeå’s role as a hub for design and sustainability in Arctic contexts.</p><p>Beyond these examples, researchers from Umeå University contribute to networks such as Critical Arctic Studies, Herbivory, Health and Well-being in the Arctic, and several others, reflecting the breadth of Arctic-related research at the university.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Shaping Arctic research at a system level</h2><p>Umeå University also plays a unique role in supporting and shaping Arctic research more broadly through the Thematic Network on Polar Research Analytics, which is led by researchers at the university.</p><p class="quote-center">Through bibliometric analysis, we can better understand how Arctic research is evolving, where collaborations are emerging, and how knowledge flows across regions and disciplines.</p><p>The network is led by Professor Rickard Danell and Associate Professor Lena Maria Nilsson, with Arctic Centre Director Keith Larson serving as UArctic’s Associate Vice-President for Polar Research Analytics. Together, they contribute to mapping and analysing global Arctic research trends. This work provides a broader perspective on how Arctic research develops globally.</p><p>“Through bibliometric analysis, we can better understand how Arctic research is evolving, where collaborations are emerging, and how knowledge flows across regions and disciplines,” says Keith Larson. “This helps strengthen both individual research efforts and the collective impact of Arctic research.”</p><p>It also provides valuable insights for researchers, institutions and policymakers, and supports the continued development of UArctic’s thematic networks.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">A platform for collaboration and impact</h2><p>UArctic’s thematic networks offer Umeå University researchers opportunities to engage in international collaboration, develop new research initiatives, and increase the visibility of their work.</p><p>The networks connect researchers globally, with activities and collaborations spanning Arctic regions as well as institutions around the world.</p><p class="quote-center">Participating in a thematic network creates opportunities not only for collaboration, but also for making research more visible and relevant.</p><p>Within the networks, researchers organise workshops and conferences, develop joint publications, run field courses and initiate collaborative research projects across institutions.</p><p>The recent Year in Review initiative also illustrates the growing importance of communicating research activities and outcomes within these networks.</p><p>“Participating in a thematic network creates opportunities not only for collaboration, but also for making research more visible and relevant,” says Professor Cindy Kohtala. “Working together across different contexts, including through bioregional perspectives, helps us better understand and develop the sustainability potential of art and design research and practice.”</p><p>Researchers at Umeå University interested in joining a thematic network or learning more about ongoing activities are encouraged to explore UArctic’s network structure or contact the Arctic Centre.</p><p>“From the perspective of the Arctic Centre, we see great potential for even more researchers at Umeå University to engage in and benefit from these networks,” says Simon Oja, Deputy Director, Arctic Centre. “Strengthening participation will not only support individual research, but also enhance Umeå University’s overall contribution to Arctic knowledge and collaboration.”</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/umea-university-researchers-shaping-arctic-knowledge_12171727/https://www.umu.se/en/news/major-formas-grant-awarded-for-research-on-milk-spoilage_12171754/Major Formas grant awarded for research on milk spoilageAssistant Professor Laura Carroll has been awarded 6 million SEK from Formas to further develop bioinformatic tools aimed at improving the understanding and prevention of bacterial contamination in food such as milk. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:46:58 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b60c91c5e056476eb93caac20785a138/laura_carroll3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b60c91c5e056476eb93caac20785a138/laura_carroll3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b60c91c5e056476eb93caac20785a138/laura_carroll3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b60c91c5e056476eb93caac20785a138/laura_carroll3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b60c91c5e056476eb93caac20785a138/laura_carroll3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b60c91c5e056476eb93caac20785a138/laura_carroll3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Laura Carroll, Assistant Professor at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University, receives 6 MSEK for research within diary microbiology.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">It feels amazing!</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">How does it feel to receive the Formas grant?</h2><p>“It feels amazing! We applied to Formas last year but were not selected, so receiving the grant this year is especially exciting.”</p><p>“A large part of my PhD research focused on dairy microbiology, particularly the genomics of spore‑forming microorganisms involved in milk spoilage. That is why I am especially enthusiastic about this project. It gives me the opportunity to return to this research area, but now using novel single‑cell methods developed by our team here at Umeå University.”</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">What problem does the project address, and why is milk spoilage such an important area of research?</h2><p>“Food waste represents a massive environmental and economic burden. Nearly one third of all food produced globally is affected by food loss or waste, corresponding to estimated global annual economic losses exceeding one trillion US dollars. A significant portion of this is due to microbial spoilage, where microorganisms cause food to deteriorate in terms of taste, smell, or appearance. Dairy products, and milk in particular, are especially susceptible.”</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">How will you approach the research in this new project?</h2><p>“In this project, we are addressing milk spoilage using a data‑driven precision approach, based on a novel single‑cell metagenomic sequencing method developed by our team. Using this method, we will generate large volumes of genomic data from the microbiome of fluid bovine milk.”</p><p>“These data will be used to identify biomarkers, such as specific microbial species, strains, or genes, that can predict whether a batch of milk is likely to spoil during or prior to consumer storage. In the longer term, we aim to use these single‑cell‑based biomarkers to develop rapid and cost‑effective tests for the dairy industry.”</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">What does “maximum resolution” mean in practice, and why is single‑cell metagenomics a breakthrough for this field?</h2><p>“Previous approaches to studying the microbial flora of bovine milk have primarily relied on so‑called bulk methods, where DNA from all cells – both microbial and bovine – is analysed together. This makes it difficult to determine which DNA originates from which organism.”</p><p>“With single‑cell metagenomics, we can instead link DNA to individual cells, allowing us to study individual bacteria at a level of detail that was previously not possible. By tailoring the method specifically to fluid bovine milk, we can also track how microbial spoilage develops over time at the cellular level and identify early indicators of milk spoilage – before the product reaches retailers or consumers, when producers still have the opportunity to intervene.”</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">How might the results be used in practice?</h2><p>“Our hope is that these methods will eventually serve as decision‑support tools for food producers, for example in determining whether a batch of milk should be released, discarded, or repurposed. They may also contribute to more accurate best‑before dates and to the development of targeted interventions that reduce food waste.”</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b60c91c5e056476eb93caac20785a138/kossor2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b60c91c5e056476eb93caac20785a138/kossor2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b60c91c5e056476eb93caac20785a138/kossor2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b60c91c5e056476eb93caac20785a138/kossor2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b60c91c5e056476eb93caac20785a138/kossor2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b60c91c5e056476eb93caac20785a138/kossor2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Approximately 2.8 million tonnes of milk are produced annually in Sweden.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Robert Harding</span></div></div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/major-formas-grant-awarded-for-research-on-milk-spoilage_12171754/https://www.umu.se/en/news/preventive-surgery-safe-for-women-with-hereditary-risk-of-breast-cancer_12170863/Preventive Surgery Safe for Women with Hereditary Risk of Breast CancerWomen with a substantially increased hereditary risk of breast cancer may be offered preventive removal of the breasts. A new study from Umeå University shows that this is a very safe procedure, both in terms of reducing the risk of breast cancer and the risk of complications requiring further surgery.Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:33:57 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/e550d1e47c944298b79f31f25bebd2e9/wiberg_rebecca-6311-250422-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e550d1e47c944298b79f31f25bebd2e9/wiberg_rebecca-6311-250422-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e550d1e47c944298b79f31f25bebd2e9/wiberg_rebecca-6311-250422-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/e550d1e47c944298b79f31f25bebd2e9/wiberg_rebecca-6311-250422-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/e550d1e47c944298b79f31f25bebd2e9/wiberg_rebecca-6311-250422-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/e550d1e47c944298b79f31f25bebd2e9/wiberg_rebecca-6311-250422-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Rebecca Wiberg, Associate professor at the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>“Our results show that the risk of developing breast cancer in the future is very low. This is important evidence that can support clinical decision-making and counselling for women with an increased hereditary risk of breast cancer,” says Rebecca Wiberg, Associate professor at the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention at Umeå University.</p><p>The study includes 1,208 Swedish women with a confirmed pathogenic variant in BRCA1 or BRCA2, but no previous breast cancer diagnosis, identified between 1994 and 2019. Only 1 out of the 507 women who underwent surgery developed breast cancer, compared with 112 out of 701 women who did not have preventive surgery.</p><p>“We also observed a low incidence of complications requiring surgical treatment following the procedure. Taken together, this indicates that it is a safe intervention,” says Rebecca Wiberg.</p><p>Breast cancer affects approximately one in ten women in Sweden. In about 2.5 percent of cases, the disease is caused by hereditary mutations in the breast cancer genes BRCA1 or BRCA2. Women who carry these genetic variants have a very high lifetime risk of developing breast cancer—up to 70 percent—and are therefore offered special surveillance programmes or preventive surgery in the form of risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM).</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="e9ebd5d1-ca7d-41b5-ae84-bace1a15394a" data-contentname="About the study">{}</div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/preventive-surgery-safe-for-women-with-hereditary-risk-of-breast-cancer_12170863/https://www.umu.se/en/news/researchers-turn-soil-bacterial-protein-into-potent-cancer-cell-killer_12170920/Researchers turn soil bacterial protein into potent cancer cell killerResearchers at Umeå University have turned a protein from soil bacteria into a potential new weapon against colorectal cancer. A study published in Cell Death Discovery shows how an engineered bacterial protein can trigger a unique form of cancer cell death.Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:54:17 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1378_final3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1378_final3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1378_final3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1378_final3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1378_final3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1378_final3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>By combining a bacterial protein with a fatty acid, the researcher Aftab Nadeem and his team have created a tumor‑killing complex that targets cancer cells and shuts down their energy production.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">It is like finding a new key to unlock a tumour’s defences</p><p>“This discovery shows that we can take proteins from naturally occurring bacteria and engineer them to attack one of the deadliest and most treatment‑resistant cancers,” says Aftab Nadeem, researcher at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University and lead author of the study. “It is like finding a new key to unlock a tumour’s defences.”</p><p>Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer‑related deaths worldwide. Although treatments such as chemotherapy are available, they often cause severe side effects and many tumours eventually become resistant.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/nhea-o_complex3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/nhea-o_complex3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/nhea-o_complex3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/nhea-o_complex3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/nhea-o_complex3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/nhea-o_complex3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>NheA‑O (highlighted in magenta) binds to the cell membrane of colorectal cancer cells.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Aftab Nadeem</span></div></div><p>The research focuses on ferroptosis, a form of cell death caused by damaging fat‑based chemical reactions inside cancer cells. By combining a bacterial protein with a fatty acid, the researchers created a tumour‑killing complex called NheA‑O. The complex acts like a guided missile, attaching to the cancer cell membrane and disrupting the cell’s energy production in the mitochondria.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Breaking cancer’s defences</h2><p>What makes the discovery unique is that the complex can bypass the cancer cell’s normal survival mechanisms. In colorectal cancer, tumour cells often rely on a built‑in protective system that prevents them from dying. The study shows that NheA‑O can break through this protection and trigger the collapse of the cancer cells.</p><p>“Without energy, the cancer cell cannot survive. We were surprised to see how efficiently NheA‑O attaches to the cancer cell and shuts down its energy supply,” says Naeem Ullah, who recently finished his position as postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University. He is first author of the study.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1397_final2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1397_final2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1397_final2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1397_final2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1397_final2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1397_final2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Aftab Nadeem uses a high-resolution Leica SP8 confocal microscope to observe how NheA-O (shown in green) attacks and destroys colon cancer cells.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Test in more complex models</h2><p>The research was carried out using advanced biochemical methods and cell culture models of colorectal cancer. The next step will be to test the safety and effectiveness of the protein‑lipid complexes in more complex biological systems, such as intestinal organoids and mouse cancer models.</p><p>Although clinical use is still several years away, the findings point to a new strategy for developing cancer therapies inspired by molecules found in nature.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1425_final2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1425_final2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1425_final2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1425_final2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1425_final2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/12f0f57da0114567b954ac60a062bcfd/img_1425_final2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Aftab Nadeem is a researcher at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/researchers-turn-soil-bacterial-protein-into-potent-cancer-cell-killer_12170920/https://www.umu.se/en/news/climate-change-is-already-claiming-lives-in-europe--and-the-risks-are-increasing_12170974/Climate change is already claiming lives in Europe – and the risks are increasingEurope is facing a sharp rise in heat-related deaths, deteriorating working conditions, growing food insecurity, and increased risks of climate-sensitive infectious diseases. This is the conclusion of a new report on climate change and health from Lancet Countdown Europe. Umeå University is the only Swedish university to have contributed original research to the report.Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:12:09 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d904509f938745f39211148ec29cc6cc/maria_nilsson_umu_sweden2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d904509f938745f39211148ec29cc6cc/maria_nilsson_umu_sweden2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d904509f938745f39211148ec29cc6cc/maria_nilsson_umu_sweden2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d904509f938745f39211148ec29cc6cc/maria_nilsson_umu_sweden2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d904509f938745f39211148ec29cc6cc/maria_nilsson_umu_sweden2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d904509f938745f39211148ec29cc6cc/maria_nilsson_umu_sweden2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Maria Nilsson, professor at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Samuel Pettersson</span></div></div><p>“Millions of people are already being exposed to serious health risks as a result of climate change. The choices we make today will determine whether these trends intensify – or whether we build a safer and more resilient Europe,” says Maria Nilsson, Professor of Public Health at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health at Umeå University and Chair of Lancet Countdown Europe.</p><p>The report concludes that human-induced climate change is already claiming lives and leading to increasingly severe health consequences across Europe. The number of extreme heat warnings has increased by 318% compared with the 1990s, and almost the entire continent is experiencing rising heat-related mortality. Heat-related deaths are estimated to have reached approximately 62,000 in 2024. Extreme heat disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations, particularly infants, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers.</p><p>At the same time, climate change is contributing to the spread of infectious diseases in Europe. The risk of dengue outbreaks has almost quadrupled since the 1980–2010 period, while coastlines suitable for infections caused by Vibrio bacteria have expanded significantly – even in countries such as Italy and France. In addition, the pollen season is now one to two weeks longer than in the 1990s, prolonging exposure for people with allergies.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Fossil fuels increase societal vulnerability</h2><p>The report also highlights that Europe’s continued dependence on fossil fuels has serious consequences for public health. In an effort to mitigate sharply rising energy costs – exacerbated in large part by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – government subsidies for fossil fuels in Europe amounted to €444 billion in 2023 alone. This represents more than a threefold increase compared with 2016, the year the Paris Agreement was adopted and countries committed to limiting global warming.</p><p>“Today, as conflict in Iran increases instability and human suffering in the region, it is becoming increasingly clear that Europe’s continued reliance on fossil fuels makes our economies, public finances, and ultimately our health more vulnerable,” says Jan Semenza, Professor at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health at Umeå University.</p><p>“The single most important thing to do is to rapidly phase out fossil fuels and reduce emissions, while simultaneously adapting societies to rising heat. This delivers the greatest overall health benefits, both in the short and long term,” says Maria Nilsson.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="a9879ab1-e7c6-4867-b9f0-f15b164fa69f" data-contentname="About the report">{}</div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/climate-change-is-already-claiming-lives-in-europe--and-the-risks-are-increasing_12170974/https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-research-reveals-cell-proteins-that-drive-severe-viral-infections_12170846/New research reveals cell proteins that drive severe viral infectionsResearchers at Umeå University have identified two human cell proteins, NUP98 and NUP153, that play a crucial role in how viruses such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West Nile virus, and dengue virus replicate in the body. The findings challenge existing views of how these viruses exploit human cells and point to new, promising targets for future antiviral drugs.Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:14:57 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/anna_overby_lab2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/anna_overby_lab2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/anna_overby_lab2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/anna_overby_lab2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/anna_overby_lab2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/anna_overby_lab2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Professor Anna Överby Wernstedt has worked with TBE research for several years, with the aim of finding ways to stop the virus before it is too late—before it has had time to spread.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">By understanding which human proteins viruses hijack, we can identify new ways to stop infection</p><p>“Viruses have very small genomes and are completely dependent on the host cell’s machinery. By understanding which human proteins viruses hijack, we can identify new ways to stop infection,” says Anna Överby Wernstedt, Professor at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University, who led the research project.</p><p>TBE virus, West Nile virus, and dengue virus belong to a closely related group of flaviviruses and cause illness in millions of people worldwide every year. Despite the substantial disease burden, there are still no approved antiviral drugs. One alternative strategy is therefore to target the host cell’s own proteins that viruses depend on for replication.</p><p>In two recently published studies by Professor Anna Överby’s research group at Umeå University, together with their collaborators, the nucleoporins NUP98 and NUP153 have been identified as key host factors in orthoflavivirus infection.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">An unexpected role for nuclear pore proteins</h2><p>NUP98 and NUP153 are normally part of the nuclear pore complex, which regulates the transport of proteins and RNA between the cell nucleus and the cytosol, the fluid in which the cell’s internal components are suspended. Since orthoflaviviruses copy their RNA in the cytosol, these proteins had not previously been linked to the viral life cycle.</p><p>The researchers now show that during infection, both nucleoporins are recruited to viral replication sites in the cytosol, where they bind directly to viral RNA. In addition, NUP153 also interacts with viral proteins.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/akpiroro_peters_marie_berit_5979_221018_hkn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/akpiroro_peters_marie_berit_5979_221018_hkn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/akpiroro_peters_marie_berit_5979_221018_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/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/akpiroro_peters_marie_berit_5979_221018_hkn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/akpiroro_peters_marie_berit_5979_221018_hkn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/akpiroro_peters_marie_berit_5979_221018_hkn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>DMarie Peters, previously doctoral student at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p>“It was surprising to see how proteins that normally act as ‘gatekeepers’ to the nucleus instead become active participants in the virus’s replication machinery,” says Marie Peters, a researcher who previously was a doctoral student at the Department of Clinical Microbiology and defended her PhD thesis in 2025, which included these publications.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Fine‑tuning viral protein production</h2><p>The studies show that NUP98 and NUP153 have distinct roles during infection. NUP98 is required for efficient replication of viral RNA, while NUP153 influences how much of the different viral proteins are produced.</p><p>NUP153 binds to a specific region of the viral RNA located between the sequences encoding structural and non-structural proteins. Through this interaction, the balance between different viral proteins is regulated, which is critical at an early stage of infection.</p><p>“Our results challenge the established view that all viral proteins are produced in equal amounts. Instead, we see that the virus fine-tunes its protein expression with the help of the host cell’s own proteins,” says Marie Peters.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">A peptide that stops the virus</h2><p>In their work on NUP98, the researchers went on to identify – together with colleagues at Uppsala University – a small peptide that blocks NUP98’s binding to viral RNA. When this interaction is prevented, viral replication is dramatically reduced.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/wernstedt_anna_9609_211117_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/wernstedt_anna_9609_211117_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/wernstedt_anna_9609_211117_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/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/wernstedt_anna_9609_211117_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/wernstedt_anna_9609_211117_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/wernstedt_anna_9609_211117_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Anna Överby Wernstedt, Professor at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>“This shows that our findings are not only biologically interesting, but can also be translated into concrete antiviral strategies,” says Anna Överby Wernstedt.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Paving the way for new antiviral drugs</h2><p>Taken together, the studies provide new and deeper insights into how orthoflaviviruses exploit human cells. RNA-binding host proteins, such as nucleoporins, are highlighted as a central but previously underestimated part of the viral life cycle.</p><p>“By targeting stable host proteins rather than the virus’s rapidly mutating components, we may ultimately be able to develop broader and more resilient antiviral treatments,” says Anna Överby Wernstedt.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/nup_98_webben2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/nup_98_webben2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/nup_98_webben2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/nup_98_webben2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/nup_98_webben2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/nup_98_webben2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Schematic image over NUP 98.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Anna Överby Wernstedt</span></div></div><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/nup153_webben2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/nup153_webben2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/nup153_webben2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/nup153_webben2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/nup153_webben2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7b6904ea8b11464eb815a73e00034b2b/nup153_webben2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Schematic image over NUP153.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Anna Överby Wernstedt</span></div></div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-research-reveals-cell-proteins-that-drive-severe-viral-infections_12170846/https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-project-tackles-arctic-talent-shortage_12170376/New project tackles Arctic talent shortage – cross-border collaboration in the Nordic NorthNorthern Nordic regions are at the forefront of Europe’s green transition, with expanding industries and increasing demand for skilled labour. At the same time, many Arctic communities face stagnant or declining populations. The new cross-border project, Talent North, aims to address this growing mismatch by strengthening cooperation between universities, municipalities, and regional authorities across the Nordic Arctic.Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:55:27 +0200<p>“The green transition in northern Europe depends not only on technology and investment, but also on people choosing to live and work in the region. Projects like Talent NorthNorth are important because they bring together universities, municipalities and regional actors to strengthen the long-term attractiveness of the Arctic as a place to build careers and communities,” says Keith Larson, Director of the Arctic Centre at Umeå University.</p><p>Talent NorthNorth is a collaboration between the Arctic Six, municipalities and regional public agencies in the Nordic Arctic. The project aims to strengthen talent attraction and retention by connecting education, labour-market needs, and regional development across borders.</p><p class="quote-center">The green transition in northern Europe depends not only on technology and investment, but also on people choosing to live and work in the region.</p><p>Across the Nordic Arctic, expanding industries and public services are creating growing demand for skilled workers, while many communities face stagnant or declining populations. This growing mismatch between labour demand and population trends risks slowing the region’s long-term development. While initiatives exist to address parts of this issue, a fragmented approach often limits their impact.</p><p>Talent NorthNorth addresses this challenge by developing a shared cross-border approach to talent attraction and retention. The project will bring together universities, municipalities and regional agencies to develop joint educational initiatives, training activities and communication efforts.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">From competition to cooperation in the Arctic</h2><p>Current solutions are often fragmented. Cities, universities and countries compete instead of collaborating, which weakens the Arctic’s overall attractiveness. Talent NorthNorth aims to address this by creating shared knowledge, by strengthening cooperation across borders and by promoting a common message about life and work in the Arctic. The goal is to build a long-term system where municipalities and employers work together across national borders.</p><p>The project is the result of collaboration between The Arctic Six, an organisation comprised of six universities in Arctic Norway, Sweden and Finland, some municipalities within the Arctic Urban Regional Cooperation (AURC), and the Arctic Mayors’ Forum, under the umbrella of Arctic Six Extended.</p><p>“The Arctic Six is in itself a product of the insight that we are stronger together, and the network we have built over the years with stakeholders in the Arctic region within Arctic Six Extended has furthered the identification of joint challenges and need for long-term cross-border collaboration on Arctic issues. My position as Arctic Six Chair provided me the opportunity to take on the task to coordinate the consortium”, says Charlotta Söderberg, Arctic Six Chair, Project Lead Partner (EU) of Talent NorthNorth, and Associate Professor in Political Science at Luleå University of Technology.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Testing new ways to attract and retain talent</h2><p>“Through our Arctic Six Chair and collaboration with municipalities and employers, the project allows us to connect education, mobility, and labour market needs across borders, in line with Norway’s High North priorities. Talent NorthNorth gives us a concrete platform to turn research and education into practical solutions for sustainable development in the Arctic”, says Roberto Rivas Hermann, Arctic Six Chair, Project Lead Partner (Norway) of Talent NorthNorth and Professor of Innovation and Sustainable Organisation at Nord University.</p><p>By strengthening cooperation across borders, the partners aim to develop and test new approaches to talent attraction in the Nordic Arctic. The ambition is that these experiences will help regional actors work together more effectively to meet the region’s growing demand for skilled labour.