https://www.slu.se/en/news/ 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 How can a tree grow several meters tall? The answer lies in the ability of plant cells to attach to each other. This process has long been difficult to study, but PhD student Léa Bogdziewiez has developed methods that make it possible to study the process on a whole new level. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/new-tools-to-study-how-plant-cells-stick-together/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/new-tools-to-study-how-plant-cells-stick-together/ Fri, 07 Nov 2025 17:06:09 +0200 Congratulations to our researchers who won the prizes "The Best Paper in the Rural Enterprise Track" and "The Alistair Anderson ERD Publication Prize". https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/winners-at-isbe-conference/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/winners-at-isbe-conference/ Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:12:56 +0200 A new study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) reveals that the popular programme ´The great moose migration´ deepens viewers’ relationship with nature. Although it is a digital nature experience, the programme promotes calm, recovery, and emotional closeness to the wild. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/the-moose-migration-on-tv-soothes-the-soul-and-strengthens-our-connection-to-nature/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/the-moose-migration-on-tv-soothes-the-soul-and-strengthens-our-connection-to-nature/ Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:37:41 +0200 Just like humans, horses can move unevenly, limping, when in pain. But when studies show that as many as 70% of Swedish horses in training move asymmetrically, the question arises as to whether there may be other causes. Important questions for our society, ethics, and for the horses. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/when-perfect-symmetry-is-not-a-given--what-can-cause-asymmetry-in-horses-if-pain-is-not-the-cause/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/11/when-perfect-symmetry-is-not-a-given--what-can-cause-asymmetry-in-horses-if-pain-is-not-the-cause/ Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:40:02 +0200 There is potential to grow fast-growing poplar on forest land using improved plant material and ash recycling. This is demonstrated in a new doctoral thesis at SLU. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/poppel-slar-gran-pa-skogsmark/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/poppel-slar-gran-pa-skogsmark/ Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:29:33 +0200 In November, SLU launches a special campaign exploring the vital link between Sweden’s forests and national preparedness. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/pressrelease.forestandpreparedness https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/pressrelease.forestandpreparedness Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:29:07 +0200 Plants can absorb amino acids as an alternative nitrogen source to nitrate and ammonium but little is known about how this process is regulated. PhD student Laura Tünnermann has now identified new molecular regulators, offering insights that may help reduce fertilizer-related pollution. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/new-insights-into-how-plants-regulate-the-uptake-of-organic-nitrogen/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/new-insights-into-how-plants-regulate-the-uptake-of-organic-nitrogen/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:46:18 +0200 The aim of this project was to investigate the effect of extended calving intervals on fertility, milk production, and culling in the second lactation, as well as the relationship between calving intervals, milk yield in the second lactation, and cow mortality during the first month after calving. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/extended-lactations-in-multiparous-dairy-cows/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/extended-lactations-in-multiparous-dairy-cows/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:14:57 +0200 The number of eels leaving the Swedish west coast to spawn in the Sargasso Sea has increased since eel fishing was closed in 2012. This is shown in a new study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), which for the first time evaluates the effects of the closure. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/local-fishing-closure-improved-european-eel-stock-on-the-swedish-west-coast/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/local-fishing-closure-improved-european-eel-stock-on-the-swedish-west-coast/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:54:14 +0200 Birch trees may recover from light to moderate browsing damage. And heavy thinning resulted in the strongest individual tree diameter growth. These are some of the results in a new doctoral thesis from SLU by Andis Zvirgzdins. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/new-knowledge-on-how-to-establish-and-manage-planted-birch/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/new-knowledge-on-how-to-establish-and-manage-planted-birch/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 10:26:07 +0200 The Global Farm Platform (GFP), a network of research farms on six continents, has received prestigious technical recognition from the UN agency FAO. The farms, three of which are at SLU, contribute to more sustainable livestock production through experiments and demonstrations. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/fao-honours-global-network-that-includes-slus-research-farms/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/fao-honours-global-network-that-includes-slus-research-farms/ Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:39:33 +0200 Climate change likely leads to thinner snow cover during winter in northern Europe, leaving tree roots more exposed to cold. PhD student Tuuli Aro found that boreal tree species respond differently to this kind of stress and highlights how genomic tools can help breed for more frost-tolerant trees. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/thinner-snow-colder-roots--boreal-trees-show-unique-cold-responses/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/thinner-snow-colder-roots--boreal-trees-show-unique-cold-responses/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:19:46 +0200 The spruce tree’s own genes determine how well it resists root rot – and the outcome of the battle against the fungus is decided already in the early stages of infection. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/spruces-genes-determine-the-spread-of-the-root-rot/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/spruces-genes-determine-the-spread-of-the-root-rot/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:33:47 +0200 SASi-SPi presented its progress at midterm with a dedicated 90-minute session during the Agri4D research conference hosted by SLU in Uppsala. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/sasi-spi-showcased-its-work-at-the-agri4d-conference-in-uppsala/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/sasi-spi-showcased-its-work-at-the-agri4d-conference-in-uppsala/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:13:59 +0200 PhD student Özer Erguvan discovered two key sites in plant cell walls that help cells stick together - findings that challenge textbook knowledge. He also found that sugars play a role in this process. In this interview, he shares insights from his PhD journey. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/new-discovery-challenges-old-assumptions-about-how-plant-cells-stick-together/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/new-discovery-challenges-old-assumptions-about-how-plant-cells-stick-together/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:35:29 +0200 Disturbances in the habitats of wild animals increase the risk for outbreaks of animal-borne diseases. However, even when habitats are restored, there are risks that should be taken into account. This according to a study led by researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/researchers-call-consider-the-risk-of-animal-borne-diseases-in-ecosystem-restoration/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/researchers-call-consider-the-risk-of-animal-borne-diseases-in-ecosystem-restoration/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:17:25 +0200 Arctic charr can look and behave very differently within the same lake, but are they also genetically different? This study seeks to answer that question while offering a new perspective on our understanding of how evolution works. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/artic-charr/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/artic-charr/ Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:41:04 +0200 Carefully choosing a dog breed can give future owners a sense of security in knowing its typical appearance, needs, and temperament. But new research highlights that differences between individuals within the same breed can be just as significant—something many may not be aware of. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/The-breed-does-not-determine-the-dog-significant-differences-in-mentality-both-between-and-within-breeds/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/The-breed-does-not-determine-the-dog-significant-differences-in-mentality-both-between-and-within-breeds/ Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:32:34 +0200 In long rows lie root vegetables in a remarkably wide range of colours and shapes: purple, red, orange, yellow, and white. Plump, thin, long, smooth, and crooked. The trial cultivation of new sweet potato varieties adapted to the Swedish climate is now being harvested. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/harvesting-swedish-sweet-potatoes/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/harvesting-swedish-sweet-potatoes/ Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:08:38 +0200 A new method of measuring variation allows scientists to see complex reality more clearly. They find the benefits of a heterogeneous environment are greater for biodiversity than standard methods show. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/forfinad-lins-okar-vardet-av-varierade-miljoer/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/forfinad-lins-okar-vardet-av-varierade-miljoer/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 06:00:11 +0200 This thesis aimed to study the association between keeping a lactating cow and the prevalence of stunting in smallholder households in the Northern Province of Rwanda. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/milk-matters-linking-dairy-cow-feed-to-milk-yield-and-child-undernutrition-in-rwanda/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/milk-matters-linking-dairy-cow-feed-to-milk-yield-and-child-undernutrition-in-rwanda/ Fri, 26 Sep 2025 17:17:15 +0200 The EU wants all soils to be healthy by 2050 – but reaching that goal requires better ways to measure soil health. A new study shows that biological indicators, such as nematodes, could play an important role, but that more data and coordination are needed. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/biological-indicators-can-be-the-key-to-healthy-soils-in-europe/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/biological-indicators-can-be-the-key-to-healthy-soils-in-europe/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:17:37 +0200 Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) have made a remarkable discovery in cod from the Åland Sea. Compared to their relatives in the rest of the Baltic Sea, the Åland cod have extremely high levels of boron in their otoliths. But where it comes from remains a mystery. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/friska-torskar-i-alands-hav-bar-pa-ett-kemiskt-mysterium/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/friska-torskar-i-alands-hav-bar-pa-ett-kemiskt-mysterium/ Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:18:43 +0200 Wildfires are vital for regrowth in boreal forests. But where does the nitrogen these recovering forests use actually come from? A new study on wildfire recovery sites across the boreal biome led by SLU, shows that the source of this vital nutrient largely lacks explanation. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/unknown-sources-fuel-boreal-forests-with-nitrogen-real-surprising/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/unknown-sources-fuel-boreal-forests-with-nitrogen-real-surprising/ Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:41:46 +0200 Most Swedish consumers view new crops developed through crossbreeding positively, according to a new survey conducted by researchers at SLU. The findings run counter to the perception that consumers are sceptical about plant breeding. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/consumers-are-positive-about-new-varieties-of-crops/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/consumers-are-positive-about-new-varieties-of-crops/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:01:13 +0200 A torn tomato leaf that ends up on the ground sometimes develops roots from the wound, but other times it seals the wound with healing tissue. A study led from SLU now shows that water availability is the key factor that controls the fate of the leaf in the event of such damage. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/heal-the-wound-or-form-roots-it-depends-on-water-availability/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/heal-the-wound-or-form-roots-it-depends-on-water-availability/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:59:22 +0200 Farmed rainbow trout of the future is now available on the market. The fish has been fed a new feed where traditional ingredients like soy and fishmeal have been replaced by mussels, insects and fungal protein. The initiative is led by SLU, Axfoundation and 25 other partners. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/slu-leads-the-way-in-future-fish-feed/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/slu-leads-the-way-in-future-fish-feed/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 08:28:20 +0200 Ditches are found everywhere, and humanity needs them. Yet they are often ignored, both in land management and in research. But what does it mean when we disregard them? Could it have consequences? https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/What-is-actually-a-ditch/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/What-is-actually-a-ditch/ Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:30:06 +0200 Even in summer, sudden cold snaps are common in northern regions such as Umeå. To survive, trees must know when to keep growing and when to stop and prepare for winter. Now, researchers at UPSC have discovered how aspen trees sense temperature and combine it with daylight to make that decision. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/aspen-trees-integrate-light-and-temperature-to-time-bud-set/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/aspen-trees-integrate-light-and-temperature-to-time-bud-set/ Mon, 08 Sep 2025 12:19:20 +0200 Insects are being highlighted as part of the solution for a more circular food production system. But what needs to happen for them to become a natural part of the feed chain? SLU researcher Cecilia Lalander answers questions about the potential of insects in a sustainable and circular food system. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/insects-could-be-key-to-more-sustainable-animal-feed/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/insects-could-be-key-to-more-sustainable-animal-feed/ Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:41:42 +0200 For thousands of years, humans have been controlling the breeding of dogs, horses and farm animals. Despite the benefits, this has led to unexpectedly high risks for the animals. With knowledge from research, now might be the time to re-evaluate breeding decisions. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/the-price-of-perfection-opting-out-of-variety---a-danger-to-animal-immunity-and-survival/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/the-price-of-perfection-opting-out-of-variety---a-danger-to-animal-immunity-and-survival/ Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:42:43 +0200 Aspen trees follow a precise annual rhythm, shaped by the changing seasons. Researchers at UPSC have mapped this natural calendar at the genetic level, comparing trees grown outdoors and in the lab. Their study offers a detailed look into the molecular choreography behind the trees’ seasonal life. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/forskare-kartlagger-aspgenernas-arscykel-och-skapar-en-genetisk-fardplan-over-sasongerna/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/forskare-kartlagger-aspgenernas-arscykel-och-skapar-en-genetisk-fardplan-over-sasongerna/ Mon, 01 Sep 2025 15:47:27 +0200 During evolution, plants sometimes acquire an extra complete set of chromosomes. This leads to greater genetic variation and opportunities to expand in new environments. However, it may also lead to the accumulation of harmful mutations in the genome, which can be a long-term threat. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/chromosome-doubling-helps-plants-find-new-niches-but-there-are-hidden-risks/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/chromosome-doubling-helps-plants-find-new-niches-but-there-are-hidden-risks/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:15:58 +0200 Seedlings bend their tip as they grow through soil, then straighten when they reach light. Scientists from Umeå have, after years of challenging research, identified a protein that promotes this straightening by regulating cell growth through the plant hormone auxin. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/the-protein-that-helps-seedlings-straighten/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/the-protein-that-helps-seedlings-straighten/ Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:31:37 +0200 Swedish forests face major challenges as the climate changes. To prepare for the future, Formas has now awarded 12 million SEK over four years for a research project on assisted migration of tree species. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/12_million_SEK_for_unique_research_project/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/12_million_SEK_for_unique_research_project/ Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:06:41 +0200 Hydropower plants and dams pose major obstacles for the critically endangered European eel. Now researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) want to find out how eels in the Nyköpingsån are affected if the water is allowed to flow more freely. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/slus-premiarprovfiske-i-nykopingsan-ska-ge-kunskap-om-alens-framtid/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/slus-premiarprovfiske-i-nykopingsan-ska-ge-kunskap-om-alens-framtid/ Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:57:22 +0200