https://www.slu.se/en/news/ An RNA-based spray targeting potato late blight has been included on the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences’ (IVA) list of projects with high potential to contribute to innovation and a more sustainable agriculture sector. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/rna-spray-against-potato-late-blight-recognized-by-iva/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/rna-spray-against-potato-late-blight-recognized-by-iva/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:50:39 +0200 At SLU, Professor Johan Stenberg is developing biopesticides for cultivated strawberries. The project is one example of how integrated plant protection can contribute to increased Swedish food production – at a time when access to chemical pesticides may become more limited. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/strawberries-integrated-plant-protection/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/strawberries-integrated-plant-protection/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:56:01 +0200 A new survey study within the B-THENET project shows that the correct placement of hives and the correct control of varroa mites are European beekeepers' primary methods for sustainable and profitable beekeeping. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/hive-placement-and-control-of-varroa-best-practise-for-sustainable-beekeeping-in-europe/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/hive-placement-and-control-of-varroa-best-practise-for-sustainable-beekeeping-in-europe/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:50:30 +0200 Climate change, AI and vast amounts of geographic data are transforming the way we understand our cities and environments. Through geographic information science, new tools are being developed to identify areas at risk, analyse inequality and support the urban planning of the future. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/kartor-klimat-och-ai-formar-framtidens-stader/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/kartor-klimat-och-ai-formar-framtidens-stader/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:18:51 +0200 A study recently published in the Journal Apicultural Research by researchers organised within the COLOSS core project “B-RAP” (Bridging research and practice) addresses the challenges of providing beekeepers with science-based information to improve honey bee colony health. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/bridging-beekeepers-and-science-navigating-information-in-a-digital-age/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/bridging-beekeepers-and-science-navigating-information-in-a-digital-age/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:31:43 +0200 How can agriculture feed a growing global population without exceeding planetary boundaries? Raj Chongtham researches agroecology and how diversified cropping systems can strengthen soil health, resilience, and sustainable food production. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/fler-grodor-kan-gora-jordbruket-mer-motstandskraftigt/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/fler-grodor-kan-gora-jordbruket-mer-motstandskraftigt/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:55:55 +0200 Pharmaceutical pollution is absorbed by rats and can affect the pathogens they carry. This is shown in a study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in which researchers highlight pharmaceutical residues as a previously unknown mechanism behind animal-borne diseases. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/pharmaceutical-pollutants-in-rats-linked-to-animal-borne-diseases-alter-infection-patterns/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/pharmaceutical-pollutants-in-rats-linked-to-animal-borne-diseases-alter-infection-patterns/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:25:31 +0200 When Oscar Liljeströms successfully defended his thesis on May 29th, 2026, the Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment got its 75th Ph.D. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/the-75th-phd-from-aquatic-sciences-and-assessment/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/the-75th-phd-from-aquatic-sciences-and-assessment/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:54:22 +0200 Sweden’s internationally acclaimed compensation scheme for coexistence between reindeer herders and wolverines helped the species recover. A new study now shows that the success has not lasted. Trust in the system has eroded as compensation levels have remained largely unchanged since 2002. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/crisis-for-swedens-celebrated-model-for-coexistence-between-carnivores-and-reindeer-herders/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/crisis-for-swedens-celebrated-model-for-coexistence-between-carnivores-and-reindeer-herders/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:18:21 +0200 During two field visits in May at SLU’s field station in Lönnstorp near Alnarp, researcher Chloë Raderschall and colleagues hosted both crop advisors and members of nature conservation organisations to discuss biological control, biodiversity and sustainable cropping systems. