https://www.slu.se/en/news/all-news/ 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/ai-technology-for-measuring-and-weighing-cows/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/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 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/thesis-day/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/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 Do wild honey bee colonies still exist in Sweden and Europe? And if so, how do they manage to survive alongside the dreaded Varroa mite? These are questions that researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) aim to answer – with the help of citizen scientists and beekeepers. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/help-SLU-find-wild-honey-bee-colonies-this-summer/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/help-SLU-find-wild-honey-bee-colonies-this-summer/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:53:12 +0200 Beavers can be a troublesome neighbour, but they play a vital role in nature. A film from SLU and the Swedish Forest Agency now offers us unique insights into the life of the beaver. The film presents a smorgasbord from the latest research to the role a royal hat played in the beavers' extinction. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/new-film-will-raise-awareness-about-beavers-our-key-nature-conservationist/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/new-film-will-raise-awareness-about-beavers-our-key-nature-conservationist/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:00:24 +0200 CRISPR/Cas9 is the most widely used gene-editing tool and enables highly precise modifications of DNA. In plant breeding, it is used to improve important traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutritional value. Researcher Matías González works with new genomic techniques. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/Gene-editing-in-plant-breeding/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/Gene-editing-in-plant-breeding/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:42:05 +0200 A forestry education doesn’t just lead to work in the forest – it opens doors to careers in climate, business, biodiversity, research and innovation. Now, SLU and WWF are launching a collaboration to highlight opportunities within forestry and sustainable development. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/slu.wwf.collaboration https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/slu.wwf.collaboration Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:12:21 +0200 Managed boreal forests support far less diverse fungal communities compared to successional forests sprung from forest fires. A new study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences shows stark differences in the abundance of rare species between environments of different forest regimes. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/rare-boreal-deadwood-fungi-do-not-recover-in-clear-cut-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/rare-boreal-deadwood-fungi-do-not-recover-in-clear-cut-forests/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:17:14 +0200 The rare yew tree could become a profitable species in forestry. Experimental cultivation is now being initiated at several locations across Europe. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/sallsynt-medicianaltrad-odlas-pa-forsok/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/sallsynt-medicianaltrad-odlas-pa-forsok/ Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:01:13 +0200 For several years, researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) have been collecting data on moose movements in the Junsele area. The aim has been to understand how moose and their migration are affected by changes in the forest landscape. The project is now coming to an end. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/migrating-junsele-moose-tracked-with-gps--research-project-now-reaching-its-end/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/migrating-junsele-moose-tracked-with-gps--research-project-now-reaching-its-end/ Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:02:00 +0200 At Fiskbarometern, SLU presents the status and trends of fish and shellfish stocks in Swedish marine and freshwater environments. The assessments for 2025 are now complete. The situation is most concerning in the Baltic Proper, while perch in Lake Vänern are on the rise. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/fiskbarometern-sa-mar-sveriges-fisk--och-skaldjursbestand/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/fiskbarometern-sa-mar-sveriges-fisk--och-skaldjursbestand/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:00:20 +0200 The large rivers that flow through northern Sweden affect how brown bears move through the landscape. When bears reach the riverbank, males and females act differently. This is shown by a study conducted by researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/northern-swedish-rivers-cause-female-bears-to-hesitate--but-males-swim-across/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/northern-swedish-rivers-cause-female-bears-to-hesitate--but-males-swim-across/ Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:39:27 +0200 A new study from SLU shows that the fast growing cod in the Åland Sea probably do not reproduce locally but instead depend on larvae transported there by ocean currents. At the same time, chemical analyses indicate that this stock component may be unique and possibly represent its own population. