https://www.slu.se/en/news/all-news/ As climate change, biodiversity loss and geopolitical uncertainty increasingly threaten global food production, the world's gene banks are emerging as vital guardians of crop diversity. Yet experts warn that simply storing seeds is not enough. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/the-seedsof-resilience-conference-2026/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/the-seedsof-resilience-conference-2026/ Thu, 29 Oct 2026 08:37:44 +0100 About 1,300 potentially resistant ash trees have been identified. However, breeding trees that can withstand ash dieback is not enough to save the species. In a new Perspective article, researchers summarise 13 years of research and describe what is needed to re-establish viable ash populations. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/from-surviving-ash-trees-to-a-viable-population/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/from-surviving-ash-trees-to-a-viable-population/ Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:32:14 +0100 As interest in silver birch grows in Swedish forestry, so does the need to understand the pests and disease that could threaten it. In a new doctoral thesis from SLU and Trees For Me Dr. Sezer Olívia Kaya brings together new knowledge on current and potential biotic threats. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/new-thesis-on-how-to-protect-birch-from-pests-and-disease/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/new-thesis-on-how-to-protect-birch-from-pests-and-disease/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 18:12:45 +0100 A lake experiment in Canada revealed unexpected effects of hormone pollution. The males became more aggressive and showed less ability to protect their eggs. The results are the opposite of what lab tests have shown, according to a study in which a SLU researcher took part. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/unexpected-discovery-contraceptive-residue-made-male-fish-aggressive--and-worse-fathers/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/unexpected-discovery-contraceptive-residue-made-male-fish-aggressive--and-worse-fathers/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 08:51:04 +0100 There are more insect species in the tropics than at our latitudes. But during summer, the total weight of insects can be greater here. This is one of the findings in a doctoral thesis by Johanna Orsholm, who has studied insects worldwide and developed new methods to analyse them. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/insect-biomass-can-be-higher-here-than-in-the-tropics-during-summer/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/insect-biomass-can-be-higher-here-than-in-the-tropics-during-summer/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 08:50:28 +0100 Larger protein yields and a more efficient purification method bring SLU’s artificial spider silk research closer to textiles. With H&M Foundation support, researchers are now working towards yarn that can be produced efficiently and work in practice. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/award-winning-spider-silk-research-takes-the-next-step-towards-textiles/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/award-winning-spider-silk-research-takes-the-next-step-towards-textiles/ Thu, 22 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0100 Antibiotic use in Swedish pig production is generally very low. Yet researchers at SLU have found antibiotic resistance genes in pig housing – including genes conferring resistance to antibiotics that the pigs had not even received, according to a new study. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/antibiotics-for-pigs/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/antibiotics-for-pigs/ Wed, 21 Oct 2026 16:23:45 +0100 There is a great deal of interest in old pea varieties, but they are often difficult to grow. A new-old solution may be to intercrop the pea with faba bean. Several older varieties can then yield at least as much grains and biomass as modern varieties, according to a new thesis from SLU. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/old-pea-varieties-grown-as-before-can-be-the-protein-crops-of-the-future/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/old-pea-varieties-grown-as-before-can-be-the-protein-crops-of-the-future/ Tue, 20 Oct 2026 15:42:59 +0100 Birch trees are an underrated asset in efforts to restore key forest habitats through prescribed fire. A study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) shows that burnt birch trunks attracted more wood-dwelling beetles than pine in the first few years following prescribed fire. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/small-burnt-birch-trees-are-of-great-benefit--play-an-unexpected-role-in-biodiversity/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/small-burnt-birch-trees-are-of-great-benefit--play-an-unexpected-role-in-biodiversity/ Tue, 20 Oct 2026 08:58:04 +0100 Spruce trees can continue to transport water and function much like healthy trees for weeks after a bark beetle attack. A new SLU study shows why this makes early detection from the air difficult: during this period, there is no stress signal for cameras to detect. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/why-bark-beetle-infestations-can-be-difficult-to-detect-from-the-air/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/why-bark-beetle-infestations-can-be-difficult-to-detect-from-the-air/ Thu, 15 Oct 2026 11:38:29 +0100 Biochar can store carbon in the soil and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere –yet we still know too little about how long the biochar will persist. Now, SLU researchers have found a new way to measure this, using wood from the 1960s that was affected by nuclear weapons testing. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/bomb-carbon-in-wood-shavings-helped-researchers-measure-the-stability-of-biochar-in-soil/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/bomb-carbon-in-wood-shavings-helped-researchers-measure-the-stability-of-biochar-in-soil/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:37:27 +0100 On Saturday 3 October, it was time for the Doctoral award ceremony at SLU. During the ceremony 61 new doctors, five jubilee doctors and four honorary doctors received their degrees. The Alumnus of the Year, the Medals for Distinguished Service and the Educational awards were also presented. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/doctoral-award-ceremony-2026-celebrating-slus-new-doctors-and-award-winners/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/doctoral-award-ceremony-2026-celebrating-slus-new-doctors-and-award-winners/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 02:26:57 +0100 From forest pests to plant diseases in agriculture and horticulture, many plant protection challenges are shared. On 8–9 October, around 90 researchers and stakeholders gathered at SLU in Uppsala to exchange ideas and build connections across disciplines. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/plant-protection-across-boundaries-new-perspectives-and-connections/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/plant-protection-across-boundaries-new-perspectives-and-connections/ Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:10:23 +0100 Michael Gundale has been awarded SEK 26 million by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation to investigate whether nitrogen deficiency is impairing forests' ability to store carbon. He recently showed that nitrogen availability in boreal forests decreases as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rise. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/michael-gundale-receives-large-wallenberg-grant-for-research-on-declining-nitrogen-supply-in-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/michael-gundale-receives-large-wallenberg-grant-for-research-on-declining-nitrogen-supply-in-forests/ Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:06:30 +0100 SLU’s wolf research is reaching new audiences this autumn. The animated short films in the series Wolves in Scandinavia are being screened at three film festivals. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/wolf-films-screened-at-several-film-festivals/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/wolf-films-screened-at-several-film-festivals/ Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:32:44 +0100 Beaver dams have sometimes been identified as potential hotspots for pathogens and the spread of animal-borne diseases such as tularemia. But a new thesis from SLU clears the Swedish beavers of these suspicions. Beaver ponds do not pose a greater risk of disease transmission than other wetlands. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/beavers-role-in-the-spread-of-tularemia-investigated-no-increased-risk-found/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/beavers-role-in-the-spread-of-tularemia-investigated-no-increased-risk-found/ Mon, 12 Oct 2026 08:31:06 +0100 The wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici can adapt to both fungicides and changing temperatures. In her doctoral thesis, Eula Gems Mateo Oreiro explores what drives this ability and what it means for future disease management. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/wheat-pathogen-adapts-to-fungicides-and-changing-temperatures/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/wheat-pathogen-adapts-to-fungicides-and-changing-temperatures/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:42:06 +0100 Researchers are investigating whether Arctic char and rainbow trout can be farmed sustainably in hydropower reservoirs in inland northern Sweden. The project, supported by the Kamprad Family Foundation, examines biological, ecological, economic and social perspectives. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/forskare-undersoker-hallbar-fiskodling-i-kraftverksdammar/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/forskare-undersoker-hallbar-fiskodling-i-kraftverksdammar/ Thu, 08 Oct 2026 09:15:28 +0100 The proportion of spruce in a stand and the stand’s age are key factors in the risk of spruce bark beetle infestation, as well as in the extent of the resulting damage. This is shown by a new study from SLU. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/how-characteristics-of-the-forest-affect-the-risk-of-spruce-bark-beetle-damage/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/how-characteristics-of-the-forest-affect-the-risk-of-spruce-bark-beetle-damage/ Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:48:45 +0100 Palantir CEO Alex Karp has bought 15,000 hectares of mountain-edge forest in Härjedalen, Sweden, for SEK 235 million. We put our questions about the deal to Vilis Brukas, professor of forest policy. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/forest-policy-professor-on-palantir-ceos-forest-deal/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/forest-policy-professor-on-palantir-ceos-forest-deal/ Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:35:37 +0100 For Jens Häggström and Ingrid Ljungvall, recipients of the 2026 Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine, research begins with their animal patients. They reflect on discoveries that changed veterinary cardiology, nearly 20 years of collaboration and the questions that drive them. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/from-patient-encounters-to-breakthroughs-in-veterinary-cardiology/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/from-patient-encounters-to-breakthroughs-in-veterinary-cardiology/ Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Douglas-fir is increasingly discussed as an alternative tree species in Swedish forestry, but getting the establishment phase right can be challenging. Young Douglas-fir seedlings are particularly sensitive to spring frost, and choosing the wrong site or provenance can increase the risk of failure. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/four-things-to-consider-douglas-fir/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/10/four-things-to-consider-douglas-fir/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:30:56 +0100 Despite the rapid changes taking place in the Arctic climate, there are no signs that pollen transport to mountain avens has declined over recent decades. But the system is vulnerable – much of the pollination is carried out by just a handful of flies, and some of them are declining locally. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/uncertain-future-fo-arctic-ecosystems/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/uncertain-future-fo-arctic-ecosystems/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:36:30 +0100 The surface of an aspen leaf looks like a jigsaw puzzle under the microscope. Researchers at Umeå Plant Science Centre have now identified a gene that helps shape these interlocking cells – and discovered that both the gene's activity and the cells' shape change when the tree experiences drought. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/when-aspen-trees-experience-drought-their-leaf-cells-change-shape/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/when-aspen-trees-experience-drought-their-leaf-cells-change-shape/ Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:28:47 +0100 SLU warmly welcomes everyone interested to attend the lectures held by SLU´s latest honorary doctors on Friday 2 October in Uppsala. The lectures offer exciting insights into the culinary arts, reindeer husbandry, and the future of the Baltic Sea and our forests. The lectures will also be webcast. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/lectures-by-slus-new-honorary-doctors-2026/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/lectures-by-slus-new-honorary-doctors-2026/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:50:39 +0100 In a new field trial, researchers at SLU are investigating how ash from heating plants can be used to return nutrients to forest soils. The aim is to explore whether ash recycling can be made simpler, while monitoring the effects on soil, water and vegetation. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/researchers-test-new-ways-to-return-ash-to-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/researchers-test-new-ways-to-return-ash-to-forests/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:51:43 +0100 It is not only the apple variety that determines how susceptible a tree is to the fungal disease European apple canker. Researchers at SLU have shown that the rootstock also affects the tree’s resistance – and that the effect depends on which apple variety is grafted onto which rootstock. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/right-rootstock/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/right-rootstock/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:07:00 +0100 Moose can be more or less dominant, social or tolerant. This is shown by a study in which researchers at SLU observed moose in a Swedish moose park. The study is a first step towards increasing our understanding of moose personality, a previously unexplored topic in Sweden. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/moose-personality-in-the-spotlight-for-new-slu-research/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/moose-personality-in-the-spotlight-for-new-slu-research/ Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:05:00 +0100 Scents govern most key events in the lives of mosquitoes, and there is extensive research on their sense of smell. A new study reveals how a young female mosquito shifts from focusing entirely on nectar to seeking only blood. An odour receptor that reacts to camphor was found to play a key role. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/the-mosquitos-transition-from-vegan-to-bloodsucker-explained/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/the-mosquitos-transition-from-vegan-to-bloodsucker-explained/ Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:26:20 +0100 The Swedish Climate Policy Council’s secretariat visited SLU to learn more about the carbon balance of forests and how forests are affected by a changing climate. The Council’s next report to the Swedish Government will focus on the different ways forests can contribute to climate mitigation. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/forests-and-climate-in-focus-as-swedish-climate-policy-council-secretariat-visits-slu/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/forests-and-climate-in-focus-as-swedish-climate-policy-council-secretariat-visits-slu/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:29:50 +0100 Researchers, policymakers and diplomats gathered at SLU in Uppsala to discuss how resilient fertiliser value chains can contribute to food security and sustainable development in Africa amid growing global uncertainty. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/fertilisers-in-times-of-crisis-dialogue-on-resilient-value-chains-for-food-security-in-africa/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/fertilisers-in-times-of-crisis-dialogue-on-resilient-value-chains-for-food-security-in-africa/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:46:52 +0100 New techniques have enabled researchers in Sweden to begin decoding how one of Northern Europe's most important coniferous tree species switches from growing branches to producing cones – their seed-bearing reproductive organs. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/why-do-spruce-take-decades-to-reproduce-a-genetic-study-offers-new-clues/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/why-do-spruce-take-decades-to-reproduce-a-genetic-study-offers-new-clues/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:12:56 +0100 Interest in Douglas fir is growing as a potential alternative in a changing climate. At the same time, observations of discoloured needles, needle loss and thin crowns are raising new questions about growth and future use. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/fungal-disease-raises-questions-about-the-growth-potential-of-douglas-fir/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/fungal-disease-raises-questions-about-the-growth-potential-of-douglas-fir/ Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:57:19 +0100 Pharmaceuticals do not just end up in the water; they also partition to mud, silt, and sand at the bottom. This is one of several factors behind the effects of pharmaceutical residues in aquatic environments, according to a doctoral thesis at SLU.  https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/pharmaceuticals-accumulate-in-sediments--new-insights-into-impacts-below-the-surface/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/pharmaceuticals-accumulate-in-sediments--new-insights-into-impacts-below-the-surface/ Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:46:04 +0100 What if a quayside could do more than separate the city from the water? In Malmö’s Nyhamnen, a new research project is exploring how nature-based solutions can create waterfront environments that are more resilient, inclusive and biodiverse. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/can-malmos-waterfront-make-room-for-people-and-nature/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/can-malmos-waterfront-make-room-for-people-and-nature/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 10:48:22 +0100 SLU professors Jens Häggström and Ingrid Ljungvall have received the 2026 Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine for their research on heart disease in dogs and cats. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/the-2026-award-for-outstanding-research-in-veterinary-medicine/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/the-2026-award-for-outstanding-research-in-veterinary-medicine/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 08:01:00 +0100 A new agreement opens the door to closer collaboration between SLU and Dalhousie University in Canada. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/dalhousie-university-mou/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/dalhousie-university-mou/ Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:28:21 +0100 SLU scientist Chuxian Li has been awarded one of the most prestigious research grants in Europe, a Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC). She will use the grant to uncover the long-term consequences of the ongoing seabird population decline on ocean ecosystems. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/novel-research-on-seabirds-receives-erc-starting-grant/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/novel-research-on-seabirds-receives-erc-starting-grant/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:35:08 +0100 Exotic conifers can defy ecological expectations by simultaneously growing faster and showing greater resistance to drought. A new study published in Nature, with contributions from Swedish forest growth data shows how unique advantages in non-native pines can help build climate resilient forests. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/exotic-pines-do-the-impossible-by-both-growing-faster-and-resisting-drought/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/exotic-pines-do-the-impossible-by-both-growing-faster-and-resisting-drought/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 08:26:12 +0100 “The Beaver – Engineer and Vandal” offers a unique insight into the life of our largest rodent and dives into the latest research on it. The film, produced by SLU and the Swedish Forest Agency, has reached the final of the communications competition Publishing Prize. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/slu-film-about-beavers-nominated-for-the-publishing-prize/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/slu-film-about-beavers-nominated-for-the-publishing-prize/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 10:23:16 +0100 Below ground, plant roots grow alongside those of neighbouring plants, but little is known about how they respond when a neighbouring root is damaged. In her doctoral thesis, Julie Ducla shows that healthy plants can detect this damage and redirect their root growth away from it. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/plants-sense-damage-to-neighbouring-roots---and-grow-away/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/09/plants-sense-damage-to-neighbouring-roots---and-grow-away/ Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:39:48 +0100 What role do mosses and grasses play in regulating peatlands’ ability to absorb carbon dioxide? They are more important than previously thought – and may offer a glimpse of how peatlands could be affected by a changing climate. This is shown by new research in a doctoral thesis from SLU. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/plants-play-a-bigger-role-in-shaping-the-peatland-climate-balance-than-you-might-think/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/plants-play-a-bigger-role-in-shaping-the-peatland-climate-balance-than-you-might-think/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:40:20 +0100 Perhaps a moose will appear – or at least a bird. What viewers appreciate most about The Great Moose Migration is not knowing what is going to happen. Just like in nature itself. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/the-unpredictability-is-what-viewers-love-most-about-the-great-moose-migration/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/the-unpredictability-is-what-viewers-love-most-about-the-great-moose-migration/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:34:49 +0100 Drones are a highly effective tool for counting moose, weather permitting. This is one of the conclusions of a report by researchers at SLU on behalf of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The limitations of the method must be addressed before it can be fully utilised in management. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/drones-have-potential-for-moose-surveys--but-weather-can-be-a-limiting-factor/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/drones-have-potential-for-moose-surveys--but-weather-can-be-a-limiting-factor/ Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:39:00 +0100 A new PhD thesis from SLU suggests that harvesting overgrown reed beds along coastal areas in the Baltic Sea could offer an innovative way to improve ecosystem health while also contributing to sustainable livestock feed production. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/vasskord-kan-ge-dubbel-nytta--friskare-kustmiljoer-och-mer-djurfoder/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/vasskord-kan-ge-dubbel-nytta--friskare-kustmiljoer-och-mer-djurfoder/ Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:00:20 +0100 A new study shows that human pressures – primarily fishing and eutrophication - have altered the balance of the food web in the Baltic Sea. Even after pressures have been removed the food web has not recovered. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/ny-stor-studie-ostersjons-naringsvavar-ar-fortfarande-ur-balans-trots-decennier-av-atgarder/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/ny-stor-studie-ostersjons-naringsvavar-ar-fortfarande-ur-balans-trots-decennier-av-atgarder/ Mon, 24 Aug 2026 07:30:21 +0100 Quinoa is well adapted to the harsh climate of the Andean region, but longer periods of drought threaten yields. In her new doctoral thesis, Virginia Gonzales investigates how native microorganisms can help quinoa withstand drought and support the development of sustainable bioinoculants. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/beneficial-bacteria-can-help-quinoa-withstand-drought/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/beneficial-bacteria-can-help-quinoa-withstand-drought/ Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:55:06 +0100 Signal crayfish are becoming increasingly abundant in several of Sweden’s large lakes – but small individuals account for most of the increase. SLU researchers are now marking and tracking thousands of crayfish in Lake Hjälmaren to find out why. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/tusentals-kraftor-marks-i-jakt-pa-svaret-om-smakraftorna/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/tusentals-kraftor-marks-i-jakt-pa-svaret-om-smakraftorna/ Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:30:21 +0100 Cameras and audio recordings are important tools for monitoring conservation efforts in Madagascar. A study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) shows how they can identify birds and mammals that disperse seeds in the rainforest, a process that is crucial for the ecosystem. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/photos-show-how-species-are-returning-to-reforestation-areas-in-madagascar/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/photos-show-how-species-are-returning-to-reforestation-areas-in-madagascar/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:11:28 +0100 Researchers at SLU are planting tree seedlings across Sweden to answer a question that could shape the future of forestry: can helping trees move north make forests more resilient to climate change? https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/can-assisted-migration-help-swedish-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/can-assisted-migration-help-swedish-forests/ Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:04:56 +0100 A team from SLU Umeå recently travelled to West Africa. The purpose was to spread knowledge based on the university's research. The trip featured a workshop with local cocoa farmers, several radio interviews, and more.  https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/ivory-coast-research-trip/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/ivory-coast-research-trip/ Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:33:17 +0100 A strong catalyst for African women regardless of their economic circumstances, VSLA helps thousands of rural women gain greater financial safety and freedom. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/vsla---financial-liberation-for-rural-areas/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/vsla---financial-liberation-for-rural-areas/ Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:57:19 +0100 Carbon in streams affect our drinking water, environment and climate. But how its contents and its forms changes through the varying landscape have thus far lacked a full explanation. Now, a new model from SLU is presented in Nature Water, providing the most complete picture yet. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/this-is-how-carbon-flows-new-theory-combines-decades-of-swedish-field-research/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/08/this-is-how-carbon-flows-new-theory-combines-decades-of-swedish-field-research/ Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:46:46 +0100 As wildfires and extreme heat spread across southern Europe this summer, SLU postdoctoral researcher Daniela Robles explains why such events are becoming more frequent, and what this means for drought and fire risk in Sweden. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/warmer-drier-more-flammable-what-climate-change-means-for-swedens-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/warmer-drier-more-flammable-what-climate-change-means-for-swedens-forests/ Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:45:18 +0100 Experts working in a SLU-led project have discovered a previously unknown species of fungi. So far, it has been found at a single location in Hälsingland County. The unique find was made through an extensive nature survey, leading to the discovery of many species new to Swedish forests. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/new-species-found-in-swedish-forest/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/new-species-found-in-swedish-forest/ Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:00:21 +0100 Humans have lived alongside cattle for thousands of years, yet we still know relatively little about how they perceive their sensory world. Researchers at SLU have now published the most comprehensive review to date of existing knowledge on the sensory world of cattle. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/sa-uppfattar-notkreatur-sin-omgivning/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/sa-uppfattar-notkreatur-sin-omgivning/ Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:23:26 +0100 The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has become a European University through the ELLS Alliance. The European Commission has awarded the alliance funding under the European Universities Initiative. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/slu-becomes-a-european-university/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/slu-becomes-a-european-university/ Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:40:00 +0100 Two research projects at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) have been awarded nearly SEK 25 million to strengthen Sweden’s efforts to restore one of our most threatened broadleaf tree species. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/SEK-25-million-for-research-to-save-the-ash-tree/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/SEK-25-million-for-research-to-save-the-ash-tree/ Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:44:37 +0100 Rural communities play a key role before, during and after wildfire. SLU research in Spain, Chile and Sweden shows how rural communities help prevent wildfires, respond when they occur and recover in their aftermath. Learning from them is crucial in a future of more frequent and intense wildfires. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/what-rural-communities-can-teach-us-about-wildfire-prevention-and-recovery/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/what-rural-communities-can-teach-us-about-wildfire-prevention-and-recovery/ Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:42:33 +0100 The Swedish Migration Agency has amended its rules regarding residence permits for higher education. The new regulations apply to students who are granted a residence permit on or after 11 June 2026. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/new-rules-for-student-residence-permits-from-11-june/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/new-rules-for-student-residence-permits-from-11-june/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:40:41 +0100 Researchers from Sweden, Norway and Denmark are currently on an expedition aboard SLU's research vessel Svea. Together, they are investigating the species-rich and sensitive habitats found in the deep parts of Skagerrak. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/scandinavian-research-team-explores-Skagerrak/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/scandinavian-research-team-explores-Skagerrak/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:27:55 +0100 Cereal yields in Sweden are at risk of declining in a warmer climate unless rising temperatures are accompanied by increased precipitation during the growing season. This is the conclusion of a new analysis of climate and crop yield data covering the period from 1965 to 2020. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/historical-data-reveal-how-climate-affects-Swedish-cereal-yields/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/07/historical-data-reveal-how-climate-affects-Swedish-cereal-yields/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:37:33 +0100 The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) has elected Stéphanie Robert as one of its newest members. The lifelong honour recognises outstanding contributions to the life sciences and welcomes her into an international community of more than 2,100 leading researchers. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/stephanie-robert-blir-ny-ledamot-i-embony-sida/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/stephanie-robert-blir-ny-ledamot-i-embony-sida/ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:16:20 +0100 The rate at which species recover after clear-cutting varies considerably. Some groups, such as lichens and mosses, are unable to re-establish before the next harvesting cycle, according to a major international study involving researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/species-recover-slowly-after-forest-harvesting--some-may-disappear/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/species-recover-slowly-after-forest-harvesting--some-may-disappear/ Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:39:02 +0100 Permanent grasslands are widely recognised as key habitats for biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. However, a new study shows that arable land can also support surprisingly rich communities of plants and insects. But these habitats are threatened by agricultural intensification. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/inte-bara-angar-och-hagar---akrarna-kan-ocksa-vara-rika-pa-blommor-och-insekter/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/inte-bara-angar-och-hagar---akrarna-kan-ocksa-vara-rika-pa-blommor-och-insekter/ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:24:02 +0100 Each year, SLU awards three Medals for Distinguished Service:  the Great Medal, the Gold Medal and the Silver Medal. This year’s recipients are Ingrid Öborn, Ann Dolling and Maliheh Mehrshad. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/medals/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/medals/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:33:57 +0100 For more than 25 years, the IKEA-launched Sow a Seed project has contributed to the restoration of rainforests in Malaysian Borneo. Today marks the launch of a new phase, the Living Rainforest Restoration Lab, shifting focus toward research and knowledge sharing on these vital ecosystems. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/SLU-and-IKEA-launch-global-research-lab-on-rainforest-restoration/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/SLU-and-IKEA-launch-global-research-lab-on-rainforest-restoration/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:17:15 +0100 Many conservation measures fail to achieve their intended outcomes because they create conflicts or lack support. Thanks to a major research grant, SLU researcher Guillaume Chapron will now develop a method for stress-testing conservation policies before they are implemented in the real world. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/27-miljoner/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/27-miljoner/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:37:44 +0100 Can RNA-based crop protection stop plant disease without disturbing the microbes that support plant health? A new SLU study shows that RNA sprays against potato late blight have minimal effects on the potato microbiome, while the disease itself causes far greater changes. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/rna-based-spray-targets-disease-without-disrupting-potato-microbiome/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/rna-based-spray-targets-disease-without-disrupting-potato-microbiome/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:38:08 +0100 It can be harvested for several years, benefits the environment and requires less inputs than annual crops. The perennial wheatgrass Kernza represents a potential revolution in agriculture, according to SLU-researcher Valentin Picasso, who is developing the crop for a future commercial market. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/researcher-on-perennial-wheatgrass-part-of-a-new-revolution/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/researcher-on-perennial-wheatgrass-part-of-a-new-revolution/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:28:51 +0100 When forests burn, large amounts of carbon are released into the atmosphere. But not all of that carbon disappears into the air. Some is transformed into a stable material known as pyrogenic carbon, which can remain stored in sediments for hundreds or even thousands of years. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/could-lake-sediments-reveal-hidden-carbon-sink/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/could-lake-sediments-reveal-hidden-carbon-sink/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:19:53 +0100 Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences have developed a mobile app that uses AI technology to measure and weigh dairy cows. The aim is to make it easier for researchers and farmers to assess animal health and welfare. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/ai-technology-for-measuring-and-weighing-cows/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/ai-technology-for-measuring-and-weighing-cows/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:41:52 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 What does more than half a century of research collaboration look like in practice? It lives in field experiments in the highlands of Chilalo, long journeys along rural roads to meet farmers, and partnerships that continue to shape agricultural knowledge exchange today. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/cadu/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/cadu/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:48:54 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 Thesis Day is an annual tradition where students present their independent projects through popular science posters and oral presentations. The purpose is to showcase students' academic work, highlight the breadth of research at SLU, and create opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/thesis-day/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/thesis-day/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:20:01 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100 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 +0100