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/field-visits-highlighted-research-on-biological-control-and-strip-cropping-at-lonnstorp/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/field-visits-highlighted-research-on-biological-control-and-strip-cropping-at-lonnstorp/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:13:17 +0200 North American contorta pine or native Scots pine – it makes no difference to moose. At least not when it comes to the type of young forest moose choose to inhabit, according to a study conducted in Junsele by researchers at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/junsele-moose-do-not-avoid-forests-with-the-non-native-contorta-pine/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/06/junsele-moose-do-not-avoid-forests-with-the-non-native-contorta-pine/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:26:25 +0200 Despite large annual catches, reliable knowledge about the scale and impact of recreational fishing remains limited. A new thesis from SLU shows how improved data and collaboration can contribute to more sustainable management of recreational fisheries – and why fishers can be part of the solution. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/sa-kan-fritidsfisket-matas-och-forstas-battre--ny-avhandling-visar-vagen-framat/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/sa-kan-fritidsfisket-matas-och-forstas-battre--ny-avhandling-visar-vagen-framat/ Thu, 28 May 2026 13:40:07 +0200 Rebeka Zsoldos researches how information from measuring animal movement can be used to support health, productivity and performance. With sensors and muscle activity measurements she explores what movement patterns can tell us – from early functional changes in sport horses to how cows use pasture. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/from-pasture-to-performance-tracking-animal-movement-for-better-welfare/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/from-pasture-to-performance-tracking-animal-movement-for-better-welfare/ Thu, 28 May 2026 12:54:30 +0200 The standing volume of wood in living trees in Sweden continues to grow. This is a result from the annual official statistics, Forest Data 2026, from the SLU Swedish National Forest Inventory. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/increased-standing-volume-in-swedish-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/increased-standing-volume-in-swedish-forests/ Wed, 27 May 2026 15:11:54 +0200 From June 8–12, a global research community turns its attention to SLU in Umeå. With more than 500 registered participants, this year’s edition of BIOGEOMON is the biggest one yet; A conference where ecosystem researchers exchange knowledge about the vital and changing processes in our environment. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/SLU-hosts-record-breaking-environmental-science-conference/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/SLU-hosts-record-breaking-environmental-science-conference/ Wed, 27 May 2026 14:20:25 +0200 Researchers at SLU have tested a method that allows them to track how earthworms burrow in the soil. This could provide answers to how the worms' valuable work is affected by factors such as moisture, temperature, and soil tillage. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/3d-skanning-avslojar-daggmaskars-gravande/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/3d-skanning-avslojar-daggmaskars-gravande/ Wed, 27 May 2026 08:50:07 +0200 The highlights from The Great Moose Migration offer a fascinating glimpse into wildlife – but small, nocturnal or hard-to-detect species remain unseen. While the programme is an excellent way to learn more about nature, it can also present a distorted picture of biodiversity. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/the-biodiversity-hidden-behind-the-moose/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/the-biodiversity-hidden-behind-the-moose/ Mon, 25 May 2026 08:51:42 +0200 During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Twitter posts about private gardens in London increased sharply, and more people linked their gardens to aspects of mental well-being such as reduced restlessness, joy and hope. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/gardens-took-on-a-new-role-during-the-pandemic/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/gardens-took-on-a-new-role-during-the-pandemic/ Thu, 21 May 2026 08:25:33 +0200 When ungulates browse, they create new habitats that allow more species of both beetles and vascular plants to thrive in forests. But in some cases, browsing can have the opposite effect on biodiversity. This is shown in a doctoral thesis at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/browsing-moose-and-deer-affect-biodiversity-can-increase-species-richness-in-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/browsing-moose-and-deer-affect-biodiversity-can-increase-species-richness-in-forests/ Thu, 21 May 2026 07:48:25 +0200 How can we guarantee reliable food safety controls in everyday life and during crises? SLU is hosting “Nordic Network - Food Control Research” on June 4–5, where researchers from the Nordic and Baltic countries will meet with government agencies and the food industry. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/slu-event-for-safe-food-inspection-today-and-tomorrow/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/slu-event-for-safe-food-inspection-today-and-tomorrow/ Tue, 19 May 2026 12:02:26 +0200 That people vary in how attractive they are to mosquitoes is well known, but the chemical reasons have remained unclear. An SLU-led study now shows that menstrual cycle and pregnancy affect attractiveness, and that highly attractive people emit more “mushroom alcohol”. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/mushroom-alcohol-makes-some-women-more-attractive-to-mosquitoes-than-others/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/mushroom-alcohol-makes-some-women-more-attractive-to-mosquitoes-than-others/ Mon, 18 May 2026 16:43:55 +0200 The structure of landscapes surrounding forests and grasslands influences the occurrence of pathogenic fungi in soils worldwide. A new study shows that landscape structure is a key factor in understanding soil biodiversity. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/landscape-structure-influences-soil-borne-pathogenic-fungi-worldwide/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/landscape-structure-influences-soil-borne-pathogenic-fungi-worldwide/ Mon, 18 May 2026 15:47:32 +0200 In farming, biochar is used to improve soil, increase its water-holding capacity and supply nutrients – but it is no universal solution for higher yields. So says researcher Helene Larsson Jönsson, who wants to develop guidelines for the use of biochar in agriculture. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/biochar-in-agriculture-more-complex-than-many-think/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/biochar-in-agriculture-more-complex-than-many-think/ Wed, 13 May 2026 09:12:48 +0200 New research from SLU shows that today’s forest management plans often struggle to capture forest owners’ diverse goals — and that current planning systems are not designed to support a broader landscape perspective. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/forest-owners-want-different-things-but-their-plans-look-the-same/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/forest-owners-want-different-things-but-their-plans-look-the-same/ Tue, 12 May 2026 09:56:57 +0200 Certain ectomycorrhizal fungi are vital due to their ability to unlock nutrients in forest soils. In her doctoral thesis, Erica Packard reveals how these fungi use potent enzymes to decompose hard-to-breakdown organic matter. She also observe that these fungi occur in a variety of different forests. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/uncovering-the-decomposer-capacity-of-ectomycorrhizal-fungi/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/uncovering-the-decomposer-capacity-of-ectomycorrhizal-fungi/ Tue, 12 May 2026 08:10:01 +0200 Research is currently being conducted into the possibility of bringing extinct animal species back to life. How? Well, by first successfully reintroducing already domesticated animals into the wild. Could this be a way to correct human mistakes and help our planet? That remains to be seen. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/mission-reviving-extinct-species-and-improving-the-welfare-of-swedish-chickens/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/mission-reviving-extinct-species-and-improving-the-welfare-of-swedish-chickens/ Sun, 10 May 2026 20:06:32 +0200 Three people have died and several others have fallen ill in a suspected hantavirus outbreak onboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic. Hantaviruses are primarily transmitted to humans through close contact with rodents. Researchers at SLU studies this type of animal-spread diseases, known as zoonoses. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/slu-researchers-answer-four-questions-about-hantaviruses/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/slu-researchers-answer-four-questions-about-hantaviruses/ Thu, 07 May 2026 11:32:49 +0200 Mixing tree species can lead to better growth in the forest – at least above ground. A new study published in Nature shows that mixed forests had lower activity in the complex belowground ecosystems than previously thought. Researchers suspect this could affect the long-term growth of forests. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/Tree-communities-shape-hidden-energy-flows-beneath-European-forests/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/Tree-communities-shape-hidden-energy-flows-beneath-European-forests/ Thu, 07 May 2026 08:54:43 +0200 How does forestry influence how moose and reindeer use forests – and how do these animals in turn affect the forest? In a research project in northern Sweden, researchers compare managed and unmanaged forests of different ages to understand interactions between animals, forestry, and biodiversity. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/new-study-how-does-forestry-affect-moose--and-moose-the-forest/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/new-study-how-does-forestry-affect-moose--and-moose-the-forest/ Tue, 05 May 2026 09:07:00 +0200 Can fast-growing production-oriented forests also contribute to biodiversity? A new study from SLU, led by PhD student Jaime Luna, suggests that stands of fast-growing broadleaved trees (FGB) may be more relevant than previously recognized. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/lichens-reveal-biodiversity-potential/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/lichens-reveal-biodiversity-potential/ Mon, 04 May 2026 11:11:02 +0200 Wildebeest, antelopes and Mongolian gazelles are already included. Now the swimming moose of Junsele are being added to the UN map of ungulate migrations. The aim is to conserve migration worldwide, and researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) are contributing moose data. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/swedens-great-moose-migrations-featured-on-global-un-map/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/05/swedens-great-moose-migrations-featured-on-global-un-map/ Mon, 04 May 2026 08:00:21 +0200 Boreal forests store about one third of the world's forest carbon. But how they should be managed to store more carbon and help mitigate climate change is debated. In his PhD thesis, Marcus Larsson shows that focusing only on trees is not enough, carbon in the soil should also be taken into account. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/understanding-carbon-storage-in-forests-means-looking-at-the-whole-ecosystem/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/understanding-carbon-storage-in-forests-means-looking-at-the-whole-ecosystem/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:48:35 +0200 DDT remains in Swedish soils – and is difficult to remove. A new thesis from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences shows that several innovative remediation methods yield limited results. At the same time, the thesis highlights techniques that could work significantly better. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/new-findings-on-ddt-remediation-in-soil/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/new-findings-on-ddt-remediation-in-soil/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:49:39 +0200 It is nutritious, reliable for food preparedness, and sought after by chefs at luxury restaurants. The hazelnut has many advantages, but is barely cultivated commercially in Sweden. Now researchers at SLU are investigating how production of the nut can become economically viable. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/hazelnuts-are-imported-despite-growing-in-the-wild--now-slu-is-researching-swedish-production/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/hazelnuts-are-imported-despite-growing-in-the-wild--now-slu-is-researching-swedish-production/ Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:50:27 +0200 Science and tourism in Svalbard are often seen as two separate worlds. However, they have developed together and continue to be closely interconnected. This is shown by researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/tata-band-mellan-turism-och-forskning-pa-svalbard/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/tata-band-mellan-turism-och-forskning-pa-svalbard/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:26:23 +0200 Forests managed under current Swedish forestry practices experience a shift in the species composition of mycorrhizal fungi, yet they maintain the same number of species as forests that have never been clear-cut. This concludes a major new study from the SLU. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/forestry-and-mycorrhizal-fungi-species-richness-returns-but-composition-changes/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/forestry-and-mycorrhizal-fungi-species-richness-returns-but-composition-changes/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:55:03 +0200 How far do moose migrate? When are calves born, and what challenges do they face? For years, researchers have studied moose in Junsele, where the slow TV program The Great Moose Migration is filmed. Now, new and exciting facts about the “TV moose” will be presented. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/the-great-moose-migration-slu-research-offers-unique-insight-into-the-tv-mooses-lives/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/the-great-moose-migration-slu-research-offers-unique-insight-into-the-tv-mooses-lives/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:39:20 +0200 What impact does human activity, such as forest management, have on the natural control of insect pests? Fredrika Wrethling, a PhD student at the SLU Forest Damage Centre’s research school, has been looking into this in the first part of her project. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/she-wants-to-find-out-how-forest-management-affects-natures-own-defences/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/she-wants-to-find-out-how-forest-management-affects-natures-own-defences/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:04:59 +0200 This thesis investigated how early social environments and genetic line influence behavioural development, social responses and welfarerelated outcomes in group-housed gilts and sows. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/new-doctoral-thesis-on-behavior-and-welfare-indicators-in-sows-in-group-housing/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/new-doctoral-thesis-on-behavior-and-welfare-indicators-in-sows-in-group-housing/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:16:42 +0200 By analysing peat cores, researchers have shown how populations of nesting seabirds have fluctuated on a sub-Antarctic island over 8,000 years. They found that bird numbers rose and fell alongside shifts in climate, offering new clues about how future climate change could impact seabird populations. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/ancient-seabird-guano-reveals-how-climate-change-may-shape-future-populations/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/ancient-seabird-guano-reveals-how-climate-change-may-shape-future-populations/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:33:04 +0200 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 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 When crisis strikes, large-scale food supply systems do not always hold. Experiences from Ukraine demonstrate how quickly distribution can break down. A new research project is now being launched to examine how local solutions can strengthen preparedness. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/the-war-in-ukraine-shows-that-short-food-supply-chains-secure-food-in-times-of-crisis/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/the-war-in-ukraine-shows-that-short-food-supply-chains-secure-food-in-times-of-crisis/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:30:33 +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 An era comes to an end as more bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics and the certainty that we can cure diseases slowly fades. The “silent pandemic” is sweeping the globe, and the solution now depends on us rethinking our approach together—for the sake of people, animals, and nature as one. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/circle-of-life---all-together-through-the-silent-pandemic/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/circle-of-life---all-together-through-the-silent-pandemic/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:23:54 +0200 On February 6, Melania Angellotti successfully defended her doctoral thesis, “Inclusion of Asparagopsis spp. in Dairy Cow Diets to Mitigate Enteric Methane Emissions – Animal and Microbial Responses” . https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/new-doctoral-thesis-about-methane-from-dairy-cows/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/new-doctoral-thesis-about-methane-from-dairy-cows/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:33:46 +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 Methods for assessing forest biomass using spaceborne data are improving, but they are still far from truly reliable. That is the conclusion of a new study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/stor-felmarginal-i-globala-skogsanalyser/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/stor-felmarginal-i-globala-skogsanalyser/ Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:02:31 +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 The ecologist with a focus on silviculture and forest production, Anneli Adler, has joined the Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre at SLU, where she will continue to be a part of the Trees For Me network through her focus on fast-growing broadleaf trees in a changing climate. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/she-sees-the-potential-in-fast-growing-broadleaves/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/she-sees-the-potential-in-fast-growing-broadleaves/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:50:43 +0200 Fishing pressure in the Northeast Atlantic has decreased and fish stocks are recovering. However, a new study shows that the reference level used in fisheries advice gives an overly optimistic assessment of stock status. We risk fishing too intensively before stocks reach a sustainable biomass. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/sustainable-on-paper-but-not-in-the-sea/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/sustainable-on-paper-but-not-in-the-sea/ Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:32:12 +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 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 The Flora & Fauna citizen research project takes advantage of local knowledge with the goal of developing measures that can ensure both food and habitat for pollinators throughout the season. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/flora--fauna-citizen-research/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/flora--fauna-citizen-research/ Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:18:32 +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 Climate change is expected to lead to increased nitrogen leaching in the Nordic countries. In his thesis, David Nimblad Svensson shows that growing cover crops is an important measure, that will become even more important in a future climate to reduce nitrogen leaching and preserve soil fertility. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/cover-crops-reduce-nitrogen-leaching-in-a-warmer-climate/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/cover-crops-reduce-nitrogen-leaching-in-a-warmer-climate/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:01:20 +0200 Medicines designed to treat infections can affect our surroundings even after use. In her thesis, Valentina Ugolini examines how these medicines disseminate from on-site sewage facilities into the environment and explores potential strategies to limit this spread. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/how-the-environment-is-affected-by-antimicrobial-resistance-in-sewage/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/how-the-environment-is-affected-by-antimicrobial-resistance-in-sewage/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:03:00 +0200 For the first time in this year’s Winter Olympics, athletes compete using ski wax without PFAS. At the same time, researchers are calling for stricter EU rules on PFAS, warning that these chemicals are used in many products beyond ski wax. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/Researchers-call-for-more-product-updates-ahead-of-next-Winter-Olympics/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/Researchers-call-for-more-product-updates-ahead-of-next-Winter-Olympics/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:41:00 +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 Have you ever considered that food waste disposed incorrectly later in the trash chain can attract wild animals – and contribute to the spread of deadly diseases? This is believed to have happened when African swine fever was suddenly discovered in Sweden. How can we prevent history from repeating? https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/when-waste-becomes-a-carrier-of-disease-finding-solutions-to-protect-swedens-pigs-and-food-production/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/02/when-waste-becomes-a-carrier-of-disease-finding-solutions-to-protect-swedens-pigs-and-food-production/ Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:43:12 +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 Not all flowers deliver the same benefits. A new study from SLU shows that choosing the right plant species for flower strips can simultaneously support pollinators, natural enemies to pests, and soil life – while poor choices may have the opposite effect. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/the-right-flower-can-attract-more-beneficial-organisms--above-and-below-ground/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/the-right-flower-can-attract-more-beneficial-organisms--above-and-below-ground/ Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:34:38 +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 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 Despite widespread calls for interdisciplinarity, biodiversity research still struggles to integrate social and natural sciences. A new article offers practical advice for moving from ambition to action. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/a-practical-guide-to-interdisciplinary-biodiversity-research/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/a-practical-guide-to-interdisciplinary-biodiversity-research/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:16:24 +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 Using recreational fishing and mark–recapture methods, researchers estimated how many pike live in a Baltic archipelago bay—2,449 individuals. When grey seals appeared, catches fell sharply, not because pike disappeared, but because their catchability declined. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/the-presence-of-grey-seals-affects-the-chance-of-catching-pike/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/the-presence-of-grey-seals-affects-the-chance-of-catching-pike/ Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:11:24 +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 The cornea is the eye’s window to the world and its first line of defence. Ingeniously built but highly vulnerable, it requires swift and accurate treatment when injured. Researchers in Sweden are now working to improve treatment of corneal ulcers in our most cherished animal species. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/The-Eyes-Fragile-Window-Research-for-rapid-and-reliable-treatment-of-corneal-ulcers-in-animals/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/01/The-Eyes-Fragile-Window-Research-for-rapid-and-reliable-treatment-of-corneal-ulcers-in-animals/ Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:55:08 +0200 "Moose and people during 8000 years in Sweden" is a popular science book about the king of the forest. The authors are researchers at SLU. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/new-book-about-moose-and-humans/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/new-book-about-moose-and-humans/ Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:06:26 +0200 Over the years, cats have gone from “anonymous” barn animals to beloved family members. Today, they are our most common pets and—like humans—cats are living longer than ever. Knowledge about age-related diseases is therefore increasingly important, not only for a long life, but a good one. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/on-the-road-to-a-better-life-for-cats--where-is-todays-osteoarthritis-research-heading/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/on-the-road-to-a-better-life-for-cats--where-is-todays-osteoarthritis-research-heading/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:31:50 +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 What can past climate extremes teach us about resilience? Researchers at SLU’s Interdisciplinary Academy (IDA) are studying long-term data on climate, farming, soils, and society to uncover patterns that could help us adapt to future challenges. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/tracking-climate-shocks-to-build-future-resilience/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/tracking-climate-shocks-to-build-future-resilience/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:26:44 +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 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 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 Faba beans growing in diverse, intercropped fields show more active nitrogen-fixing nodules and higher yields, thanks in part to pollinators and edge effects. A new study demonstrates how strategic field layouts can contribute to beneficial plant-soil interactions. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/pollinators-and-intercropping-help-faba-beans-fix-more-nitrogen/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/pollinators-and-intercropping-help-faba-beans-fix-more-nitrogen/ Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:12:39 +0200 The ecological aspects behind algal blooms have long fascinated researcher Malin Olofsson. With a career grant from SLU, she now has the opportunity to continue focusing on her favourite subject. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/SLUs-Career-grant-for-Aquatic-Biologist-Malin-Olofsson/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/SLUs-Career-grant-for-Aquatic-Biologist-Malin-Olofsson/ Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:03:13 +0200 How can Swedish milk production become more sustainable – for climate, soil, and animals? A new interdisciplinary research project at SLU explores whether agroecology could be the key to building more resilient and fair food systems. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/new-pathways-to-sustainable-milk-through-interdisciplinary-research/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/new-pathways-to-sustainable-milk-through-interdisciplinary-research/ Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:49:31 +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 Scolarship allows PhD-student Ernie Haglund to study the airborne diversity along the forest's waterways. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/Eavesdropping-PhD-project-captures-the-chatter-of-the-riparian-zone/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/Eavesdropping-PhD-project-captures-the-chatter-of-the-riparian-zone/ Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:36:03 +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