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="ae1b9e29-b08b-413e-8212-c4275b402c74" data-contentname="TalentNorth - Fact box">{}</div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-project-tackles-arctic-talent-shortage_12170376/https://www.umu.se/en/news/metabolomics-in-life-science-2.0_12170026/Global Metabolomics Community Returns to Umeå for Second International ConferenceThe second edition of the Metabolomics in Life Science conference, held on 27–28 January 2026 in Umeå, once again brought together researchers, industry partners, and experts from across the world. Building on the success of the inaugural meeting, the conference further strengthened Umeå’s position as a growing hub for metabolomics research and collaboration. Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:04:22 +0200<p>The event gathered an international audience and provided a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, presenting new discoveries, and fostering collaborations across disciplines. Participants emphasized the value of the meeting’s focused and interactive format, which encouraged discussions and close engagement between scientists at different career stages.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_1.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_1.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_1.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_1.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_1.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_1.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The conference took place at the Väven Conference Centre in Umeå, beautifully located by the Umeå River.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ainhoa Querejeta</span></div></div><p><strong>Advancing metabolomics research</strong></p><p>Metabolomics—the large-scale study of small molecules reflecting biological processes—continues to play an increasingly important role in life science research. Analysis of metabolites can uncover early markers of disease, enabling faster diagnosis and improved treatments, as well as providing valuable insights into disease pathogenesis, plant defence mechanisms against stress or pests, and the hidden impacts of environmental exposures on human health.</p><p>The 2026 conference highlighted recent developments in both Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS)-based approaches, with applications ranging from clinical and precision medicine to plant biology, exposomics, and computational analysis.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_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/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Participants appreciated the dedicated time and supportive environment for discussions.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ainhoa Querejeta</span></div></div><p>The scientific programme featured six internationally recognised keynote speakers, including Professor Marc-Emmanuel Dumas (Imperial College London), Professor Roel Vermeulen (Utrecht University), Professor Ingela Lanekoff (Uppsala University), Dr. Lorenzo Caputi (Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology), Professor Peter Vermathen (University Hospital Bern), and Dr. Johannes Rainer (Eurac Research). Their presentations showcased cutting-edge research, from microbial metabolism in human disease to single-cell metabolomics and open software development for large-scale data analysis.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="e24375ac-cc6d-43f0-ba50-9236c9811640" data-contentname="Metabolomics 2026_3">{}</div><p>Reflecting on the event, keynote speaker Professor Marc-Emmanuel Dumas noted: “Congratulations on organising a fantastic conference with a first-class programme.”</p><p>Participants highlighted the breadth of topics and the balance between different analytical techniques as key strengths of the meeting. Sessions on computational metabolomics, multi-omics integration, and clinical applications were particularly well received, alongside emerging areas such as spatial and single-cell metabolomics.</p><p><strong>A collaborative effort in Umeå</strong></p><p>The conference was jointly organised by SciLifeLab platforms in Umeå: the Swedish NMR Centre (SNC), the Swedish Metabolomics Centre (SMC), and the Computational Analytics Support Platform (CASP). Together, these infrastructures provide comprehensive support for metabolomics research, from data acquisition to advanced computational analysis.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_42.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_42.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_42.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_42.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_42.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_42.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The poster session was engaging and sparked many interesting discussions</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ainhoa Querejeta</span></div></div><p>The continued international participation and positive feedback confirm the importance of creating platforms where researchers and industry can meet, exchange knowledge, and build collaborations. The conference also featured poster sessions and industry exhibitions, offering additional opportunities for interaction and showcasing new technologies.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="ef321d61-d45d-47de-a77a-0d02db3ee9ab" data-contentname="Metabolomics 2026_5">{}</div><p>Sharing a participant perspective, Dr. Qing Zhao from the National University of Singapore said:</p><p class="quote-center">It was a fantastic experience, and I truly enjoyed meeting everyone and learning more about the metabolomics work being done in Sweden</p><p><strong>Strengthening networks and future directions</strong></p><p>Participants praised the high scientific quality, excellent organisation, and welcoming atmosphere of the meeting. The relatively small scale of the conference was seen as a major advantage, allowing meaningful networking and in-depth discussions.</p><p>The organisers also highlighted the importance of the meeting for the community. Dr. Ilona Dudka and Dr. Kate Bennett noted:</p><p class="quote-center">This conference is an important platform for bringing together the metabolomics community across disciplines and countries. It is very rewarding to organise an event that fosters collaboration, exchange of ideas, and supports the continued development of the field.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_62.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_62.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_62.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_62.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_62.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bbe6167bc04843a3b467662709c509d2/metabolomics_2026_62.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Organisers Dr. Ilona Dudka (SNC, Umeå) and Dr. Kate Bennett (CASP) enjoyed organising the conference and highlighted Umeå’s growing role on the metabolomics map</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ainhoa Querejeta</span></div></div><p>The strong engagement from both returning and new participants demonstrates the growing interest in the conference and its role within the international metabolomics community. The second edition further established Metabolomics in Life Science as a recurring event in Umeå, continuing to support collaboration and innovation in the field.</p><p><em>Read more about an earlier event,</em> <strong>Metabolomics in Life Science 1.0, 30-31 January 2024 in Umeå: <a href="~/link/27ae05c837fd46e18f0e7cc113e5c3e9.aspx">The world metabolomics community gathers in the North</a></strong></p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/metabolomics-in-life-science-2.0_12170026/https://www.umu.se/en/news/on-antibiotics-and-the-inevitable-rise-of-resistance--new-popular-science-book_12170053/On antibiotics and the inevitable rise of resistance – new popular science bookAntibiotics are one of medicine’s greatest success stories, but they are now facing what may be their greatest threat yet. In a new book, Professor Jörgen Johansson describes how antibiotics have revolutionized health care, why resistance is spreading, and which paths may help us avoid a post-antibiotic future.Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:58:52 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b5a5b1d2b5c14fdd9d1b1021379f953a/jorgen_johansson4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b5a5b1d2b5c14fdd9d1b1021379f953a/jorgen_johansson4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b5a5b1d2b5c14fdd9d1b1021379f953a/jorgen_johansson4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/b5a5b1d2b5c14fdd9d1b1021379f953a/jorgen_johansson4.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b5a5b1d2b5c14fdd9d1b1021379f953a/jorgen_johansson4.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b5a5b1d2b5c14fdd9d1b1021379f953a/jorgen_johansson4.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Jörgen Johansson, professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, began working on his book five years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p>Jörgen Johansson is Professor of Molecular Microbiology at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University. His research focuses on how bacteria coordinate their ability to cause disease, using <em>Listeria</em> as a model system. Together with other researchers at Umeå University, he is also working to identify new types of antibiotics.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Why did you write this book, and why now?</h2><p>“After years of teaching at the university and giving popular science lectures, I realized that there is no comprehensive popular science book that explains antibiotics, how they work, and how bacteria develop resistance. I found that surprising, given that a new cookbook seems to be published every day in Sweden. Nothing against cookbooks, but I believe a book about antibiotics may be of real importance. Antibiotic resistance is often described as the ‘silent pandemic’ that will affect more and more people. That’s why it is crucial that the public understands what is happening and how it can be prevented.”</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">What motivated you to write the book, and what do you hope to achieve?</h2><p>“My hope is that readers will gain a deeper understanding of how vital effective antibiotics are—not only for treating infectious diseases, but also for preventing infections in, for example, cancer patients undergoing treatment. Much of modern health care, including advanced surgery, organ transplantation, and cancer therapies, is critically dependent on functioning antibiotics. We therefore need antibiotics that continue to work, even here in Sweden, where people relatively rarely die from infections.”</p><p>“Since all antibiotic use ultimately contributes to increased resistance, I hope the public will become more cautious about ‘demanding’ antibiotics for minor colds. That said, Sweden – and Västerbotten in particular – is already fairly restrictive in its use of antibiotics compared with many other countries.”</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">What does the public need to understand about this issue?</h2><p>“That antibiotic resistance is a real problem that must be addressed at every level. Unfortunately, many people still believe that all infections, including viral ones, can be treated with antibiotics. It is also important to emphasize that we should not be afraid of bacteria. In many ways, bacteria are our best friends: the bacteria in our gut help us absorb nutrients and protect us from harmful microbes. In short, we should only eliminate bacteria that are in the wrong place in the body. When we lose the ability to do that, problems arise very quickly.”</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Is there anything that worries you more today than ten years ago?</h2><p>“The increasing development of resistance is alarming. For example, Klebsiella bacteria isolated from war-injured patients in Ukraine have been found to be resistant to all antibiotics normally used to treat infections caused by that bacterium. Unfortunately, there is a significant risk that such multi-resistant bacteria will cause increased suffering in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, and that they may eventually reach Sweden as well.”</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">Is antibiotic resistance taken seriously enough, and who bears the main responsibility?</h2><p>“I think that politicians in Sweden are generally quite aware of the problem. Unfortunately, this is similar to the climate crisis: bacteria do not respect national borders, and real change requires greater international coordination. A major challenge is that far too few new antibiotics or alternative treatments are being developed, largely because the financial incentives are too weak. This is beginning to change through various initiatives, but progress is still too slow.”</p><p>“At the same time, developing new antibiotics is something of an ‘artificial respiration’ measure – we know that bacteria will eventually develop resistance even to new drugs. This means that we need continuous innovation in antibiotics and treatment strategies, while also working to limit the spread of resistance. A combination of both approaches is likely the most effective. There will probably never be a single ‘silver bullet’ that solves all the problems.”</p><h2 id="info5" data-magellan-target="info5">What needs to be strengthened in health care and policy to address resistance?</h2><p>“That’s a good question. Nothing is being done entirely wrong, but things are moving too slowly. It would be beneficial to launch more initiatives, for example at the EU level, to strengthen incentives for pharmaceutical companies to develop new antibiotics or treatment approaches. However, this will require substantial funding.”</p><p>“When it comes to new treatment alternatives, various forms of bacteriophage therapy are particularly interesting and could potentially revolutionize future health care. A bacteriophage is a virus that attacks specific bacteria, meaning that only certain disease-causing bacteria are eliminated, while beneficial bacteria are left intact. There are likely other, yet undiscovered strategies that could help remove harmful bacteria. This is why curiosity-driven basic research is so important, allowing researchers the freedom to formulate new questions.”</p><h2 id="info6" data-magellan-target="info6">Who is your book written for?</h2><p>“My (perhaps naive) hope is that each copy of the book will be read by several people – especially those who do not normally read popular science. A request from me as an author: once you have finished reading, feel free to pass the book on to a friend, a family member, or donate it to a second-hand shop so that more people have the chance to read it. Wear it out.”</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/on-antibiotics-and-the-inevitable-rise-of-resistance--new-popular-science-book_12170053/https://www.umu.se/en/news/images-and-risk-communication-boost-motivation-for-better-heart-health_12169649/Images and risk communication boost motivation for better heart healthWhen health risks become visible in black and white, perspectives often shift. A study from Umeå University shows that when ultrasound images of atherosclerosis in subjects’ carotid arteries, combined with a motivational dialogue, they are more likely to be motivated to improve their lifestyle habits and take preventive medication.Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:39:33 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/vipviza_5207_240130_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/vipviza_5207_240130_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/vipviza_5207_240130_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/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/vipviza_5207_240130_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/vipviza_5207_240130_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/vipviza_5207_240130_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries within the VIPVIZA study. By visualising early signs of atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries, participants gain a clearer understanding of their future cardiovascular risk, which may strengthen motivation for preventive lifestyle changes and treatment.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">When people see their own arteries, not as numbers, but as images, something happens</p><p>“When people see their own arteries, not as numbers, but as images, something happens. It suddenly becomes concrete, and many describe a stronger perception that they can influence their future health. That is often where the motivation for change begins,” says Margareta Norberg, Senior Research Fellow at Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine at Umeå University.</p><p>Heart attack and stroke remain the leading causes of death among both women and men. These cardiovascular diseases are usually caused by atherosclerosis, which is associated with risk factors such as unhealthy lifestyle habits, high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids, diabetes and hereditary predisposition.</p><p>At the same time, cardiovascular diseases are to a large extent preventable through healthy lifestyle changes and, when needed, medication. Despite this, many people struggle to understand and act on their personal risk.</p><p>Ultrasound imaging of arteries can reveal early signs of atherosclerosis before any symptom has occurred. When this information is presented visually and linked to an individual’s personal risk profile, the connection becomes clearer and more actionable.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Two groups, different information</h2><p>The study included approximately 3,500 participants in Västerbotten Intervention Program aged 40–60, all of whom within VIPVIZA underwent ultrasound imaging of their carotid arteries.</p><p>Half of the participants received their results visualised as colour‑coded images, accompanied by information about their “vessel age”, written information about the dynamic nature of atherosclerosis, and a structured motivational dialogue with a trained nurse. Their primary care physicians received the same information about the ultrasound result.</p><p>The other half (the control group) and their physicians initially did not receive any information about the ultrasound findings. Preventive measures in both groups were carried out in collaboration with the individual within regular healthcare according to clinical guidelines, without influence from the research team.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/plaque.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/plaque.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/plaque.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/plaque.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/plaque.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/plaque.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Arterial wall thickness and the presence of plaques in the carotid arteries form the basis for assessing the extent of atherosclerosis. In the project, participants’ wall thickness was compared with that of individuals of the same age and sex and reported graphically as “vascular age”, shown in green if lower and red if higher than chronological age. Plaque presence was visualised using a “traffic light” system, with green indicating no detectable plaques and red indicating the presence of plaques.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>VIPVIZA</span></div></div><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Results in the short and long term</h2><p>After one and three years, the group that had viewed their images showed a lower estimated risk of cardiovascular disease, more favourable development of several risk factors and greater motivation to follow advice and treatment.</p><p>At the three‑year follow‑up, the control group was also given access to the same visualisation and motivational dialogue. By the six‑year mark, the control group had caught up: both groups at that time point had similar risk profiles, blood pressure and weight.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareleft"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/margareta_norberg2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/margareta_norberg2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/margareta_norberg2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/margareta_norberg2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/margareta_norberg2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f909e359a85743a9a8bae0a40deaa2b6/margareta_norberg2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Margareta Norberg, Senior Research Fellow at Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p>“Six years is a long follow‑up period in this type of study – and everything has taken place within standard primary care. This strengthens the evidence that relatively simple tools can make a meaningful difference over time,” says Margareta Norberg.</p><p>The researchers also observed a clear reduction in harmful LDL cholesterol in both groups over time, linked to increased prescription of and better adherence to statins. This effect appeared first in the group that received visualisation and later in the control group once they, too, were given access to their ultrasound results and a motivational dialogue.</p><p>Pedagogic images support both patients and physicians. When primary care physicians have access to the same visual information, the likelihood increases that preventive treatment will be initiated and followed up.</p><p>The study is published in European Heart Journal Open and is part of the long‑term research project VIPVIZA, ongoing since 2013.</p><p> </p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/images-and-risk-communication-boost-motivation-for-better-heart-health_12169649/https://www.umu.se/en/news/one-in-ten-experience-facial-pain--new-method-can-reveal-the-cost_12169168/One in Ten Experience Facial Pain – New Method Can Reveal the CostFacial pain is one of the most common forms of chronic pain. Despite this, there has previously been no standardized burden measurements, such as impact on the individual and healthcare costs across countries and in relation to other diseases. A new international research collaboration, led by researchers at Umeå University, has now developed lay descriptions that make it possible to visualize the global burden of disease caused by facial pain.Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:42:24 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/baec99e5f4e2488180ab3a1c6bc12086/anna_lovgren2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/baec99e5f4e2488180ab3a1c6bc12086/anna_lovgren2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/baec99e5f4e2488180ab3a1c6bc12086/anna_lovgren2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/baec99e5f4e2488180ab3a1c6bc12086/anna_lovgren2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/baec99e5f4e2488180ab3a1c6bc12086/anna_lovgren2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/baec99e5f4e2488180ab3a1c6bc12086/anna_lovgren2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Anna Lövgren, associate professor at the Department of Odontology.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hamdija Comic</span></div></div><p>“We can now, for the first time, compare the burden of living with facial pain to conditions such as diabetes—that is, how much a person is affected over the course of their life by having this condition,” says Anna Lövgren, Associate Professor at the Department of Odontology at Umeå University and one of the researchers leading the study.</p><p>Facial pain is often caused by overloading of the muscles or joints in the jaw, which then become painful. The condition affects everyday activities such as eating and speaking and is often long-lasting. Many individuals also experience concurrent problems, including headaches and disturbed sleep. Data from Sweden further show that people with facial pain are more likely to have long periods of sick leave. However, the total costs of this condition have so far been difficult to quantify.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/baec99e5f4e2488180ab3a1c6bc12086/36827862-young-sad-woman-suffering-from-tooth-pain3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/baec99e5f4e2488180ab3a1c6bc12086/36827862-young-sad-woman-suffering-from-tooth-pain3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/baec99e5f4e2488180ab3a1c6bc12086/36827862-young-sad-woman-suffering-from-tooth-pain3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/baec99e5f4e2488180ab3a1c6bc12086/36827862-young-sad-woman-suffering-from-tooth-pain3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/baec99e5f4e2488180ab3a1c6bc12086/36827862-young-sad-woman-suffering-from-tooth-pain3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/baec99e5f4e2488180ab3a1c6bc12086/36827862-young-sad-woman-suffering-from-tooth-pain3.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>Mostphotos, Yevgen Rychko</span></div></div><p>“Now that we can estimate the disease burden of facial pain, we can also link it to health data and evaluate, for example, how many people are affected and what consequences this has for society. We can also estimate the cost of management in terms of healthcare visits, examinations, and treatment,” says Anna Lövgren.</p><p>Anna Lövgren is currently working to develop an initial estimate of the global disease burden of facial pain. Her hope is that care for patients with facial pain will become better and more accessible when it can be more easily compared to other diseases.</p><p>“We argue that this facial pain and related symptoms should be included in healthcare fee systems so that patients can afford the treatment they would benefit from. This is an undertreated condition,” says Anna Lövgren.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="6bf57933-7135-4d2a-a462-a3a2db7471d9" data-contentname="About the study">{}</div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/one-in-ten-experience-facial-pain--new-method-can-reveal-the-cost_12169168/https://www.umu.se/en/news/12-million-in-government-funding-for-precision-medicine-in-cancer_12168827/12 million in government funding for precision medicine in cancerThe SPRINTR study, led by Region Västerbotten and Umeå University, is to receive 12 million kronor in government funding to further develop its national research platform in precision medicine. The initiative aims to facilitate clinical cancer research, enable the approach to be scaled up to cover more types of cancer, and provide patients across the country with faster access to molecular diagnostics.Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:13:01 +0200<p>Under the same government decision, which concerns initiatives in precision health and clinical trials, Genomic Medicine Sweden (GMS) and Biobank Sweden will also receive funding.</p><p>SPRINTR (Swedish Precision Medicine Initiative for Novel Treatment and Research) is a research project, one of the aims of which is to facilitate clinical cancer research. A key part of the work involves asking all patients being investigated for suspected prostate cancer whether they would like to take part in an observational study. The procedure is simple and designed to be used nationwide. During the year, at least 23 clinics, including all university hospitals, are expected to start enrolling patients.</p><p>The Government has now decided to allocate 12 million kronor to the project through the National Board of Health and Welfare. The funds will be used to develop scalable working methods and IT solutions so that the concept can be rolled out across Sweden and adapted to more types of cancer.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/9c7a0754a7d1417f886b3bc2e52c2233/_dsc41643.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/9c7a0754a7d1417f886b3bc2e52c2233/_dsc41643.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/9c7a0754a7d1417f886b3bc2e52c2233/_dsc41643.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/9c7a0754a7d1417f886b3bc2e52c2233/_dsc41643.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/9c7a0754a7d1417f886b3bc2e52c2233/_dsc41643.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/9c7a0754a7d1417f886b3bc2e52c2233/_dsc41643.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Andreas Josefsson</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>“We are very grateful for this support, which is specifically targeted at the elements and structures we are developing. Thanks to this, we can work both faster and on a broader scale with colleagues across the country to make this accessible to as many people as possible,” says Andreas Josefsson, a medical specialist at Norrland University Hospital, who is the principal investigator for the study.</p><h3>A unique research platform</h3><p>The SPRINTR research project is largely funded by the Sjöberg Foundation. The aim of the study is to identify better biomarkers that can predict prognosis and treatment response, as well as to assess health economics and quality of life. The biomarkers can range from MRI scans and digital pathology to molecular analyses of tissue samples taken as part of routine clinical practice.</p><p>“I am convinced that this research will provide answers to important clinical questions and lead to better and more personalised treatment for men with prostate cancer,” says Andreas Josefsson.</p><p>The involvement of several diagnostic clinics across the country creates a long-term, national research platform. The study is planned to run for at least thirty years and aims to foster an open research environment where researchers can use the data without the requirement of co-authorship by the principal investigator. The goal is to work together to conduct better research in order to improve care for men with prostate cancer.</p><h3>Designed to accommodate a wider range of cancer diagnoses</h3><p>The study is also establishing a so-called ‘study-ready population’, which can simplify and increase inclusion in clinical trials. This is made possible by the consent form including permission for the collected information to be used for targeted invitations. One of the study’s aims is for the structures to be applicable to other forms of cancer as well. Therefore, working methods and IT systems are being developed that are as simple and generic as possible.</p><p>“We are proud that this initiative is led by researchers at Norrland University Hospital. The concept being developed within the study can help ensure that several of the goals within the new national cancer strategy are achieved more quickly,” says Pia Näsvall, Director of Health and Medical Care in Region Västerbotten.</p><h3>Equality across the country</h3><p>Funding from the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs will also be used to trial a new approach in pathology, designed to facilitate molecular profiling. The project is collaborating with organisations including Genomic Medicine Sweden, the INCA platform and SciLifeLab, and is also linked to national and international projects.</p><p>“The funding makes it possible to expand capacity more quickly and evaluate molecular diagnostic methods, so that we achieve equal access to methods that can be used in future treatment decisions,” explains Karin Welén, docent at the University of Gothenburg, who leads the project together with Andreas Josefsson.</p><p>Umeå University and Region Västerbotten have for a long time built strong research environments in the field of cancer. SPRINTR is one of several initiatives brought together under the Umeå Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Umeå CCC), which is currently in the process of being accredited by the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI).</p><p>“We support this project and look forward with great anticipation to seeing how the SPRINTR study and the FOCU.SE study, from complementary angles, can develop and become scalable models that benefit shared structures in Sweden. One of the CCC’s objectives is to support various initiatives that can complement one another so that, together, we can become an ecosystem for cancer research and development in Sweden,” says Patrik Rossi, Chair of the Comprehensive Cancer Centre Network Sweden.</p><p> </p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/12-million-in-government-funding-for-precision-medicine-in-cancer_12168827/https://www.umu.se/en/news/sprintr-launches-a-consent-solution_12167332/SPRINTR launches a consent solutionSPRINTR study is now taking an important step forward to simplify the process for both study participants and clinicians through a new electronic consent solution developed by the research data management project at Umeå University.Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:11:47 +0200<p>The digital solution enables a reliable, simple, and secure way for study participants to provide informed consent—regardless of when or where they are. <a href="~/link/95531e4b9e3e4479806529a95bd06ef7.aspx">The SPRINTR project</a> has also received ALF infrastructure funding so that the e-consent solution can be adapted for and used by more research projects.</p><p>The implementation of e-consent is a key part of the SPRINTR study’s efforts to reduce administrative burden, strengthen data quality, and create more accessible pathways into research for men being evaluated for, or diagnosed with, prostate cancer. It is the first step toward building functional digital tools into a full infrastructure for future precision medicine studies.</p><p>– With the Swedish Prostate Cancer Association represented on both SPRINTR’s steering committee and advisory board, it is particularly pleasing that the association’s chair, Magnus Klang, was the first to sign using the new e‑consent solution, says Andreas Josefsson, SPRINTR’s principal investigator.</p><p class="quote-center">It is, of course, a milestone that symbolises both trust and commitment on the part of the patient organisation to this project.</p><p>With the e-consent solution now in place, SPRINTR is even better positioned to continue its mission: to create a nationally coordinated, innovative, and patient-centred research platform to improve survival and quality of life for men with prostate cancer.