https://www.slu.se/en/news/all-news/ New techniques have enabled researchers in Sweden to begin decoding how one of Northern Europe's most important coniferous tree species switches from growing branches to producing cones – their seed-bearing reproductive organs. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/why-do-spruce-take-decades-to-reproduce-a-genetic-study-offers-new-clues/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/why-do-spruce-take-decades-to-reproduce-a-genetic-study-offers-new-clues/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:12:56 +0200 Interest in Douglas fir is growing as a potential alternative in a changing climate. At the same time, observations of discoloured needles, needle loss and thin crowns are raising new questions about growth and future use. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/fungal-disease-raises-questions-about-the-growth-potential-of-douglas-fir/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/fungal-disease-raises-questions-about-the-growth-potential-of-douglas-fir/ Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:57:19 +0200 Pharmaceuticals do not just end up in the water; they also partition to mud, silt, and sand at the bottom. This is one of several factors behind the effects of pharmaceutical residues in aquatic environments, according to a doctoral thesis at SLU.  https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/pharmaceuticals-accumulate-in-sediments--new-insights-into-impacts-below-the-surface/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/pharmaceuticals-accumulate-in-sediments--new-insights-into-impacts-below-the-surface/ Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:46:04 +0200 What if a quayside could do more than separate the city from the water? In Malmö’s Nyhamnen, a new research project is exploring how nature-based solutions can create waterfront environments that are more resilient, inclusive and biodiverse. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/can-malmos-waterfront-make-room-for-people-and-nature/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/can-malmos-waterfront-make-room-for-people-and-nature/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 10:48:22 +0200 SLU professors Jens Häggström and Ingrid Ljungvall have received the 2026 Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine for their research on heart disease in dogs and cats. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/the-2026-award-for-outstanding-research-in-veterinary-medicine/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/the-2026-award-for-outstanding-research-in-veterinary-medicine/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 08:01:00 +0200 A new agreement opens the door to closer collaboration between SLU and Dalhousie University in Canada. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/dalhousie-university-mou/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/dalhousie-university-mou/ Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:28:21 +0200 SLU scientist Chuxian Li has been awarded one of the most prestigious research grants in Europe, a Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC). She will use the grant to uncover the long-term consequences of the ongoing seabird population decline on ocean ecosystems. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/novel-research-on-seabirds-receives-erc-starting-grant/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/novel-research-on-seabirds-receives-erc-starting-grant/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:35:08 +0200 Exotic conifers can defy ecological expectations by simultaneously growing faster and showing greater resistance to drought. A new study published in Nature, with contributions from Swedish forest growth data shows how unique advantages in non-native pines can help build climate resilient forests. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/exotic-pines-do-the-impossible-by-both-growing-faster-and-resisting-drought/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/exotic-pines-do-the-impossible-by-both-growing-faster-and-resisting-drought/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 08:26:12 +0200 “The Beaver – Engineer and Vandal” offers a unique insight into the life of our largest rodent and dives into the latest research on it. The film, produced by SLU and the Swedish Forest Agency, has reached the final of the communications competition Publishing Prize. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/slu-film-about-beavers-nominated-for-the-publishing-prize/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/slu-film-about-beavers-nominated-for-the-publishing-prize/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 10:23:16 +0200 Below ground, plant roots grow alongside those of neighbouring plants, but little is known about how they respond when a neighbouring root is damaged. In her doctoral thesis, Julie Ducla shows that healthy plants can detect this damage and redirect their root growth away from it. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/plants-sense-damage-to-neighbouring-roots---and-grow-away/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/plants-sense-damage-to-neighbouring-roots---and-grow-away/ Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:39:48 +0200 What role do mosses and grasses play in regulating peatlands’ ability to absorb carbon dioxide? They are more important than previously thought – and may offer a glimpse of how peatlands could be affected by a changing climate. This is shown by new research in a doctoral thesis from SLU. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/plants-play-a-bigger-role-in-shaping-the-peatland-climate-balance-than-you-might-think/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/plants-play-a-bigger-role-in-shaping-the-peatland-climate-balance-than-you-might-think/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:40:20 +0200 Perhaps a moose will appear – or at least a bird. What viewers appreciate most about The Great Moose Migration is not knowing what is going to happen. Just like in nature itself. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/the-unpredictability-is-what-viewers-love-most-about-the-great-moose-migration/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/the-unpredictability-is-what-viewers-love-most-about-the-great-moose-migration/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:34:49 +0200 Drones are a highly effective tool for counting moose, weather permitting. This is one of the conclusions of a report by researchers at SLU on behalf of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The limitations of the method must be addressed before it can be fully utilised in management. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/drones-have-potential-for-moose-surveys--but-weather-can-be-a-limiting-factor/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/drones-have-potential-for-moose-surveys--but-weather-can-be-a-limiting-factor/ Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:39:00 +0200 A new PhD thesis from SLU suggests that harvesting overgrown reed beds along coastal areas in the Baltic Sea could offer an innovative way to improve ecosystem health while also contributing to sustainable livestock feed production. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/vasskord-kan-ge-dubbel-nytta--friskare-kustmiljoer-och-mer-djurfoder/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/vasskord-kan-ge-dubbel-nytta--friskare-kustmiljoer-och-mer-djurfoder/ Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:00:20 +0200 A new study shows that human pressures – primarily fishing and eutrophication - have altered the balance of the food web in the Baltic Sea. Even after pressures have been removed the food web has not recovered. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/ny-stor-studie-ostersjons-naringsvavar-ar-fortfarande-ur-balans-trots-decennier-av-atgarder/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/ny-stor-studie-ostersjons-naringsvavar-ar-fortfarande-ur-balans-trots-decennier-av-atgarder/ Mon, 24 Aug 2026 07:30:21 +0200 Quinoa is well adapted to the harsh climate of the Andean region, but longer periods of drought threaten yields. In her new doctoral thesis, Virginia Gonzales investigates how native microorganisms can help quinoa withstand drought and support the development of sustainable bioinoculants. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/beneficial-bacteria-can-help-quinoa-withstand-drought/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/beneficial-bacteria-can-help-quinoa-withstand-drought/ Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:55:06 +0200 Signal crayfish are becoming increasingly abundant in several of Sweden’s large lakes – but small individuals account for most of the increase. SLU researchers are now marking and tracking thousands of crayfish in Lake Hjälmaren to find out why. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/tusentals-kraftor-marks-i-jakt-pa-svaret-om-smakraftorna/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/tusentals-kraftor-marks-i-jakt-pa-svaret-om-smakraftorna/ Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:30:21 +0200 Cameras and audio recordings are important tools for monitoring conservation efforts in Madagascar. A study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) shows how they can identify birds and mammals that disperse seeds in the rainforest, a process that is crucial for the ecosystem. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/photos-show-how-species-are-returning-to-reforestation-areas-in-madagascar/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/photos-show-how-species-are-returning-to-reforestation-areas-in-madagascar/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:11:28 +0200 Researchers at SLU are planting tree seedlings across Sweden to answer a question that could shape the future of forestry: can helping trees move north make forests more resilient to climate change? https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/can-assisted-migration-help-swedish-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/can-assisted-migration-help-swedish-forests/ Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:04:56 +0200 A team from SLU Umeå recently travelled to West Africa. The purpose was to spread knowledge based on the university's research. The trip featured a workshop with local cocoa farmers, several radio interviews, and more.  https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/ivory-coast-research-trip/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/ivory-coast-research-trip/ Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:33:17 +0200 A strong catalyst for African women regardless of their economic circumstances, VSLA helps thousands of rural women gain greater financial safety and freedom. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/vsla---financial-liberation-for-rural-areas/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/vsla---financial-liberation-for-rural-areas/ Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:57:19 +0200 Carbon in streams affect our drinking water, environment and climate. But how its contents and its forms changes through the varying landscape have thus far lacked a full explanation. Now, a new model from SLU is presented in Nature Water, providing the most complete picture yet. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/this-is-how-carbon-flows-new-theory-combines-decades-of-swedish-field-research/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/this-is-how-carbon-flows-new-theory-combines-decades-of-swedish-field-research/ Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:46:46 +0200 As wildfires and extreme heat spread across southern Europe this summer, SLU postdoctoral researcher Daniela Robles explains why such events are becoming more frequent, and what this means for drought and fire risk in Sweden. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/warmer-drier-more-flammable-what-climate-change-means-for-swedens-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/warmer-drier-more-flammable-what-climate-change-means-for-swedens-forests/ Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:45:18 +0200 Experts working in a SLU-led project have discovered a previously unknown species of fungi. So far, it has been found at a single location in Hälsingland County. The unique find was made through an extensive nature survey, leading to the discovery of many species new to Swedish forests. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/new-species-found-in-swedish-forest/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/new-species-found-in-swedish-forest/ Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:00:21 +0200 Humans have lived alongside cattle for thousands of years, yet we still know relatively little about how they perceive their sensory world. Researchers at SLU have now published the most comprehensive review to date of existing knowledge on the sensory world of cattle. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/sa-uppfattar-notkreatur-sin-omgivning/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/sa-uppfattar-notkreatur-sin-omgivning/ Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:23:26 +0200 The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has become a European University through the ELLS Alliance. The European Commission has awarded the alliance funding under the European Universities Initiative. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/slu-becomes-a-european-university/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/slu-becomes-a-european-university/ Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:40:00 +0200 Two research projects at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) have been awarded nearly SEK 25 million to strengthen Sweden’s efforts to restore one of our most threatened broadleaf tree species. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/SEK-25-million-for-research-to-save-the-ash-tree/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/SEK-25-million-for-research-to-save-the-ash-tree/ Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:44:37 +0200 Rural communities play a key role before, during and after wildfire. SLU research in Spain, Chile and Sweden shows how rural communities help prevent wildfires, respond when they occur and recover in their aftermath. Learning from them is crucial in a future of more frequent and intense wildfires. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/what-rural-communities-can-teach-us-about-wildfire-prevention-and-recovery/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/what-rural-communities-can-teach-us-about-wildfire-prevention-and-recovery/ Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:42:33 +0200 The Swedish Migration Agency has amended its rules regarding residence permits for higher education. The new regulations apply to students who are granted a residence permit on or after 11 June 2026. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/new-rules-for-student-residence-permits-from-11-june/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/new-rules-for-student-residence-permits-from-11-june/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:40:41 +0200 Researchers from Sweden, Norway and Denmark are currently on an expedition aboard SLU's research vessel Svea. Together, they are investigating the species-rich and sensitive habitats found in the deep parts of Skagerrak. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/scandinavian-research-team-explores-Skagerrak/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/scandinavian-research-team-explores-Skagerrak/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:27:55 +0200 Cereal yields in Sweden are at risk of declining in a warmer climate unless rising temperatures are accompanied by increased precipitation during the growing season. This is the conclusion of a new analysis of climate and crop yield data covering the period from 1965 to 2020. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/historical-data-reveal-how-climate-affects-Swedish-cereal-yields/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/historical-data-reveal-how-climate-affects-Swedish-cereal-yields/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:37:33 +0200 The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) has elected Stéphanie Robert as one of its newest members. The lifelong honour recognises outstanding contributions to the life sciences and welcomes her into an international community of more than 2,100 leading researchers. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/stephanie-robert-blir-ny-ledamot-i-embony-sida/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/stephanie-robert-blir-ny-ledamot-i-embony-sida/ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:16:20 +0200 The rate at which species recover after clear-cutting varies considerably. Some groups, such as lichens and mosses, are unable to re-establish before the next harvesting cycle, according to a major international study involving researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/species-recover-slowly-after-forest-harvesting--some-may-disappear/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/species-recover-slowly-after-forest-harvesting--some-may-disappear/ Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:39:02 +0200 Permanent grasslands are widely recognised as key habitats for biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. However, a new study shows that arable land can also support surprisingly rich communities of plants and insects. But these habitats are threatened by agricultural intensification. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/inte-bara-angar-och-hagar---akrarna-kan-ocksa-vara-rika-pa-blommor-och-insekter/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/inte-bara-angar-och-hagar---akrarna-kan-ocksa-vara-rika-pa-blommor-och-insekter/ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:24:02 +0200 Each year, SLU awards three Medals for Distinguished Service:  the Great Medal, the Gold Medal and the Silver Medal. This year’s recipients are Ingrid Öborn, Ann Dolling and Maliheh Mehrshad. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/medals/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/medals/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:33:57 +0200 For more than 25 years, the IKEA-launched Sow a Seed project has contributed to the restoration of rainforests in Malaysian Borneo. Today marks the launch of a new phase, the Living Rainforest Restoration Lab, shifting focus toward research and knowledge sharing on these vital ecosystems. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/SLU-and-IKEA-launch-global-research-lab-on-rainforest-restoration/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/SLU-and-IKEA-launch-global-research-lab-on-rainforest-restoration/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:17:15 +0200 Many conservation measures fail to achieve their intended outcomes because they create conflicts or lack support. Thanks to a major research grant, SLU researcher Guillaume Chapron will now develop a method for stress-testing conservation policies before they are implemented in the real world. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/27-miljoner/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/27-miljoner/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:37:44 +0200 Can RNA-based crop protection stop plant disease without disturbing the microbes that support plant health? A new SLU study shows that RNA sprays against potato late blight have minimal effects on the potato microbiome, while the disease itself causes far greater changes. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/rna-based-spray-targets-disease-without-disrupting-potato-microbiome/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/rna-based-spray-targets-disease-without-disrupting-potato-microbiome/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:38:08 +0200 It can be harvested for several years, benefits the environment and requires less inputs than annual crops. The perennial wheatgrass Kernza represents a potential revolution in agriculture, according to SLU-researcher Valentin Picasso, who is developing the crop for a future commercial market. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/researcher-on-perennial-wheatgrass-part-of-a-new-revolution/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/researcher-on-perennial-wheatgrass-part-of-a-new-revolution/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:28:51 +0200 When forests burn, large amounts of carbon are released into the atmosphere. But not all of that carbon disappears into the air. Some is transformed into a stable material known as pyrogenic carbon, which can remain stored in sediments for hundreds or even thousands of years. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/could-lake-sediments-reveal-hidden-carbon-sink/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/could-lake-sediments-reveal-hidden-carbon-sink/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:19:53 +0200 Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences have developed a mobile app that uses AI technology to measure and weigh dairy cows. The aim is to make it easier for researchers and farmers to assess animal health and welfare. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/ai-technology-for-measuring-and-weighing-cows/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/ai-technology-for-measuring-and-weighing-cows/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:41:52 +0200 In a new study researchers have identified five periods of increase and decline in Swedish forest growth over the past 30 years. They now present hypotheses about the factors driving these changes and call for a better understanding of the processes that regulate forest growth in a changing climate. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/swedish-forest-growth-is-becoming-increasingly-variable--researchers-seek-to-understand-why/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/swedish-forest-growth-is-becoming-increasingly-variable--researchers-seek-to-understand-why/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:37:58 +0200 The volume of deadwood can be used to predict the presence of red-listed species in forests, according to a new study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). However, more deadwood is needed than previously assumed. This pattern applied to fungi and mosses, but not to lichens. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/mer-dod-ved-kravs-for-rodlistade-arter-i-skogen/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/mer-dod-ved-kravs-for-rodlistade-arter-i-skogen/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:32:39 +0200 Four individuals have been named honorary doctors at SLU this year. Among them is a star chef, a reindeer herder, and experts on family forests and Baltic Sea environmental issues. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/four-new-honorary-doctors-appointed-by-slu-in-2026/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/four-new-honorary-doctors-appointed-by-slu-in-2026/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 08:54:24 +0200 What does more than half a century of research collaboration look like in practice? It lives in field experiments in the highlands of Chilalo, long journeys along rural roads to meet farmers, and partnerships that continue to shape agricultural knowledge exchange today. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/cadu/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/cadu/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:48:54 +0200 Previous research has shown that drones can detect spruce bark beetle infestations before the trees show visible symptoms. Now, an SLU-led study involving several European countries confirms that the method works in different types of forest and under various conditions. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/early-detection-of-infestations--confirmed-by-tests-across-europe/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/early-detection-of-infestations--confirmed-by-tests-across-europe/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:15:28 +0200 New research from SLU offers a rare insight into a group that usually operates out of sight: cruisers, most often gay men, who have casual sex outdoors. The study focuses on Danish parks and explores who engages in cruising, their experiences of nature, and their interactions with park managers. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/sexmoten-i-naturen--ny-forskning-om-anvandning-av-stadens-parker/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/sexmoten-i-naturen--ny-forskning-om-anvandning-av-stadens-parker/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:40:39 +0200 In a highly competitive call, only 22 out of 109 applicants were awarded funding through the Swedish Research Council’s initiative for future research leaders. Two of the successful candidates are SLU researchers Chuxian Li and Leonie Schönbeck https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/vr-assistant-professors/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/vr-assistant-professors/ Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:22:00 +0200 The psychological profile of horse owners affects their interactions with horses – from how often they ride and train to what equipment they choose. This suggests that better self-awareness can lead to more conscious and horse-centred care, according to a study from SLU and the University of Turku. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/the-personality-and-attachment-style-of-a-horse-owner-shape-the-interaction-with-horses/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/the-personality-and-attachment-style-of-a-horse-owner-shape-the-interaction-with-horses/ Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:47:27 +0200 Thesis Day is an annual tradition where students present their independent projects through popular science posters and oral presentations. The purpose is to showcase students' academic work, highlight the breadth of research at SLU, and create opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/thesis-day/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/thesis-day/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:20:01 +0200 Why do some stations feel safe and welcoming, while others create stress or discomfort? Researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Malmö University, and the Swedish Transport Administration are set to investigate this question in a new research project. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/new-research-project-to-explore-the-station-environments-of-the-future/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/new-research-project-to-explore-the-station-environments-of-the-future/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:58:49 +0200 The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is launching Stenbeck One Health Lab, a new initiative to strengthen the link between clinical practice, research and education in comparative medicine. Funded by three Stenbeck family foundations, the lab is part of SLU’s work within One Health. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/slu-launches-stenbeck-one-health-lab-to-connect-clinical-expertise-with-research/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/slu-launches-stenbeck-one-health-lab-to-connect-clinical-expertise-with-research/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:15:01 +0200 Yizhi Zhang wants to bring city residents locally grown vegetables from rooftop greenhouses. She and seven other doctoral students contribute to knowledge development in the field of food through the LTV faculty's investment in the SLU and Sparbanken Skåne Centre for Sustainable Primary Production. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/she-explores-rooftop-greenhouses-for-resource-efficient-food-production/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/she-explores-rooftop-greenhouses-for-resource-efficient-food-production/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:16:02 +0200 At SLU, Professor Johan Stenberg is developing biopesticides for cultivated strawberries. The project is one example of how integrated plant protection can contribute to increased Swedish food production – at a time when access to chemical pesticides may become more limited. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/strawberries-integrated-plant-protection/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/strawberries-integrated-plant-protection/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:56:01 +0200 How can agriculture feed a growing global population without exceeding planetary boundaries? Raj Chongtham researches agroecology and how diversified cropping systems can strengthen soil health, resilience, and sustainable food production. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/fler-grodor-kan-gora-jordbruket-mer-motstandskraftigt/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/fler-grodor-kan-gora-jordbruket-mer-motstandskraftigt/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:55:55 +0200 Pharmaceutical pollution is absorbed by rats and can affect the pathogens they carry. This is shown in a study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in which researchers highlight pharmaceutical residues as a previously unknown mechanism behind animal-borne diseases. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/pharmaceutical-pollutants-in-rats-linked-to-animal-borne-diseases-alter-infection-patterns/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/pharmaceutical-pollutants-in-rats-linked-to-animal-borne-diseases-alter-infection-patterns/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:25:31 +0200 A research group at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences has studied whether scented straw can increase pigs’ interest in straw and improve their welfare on a commercial farm. The results showed that scented straw increased play behaviour among the pigs and their interest in the straw. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/scented-straw-increases-play-behaviour-in-pigs/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/scented-straw-increases-play-behaviour-in-pigs/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:28:19 +0200 Ash have been severely affected by ash dieback and their numbers have declined sharply. A new study from SLU shows that there is strong support for saving the ash tree – but also that the willingness to take action is limited. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/strong-support-for-restoring-ash-but-several-obstacles-remain/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/strong-support-for-restoring-ash-but-several-obstacles-remain/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:18:25 +0200 SLU welcomed a distinguished delegation — including the Ukrainian Ambassador to Sweden — on 1 June for a meeting on SLU’s collaboration with Ukraine and the role of agricultural innovation in long‑term recovery. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/ukrainan-ambassador/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/ukrainan-ambassador/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:37:00 +0200 Sweden’s internationally acclaimed compensation scheme for coexistence between reindeer herders and wolverines helped the species recover. A new study now shows that the success has not lasted. Trust in the system has eroded as compensation levels have remained largely unchanged since 2002. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/crisis-for-swedens-celebrated-model-for-coexistence-between-carnivores-and-reindeer-herders/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/crisis-for-swedens-celebrated-model-for-coexistence-between-carnivores-and-reindeer-herders/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:18:21 +0200 North American contorta pine or native Scots pine – it makes no difference to moose. At least not when it comes to the type of young forest moose choose to inhabit, according to a study conducted in Junsele by researchers at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/junsele-moose-do-not-avoid-forests-with-the-non-native-contorta-pine/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/junsele-moose-do-not-avoid-forests-with-the-non-native-contorta-pine/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:26:25 +0200 His majesty visited the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU in Umeå on 28th May to celebrate this year’s recipient of King XVI Gustaf’s professorship in environmental sciences. In a day dedicated to curiosity, new research on water, climate and forests was in the spotlight. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/kungen-besokte-slu-med-anledning-av-arets-miljoprofessur/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/kungen-besokte-slu-med-anledning-av-arets-miljoprofessur/ Thu, 28 May 2026 18:24:48 +0200 Rebeka Zsoldos researches how information from measuring animal movement can be used to support health, productivity and performance. With sensors and muscle activity measurements she explores what movement patterns can tell us – from early functional changes in sport horses to how cows use pasture. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/from-pasture-to-performance-tracking-animal-movement-for-better-welfare/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/from-pasture-to-performance-tracking-animal-movement-for-better-welfare/ Thu, 28 May 2026 12:54:30 +0200 The standing volume of wood in living trees in Sweden continues to grow. This is a result from the annual official statistics, Forest Data 2026, from the SLU Swedish National Forest Inventory. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/increased-standing-volume-in-swedish-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/increased-standing-volume-in-swedish-forests/ Wed, 27 May 2026 15:11:54 +0200 The highlights from The Great Moose Migration offer a fascinating glimpse into wildlife – but small, nocturnal or hard-to-detect species remain unseen. While the programme is an excellent way to learn more about nature, it can also present a distorted picture of biodiversity. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/the-biodiversity-hidden-behind-the-moose/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/the-biodiversity-hidden-behind-the-moose/ Mon, 25 May 2026 08:51:42 +0200 Vice-chancellor Maria Knutson Wedel and Philippe Mauguin, CEO of the French research institute INRAE, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 20 May 2026 in Uppsala, which aims to strengthen scientific collaboration in the areas of agriculture and forestry, food and the environment. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/inrae/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/inrae/ Fri, 22 May 2026 13:32:21 +0200 During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Twitter posts about private gardens in London increased sharply, and more people linked their gardens to aspects of mental well-being such as reduced restlessness, joy and hope. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/gardens-took-on-a-new-role-during-the-pandemic/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/gardens-took-on-a-new-role-during-the-pandemic/ Thu, 21 May 2026 08:25:33 +0200 When ungulates browse, they create new habitats that allow more species of both beetles and vascular plants to thrive in forests. But in some cases, browsing can have the opposite effect on biodiversity. This is shown in a doctoral thesis at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/browsing-moose-and-deer-affect-biodiversity-can-increase-species-richness-in-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/browsing-moose-and-deer-affect-biodiversity-can-increase-species-richness-in-forests/ Thu, 21 May 2026 07:48:25 +0200 That people vary in how attractive they are to mosquitoes is well known, but the chemical reasons have remained unclear. An SLU-led study now shows that menstrual cycle and pregnancy affect attractiveness, and that highly attractive people emit more “mushroom alcohol”. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/mushroom-alcohol-makes-some-women-more-attractive-to-mosquitoes-than-others/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/mushroom-alcohol-makes-some-women-more-attractive-to-mosquitoes-than-others/ Mon, 18 May 2026 16:43:55 +0200 Linda Groot Nibbelink explores how Nordic heirloom vegetables could secure our food supply. She and seven other doctoral students contribute to knowledge development in the field of food through the LTV faculty's investment in the SLU and Sparbanken Skåne Centre for Sustainable Primary Production. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/linda-explores-how-heirloom-vegetables-could-strengthen-swedish-food-security/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/linda-explores-how-heirloom-vegetables-could-strengthen-swedish-food-security/ Mon, 18 May 2026 14:17:45 +0200 Professor Anders Kiessling and the project “Västerviksräkan” have received this year’s Innovation Award from SLU and the Sparbanksstiftelsen Upland for a circular technology that can contribute to the future of sustainable aquaculture. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/sustainable-fish-and-shrimp-farming-wins-this-years-innovation-award/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/sustainable-fish-and-shrimp-farming-wins-this-years-innovation-award/ Wed, 13 May 2026 10:30:16 +0200 In farming, biochar is used to improve soil, increase its water-holding capacity and supply nutrients – but it is no universal solution for higher yields. So says researcher Helene Larsson Jönsson, who wants to develop guidelines for the use of biochar in agriculture. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/biochar-in-agriculture-more-complex-than-many-think/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/biochar-in-agriculture-more-complex-than-many-think/ Wed, 13 May 2026 09:12:48 +0200 The centre of excellence Trees For Me at SLU is receiving an additional 43,3 million kronor from the Swedish Energy Agency. This brings the total funding from various partners to a quarter of a billion kronor over ten years – Sweden's largest ever investment in broadleaf tree research. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/major-investment-in-fast-growing-broadleaves-continues/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/major-investment-in-fast-growing-broadleaves-continues/ Wed, 13 May 2026 08:30:07 +0200 New research from SLU shows that today’s forest management plans often struggle to capture forest owners’ diverse goals — and that current planning systems are not designed to support a broader landscape perspective. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/forest-owners-want-different-things-but-their-plans-look-the-same/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/forest-owners-want-different-things-but-their-plans-look-the-same/ Tue, 12 May 2026 09:56:57 +0200 The learning platform Canvas is reopening. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/canvas-stangs-tillfalligt-ner-efter-attack/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/canvas-stangs-tillfalligt-ner-efter-attack/ Fri, 08 May 2026 15:04:40 +0200 Three people have died and several others have fallen ill in a suspected hantavirus outbreak onboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic. Hantaviruses are primarily transmitted to humans through close contact with rodents. Researchers at SLU studies this type of animal-spread diseases, known as zoonoses. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/slu-researchers-answer-four-questions-about-hantaviruses/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/slu-researchers-answer-four-questions-about-hantaviruses/ Thu, 07 May 2026 11:32:49 +0200 Mixing tree species can lead to better growth in the forest – at least above ground. A new study published in Nature shows that mixed forests had lower activity in the complex belowground ecosystems than previously thought. Researchers suspect this could affect the long-term growth of forests. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/Tree-communities-shape-hidden-energy-flows-beneath-European-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/Tree-communities-shape-hidden-energy-flows-beneath-European-forests/ Thu, 07 May 2026 08:54:43 +0200 Jens Thulin, founder of Mylla and the driving force behind Vismarlövsgården, has been awarded SLU Alumnus of the year 2026. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Landscape planning from SLU in 2011, after which he continued with studies in sustainable urban planning at SLU's campus Alnarp. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/alumnusoftheyear2026/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/alumnusoftheyear2026/ Wed, 06 May 2026 09:08:26 +0200 The learning platform Canvas, used by several Swedish universities including SLU, has been hacked. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/canvasincident/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/canvasincident/ Tue, 05 May 2026 14:43:31 +0200 Can fast-growing production-oriented forests also contribute to biodiversity? A new study from SLU, led by PhD student Jaime Luna, suggests that stands of fast-growing broadleaved trees (FGB) may be more relevant than previously recognized. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/lichens-reveal-biodiversity-potential/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/lichens-reveal-biodiversity-potential/ Mon, 04 May 2026 11:11:02 +0200 Wildebeest, antelopes and Mongolian gazelles are already included. Now the swimming moose of Junsele are being added to the UN map of ungulate migrations. The aim is to conserve migration worldwide, and researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) are contributing moose data. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/swedens-great-moose-migrations-featured-on-global-un-map/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/swedens-great-moose-migrations-featured-on-global-un-map/ Mon, 04 May 2026 08:00:21 +0200 On Friday, 24 April, 11 professors from Alnarp and Uppsala were inaugurated at SLU Ultuna. The ceremony took place in the auditorium of Undervisningshuset and was followed by a formal dinner with entertainment. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/new-professors-inaugurated/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/new-professors-inaugurated/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:30:58 +0200 That thought-provoking question opened the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) visit to SLU 28 April 2026, as members of its Executive Board of the Governing Council gathered at SLU in Uppsala. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/icipe-visit/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/icipe-visit/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:37:20 +0200 Boreal forests store about one third of the world's forest carbon. But how they should be managed to store more carbon and help mitigate climate change is debated. In his PhD thesis, Marcus Larsson shows that focusing only on trees is not enough, carbon in the soil should also be taken into account. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/understanding-carbon-storage-in-forests-means-looking-at-the-whole-ecosystem/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/understanding-carbon-storage-in-forests-means-looking-at-the-whole-ecosystem/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:48:35 +0200 DDT remains in Swedish soils – and is difficult to remove. A new thesis from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences shows that several innovative remediation methods yield limited results. At the same time, the thesis highlights techniques that could work significantly better. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/new-findings-on-ddt-remediation-in-soil/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/new-findings-on-ddt-remediation-in-soil/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:49:39 +0200 It is nutritious, reliable for food preparedness, and sought after by chefs at luxury restaurants. The hazelnut has many advantages, but is barely cultivated commercially in Sweden. Now researchers at SLU are investigating how production of the nut can become economically viable. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/hazelnuts-are-imported-despite-growing-in-the-wild--now-slu-is-researching-swedish-production/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/hazelnuts-are-imported-despite-growing-in-the-wild--now-slu-is-researching-swedish-production/ Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:50:27 +0200 Science and tourism in Svalbard are often seen as two separate worlds. However, they have developed together and continue to be closely interconnected. This is shown by researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/tata-band-mellan-turism-och-forskning-pa-svalbard/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/tata-band-mellan-turism-och-forskning-pa-svalbard/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:26:23 +0200 Doktoranden Mina Nešićs forskning handlar om den genetiska regleringen av egenskaper hos ärt och bondböna. Hon och sju andra doktorander bidrar till kunskapsutveckling inom livsmedelsområdet genom LTV-fakultetens satsning på SLU och Sparbanken Skånes centrum för hållbar primärproduktion. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/mina-is-one-of-eight-doctoral-students-at-the-new-centre-for-sustainable-primary-production/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/mina-is-one-of-eight-doctoral-students-at-the-new-centre-for-sustainable-primary-production/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:49:14 +0200 Forests managed under current Swedish forestry practices experience a shift in the species composition of mycorrhizal fungi, yet they maintain the same number of species as forests that have never been clear-cut. This concludes a major new study from the SLU. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/forestry-and-mycorrhizal-fungi-species-richness-returns-but-composition-changes/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/forestry-and-mycorrhizal-fungi-species-richness-returns-but-composition-changes/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:55:03 +0200 Cocaine pollution alters the behaviour and movement patterns of juvenile Atlantic salmon in a large lake. Exposed fish swam up to 1.9 times further per week and travelled up to 12.3 kilometres further across the lake, according to a new study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/cocaine-pollution-alters-salmon-movement-in-the-wild/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/cocaine-pollution-alters-salmon-movement-in-the-wild/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:06:41 +0200 How far do moose migrate? When are calves born, and what challenges do they face? For years, researchers have studied moose in Junsele, where the slow TV program The Great Moose Migration is filmed. Now, new and exciting facts about the “TV moose” will be presented. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/the-great-moose-migration-slu-research-offers-unique-insight-into-the-tv-mooses-lives/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/the-great-moose-migration-slu-research-offers-unique-insight-into-the-tv-mooses-lives/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:39:20 +0200 From ruminant nutrition and lame horses to the crops, forests and cities of the future. A wide range of topics will be covered when our new professors give their inauguration lectures on April 23–24 in Uppsala. The lectures can also be followed online. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/eleven-new-slu-professors-give-lectures/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/eleven-new-slu-professors-give-lectures/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:18:06 +0200 By analysing peat cores, researchers have shown how populations of nesting seabirds have fluctuated on a sub-Antarctic island over 8,000 years. They found that bird numbers rose and fell alongside shifts in climate, offering new clues about how future climate change could impact seabird populations. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/ancient-seabird-guano-reveals-how-climate-change-may-shape-future-populations/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/ancient-seabird-guano-reveals-how-climate-change-may-shape-future-populations/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:33:04 +0200 Pupils from Rosendalsgymnasiet visited the Department of Crop Production Ecology in Ultuna. "We hope they will return as university students," says researcher Marcos Lana. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/visiting-pupils-get-an-insight-into-the-future-of-agriculture/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/visiting-pupils-get-an-insight-into-the-future-of-agriculture/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:58:42 +0200 It is easy to think that tree species, age, and lushness determine how we experience a forest. But more important than the forest’s composition is its accessibility. This is shown in a new study from SLU. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/new-study-shows-what-swedes-consider-most-important-about-their-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/new-study-shows-what-swedes-consider-most-important-about-their-forests/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:20:30 +0200 Jens Peter Skovsgaard, Professor of Silviculture at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre in Alnarp), has been awarded the IUFRO Distinguished Service Award by International Union of Forest Research Organizations. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/award-to-jp-skovsgaard/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/award-to-jp-skovsgaard/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:52:52 +0200 Forests in Sweden are facing new challenges. They are often dominated by a few conifer species, making them vulnerable. A new research project at SLU Alnarp explores how aspen and silver birch can contribute to more robust and sustainable forest systems. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/genetic-variation-in-aspen-and-birch-may-support-more-sustainable-forestry/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/genetic-variation-in-aspen-and-birch-may-support-more-sustainable-forestry/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:32:20 +0200 Adam Felton studies how species respond to different forest management approaches, and the societal trade-offs involved. As newly appointed professor of conservation ecology at SLU, he aims to further develop this research. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/adam_felton_new_professor_in_forest_ecology/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/adam_felton_new_professor_in_forest_ecology/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:40:13 +0200 In the Sargasso Sea, an expedition by the German Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology is underway to provide new insights into the early life of the European eel. By collecting larvae directly in the eel’s spawning area, researchers hope to better understand changes in the population. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/pa-jakt-efter-alens-hemligheter-mitt-ute-i-sargassohavet/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/pa-jakt-efter-alens-hemligheter-mitt-ute-i-sargassohavet/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:00:21 +0200 The increasing regulatory burden in agriculture creates stress, frustration and costs for many businesses. A new study from SLU highlights how advisers can contribute to simplifying regulations – by serving as a link between farmers and regulatory authorities. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/ny-studie-sa-kan-radgivare-bidra-till-att-forenkla-lantbrukets-krangliga-regler/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/ny-studie-sa-kan-radgivare-bidra-till-att-forenkla-lantbrukets-krangliga-regler/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:37:05 +0200