https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/press-room/press-releases/ Some people have experienced a loss of taste long after a COVID-19 infection has subsided. Researchers from SLU, Uppsala University and the University of Colorado have shown that this may be due to a disruption in taste cells that would otherwise give rise to experiences of sweet, bitter or umami. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/orsak-till-kvarstaende-smakbortfall-efter-covid-19-har-upptackts/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/orsak-till-kvarstaende-smakbortfall-efter-covid-19-har-upptackts/ Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:18:37 +0100 Crop rotations with a broad set of crops can produce more calories and nutrients than growing only cereals year after year. This result of an international study led by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) challenges the common argument that diverse crop rotations produce less food. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/crop-rotation-and-food-security/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/crop-rotation-and-food-security/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:56:26 +0100 Medicines designed to treat infections can affect our surroundings even after use. In her thesis, Valentina Ugolini examines how these medicines disseminate from on-site sewage facilities into the environment and explores potential strategies to limit this spread. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/how-the-environment-is-affected-by-antimicrobial-resistance-in-sewage/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/how-the-environment-is-affected-by-antimicrobial-resistance-in-sewage/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:03:00 +0100 Despite decades of industrial deposition, nitrogen availability in the boreal forest is steadily declining. In a new study published in Nature, researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences have found that atmospheric CO₂ is the main driver - using decades of unique, stored data. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/archived-tree-cores-reveal-why-boreal-forest-are-getting-starved-for-nitrogen/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/archived-tree-cores-reveal-why-boreal-forest-are-getting-starved-for-nitrogen/ Thu, 19 Feb 2026 07:23:23 +0100 The sun is the basis for photosynthesis, but not all plants thrive in strong sunlight. Strong sunlight even constrains plant diversity and plant biomass in the world's grasslands, a new study shows. Temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric nitrogen deposition have less impact on plant diversity. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/strong-sunlight-limits-plant-diversity-and-biomass-in-grasslands/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/strong-sunlight-limits-plant-diversity-and-biomass-in-grasslands/ Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:05:27 +0100 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. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/spider-silk/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/spider-silk/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:34:58 +0100 The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and Fältbiologerna are continuing their successful collaboration this spring with a new campaign. The aim is to show how a passion for nature can serve as a gateway to exciting academic studies and meaningful careers. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/youngvoicesfornature/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/youngvoicesfornature/ Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:36:39 +0100 A national research arena for forests is now being launched within the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research programme at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Umeå University. The arena combines advanced data analysis and field research to support sustainable forest management. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/a-new-national-arena-for-forest-research-and-data-analysis-in-sweden/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/a-new-national-arena-for-forest-research-and-data-analysis-in-sweden/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 08:00:10 +0100 Today’s food waste and by-products should be regarded as valuable resources. When used in new food products and fish feed, their climate impact can be reduced by up to 90 per cent – while significantly easing pressure on land, water and biodiversity. This is shown in a new doctoral thesis from SLU. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/major-environmental-gains-when-food-waste-and-by-products-are-utilised/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/major-environmental-gains-when-food-waste-and-by-products-are-utilised/ Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:15:02 +0100 Most of the antibiotics and antiviral drugs we use have changed when they leave the body. Many of these breakdown products can remain in aquatic environments for a long time with preserved biological activity and risk spreading antibiotic resistance, according to a new dissertation from SLU. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/antibiotics-in-surface-waters-breakdown-products-can-also-be-problematic/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/antibiotics-in-surface-waters-breakdown-products-can-also-be-problematic/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:44:31 +0100 When Ukrainians rebuild their lives after liberation from Russian occupation, some restoration efforts matter more than others. By visiting villages, SLU researchers found that actions such as restoring gardens and demining forest are crucial for people’s well-being – yet they are often overlooked. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/hidden-needs-in-ukraines-post-war-recovery/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/hidden-needs-in-ukraines-post-war-recovery/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 07:52:45 +0100 Conservation agriculture is a system where the aim is to disturb the soil as little as possible. It involves sowing directly into the residues from the previous crop without tillage. Now researchers are warning that the benefits that are sought may be jeopardized by the use of heavy machinery. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/heavy-machinery-jeopardises-the-promises-of-conservation-agriculture/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/heavy-machinery-jeopardises-the-promises-of-conservation-agriculture/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:51:43 +0100 Are Swedish forest soils depleted in nutrients by forestry and increased tree growth? No, a new study reports that levels of important mineral nutrients have increased in the organic layer over the past 40 years. Reduced acid rain and uplift of nutrients from the mineral soil are suggested reasons. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/increased-amounts-of-mineral-nutrients-in-swedish-forest-soils-despite-intensive-forestry/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/increased-amounts-of-mineral-nutrients-in-swedish-forest-soils-despite-intensive-forestry/ Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:52:53 +0100 For the first time, researchers have detected spruce bark beetle infestations from the air at a very early stage, when the infestation has only affected one side of the tree trunk. The infestations are revealed by light reflections from the needles. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/nya-upptackten-sa-kan-angrepp-av-granbarkborre-upptackas-tidigt-fran-luften/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/nya-upptackten-sa-kan-angrepp-av-granbarkborre-upptackas-tidigt-fran-luften/ Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:00:11 +0100 A new study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) reveals that the popular programme ´The great moose migration´ deepens viewers’ relationship with nature. Although it is a digital nature experience, the programme promotes calm, recovery, and emotional closeness to the wild. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/the-moose-migration-on-tv-soothes-the-soul-and-strengthens-our-connection-to-nature/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/the-moose-migration-on-tv-soothes-the-soul-and-strengthens-our-connection-to-nature/ Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:37:41 +0100 In November, SLU launches a special campaign exploring the vital link between Sweden’s forests and national preparedness. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/pressrelease.forestandpreparedness https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/pressrelease.forestandpreparedness Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:29:07 +0100 For the first time, there is now a map showing where the forage for deer and moose is located. The maps, produced by researchers at SLU, shows where key tree species for ungulates are found and how much is at grazing height. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/heres-where-moose-and-deer-find-their-food--slu-releases-unique-map/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/heres-where-moose-and-deer-find-their-food--slu-releases-unique-map/ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:52:06 +0100 Birch trees may recover from light to moderate browsing damage. And heavy thinning resulted in the strongest individual tree diameter growth. These are some of the results in a new doctoral thesis from SLU by Andis Zvirgzdins. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/new-knowledge-on-how-to-establish-and-manage-planted-birch/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/new-knowledge-on-how-to-establish-and-manage-planted-birch/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 10:26:07 +0100 SLU warmly welcomes everyone interested to attend the lectures held by SLU´s latest honorary doctors on Friday 3 October in Uppsala. The lectures will provide exciting insights into topics ranging from forest health to coastal landscapes. The lectures are open to the public and will be webcast. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/lectures-by-slus-new-honorary-doctors/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/lectures-by-slus-new-honorary-doctors/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:09:44 +0100 A torn tomato leaf that ends up on the ground sometimes develops roots from the wound, but other times it seals the wound with healing tissue. A study led from SLU now shows that water availability is the key factor that controls the fate of the leaf in the event of such damage. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/heal-the-wound-or-form-roots-it-depends-on-water-availability/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/heal-the-wound-or-form-roots-it-depends-on-water-availability/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:59:22 +0100 Professor Henrik Elvang Jensen, Danish veterinarian and professor of veterinary pathology, has been awarded the 2025 Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine. The award is presented by SLU in collaboration with Agria. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/professor-henrik-elvang-jensen-awarded-the-2025-award-for-outstanding-research-in-veterinary-medicine/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/professor-henrik-elvang-jensen-awarded-the-2025-award-for-outstanding-research-in-veterinary-medicine/ Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:01:31 +0100 During evolution, plants sometimes acquire an extra complete set of chromosomes. This leads to greater genetic variation and opportunities to expand in new environments. However, it may also lead to the accumulation of harmful mutations in the genome, which can be a long-term threat. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/chromosome-doubling-helps-plants-find-new-niches-but-there-are-hidden-risks/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/chromosome-doubling-helps-plants-find-new-niches-but-there-are-hidden-risks/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:15:58 +0100 Snow leopards prefer fully grown male Siberian ibex, despite the fact that these animals are at least twice their size. While large body size gives the ibex males an edge in the competition for mates, it also makes them less agile in the mountainous terrain. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/Ibex-and-snow-leopards/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/Ibex-and-snow-leopards/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:26:02 +0100 Each year, SLU awards three Medals for Distinguished Service – the Great Medal, the Gold Medal and the Silver Medal. This year’s recipients are Professor Göran Sandberg, Professor Mårten Carlsson and Researcher Mariana Pires Braga, respectively. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/07/medals-for-distinguished-service-awarded-to-goran-sandberg-marten-carlsson-and-mariana-braga/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/07/medals-for-distinguished-service-awarded-to-goran-sandberg-marten-carlsson-and-mariana-braga/ Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:43:40 +0100 The total amount of nitrogen acquired in forests, prairies and other natural areas via biological nitrogen fixation might be lower than previously estimated. This is indicated in a new study, which has climate implications, as plants need the element to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/07/new-figures-on-biological-nitrogen-fixation-in-nature-climate-models-may-need-to-be-adjusted/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/07/new-figures-on-biological-nitrogen-fixation-in-nature-climate-models-may-need-to-be-adjusted/ Thu, 17 Jul 2025 08:12:28 +0100 Swedish forest growth is rising after a decline. Harvests are down from record levels. Scots pine volume increases, while Norway spruce declines, and dead wood volume continues to increase. These are some of the key findings in the latest official statistics from the National Forest Inventory. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/05/skogens-tillvaxt-vander-uppat-enligt-slu-riksskogstaxeringen/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/05/skogens-tillvaxt-vander-uppat-enligt-slu-riksskogstaxeringen/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 13:36:16 +0100 What role did political rhetoric play in the rapid shift in climate policy after the 2022 election? SLU researchers who have analyzed debates in parliament and the media believe that politicians used ambiguous messages to appeal to multiple ideological groups simultaneously. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/05/ambiguous-messages-appear-to-have-paved-the-way-for-rapid-climate-policy-change/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/05/ambiguous-messages-appear-to-have-paved-the-way-for-rapid-climate-policy-change/ Mon, 16 Jun 2025 12:33:41 +0100 Seven individuals have been named honorary doctors at SLU this year. Their expertise spans agriculture, aquaculture, animal oral health, tree pests, landscapes, and animal reproduction. Four are based in Sweden, and one each in Finland, South Africa, and the UK. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/06/seven-new-honorary-doctors-appointed-by-slu-in-2025/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/06/seven-new-honorary-doctors-appointed-by-slu-in-2025/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:15:02 +0100 The growth rate of Swedish forests is increasing again after a period of decline. Harvest levels are decreasing following record highs, Scots pine continues to increase in volume while Norway spruce is declining, and the amount of dead wood continues to rise. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/05/forest-growth-is-rebounding-according-to-the-swedish-national-forest-inventory/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/05/forest-growth-is-rebounding-according-to-the-swedish-national-forest-inventory/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:51:32 +0100 On 18 September 2024, a delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) visited the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala. During the visit, an agreement was signed between FAO and the university to strengthen the long-standing collaboration. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/09/un-and-slu-in-new-collaboration-to-develop-food-production-and-fight-hunger/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/09/un-and-slu-in-new-collaboration-to-develop-food-production-and-fight-hunger/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 11:04:20 +0100 Up to 90 percent of the world’s laying hens suffer from breastbone injuries—painful fractures and deformities that affect both animal welfare and egg production... https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/04/digital-and-genetic-tools-can-improve-the-breastbone-health-of-laying-hens/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/04/digital-and-genetic-tools-can-improve-the-breastbone-health-of-laying-hens/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:18:00 +0100 Young salmon exposed to pharmaceutical pollution change their behaviour. They prefer to swim alone rather than in shoals and take greater risks during the vital migration from river to sea. This is the result of a unique new study conducted at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/04/pharmaceutical-pollution-affects-migration-in-atlantic-salmon/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/04/pharmaceutical-pollution-affects-migration-in-atlantic-salmon/ Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:36:00 +0100 Rice is a staple food for half the world's population, but its cultivation leads to significant emissions of the