People who were most physically active fared worse during the pandemic
Physically active people who increased their activity level early on in the pandemic had poorer mental health than those who delayed increasing their exercise.
Diabetes detection is far better than has been feared
Not everyone with diabetes knows they have the disease. A survey of close to 53 000 participants found that far more people are being discovered with diabetes than was previously thought.
Patients like public health services best
Many countries have introduced market competition and privatization in their health care systems in recent years. But the most satisfied patients can be found in countries where a large part of the system is handled by the public sector.
Darwin’s giant daisies and evolution
How animals and plants adapt to the environment is often particularly evident on islands. Now Darwin’s giant daisies are helping researchers understand a little more about how these plants actually go about adapting.
Increase in BMI precedes unhealthy eating behaviours
Some children resort to food as a comfort or eat more for other reasons. But the link between predicted obesity-promoting eating behaviour and high BMI may not be what you think.
Ultrasound and bubbles help medicines reach the brain
Combining ultrasound and bubbles helps medicines pass through the protective blood-brain barrier and is giving hope for improved treatment of several diseases.
Physical activity affects boys and girls differently
Girls do not lose body fat from being more physically active. Nor is how round they are connected to how active they are. But researchers have found these links for boys.
Twin mothers aren’t more fertile – just luckier
The prevailing belief by researchers has been that mothers of twins are more fertile than other women. But a new study shows that isn’t the case.
Parasites affect salmon in several ways
When salmon ingest parasites, the parasite may not be the only factor that determines the impact on the health of the fish.
Thousands of environmental bombs under Norwegian homes
Heating with oil in homes and commercial buildings is now banned in Norway. The storage tanks are supposed to be removed from buildings, but many people choose not to get rid of these environmental time bombs.
Keeping the faith – or your willingness to push yourself – as you grow older
Did you ever want to get really good at something when you were younger? Over the years, you tend to lose some of the spark and the belief in yourself that you’ll succeed. But – there’s hope.
Memory often returns following a stroke
Many people who experience problems with memory after a stroke regain their memory within three months.
Ruminating on our ruminations causes more depression
A lot of young people have depressive symptoms. Ruminative thinking, and even thinking about how much you ruminate, reinforces the symptoms. But there is hope.
Optical cavities could provide new technological possibilities
Light and molecules behave in very special ways in optical cavities. Don’t think this is important to you? It may be soon.
This kind of flirting works best
Some people succeed at flirting more often than others. Plenty of people are obviously more attractive than the rest of us, but it also seems that a lot of them know what works. Now researchers do, too.
Sickest people support health services the most
Healthy and successful people are the least willing to contribute more to the public health care system.
Sceptics of welfare schemes don’t increase with more immigrants
Scepticism about social welfare schemes can increase as immigration grows. But only among those who are already sceptical of immigrants.
Passion has its rewards
Passion determines whether you become the best of the best, including when it comes to football.
Long-term follow-up reduces risk of type 2 diabetes
Healthier habits and more activity reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. But many people still choose not to change their habits.
Why the United States (almost) never withdraws completely
The United States received a lot of criticism when NATO Allies withdrew from Afghanistan. But the United States almost never pulls all its military out of a country completely. Maybe not often enough.
Sleep problems, stress and worry during the pandemic
Some occupations got a lot busier when COVID-19 hit. Sleep and quality of life for many workers in essential occupations have been strongly impacted.
Hunting can be good for wildlife populations
Hunting or other wildlife regulations can make a population more viable – if done correctly.
Ladybirds: The insects almost everyone likes
Ladybird beetles are probably among the most popular insects we have. Did you know that Norway has some 50 different species – plus some unwelcome guests?
Impossible to prevent children from ingesting microplastics
Little research has been done on how nano- and microplastics affect children. Researchers are surveying what we actually know and offer some useful tips to parents.
Nature’s colours can replace toxic pigments
Dye pigments are often toxic, so researchers around the world have long been looking for effective ways to make non-toxic, recyclable and sustainable colours instead. The answer lies in nanotechnology and nature’s own methods.
What plants need to withstand drought
When temperatures rise, it affects the plants that agriculture and we depend on. Now we know more about how plants resist drought.
Plastic chemicals may contribute to weight gain
Plastic consumer products contain chemicals that may promote the development of overweight and obesity.
Plastics leach toxins
Plastic contains thousands of chemicals. Until now, we haven’t known if these leach into the environment to any great extent. Now we know that they do.
A natural gem is being destroyed by plastic
Mausund and the Froan Nature Reserve are located in an archipelago far out to sea along the Trøndelag county coast, but they are not exactly pristine. About 25 per cent of the soil in the area contains plastic.
Animal testing helps us understand Alzheimer’s
New findings show how experiments with animals can provide helpful information to understand Alzheimer’s and learn how we can better fight the disease.
Measures to improve gender balance are working
Universities want to recruit more women into technology fields. More men complete their studies then, too. The measures are working but need to be sustained over the long-term.
Hunting for dead stars
Neutron stars are the little siblings of black holes and show some of the most extreme phenomena in the universe. The European Research Council (ERC) is giving Professor Manuel Linares EUR 2 million to hunt them down.