Skip to content

News archive

  • Catalytic system turns biomass waste to renewable chemical stock

    Researchers at Umeå University in Sweden, in collaboration with scientists from Finland, Vietnam, India, and Italy, have developed a catalytic system to convert lignin structures into highly valuable chemicals. This innovative technology offers promising solutions to pressing environmental and energy challenges.

  • 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.

  • 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

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Show more