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/0dd5927bc3294afebe9ac358a0954695/img_740013.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0dd5927bc3294afebe9ac358a0954695/img_740013.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0dd5927bc3294afebe9ac358a0954695/img_740013.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/0dd5927bc3294afebe9ac358a0954695/img_740013.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0dd5927bc3294afebe9ac358a0954695/img_740013.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0dd5927bc3294afebe9ac358a0954695/img_740013.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Magnus Klang and Andreas Josefsson</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Pernilla Andersson</span></div></div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/sprintr-launches-a-consent-solution_12167332/https://www.umu.se/en/news/three-dimensional-microscopy-reveals-how-tick-borne-virus-replicates_12168960/Three-dimensional microscopy reveals how tick-borne virus replicatesResearchers at Umeå University show how tick‑borne viruses remodel human cells into virus factories, using an advanced microscopy method. The findings provide new insight into how the virus replicates and matures, knowledge that may become important for future treatments against TBE. The study is published in Nature Communications. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:52:56 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/lgtv_1280_7203.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/lgtv_1280_7203.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/lgtv_1280_7203.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/lgtv_1280_7203.png?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/lgtv_1280_7203.png?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/lgtv_1280_7203.png?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Newly produced virus particles inside a virus-infected human cell, imaged using cryo-electron tomography. The virus particles are approximately 60 nanometres (millionths of a millimetre) large. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Selma Dahmane</span></div></div><p>“When we saw the three‑dimensional images for the first time, we immediately realized how much new information we could gain about the virus’s replication,” says Lars‑Anders Carlson, professor at the Department of Medical Chemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University, who led the study.</p><p>One of the most dangerous viral diseases spread in Europe is tick‑borne encephalitis. A bite from an infected tick can transmit the TBE virus to humans and cause severe inflammation of the brain. Using electron microscopy, researchers at Umeå University have now discovered how tick‑borne viruses reshape infected human cells and turn them into virus factories. </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareleft"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/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/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/carlsson_lars-anders_8369-241022-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/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>Professor Lars-Anders Carlson. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>“It has been difficult to conduct this type of study on the TBE virus because it is so dangerous that we are not allowed to work with it at the electron microscope. But we managed to use a closely related virus, Langat virus, which behaves almost identically in cells but is far less dangerous to humans. Both belong to the flavivirus genus,” explains Lars‑Anders Carlson.</p><p>With cryo‑electron tomography, a specialized form of electron microscopy, the researchers were able to create detailed three‑dimensional images of the interior of infected cells that were rapidly frozen and preserved in a life‑like state. This revealed how the virus r the interior of the cell to create the perfect environment for hiding the mass production of viral genes.</p><p>The researchers could also show how new virus particles are produced right next to the viral “gene factories,” and how these new particles change shape from an “immature” form to the mature form that is then released from the cells. By comparing two different variants of the virus, they further observed how a very small genetic difference between them led to different maturation speeds. </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareleft"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/bina_kumari_singh2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/bina_kumari_singh2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/bina_kumari_singh2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/bina_kumari_singh2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/bina_kumari_singh2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2f285f813cd6452893c10367f0c3d20b/bina_kumari_singh2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Post doctor Bina Singh.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Selma Dahmane</span></div></div><p>“Here we were able to directly observe how a small change in a single gene caused the virus to mature at different rates,” says Bina Singh, postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Medical Chemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University.</p><p>Achieving this level of detailed understanding requires more than advanced technology. Research of this kind depends on long‑term resources, the right expertise, and close collaboration among many skilled scientists. These factors were crucial for the project’s development from an initiative based in Umeå to a broad international collaboration.</p><p>The project began with funding from the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), which brings together infection biology researchers at Umeå University. </p><p>“Their postdoctoral programme ‘Excellence by Choice’ made it possible to recruit two talented international researchers to Umeå: Jianguo Zhang and Erin Schexnaydre,” says Lars-Anders Carlson.</p><p>In the groups of Lars‑Anders Carlson and Anna Överby, and in close collaboration with the Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy (UCEM), Jianguo Zhang and Erin Schexnaydre developed ambitious new methods for cryo‑electron tomography of tick‑borne viruses in infected cells and mouse brains.</p><p>The completion of the study was made possible through expanded collaboration with research colleagues in Norway and the United States, funded by major, collaboration‑focused grants from the Swedish Research Council and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/three-dimensional-microscopy-reveals-how-tick-borne-virus-replicates_12168960/https://www.umu.se/en/news/sun-nyunt-wai-awarded-for-outstanding-bacterial-research_12168888/Sun Nyunt Wai awarded for outstanding bacterial researchProfessor Sun Nyunt Wai at the Department of Molecular Biology has been awarded the Bo and Barbro Hammarström Prize at Umeå University for 2026. She receives the award for her groundbreaking and long-term impactful contributions to medical microbiology and immunology.Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:07:02 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/10611f4ca75541f580c247641cbafbb6/nyunt_wai_sun_9760_211117_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/10611f4ca75541f580c247641cbafbb6/nyunt_wai_sun_9760_211117_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/10611f4ca75541f580c247641cbafbb6/nyunt_wai_sun_9760_211117_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/10611f4ca75541f580c247641cbafbb6/nyunt_wai_sun_9760_211117_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/10611f4ca75541f580c247641cbafbb6/nyunt_wai_sun_9760_211117_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/10611f4ca75541f580c247641cbafbb6/nyunt_wai_sun_9760_211117_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Sun Nyunt Wai, Professor of Medical Microbial Pathogenesis.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>Sun Nyunt Wai’s research focuses on the properties of pathogenic bacteria. In its citation, the prize committee states:</p><p><em>"Her pioneering work on the role of bacterial membrane vesicles in pathogenesis, immune activation and microbial interactions has shaped an entire field of research. Through publications in leading journals, strong research funding and highly valued teaching, she has clearly strengthened the profile of Umeå University. Her scientific breakthroughs and academic leadership exemplify the excellence this prize seeks to recognise."</em></p><p>The Bo and Barbro Hammarström Prize was established at Umeå University in 2022 following a donation from Bo Hammarström. The prize is awarded to an active researcher or teacher at Umeå University who has made outstanding contributions to the promotion of scientific research and development in one of the fields of chemistry, cell and molecular biology, microbiology or immunology.</p><p>The prize of SEK 100,000 will be awarded at the university’s annual celebration over a five-year period – first awarded in 2023 and last in 2027.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/sun-nyunt-wai-awarded-for-outstanding-bacterial-research_12168888/https://www.umu.se/en/news/gut-microbiota-differs-in-children-with-rare-food-allergy_12168574/Gut microbiota differs in children with rare food allergyChildren with the rare but serious allergic disease FPIES have an atypical gut microbiota compared to healthy children. This is shown in a new study from Umeå University, published in the scientific journal the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:00:25 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/kotryna-simonyte_251215-jnm3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/kotryna-simonyte_251215-jnm3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/kotryna-simonyte_251215-jnm3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/kotryna-simonyte_251215-jnm3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/kotryna-simonyte_251215-jnm3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/kotryna-simonyte_251215-jnm3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Children with the rare allergic condition FPIES have a clearly altered gut microbiota, according to a new study from Umeå University in which molecular biologist and associate professor Kotryna Simonyte Sjödin participated.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Johanna Nordström</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">Our results reveal clear differences in the gut bacterial composition of children with FPIES</p><p>“Our results reveal clear differences in the gut bacterial composition of children with FPIES, an area where knowledge has so far been limited,” says Kotryna Simonyte Sjödin, molecular biologist and associate professor at the Department of Clinical Sciences at Umeå University.</p><p>FPIES (food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome) is a form of food allergy in which the body reacts without the usual allergy antibodies, meaning that symptoms appear more slowly and affect the gastrointestinal tract rather than causing rashes or breathing difficulties. It typically begins during infancy and can lead to severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and circulatory symptoms. The underlying mechanism remains unclear.</p><p>In the new study, the researchers analysed stool samples from 56 children with newly diagnosed FPIES and compared them with samples from 43 age‑matched children without allergies. The children were divided into three age groups covering the first year of life. The results show that age was the strongest factor influencing bacterial composition, but that FPIES itself was also clearly associated with differences in the gut microbiota.</p><p>The study found, among other things, that children with FPIES had lower levels of <em>Bifidobacterium</em> and Verrucomicrobiota, while bacteria such as <em>Bacteroides</em>, <em>Haemophilus</em>, and <em>Veillonella</em> were more abundant. Certain trigger foods for FPIES were also associated with additional changes in the gut microbiota.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareleft"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/anna_1-red2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/anna_1-red2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/anna_1-red2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/anna_1-red2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/anna_1-red2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/anna_1-red2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Associate professor Anna Winberg.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mikael Winberg</span></div></div><p>“FPIES is a clinically challenging diagnosis, and today we lack reliable biomarkers. By linking clinical observations with detailed analyses of the gut microbiota, we can gradually build a more coherent picture of the disease,” says Anna Winberg, senior consultant and associate professor at the Department of Clinical Sciences at Umeå University.</p><p>The study contributes new knowledge about the connection between early gut microbiota and the development of allergic disease, strengthening the view that early biological factors can have long‑term consequences for children's health.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareleft"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/west_christina_6742_180416_soj2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/west_christina_6742_180416_soj2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/west_christina_6742_180416_soj2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/west_christina_6742_180416_soj2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/west_christina_6742_180416_soj2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/bb378c23c2264479a3fbf12176461bbc/west_christina_6742_180416_soj2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Professor Christina West</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>“This study is based on systematically collected samples at diagnosis and on high‑resolution analyses, providing a robust and comparable dataset. Over time, these findings may contribute to the development of more individualized strategies for diagnosis, prevention, or treatment, although such applications will require further research,” says Christina West, senior consultant and professor of pediatrics at the Department of Clinical Sciences at Umeå University.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/gut-microbiota-differs-in-children-with-rare-food-allergy_12168574/https://www.umu.se/en/news/major-investment-in-research-at-umea-university_12168661/Recommends a major investment in research at Umeå UniversityFrom total defense to polar research and AI. The Swedish Research Council recommends that the government invest millions in three strategic research areas in which Umeå University is involved. “This is proof that Umeå University delivers excellent, world-class research,” says Thomas Olofsson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research at Umeå University.Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:58:25 +0200<p> The initiative on new Strategic Research Areas (SFOs) is a government programme designed to strengthen and distinguish Swedish research in an increasingly competitive international landscape. The initiative supports research environments that are expected to achieve the highest international standards and contribute to long-term scientific excellence.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/785dd2ed8de7450f95d8824a23a099b4/olofsson_thomas_6873_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/785dd2ed8de7450f95d8824a23a099b4/olofsson_thomas_6873_hkn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/785dd2ed8de7450f95d8824a23a099b4/olofsson_thomas_6873_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/785dd2ed8de7450f95d8824a23a099b4/olofsson_thomas_6873_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/785dd2ed8de7450f95d8824a23a099b4/olofsson_thomas_6873_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/785dd2ed8de7450f95d8824a23a099b4/olofsson_thomas_6873_hkn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Thomas Olofsson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p>At the end of last year, funding was announced for eight new Strategic Research Areas (SFOs). A total of 49 applications from higher education institutions across the country were submitted. International review panels have carried out an extensive evaluation process, and the Swedish Research Council has now recommended that the government provide additional support to 16 research environments. The final decision rests with the government.</p><p>Among the recommended environments is Umeå University as the main applicant for one – within the area ‘Crisis Preparedness and Total Defence’ – and as a partner institution for two others, in the areas of ‘Polar Research’ and ‘Health, Life Science and Artificial Intelligence’.</p><p>"This announcement is, of course, extremely important for our university. Most importantly, it provides Umeå University with the opportunity to develop and take part in these strong research areas," says Thomas Olofsson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor.”<br><br></p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="2540bd2d-6a1d-42a5-8821-e1875f647617" data-contentname="SFO eng">{}</div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/major-investment-in-research-at-umea-university_12168661/https://www.umu.se/en/news/over-15-per-cent-increase-in-admitted-international-masters-students_12168493/Over 15 per cent increase in admitted international master’s studentsStudents around the world have recently received their admissions offers to Swedish universities. Umeå University continues to strengthen its international profile, with more than 15 per cent more students admitted compared with the previous year in the international master’s admission round for studies starting in the autumn.Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:59:22 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d089b68f5fc544f092ecc80dc96d4f78/internationella-studenter-_6479-250902-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d089b68f5fc544f092ecc80dc96d4f78/internationella-studenter-_6479-250902-mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d089b68f5fc544f092ecc80dc96d4f78/internationella-studenter-_6479-250902-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/d089b68f5fc544f092ecc80dc96d4f78/internationella-studenter-_6479-250902-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d089b68f5fc544f092ecc80dc96d4f78/internationella-studenter-_6479-250902-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d089b68f5fc544f092ecc80dc96d4f78/internationella-studenter-_6479-250902-mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>1,504 students have been admitted to over 45 international master’s programmes at Umeå University for the autumn 2026 semester.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>“We are looking forward to welcoming all new students in the autumn and we are pleased that so many have chosen a study programme at Umeå University”, says Cathrine Norberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education at Umeå University.</p><p>Programmes in public health and economics continue to attract strong interest. This autumn, Umeå University is launching two new master’s programmes: Bioinformatics and Mathematical Statistics with a specialisation in Financial Engineering. <br> <br>Nathaniel Street, programme coordinator of the Master’s Programme in Bioinformatics, comments on the new programme:<br>“We see strong employment prospects for students in academia, clinical settings, and the biotechnology industry. The programme is designed to equip students with the practical skills these sectors require. It is also encouraging to see such substantial international interest in the very first year the programme is offered.”</p><p>At bachelor’s level, Umeå University offers three programmes taught in English in the international admissions round: Life Science, International Business and Economics, and Industrial Design. The International Business and Economics programme continues to attract many applicants. The bachelor’s programme in Industrial Design is being offered in English for the first time, which has already attracted strong international interest and demonstrates that the initiative meets a growing global demand for creative and sustainable design education.</p><p class="quote-center">Now the work begins to prepare the students for their studies in Umeå.</p><p>Cathrine Norberg continues:<br>“It is reassuring that interest has increased for so many of the university's programmes. Overall, we have had 40 per cent more applicants compared with last year. Now the work begins to prepare the students for their studies in Umeå. Among other things, the international students will be invited to a Pre-departure webinar in the spring and will gain access to an app where they can chat with other admitted students who are also starting their studies in the autumn here at the university”, says Cathrine Norberg.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="16e5888e-3e08-4604-b48b-f708cb3382fe" data-contentname="Master’s programmes with most number of students admitted autumn 2026">{}</div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/over-15-per-cent-increase-in-admitted-international-masters-students_12168493/https://www.umu.se/en/news/when-academia-teams-up-with-industry-to-advance-microbiome-science_12168541/When academia teams up with industry to advance microbiome scienceCollaborations between academia and industry play an important role in turning research into practical applications. Researcher Chinmay Dwibedi shared insights from his work with BioGaia AB during the recent Open up for Innovation event at Umeå University.Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:51:54 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/6147537fb6974b109e7818dce850f6a1/chinmay_open_up_13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/6147537fb6974b109e7818dce850f6a1/chinmay_open_up_13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/6147537fb6974b109e7818dce850f6a1/chinmay_open_up_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/6147537fb6974b109e7818dce850f6a1/chinmay_open_up_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/6147537fb6974b109e7818dce850f6a1/chinmay_open_up_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/6147537fb6974b109e7818dce850f6a1/chinmay_open_up_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Chinmay Dwibedi is truly committed to ensuring that his research benefits society. He was one of the invited speakers at Open up for Innovation. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Tomas Ruuth</span></div></div><p>The third edition of the conference Open up for Innovation gathered researchers, industry representatives and doctoral students to explore how collaborations across sectors can accelerate scientific progress and generate value for society. The event, organised by Umeå Biotech Incubator (UBI), brought together around 70 researchers and 30 participants from industry, creating a dynamic arena for matchmaking, inspiration and exchange of experiences.</p><p>One of the invited speakers was Chinmay Dwibedi, whose research focuses on understanding human gut microbes at high resolution. His group investigates how bacterial strains evolve, differ functionally and influence human health. The long-term aim is to pave the way for microbiome‑based therapies by identifying how specific microbes contribute to disease, health, and drug responses.</p><p>Chinmay Dwibedi highlighted his collaboration with the probiotic company BioGaia AB, describing the partnership as both constructive and eye-opening.</p><p class="quote-center">This real‑world perspective helps us put our academic findings into a more practical and translational context</p><p>“They are a science‑driven company with strong respect for evidence, and very open in sharing their knowledge on strains, manufacturing and efficacy. This real‑world perspective helps us put our academic findings into a more practical and translational context, he says.</p><p>Chinmay Dwibedi was recently awarded funding from the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University for a doctoral project in collaboration with BioGaia. He emphasised that academic–industry collaboration is essential for developing new probiotic concepts, including emerging ideas such as precision probiotics.</p><p>“It bridges discovery and application. What we see as exciting science may not always be feasible to translate into products because of cost, production or regulation. Industry brings valuable real‑world insight from clinicians and microbiologists, ensuring new concepts are both scientifically sound and practically relevant.”</p><p>Looking ahead, Chinmay Dwibedi sees major potential in personalised microbiome‑based therapies.</p><p>“These therapies are not one‑size‑fits‑all. A key opportunity is identifying which one benefits the most. With better clinical trials and integration of microbial, clinical and lifestyle data, we can move toward more targeted and effective interventions.”</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/6147537fb6974b109e7818dce850f6a1/chinmay_mfl_open_up_22.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/6147537fb6974b109e7818dce850f6a1/chinmay_mfl_open_up_22.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/6147537fb6974b109e7818dce850f6a1/chinmay_mfl_open_up_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/6147537fb6974b109e7818dce850f6a1/chinmay_mfl_open_up_22.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/6147537fb6974b109e7818dce850f6a1/chinmay_mfl_open_up_22.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/6147537fb6974b109e7818dce850f6a1/chinmay_mfl_open_up_22.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The Open up for Innovation conference offered Chinmay Dwibedi and all other participants excellent opportunities to network.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Tomas Ruuth</span></div></div><p>He also noted the Open up for Innovation event for its inspiring atmosphere and ambitions.</p><p>“It was great to hear about the region’s strategic focus on investment and translational science. And it was clearly valuable for doctoral students exploring opportunities beyond academia.”</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/when-academia-teams-up-with-industry-to-advance-microbiome-science_12168541/https://www.umu.se/en/news/cooperation-key-to-resilient-societies-in-the-north_12167145/Cooperation key to resilient societies in the NorthPax Nordica 2026 gathered researchers, policymakers and practitioners in Umeå to discuss total defence and host nation support in northern regions. With perspectives from Ukraine and across the Nordic countries, the forum highlighted how cooperation, preparedness and societal resilience are central to managing crises and strengthening security in an evolving geopolitical landscape.Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:20:34 +0200<p class="quote-center">Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has made the concept of total defence tangible in a new way. It shows how closely intertwined civil and military resilience really are, and why cooperation across sectors and borders is essential.</p><p>The event opened with remarks by Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University, setting the stage for a programme that connected local, regional and international perspectives. A central theme throughout the day was how experiences from Ukraine can inform preparedness and resilience in the Nordic region.</p><p>Pax Nordica 2026 brought together a broad range of voices to examine how total defence can be developed in northern contexts, with a particular focus on host-nation support within the NATO framework. The annual forum, organised by the Department of Political Science at Umeå University together with regional and national partners, has since 1994 provided a platform for dialogue on security and sustainability in Europe’s far north.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">The Arctic as a strategic logistics hub</h2><p>Early in the programme, Hans Lindberg, City Councillor in Umeå, set the tone by pointing to the growing strategic importance of the Arctic region. He highlighted how northern Sweden is becoming increasingly central for logistics, infrastructure and mobility in a changing security landscape—placing new demands on preparedness and coordination across sectors and borders.</p><p>This framing underscored a key question for the day: how host nation support can function in practice in a northern context, where distances are vast, infrastructure is critical, and civil and military needs are closely intertwined.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Experiences from Ukraine set the tone</h2><p>Vitalii Bielobrov, Deputy Mayor of Kherson, offered a first-hand account of life under occupation and the challenges of recovery following de-occupation. His testimony illustrated both the human cost of war and the importance of maintaining societal functions under extreme conditions.</p><p>“Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has made the concept of total defence tangible in a new way. It shows how closely intertwined civil and military resilience really are, and why cooperation across sectors and borders is essential,” says Niklas Eklund, Professor of Political Science at Umeå University, Arctic Six Chair and organiser of Pax Nordica.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Resilience begins in local communities</h2><p>This perspective was echoed by several speakers who emphasised the role of civil society and local communities in building resilience. Veronica Strandh, Associate Professor in Political Science, highlighted how social cohesion and everyday relationships form the foundation of a society’s capacity to respond to crisis. Caroline Helmersson from Region Västerbotten provided a concrete example through the region’s work on ensuring healthcare systems can operate in both peace and wartime.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">Total defence as a shared responsibility</h2><p>From a military standpoint, Magnus Ståhl, Commander of Sweden’s Northern Military Region, underlined that total defence begins long before a crisis occurs. He pointed to the importance of functioning, attractive societies in the north and stressed that international cooperation, particularly in light of Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership, is essential for effective defence planning.</p><p>Municipal perspectives further reinforced the importance of coordination across levels of governance. Hans Lindberg, City Councillor in Umeå, highlighted the need for stronger cross-border collaboration in the Arctic region. Toralf Heimdal, from Bardu municipality in Norway, illustrated how even smaller municipalities play a significant role, including through cooperation with international military actors.</p><p>Together, the contributions pointed to a shared conclusion: that total defence relies on well-prepared societies in which civil and military actors work seamlessly together. This includes a clear division of responsibilities, access to critical resources, and established cooperation at the local, regional, and national levels in peacetime.</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">A strategic discussion for the Arctic</h2><p>As geopolitical tensions continue to shape the Arctic and northern Europe, Pax Nordica 2026 underscored the strategic importance of building resilient societies grounded in cooperation, preparedness and trust. The discussions also highlighted the need for continued dialogue across sectors and borders to ensure that total defence systems are both robust and adaptable in the face of future challenges.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/cooperation-key-to-resilient-societies-in-the-north_12167145/https://www.umu.se/en/news/multi-million-grant-to-mims-and-wcmm_12168064/Multi-million grant to MIMS and WCMM The Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation is awarding SEK 255 million to life sciences, with a focus on clinical research, to be shared between the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) and The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) at Umeå University. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:18:39 +0200<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/holmberg-tora-5543-250403-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/holmberg-tora-5543-250403-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/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/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/holmberg-tora-5543-250403-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/holmberg-tora-5543-250403-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/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, Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University. Photo: Mattias Pettersson</p></div></div><p>“The two research centres, WCMM and MIMS, are key drivers of Umeå University’s strong research in the life sciences. This is demonstrated not least by Emmanuelle Charpentier’s Nobel Prize in 2020 for the research she conducted during her time at MIMS in Umeå. It is therefore hugely gratifying to see how the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation is continuing and stepping up its support for world-leading research in this field,” says Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University, adding:  </p><p>"Expanded opportunities for combined roles for research-active doctors in partnership with the regions will strengthen both the regions and the university, as well as individual doctors, and will enable us to create excellent conditions for innovation and cutting-edge research.”