The Kavli Prize: Major discoveries about the universe, materials and the brain
The Kavli Prize 2026 has been awarded to researchers who have provided us with groundbreaking knowledge in their fields.
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Can Pepper the robot be a good playmate?
Pepper the friendly, humanoid robot both looks and behaves much like a human being. But is that enough?
Some brains are more similar than others when under stress
People who are resilient to psychological stress are similar to each other – not in terms of appearance, but in the brain’s response to stressful stimuli.
Locally produced food for the armed forces is the new preparedness strategy
The armed forces want local food. Farmers want to deliver. But regulations, framework agreements and a lack of logistics are obstacles to getting locally raised food to the soldiers.
This technology makes it possible to be a seafarer—on land
Uncrewed vessels that navigate themselves and notify operators when they need support from shore-based navigators. However, such ships also require an international regulatory framework. Now, the first version is in place, largely thanks to Norwegian research.
All seagulls are not the same. Here’s how to tell the difference
There are 55 species of gulls in the world, but less than half have been observed in Norway. Here you can learn a little about the most common gulls in the land of the Vikings.
Football: How to become technically good
There is no shortcut to improving technical skills in football. Natural talent is not enough to be among the very best.
Supercharging our grid: How to free up 20% more power
Implementing effective monitoring measures could yield much more energy from the cable network – all without digging a single new trench. Just a dream scenario? No, it is entirely possible, say researchers.
A strange humming phenomenon
Do you occasionally hear a low buzzing or humming sound that doesn’t have a clear source? Then you’re among the estimated 2-4 per cent of the world’s population who hear this. Scientists have been trying to figure out for decades where this sound comes from.
Location matters: Balancing renewable energy and biodiversity in Norway
How can Norway provide new renewable energy sources to meet future needs while still protecting its natural environment, and the plants and animals that live there?
Propelling the world’s giant ships into the future with new sail systems
Modern sails on large ships are becoming increasingly common to save fuel – and also the climate. Now a research team is looking at how to maximize their benefits, and that turns out to be more complicated than anticipated.
Trade unions help raise wages and reduce the gender pay gap
New research supports what trade unions have always claimed: unionization pays off. Unions contribute to higher wages for both genders, and because women are the main winners, helps close the wage gap between the sexes.
Nearly half of every T-shirt goes to waste before you even buy it
The global consumption of clothing is enormous. However, a significant portion of the textile fibres is lost before the garments even reach the market.
Buying your way to better health comes at the expense of others
Private health insurance contributes to poorer health among people with the lowest levels of education.
Patients are much more demanding than ever before
Pablo Picasso’s painting ‘Science and Charity’ from 1897 depicts a meek and compliant patient lying placidly in bed between the doctor and the nurse. Picasso would hardly recognize the modern-day patient.
Preventing wildlife collisions in new ways
Wildlife fences and wildlife crossings are expensive – and they have mixed results. Now researchers have studied what is needed to prevent cars and trains from colliding with animals.
The impact of microplastics on ocean carbon uptake
Marine microplastics affect algae’s ability to grow and photosynthesize. Researchers have now calculated what impact this has on the greenhouse effect and the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
Recycling old clothes into new fabrics
Huge amounts of clothing are simply discarded, and almost nothing goes to reuse or recycling. But with sensors and artificial intelligence, textile waste can be sorted so carefully that far more could be recycled – and turned into new clothing.
How trained community health officers cut Sierra Leone’s maternal deaths by two-thirds
Maternal mortality in Sierra Leone used to be among the highest in the world. A 15-year-old non-profit programme that trains community health officers to do life-saving surgeries has helped slash that risk by two-thirds.
Offshore wind: How to lift thousands of tonnes – without a crane
The substructures for fixed offshore wind turbines weigh thousands of tonnes. If you are planning to install them at sea, only about five vessels in the world can lift that much weight. So now researchers are testing a completely new alternative.
Boycott unethical AI companies – and do it now!
In light of recent events, it is time for consumers to start wielding their power to influence the AI giants. Replace ChatGPT with Claude, and do not use the Microsoft Copilot chatbot.
Body weight affects your gut microbiota
Your body weight and genes influence the types of bacteria you have in your gut. In turn, this appears to affect the risk of developing conditions such as coeliac disease and haemorrhoids.
Salmon make clicking sounds when stressed – but no one knows how they do it
Salmon usually go about their lives quietly, unless they are stressed. Their clicking sound is so unusual that researchers don’t even know if they make the sound with their heads or – yes, the other end.
Exercise: a very little goes a long way
Don’t have time to exercise because of a busy schedule? Or are you simply not very motivated? You’ll be pleased to learn that just 10 minutes of exercise every other day is all it takes. However, you really need to exert yourself during those 10 minutes.
An autonomous “flying” boat
This past winter, people in Trondheim have caught glimpses of a boat that seems to fly over the water out on the fjord. Many have also taken part in test trips. NTNU researchers have investigated what it will take for people to trust a boat that runs almost without a crew on board.
Preschool teachers test children’s social skills
A new test that uses emojis can check the social skills of preschoolers. A vocabulary test is underway.
Mental health study: ChatGPT advice preferred over that of professionals
Artificial intelligence provides good answers to mental health questions. Young people even like ChatGPT’s responses better than healthcare professionals’ advice.
This traditional fish processing company increased production by 50 percent
New technology and automation have radically changed production practices. Workers now lift around 20 tonnes less fish – each day – than they used to.
Many young people are sexting on social media
New research shows that it is very common among Norwegian teens to both send and receive messages with a photo or video of intimate body parts.
A new “plug and play solution” enables offshore charging for electric ships at sea
Connecting ships to charging stations is a bit of a hassle when you are out at sea. But with a new magnetic charging plug for boats – it is about as easy as putting a cup in a cup holder.
Botany’s answer to Darwin’s finches shows evolution in real time
A new study reveals how a remarkable group of plants on the Galápagos Islands developed their diverse leaf shapes – offering unique insight into evolution at the genetic level.
Express ferries: from climate culprits to green champions
High-speed passenger vessels with diesel engines are currently the least environmentally friendly form of passenger transport – but they do not have to be.