https://www.slu.se/en/news/all-news/ 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 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/award-to-jp-skovsgaard/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/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 Researchers have found out how extracts from spruce bark, a sawmill by-product, could become a natural ingredient in future cosmetics. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/get-beautiful-with-spruce-bark--turning-forest-residue-into-skincare-innovation/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/get-beautiful-with-spruce-bark--turning-forest-residue-into-skincare-innovation/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 12:08:21 +0200 The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) ranks third in Naturvetarna’s 2025 survey of the most attractive employers in Sweden’s forest sector. Over 4,000 natural science professionals in the sector took part. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/slu-among-the-forest-sectors-most-attractive-employers/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/slu-among-the-forest-sectors-most-attractive-employers/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 12:01:42 +0200 Conservation agriculture is a system where the aim is to disturb the soil as little as possible. It involves sowing directly into the residues from the previous crop without tillage. Now researchers are warning that the benefits that are sought may be jeopardized by the use of heavy machinery. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/heavy-machinery-jeopardises-the-promises-of-conservation-agriculture/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/heavy-machinery-jeopardises-the-promises-of-conservation-agriculture/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:51:43 +0200 Under solemn and celebratory circumstances, the newly established Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine was presented on 26 November 2025. The award highlights Nordic research that has made a significant contribution to improving animal health and welfare. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/Veterinary-Medicine-Celebrated-26-nov/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/Veterinary-Medicine-Celebrated-26-nov/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:10:36 +0200 Are Swedish forest soils depleted in nutrients by forestry and increased tree growth? No, a new study reports that levels of important mineral nutrients have increased in the organic layer over the past 40 years. Reduced acid rain and uplift of nutrients from the mineral soil are suggested reasons. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/increased-amounts-of-mineral-nutrients-in-swedish-forest-soils-despite-intensive-forestry/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/increased-amounts-of-mineral-nutrients-in-swedish-forest-soils-despite-intensive-forestry/ Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:52:53 +0200 A new study by Aureo Aparecido Abreu Junior, PhD student at SLU and within Trees For Me, and his research colleagues shows that improved birch used for long-lived wood products provides greater climate benefits than all products from naturally regenerated birch, in Southern Sweden. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/long-lived-wood-products-of-improved-birch-bring-more-climate-benefits/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/long-lived-wood-products-of-improved-birch-bring-more-climate-benefits/ Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:18:39 +0200 Fieldwork for the ambitious Lifeplan project has now been completed. Over six years, teams across the world have collected vast amounts of data on life on Earth. The audio recordings alone would be enough to create a playlist lasting 172 years. The results will change how we view biodiversity. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/a-global-project-offers-new-insights-into-biodiversity/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/a-global-project-offers-new-insights-into-biodiversity/ Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:25:37 +0200 After more than 100 years of operation, Sweden’s first facility for compensatory fish farming of salmon and trout has now permanently closed its doors. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/slus-fiskeriforsoksstation-i-alvkarleby-har-nu-stangt-for-gott/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/slus-fiskeriforsoksstation-i-alvkarleby-har-nu-stangt-for-gott/ Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:00:10 +0200 The Varroa mite is one of the greatest threats to honey bees and beekeeping worldwide. A doctoral thesis from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) suggests that the solution may lie in the chemical language of bee brood. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/whispering-bee-brood/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/whispering-bee-brood/ Fri, 14 Nov 2025 07:48:54 +0200 The international ELLS Conference is now underway at SLU in Ultuna. Participants from all over the world will spend two days exchanging ideas and making new connections. Students will also compete for the best poster and best oral presentation. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/ells/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/ells/ Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:43:28 +0200 Four researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences are on the 2025 list of highly cited researchers presented by Clarivate, the company behind Web of Science. In the list, nearly 7000 highly cited researchers are named, 65 of whom are based at Swedish universities. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/four-researchers-from-slu-among-the-most-cited/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/four-researchers-from-slu-among-the-most-cited/ Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:45:08 +0200 For the first time, researchers have detected spruce bark beetle infestations from the air at a very early stage, when the infestation has only affected one side of the tree trunk. The infestations are revealed by light reflections from the needles. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/nya-upptackten-sa-kan-angrepp-av-granbarkborre-upptackas-tidigt-fran-luften/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/nya-upptackten-sa-kan-angrepp-av-granbarkborre-upptackas-tidigt-fran-luften/ Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:00:11 +0200 Most moose prefer to stay in young forests and mixed forests with a high proportion of deciduous trees. But they want to be far away from the nearest road. This is shown by a study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), which has mapped moose movements for over 20 years. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/how-moose-choose-to-move-in-forest-landscapes-avoiding-areas-close-to-roads/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/how-moose-choose-to-move-in-forest-landscapes-avoiding-areas-close-to-roads/ Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:31:12 +0200 The 2025 SLU Alumnus of the year, Åsa Domeij, has now been honoured during an award ceremony at Ultuna. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/award-ceremony-for-slu-alumnus-of-the-year-2025/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/award-ceremony-for-slu-alumnus-of-the-year-2025/ Fri, 07 Nov 2025 17:05:00 +0200 A new study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) reveals that the popular programme ´The great moose migration´ deepens viewers’ relationship with nature. Although it is a digital nature experience, the programme promotes calm, recovery, and emotional closeness to the wild. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/the-moose-migration-on-tv-soothes-the-soul-and-strengthens-our-connection-to-nature/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/the-moose-migration-on-tv-soothes-the-soul-and-strengthens-our-connection-to-nature/ Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:37:41 +0200 There is potential to grow fast-growing poplar on forest land using improved plant material and ash recycling. This is demonstrated in a new doctoral thesis at SLU. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/poppel-slar-gran-pa-skogsmark/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/poppel-slar-gran-pa-skogsmark/ Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:29:33 +0200 In November, SLU launches a special campaign exploring the vital link between Sweden’s forests and national preparedness. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/pressrelease.forestandpreparedness https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/pressrelease.forestandpreparedness Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:29:07 +0200 For the first time, there is now a map showing where the forage for deer and moose is located. The maps, produced by researchers at SLU, shows where key tree species for ungulates are found and how much is at grazing height. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/heres-where-moose-and-deer-find-their-food--slu-releases-unique-map/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/heres-where-moose-and-deer-find-their-food--slu-releases-unique-map/ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:52:06 +0200 Plants can absorb amino acids as an alternative nitrogen source to nitrate and ammonium but little is known about how this process is regulated. PhD student Laura Tünnermann has now identified new molecular regulators, offering insights that may help reduce fertilizer-related pollution. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/new-insights-into-how-plants-regulate-the-uptake-of-organic-nitrogen/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/new-insights-into-how-plants-regulate-the-uptake-of-organic-nitrogen/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:46:18 +0200 The quote is from Jón Jónasson, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Iceland, during a side event on innovative solutions for a sustainable future, addressing food insecurity, climate change, and waste management. The event took place during the 53rd Plenary Session of the Committee on World Food Security. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/cfs-event-after/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/cfs-event-after/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:28:29 +0200 The number of eels leaving the Swedish west coast to spawn in the Sargasso Sea has increased since eel fishing was closed in 2012. This is shown in a new study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), which for the first time evaluates the effects of the closure. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/local-fishing-closure-improved-european-eel-stock-on-the-swedish-west-coast/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/local-fishing-closure-improved-european-eel-stock-on-the-swedish-west-coast/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:54:14 +0200 Birch trees may recover from light to moderate browsing damage. And heavy thinning resulted in the strongest individual tree diameter growth. These are some of the results in a new doctoral thesis from SLU by Andis Zvirgzdins. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/new-knowledge-on-how-to-establish-and-manage-planted-birch/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/new-knowledge-on-how-to-establish-and-manage-planted-birch/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 10:26:07 +0200 Since the 80s, The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the University of Gothenburg and the Swedish Museum of Natural History have monitored fish health, population status and contaminant levels in fish along the Swedish coast. Results from four reference areas have now been released. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/bade-uppgang-och-oro-i-nya-fiskrapporter-fran-unikt-miljoovervakningsprogram/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/bade-uppgang-och-oro-i-nya-fiskrapporter-fran-unikt-miljoovervakningsprogram/ Mon, 20 Oct 2025 08:00:10 +0200 The Global Farm Platform (GFP), a network of research farms on six continents, has received prestigious technical recognition from the UN agency FAO. The farms, three of which are at SLU, contribute to more sustainable livestock production through experiments and demonstrations. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/fao-honours-global-network-that-includes-slus-research-farms/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/fao-honours-global-network-that-includes-slus-research-farms/ Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:39:33 +0200 Preconceived notions and social boundaries affect strategic decisions and economic outcomes in agricultural cooperatives. This is shown in a study by researcher Filiz Kinikli and Professor Kostas Karantininis at the Department of People and Society at SLU Alnarp. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/filiz-kinikli---study-on-agricultural-cooperation/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/filiz-kinikli---study-on-agricultural-cooperation/ Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:19:08 +0200 On 25 September, SLU’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Maria Knutson Wedel and RUFORUM’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Patrick Okori has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/mou-between-slu-and-ruforum-signed/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/mou-between-slu-and-ruforum-signed/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:34:59 +0200 Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visited SLU Alnarp on October 8 to learn more about research that strengthens Sweden’s preparedness and contributes to a sustainable food system. During the visit, he saw how SLU is developing robust and resilient crops for future food production. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/prime-minister-visits-slu-in-alnarp--focus-on-research-for-future-food-security/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/prime-minister-visits-slu-in-alnarp--focus-on-research-for-future-food-security/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:42:36 +0200 On Saturday 4 October, it was time for the Doctoral award ceremony at SLU. During the ceremony 60 new doctors, 20 jubilee doctors and 7 honorary doctors received their degrees. The Arvid Lindman Medal and the SLU Medals for Distinguished Service were also presented. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/doctoral-award-ceremony-2025-celebrating-slus-new-doctors-and-award-winners/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/doctoral-award-ceremony-2025-celebrating-slus-new-doctors-and-award-winners/ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:33:52 +0200 For over 40 years, Professor Henrik Elvang Jensen has shaped the field of veterinary pathology internationally – developing new diagnostic methods, changing clinical practices, and creating guidelines now used worldwide. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/award-winning-professor-ive-always-wanted-to-leave-my-mark-on-the-field/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/award-winning-professor-ive-always-wanted-to-leave-my-mark-on-the-field/ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:16:07 +0200 Disturbances in the habitats of wild animals increase the risk for outbreaks of animal-borne diseases. However, even when habitats are restored, there are risks that should be taken into account. This according to a study led by researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/researchers-call-consider-the-risk-of-animal-borne-diseases-in-ecosystem-restoration/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/researchers-call-consider-the-risk-of-animal-borne-diseases-in-ecosystem-restoration/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:17:25 +0200 After several years online, the Agri4D conference 2025 returned in person to SLU’s Ultuna campus last week, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to build bridges for more sustainable food systems. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/agri4d---after/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/agri4d---after/ Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:48:09 +0200 Arctic charr can look and behave very differently within the same lake, but are they also genetically different? This study seeks to answer that question while offering a new perspective on our understanding of how evolution works. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/artic-charr/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/artic-charr/ Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:41:04 +0200 In long rows lie root vegetables in a remarkably wide range of colours and shapes: purple, red, orange, yellow, and white. Plump, thin, long, smooth, and crooked. The trial cultivation of new sweet potato varieties adapted to the Swedish climate is now being harvested. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/harvesting-swedish-sweet-potatoes/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/harvesting-swedish-sweet-potatoes/ Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:08:38 +0200 SLU warmly welcomes everyone interested to attend the lectures held by SLU´s latest honorary doctors on Friday 3 October in Uppsala. The lectures will provide exciting insights into topics ranging from forest health to coastal landscapes. The lectures are open to the public and will be webcast. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/lectures-by-slus-new-honorary-doctors/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/lectures-by-slus-new-honorary-doctors/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:09:44 +0200 On 10 October, Laura García Romañach, a PhD student at SLU, will take to the stage at SciFest to compete in the Researcher's Grand Prix. Using dating apps as a metaphor, she will explain the science behind tree breeding – and why her research is crucial in the face of climate change. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/looking-for-the-perfect-tree-partner/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/looking-for-the-perfect-tree-partner/ Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:20:17 +0200 On Monday, September 22, over a hundred guests gathered at SLU Campus Ultuna to participate in the inauguration of Peter Hernqvist's place in front of the Veterinary Medical and Animal Science Center (VHC), which now officially bears the name of the founder of Sweden's first veterinary education. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/linnaeus-disciple-peter-hernqvist-was-honored-with-a-place-of-his-own/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/linnaeus-disciple-peter-hernqvist-was-honored-with-a-place-of-his-own/ Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:54:54 +0200 Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) have made a remarkable discovery in cod from the Åland Sea. Compared to their relatives in the rest of the Baltic Sea, the Åland cod have extremely high levels of boron in their otoliths. But where it comes from remains a mystery. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/friska-torskar-i-alands-hav-bar-pa-ett-kemiskt-mysterium/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/friska-torskar-i-alands-hav-bar-pa-ett-kemiskt-mysterium/ Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:18:43 +0200 Wildfires are vital for regrowth in boreal forests. But where does the nitrogen these recovering forests use actually come from? A new study on wildfire recovery sites across the boreal biome led by SLU, shows that the source of this vital nutrient largely lacks explanation. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/unknown-sources-fuel-boreal-forests-with-nitrogen-real-surprising/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/unknown-sources-fuel-boreal-forests-with-nitrogen-real-surprising/ Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:41:46 +0200 Most Swedish consumers view new crops developed through crossbreeding positively, according to a new survey conducted by researchers at SLU. The findings run counter to the perception that consumers are sceptical about plant breeding. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/consumers-are-positive-about-new-varieties-of-crops/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/consumers-are-positive-about-new-varieties-of-crops/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:01:13 +0200 A torn tomato leaf that ends up on the ground sometimes develops roots from the wound, but other times it seals the wound with healing tissue. A study led from SLU now shows that water availability is the key factor that controls the fate of the leaf in the event of such damage. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/heal-the-wound-or-form-roots-it-depends-on-water-availability/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/heal-the-wound-or-form-roots-it-depends-on-water-availability/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:59:22 +0200 Farmed rainbow trout of the future is now available on the market. The fish has been fed a new feed where traditional ingredients like soy and fishmeal have been replaced by mussels, insects and fungal protein. The initiative is led by SLU, Axfoundation and 25 other partners. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/slu-leads-the-way-in-future-fish-feed/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/slu-leads-the-way-in-future-fish-feed/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 08:28:20 +0200 Ditches are found everywhere, and humanity needs them. Yet they are often ignored, both in land management and in research. But what does it mean when we disregard them? Could it have consequences? https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/What-is-actually-a-ditch/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/What-is-actually-a-ditch/ Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:30:06 +0200 Over the weekend, 13-14 September, it became known that the attacker who, two weeks ago, attacked Miljödata (the provider of Adato), has published leaked information, making the information accessible to more people. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/adato-0908/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/adato-0908/ Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:57:41 +0200 Even in summer, sudden cold snaps are common in northern regions such as Umeå. To survive, trees must know when to keep growing and when to stop and prepare for winter. Now, researchers at UPSC have discovered how aspen trees sense temperature and combine it with daylight to make that decision. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/aspen-trees-integrate-light-and-temperature-to-time-bud-set/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/aspen-trees-integrate-light-and-temperature-to-time-bud-set/ Mon, 08 Sep 2025 12:19:20 +0200 Professor Henrik Elvang Jensen, Danish veterinarian and professor of veterinary pathology, has been awarded the 2025 Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine. The award is presented by SLU in collaboration with Agria. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/professor-henrik-elvang-jensen-awarded-the-2025-award-for-outstanding-research-in-veterinary-medicine/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/professor-henrik-elvang-jensen-awarded-the-2025-award-for-outstanding-research-in-veterinary-medicine/ Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:01:31 +0200 Insects are being highlighted as part of the solution for a more circular food production system. But what needs to happen for them to become a natural part of the feed chain? SLU researcher Cecilia Lalander answers questions about the potential of insects in a sustainable and circular food system. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/insects-could-be-key-to-more-sustainable-animal-feed/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/insects-could-be-key-to-more-sustainable-animal-feed/ Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:41:42 +0200 Aspen trees follow a precise annual rhythm, shaped by the changing seasons. Researchers at UPSC have mapped this natural calendar at the genetic level, comparing trees grown outdoors and in the lab. Their study offers a detailed look into the molecular choreography behind the trees’ seasonal life. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/forskare-kartlagger-aspgenernas-arscykel-och-skapar-en-genetisk-fardplan-over-sasongerna/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/forskare-kartlagger-aspgenernas-arscykel-och-skapar-en-genetisk-fardplan-over-sasongerna/ Mon, 01 Sep 2025 15:47:27 +0200 During evolution, plants sometimes acquire an extra complete set of chromosomes. This leads to greater genetic variation and opportunities to expand in new environments. However, it may also lead to the accumulation of harmful mutations in the genome, which can be a long-term threat. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/chromosome-doubling-helps-plants-find-new-niches-but-there-are-hidden-risks/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/chromosome-doubling-helps-plants-find-new-niches-but-there-are-hidden-risks/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:15:58 +0200 Seedlings bend their tip as they grow through soil, then straighten when they reach light. Scientists from Umeå have, after years of challenging research, identified a protein that promotes this straightening by regulating cell growth through the plant hormone auxin. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/the-protein-that-helps-seedlings-straighten/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/the-protein-that-helps-seedlings-straighten/ Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:31:37 +0200 Swedish forests face major challenges as the climate changes. To prepare for the future, Formas has now awarded 12 million SEK over four years for a research project on assisted migration of tree species. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/12_million_SEK_for_unique_research_project/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/12_million_SEK_for_unique_research_project/ Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:06:41 +0200 Hydropower plants and dams pose major obstacles for the critically endangered European eel. Now researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) want to find out how eels in the Nyköpingsån are affected if the water is allowed to flow more freely. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/slus-premiarprovfiske-i-nykopingsan-ska-ge-kunskap-om-alens-framtid/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/slus-premiarprovfiske-i-nykopingsan-ska-ge-kunskap-om-alens-framtid/ Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:57:22 +0200 Apps, cameras, and social media make it easy to start birdwatching, but they also raise many questions. How do new technologies affect birdwatching itself: how it is carried out, experienced, and who takes part? https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/digital-tools-are-reshaping-our-relationship-with-birds/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/digital-tools-are-reshaping-our-relationship-with-birds/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 08:22:52 +0200