</p><h3>Operating grants for Clinical Fellows at WCMM</h3><p>WCMM is to receive SEK 50 million for up to ten operating grants for Clinical Fellows, designed to make it easier for practising doctors to conduct research. In addition, SEK 30 million has been allocated for extension grants for Clinical Fellows and SEK 60 million to Umeå University for the running of WCMM. </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/andrei_chabes_lab_2684_230222_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/andrei_chabes_lab_2684_230222_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/andrei_chabes_lab_2684_230222_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/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/andrei_chabes_lab_2684_230222_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/andrei_chabes_lab_2684_230222_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/andrei_chabes_lab_2684_230222_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Andrei Chabes, Director of WCMM and Professor at the Department of Medical Chemistry and Biophysics. Photo: Mattias Pettersson</p></div></div><p>"WCMM has meant a great deal to Umeå University. Since its launch in 2016, the initiative has enabled us to recruit truly outstanding young researchers in the face of fierce international competition. “We are delighted with this continued support from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, which gives us the opportunity to recruit outstanding young clinicians to positions offering excellent terms and good opportunities to develop their own research at Umeå University,” says Andrei Chabes, Director of WCMM and Professor at the Department of Medical Chemistry and Biophysics.</p><h3>And for MIMS </h3><p>As regards MIMS, SEK 55 million has been allocated to clinical activities, including Clinical Fellows, and SEK 60 million to other activities. </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/billiker_oliver_9193_180905_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/billiker_oliver_9193_180905_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/billiker_oliver_9193_180905_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/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/billiker_oliver_9193_180905_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/billiker_oliver_9193_180905_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0c431c47883c4c18a8e6eb6d973ddfa7/billiker_oliver_9193_180905_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Oliver Billker, Director at MIMS and Professor at Department of Molecular Biology. Photo: Mattias Pettersson</p></div></div><p>"Physician scientists - doctors who also do research - play a uniquely important role in connecting scientific discovery to improvements in patient care. In my experience, many clinical researchers in Sweden  find it hard to maintain a dual career as physician scientists, and I hear that many doctors drop out of research due to a high clinical workload and lack of protected research time. Our clinical research fellowships aim to address this challenge by supporting early-career physician scientists at university hospitals across the country," says Oliver Billker, Director at MIMS and Professor at Department of Molecular Biology.</p><p>"We have seen great success with connecting these clinicians to the strong basic research environment of our Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine. It is encouraging to see the long-term commitment of the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation in supporting these efforts."</p><p>Find out more about MIMS and WCMM on their respective websites:<br><a href="/en/mims/">Visit MIMS website</a><br><a href="~/link/870f428a4f40425eb9bad91f89505343.aspx">Visit WCMM website</a></p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/multi-million-grant-to-mims-and-wcmm_12168064/https://www.umu.se/en/news/bright-spring-weather-framed-arctic-forum-food-gathering-in-umea_12167195/Bright Spring Weather Framed Arctic Forum Food Gathering in UmeåAround thirty participants gathered on 2 March at Tráhppie, the Sámi Cultural House in Umeå, for Arctic Forum Food 2026 - an event that combined research, Indigenous knowledge and hands‑on food traditions. Tráhppie, the low white building beside historic Sävargården, offered a welcoming setting, with participants often stepping outside during breaks to warm themselves by the fire under brilliant early spring sun.Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:32:43 +0100<p>The day opened with keynote presentations. Associate Professor Christina Storm Mienna, Director of Várdduo – Centre for Sámi Research, shared insights from the cross‑border project Máhtut, weaving research findings with personal reflections from her life in a reindeer‑herding Sámi community. Joining online from Australia, Patricia Ann Ellis, a Brinja Yuin elder and cultural knowledge holder, contributed perspectives on cultural stewardship and Indigenous education in navigating crisis situations within a changing climate.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Local Food Perspectives</h2><p>After morning workshops and a shared lunch, the afternoon programme continued with guest speakers who brought the local and global together. Angelika Schindler‑Egl from the Vindelälven‑Juhttátahkka Biosphere Reserve highlighted how pollination and biodiversity form the ecological foundations of local food systems. The final keynote, Dr. Adrianne Lickers Xavier of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory in Canada, spoke about Indigenous food security and land connections- drawing parallels to the experiences described earlier by Storm Mienna.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Potluck dinner</h2><p>The event concluded with a lively potluck dinner featuring flavours from across the world and the circumpolar north: reindeer soup, vegan soup, blood dumplings, musk ox sausage from Greenland, honey from the Stavanger Airport runways and more. As darkness fell, participants gathered once more around the fire in the Lávvu, rounding off a day devoted to knowledge, community and the future of Arctic food </p><p>It was a truly inspiring day, says organiser Danielle Wilde, professor at Umeå Institute of Design and Arctic Six chair. The energy, the generosity in sharing experiences, and the strong commitment to sustainable and culturally grounded futures – where food, reflection and dialogue intertwine – made the gathering very special.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/bright-spring-weather-framed-arctic-forum-food-gathering-in-umea_12167195/https://www.umu.se/en/news/canadas-ambassador-visited-umea-university_12166868/Canada’s Ambassador visited Umeå University – Stronger research ties and increased collaboration are becoming increasingly importantCanada’s Ambassador to Sweden, H.E. Robert Sinclair, visited Umeå University on 11–12 March. Over two intensive days, he met with researchers and university leadership to discuss the Arctic in a time marked by rapid geopolitical change, growing climate challenges, and increasing international interest in the region.Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:03:22 +0100<p>The discussions focused on sustainable development, Indigenous perspectives, and the role of research in an Arctic where both Canada and Sweden are advancing their strategies, and where the balance between climate, security, and international cooperation is becoming increasingly important. Against this backdrop, the visit to Umeå provided a valuable opportunity to explore how research, policy, and international collaboration can contribute to sustainable and resilient societies in the Arctic.</p><p class="quote-center">The Arctic is at the centre of major global transformations. Addressing these challenges requires research, international cooperation, and close dialogue between academia and society.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Arctic Centre – a hub for interdisciplinary Arctic research</h2><p>At the Arctic Centre, examples of the broad interdisciplinary Arctic research conducted at Umeå University were presented. The presentations ranged from health and register-based medical research to sustainable food systems, education, and reconciliation processes in the Arctic. The discussions also addressed how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital systems are shaping issues of governance, law, and sovereignty in the region, as well as how artistic research, international collaboration, and cultural exchange contribute to understanding the Arctic from a broader societal perspective and global context, at a time when multiple interests are converging on the region.</p><p>– The Arctic is at the centre of major global transformations. Addressing these challenges requires research, international cooperation, and close dialogue between academia and society. In this, Umeå University plays an important role as a meeting place for knowledge and perspectives from across the Arctic, says Keith Larson, Director of the Arctic Centre.</p><p>During the visit, the work of the European Polar Board (EPB) was also presented. The organisation brings together European actors in polar research. Its Secretariat is hosted at Umeå University, alongside the European Polar Coordination Office, which works to strengthen coordination of European polar research.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Indigenous perspectives and research collaboration in focus at Várdduo</h2><p>The second day of the visit began at Várdduo – Centre for Sámi Research. Deputy Director Kristina Sehlin MacNeil presented the centre’s activities and its role within Umeå University, as well as nationally and internationally. Várdduo is the only unit of its kind at a Swedish university and serves as an important hub for Sámi and other Indigenous research in Sápmi.</p><p class="quote-center">Várdduo has long had successful collaborations with the Canadian Embassy, and we look forward to developing these further.</p><p>Kristina then provided an overview of the research conducted at the centre, followed by in-depth presentations of ongoing projects. Krister Stoor spoke about the work of the Truth Commission for the Sámi people. Patrik Lantto presented his research on Sámi political mobilisation, and Peter Sköld described his long-standing experience of scientific collaboration across the Arctic region.</p><p>– Várdduo has long had successful collaborations with the Canadian Embassy, and we look forward to developing these further. Canada has also played an important role, for example in NordForsk’s major calls for research projects on Indigenous themes, and we had a valuable discussion on this today, says Kristina Sehlin MacNeil, Deputy Director of Várdduo.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Strategic discussions with university leadership</h2><p>During the visit, the Ambassador also met with Umeå University Vice-Chancellor Tora Holmberg and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Patrik Danielson. A joint lunch brought together Canadian researchers based at the university, providing a concrete illustration of the close academic ties between Canada and Umeå University.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/3f308ab65cd94bdab82aff6e2472f06f/kanadas-ambassador-5108_260312_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/3f308ab65cd94bdab82aff6e2472f06f/kanadas-ambassador-5108_260312_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/3f308ab65cd94bdab82aff6e2472f06f/kanadas-ambassador-5108_260312_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/3f308ab65cd94bdab82aff6e2472f06f/kanadas-ambassador-5108_260312_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/3f308ab65cd94bdab82aff6e2472f06f/kanadas-ambassador-5108_260312_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/3f308ab65cd94bdab82aff6e2472f06f/kanadas-ambassador-5108_260312_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Back row: Paul Davis, Professor at Department of Psychology, Luke Laframboise, Doctoral student in Sami studies, Department of Language Studies, Peter Sköld, advisor on Arctic issues to the Vice-Chancellor, Dale Corkery, Staff scientist, Department of Chemistry, Claude Dion, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Jean-Francois Boily, Professor at Department of Chemistry, Insa Wemheuer, analyst, Planning Office, Front row: Maria Stenberg, Trade Commissioner, Canadian Embassy, Maria Grigoratou, Executive Secretary, European Polar Board, Maria Arizaleta, Kempe/WISE postdoctoral fellow, Department of Chemistry, Patrik Danielson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, H.E. Robert Sinclair, Ambassador, Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor, Meghan Lau, Counsellor Political and Public Affairs, Canadian Embassy, Bethany van Guelpen, Professor, consultant (attending) physician at Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, Section: Oncology.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>Discussions at the lunch centred on experiences of living and working in Sweden, where several participants highlighted how similarities between the countries foster a strong sense of belonging. At the same time, challenges related to migration regulations and mobility were identified, issues with direct implications for international research collaboration and the ability to attract and retain talent.</p><p>In meetings with university leadership, discussions also returned to the role of Arctic research in a changing geopolitical landscape, where science diplomacy, international programmes such as the EU’s Horizon Europe, and the interplay between climate and security issues are becoming increasingly important. Overall, the visit underscored both the strength of existing collaborations and the need to further deepen relations between Umeå University and Canada at a time of growing global engagement in the Arctic.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/canadas-ambassador-visited-umea-university_12166868/https://www.umu.se/en/news/how-stroke-outcomes-can-be-predicted_12166757/<description>Researchers use both machine learning and traditional statistical methods to predict outcomes after stroke. A new study from Umeå University shows that no single method is always best. Instead, the choice of method should depend on the available data, what needs to be predicted, and clinical needs.</description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:20:34 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><p class="quote-center">Healthcare providers must quickly determine who needs which treatment</p><p>Josline Otieno, a PhD student at Umeå University, has studied how different methods can be used to predict stroke outcomes. She compared machine learning with logistic regression, a common statistical method used to estimate risk. The study is based on large datasets from national stroke registers in Sweden and the United Kingdom.</p><p>When predicting the risk of death within 30 days after stroke, the difference between machine learning and logistic regression was small. Both methods produced stable results, even when comparing data from different countries.</p><p>However, when it came to patients’ functional ability three months after stroke, clearer differences emerged. Here, advanced machine learning models were better at identifying patients who would become dependent on assistance group that is important for planning rehabilitation, according to Otieno.</p><p>– Stroke is a complex condition, and healthcare providers must quickly determine who needs different treatments, who is likely to recover well, and who may require long-term support, says Josline Otieno.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">The choice of method determines what works best</h2><p>The study also includes analyses of survival over time and situations where multiple possible outcomes compete with each other, such as recurrent stroke or death.</p><p>The results show that the choice of method should be adapted to the structure of the data and the clinically relevant time horizon. Cox regression, a common statistical method for analysing survival over time, works well when its assumptions are met. However, when relationships are more complex or when the data contain a high degree of uncertainty, machine learning often performs better.</p><p>– In situations with competing risks, performance changes over time. No model was consistently best at all evaluation time points, says Josline Otieno.</p><p>According to Otieno, machine learning often performed better in the short term, when many events occur. Over longer follow-up periods, traditional statistical models were more reliable.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Supporting decision-making in healthcare</h2><p>The study combines a simulation study—where researchers test methods on computer-generated data—with analyses of real-world data. The simulation study examines how factors such as sample size, censoring, model assumptions, and uncertainty affect the results. The conclusion is that the choice of method should depend on the context and that models should be evaluated using multiple measures.</p><p>– More reliable assessments can improve communication between healthcare professionals and patients and provide better support for treatment decisions, especially when models are used at clinically meaningful time points, concludes Josline Otieno.</p></atom:content><link>https://www.umu.se/en/news/how-stroke-outcomes-can-be-predicted_12166757/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/what-is-actually-happening-in-kent-an-infectious-disease-specialist-explains-the-meningitis-outbreak_12166685/"><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.umu.se/en/news/what-is-actually-happening-in-kent-an-infectious-disease-specialist-explains-the-meningitis-outbreak_12166685/</guid><title>What is actually happening in Kent? An infectious disease specialist explains the meningitis outbreakAn unusually rapid and severe outbreak of meningitis is currently spreading in Kent, England, where around twenty people have fallen ill in just one week. Urban Johansson Kostenniemi, infectious disease physician and researcher at Umeå University, studies this type of illness in his daily work and is keeping a close eye on the situation.Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:51:09 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/16def7f7d6ae47818f7e847489f3d7f7/urban_johansson_kostenniemi_-_region_vasterbotten_22.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/16def7f7d6ae47818f7e847489f3d7f7/urban_johansson_kostenniemi_-_region_vasterbotten_22.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/16def7f7d6ae47818f7e847489f3d7f7/urban_johansson_kostenniemi_-_region_vasterbotten_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/16def7f7d6ae47818f7e847489f3d7f7/urban_johansson_kostenniemi_-_region_vasterbotten_22.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/16def7f7d6ae47818f7e847489f3d7f7/urban_johansson_kostenniemi_-_region_vasterbotten_22.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/16def7f7d6ae47818f7e847489f3d7f7/urban_johansson_kostenniemi_-_region_vasterbotten_22.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Urban Johansson Kostenniemi, infectious‑disease physician and researcher at Umeå University, describes an outbreak where both the speed of transmission and the severity of disease raise serious concerns, and where early symptoms are easily mistaken for something far more benign.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Region Västerbotten</span></div></div><p>One of Johansson Kostenniemi’s key questions is whether the outbreak has reached its peak or is only just beginning. We asked him a series of follow‑up questions to better understand his view of the situation.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">How serious is the current outbreak in Kent from a medical perspective?</h2><p>“The outbreak in Kent is very serious for two reasons: the infection is spreading quickly, and those who fall ill develop severe, life‑threatening disease.”</p><p>“The bacterium <em>Neisseria meningitidis</em> (meningococci) causes two major forms of serious infection: meningitis, where the bacteria attack the brain, and sepsis, where a massive immune response leads to a cytokine storm and life‑threatening organ failure. The risks are significant, one in ten patients dies, and among survivors, long‑term disabilities such as brain injury, epilepsy, memory problems, and reduced concentration are common.”</p><p>“What is most alarming is how fast it has moved. In just one week, 20 people have developed severe meningococcal disease, two of whom have died, and we may not have seen the end of the outbreak yet. Most of those affected have connections to the local university, which is roughly half the size of Umeå University.”</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Why do university and upper‑secondary environments get hit so quickly?</h2><p>“The bacteria spread through respiratory droplets and through saliva. This means transmission occurs among people who spend time close together in confined spaces, for example, living in cramped student corridors or socializing in crowded nightclubs. Student parties add an additional risk: because saliva is involved, the bacteria can spread when young people kiss or share drinks, e‑cigarettes, or similar items.”</p><p>“This dual transmission route explains why outbreaks often occur in preschool‑aged children and in young adults aged 15–25, and why settings ranging from international scout camps and religious gatherings to military conscript groups can be affected. Another factor that accelerates spread is that most people who carry the bacteria never become ill themselves. These "asymptomatic carriers" can unknowingly pass the bacteria on to many others.”</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Which symptoms are easily misinterpreted and why?</h2><p>"Early symptoms include headache, fatigue, and fever. These resemble everything from influenza or COVID‑19 to a hangover, and are therefore often mistaken for something harmless. It is only when more specific symptoms appear; severe fatigue, neck stiffness, reduced consciousness, or seizures, that it becomes clear something far more serious is happening.”</p><p>“The next challenge is speed: deterioration can happen terrifyingly fast, from the first symptoms to a state beyond rescue in just hours, or at most a day. If you know you've been exposed and develop a fever, you must seek medical care immediately. Otherwise, stay alert for fever combined with headache, and seek care promptly if more severe symptoms occur.”</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">How quickly must one act with suspected meningitis, and what treatments work best?</h2><p>"The disease can be prevented with vaccines. We have several different vaccines, and they provide up to 90 percent protection against illness. Their high effectiveness makes them a powerful tool during outbreaks and is the reason why people in affected areas are being offered vaccination.”</p><p>“For individuals who have already been exposed, the vaccine does not take effect quickly enough. Instead, prophylactic antibiotics are given to eliminate the bacteria before disease develops. As a preventive measure, antibiotics are highly effective.”</p><p>“For those who have already developed meningitis or sepsis, the situation is far more critical. Antibiotics are given intravenously, and patients are often treated in intensive care. Despite maximal efforts, mortality remains high.”</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">How prepared are Sweden and Swedish universities for similar outbreaks?</h2><p>“In Sweden, this disease is very rare, and there is currently no indication that the outbreak in Kent has spread beyond the immediate area. The Public Health Agency of Sweden assesses the risk of spread to Sweden as low, and robust infectious‑disease surveillance systems exist at both national and regional levels.”</p><p>“We also have experience from previous outbreaks that reached Sweden, during which many individuals were called in for testing, vaccination, and prophylactic antibiotics. In that sense, our preparedness is good. However, awareness of the disease is lower precisely because it is so rare, something that increases the risk of delayed recognition.”</p><h2 id="info5" data-magellan-target="info5">What makes meningitis scientifically fascinating?</h2><p>“Bacteria that cause meningitis, meningococci and others, might appear rare, but the opposite is true. About one in ten people carries these bacteria in the nose. Even so, the risk of becoming severely ill is almost zero. However, occasionally, particularly aggressive clones emerge.”</p><p>“It seems that these bacteria can coexist peacefully with humans for long periods until suddenly something changes. The question is: what triggers that shift?"</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/what-is-actually-happening-in-kent-an-infectious-disease-specialist-explains-the-meningitis-outbreak_12166685/https://www.umu.se/en/news/arctic-security-forum-opens-pathways-to-northern-collaboration_12166686/Arctic Security Forum opens pathways to northern collaborationThe Arctic region is now of interest to everyone, as what happens there affects the entire world. The region’s potential is intertwined with the challenges posed by climate change and geopolitical tensions, and cooperation among different countries and stakeholders regarding the Arctic is now needed more urgently than ever. The Arctic Security Forum, to be held in Oulu on June 16–17, will help address this need for enhanced cooperation.Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:08:19 +0100<p>Arctic security has had and continues to have profound impact on Nordic and European Arctic. The six Nordic universities (Arctic six) located in the European Arctic, call for an open dialogue and increased cooperation between academia and stakeholders; policy makers, defense forces, cities, communities, and businesses to address the security challenges our region is facing.</p><p>Arctic Security Forum will cover the most pressing Arctic security issues of today, followed by co-creation workshops to establish new cooperation, projects and plans under the main three topics of the forum: total defense, transportation and preparedness in the North.</p><p>Confirmed keynote speakers include Mikko Hautala, Chief Geopolitical & Government Relations Officer, and Chairman, Nokia Defense and Kalle Kankaanpää, Ambassador for Arctic Affairs, Finland.</p><p>Matti Latva-aho, Vice Rector for Research at the University of Oulu sees comprehensive security as an important area for research and collaboration. “It is an emerging research area in which the role of universities is growing rapidly. We need new collaborations to ensure that the most innovative solutions find their way into society as effectively as possible,” Latva-aho says.</p><p>Arctic Security Forum is hosted by University of Oulu as part of the <a href="https://www.arcticsix.org/">Arctic Six Alliance</a> and organised jointly by all Arctic Six universities: Luleå University of Technology, Umeå University, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Nord University, the University of Lapland, and the University of Oulu.</p><p>More information and registration on the <a href="https://www.oulu.fi/en/events/arctic-security-forum">Arctic Security Forum event page</a></p><p> </p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/arctic-security-forum-opens-pathways-to-northern-collaboration_12166686/https://www.umu.se/en/news/researchers-met-highschool-students-during-next-nobel-prize-2026_12166359/<description>During the “Next Nobel Prize 2026” inspiration day, 25 natural science students took part in lectures and lab visits on the university campus. The aim was to give a concrete picture of research and to recognise Emmanuelle Charpentier, Umeå’s honorary citizen and Nobel laureate. </description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:32:30 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/sofia_morney_och_verena_kohler3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/sofia_morney_och_verena_kohler3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/sofia_morney_och_verena_kohler3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/sofia_morney_och_verena_kohler3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/sofia_morney_och_verena_kohler3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/sofia_morney_och_verena_kohler3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Sofia Morney and Verena Kohler had prepared the laboratory to welcome a small group of high‑school students.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Andreas Kohler</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">Hopefully it sparked an interest in a research career for some of the students</p><p>“The day offered several takeaways. The students’ curiosity led to good conversations and many questions, and the meeting between researchers and high‑school students was both open and constructive. Hopefully it sparked an interest in a research career in some of the students,” says Verena Kohler, Assistant professor at the Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University.</p><p>During the “Next Nobel Prize 2026” inspiration day, 25 third year natural science students from Umeå’s upper‑secondary schools gathered in Galaxen on the university campus. The event was coordinated by Karolina Broman, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, and was carried out in collaboration between Umeå University’s Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, and Umeå Municipality. The purpose was to give the students a concrete understanding of research and doctoral education.</p><p>The morning consisted of lectures by researchers from both faculties, including Richard Lundmark, Erik Chorell, Daniel Öhlund, and Verena Kohler. Together, they provided examples of different research areas and what the work can look like in practice.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/ronnie_berntsson_o_gymnasieelever2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/ronnie_berntsson_o_gymnasieelever2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/ronnie_berntsson_o_gymnasieelever2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/ronnie_berntsson_o_gymnasieelever2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/ronnie_berntsson_o_gymnasieelever2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/ronnie_berntsson_o_gymnasieelever2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Ronnie Berntsson, spoke to the high‑school students about Umeå University’s research infrastructure and its significance.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ola Nilsson</span></div></div><p>In her lecture, Verena Kohler combined an overview of her research with reflections on pathways into academia. The students were introduced to how yeast is used as a model organism to study ageing processes, and how protein structure and function change over time. To make the mechanisms more tangible, she used a wardrobe analogy.</p><p>“When everything is folded and in the right place, the cell functions as it should. But as the wardrobe ‘ages’, clothes end up in the wrong drawer, some get damaged, and others form messy piles, just like proteins in an ageing cell.”</p><p>The personal part of the lecture addressed the choices and detours that led to a research path.</p><p>“You don’t find your path by thinking. You find it by trying things,” Verena Kohler summarised.</p><p>The students followed the lectures with interest, even during the final session before lunch.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareleft"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/sofia_och_verena2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/sofia_och_verena2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/sofia_och_verena2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/sofia_och_verena2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/sofia_och_verena2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/4880432104a24a0491b730f99e695946/sofia_och_verena2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Verena Kohler and Sofia Morney welcomed the students into the lab and created a curious encounter with science through Sofia’s playful and cleverly designed experiment.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Andreas Kohler</span></div></div><p>Afterwards, a smaller group of six students visited Verena Kohler’s lab. The visit was led by Sofia Morney, who started as a research trainee and has since continued in Verena’s group. She presented her ongoing experiments and invited the students to solve a simple, research‑related puzzle. She also talked about her studies and what everyday work in a laboratory can look like. The visit had a practical focus and allowed time for questions in a small‑group setting.</p><p>For Verena Kohler, outreach is an important part of the researcher’s role, both to meet young people considering a future in the natural sciences and to practise explaining research in an accessible way.</p><p>As a first‑generation scientist, she remembers how valuable every bit of guidance was. She did not grow up knowing how academia worked, so the people who took the time to explain things, or simply showed what was possible, made a significant difference.</p><p> Outreach is Verena’s way of offering something similar to others.</p><p>“I want to share experiences, not give instructions. Most paths into research are not completely straight.”</p></atom:content><link>https://www.umu.se/en/news/researchers-met-highschool-students-during-next-nobel-prize-2026_12166359/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/new-national-network-strengthens-cancer-research-in-umea_12166222/"><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-national-network-strengthens-cancer-research-in-umea_12166222/</guid><title /><description>By formalizing the collaboration between Sweden’s Comprehensive Cancer Centres, Umeå University gains stronger opportunities to contribute to research and the development of future cancer care.</description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:40:38 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/02a079a7b7434048a0ddfeaf62da420f/maria_liljeholm_ccc3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/02a079a7b7434048a0ddfeaf62da420f/maria_liljeholm_ccc3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/02a079a7b7434048a0ddfeaf62da420f/maria_liljeholm_ccc3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/02a079a7b7434048a0ddfeaf62da420f/maria_liljeholm_ccc3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/02a079a7b7434048a0ddfeaf62da420f/maria_liljeholm_ccc3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/02a079a7b7434048a0ddfeaf62da420f/maria_liljeholm_ccc3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Maria Liljeholm, Acting Medical Director at Umeå Comprehensive Cancer Centre and adjunct member of the network’s steering group. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Lotta Edvinsson</span></div></div><p>Collaboration around cancer research and advanced cancer care among Sweden’s Comprehensive Cancer Centres has been ongoing for several years and is now ready to be formalized. The first constitutive annual meeting was held on 16 March in Gothenburg, when the Swedish CCC Network gathered, an important step toward a more coherent structure that can serve as a joint voice and active partner in the development of cancer care.</p><p>“We see many advantages in joining forces nationally to develop high‑quality cancer care, ensure the patient perspective, and increase access to clinical research. This benefits patients as well as staff working in cancer care and cancer research across the country,” says Maria Liljeholm, physician and head of Cancer Centre Västerbotten at Umeå University Hospital. She is an adjunct member of the network’s steering group and will become an ordinary member once Umeå CCC is accredited.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Prioritise areas in the new strategy</h2><p>In addition to ongoing work related to research and precision medicine, the network will prioritise areas from the new national cancer strategy “I<a href="https://www.regionvasterbotten.se/comprehensive-cancer-centre-natverket-valkomnar-ny-nationell-cancerstrategi-for-framtidens-vard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ncreased survival and better quality of life – National Cancer Strategy 2.0</a>” and contribute to implementing its goals.</p><p>In Comprehensive Cancer Centres, academia and clinical practice are closely integrated. Through national collaboration, breakthroughs, such as those within precision medicine, can be implemented more rapidly across all regions. The hope is that this collaborative model will have similar impact in other areas, such as prevention and quality of life.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Umeå University’s role and opportunities</h2><p>Cancer research in Umeå is strong in both breadth and depth. For researchers at Umeå University, the national network provides new opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the country. It also simplifies access to national resources and expertise, which can facilitate cutting‑edge projects, including clinical studies.</p><p>Through the network, researchers increase their ability to ensure that research results achieve national impact and contribute to more equitable cancer care. The network also allows researchers to help shape future cancer strategies and influence the prioritisation of research areas relevant to both patients and healthcare professionals.</p><p>“Umeå CCC’s participation in the collaboration means that researchers at Umeå University can both contribute to and benefit from national coordination that strengthens cancer research in Sweden,” says Tufve Nyholm, Professor of Medical Radiation Physics with a joint position as hospital physicist at the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Intervention at Umeå University.</p></atom:content><link>https://www.umu.se/en/news/new-national-network-strengthens-cancer-research-in-umea_12166222/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/geneticists-challenge-theory-of-how-cells-retain-their-identity_12165749/"><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.umu.se/en/news/geneticists-challenge-theory-of-how-cells-retain-their-identity_12165749/</guid><title>Geneticists challenge theory of how cells retain their identityOne of the most widely accepted models for how cells remember their identity may be incorrect. This is shown in a new study from two research groups at Umeå University. In Science Advances, they present results that overturn a fundamental idea about how the Polycomb system maintains cellular memory.Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:11:19 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/yuri_schwartz_bananflugelabb3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/yuri_schwartz_bananflugelabb3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/yuri_schwartz_bananflugelabb3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/yuri_schwartz_bananflugelabb3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/yuri_schwartz_bananflugelabb3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/yuri_schwartz_bananflugelabb3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>All cells in the body contain the same genes. But in each specific cell type, only certain genes are used. Associate Professor Yuri Schwartz studies the epigenetic processes that determine which genes are silent or active in the body’s cells.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p>Polycomb proteins help cells keep certain genes permanently switched off as they divide. In this way, cells are supported in remembering their identity – for example, ensuring that a skin cell continues to be a skin cell. For more than 20 years, researchers have believed that a specific chemical modification on one of the cell’s structural proteins, the histone H2A, plays a key role in this process.</p><p>But the new study from Umeå University shows that this explanation does not hold.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Fruit fly clarifies the effects</h2><p>The fruit fly is a commonly used model organism because its genome is easier to analyze than that of humans. The research team studied a protein in the fruit fly <em>Drosophila melanogaster</em> that corresponds to the human PCGF3 protein. They named the gene encoding this protein Siesta. The protein is part of a group of Polycomb‑related complexes that have long been thought to contribute to gene repression.</p><p>“We were surprised to see that Siesta is not needed at all to repress developmental genes, even though it accounts for the majority of all H2A modification in the genome,” says Yuri Schwartz, Associate Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, who led the project.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/i_bananflugornas_rum_sjn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/i_bananflugornas_rum_sjn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/i_bananflugornas_rum_sjn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/i_bananflugornas_rum_sjn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/i_bananflugornas_rum_sjn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/i_bananflugornas_rum_sjn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Staff scientist Tatyana Kahn joined Yuri Schwartz’s lab 15 years ago. Research in epigenetics using the fruit fly as a model gives her the constant excitement of making new discoveries.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Simon Jönsson</span></div></div><p>In mammals, there are six different PCGF proteins with partially overlapping functions, making them difficult to study individually. The fruit fly has only three, providing the researchers with a unique opportunity to distinguish their effects.</p><p>“It is precisely the fly’s genetic simplicity that made it possible to see what Siesta actually does and does not do,” explains first author Tatyana Kahn, Staff Scientist at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>Her conclusion is clear:</p><p>“Our data show that the modification of H2A is not the general memory mechanism it was long believed to be.”</p><p>It is therefore only now, through the fly model, that researchers have been able to show that Siesta complexes do not function as part of the Polycomb system’s repressive machinery.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">A completely unexpected function</h2><p>The researchers also made a surprising discovery. When Siesta was absent, the movement of mutant larvae was affected, they became slow and moved in a irregularly manner.</p><p>This has nothing to do with gene repression, suggesting that Siesta has a completely different biological role than the one previously associated with the Polycomb system, the cell’s “genetic memory.”</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/i_dragskapet_sjn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/i_dragskapet_sjn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/i_dragskapet_sjn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/i_dragskapet_sjn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/i_dragskapet_sjn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/i_dragskapet_sjn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>PhD student Andres Garrido Aparicio works in the fume hood. He is fascinated by the mechanisms that govern epigenetic regulation and how they shape gene expression during cell development.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Simon Jönsson</span></div></div><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Time to redefine</h2><p>The new knowledge has broader implications. Today, all so‑called RING1‑based complexes are grouped together as variants of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1). The researchers argue that this view is misleading.</p><p>“Our results show that Siesta complexes do not function as part of the Polycomb system. It is time to update how we define PRC1,” says Yuri Schwartz.</p><p>If H2A modification is not central to cellular memory, an important question remains: do Polycomb proteins instead place their chemical marks on entirely different, yet unknown, targets? The study provides new tools for exploring this question and opens the door to rewriting a chapter of cell biology.</p><p>The study was conducted within the research network<a href="https://epicon.nu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Epigenetic Cooperation North, EpiCoN</a>, at Umeå University. This network promotes collaboration and the development of internationally competitive research in epigenetics, chromatin structure, and gene regulation, with applications in both fundamental and clinically relevant problems.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/img_08622.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/img_08622.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/img_08622.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/img_08622.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/img_08622.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/167c49d0704041688082ae68313d232a/img_08622.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Research is often a team effort. Here is the group behind the new study in Science Advances: Professor Jan Larsson, staff scientist Tatyana Kahn, associate professor Yuri Schwartz, staff scientist Maria Kim, and PhD student Andres Garrido Aparicio. Not on the photo are Anastasiya Yushkova, Alexander Glotov and Sweda Sreekumar.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/geneticists-challenge-theory-of-how-cells-retain-their-identity_12165749/https://www.umu.se/en/news/kbc-stafetten-2026--snow-in-the-face-teamwork-and-high-spirit_12164639/KBC Stafetten 2026 – snow in the face, teamwork, and high spirit!The annual KBC cross-country skiing relay took place last week, bringing together 20 four-member teams—including three impressive “battleship” quartets racing on a single pair of long skis equipped with four bindings. The event has grown into a winter celebration that blends sport, creativity, and community spirit, drawing colleagues from across campus to ski, cheer, and enjoy the snowy season together.Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:04:36 +0100<p><em>See video from the event at the end of the article.</em></p><p>KBC Stafetten has become one of the most joyful late‑winter traditions on campus, traditionally held during the last week of February in the hope of catching the snow before it begins to melt. This year, around 80 skiers took to the tracks, ranging from keen ski enthusiasts to international colleagues rediscovering skis for the first time since childhood—or even trying cross-country skiing for the very first time. And, of course, the top racers who flew across the course with impressive speed.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/2383af05aefb48718bb3a77c78425aa5/img_20260226_0947152.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2383af05aefb48718bb3a77c78425aa5/img_20260226_0947152.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2383af05aefb48718bb3a77c78425aa5/img_20260226_0947152.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/2383af05aefb48718bb3a77c78425aa5/img_20260226_0947152.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2383af05aefb48718bb3a77c78425aa5/img_20260226_0947152.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2383af05aefb48718bb3a77c78425aa5/img_20260226_0947152.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>“Battleship” teams getting ready for the race.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Anna Shevtsova</span></div></div><p>As the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”—and our teams certainly proved it. With reliable ski gear, creative costumes, and plenty of good humour, participants embraced everything from sticky snow on the tracks to fresh snow hitting them head‑on. While the conditions slowed the pace, they did nothing to dampen the spirits along the trail.</p><p>The team from SLU, “<strong>Motionärerna</strong>”, delivered the fastest time of 15:52 and claimed first place. “<strong>BrutAhlgrens</strong>” followed just ten seconds behind to secure second place, while long-standing favourites “<strong>Snökanonerna</strong>” finished in third.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="6c5b2752-5cce-4283-9eb6-fea1e89be015" data-contentname="KBC Stafetten 2026_image2">{}</div><p>The “Slagskepp”, or “battleship” race (four skiers on one pair of skis) delivered its own memorable moments. The quartet “<strong>Incoherent skiers</strong>” from the Department of Physics captured a decisive victory, while IceLab’s teams, <strong>Ski Terror</strong> and <strong>Mighty Ducks</strong>, took second and third place, respectively. All three teams showed that in this race, teamwork is the only way forward—literally.</p><p>The UPSC team, “<strong>Out for season, in for gold</strong>”, may not have taken home the gold medal, but they certainly won the hearts of spectators with their sports-themed costumes and fearless approach to the Swedish winter. They were awarded the main prize, “Best Team in Show”, supported by the Umeå University Innovation Office.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/2383af05aefb48718bb3a77c78425aa5/img_20260226_104028.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2383af05aefb48718bb3a77c78425aa5/img_20260226_104028.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2383af05aefb48718bb3a77c78425aa5/img_20260226_104028.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/2383af05aefb48718bb3a77c78425aa5/img_20260226_104028.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/2383af05aefb48718bb3a77c78425aa5/img_20260226_104028.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/2383af05aefb48718bb3a77c78425aa5/img_20260226_104028.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The spirited “Out for season, in for gold” team - Sam Cook, Markéta Buderová, Sarah Mermet, Sonja Viljamaa - collecting their “Best Team in Show” award.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Anna Shevtsova</span></div></div><p>We look forward to the continued tradition at KBC Stafetten 2027 and hope to see many familiar and new faces there!</p><p> </p><p>Learn more about <a href="~/link/7a8e920df7dd4ecaab7453507aaffd0d.aspx">KBC Stafetten 2026</a>.</p><p>Check results: <a href="https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=422632" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=422632</a></p><p><em>Watch the video below to relive some highlights from KBC Stafetten 2026!</em></p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="1586a2f6-51ad-4895-bc0b-45ba2e6c88fa" data-contentname="KBC Stafetten 2026">{}</div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/kbc-stafetten-2026--snow-in-the-face-teamwork-and-high-spirit_12164639/https://www.umu.se/en/news/can-public-procurement-make-food-more-local_12164114/Can Public Procurement Make Food More Local?On 24 February, researchers and societal stakeholders convened in Umeå to explore how public procurement can be strategically leveraged to create more sustainable, resilient, and locally rooted meal systems. Drawing on perspectives from Canada and Sweden, the seminar examined the influence of public sector purchasing decisions on health, regional development, and environmental outcomes throughout the entire food supply chain.Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:04:17 +0100<h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Public Procurement as a Lever for System Change</h2><p>The seminar <em>Can we make it local? The Challenges of Public Meal Procurement in Canada and Sweden</em> was organised by the Arctic Six Chair in Sustainable Food Transitions at the Arctic Centre, in collaboration with NorthFood, and hosted by the Department of Food, Nutrition and Culinary Science.</p><p>Opening the seminar, Professor Armando Perez-Cueto emphasised that public procurement should not be seen as an administrative function, but as a strategic policy instrument:</p><p>“Public procurement is a powerful lever in the food system. The choices made here influence not only what ends up on the plate, but also public health, local economies and the sustainability of entire regions.”</p><p>His introduction framed procurement as a key governance tool with the potential to accelerate sustainable food transitions—particularly in regions where public meals represent a significant share of total food consumption.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">From Policy to Plate: Lessons from Quebec</h2><p>The keynote speaker, Professor Laure Saulais, presented <em>From procurement to meals: Local sourcing, food quality, and sustainability in Quebec’s healthcare sector</em>. Drawing on empirical experiences from Quebec, she illustrated how ambitions to increase local sourcing must navigate regulatory frameworks, market structures and competing policy goals.</p><p class="quote-center">Public procurement is a powerful lever in the food system.</p><p>Saulais also emphasised that increasing local sourcing often requires the development of alternative supply channels that operate alongside conventional large-scale distribution systems. Such channels do not emerge automatically through policy alone—they depend on long-term relationships, trust, and active coordination between producers, public buyers and intermediaries. In this sense, making food “local” is as much a relational and organisational challenge as it is a regulatory one.</p><p>A central theme of her talk was the complexity of the concept “local.” While often associated with geographical proximity, it can also reflect political priorities, identity-building or economic strategy. These different interpretations shape procurement criteria and ultimately influence food quality, supplier diversity and sustainability performance.</p><p>The seminar brought together Indigenous elders, academics, farmer representatives, civil society actors, and municipal and regional representatives. The broad participation enriched the discussion and underscored that aligning procurement with sustainability goals requires dialogue across sectors, governance levels and knowledge systems.</p><p>By connecting research insights with practical experience, the seminar highlighted both the challenges and the transformative potential of public meal procurement in advancing sustainable food systems.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/can-public-procurement-make-food-more-local_12164114/https://www.umu.se/en/news/help-shape-the-ec2u-science-contest-2026--submit-your-questions_12164064/Help shape the EC2U Science Contest 2026 – submit your questionsOn 20 May 2026, Umeå University will be represented on stage when researchers from Umeå, Jena (Germany) and Turku compete in the EC2U Science Contest during the EC2U Forum in Turku, Finland. Now staff, students and the wider public are invited to help shape the competition by submitting questions for the researchers to solve live. Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:03:04 +0100<p>The EC2U Science Contest is a fast‑paced, entertaining event where multidisciplinary teams of researchers are given the same question and just a few minutes to agree on an answer before presenting it to the audience. The questions are submitted in advance by the public and can address scientific, societal or ethical issues, as well as curious “what if?” scenarios.</p><p>Both the audience and an international jury award points based on clarity, logic, creativity and entertainment value. The event is held in English and will be broadcast online, allowing participation beyond Turku.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/298e57a45f144292bf8591b2e44d19a8/ec2u-2026-keltainen-1920x1080-v33.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/298e57a45f144292bf8591b2e44d19a8/ec2u-2026-keltainen-1920x1080-v33.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/298e57a45f144292bf8591b2e44d19a8/ec2u-2026-keltainen-1920x1080-v33.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/298e57a45f144292bf8591b2e44d19a8/ec2u-2026-keltainen-1920x1080-v33.png?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/298e57a45f144292bf8591b2e44d19a8/ec2u-2026-keltainen-1920x1080-v33.png?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/298e57a45f144292bf8591b2e44d19a8/ec2u-2026-keltainen-1920x1080-v33.png?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Now is your chance to <a href="https://padlet.com/lassiyli/suggested-questions-for-the-ec2u-science-contest-lpgyowz0t77r5xwh">suggest a question</a> for the scientific teams to tackle in the EC2U Science Contest on 20 May 2026.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>EC2U</span></div></div><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">From big challenges to everyday curiosity</h2><p>In previous Science Contests, audience questions have included:</p><ul><li>Why are planets round, but the solar system flat?</li><li>Is it ethically better to eat insects than meat?</li><li>How many balloons would it take to lift an 80‑kg person into the air?</li><li>Could we change our genes to prevent disease – and should we?</li></ul><p>There is no “correct” format for a question. What matters is that it sparks discussion and invites researchers to think across disciplines. </p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Anyone can contribute and submit questions</h2><p>Questions can be submitted by students, staff and members of the public, and selected questions will be challenged live by the teams—including the Umeå University team—on stage in Turku.<br><br><strong>Deadline for questions:</strong> 31 March 2026<br><strong>Submit your question here: </strong><a title="Suggested questions for the EC2U Science Contest" href="https://padlet.com/lassiyli/suggested-questions-for-the-ec2u-science-contest-lpgyowz0t77r5xwh">Suggested questions for the EC2U Science Contest</a><br><br><a title="Livestream EC2U Science Contest 2026" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ec2ualliance/streams">To be livestreamed on Youtube (20 May at 17:00-19:00)</a></p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/help-shape-the-ec2u-science-contest-2026--submit-your-questions_12164064/https://www.umu.se/en/news/high-intensity-training-beneficial-also-for-adults-over-65_12163728/High intensity training beneficial also for golden agersIt is well known that physical activity is essential for good health – especially for older adults – but how we exercise can make a significant difference. A new doctoral thesis from Umeå University shows that short, high‑intensity training sessions not only save time but may also be more effective than traditional endurance training for older individuals.Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:06:55 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/aa4586ee5c6a4a4990cb0da0d1ee5328/sofi_sandstrom_13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/aa4586ee5c6a4a4990cb0da0d1ee5328/sofi_sandstrom_13.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/aa4586ee5c6a4a4990cb0da0d1ee5328/sofi_sandstrom_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/aa4586ee5c6a4a4990cb0da0d1ee5328/sofi_sandstrom_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/aa4586ee5c6a4a4990cb0da0d1ee5328/sofi_sandstrom_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/aa4586ee5c6a4a4990cb0da0d1ee5328/sofi_sandstrom_13.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Sofi Sandström, Department of Diagnostics and Intervention at Umeå University, has investigated high-intensity training for people 65 years of age and older in her thesis.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Ingrid Söderbergh</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">One of the most exciting findings in my research is the link between muscle strength and brain function</p><p>“One of the most exciting findings in my research is the link between muscle strength and brain function. When sessions become shorter and the intensity increases, older adults seem to gain additional benefits for both leg strength and working memory,” says Sofi Sandström, who conducted her doctoral work at the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention at Umeå University.</p><p>Physical activity is known to provide a wide range of health benefits, and for older adults it is particularly crucial, many age‑related declines can actually be improved through exercise. Yet many older individuals remain physically inactive, posing a major public health challenge.</p><p>High‑intensity training (HIT), which consists of very short but intense, pulse‑raising intervals, is a relatively new exercise method that has shown promising health effects in younger adults. Sara Sandström’s thesis, based on the Umeå HIT Study, examines how different levels of training intensity affect fitness, brain function, and muscle strength in people over the age of 65.</p><p>The study involved 68 participants aged 66 to 79 who did not typically exercise regularly. They were randomly assigned to two groups, both training twice weekly for three months on stationary bikes. One group performed moderate‑intensity endurance training (40‑minute sessions), while the other completed high‑intensity interval training (10 x 6‑second intervals in 20‑minute sessions).</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Half the time, better esults</h2><p>The findings show that both groups improved their fitness and blood pressure to a similar degree, regardless of training intensity. However, the shorter and more intense sessions produced greater gains in leg strength and working memory, which is two functions that often decline with age. Sofi Sandström argues that the results make high‑intensity training a surprisingly promising method.</p><p>“Researchers have previously been uncertain whether older adults should engage in high‑intensity training at all, but my results suggest it works at least as well as moderate‑intensity exercise. High‑intensity, controlled sessions could therefore become an important alternative for older individuals looking to vary their training,” she says.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Stronger legs, sharper minds</h2><p>Cognitive function was assessed using a broad test battery focusing on working memory. Brain activation during working‑memory tasks was also measured using MRI. The results showed that increased leg strength was associated with greater frontal‑lobe activation during the memory task as well as better test performance. This suggests that muscular adaptation may be an important target for training aimed at protecting brain health.</p><p>Earlier research has suggested that age‑related changes in the brain’s white matter limit the effects of traditional endurance training on working memory. Individuals with more pronounced white‑matter changes often show smaller improvements. However, Sara Sandström’s thesis found that high‑intensity training improved working memory even among participants with substantial white‑matter changes.</p><p>“This indicates that high‑intensity exercise may be particularly valuable for people showing early changes in white matter,” says Sofi Sandström.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">Home‑based training with a chair</h2><p>To explore how high‑intensity training could be made accessible to a wider audience, Sofi Sandström also investigated home‑based alternatives requiring no advanced equipment. This was done in a co‑creation study where researchers and participants worked together on a solution.</p><p>The high‑intensity session was adapted into fast‑paced “sit‑to‑stand” movements using a standard chair, an approach that produced similar immediate physiological responses to the high‑intensity cycling sessions.</p><p>“The next step is to develop a mobile app that can guide the training sessions and to test the programme with a new group of older adults to see if the results hold for those without prior HIT experience. The goal is for the training to be performed at home in the future,” Sofi Sandström says.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/high-intensity-training-beneficial-also-for-adults-over-65_12163728/https://www.umu.se/en/news/a-pitch-can-be-the-beginning-of-a-new-collaboration_12163703/A pitch can be the beginning of a new collaborationWhen the season’s first IceLab Lunch Pitch kicked off, it was molecular biologist Johan Henriksson who took the stage. He needs collaborators who can develop algorithms capable of handling and completing millions of microbial gene sequences. In his research, a single sampling event generates such a massive amount of data that today’s analytical methods are no longer sufficient.Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:33:11 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/0be7c5a4d0104b199e76588ea58b3a71/20260211_lunchpitch-133.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0be7c5a4d0104b199e76588ea58b3a71/20260211_lunchpitch-133.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0be7c5a4d0104b199e76588ea58b3a71/20260211_lunchpitch-133.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/0be7c5a4d0104b199e76588ea58b3a71/20260211_lunchpitch-133.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0be7c5a4d0104b199e76588ea58b3a71/20260211_lunchpitch-133.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0be7c5a4d0104b199e76588ea58b3a71/20260211_lunchpitch-133.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Johan Henriksson believes that the Lunch Pitch format is one of the better ways we have to create new collaborations between researchers from different disciplines.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Gabrielle Beans</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">we will become increasingly dependent on expertise from other disciplines</p><p>“Our research group is always looking for collaborations, and our problems range from quite tough mathematics to equally challenging programming. For the next generation of biology, we will become increasingly dependent on expertise from other disciplines, since we simply cannot fit all the necessary knowledge into a single lab,” says Johan Henriksson, research fellow at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><p>The Lunch Pitch series, organized by IceLab at Umeå University, is designed to gather researchers from different fields during a lunch break for short, focused presentations that spark conversations and drive new collaborations.</p><p>Johan Henriksson sees the format as fully aligned with the future of biological research. He refers to sociologist Max Weber, who already in the late 19th century argued that society would become increasingly specialized – so specialized that individuals would no longer be able to grasp the bigger picture. According to Johan Henriksson, this development has only accelerated.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Seeking collaboration in machine learning</h2><p>At the centre of Johan’s presentation was a new method developed by his team that can capture many, yet only a small subset of, up to one million bacterial genome sequences at the same time. By being able to study so many bacteria, one at a time, it becomes possible to understand, for example how antibiotic resistance develops.</p><p>“This is an absolutely insane amount of data, and we need new tools to analyse it. Right now we are studying one cell at a time, and that does not work very well when the data is so sparse.”</p><p>The goal is to develop a machine learning model, algorithm, or data structure that can represent the underlying shared genetic variation and fill in the missing information between sampled cells.</p><p>“From there, we might also be able to annotate the genetic sequence in a single step, for example identify which genes are present and what they do.”</p><p>Johan Henriksson is eager to collaborate with researchers in machine learning, sparse linear algebra, vector databases, or advanced data structures. He also sees potential within federated data processing.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/0be7c5a4d0104b199e76588ea58b3a71/20260211_lunchpitch-022.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0be7c5a4d0104b199e76588ea58b3a71/20260211_lunchpitch-022.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0be7c5a4d0104b199e76588ea58b3a71/20260211_lunchpitch-022.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/0be7c5a4d0104b199e76588ea58b3a71/20260211_lunchpitch-022.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0be7c5a4d0104b199e76588ea58b3a71/20260211_lunchpitch-022.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0be7c5a4d0104b199e76588ea58b3a71/20260211_lunchpitch-022.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The Icelab lunch pitch is followed by lively discussions.