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Using AI and math can prepare for new infections in changing climate

It is possible to forecast how different infectious diseases will spread across Europe in relation to global warming. This is made by using artificial intelligence and mathematical modelling of changing travel patterns and disease effects. In this way, it will be possible to take countermeasures and build up preparedness. This is shown in a new doctoral thesis at Umeå University, Sweden.

Emil Thorin aims the lasers at detectors during an experiment in a gasification reactor at RISE AB in Piteå. Photo: Florian Schmidt

Laser spectroscopy for more efficient biomass combustion

Emil Thorin from Umeå University has developed a new optical method for rapid measurements of gaseous inorganic species in biomass combustion and gasification. The new technology will contribute to more efficient conversion of biomass into renewable energy.
Thermal conversion processes, such as combustion and gasification, are used worldwide to generate heat, electricity and chemicals. In the q

Severe obesity riskier for Swedish than American men

Severe obesity riskier for Swedish than American men

The fact that obesity is a major risk factor for disease and death is well known, as is that obesity is more common in the United States than in Europe. On the other hand, a new thesis at Umeå University shows that obese Swedish men are at greater risk of dying prematurely than equally obese American men. For women, however, the risk picture of obesity is similar in the countries.

One important tool for calculating a product's climate impact is life cycle assessment, Helena Nydahl shows in her thesis. Photo: Mostphotos

Reduced climate impact by better insight in life cycle assessment

The right tools are key to ensure investment decisions that reduce global emissions. This is shown by Helena Nydahl, Department of Applied Physics and Electronics, in her thesis Communication of Life Cycle Assessment Results - Life Cycle Key Performance Indicators, which will be defended on October 10 at Umeå University, Sweden.

In his thesis Jacob Lewerentz has investigated how cells turn independent and has developed computer software for new sequencing technologies that produce long DNA-readings. Photo: Johnér Bildbyrå AB

New findings of how cells turn independent and regulate functions

Jacob Lewerentz, Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, contributes as of his thesis with knowledge about how cells regulate their protein level and adapt to a new milieu outside their organism. He has also investigated how protein levels are regulated in cells that remain in their organism and developed computer software for new sequencing technologies that produce long DNA-readings.

Lakes at high latitudes act as “reactors” or “chimneys” for carbon dioxide emission, Dirk Verheijen shows in his thesis defended at Umeå University, Sweden. Photo: Karl Heuchel

Arctic lakes act as “reactors” or “chimneys” for carbon dioxide

Many lakes are found at high-latitudes in arctic areas. Yet, their remote location and long winter periods make studying these systems difficult. This period of ice-cover and subsequent ice-melt is of significant importance for understanding CO2 emission from arctic clear water systems, Dirk Verheijen shows in his thesis at Umeå University, Sweden.

Molecules of the metallic element niobium can be used as molecular building blocks to design energy storage materials that outperform those found in for example batteries today, Mark Rambaran shows in his thesis. Photo: Johner bildbyrå AB

Energy storage materials built from nano-sized molecular blocks

Molecules of the rare metallic element niobium can be used as molecular building blocks to design electrochemical energy storage materials. Mark Rambaran, Department of Chemistry at Umeå University, presents in his thesis a method for producing solid materials from aqueous solutions containing nano-sized niobium molecules, called polyoxoniobates.

The future evolution of design must be driven by multiple perspectives shaped by various positions, places, practices and cultures, Nicholas Torretta suggests in his thesis. Foto: Cris Velasque

Design evolution through the martial art of Capoeira

Could an ancient martial art created by African slaves in Brazil unlock new perspectives on design? For his doctoral thesis, defended at Umeå Institute of Design, Umeå University, Nicholas Torretta drew upon his native culture to shine a light on the oppressive and consumeristic power structures that still permeate industrial design thinking.

Getting intelligent computer programmes to recognise and express intentions is complex, Michele Persiani's thesis shows.

Robots that recognize and express intentions

he digital and physical worlds are becoming more and more populated by intelligent computer programmes called agents. Agents have the potential to intelligently automate many daily tasks such as maintaining an agenda, driving, interacting with a phone or computer, and many more. However, there are many challenges to solve before getting there, Michele Persiani's thesis shows.

The combined heat and power plant at Umeå Energi, Umeå. Photo: Johan Gunséus

Data science can help environmental industries and energy users

How can data science contribute to a more sustainable world? In his thesis defended at Umeå University, Sweden, Dong Wang has explored how data mining and explainable machine learning can be used to gain better process control strategies for environmental industries like wastewater treatment plants.

In his thesis in physics defended at Umeå University, Sweden, Artem Iakunkov includes extensive studies of some fundamental properties of graphite oxides. Photo: Artem Iakunkov

Swelling of multi-layered graphene oxide materials studied

Graphite oxide is a multilayer hydrophilic material produced by oxidation of graphite. It is a starting point for preparation of many materials for variety of applications. In his thesis in physics defended at Umeå University, Sweden, Artem Iakunkov includes extensive studies of some fundamental properties of graphite oxides, chemical modification and testing for several important applications.

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Umeå University

Umeå University is a comprehensive university and one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with around 38,000 students and 4,600 staff. We have a diverse range of high-quality educational programmes and research within all disciplinary domains and the arts. Umeå University is also where the groundbreaking CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool was discovered, starting a revolution in genetic engineering that led to the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

The University has an international atmosphere and centres its work around core academic values. Our tightly knit campus makes it easy to meet, collaborate and share knowledge, something that encourages a dynamic and open culture where we celebrate each other’s successes. Umeå University prides itself in offering a world-class educational and research environment and expanding knowledge of global significance, where the sustainable development goals of Agenda 2030 inspire and motivate. We have creative and innovative research environments that offer the best potential for taking on the challenges facing society. Through long-term collaborations with organisations, industry and other higher education institutions, the University is helping northern Sweden become a knowledge region. The societal transformation and the massive investments currently occurring in northern Sweden create complex challenges but also opportunities. Umeå University is focused on conducting research about and within a society in transition and continuing to offer academic programmes for regions that need to expand quickly and sustainably.

Campus Umeå and the Umeå Arts Campus are close to the city centre and next to one of Sweden’s largest and most renown university hospitals. Education is also provided in several other towns, including Skellefteå, Örnsköldsvik, Lycksele and Kiruna. Umeå University is home to the highly ranked Umeå Institute of Design, the environmentally certified School of Business, Economics and Law, and the School of Architecture, the only one in Sweden with an artistic profile. Next door is Bildmuseet, which is Umeå’s contemporary art museum, and Curiosum, Umeå’s science centre. Umeå University is one of Sweden’s five national sports universities, has an internationally leading Arctic Research Centre, and has Várdduo, which is Sweden’s only research unit for Sámi research and indigenous research.