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/varifran-kommer-egentligen-jattetorskarna-i-alands-hav-ny-forskning-ger-fler-ledtradar/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/varifran-kommer-egentligen-jattetorskarna-i-alands-hav-ny-forskning-ger-fler-ledtradar/ Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:00:21 +0200 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 +0200 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 +0200 Scots pine blister rust is spreading in the pine forests of northern Sweden and Finland. Researchers now see a link between the disease and climate factors such as temperature, precipitation, soil moisture and fertility—and that the disease may increase further in a warmer climate. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/scots-pine-blister-rust-is-increasing-in-the-north--here-are-the-factors-that-associate-with-the-risk/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/scots-pine-blister-rust-is-increasing-in-the-north--here-are-the-factors-that-associate-with-the-risk/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:30:22 +0200 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 +0200 Traces of historical land use remain visible in the soil for decades, according to a recently published study. Grasslands that were previously farmland contain different microbes than those without such a history, preserving memories of a bygone era. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/the-memory-of-past-land-use-is-visible-in-the-soil/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/the-memory-of-past-land-use-is-visible-in-the-soil/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:53:30 +0200 Sweden faces a unique opportunity to environmentally adapt hydropower and restore important environments in our aquatic ecosystems. However, success will require a holistic approach and systematic monitoring, according to two new studies from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/miljoanpassningen-av-vattenkraften-kraver-helhetstank-och-systematisk-uppfoljning/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/miljoanpassningen-av-vattenkraften-kraver-helhetstank-och-systematisk-uppfoljning/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:00:10 +0200 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 +0200 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. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/smart-farming-scares-pests-away-and-lures-them-aside/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/smart-farming-scares-pests-away-and-lures-them-aside/ Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0200 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. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/trad-raknar-inte-bara-kyla--de-anvander-tillfalliga-varmeinslag-for-att-folja-vinterns-forlopp/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/trad-raknar-inte-bara-kyla--de-anvander-tillfalliga-varmeinslag-for-att-folja-vinterns-forlopp/ Tue, 03 Feb 2026 09:58:28 +0200 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. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/traditions-determine-which-tree-species-are-used-in-madagascar--challenged-as-the-rainforest-shrinks/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/traditions-determine-which-tree-species-are-used-in-madagascar--challenged-as-the-rainforest-shrinks/ Tue, 03 Feb 2026 09:22:27 +0200 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 +0200 How can SLU’s goldmine of forest data be put to the best possible use? Through Digital Impact North, a collaborative network for digital innovation, powerful tools have ended up in the right hands at more than 100 public and private actors in northern Sweden – leading to award-winning products. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/Innovation-hub-boosts-forest-sector-in-northern-Sweden/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/Innovation-hub-boosts-forest-sector-in-northern-Sweden/ Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:37:57 +0200 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 +0200 How long does it take for a species to recover from a disaster? A study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) shows that trout populations can recover in just a few years after a winter when streams froze to the riverbed – even though an entire cohort was wiped out. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/extreme-winter-weather-killed-brown-trout-eggs--but-the-populations-recovered-quickly/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/extreme-winter-weather-killed-brown-trout-eggs--but-the-populations-recovered-quickly/ Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:00:46 +0200 Interest in SLU’s international programmes continues to grow. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/continued-growth-in-interest-in-slus-international-programmes/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/continued-growth-in-interest-in-slus-international-programmes/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 08:12:37 +0200 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 +0200 Crayfish plague and invasive species threaten freshwater crayfish across Europe. In a comprehensive study, researchers from 13 European countries show that eDNA can improve monitoring, but that the choice of method is crucial for how reliable the results are. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/ny-europeisk-studie-visar-vagen-mot-sakrare-overvakning-av-kraftor-och-kraftpest-med-edna/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/ny-europeisk-studie-visar-vagen-mot-sakrare-overvakning-av-kraftor-och-kraftpest-med-edna/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:24:33 +0200 Bats are fascinating animals – and key players in natural ecosystems. Researchers are now developing a new tool for species identification that will support research, conservation and even bat watching. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/researchers-sharpen-bat-monitoring-with-an-open-access-tool/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/researchers-sharpen-bat-monitoring-with-an-open-access-tool/ Fri, 16 Jan 2026 08:10:43 +0200 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 +0200 A new tiny shrew has been discovered in Ethiopia. The new species weighs 3 grams and is described in a study co-authored by a researcher at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). The story behind the discovery spans a decade and includes the unexpected passing of a researcher. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/new-species-discovered-one-of-the-worlds-smallest-mammals/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/new-species-discovered-one-of-the-worlds-smallest-mammals/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:02:23 +0200 An ambitious and constructive implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation provides opportunities for adapting forestry to the future, researchers at SLU say. A restrictive implementation risks continued unclarities, heated debates and conflicts on forests and forestry, they argue. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/researchers-on-the-eu-nature-restoration-law-opportunities-for-sustainable-forestry--and-less-conflicts/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/researchers-on-the-eu-nature-restoration-law-opportunities-for-sustainable-forestry--and-less-conflicts/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 08:12:21 +0200 He placed the science of agroecology at the heart of the climate negotiations. SLU researcher Marcos Lana gave two presentations at COP30 in Brazil. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/slu-researcher-marcos-lana-shared-expertise-at-cop30/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/slu-researcher-marcos-lana-shared-expertise-at-cop30/ Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:00:23 +0200 Three researchers at SLU have been awarded grants within the Wallenberg Foundations’ initiative in humanities and social science forest research. The projects will generate new knowledge on forest restoration, forest owners’ decisions and the role of forest history in future forest management. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/three-slu-researchers-receive-wallenberg-funding-for-research-on-the-future-of-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/three-slu-researchers-receive-wallenberg-funding-for-research-on-the-future-of-forests/ Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:03:32 +0200 Different nitrogen fertilisers increase tree growth, but nitrate also specifically affects wood formation and wood properties. Anna Renström has shown this in her PhD thesis, offering new fundamental insights that can support more sustainable nitrogen use in forests. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/nitrate-affects-wood-development-not-just-growth/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/nitrate-affects-wood-development-not-just-growth/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:32:45 +0200 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 +0200 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 +0200 The major research grant offers a unique opportunity to accelerate efforts for better fish welfare, both in Sweden and globally. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/record-investment-at-slu-to-improve-fish-welfare-worldwide/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/record-investment-at-slu-to-improve-fish-welfare-worldwide/ Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:52:09 +0200 Using high-resolution geographic data and a specially trained AI model, previously impossible maps have now become reality. PhD student Mariana Busarello at SLU in Umeå has mapped Sweden’s network of ditches and waterways at new levels of detail. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/swedens-ditches-and-streams-mapped-better-than-ever--with-the-help-of-ai/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/swedens-ditches-and-streams-mapped-better-than-ever--with-the-help-of-ai/ Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:15:06 +0200 Animals that accompanied long sea voyages in the past offered far more than food – they provided comfort and helped create routines for sailors. Insects could play a similar role on future space missions. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/Insects-could-provide-comfort-for-future-space-travellers/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/Insects-could-provide-comfort-for-future-space-travellers/ Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:02:39 +0200 The new EU Nature Restoration Law can be an important tool to form a coherent strategy on peatland restoration. A new SLU study shows that todays policies and regulations is fragmented and sometimes contradictory – something that makes it difficult to reach Swedish climate and conservation goals. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/mer-sammanhallen-svensk-strategi-behovs-for-restaurering-av-torvmarker/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/mer-sammanhallen-svensk-strategi-behovs-for-restaurering-av-torvmarker/ Tue, 02 Dec 2025 07:48:59 +0200 Deciduous trees and annual plants rely on the same ancestral genes, but evolution has assigned them different tasks. Now researchers from Sweden and China show that aspen trees use flowering-related genes to stop growth as winter approaches - yet in the opposite way compared to annual plants. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/trad-anvander-blomningsgener-for-att-styra-knoppsattningen-infor-vintern/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/trad-anvander-blomningsgener-for-att-styra-knoppsattningen-infor-vintern/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:10:20 +0200