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Gabrielle Beans</span></div></div><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Boiling problems down to their essence</h2><p>Speaking to a broad interdisciplinary audience is always a challenge, he notes.</p><p>“You have to distill the essence of your problem. What you find most interesting is not necessarily what captures the audience’s attention. But that is also precisely why you pitch. You present problems that others may find exciting and that require different kinds of expertise.”</p><p>He continues:</p><p>“There may even be users (biologists) who now realize the possibilities we have. This is a promising area where we have a chance to take the lead, so anyone with business sense should get on board.”</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">A pitch is a beginning</h2><p>Despite the fact that creating new collaborations is never easy, Johan Henriksson believes that the Lunch Pitch format is one of the best ways to ignite the spark.</p><p>“Honestly, it is not easy, but it is probably the best we can do. A pitch is only the beginning of a conversation. Then the real work begins, when both sides must learn enough about the problem to contribute to a solution. The devil is always in the details.”</p><p>For him, the true strength of the event lies in its ability to gather open‑minded researchers in the same room.</p><p>“Now we just need to turn words into action!”</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/a-pitch-can-be-the-beginning-of-a-new-collaboration_12163703/https://www.umu.se/en/news/mixed-reality-increases-realism-in-training-for-mass-casualty-incidents_12163265/Mixed reality increases realism in training for mass casualty incidentsA new thesis from Umeå University shows how emerging virtual technologies can complement traditional disaster training and offer emergency medical personnel the opportunity to practice complex situations in realistic ways – before they occur in real life.Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:00:18 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/efc109b8dba34fad89ac84826d0225be/green_manikin_med1stmr3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/efc109b8dba34fad89ac84826d0225be/green_manikin_med1stmr3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/efc109b8dba34fad89ac84826d0225be/green_manikin_med1stmr3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/efc109b8dba34fad89ac84826d0225be/green_manikin_med1stmr3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/efc109b8dba34fad89ac84826d0225be/green_manikin_med1stmr3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/efc109b8dba34fad89ac84826d0225be/green_manikin_med1stmr3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Fredrik Schulz's thesis shows how new virtual technology can complement traditional disaster training.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>MED1stMR</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">combines real and digital environments</p><p>“My results show that mixed reality simulation training, which combines real and digital environments, is an effective and pedagogically robust method that allows emergency medical personnel to immerse themselves and prepare to handle major incidents with multiple casualties,” says Fredrik Schulz that recently received his PhD degree. He conducted his doctoral studies at the Department of Nursing and the Knowledge Centre for Disaster Medicine at Umeå University.</p><p>Major incidents often mean that available resources are insufficient relative to the number of injured. This places immense pressure on emergency responders, who must prioritize and make decisions under time constraints – situations where mistakes can have life‑or‑death consequences. Effective and realistic training is therefore essential, both for managing stress and performing critical tasks.</p><p>Previous research has shown that despite various forms of training, many professionals in emergency care feel insufficiently prepared for mass‑casualty incidents. As preparedness challenges in healthcare continue to grow, mixed reality is becoming an increasingly important tool for realistic and flexible training.</p><p>Mixed reality is a technology that combines the physical world with digital elements. Unlike virtual reality – where the user fully enters a computer‑generated environment and typically uses handheld controllers – mixed reality takes place within the real environment. Participants see and interact simultaneously with real people and virtual objects projected into the room, such as patients or accident scenarios. This allows them to move freely and collaborate as they would in real life, while encountering digital events that would otherwise be difficult or dangerous to recreate during training.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareleft"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/efc109b8dba34fad89ac84826d0225be/fredrik_schulz3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/efc109b8dba34fad89ac84826d0225be/fredrik_schulz3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/efc109b8dba34fad89ac84826d0225be/fredrik_schulz3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/efc109b8dba34fad89ac84826d0225be/fredrik_schulz3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/efc109b8dba34fad89ac84826d0225be/fredrik_schulz3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/efc109b8dba34fad89ac84826d0225be/fredrik_schulz3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Fredrik Schulz is a registered nurse and earned a PhD at the Department of Nursing and Knowledge Centre for Disaster Medicine at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Fredrik Sundvall / FotoINorr</span></div></div><p>In his thesis, Fredrik Schulz explored how mixed reality technology can complement traditional disaster training and identified the factors that facilitate or hinder the learning process of skills required for major incidents. With this dissertation, he is among the first to study both technical (medical management) and non‑technical skills (such as communication, stress management, and situational awareness) in a larger group of participants.</p><p>Data were collected from emergency care services in several European countries using various methods, including observations during field exercises, interviews, self‑assessment instruments, surveys, and group discussions.</p><p>The results confirm that there remains a strong need for new methods that can strengthen both the practical and mental preparedness of emergency medical personnel.</p><p>One clear factor that supported learning through mixed reality was the strong sense of presence and immersion in the scenario.</p><p>“By presenting the accident scene virtually, emergency responders can practice forming an overall picture of the situation, collaborating with other actors on site, and understanding the different roles and areas of responsibility that exist during a major incident.”</p><p>At the same time, Fredrik Schulz found that increased realism does not automatically lead to better learning of technical skills.</p><p>“For mixed reality technology to reach its full potential, simulation training needs to reflect clinical practice to an even greater extent,” he says.</p><p>The hope is that the research findings will support the future development of mixed‑reality‑based training programmes in disaster medicine education and thereby strengthen emergency responders’ preparedness for future crises.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/mixed-reality-increases-realism-in-training-for-mass-casualty-incidents_12163265/https://www.umu.se/en/news/eco-friendly-spruce-bark-can-replace-toxic-chemicals_12162693/Eco friendly spruce bark can replace toxic chemicalsA decoction made from spruce bark can replace toxic chemicals used to inhibit bacteria that otherwise produce dangerous gases and slime in paper mills and wastewater systems. This is shown in a collaborative project between SLU and Umeå University.Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:16:01 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/a9ea77e1a6264d13bd562f8fb435d703/maria_hedberg_final3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/a9ea77e1a6264d13bd562f8fb435d703/maria_hedberg_final3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/a9ea77e1a6264d13bd562f8fb435d703/maria_hedberg_final3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/a9ea77e1a6264d13bd562f8fb435d703/maria_hedberg_final3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/a9ea77e1a6264d13bd562f8fb435d703/maria_hedberg_final3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/a9ea77e1a6264d13bd562f8fb435d703/maria_hedberg_final3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Maria Hedberg, staff scientist at the Department of Odontology at Umeå University, has seen how spruce bark can keep microbes in check.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Fotonord</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">surprising that so many species were highly sensitive to the spruce bark extract</p><p>“It was surprising that so many species were highly sensitive to the spruce bark extract. But considering that the same compounds in the bark protect the spruce tree from various microbes, it is not that strange,” says Maria Hedberg, staff scientist at the Department of Odontology at Umeå University.</p><p>In the “factory soup” of fibres destined to become paper and cardboard, microorganisms also thrive in the lukewarm water. Particularly when recycled paper is used, large quantities of bacteria enter the process. If these microbes are allowed to grow, they produce explosive, toxic, foul‑smelling gases and a thick slime that clogs pipes and reduces paper quality. Today, a cocktail of biocidal chemicals is added to keep microbial growth in check.</p><p>Now, a research team in Umeå has developed a more environmentally friendly method to control the bacteria. By boiling spruce bark in water and then pressing it, they obtain an extract that can be added to the process water.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">99 percent disappeared</h2><p>In a pilot project at the paper mill in Obbola, south of Umeå, 99 percent of bacteria disappeared after 16 hours when spruce bark extract was added. In fact, the results suggest that spruce bark extract may be more effective than synthetic chemicals.</p><p>Initially, the chemical biocide was indeed stronger (more toxic), but over a slightly longer period the spruce bark extract delayed gas formation significantly better. This long‑lasting effect is important to avoid problems during production stoppages.</p><p>Maria Hedberg’s experience of working with human bacteria and studying how they react to different substances was crucial in the project. She was responsible for the part of the research that examined the antimicrobial properties of the spruce bark extract. In the study, she analysed samples from two types of environments: the paper industry and municipal wastewater systems. From these environments, representative, dominant bacterial species were isolated, and their sensitivity to the extract was tested.</p><p>“We mainly see a predominance of spore‑forming bacteria such as <em>Bacillus</em> and <em>Clostridium</em> species, as well as filament‑forming bacteria like <em>Thiothrix</em>. At the same time, the bacterial flora in recycled paper pulp is extremely complex, with many species present,” says Maria Hedberg.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/a9ea77e1a6264d13bd562f8fb435d703/rm24-20_sporer_kopiera2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/a9ea77e1a6264d13bd562f8fb435d703/rm24-20_sporer_kopiera2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/a9ea77e1a6264d13bd562f8fb435d703/rm24-20_sporer_kopiera2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/a9ea77e1a6264d13bd562f8fb435d703/rm24-20_sporer_kopiera2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/a9ea77e1a6264d13bd562f8fb435d703/rm24-20_sporer_kopiera2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/a9ea77e1a6264d13bd562f8fb435d703/rm24-20_sporer_kopiera2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Maria Hedberg identified above all a predominance of spore-forming bacteria, here <em>Clostridium</em> sp.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Maria Hedberg</span></div></div><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Harder to develop resistance</h2><p>The bacteria also seem to have more difficulty developing resistance to the spruce bark extract, which has a far more complex chemical structure than the pure chemicals normally used.</p><p>“Most likely, it is simply more demanding for bacteria to ‘outsmart’ the spruce bark extract compared to a traditional biocide. The extract consists of many components with complex structures, which makes it harder for microbes to develop resistance. The tannins likely play an important role in the extract’s antimicrobial effect,” Maria Hedberg says.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">A by‑product with potential</h2><p>The method has been developed within CEforestry, a European collaboration project led by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU. The aim is to make better use of forestry by‑products. Spruce bark is abundant, as all timber is debarked at the processing plants. The bark has low value today and is burned. But as a raw material for an antibacterial extract, the bark would gain higher value.</p><p>In addition to paper mills, spruce bark extract could likely also be beneficial in municipal wastewater systems, where bacteria that produce corrosive and foul‑smelling gases – and slime that clogs pipes – cause problems.</p><p>To use the extract on a larger scale, more development is needed. Large‑scale trials in paper mills are required to confirm its effectiveness. A machine is also needed to produce the extract – preferably on‑site at the factory.</p><p>“Spruce bark extract has all the prerequisites to become a strong and sustainable alternative to synthetic products in paper mills and wastewater treatment plants,” says Mehrdad Arshadi, project leader at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/eco-friendly-spruce-bark-can-replace-toxic-chemicals_12162693/https://www.umu.se/en/news/emmanuelle-charpentier-on-the-role-of-science-in-society_12161310/Interview with Emmanuelle Charpentier on the role of science in society At a time when science is being questioned, it is more important than ever for researchers to show how research contributes to solving societal challenges, says professor Emmanuelle Charpentier, Nobel laureate and honorary doctor at Umeå University, in an exclusive interview.Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:10:02 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/b01d70c347eb4e4fa76b921ea9e1b976/emmanuelle-charpentier-hedersmedborgare-1842-250926-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b01d70c347eb4e4fa76b921ea9e1b976/emmanuelle-charpentier-hedersmedborgare-1842-250926-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b01d70c347eb4e4fa76b921ea9e1b976/emmanuelle-charpentier-hedersmedborgare-1842-250926-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/b01d70c347eb4e4fa76b921ea9e1b976/emmanuelle-charpentier-hedersmedborgare-1842-250926-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/b01d70c347eb4e4fa76b921ea9e1b976/emmanuelle-charpentier-hedersmedborgare-1842-250926-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/b01d70c347eb4e4fa76b921ea9e1b976/emmanuelle-charpentier-hedersmedborgare-1842-250926-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Emmanuelle Charpentier in Umeå.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>“We should raise our voices as a community, stop and explain what we do,” says Emmanuelle Charpentier in this interview. </p><p>Click below to see the filmed intervíew.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/emmanuelle-charpentier-on-the-role-of-science-in-society_12161310/https://www.umu.se/en/news/examining-the-innermost-machinery-of-viruses_12161301/Examining the innermost machinery of virusesViruses are among the simplest biological structures in existence. Yet time and again they manage to take control of some of the most advanced systems we know of: living cells. How this actually happens is one of the major unresolved questions in modern biology. Lars-Anders Carlson and his research team at Umeå University aim to find the answer.Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:53:04 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/0f3e337f24564be681d1e73136295b81/lars-anders_carlson3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0f3e337f24564be681d1e73136295b81/lars-anders_carlson3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0f3e337f24564be681d1e73136295b81/lars-anders_carlson3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/0f3e337f24564be681d1e73136295b81/lars-anders_carlson3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/0f3e337f24564be681d1e73136295b81/lars-anders_carlson3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/0f3e337f24564be681d1e73136295b81/lars-anders_carlson3.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 and his team will take three-dimensional ‘close-up images’ of the inside of an infected cell to see how the virus factories are actually organized.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Johan Gunséus</span></div></div><p>Using some of the world’s most advanced microscopes, he wants to step inside the virus-infected cell and study how viruses remodel the cell’s interior to create efficient virus factories. The project focuses on two viruses, with the aim of understanding the mechanics of infection at the atomic level.</p><p>“We’re trying to understand how viruses reconfigure the inside of an infected cell. Although viruses often have fewer than a dozen genes, they can still take over a cell that has tens of thousands of genes. It’s really quite incredible,” says Lars-Anders Carlson, a professor at Umeå University.</p><p>Compared with human cells, viruses are extremely simple. They lack their own metabolism, cannot reproduce on their own, and are completely dependent on infecting a host cell.</p><p>“Viruses hijack functions that already exist in the cell. They remodel the cell’s structure and create what we call virus factories – specialized environments in which they can copy their DNA and assemble new virus particles.”</p><p>And it is these virus factories that lie at the centre of Carlson’s research. What do they look like? How are they structured? And why do they look the same in different viruses, even though the viruses use completely different strategies to create them?</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Read the news article</h2><p><a href="https://kaw.wallenberg.org/en/research/examining-innermost-machinery-viruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read the whole news article on the KAW website</a></p><p>Lars-Anders Carlson leads the project “Conserved concepts and divergent details of membrane-bound viral replication organelles” financed by Knut och Alice Wallenbergs Stiftelse, KAW.</p><p> </p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/examining-the-innermost-machinery-of-viruses_12161301/https://www.umu.se/en/news/mentorship-strengthens-experienced-nurses_12160918/Mentorship strengthens experienced nursesA new doctoral thesis from Umeå University shows that mentorship benefits not only newly graduated nurses but also the experienced nurses who act as mentors. For mentorship to be sustainable over time, employers and management must provide clear support and structure.Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:17:16 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/8680a5a6c6c84fac97206a9c4442125d/kallerhult-hermansson_stina_17122024_hkn-93.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8680a5a6c6c84fac97206a9c4442125d/kallerhult-hermansson_stina_17122024_hkn-93.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8680a5a6c6c84fac97206a9c4442125d/kallerhult-hermansson_stina_17122024_hkn-93.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/8680a5a6c6c84fac97206a9c4442125d/kallerhult-hermansson_stina_17122024_hkn-93.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/8680a5a6c6c84fac97206a9c4442125d/kallerhult-hermansson_stina_17122024_hkn-93.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/8680a5a6c6c84fac97206a9c4442125d/kallerhult-hermansson_stina_17122024_hkn-93.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Stina Kallerhult-Hermansson, lecturer at the Department of Nursing, has studied nurses and mentorship in her doctoral thesis.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">Mentorship is truly an investment in the whole team</p><p>“When mentors grow in their professional role, the entire healthcare system benefits. Mentorship is truly an investment in the whole team,” says Stina Kallerhult Hermansson, Lecturer at the Department of Nursing at Umeå University-</p><p>While previous research on mentorship in healthcare has largely focused on the experiences of the newly graduated nurse, Kallerhult Hermansson’s thesis shifts the spotlight to the mentors. The work is part of a Swedish–Norwegian collaboration in which a joint mentorship model was developed and tested in both Västerbotten and Nordland. Mentors received dedicated training and were paired with newly employed nurses, with the aim of strengthening mentorship as a support structure and contributing to a more sustainable working life.</p><p>The study also examined nurses in Västerbotten and Nordland more broadly, focusing on aspects such as job satisfaction and perceived professional competence. The results show that mentors experienced both personal and professional growth – including strengthened leadership skills, deeper reflection on their professional identity, and a renewed sense of pride in their expertise.</p><p>The findings further reveal that nurses with one and a half to five years of work experience reported the lowest job satisfaction. This group showed lower satisfaction than both newly graduated nurses and those with longer experience.</p><p>“This group of nurses may benefit particularly from mentorship in order to remain in the profession,” says Stina Kallerhult Hermansson.</p><p>Another key conclusion is that sustainable mentorship requires employers to integrate it into everyday routines and provide organizational support.</p><p>“Mentorship must be part of daily practice and supported at the organizational level. This benefits both staff development and patient safety.”</p><p>Stina Kallerhult Hermansson defended her doctoral thesis at Umeå University on 5 December 2025.</p><p>Read the thesis: <a href="https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-246064" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Being and becoming a mentor: personal and professional growth in a Swedish-Norwegian multicenter nurse mentorship intervention</a></p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/mentorship-strengthens-experienced-nurses_12160918/https://www.umu.se/en/news/from-chemical-curiosity-to-key-piece-in-cancer-research_12159066/From chemical curiosity to key piece in cancer researchDNA’s iconic double helix does more than “just” store genetic information. Under certain conditions it can temporarily fold into unusual shapes. Researchers at Umeå University have now shown that one such structure, known as i-DNA, not only forms in living cells but also acts as a regulatory bottleneck linked to cancer.Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:01:55 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_nasim_1622_230214_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_nasim_1622_230214_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_nasim_1622_230214_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/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_nasim_1622_230214_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_nasim_1622_230214_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_nasim_1622_230214_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Postdoctoral researcher Pallabi Sengupta studies i-DNA, a field of research that is still in its early stages.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">a kind of ‘peek‑a‑boo structure’ in the DNA molecule</p><p>“You can think of <em>i-DNA</em> as a kind of ‘peek‑a‑boo structure’ in the DNA molecule. Its formation is tightly controlled in time and it must be resolved at precisely the right moment. We believe it plays an important role in gene regulation, because these structures can appear and disappear in sync with changes in the cell’s state,” says first author Pallabi Sengupta, postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University. The study is now published in Nature Communications.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">A highly unusual DNA structure</h2><p>The familiar double helix can be imagined as a twisted ladder with sugar‑phosphate backbones as side rails and base pairs – adenine (A) paired with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) paired with guanine (G) – forming the rungs.</p><p><em>i-DNA</em>, however, bears little resemblance to this shape. Instead, it is more like a distorted, self‑folded ladder tied into a knot. It consists of a single DNA strand folding back on itself to form a four‑stranded structure. At the molecular level, the structure is held together not by standard A–T and C–G base pairs, but by pairs of cytosines.</p><p>These rare, short‑lived structures appear and disappear depending on the cellular environment. For decades, they were dismissed as too unstable to exist inside cells and regarded as laboratory artifacts. With new experimental techniques, researchers in Umeå can now demonstrate that <em>i-DNA</em> does form, but only briefly, just before DNA replication begins.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Key protein controls structure resolution</h2><p>The study further shows that the protein PCBP1 acts as a critical regulator. It unwinds<em> i-DNA</em> at the right moment, allowing the DNA replication machinery to proceed. If the structures fail to open in time, they block replication, increasing the risk of DNA damage – a hallmark of heightened cancer vulnerability.</p><p>The researchers also discovered that<em> i-DNA</em> is not uniform: some structures are easy to unwind, while others are highly resistant, depending on the underlying DNA sequence.</p><p>“The more cytosine base pairs that hold the knot together, the harder it is to resolve. In some cases, hybrid structures can form, making <em>i-DNA</em> even more stable,” explains Nasim Sabouri, professor at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University, who led the study.</p><p>Notably, many <em>i-DNA</em> structures are located in regulatory regions of oncogenes – genes that drive cancer development – suggesting a direct link between <em>i-DNA</em> and disease.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_nasim_1644_230214_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_nasim_1644_230214_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_nasim_1644_230214_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/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_nasim_1644_230214_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_nasim_1644_230214_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_nasim_1644_230214_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>The image shows how proteins become visible in a gel after being isolated from cells.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>To study these short-lived structures, the team combined biochemical assays, computational modelling and cell biology. They successfully visualized how PCBP1 progressively opens<em> i-DNA</em> and captured the structures in living cells at the exact moment in the cell cycle when they appear.</p><p>“By connecting molecular mechanisms to actual effects in cells, we can show that this is biologically relevant and not a laboratory phenomenon,” says Ikenna Obi, staff scientist at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">New opportunities for drug development</h2><p>The discovery reframes <em>i-DNA</em> from a molecular oddity to a potential weakness in cancer cells. Because cancer cells often experience high replication stress attempting to divide so rapidly that their DNA replication machinery approaches breakdown, any disruption in i-DNA handling may have severe consequences.</p><p>“If we can influence <em>i-DNA</em> or the protein that unwinds it, we may be able to push cancer cells beyond their tolerance limit. This opens completely new avenues for drug development,” says Nasim Sabouri.</p><p>The study was conducted in collaboration with Natacha Gillet, researcher at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in France. It was funded by Cancerfonden, the Wenner-Gren Foundations, and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_obi_sengupta_5072.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_obi_sengupta_5072.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_obi_sengupta_5072.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_obi_sengupta_5072.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_obi_sengupta_5072.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/f6972f1ebfa5420089ebf965cdc6cea1/sabouri_obi_sengupta_5072.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Nasim Sabouri, Pallabi Sengupta, and Ikenna Obi. The team will now investigate which cellular conditions promote i-DNA formation and whether these short‑lived structures can serve as new targets for diagnostics and cancer therapy.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Rebecca Forsberg</span></div></div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/from-chemical-curiosity-to-key-piece-in-cancer-research_12159066/https://www.umu.se/en/news/when-the-climate-crisis-becomes-a-public-health-issue_12157389/When the Climate Crisis Becomes a Public Health IssueAn extreme cloudburst brings an entire community to a standstill. In an interdisciplinary panel discussion, researchers meet with Sweden’s Ambassador for Global Health to explore how we manage climate-related crises from a health perspective – and what consequences these events have for people, the environment and society. You can watch the fictional scenario and the full discussion via UMU Play.Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:29:25 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/7b468e2e252549498bd49bad1d7e1e8d/skyfallet_i_bergsvik_utri3.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7b468e2e252549498bd49bad1d7e1e8d/skyfallet_i_bergsvik_utri3.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7b468e2e252549498bd49bad1d7e1e8d/skyfallet_i_bergsvik_utri3.png?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/7b468e2e252549498bd49bad1d7e1e8d/skyfallet_i_bergsvik_utri3.png?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/7b468e2e252549498bd49bad1d7e1e8d/skyfallet_i_bergsvik_utri3.png?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/7b468e2e252549498bd49bad1d7e1e8d/skyfallet_i_bergsvik_utri3.png?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>A discussion between researchers at Umeå University and Sweden’s Ambassador for Global Health, moderated by Sverker Olofsson</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span></span></div></div><p>Heavy rain has poured down over the small community of Bergsvik in Sweden. As whole neighbourhoods become submerged, vital societal functions are knocked out. Mobile networks falter, electrical substations flood, and drinking water becomes contaminated as the sewage system is overwhelmed. At care homes, the most vulnerable residents are evacuated in darkness and without lifts, and when the water reaches classroom floors, primary schools are forced to close. The crisis is undeniable.</p><p>Although this is a fictional scenario, it reflects situations that Swedish towns may face as the impacts of climate change intensify and local adaptation measures prove insufficient. In an interdisciplinary conversation, researchers from ecology, philosophy, medicine, global health and virology come together to explore how such a scenario can be understood and managed from a health perspective. The discussion focuses on which groups are most affected, which ethical, social and biological dimensions must be considered, and how the research community can contribute to improved preparedness.</p><p>Together, they reflect on climate change and societal vulnerabilities, but also on trust, responsibility and how knowledge can be translated into practical crisis management. Through their different perspectives, the complexity of climate-related crises becomes clear – as does the need for interdisciplinary solutions.</p><p>The discussion is moderated by Sverker Olofsson, with the following panel members:</p><ul><li>Magnus Evander, Professor of Virology/One Health</li><li>Maria Furberg, Physician and specialist in General Medicine and Infectious Diseases</li><li>Sofia Jeppsson, Associate Professor of Philosophy</li><li>Daniel Metcalfe, Professor of Ecology</li><li>Karin Tegmark Wisell, Sweden’s Ambassador for Global Health</li></ul><p>Watch the full 90-minute discussion via Umu Play, English subtitles are available: <a href="https://play.umu.se/media/t/0_1ztv70rf">The Cloudburst in Bergsvik 2035</a></p><p>The seminar is organised in collaboration between Umeå Transformation Research Initiative (UTRI) and Sustainable Health in Partnership (SHIP) as part of the dialogue series <em>New Perspectives on Sustainable Health</em>. The planning and facilitation of the dialogue were carried out by Maria Nilsson, Professor of Public Health, and Annika Egan Sjölander, Professor of Media Studies.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/when-the-climate-crisis-becomes-a-public-health-issue_12157389/https://www.umu.se/en/news/call-for-arctic-six-chairs-2026_12157000/Call for Arctic Six Chairs 2026Do you want to foster collaboration in research for and within the Arctic regions of Finland, Norway, and Sweden? If so, take the opportunity and apply to become an Arctic Six Chair. Deadline is 20 March, 2026.Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:10:46 +0100<h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Become an Arctic Six Chair</h2><p>The Chairs programme is the primary format for research collaboration within The Arctic Six, comprising scholars with the will and capacity to build alliances in research between the Arctic Six universities, thereby forming new collaborations or strengthening existing ones.