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• Unique method creates correct mirror image of molecule

  [25 Apr 2013] Many molecules have a right and a left form, just like shoes. In pharmaceuticals, it is important that the correct form of the molecule is used. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, have been able to produce the one mirror image by using crystals with special properties. This can have a major impact on the production of pharmaceuticals.

• Effect of medication is affected by copies of genetic information

  [22 Mar 2013] The number of copies of the complete genetic information found in human cells can have a decisive effect on the properties of these cells. The results may help to explain why certain medications have strong side effects on sperm and eggs, and why certain organisms remain unaffected by environmental changes. This is shown by studies that researchers from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, together with researchers from Norway and France, are now publishing in the journal PLoS Genetics.

• Controversial worm keeps its position as the progenitor of mankind

  [6 Mar 2013] Researchers are arguing about whether or not the Xenoturbella bocki worm is the progenitor of mankind. But new studies indicate that this is actually the case. Swedish researchers from the University of Gothenburg and the Gothenburg Natural History Museum are involved in the international study. The results have been published in Nature Communications.

• Investigating the history of a rock

  [22 Feb 2013] Researchers can use the mineral rutile to learn about rock types and their history. Two articles published in the highly respected journal ¿Geology¿ now present a new application of a method for more easily tracing the mineral rutile. The co-authors of the articles are researchers at the University of Gothenburg.

• Climate models are not good enough

  [21 Feb 2013] Only a few climate models were able to reproduce the observed changes in extreme precipitation in China over the last 50 years. This is the finding of a doctoral thesis from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

• Fewer children mean longer life?

  [19 Feb 2013] New research into ageing processes, based on modern genetic techniques, confirms theoretical expectations about the correlation between reproduction and lifespan. Studies of birds reveal that those that have offspring later in life and have fewer broods live longer. And the decisive factor is telomeres, shows research from The University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

• Cushion plants help other plants survive

  [29 Jan 2013] Alpine cushion plants help other plants in harsh mountain environments to survive. This is shown by new research involving researchers from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, the results of which are now being publishing in the highly respected journal Ecology Letters.

• Large plastic bags in unique experiment on ocean acidification

  [21 Jan 2013] To study the effects of ocean acidification, ten huge plastic containers called mesocosms are placed in the Gullmar Fjord in Sweden. The project is unique: mesocosms of this size have never been used for such a long period of time. The experiment is part of a worldwide research project, and includes researchers from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

• Mixed forest provides beneficial effects

  [9 Jan 2013] Forestry and nature conservation can benefit from promoting more different varieties of trees, according to a new study in which researchers from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, were involved.

• Gothenburg researchers make world top ten

  [27 Dec 2012] As a Scientific Highlight for 2012, the journal Science has listed the top ten scientific articles published in Science and Nature during the year. Researchers Richard Neutze and Gergely Katona of the University of Gothenburg are co-authors of one of the articles, which reports on the potential for identifying new medicines for sleeping sickness using X-ray lasers to investigate the structure of proteins at atomic level.

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