greenhouse gas methane. Now, researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and colleagues in China have identified ... https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/02/high-yielding-rice-that-greatly-reduces-methane-emissions-has-been-developed-at-slu/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/02/high-yielding-rice-that-greatly-reduces-methane-emissions-has-been-developed-at-slu/ Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:24:00 +0100 A new way to neutralise the coronavirus and other membrane-surrounded viruses has been discovered by researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the University of Tartu. Certain mineral nanoparticles ... https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/01/nanoparticles-damage-coronavirus-in-an-unexpected-way-paving-the-way-for-new-disinfection-technology/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/01/nanoparticles-damage-coronavirus-in-an-unexpected-way-paving-the-way-for-new-disinfection-technology/ Thu, 30 Jan 2025 01:00:00 +0100 Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) och Västra Götalandsregionen (VGR) förlänger sitt långvariga samarbete genom en ny överenskommelse som sträcker sig till slutet av 2027. Tillsammans satsar parterna 50 miljoner kronor i initiativet ”Innovation för ett hållbart och resilient jordbruk”. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/12/slu-och-vgr-satsar-pa-hallbart-och-innovativt-lantbruk-for-framtiden/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/12/slu-och-vgr-satsar-pa-hallbart-och-innovativt-lantbruk-for-framtiden/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:05:00 +0100 Grundskoleelever med problematisk frånvaro som får träffa en social tjänstehund i skolan får bättre skolresultat, bättre psykiskt mående och minskad frånvaro. Det visar det preliminära resultatet av en studie från Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) och Uppsala universitet. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/12/sociala-tjanstehundar-hjalper-skolelever-med-problematisk-franvaro/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/12/sociala-tjanstehundar-hjalper-skolelever-med-problematisk-franvaro/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:11:00 +0100 Data collected with the help of drones, airplanes and satellites can today give us a cost-effective and detailed monitoring of our forests, and thus a valuable tool in forest management. Using new technology and ... https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/12/improved-forest-inventories-through-3d-remote-sensing-technology/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/12/improved-forest-inventories-through-3d-remote-sensing-technology/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 01:00:00 +0100 The number of chemicals is steadily increasing in our environment and also in ourselves. However, the chemical mix that today's school youth in Sweden carry within them looks different in ... https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/11/the-chemical-cocktail-in-the-bodies-of-swedish-young-people-reflects-country-of-birth-place-of-residence-and-gender/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/11/the-chemical-cocktail-in-the-bodies-of-swedish-young-people-reflects-country-of-birth-place-of-residence-and-gender/ Tue, 19 Nov 2024 01:00:00 +0100 Tree branch mortality has been largely ignored in models and field measurements calculating forest carbon fluxes and stocks, a study shows. This oversight leads to an overestimation of ... https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/10/dead-branches-are-overlooked-in-forest-carbon-accounting/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/10/dead-branches-are-overlooked-in-forest-carbon-accounting/ Fri, 11 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0100 A deficiency of the amino acid taurine is a known cause of heart and eye disease, primarily in cats, but the condition has also been reported in dogs. A new study performed at SLU conducted on 180 English Cocker Spaniels shows that many dogs presented low taurine levels ... https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/09/taurine-supplemented-food-could-protect-many-dogs-from-serious-diseases/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/09/taurine-supplemented-food-could-protect-many-dogs-from-serious-diseases/ Tue, 24 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0100 Each year, SLU awards three Medals for Distinguished Service – the Great Medal, Gold Medal, and Silver Medal. This year’s recipients are Professor Bill Hansson, veterinarian Jenny Hedenby and researcher Aida Bargues-Tobella respectively. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/09/medals-for-distinguished-service-awarded-to-bill-hansson-jenny-hedenby-and-aida-bargues-tobella/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/09/medals-for-distinguished-service-awarded-to-bill-hansson-jenny-hedenby-and-aida-bargues-tobella/ Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0100 A vast amount of DNA contains no genetic information and was long thought to be junk. Researchers from Umeå Plant Science Centre have now shown that the activation of this “junk”-DNA" plays a key role in promoting plant survival during stress. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/07/junk-dna-helps-plants-to-cope-with-cold-stress/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/07/junk-dna-helps-plants-to-cope-with-cold-stress/ Mon, 08 Jul 2024 13:17:00 +0100 This year, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences will be awarding six honorary doctorates. There are two international recipients - Professor Tom Hobbs (US) and Delia Grace Randolph (United Kingdom and Kenya), and four ... https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/05/the-slu-honorary-doctors-2024/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2024/05/the-slu-honorary-doctors-2024/ Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0100