</p><p>The objective is to:</p><ul><li>generate collaborations in research within The Arctic Six through a bottom-up approach, and</li><li>formulate broader fields of collaboration.</li></ul><p>The overarching aim is to enhance the success of Arctic Six universities in securing external funding, thereby helping to meet our goal of finding research-based solutions to the joint problems facing our northern societies.</p><p>Prospective Arctic Six Chairs are established scholars at an Arctic Six university, with either recent or ongoing research collaborations with other Arctic Six partner universities, or who plan to develop such partnerships. As an Arctic Six Chair, you will be able to build these collaborations whilst providing support for developing joint projects, as well as assistance with applying for larger funding calls.</p><p>Successful applicants will work on their projects on a part-time basis, with a guaranteed time allocation of at least 20% (implementation determined by the host university) and an annual budget approximating €10,000 to cover operational costs. Each Chair appointment is for 2 years, with the possibility of an additional 1-year extension (without guaranteed funding).</p><p>Applicants from all disciplines or fields of study are welcome to apply!</p><p><strong>Apply before 20 March, 2026</strong></p><p>Visit the Arctic Six webpage to learn more about the call and to apply.</p><p><strong><a href="https://projweb.ltu.se/arctic-six/news/news-archive/2026-03-05-call-for-arctic-six-chairs-2026">Arctic Six webpage: Call for Arctic Six Chairs 2026</a></strong></p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/call-for-arctic-six-chairs-2026_12157000/https://www.umu.se/en/news/the-arctic-is-the-planets-early-warning-system_12156848/The Arctic is the planet’s early warning system The Arctic Report Card 2025Drawing on the latest findings from NOAA’s Arctic Report Card (2025), record warmth and precipitation, shrinking early-summer snow cover, and unprecedented glacier losses in Scandinavia indicate that the Arctic system is changing faster and in more interconnected ways than previously observed. Together, these signals form a shared evidence base for researchers seeking to frame new questions, strengthen proposals, and connect local observations to pan-Arctic processes.Mon, 19 Jan 2026 08:23:41 +0100<p><a href="https://arctic.noaa.gov/report-card/report-card-2025/"> NOAA’s Arctic Report Card 2025</a> (ARC 2025) is a peer-reviewed annual “stocktake” of Arctic climate and environmental conditions—now in its 20th year—covering the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, and tundra, alongside focused essays on emerging phenomena.</p><p>Arctic observing is globally consequential as “to observe the Arctic is to take the pulse of the planet”. The region is warming several times faster than the global average, with cascading effects on ecosystems, livelihoods, and global climate dynamics.</p><p>The report documents another year of exceptional warmth and a strengthening hydrologic cycle. Arctic-wide surface air temperatures from October 2024 to September 2025 were the warmest in the instrumental record back to 1900, and total precipitation over the same period set a record high. Snow conditions underline the “faster, wetter, more variable” character of a warming Arctic: snowpack was above normal across much of the Arctic through May, yet June snow cover extent still dropped below normal—part of a long-term decline in which June snow cover is now about half of what it was six decades ago.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">On land: Melting ice, greening tundra, and rusting rivers</h2><p>Glaciers in Arctic Scandinavia and Svalbard experienced their most negative mass-balance year on record in 2023/24, linked to persistent warmth over northern Scandinavia and the Barents Sea. Tundra ecosystems continue to transform, with circumpolar maximum tundra greenness ranking third highest in the 26-year satellite record, extending a run of near-record values since 2020. Meanwhile, permafrost-driven biogeochemical change is becoming visible: in Alaska alone, more than 200 watersheds now show “rusting rivers,” where iron and other elements mobilised by thawing permafrost discolour streams, increase acidity, and release toxic metals, degrading aquatic habitats—raising direct concerns for drinking water and subsistence fisheries.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Ocean and sea ice: Record lows, vanishing old ice, and unprecedented heat</h2><p>Winter sea ice reached the lowest annual maximum extent in the 47-year satellite record (March 2025), and September 2025 recorded the 10th lowest minimum extent—continuing a pattern in which the 19 lowest September minima have all occurred in the last 19 years. The oldest, thickest multi-year ice has declined by more than 95% since the 1980s, with resilient ice now concentrated mainly north of Greenland and the Canadian Archipelago. In the Atlantic-sector marginal seas, August 2025 sea-surface temperatures were ~7°C above the 1991–2020 average—an extraordinary marine heat anomaly. ARC 2025 also highlights “Atlantification”—the northward spread of warmer, saltier Atlantic-origin waters—now detected in the central Arctic Ocean, with implications for sea-ice formation, ocean stratification, weather, and ecosystem structure.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">A baseline for proposals—and a catalyst for new research</h2><p>The report presents a practical and citable synthesis of the conditions that shape environmental risk, infrastructure needs, food security, and governance challenges. It also models how knowledge is produced: Indigenous-led and community-driven monitoring is treated as essential, not supplemental, and the report explicitly notes that observing gaps still limit what can be assessed and managed. For researchers developing proposals or new questions, the Report Card is both baseline evidence and an idea generator—an annual reference point for what is changing, where, and why it matters.</p><p>You can join the Arctic Centre as an <a href="~/link/a1c619a0154647e486170f26f0f6f4f8.aspx">Associated Researcher</a> and receive the weekly Arctic Digest newsletter, where you can learn more about opportunities for collaboration, mobility, funding, and more.</p><p>Read the highlights, watch videos, or read the full <a href="https://arctic.noaa.gov/report-card/report-card-2025/">Arctic Report Card</a> (<a href="https://arctic.noaa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ArcticReportCard_full_report2025.pdf">PDF</a>).</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/the-arctic-is-the-planets-early-warning-system_12156848/https://www.umu.se/en/news/investigates-gut-bacterias-role-in-viral-disease_12156536/Investigates gut bacteria’s role in viral disease'Excellence by Choice' postdoctoral researcher Nazar Beirag explores how bacterial membrane vesicles affect viral infections, a cutting-edge study at the intersection of virology and gut microbiota. Originally from the Netherlands, his academic career took him to the UK before moving to Umeå.Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:04:26 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/05ebd620edcf4082beb4ce1864c5ccd3/nazar_beirag-1680-260108-mpn5.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/05ebd620edcf4082beb4ce1864c5ccd3/nazar_beirag-1680-260108-mpn5.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/05ebd620edcf4082beb4ce1864c5ccd3/nazar_beirag-1680-260108-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/05ebd620edcf4082beb4ce1864c5ccd3/nazar_beirag-1680-260108-mpn5.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/05ebd620edcf4082beb4ce1864c5ccd3/nazar_beirag-1680-260108-mpn5.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/05ebd620edcf4082beb4ce1864c5ccd3/nazar_beirag-1680-260108-mpn5.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>¨'EC' postdoc Nazar Beirag works across the Departments of Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Biology at Umeå University.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">Umeå has impressed me with its welcoming atmosphere and international research community</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">What is your academic background?</h2><p>“I hold a PhD in Immunology and Infection from Brunel University London, where I studied innate immune surveillance mechanisms in the context of COVID-19. My research identified how complement regulatory proteins, such as Factor H and Properdin, can modulate SARS-CoV-2 infection, resulting in several publications in Frontiers in Immunology and Viruses. Previously, I earned an MSc in Immunohematology and a BSc in Biomedical Science from Cardiff Metropolitan University, with a focus on immune regulation and coagulation in human disease contexts.”</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Why did you decide to work at Umeå University?</h2><p>“I came across the EC postdoctoral advertisement through Umeå University’s career portal. The emphasis on collaborative infection-biology research immediately caught my attention. Umeå University stood out for its strong interdisciplinary approach and the presence of leading researchers working on host–pathogen interactions. The facilities and culture here encourage experimental innovation, and being part of a Nordic research hub known for high-quality science felt like an excellent step to build upon my PhD foundation.”</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">What is your research focusing on?</h2><p>“My project examines the impact of bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs), nanoparticles released by bacteria, on human adenovirus F40/41 infections in the gastrointestinal tract. I study how BMVs from commensal and pathogenic bacteria can either promote or suppress viral infection. The goal is to identify BMV-associated factors that could be harnessed for novel microbiota-based antiviral strategies.”</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">What is challenging and rewarding about being a researcher?</h2><p>“The challenge lies in the uncertainty of experimental science—results often surprise you, forcing you to adapt and think critically. Yet that same unpredictability is also the reward: each unexpected finding can open an entirely new path of inquiry. During my PhD, discovering that complement regulatory proteins act as soluble pattern-recognition receptors for viruses was one of those moments that reminded me why scientific curiosity matters.”</p><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">Where do you see yourself in five years?</h2><p>“In five years, I aim to be leading an independent research line focused on viral and bacterial co-infections, ideally bridging academic research and translational biotechnology. I would like my work to contribute directly to therapeutic development or the improvement of vaccines.”</p><h2 id="info5" data-magellan-target="info5">What are your first impressions of Umeå and its university?</h2><p>“Umeå has impressed me with its welcoming atmosphere and international research community. The balance between academic excellence and quality of life here is remarkable, with a natural setting that offers an inspiring contrast to the long days of experiments.”</p><h2 id="info6" data-magellan-target="info6">What is your driving force for research in life sciences?</h2><p>“My motivation comes from understanding how gut microbiota impact viral infections. The possibility that fundamental discoveries can lead to tangible medical benefits is what drives me every day.”</p><h2 id="info7" data-magellan-target="info7">What do you like to do in your free time?</h2><p>“In my free time, I enjoy staying active outdoors. I am a long-distance runner and often take long walks in nature to clear my mind after a day in the lab. I have also recently started learning to swim, which has become a new and rewarding challenge.”</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/05ebd620edcf4082beb4ce1864c5ccd3/nazar_beirag-1721-260108-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/05ebd620edcf4082beb4ce1864c5ccd3/nazar_beirag-1721-260108-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/05ebd620edcf4082beb4ce1864c5ccd3/nazar_beirag-1721-260108-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/05ebd620edcf4082beb4ce1864c5ccd3/nazar_beirag-1721-260108-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/05ebd620edcf4082beb4ce1864c5ccd3/nazar_beirag-1721-260108-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/05ebd620edcf4082beb4ce1864c5ccd3/nazar_beirag-1721-260108-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>What Nazar Beirag finds exciting about his subject is the ability to uncover how gut microbiota affect viral infections at the molecular level and translate that knowledge into human health solutions.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div>https://www.umu.se/en/news/investigates-gut-bacterias-role-in-viral-disease_12156536/https://www.umu.se/en/news/a-bacterial-toxin-can-counteract-colorectal-cancer-growth_12156271/A bacterial toxin can counteract colorectal cancer growth A toxin secreted by cholera bacteria can inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer without causing any measurable damage to the body. This is shown by a new study by researchers at Umeå University, Sweden. Systemic administration of the purified bacterial substance changes the immune microenvironment in tumours, and the results may open the way for research into a new type of cancer treatment.Wed, 14 Jan 2026 07:58:38 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareleft"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d8c4c1d0dc3f469b900794935abd7a79/nyunt_wai_sun_9811_211117_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d8c4c1d0dc3f469b900794935abd7a79/nyunt_wai_sun_9811_211117_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d8c4c1d0dc3f469b900794935abd7a79/nyunt_wai_sun_9811_211117_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/d8c4c1d0dc3f469b900794935abd7a79/nyunt_wai_sun_9811_211117_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d8c4c1d0dc3f469b900794935abd7a79/nyunt_wai_sun_9811_211117_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d8c4c1d0dc3f469b900794935abd7a79/nyunt_wai_sun_9811_211117_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Sun Nyunt Wai. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>"The substance not only kills cancer cells directly. It reshapes the tumour environment and helps the immune system to work against the tumor without damaging healthy tissue," says Sun Nyunt Wai, professor at Umeå University and one of the lead authors behind the study.</p><p>Colorectal cancer, i.e. cancer of the colon and rectum, is the third most common form of cancer in the world and the cancer with the second highest mortality rate globally. Today, cancer is usually treated with surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. While it is effective in many cases, those methods also have significant side effects. Colorectal cancer is also increasing in the world. Therefore, it is valuable to find alternative treatment methods.</p><p>The researchers in Umeå have studied the cancer-inhibiting properties of the purified substance MakA, a so-called cytotoxin secreted by the cholera bacterium Vibrio cholerae. In experiments with mice, it was possible to see that systemic administration of MakA significantly reduced the growth of the tumours.</p><p>The substance accumulated specifically in the tumour tissue, where it increased cell death of tumour cells and reduced their ability to increase in number. In parallel, MakA changed the composition of the cellular environment in tumours and increased the number of innate immune cells, especially macrophages and neutrophils, which in turn contributed to inhibiting tumour growth.</p><p>The treatment did not lead to any harmful inflammation in mice. No adverse effects on body weight, general health, or the function of vital organs could be seen even after repeated dosing. This suggests that the effect of MakA is local and specifically targeted at tumours.</p><p>Further analyses confirmed that MakA stimulated the formation of so-called immune mediators in the tumour that promote cell death while maintaining regulatory mechanisms that limit damage to surrounding tissue. </p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d8c4c1d0dc3f469b900794935abd7a79/erttmann-saskia-0070_230424_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d8c4c1d0dc3f469b900794935abd7a79/erttmann-saskia-0070_230424_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d8c4c1d0dc3f469b900794935abd7a79/erttmann-saskia-0070_230424_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/d8c4c1d0dc3f469b900794935abd7a79/erttmann-saskia-0070_230424_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d8c4c1d0dc3f469b900794935abd7a79/erttmann-saskia-0070_230424_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d8c4c1d0dc3f469b900794935abd7a79/erttmann-saskia-0070_230424_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Saskia Erttmann. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>"Although more research is needed, the results clearly show an interesting path for developing a new type of cancer treatment, which utilizes substances that bacteria create to both kill cancer cells and strengthen the body's own defences," says Saskia Erttmann, one of the lead authors behind the study.</p><p>The researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to explore the anti-cancer potential of MakA in other models as well as to assess its suitability for future clinical use.</p><p>The study is published in the scientific journal Cell Death & Disease. It has been carried out at Umeå University through close collaboration between research groups affiliated with the UCMR and MIMS units. The research has been funded by the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Cancer Society and the Kempe Foundation.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/a-bacterial-toxin-can-counteract-colorectal-cancer-growth_12156271/https://www.umu.se/en/news/plastic-particles-increase-inflammation-and-cross-barriers_12156283/<description>There is a connection between exposure to microscopic plastic particles and inflammatory intestine diseases. This is shown in a study by researchers in Austria and Sweden. In experiments on mice, plastic particles affected immune cells and intestinal microorganisms. The study also shows that the smallest particles accumulate in other vital organs. </description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:15:13 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/d37a13fd37bc4a4697e58630383e6c92/lukas_kenner3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d37a13fd37bc4a4697e58630383e6c92/lukas_kenner3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d37a13fd37bc4a4697e58630383e6c92/lukas_kenner3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/d37a13fd37bc4a4697e58630383e6c92/lukas_kenner3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/d37a13fd37bc4a4697e58630383e6c92/lukas_kenner3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/d37a13fd37bc4a4697e58630383e6c92/lukas_kenner3.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, Department of Molecular Biology. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Medizinische Universität Wien</span></div></div><p>"Our results show that microplastics and nanoplastics are an underestimated factor both in how chronic inflammatory bowel diseases develop and that they can also affect other body organs," says Lukas Kenner, visiting professor at Umeå University, professor at the Medical University of Vienna and research leader for the study.</p><p class="quote-left">underestimated factor</p><p>The researchers have investigated a possible connection between the increasing number of people with chronic inflammatory bowel disease and the increased exposure to micro- and nanoplastics, MNPs.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Common disease</h2><p>The harmful effects of MNP were investigated in mice with ulcerative colitis, one of the most common forms of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The study focused on polystyrene particles of different sizes that the mice were fed. Polystyrene is a very common plastic used for food packaging such as yoghurt cups or takeaway boxes.</p><p>Molecular and histological analyses in the study showed interactions between MNP and intestinal inflammation. The uptake of MNP in the intestinal mucosa increased during inflammatory conditions. Exposure to MNP also intensified the inflammatory immune response in the gut by triggering a pro-inflammatory activation of certain immune cells, macrophages. In addition, exposure to MNP led to disruption of the gut microbiome; beneficial bacterial species decreased, while pro-inflammatory and potentially harmful bacterial species increased.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Beyond the gut</h2><p>The study shows effects even beyond the intestines. It was possible to see how micro- and nanoplastics also accumulated in other vital organs of the mice. It was mainly the very small nanoplastic particles, smaller than 0.0003 millimetres, that could be seen in the liver, kidneys and blood of the people. These results suggest that the smallest particles can cross the body's biological barriers and thus have effects far beyond the stomach and intestines.</p><p>The research has been carried out by researchers at the Universität Wien, CBMed GmbH in Graz, Medizinische Universität Wien and Umeå universitrt. The study is published in the scientific journal Microplastics and Nanoplastics.</p></atom:content><link>https://www.umu.se/en/news/plastic-particles-increase-inflammation-and-cross-barriers_12156283/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/discovery-on-how-aggressive-breast-cancer-controls-protein-production_12156007/"><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.umu.se/en/news/discovery-on-how-aggressive-breast-cancer-controls-protein-production_12156007/</guid><title>Discovery on how aggressive breast cancer controls protein productionA previously unknown mechanism that makes it possible for aggressive so-called triple-negative breast cancer to fine-tune its production of proteins has been discovered by researchers at Umeå University, Sweden. The discovery increases our understanding of how tumours grow and adapt, and it opens up for research into new future treatments.Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:14:17 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/21bb2964d93a4460ad523d127bb1531c/francesca-aguiolo-lab-9542-251215-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/21bb2964d93a4460ad523d127bb1531c/francesca-aguiolo-lab-9542-251215-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/21bb2964d93a4460ad523d127bb1531c/francesca-aguiolo-lab-9542-251215-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/21bb2964d93a4460ad523d127bb1531c/francesca-aguiolo-lab-9542-251215-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/21bb2964d93a4460ad523d127bb1531c/francesca-aguiolo-lab-9542-251215-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/21bb2964d93a4460ad523d127bb1531c/francesca-aguiolo-lab-9542-251215-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Three of the researchers behind the study, Kanchan Kumari, Francesca Aguilo and Margalida Esteva, Department of Molecular Biology. </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>"We have found a critical control point that, when disturbed, can tip the balance against cancer," says Francesca Aguilo, associate professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University and who has led the current study.</p><p>All cells in the body use ribosomes, small molecular factories, to translate genetic information from RNA into proteins. Ribosomes are complex structures made up of ribosomal RNA and proteins, and they have built-in control systems that ensure that everything works as it should. When these systems are disrupted, diseases such as cancer can occur.</p><p>Ribosomal RNA is rich in chemical modifications that help the ribosome function optimally. One such modification is 2′-O-methylation, Nm, which is controlled by the enzyme fibrillarin. The new study shows that fibrillarin plays a key role in how ribosomes are built and which proteins are made.</p><p>The researchers discovered that fibrillarin collaborates with the ribosome protein RPS28 to create specialized ribosomes with unique properties. When fibrillarin is missing, RPS28 also disappears, leading to a mixture of different ribosome types – so-called ribosomal heterogeneity. This imbalance affects which proteins are produced and can drive the development of cancer.</p><p>"Cancer is not only about mutated genes, but also about how cells control the amount and type of proteins that are produced," says Francesca Aguilo.</p><p>Although more research is needed before the results can be translated into treatments, the study points to a new direction for research on treatments; to attack cancer as a disease of misregulated protein production.</p><p>The study has been conducted in collaboration with several European universities and published in the scientific journal Cancer Letters. It has been funded by the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Cancer Society and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg and Kempe Foundations, among others.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/discovery-on-how-aggressive-breast-cancer-controls-protein-production_12156007/https://www.umu.se/en/news/60-years-of-arctic-research-at-umea-university_12154759/60 Years of Arctic Research at Umeå UniversityWhen Umeå University was inaugurated on 17 August 1965 by King Gustaf VI Adolf, it was built on land that, just a decade prior, had served as winter grazing grounds for the reindeer of Rans Sameby. This intersection of Sápmi, the boreal forest, and the industrialising North—set the stage for the university’s academic future. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary in 2025, we look back on a journey that has transformed a regional teaching institution into a global leader in Arctic research.Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:29:51 +0100<p>Today, the Arctic Centre at Umeå University acts as an interdisciplinary hub for over 300 associated researchers. But the story of Arctic research here is not just one of volume; it is a story of evolution. From the early, distinct disciplines of biology and medicine to the complex, interdisciplinary systems thinking of "The Arctic Six" alliance, Umeå University has consistently defined what it means to study the North.</p><p><em>The following reflection is not intended to be comprehensive, but it highlights many of the significant Arctic events, research, and education activities, as well as notable achievements. Any omissions are unintentional and solely reflect the limits of the author's knowledge</em>.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">1965–1974: The Foundations</h2><p>In North Sweden’s first decade, research was shaped by the region’s defining conditions: vast distances, dispersed settlements, limited access to specialist services, and a policy mandate to build capacity beyond Sweden’s established academic centres. Early medical and dental research addressed the practical challenge of delivering equitable care across sparsely populated counties. In parallel, teacher education and the humanities expanded to address professional shortages and to build the scholarly infrastructure needed to document and interpret northern society and history.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="ccc57293-c4e1-4237-b52b-0ed768e93d9d" data-contentname="PIC GLES">{}</div><p>From the outset, the social sciences (including political science from 1965) made "glesbygd" (sparsely populated areas) and centre–periphery relations central analytical concerns. It examined how policy, service provision, and economic restructuring affected coastal towns, inland communities, and governance across vast distances, tracing the historical processes that shaped settlement and development. In this wider regional setting—where Umeå sits within Sápmi—the decade’s significance lay less in narrow “local studies” than in establishing durable research and training systems that could sustain the institutions, workforces, and basis of evidence northern communities relied on.</p><p>Leading this geographical inquiry was <strong>Erik Bylund</strong> (1922–2005), one of the university’s first appointed professors and the founder of its Department of Geography. Known as <em>"The Norrland Professor,"</em> Bylund’s work bridged the gap between historical analysis and contemporary regional policy; he utilised his seminal research on the colonisation of Pite Lappmark to inform modern understandings of inland depopulation and glesbygd dynamics. His dedication to the region extended beyond the classroom, laying the groundwork for the future <strong>Centre for Regional Science (CERUM)</strong> and serving as President of the Royal Skyttean Society. He established a research tradition that viewed the North not merely as a resource frontier, but as a complex social landscape requiring specific, locally grounded scientific inquiry.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">1975–1984: Broadening Horizons – Forestry and History</h2><p>As the university expanded, the forestry industry’s growth into the northern interior spurred research into boreal ecology and silviculture.</p><p>However, a significant shift occurred in the humanities. Historians began to challenge the "wilderness" narrative of the North. <strong>Lennart Lundmark’s</strong> 1982 work, <em>Uppbörd, utarmning, utveckling</em> (Taxation, Impoverishment, Development), offered a critical socio-economic analysis of the transition from hunting to reindeer nomadism among the Sami (Lundmark, 1982). This decade marked the beginning of Umeå’s strong tradition in Sámi studies, moving beyond description to analysing colonial power structures.</p><p>In ecology, researchers such as <strong>Christer Nilsson</strong> initiated long-term studies on riparian vegetation along northern rivers, work that would later become crucial for global discussions on dam removal and river restoration (Nilsson, 1984).</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="990ee1b6-9516-47d0-906f-ba82682cf9fa" data-contentname="PIC ÄLV">{}</div><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">1985–1994: Institutionalising the North – Climate and Culture</h2><p>In 1985, the university and county council launched a pioneering counter-offensive against the region’s most deadly statistic: Västerbotten’s status as the cardiovascular mortality capital of Sweden. Starting in the small municipality of Norsjö, <strong>Stig Wall</strong> initiated the <strong>Västerbotten Intervention Programme (VIP)</strong>, which replaced the traditional "wait-and-treat" model with a proactive strategy of mass screening and preventive health dialogues for individuals aged 40, 50, and 60 years old. <strong>Lars Weinehall</strong> co-developed and coordinated the Västerbotten Intervention Programme (VIP). This massive undertaking not only reversed the region’s premature mortality trends—preventing hundreds of deaths—but also created <strong>Biobanken Norr</strong>, one of the world’s most valuable population-based biobanks. By linking lifestyle data with biological samples across decades, VIP transformed the sparsely populated North into a global "gold mine" for epidemiological research, enabling groundbreaking studies on the long-term interactions between genetics, lifestyle, and diabetes.</p><p>On the cultural front, the <strong>Centre for Arctic Cultural Research</strong> was established, aggregating research on northern identities. <strong>Roger Kvist’s</strong> anthologies on Sámi history helped secure the university’s role in northern cultural heritage research (Kvist, 1992).</p><p><strong>Sverker Sörlin</strong> earned his PhD in the history of ideas at Umeå University in 1988 with the dissertation <em>Framtidslandet: Debatten om Norrland och naturresurserna under det industriella genombrottet</em> (Sörlin, 1988). Here, Sverker lays out that industrialisation in Norrland took on the image of a “land of the future”, where people were expected to move to this new large-scale industrial province, business would flourish, and the riches would spread across Sweden. It was not the first time Norrland played this role, nor would it be the last. Sverker became a Professor in the History of Ideas at the Humanities faculty from 1993 to 2007.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="613ab797-a440-4d7b-83cd-e8559c9a2dc5" data-contentname="PIC SVERKER">{}</div><p>Early warnings of climate change characterised this decade. <strong>Leif Kullman’s</strong> monitoring of the treeline in the Scandes mountains provided some of the first concrete evidence of vegetation shifts due to summer warming, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s (Kullman, 1993). His work demonstrated that the treeline (an often-cited boundary between the Boreal and Arctic regions) was not static; it was in constant motion.</p><p><strong>Lars-Erik Edlund</strong> has served as a guardian of Northern Sweden’s linguistic identity, most notably as the editor-in-chief of the monumental four-volume <em>Norrländsk uppslagsbok</em> (1993–1996), which transformed the region from a perceived periphery into a documented centre of knowledge. His research mapped the "linguistic landscape" of the North, analysing how place names reveal centuries of interaction between Swedish and Sami populations. At the same time, his leadership as President of the Royal Skyttean Society further reflects the importance of the region’s academic infrastructure.</p><h2 id="info3" data-magellan-target="info3">1995–2004: The Human Dimension and the Rise of Várdduo</h2><p>The turn of the millennium marked a pivotal transformation in how the university engaged with Indigenous issues. In 2000, Umeå University established <strong>CeSam (Centrum för samisk forskning)</strong>, which would later evolve into <strong>Várdduo – Centre for Sámi Research</strong>. Under the leadership of scholars who advocated for Indigenous methodologies, the centre began to pivot research from being <em>on</em> the Sámi to being conducted <em>with</em> and <em>by</em> Sámi peoples.