Spider silk with integrated color – new method developed at SLU
Scientists have developed a new type of artificial spider silk fibers that are colored, marking an important step toward eliminating the need for conventional dyeing processes.
The right flower supports life above and below ground
Not all flowers help equally. An SLU study shows the right species in flower strips can support pollinators, pest enemies, and soil life — while poor choices may do the opposite.
Reflections from a student at SLU
Curious about life at SLU? This student story offers a glimpse into the teachers, traditions, and diverse classroom that shape the study experience.
We make the world a better place
SLU is a world-class university, consistently ranked among the global leaders in life and environmental sciences. Here, people come together to make a real difference. Through knowledge and action, we create the conditions for a sustainable, vibrant and better world.
News and events
-
Smart farming scares pests away – and lures them aside
Smallholder farmers in Africa struggle with weeds, insect pests and low soil fertility. The push-pull system, where crops are grown alongside other plants that scare away or attract pests, is one way of dealing with these problems. The method works – but not everywhere and not in the same way. -
Trees do not just count cold – they use warm spells to track winter’s progress
To survive winter, trees must time spring growth with great precision. New research from Umeå Plant Science Centre shows that trees also use warm interruptions in early winter as signals, helping buds avoid opening too early. -
Traditions determine which tree species are used in Madagascar – challenged as the rainforest shrinks
The forest is vital for the local population in Madagascar. A new study shows how culture and traditions govern which tree species are preferred in everyday life. The study provides knowledge that is needed to support the population and reduce pressure on the forest. -
Spider silk with integrated color – new method developed at SLU
Scientists have developed a new type of artificial spider silk fibers that are colored, marking an important step toward eliminating the need for conventional dyeing processes. A new study led by Professor Anna Rising has now been published.
Research
Most recently published projects
-
Functional forest landscapes for pollinating insects
Pollinating insects are essential for biodiversity, functioning forest ecosystems and important ecosystem services. This PhD project investigates how forest structure, microclimate and the availability of flowering plants influence pollinating insects in forest landscapes. -
Wet Grain in Package
New method for packing, storing and handling of crimped ensiled grain. -
NP-balans
The project increases the expertise to refine and use the digestate that arises in connection with biogas production. By adapting the nutrient content of the digestate for its intended use as fertilizer, its value can be increased.
-
Assumptions and values influence research on agricultural sustainability
What assumptions, values and knowledge claims shape different scientific approaches to agricultural sustainability? Five researchers have delved into this question within SLU's Interdisciplinary Academy. -
Earthworm’s burrowing and capacity to deliver ecosystem services threatened by soil compaction
Earthworms are important “ecosystem engineers” that contribute to a range of ecosystem services. But earthworms are sensitive to disturbances in their environment. A thesis has increased the knowledge on how soil compaction impacts earthworm burrowing activity. -
Rewetting after peat extraction and Sphagnum Farming
Peat use in horticulture is increasingly discussed due to its climate-relevance and the disturbance of mires. At the same time, peat is the most important, natural horticultural growing media constituent.
Explore statistics, open environmental data and species information
Search for and official statistics, open data and maps from SLU's environmental monitoring and assessment.
Work at SLU
Would you like to contribute to the development of sustainable living, based on science and education? Join us!