</p><p>Central to this era was <strong>Peter Sköld</strong>, a historical demographer whose influence would come to define Umeå’s Arctic profile for decades. While his doctoral work provided crucial data on the impact of smallpox on northern populations (Sköld, 1996), Sköld’s contribution quickly transcended his own discipline. As the director of <strong>CeSam</strong> (and later the founding director of <strong>ARCUM</strong>), Sköld became the primary architect of Umeå’s "Human Dimension" in Arctic research. He positioned the university as a global hub for Arctic social sciences, later serving as president of the International <strong>Arctic Social Sciences Association (IASSA)</strong>. His work tirelessly emphasised that the Arctic was a lived space—a home—rather than just a climate laboratory, a perspective that became central to the policy engagement.</p><p>Simultaneously, political science and law gained prominence. As the EU began to look North, Umeå researchers like <strong>Carina Keskitalo</strong> started to analyse how the "Arctic" was constructed politically. Her work on the vulnerability and adaptive capacity of northern communities challenged the notion that the Arctic was merely a victim of climate change, instead highlighting local resilience (Keskitalo, 2004).</p><p>In the late 1990s, the establishment of the <strong>Climate Impacts Research Centre (CIRC)</strong> in Abisko allowed researchers to move from observation to prediction.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="c308b3a2-f905-4b98-95bc-bd759b5fdedf" data-contentname="PIC ABISKO">{}</div><h2 id="info4" data-magellan-target="info4">2005–2014: A Global Arctic – Tourism and "Arctification"</h2><p>The formal inauguration of the <strong>Arctic Research Centre (ARCUM)</strong> in 2012, with <strong>Peter Sköld</strong> as its first director, marked the beginning of an era of expansion. The Arctic was no longer just a research subject; it was a global brand.</p><p>In medicine, the focus shifted to the intersection of climate change and infectious diseases. <strong>Birgitta Evengård</strong> co-led pioneering interdisciplinary work on "Climate change and infectious diseases," warning of the spread of zoonotic diseases, such as tularemia, as winters warmed (Evengård et al., 2011).</p><p>From <strong>CIRC</strong> in Abisko, <strong>Jan Karlsson</strong> and his colleagues reshaped the long-standing paradigm in freshwater ecology, which posits that nutrients are the primary constraint on lake productivity. Their 2009 <em>Nature</em> study showed that in many small, nutrient-poor lakes, light availability rather than nutrient supply often limits ecosystem productivity, which in turn cascades up to invertebrates and fish (Karlsson et al., 2009). This work reframed our understanding of what controls energy flow in unproductive lakes, particularly in northern regions.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="eb17c1aa-8c42-4f5b-a1f5-2d07303c1c3b" data-contentname="PIC CAMILLA">{}</div><p>In 2009, interdisciplinary ambition materialised in the forests with the launch of <strong>Future Forests</strong>, a collaborative research program between <strong>Umeå University</strong>, the <strong>Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)</strong>, and <strong>Skogsforsk</strong>. Breaking the traditional silo where forestry was solely a technical pursuit, the project reimagined the northern boreal forest as a complex social-ecological system. By integrating political science, history, and sociology with silviculture, the program directly addressed the deepening conflicts in Norrland’s interior—where the drive for intensified timber production increasingly clashed with reindeer husbandry, biodiversity conservation, and recreational needs. Under the leadership of <strong>Annika Nordin</strong> at SLU and <strong>Camilla Sandström</strong> and, later, <strong>Janine Priebe</strong>, both at Umeå University, Future Forests moved beyond the deadlock of "preservation versus production," producing over 350 publications that offered evidence-based strategies for managing the forest's multifunctional landscape. This work laid the foundation for a more nuanced understanding of the "Green Transition," proving that sustainable forestry in the North requires not just new planting methods, but a fundamental renegotiation of how the forest is valued.</p><p>While <strong>Dieter Müller</strong> (1968-2025) conceptualised the Arctic as a "pleasure periphery" for global markets, examining the socioeconomic and political forces driving tourism in the region. He discusses the dual role of climate change—as a threat to local ecosystems and as a driver of "last chance tourism"—while addressing the challenges of seasonality and the conflicts between tourism growth and indigenous land use. Müller (2011a) concludes that effective governance is crucial for striking a balance between economic development and the preservation of the Arctic’s fragile environment and social fabric.</p><p>In 2014, the university’s Arctic profile deepened its focus on the "European Arctic" with the launch of the <strong>Mistra Arctic Sustainable Development program</strong>, a major interdisciplinary initiative hosted by <strong>ARCUM</strong>. Moving beyond the romanticised view of the Arctic as a remote wilderness, this program analysed the North as a complex, industrialised arena where global demand for resources clashes with local livelihoods. Under the scientific leadership of <strong>Carina Keskitalo</strong> and <strong>Peter Sköld</strong>, the program examined the friction between competing land uses—forestry, mining, tourism, and reindeer husbandry—providing critical governance strategies for a region under intense geopolitical and economic pressure. By integrating historical analysis with modern political science, the project established that sustainable development in the North is not merely an environmental challenge, but a matter of managing conflicting rights and resources in a globalised world.</p><h2 id="info5" data-magellan-target="info5">2015–2024: The Geopolitical and Green Shift</h2><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="7bfb84bd-6ac9-44cf-a969-abe425d6a634" data-contentname="PIC VÁRDUO">{}</div><p>The most recent completed decade has been defined by the "Green Transition," the re-militarisation of the North, and the cementing of Indigenous research sovereignty. In 2015, <strong>CeSam</strong> was formally renamed <strong>Várdduo – Centre for Sámi Research</strong>, taking its name from the Ume Sámi word for "a view with a wide horizon." <strong>Várdduo</strong> is unique in Sweden, driving research that focuses on decolonisation, language revitalisation, and Indigenous land rights in relation to diverse colonial, state, and industrial contexts.</p><p><strong>The Mistra Arctic Sustainable Development</strong> program’s scientific legacy was cemented through three flagship outputs that collectively reframed the "European Arctic" as a complex, industrialised arena. Led by <strong>Carina Keskitalo</strong>, the primary synthesis volume challenged the global "new frontier" myth, conceptualising the region instead as the "Old North"—a landscape defined by centuries of integration rather than remoteness (Keskitalo, 2019). Complementing this, <strong>Karin Beland Lindahl</strong> and colleagues exposed how regulatory "silos" make land-use conflicts inevitable, particularly between forestry and reindeer husbandry (Beland Lindahl et al., 2018).</p><p>Simultaneously, research by <strong>Dieter Müller</strong> and <strong>Arvid Viken</strong> revealed the social friction involved in commodifying Indigenous culture for the tourism industry in a region already dominated by extractive powers (Müller & Viken, 2017). Together, these works demonstrated that sustainable development in the North is not merely an environmental challenge, but a matter of managing conflicting rights in a globalised world.</p><p>In 2017, Umeå University joined UiT, the Arctic University of Norway, Luleå University of Technology, the University of Oulu, and the University of Lapland to form the<strong> The Arctic Five</strong> university alliance, which aims to act as a regional development and innovation engine for the European Arctic. Two years later, the European Union published their first<strong> European Green Deal</strong> strategy, setting the stage for new research into green technologies and industries. More importantly, it led to a diversity of research focused on goal conflicts and justice.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="6ce63cde-bc9e-405a-83c6-724a9e8b69ca" data-contentname="PIC LARS-ERIK">{}</div><p><strong>Lars-Erik Edlund</strong> published <em>Minority Language Place-Names: A Practice-Oriented Study of the Establishment of the South Sami Kraapohke in Swedish Laplan</em>d (Edlund, 2018), examining the administrative and symbolic struggle involved in officially restoring the South Sami place name Kraapohke (Dorotea), arguing that such toponyms are vital for validating Indigenous identity in a post-colonial society. The study demonstrates that the "linguistic landscape"—specifically road signs—serves not merely as a navigational tool, but as a profound arena for cultural revitalisation and political recognition.</p><p><strong>Anna Zachrisson</strong> and co-authors challenge the dominant "ecological modernisation" discourse—the idea that economic growth and environmental protection are easily compatible (a core tenet of the Green Transition).<strong> Beland Lindahl</strong> et al. (2016) argue that this consensus often silences alternative views and deep-seated conflicts, particularly regarding natural resource management (forestry and mining) in the North.</p><p>Shifting to forestry, <strong>Janina Priebe</strong> focused on gaining a critical understanding of why environmental policy often faces gridlock despite widespread consensus on climate goals. <strong>Priebe</strong> et al. (2022) apply systems thinking to the contentious debate surrounding Swedish forestry and climate change. The authors demonstrate that while stakeholders—from industry representatives to environmentalists—agree on the urgent need for action, they predominantly focus on "shallow" leverage points while avoiding the profound, structural paradigm shifts required for genuine sustainability.</p><p>In 2024, the <strong>The Arctic Five</strong> alliance expanded to the <strong>The Arctic Six </strong>(with the full accession of Nord University), cementing a powerful Nordic research bloc. This era also saw the creation of Sweden’s first <strong>Arctic Graduate School</strong>, training a new generation of PhDs to think interdisciplinarily - across the borders of disciplines.</p><h2 id="info6" data-magellan-target="info6">2025 and Beyond: The Future</h2><p>As we stand in 2025, Umeå University is pioneering the use of AI and refining carbon budget models for the boreal and Arctic regions. The <strong>European Polar Board</strong> (EPB) and the <strong>European Polar Coordination Office</strong> (EPCO) relocated from the Netherlands to the heart of the campus, adjacent to the Arctic Centre. The EPB and EPCO coordinate Arctic and Antarctic research across Europe, bringing new opportunities for collaboration.</p><div data-classid="36f4349b-8093-492b-b616-05d8964e4c89" data-contentguid="f74950f7-112b-4f16-963c-be4683ead72d" data-contentname="PIC GERARD">{}</div><p>Continuing CIRC's work to better understand the impacts of climate on Arctic ecosystems. <strong>Gerard Rocher-Ros</strong> initiated his <strong>European Research Council Starting Grant</strong> project, ARIMETH (A mechanistic understanding of Arctic River methane emissions). The project aims to uncover the mechanisms driving methane emissions from Arctic rivers, a significant but currently underestimated source of greenhouse gases. The research is designed to close the knowledge gap on how these emissions respond to climate change by focusing on the complex interplay between biogeochemical processes and hydrological changes.</p><p>The journey from biology to health, Indigenous rights, and global geopolitics continues. We are no longer just studying the Arctic; we are shaping its future.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/60-years-of-arctic-research-at-umea-university_12154759/https://www.umu.se/en/news/eu-funding-secures-continued-research-on-chlamydia_12152269/Barbara Sixt awarded ERC Consolidator GrantThe European Research Council (ERC) provides funding for five years with the consolidator grant to Barbara Sixt's research at Umeå University on chlamydia.Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:13:07 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/fe7dad3d06be4b8e913905244909f829/sixt_barbara_8877_180426_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/fe7dad3d06be4b8e913905244909f829/sixt_barbara_8877_180426_mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/fe7dad3d06be4b8e913905244909f829/sixt_barbara_8877_180426_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/fe7dad3d06be4b8e913905244909f829/sixt_barbara_8877_180426_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/fe7dad3d06be4b8e913905244909f829/sixt_barbara_8877_180426_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/fe7dad3d06be4b8e913905244909f829/sixt_barbara_8877_180426_mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Barbara Sixt, Department of Molecular Biology and Group Leader at The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) </p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>Barbara Sixt is research group leader at MIMS, Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden and resarcher at det Department of Molecular Biology.</p><p>Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection. Each year, more than 25,000 people in Sweden and around 130 million worldwide contract the disease. While symptoms are often mild, chlamydia can have serious consequences. It may cause infertility, chronic pain, complications during pregnancy, and even increase the risk of cervical and ovarian cancers.</p><p>Today, chlamydia is treated with antibiotics, which kill the bacteria and help the body recover. However, most antibiotics have a broad spectrum of activity. This means they attack not only harmful bacteria but also beneficial ones, such as those in our gut that support digestion. This can lead to side effects. Broad-spectrum antibiotics also accelerate the rise of antibiotic resistance – a global health threat that makes infections harder to treat and even puts routine procedures like surgery or cancer therapy at risk.</p><p>There is another challenge: the bacterium that causes chlamydia can alter the biology of our cells. Current antibiotics eliminate the bacteria but not these altered cells, which may contribute to the long-term complications mentioned above.</p><p>To overcome these problems, Barbara Sixt’s research group at Umeå University is exploring new strategies to treat chlamydia more selectively. In our current project, funded by the European Research Council. They focus on the bacterium’s unique growth niche inside human cells – a compartment called the “inclusion.” When the bacterium causing chlamydia infects a person, it enters their cells and hides within this inclusion to escape the cell’s defense systems. These defenses would normally destroy the invader or even trigger “cellular suicide” – the deliberate death of the infected cell – to stop the infection.</p><p>The research group’s goal is to understand how the bacterium maintains the integrity of this protective inclusion. By uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to find ways to destabilize the inclusion, allowing our cell’s natural defenses to fight back. The researchers also aim to learn how to steer the process toward cellular suicide – a strategy that could eliminate both the bacterium and the manipulated cells.</p><p>Ultimately, this research will lay the foundation for innovative treatments that are more sustainable than traditional antibiotics and could also help combat other disease-causing microbes that use similar growth niches.</p><p>The ERC Consolidator Grant is selected by the European Research Council (ERC), which is linked to the European Commission. This means five years of secured funding of up to two million euros. Researchers with 7-12 years of experience since completing their PhD, a scientific track record showing great promise, and an excellent research proposal may be granted the grant.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/eu-funding-secures-continued-research-on-chlamydia_12152269/https://www.umu.se/en/news/the-arctic-six-strengthens-research-at-umea-university_12152698/The Arctic Six strengthens research at Umeå UniversityIn 2022, The Arctic Six introduced a new two-year fellowship programme for mid-to-senior career researchers to develop new collaborations in the Nordic region. Through the Chairs Programme, researchers from the alliance of six universities received support to create new networks and projects, further strengthening the Arctic research environment.Fri, 16 Jan 2026 14:08:32 +0100<p class="quote-center">The Arctic Six is a strategically important part of Umeå University’s work to advance research and education in the Arctic.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">A strategic platform in the North</h2><p>The Arctic Six is a collaboration between six northern universities working together to strengthen research, education and cooperation across the Arctic. Through initiatives such as the Chairs Programme, the alliance has deepened academic exchange and laid the foundation for new projects and partnerships. In doing so, the collaboration has reinforced Umeå University’s position internationally and strengthened opportunities for continued joint development.</p><p>The two-year Arctic Six Chairs fellowship (2022–2024) saw fourteen research leaders organise more than sixty workshops and participate in over one hundred meetings. They collaborated to submit fifty-eight joint research proposals and together secured approximately EUR 35 million in external funding. Each euro invested in the programme has generated more than thirty euros in new funding – demonstrating the programme’s leverage effect.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/1fbc4cdfb5ff47eb99c59931c274d823/norberg_cathrine_9424_230426_mpn6.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/1fbc4cdfb5ff47eb99c59931c274d823/norberg_cathrine_9424_230426_mpn6.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/1fbc4cdfb5ff47eb99c59931c274d823/norberg_cathrine_9424_230426_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/1fbc4cdfb5ff47eb99c59931c274d823/norberg_cathrine_9424_230426_mpn6.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/1fbc4cdfb5ff47eb99c59931c274d823/norberg_cathrine_9424_230426_mpn6.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/1fbc4cdfb5ff47eb99c59931c274d823/norberg_cathrine_9424_230426_mpn6.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Cathrine Norberg.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson, Simon Jönsson</span></div></div><p>Cathrine Norberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, emphasises:<br>“The Arctic Six is a strategically important part of Umeå University’s work to advance research and education in the Arctic. The Chairs Programme demonstrates how long-term collaboration can foster academic cooperation and enhance our international presence. It helps us create the conditions for new knowledge that benefits the region and the wider Arctic community.”</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Results that point the way forward</h2><p>The Chairs Programme has led to significant scientific achievements and established a growing framework for collaboration in Arctic health, education, tourism, Indigenous studies, and governance. In addition, several participants have developed joint courses, publications and long-term partnerships that continue to strengthen northern cooperation.</p><p>“For researchers at Umeå University, the Arctic Six Chairs has opened new paths for international collaboration and external funding. The initiative has made it possible to pursue larger and interdisciplinary projects, which in turn enhances research quality and the university’s Arctic profile,” says Keith Larson, Director of the Arctic Centre.</p><h2 id="info2" data-magellan-target="info2">From experience to development</h2><p>The Arctic Centre has played a key role in coordinating Umeå University’s engagement within Arctic Six and in increasing the university’s visibility in the northern research landscape. By creating connections between researchers, faculties and leadership, the Centre has strengthened internal collaboration and strategic presence within the network.</p><p class="quote-center">The first round of Arctic Six Chairs shows that northern collaboration is not only possible – it is powerful.</p><p>The evaluation now points to the next steps – clearer support structures and more targeted communication – elements that together provide the foundation for the next phase of development.</p><p>“The first round of Arctic Six Chairs shows that northern collaboration is not only possible – it is powerful. We are now building on these experiences to develop the next phase with a stronger structure and continued focus on supporting our researchers,” says Johanne Raade, Director of The Arctic Six.</p><p>Through the work within The Arctic Six, it has become clear how international collaboration can be translated into tangible outcomes – for researchers and the university. The experiences gained through the Chairs Programme highlight the value of long-term structures, shared learning and mutual trust – factors that now shape the foundation for the continued development of the collaboration.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareleft"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/1fbc4cdfb5ff47eb99c59931c274d823/pettersson_hans_0498_200131_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/1fbc4cdfb5ff47eb99c59931c274d823/pettersson_hans_0498_200131_mpn3.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/1fbc4cdfb5ff47eb99c59931c274d823/pettersson_hans_0498_200131_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/1fbc4cdfb5ff47eb99c59931c274d823/pettersson_hans_0498_200131_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/1fbc4cdfb5ff47eb99c59931c274d823/pettersson_hans_0498_200131_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/1fbc4cdfb5ff47eb99c59931c274d823/pettersson_hans_0498_200131_mpn3.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Hans Pettersson.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Mattias Pettersson</span></div></div><p>Hans Pettersson served as an Arctic Six Chair (2022–2024) and reflects:</p><p>“During my time as Chair of The Arctic Six, what struck me most was how quickly genuine collaboration emerges once researchers have the chance to meet regularly. Trust grows, ideas take shape, and suddenly you’re working together on a proposal none of you could have created alone. That’s the real strength of the Chairs Programme – it gives us the time and continuity to turn shared ideas into something substantial.”</p><p>With approximately 41,500 students and 4,600 employees, Umeå University is the largest Arctic university in the Nordic region and one of the most productive universities globally in Arctic research. Through The Arctic Six and initiatives such as the Chairs Programme, the university continues to deepen its role as a driving force in international collaboration and to strengthen the conditions for new knowledge about and for the Arctic.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/the-arctic-six-strengthens-research-at-umea-university_12152698/https://www.umu.se/en/news/three-umea-researchers-appointed-wallenberg-academy-fellows_12152121/<description>The three researchers Andreas Kohler, Assistant Professor at the Department of Medical Chemistry and Biophysics, Max Renner, Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry, and Markus Ludwig, currently working at the Université du Luxembourg in Luxembourg, have all been appointed Wallenberg Academy Fellows, which means they will receive funding for their research for five years.</description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:33:11 +0100</pubDate><atom:content type="html"><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/holmberg-tora-5521-250403-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/holmberg-tora-5521-250403-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/holmberg-tora-5521-250403-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/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/holmberg-tora-5521-250403-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/holmberg-tora-5521-250403-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/holmberg-tora-5521-250403-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, Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University. Photo: Mattias Pettersson</p></div></div><p>"I believe that these three young researchers represent much of what Umeå University stands for at its best – their research is innovative, ambitious and in fields that have a promising future. It is both an honour and a pleasure that the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation is recognising these young stars and giving them the opportunity to work undisturbed for several years. This initiative will lead to high-quality research that also contributes to a better world," says Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University.</p><p>The grant gives young researchers an opportunity to contribute new, groundbreaking knowledge by tackling difficult and long-term research questions. Members of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences assist the Foundation by reviewing applications and helping with the selection process. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences also runs the mentoring programme in which the selected researchers participate.</p><p>Cell’s power plants are called mitochondria. Andreas Kohler will investigate how cells maintain the quality of their mitochondria. The aim is to understand why mitochondrial function starts to decline as we age and in certain age-related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/andreas_kohler2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/andreas_kohler2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/andreas_kohler2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/andreas_kohler2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/andreas_kohler2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/andreas_kohler2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Andreas Kohler, Assistant Professor at the Department of Medical Chemistry and Biophysics. Photo: Verena Kohler</p></div></div><p>"I am thrilled to be selected as a Wallenberg Academy Fellow! This support allows our team to start a project we have long envisioned: uncovering how mitochondria keep their proteins in good shape. These processes are crucial for cellular energy supply and overall cell health. By combining this work with our ongoing studies on mitochondrial decline during ageing and age-related diseases, we aim to build a complete picture of mitochondrial health and its breakdown. Thanks to the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, we can unite curiosity-driven research with societal impact, laying the groundwork for discoveries that could transform our understanding of ageing and disease.“, says Andreas Kohler.</p><p>Max Renner will map in 3D how a childhood respiratory virus hijacks our lung cells and forms molecular factories that mass-produce new viruses. The goal is to develop strategies for switching off the virus production and preventing the virus from spreading further.</p><div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink halfwidthsquareright"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/max_renner_lab_5542-250212-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/max_renner_lab_5542-250212-mpn2.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/max_renner_lab_5542-250212-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/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/max_renner_lab_5542-250212-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/max_renner_lab_5542-250212-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/22120fc033c14cc5be172d3cb4252c9d/max_renner_lab_5542-250212-mpn2.jpg?mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"></picture></div><div class="bildText"><p>Max Renner, Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry. Photo: Mattias Pettersson</p></div></div><p>“The support is a game-changer for our team and will allow us to tackle how virus replication works in realistic tissues on a molecular level – and where it is vulnerable to therapeutic intervention.”, says Max Renner.</p><p>The third researcher, Markus Ludwig, is currently working at the University of Luxembourg in Luxembourg, but will be joining Umeå University and he is exploring a new way of powering electronics, where ultrashort pulses of laser light generate electric currents inside nanomaterials. The project aims to lay the foundations of a completely new type of electronics, with a potential that far exceeds what we have today.</p></atom:content><link>https://www.umu.se/en/news/three-umea-researchers-appointed-wallenberg-academy-fellows_12152121/</link></item><item xml:base="en/news/critical-microbes-building-a-national-infection-research-infrastructure-inspired-by-denmark_12151786/"><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.umu.se/en/news/critical-microbes-building-a-national-infection-research-infrastructure-inspired-by-denmark_12151786/</guid><title>Critical Microbes: Building a national infection research infrastructure inspired by DenmarkInfection researcher Anne-Marie Fors Connolly has been awarded SEK 500,000 in investment funding from the ALF Committee to continue developing a national database infrastructure that will enable more researchers to study critical infectious diseases.Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:30:56 +0100<div class="mediaflowwrapper bildlink"><div class="bildImage"><picture><source srcset="/contentassets/a61943d648404a81a13a412f8f8c3c39/fors_conolly_anne-marie_9869_220405_hkn4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/a61943d648404a81a13a412f8f8c3c39/fors_conolly_anne-marie_9869_220405_hkn4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/a61943d648404a81a13a412f8f8c3c39/fors_conolly_anne-marie_9869_220405_hkn4.jpg?format=webp&mode=crop&width=1280 1280w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 640px, (max-width: 854px) 854px, 1280px"><source srcset="/contentassets/a61943d648404a81a13a412f8f8c3c39/fors_conolly_anne-marie_9869_220405_hkn4.jpg?mode=crop&width=640 640w, /contentassets/a61943d648404a81a13a412f8f8c3c39/fors_conolly_anne-marie_9869_220405_hkn4.jpg?mode=crop&width=854 854w, /contentassets/a61943d648404a81a13a412f8f8c3c39/fors_conolly_anne-marie_9869_220405_hkn4.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 investigates both acute and long-term complications after infections by analyzing whole population data.</p><span class="bildPhotografer"><span class="photo">Image</span>Hans Karlsson</span></div></div><p class="quote-center">I hope more research groups will recognize the importance of studying how infections affect public health</p><p>“Improving patient care is what drives me,” says Anne-Marie Fors Connolly, specialist physician and associate professor at the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University.</p><p>The research infrastructure Critical Microbes integrates test results from clinical microbiology laboratories with outcomes of infectious diseases across Sweden. By collecting and coordinating population-wide data, including socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical variables, it becomes possible to map how infectious diseases impact public health, work capacity, and societal costs.</p><p>“It is an interdisciplinary effort that combines advanced statistical methods with clinical expertise to identify risk factors, optimize treatment strategies, and generate robust, evidence-based knowledge,” Anne-Marie Fors Connolly explains.</p><h2 id="info0" data-magellan-target="info0">Patient centred improvement in focus</h2><p>The idea for the infrastructure came from Denmark, where all test results are centralized in real time in a surveillance database. This makes it possible to monitor how infections affect the country.</p><p>“In Sweden, we do not have the same capability, as only positive results for notifiable infections are centralized. I want to create an infrastructure where test results from all clinical microbiology laboratories in Sweden are historically collected. These will be linked to the population database already maintained by my research group, creating a connection between infection test results and patient outcomes across the entire population,” says Anne-Marie Fors Connolly.</p><p>Other research groups with ethically approved projects will be able to request data for their studies. This will make it possible to conduct research on critical infectious diseases for many years to come.</p><p>“I hope more research groups will recognize the importance of studying how infections affect public health. It is a crucial foundation for designing targeted preventive measures and improving patient care,” Anne-Marie Fors Connolly adds.</p><h2 id="info1" data-magellan-target="info1">Learning from Denmark</h2><p>The investment funds will enable continued development of Critical Microbes. Anne-Marie Fors Connolly will also visit the Statens Serum Institut in Denmark to learn from their experience.</p><p>“It is the only place in the world with such an infection database, so their insights are extremely valuable.”</p><p>Critical Microbes is also supported by <a href="https://www.scilifelab.se/news/four-collaborative-projects-selected-in-the-rdcp-call/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SciLifeLab/RDCP</a> with SEK 1 million and <a href="https://www.scilifelab.se/strategic-areas/pandemic-laboratory-preparedness/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pandemic Laboratory Preparedness</a> with SEK 1.98 million.</p>https://www.umu.se/en/news/critical-microbes-building-a-national-infection-research-infrastructure-inspired-by-denmark_12151786/